Objective To evaluate the efficacy of proximal percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined with distal open osteotomy for sagittal plane imbalance of adult spinal deformity.Methods From January 2011 to June 2015,23 patients with diagnosis of adult spinal deformity were treated with proximal percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined with distal open osteotomy,there were 8 males and 15 females,aged from 52 to 67 years old (average,62.1 years old).The operation time,blood loss,drainage and perioperative complications were recorded;standing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the whole spine were taken and the following parameters were measured:sagittal vertical axis (SVA),lumbar lordosis(LL),pelvic tilt (PT),sacral slope (SS),pelvic incidence/lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI-LL),the above parameters were compared between preoperation and postoperation.Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results The mean operation time was 253.9±52.1 min,the mean blood loss and drainage was 1 258.5±272.2 ml and 725.1 ± 135.2 ml.No patient got infected,died or had deep vein thrombosis.All patients were followed up for an average of 21.2 months (range,13-52 m).The SVA was restored from 12.6±1.4 cm to 3.5±0.7 cm.In addition,LL,SS,PT,and PL-LL were improved from 13.5°±2.3°,13.9°±2.3°,29.7°±9.6°,29.5°±13.7° to 38.8°±9.6°,25.5°±5.8°,18.9°±8.2°,7.1°±3.6°.The ODI score decreased from 40.3％±12.5％ to 13.6％±2.57％ at the time of the last follow-up compared with preoperation.Conclusion Proximal percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined with distal open osteotomy for sagittal plane imbalance of adult spinal deformity could restore the sagittal balance and improve the quality of life.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effects of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) using microendoscopic discectomy under X-Tube system in treatment of lumbar degenerative disc diseases.MethodsFrom December 2007 to April 2008,32 patients with low back disorders were treated by microendoscopic discectomy TLIF or PLIF under X-Tube system,including 19 cases in TLIF and 13 in PLIF.Etiologies including lumbar disc herniation combined with segmental instability in 21 cases,and spondylolisthesis in 11 cases.All patients were under regular postoperative follow-up and radiological examination.The clinical functional outcomes were evaluated according to Oswestry disability questionnaire.ResultsThe mean operation time was 120 min(range,90-180),and the average blood loss was 190 ml (range,100-400).There were no complications,such as infection and internal fixation failure.Bony fusion was achieved in all patients.The follow-up was from 14 months to 41 months with 21 months in the average.The average 0swestry scores decreased from preoperative 40.1％±4.1％ to 9.5％±3.7％ three months after the operation.The outcomes of this operation were rated as excellent.ConclusionMicroendoscopic discectomy TLIF or PLIF under X-Tube system in treatment of lumbar degenerative disc diseases has the characteristics of less blood loss,tissue trauma and quick recovery.

Objective To investigate the injury of podocyte and its association with proteinuria in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Method Thirty-five patients of IgA nephropathy with proteinuria more than 1.0 g/24 h were enrolled in the study, and eight cases of renal harmatomaeetomy or renal cancinomaectomy were as controls. Cell cycle regulatory proteins (p21, p27), podocyte-associated molecules (integrin-β1, nephrin, α-actinin 4, nestin), foot process width (FPW) and the amount of podocyte were examined by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR, respectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to podocyte number per volume (Nv): podocytopenia group (n=15, Nv<52.49×106/μm3) and normal number group (n=20, Nv≥52.49× 106/μm3). Proteinuria was followed up for eighteen months. Results Compared with the controls, podocyte p21 was re-expressed, while the expression of p27 was decreased (0.71±0.12 vs 0.91±0.07, P<0.05) in IgAN. The nestin protein level was markedly decreased in IgAN (13.4%± 0.04% vs 17.6%±0.04%, P<0.05). The mRNA expression of integrin-β1 was significantly increased (12.54±5.20 vs 1.02±0.30, P<0.05), while the amount of nephrin, α-actinin4 remained unchanged. Effacement of foot processes and podocyte detachment from the glomerulax basement membrane were observed in some cases. Nv was significantly less than that of controls (161.27± 225.92 vs 323.22±138.12, P<0.05), which was associated with the Lee's grade of IgA nephropathy. The integrin-β1 mRNA expression and Nv were negatively correlated with baseline proteinuria by univariate analysis (r=-0.840, P=0.034; r =-0.4483, P=0.014, respectively). Proteinuria in podocytopenia group was decreased more slowly than that in normal number group. Conclusions Podocyte injury exsists in IgAN with proteinuria, which manifests alterations in cell cycle regulatory protein and some podocyte-associated molecules, as well as foot process effacement and loss of pedocyte. Podocyte injury may be involved in proteinuria by affecting the progression of proteinuria in IgAN.

Background The operation mode of automobile manufacturing industry (AMI) makes workers have different degrees of occupational stress and burnout, which may lead to negative emotions and depressive symptoms. Objective To study the relationship between occupational stress, job burnout, and depressive symptoms in AMI workers. Methods In this study, 1300 workers from a Guangzhou AMI company were selected as subjects by cluster random sampling method. Occupational stress, job burnout, and depressive symptoms of the workers were assessed by using the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory general survey questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. Hierarchical regression was used to analyze the effects of occupational stress and job burnout on depressive symptoms in AMI workers. Mediating effect model was used to analyze the mediating effect of job burnout on the relationship between occupational stress and depressive symptoms. Results There were 1300 questionnaires distributed, 1228 valid questionnaires collected, with a 94.5% recovery rate. The ERI ratio of 1228 AMI workers was 1.06±0.72, and the positive rate of occupational stress was 37.3% (458/1228). The score of job burnout was 2.18±1.37, and the positive rate of job burnout was 62.6% (769/1228). The score of depressive symptoms was 10.27±6.42, and the positive rate of depressive symptoms was 47.1% (578/1228). The dimensional scores of effort and over-commitment in occupational stress as well as emotional exhaustion and depersonalization in job burnout of AMI workers were positively correlated with the depressive symptom scores (r_s=0.415, 0.571, 0.573, 0.593, P＜0.05). The dimensional scores of reward and personal achievement were negatively correlated (r_s=−0.454, −0.339, P＜0.05). The percentages of variance in depressive symptoms score explained by occupational stress and job burnout were 26.7% and 16.6%, respectively. Job burnout had a partial mediating effect between the three dimensions of occupational stress and depressive symptoms, and the mediating effect values were −0.2832 (95%CI: −0.3250– −0.2434), 0.3553 (95%CI: 0.3071–0.4041), and 0.4193 (95%CI: 0.3681–0.4725), respectively. Conclusion AMI workers' occupational stress affects job burnout, but also indirectly affects depressive symptoms. Job burnout partially mediates the association between occupational stress and depressive symptoms. Reducing occupational stress and burnout levels of AMI workers may alleviate depressive symptoms.

Objective To compare the development of intraoperative atrial fibrillation in elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery using different anesthetic methods in a large sample clinical trial.Methods A total of 1 380 patients of both sexes,aged 60-80 yr,with body mass index of 16-33 kg/m2,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,scheduled for elective radical operations for lung or esophageal cancer,were divided into 3 groups (n =460 each) using a random number table:general anesthesia group (group G),general anesthesia combined with paravertebral block group (group GP),and general anesthesia combined with epidural block group (group GE).After induction of anesthesia,an epidural catheter was placed at T4-7 interspace on the operated side,and 0.375％ ropivacaine 8 ml was administrated via the catheter in group GP.After induction of anesthesia,the patients were tracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated,and the end-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide was maintained at 35-45 mmHg in the 3 groups.Maintenance of anesthesia was as follows:propofol was given by target-controlled infusion with the target plasma concentration of 2.5-4.0 μg/ml in the 3 groups;intermittent iv boluses of sufentanil 10 μg were given,and the total dosage was not expected to exceed 1.0 μg/kg in group G;sufentanil 10 μg was injected intravenously when necessary in group GP;0.25％ ropivacaine 5 ml was injected epidurally every 1.5 h in group GE;bispectral index value was maintained at 40-60;rocuronium was injected intravenously according to the condition in the 3 groups.The development of intraoperative atrial fibrillation was recorded.Results The incidence of intraoperative atrial fibrillation was 6.1％,3.7％ and 2.2％ in G,GP and GE groups,respectively.Compared with group G,the incidence of intraoperative atrial fibrillation was significantly decreased in group GE (P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the incidence of intraoperative atrial fibrillation in group GP (P＞0.05).Conclusion Compared with general anesthesia,general anesthesia combined with epidural block can decrease the development of intraoperative atrial fibrillation,it is more suitable for this type of patients,however,general anesthesia combined with paravertebral block produces no improvement in the development of intraoperative atrial fibrillation in elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has the pathological feature of progressive intrahepatic cholestasis caused by immune-mediated apoptotic necrosis of small biliary epithelial cells, with a risk of progression to bile duct fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. PBC has immunogenetic characteristics, and the abnormal genetic regulation of immune response in patients with PBC includes abnormal immune response of T and B lymphocytes involving human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA genes and taking pyruvate dehydrogenase complex-E2 in mitochondria of intrahepatic small biliary epithelial cells as the antigen. More than 30% of PBC patients have poor response to ursodeoxycholic acid treatment, and therefore, clarifying the mechanism of abnormal immune regulation in PBC has great clinical significance in guiding the immunotherapy for PBC.

Objective To explore the clinical outcomes of anterior plate fixation through transoral approach in the treatment of unstable atlas fractures.Methods From March 2004 to May 2010,20 patients with unstable atlas fractures were treated by anterior plate fixation through transoral approach,including 12 males and 8 females,aged from 23 to 68 years (average,47.7±13.9 years).Of the 20 cases of unstable atlas fractures,4 cases were classified as anterior 1/2 Jefferson fracture,8 cases as 1/2 ring Jefferson fracture,and 8 cases as anterior 3/4 ring Jefferson fracture.The preoperative average VAS scores were 6.0±1.3 points,ranged from 4 to 8 points.Clinical and imaging examinations were performed during follow-up period to evaluate the outcomes.Results All patients were followed up for 12 to 81 months,with an average of 48.5±20.0 months.There were no screw loosing and breakage,no plate displacement,and no spinal cord and vertebral artery injury during operation.A total of 20 plates were placed and all 40 screws were inserted into atlas lateral mass.Computed tomography scans demonstrated 2 screws were placed too close to the vertebral artery canal,but without clinical consequences.The postoperative VAS scores were from 0 to 3 points with an average of 1.3±1.0 points.Static and dynamic films 6 months after surgery demonstrated that fusion was achieved in all cases.Atlantoaxial rotational function was restored satisfactorily.No plate-related complication was observed in all patients in the whole follow-up period.Conclusion Anterior plate fixation through transoral approach is an effective method for management of unstable atlas fractures,which has advantages such as solid bony fusion and low incidence of complication.

Objective To investigate the preliminary clinical application of anterior pedicle screws in treatment of the lower cervical spine injuries. Methods The study involved 22 patients with lower cervical spine injuries treated with anterior pedicle screw technique from January 2009 to December 2011.X-ray and CT images of the patients were taken postoperatively to evaluate whether the position,orientation and length of the screws were appropriate and whether there involved pedicle cortex perforation,transverse foramen or spinal canal invasion.MRI was also performed to ascertain the situation of decompression,the formation of epidural hematoma and the degeneration of cervical spinal cord.The improvement of JOA score was compared statistically. Results All the patients were followed up for 3-36 months ( mean,15.5 months).A total of 44 anterior lower cervical screws were implanted and all screws were inserted smoothly.All the patients had bone healing after average 4.5 months,which showed no loosening,prolapse or breakage of the screws or no loosening of the plate.One patient showed hoarseness postoperatively,which was probably due to the long-term distraction of recurrent laryngeal nerve.The symptom disappeared at around three weeks after neurotrophic support.Two patients complained of dysphagia postoperatively,and were informed of keeping a soft diet.The symptom was remarkably alleviated after three months or so.The X-ray films indicated satisfactory position of the implanted screws.Before discharge,the transaxial CT images showed that two screws perforated the medial pedicle cortex ( 1 ° ) and that two screws perforated the lateral cortex (1 °) and affected the medial margin of the transverse foramen.Before discharge,the MRI indicated obvious alleviation of the anterior spinal cord compression in all patients and a small amount of anterior epidural hematoma in four patients,with no obvious spinal cord compression.At 12 months after operation,the MRI showed significant improvement of spinal cord degeneration in three patients.JOA score was increased from preoperative (8.5 ± 0.7) to ( 14.5 ± 0.8 ) before discharge (P ＜0.01 ).JOA score was (15.7 ±0.7) at six months postoperatively,which was significantly improved as compared with that before discharge. Conclusions Anterior pedicle screw fixation is a reliable and safe method for reconstruction of the anterior lower cervical injuries.Surgical indications should be strictly controlled in its clinical application.

Objective To discuss the strategies for treatment of lower cervical distractive flexion injuries. Methods Sixty-eight patients including 43 males and 25 females at age range of 18-72 years (average 43 years) suffered from lower cervical distractive flexion injuries were operated from January 2002 to June 2007. According to Allen's classification, there were 7 patients at grade Ⅰ, 19 at grade Ⅱ,29 at grade Ⅲ and 13 at grade Ⅳ. Temporary skull traction was used for each subject before surgery. Only posterior approach was performed in 26 patients who were fixated by pedicle screw system,lateral mass screw system or transarticular screw system. Combined anterior and posterior approach was applied for the other 42 patients at one stage. The curative effect was followed up for all patients after the procedures. Results All patients were followed up for 6-65 months ( average 34 months), which showed posterior incision infection in 2 patients who were cured after debridement or change dressing. Two patients with aggravated neural symptome were cured following treatment with methylprednisolone. Neural function was improved at least for one level in all patients except for 18 patients (Frankel A). Of 11 patients at grade B, there were 4 patients improved to grade C and 5 to grade D. Of 10 patients at grade C, there were 6 patients recovered to grade D and 4 to grade E. All 15 patients at grade D reached grade E. It was not found loosening, breakage or defuxion. The graft bone was fused within 3-4 months, with no any complications related to surgical fixation. Conclusions The strategies for lower cervical distractive flexion injuries should be taken according to Allen' s classification. Single posterior procedure is suitable for grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ injuries. While combined posterior and anterior procedure can be used for grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ injuries.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of the mixed endothelin receptor antagonist, bosentan, combined with the long-acting calcium channel blocker, amlodipine, compared to the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, cilazapril, on the progressive renal injury in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) with diabetes.

METHODSDiabetic hypertensive rats (SHR-DM) were induced by streptozotozin injected in male SHR (7-week-old),and divided into an untreated and three treated groups: 1) cilazapril treated group; 2) bosentan+amlodipine treated group; and 3) amlodipine treated group. Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and SHR rats served as normotensive and hypertensive control, respectively. The mean arterial blood pressure, renal function, endothelin and angiotensin II levels as well as the protein expression of renal extracellular matrix components and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 were determined at the end of the 4th week.

RESULTSMean arterial blood pressure significantly increased in SHR and SHR-DM rats compared to WKY rats. All the therapies reduced the blood pressure to normal levels. However, the enhanced urinary protein excretion, the decreased creatinine clearance as well as the increased plasma and intrarenal endothelin and angiotens in II levels were found in the untreated SHR-DM and prevented by treatment with bosentan+amlodipine and cilazapril. Similarly, these two kinds of therapies in SHR-DM abolished the overexpression of renal TGF-beta1 by Western blot analysis and reduced the accumulation of collagen type IV, laminin and fibronectin proteins by an immunochemical approach. Amlodipine monotherapy had no detectable effects on the above parameters.

CONCLUSIONBosentan combined with amlodipine can offer similar renoprotective effects on that of cilazapril and may be a potent therapy to attenuate renal injury by reducing renal protein levels of TGF-beta1 in diabetes with a hypertensive state.

Amlodipine ; administration & dosage ; Angiotensin II ; analysis ; Animals ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; administration & dosage ; Collagen Type IV ; analysis ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; prevention & control ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Endothelin Receptor Antagonists ; Hypertension ; complications ; drug therapy ; Kidney ; drug effects ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Sulfonamides ; administration & dosage ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; analysis ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1