AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum Th1-type cytokine levels and extraocular muscle-related parameters in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO).METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 45 patients diagnosed with TAO in our hospital from January 2023 to December 2024, and 20 normal volunteers during the same period as controls. Venous blood samples of the patients were collected to detect the concentrations of Th1-type cytokines [interferon-γ(IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-2(IL-2), and interleukin-12(IL-12)] in the serum. Additionally, the end diastolic velocity(Ved), velocity maximum(Vmax), resistance index(RI)of the central retinal artery, as well as the thickness and left-right diameter of the medial rectus muscle were measured. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of TAO, and receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was adopted to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of each index for the occurrence of TAO.RESULTS: The general information of the two groups was comparable. Compared with the normal control group, the serum concentrations of IFN-γ and TNF-α in TAO patients were significantly increased, Ved and Vmax were lower than those in the control group, and RI and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle were higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that serum IFN-γ concentration, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle were all risk factors for TAO. ROC curve analysis indicated that the AUCs of serum IFN-γ concentration, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle for the diagnostic efficacy of TAO were 0.756, 0.769, 0.732, and 0.642, respectively. The combined detection of IFN-γ, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle had an AUC of 0.840 and a Youden index of 0.59, which was superior to the detection of a single indicator.CONCLUSION: The levels of serum Th1-type cytokines and extraocular muscle-related ultrasound indicators have certain value in the diagnosis of TAO. The combination of IFN-γ, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle has better diagnosis efficiency in TAO, which can provide a certain reference for the early diagnosis of TAO.

Objective To observe the clinical characteristics of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) secondary to conservative therapy in retinoblastoma (RB) patients.Methods A retrospective study. From July 2013 to May 2017, 20 RRD patients (20 eyes) of 456 RB patients (573 eyes) treated in Xinhua Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were included in the study. Eleven patients (11 eyes) were boy and 9 patients (9 eyes) were girls. Thirteen patients demonstrated bilateral RB and 7 patients had unilateral RB. Average age when diagnosed with RB was 25 months. International Classification of Retinoblastoma groups were C in 1 eye, D in 17 eyes, and E in 2 eyes. These patients received intra-arterial chemotherapy (17 eyes), intravenous chemotherapy (11 eyes), intravitreal chemotherapy (8 eyes), laser (14 eyes) and/or cryotherapy (5 eyes). Twelve patients (12 eyes) received vitreoretinal surgery including vitrectomy (6 eyes) and scleral buckling (7 eyes). The mean follow-up was 39 months. Fundus examination was performed under general anesthesia during comprehensive treatment and follow-up. The time interval of fundus examination varied from 1 to 6 months depending on the stability of the tumor.Results RRD was noted in 20 eyes (3.5％) with RB. Retinal hole was found in 15 eyes (75％). The cause of RRD was atrophic hole in calcified tumor (6 eyes, 30％), cryotherapy-related hole (5 eyes, 25％) and laser-related hole (9 eyes, 45％). Multiple atrophic hole in calcified tumor was noted in 3 eyes. Size of hole smaller than 2 DD was noted in 8 eyes (53％), and larger than 2 DD was noted in 7 eyes (47％). Holes were in posterior (3 eyes), equator (2 eyes) and periphery (10 eyes). Severe proliferated was noted in 1 eye. No tear was found. No bulbar retinal detachment and choroidal detachment was noted. Among 12 eyes who underwent vitreoretinal surgery, reattachment was achieved in 9 eyes (75％). No metastasis was noted.Conclusions Calcified regression of tumor, cryotherapy and laser were main reasons of RRD. Most of the holes are small in diameter and located in the periphery.

Objective To observe the way of vascularization of acellular nerves and evaluate the enhanced vascularization of using COMP-Ang-1 into acellular nerve on bridging sciatic nerve gaps by radiography.Methods From March,2013 to June,2014,acellular nerves were harvested by chemical extraction.Thirty-six female rats weighing 200-250 g were randomly divided into 2 groups:18 animals with 1 cm long sciatic nerve lesions were repaired by nerve grafting (control group),18 animals with 1 cm long sciatic nerve lesions were repaired by nerve grafting and COMP-Ang-1 were administrated after surgery.Grafts were harvested after perfusion of lead oxide (carotid artery) on day 7,day 14 and day 21 postoperatively.Radiography was performed to capture the two dimensional image.The rules of vascularization of acellular nerve and the enhanced effects of COMP-Ang-1 on vascularization were evaluated.Results The density of vessels in COMP-Ang-1 group were higher than control group after 7 days (2701.60 ± 318.93 vs.925.40 ± 106.22,P =0.030),14 days (3309.21 ± 381.31 vs.2832.70 ± 189.23,P =0.210) and 21 days (4787.33 ± 251.09 vs.3469.36 ± 232.10,P =0.030) postoperatively; the area of vessels in COMP-Ang-1 group were higher than control group after 7 days (9231.03 ± 581.91 μm2 vs.4839.01 ± 101.01 μm2,P =0.043) and 14 days (15561.13 ± 697.73 vs.6811.07 ± 250.05,P =0.049) postoperatively.Conclusion COMP-Ang-1 can enhance the vascularization of acellular nerves fairly.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the value of MR imaging(MRI)in diagosing of obstetrical brachial plexus.MethodsBetween September 2006 to September 2011,eighteen cases (12 males and 6 females)of obstetrical brachial plexus injury had being used for investigation,aging from 2 month to 3 years, average of 10.6 month. Eight left side and 10 right side. Tassin Ⅰ was 4 cases,Tassin Ⅱ was 6 eases, Tassin Ⅲwas 5 eases, Tassin Ⅳ was 4 cases. All cases were performed to MRI test before operating and the result compare with finding during operating. ResultsFindings of MRI:pseudomeningocele was in 13 of the 18cases while 10 of the 15 patients had multiple pseudomeningoceles. Displacement of spinal cord was in 6 cases; Normal was 2 cases; thickening of nerve root was in 2 cases.ConclusionMR imaging is an effective tool for demonstrating lesions of the brachial plexus worthy of surgical exploration.

Objective To study the effects of Schwann cell-derived neurotrophic factor(SDNF) on myoblast stem cells(called satellite cells,SCs) in vitro. Methods After setting up SCs culture system in vitro, SCs which treated with various SDNF concentrations culture medium were dynamically evaluated by cell morphology,MTT growth curve and fusion rate. Results The ability of SCs preceding their participation in muscle repair include proliferation and differentiation, 200 ng/ml SDNF stimulated cell proliferation more than the other medium,but 50 ng/ml,100 ng/ml,200 ng/ml,400 ng/ml SDNF made SCs differentiation significantly for their high myotube fusion rate. Conclusion SDNF can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of rat skeletal satellite cellsin vitro,but in differentiation significantly.SDNF might play a role in slowing down denervated muscle atrophy.

Objective To discuss how to assess scientifically on the outcome of clinical application with peripheral nerve graft materials. Methods All Pubmed database from 1990 to 2010 were retrieved,and searched the English literatures about the application with peripheral nerve graft materials. The literatures consisted of original clinical research and review excluding animal experiments, repetitive research and irrelevant literatures. The clinical trials data of U.S. was also our target. The information about the safety and effectiveness of peripheral nerve graft materials and related statistical problems were discussed. Results Totally 1578 literatures were identified. Following reading titles and abstracts, we excluded some irrelevant articles. Finally 31 literatures and 2 issue of clinical research from clinical trial data of U.S. were included. After analysis on the literatures, we gained the following results: a remarkable degree of homogeneity among patients can be formed by setting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the assessment of proper digital nerve repair, Macknnon- Dellon evaluation is commonly applied, but for the composite nerve, BMRC evaluation is the main method and electromyography can be used as a secondary choice. The safety of peripheral nerve graft materials cannot be evaluated throughout one's life according to the current level of science and technology. It should be evaluated by long-term clinical observation. Randomized clinical trials with random grouping was a gold standard for clinical trials with a good balance and strong comparability. However, non-randomized controlled trials also have an important value. Conclusion It is impossible to make all affected factors homogeneity in a limited timespace conditions of clinical trial. However, we can try our best to keep factors homogeneity to maximum degree by setting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The scientific assessment of outcome of peripheral nerve repair can be carried out with reasonable and internationally recognized nerve function evaluation methods, strict follow-up time and statistics programme meeting the clinical requirement.

Objective To explore the clinical classification of the brachial plexus root injury in adult.MethodsAll 155 cases of adult brachial plexus root injury in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University,were collected and analyzed on their characteristic,operative methods,and clinical outcome so as to find the distribution and incidence of different type of brachial plexus root injury and set up the clinical classification of adult brachial plexus root injury.ResultsBrachial plexus root injuries in adult could be classified into three types and seven subtypes.Type A is upper brachial plexus root injury,including type AⅠ (C5,C6 completely avulsion or rupture injury,with/without phrenic nerve injury),type AⅡ (C5-C7 completely injury),and type AⅢ (C5-C7 completely injury accompanied with C8,T1 incompletely injury).Type B is lower brachial plexus root injury,including type BⅠ[ C8,T1 (with/without C7)completely injury ] and type BⅡ (C8,T1,C7 completely injury,accompanied with C5、6 incompletely injury).Type C is total brachial plexus root injury,including type CⅠ(C5-T1 completely root avulsion) and type CⅡ(C7-T1 root avulsion accompanied with C5、6 root or trunkrupture).For the cases of every type,u pper brachial plexus root injury type A have 86 cases,in which type AⅠ 6 cases,type AⅡ 27 cases and type AⅢ 53 cases; lower brachial plexus root injury type B have 6 cases,in which type BⅠ 2 cases and type BⅡ 4 cases; total brachial plexus root injury type C have 63 cases,in which type CⅠ 51 cases and type CⅡ 12 cases. ConclusionExcept the upper,lower,and total three types,brachial plexus root injuries in adult could be classified further into seven subtypes.The distribution of different type of adult brachial plexus root injury is overbalance:upper type A (55.5％) is more often seen,total type C(40.6％) followed and lower type B(3.9％) is the least seen.In upper brachial plexus root injury,type AⅢ(61.6％) is more often seen,type AⅡ(31.4％) followed and type AⅠ(7％) is less seen.

Objective To relatively prolong the length of C7 nerve through microanatomical study and carry out direct anastomosis between the end of avulsed nerve and contralateral C7. Methods Fifteen cadaveric specimens and 30 sides of the adult brachial plexus was dissected. The C7 nerve was confirmed and measured by using electric vernier caliper. Parameters as follow: the length of C7 nerve from root to trunk; the length of C7 nerve from root to division(anterior and posterior division); transverse and longitudinal diameter of C7 nerve in root site, combination site between trunk and division, end site of anterior and posterior division. After dissected the nerve adventitia of binding site between division and cord and cut the distal end of anterior and posterior division, the length of C7 nerve from root to division (anterior and posterior division)was measured again. Results The measured result of the length C7 nerve: the length of C7 from root to trunk: (45.87 ± 10.43)mm; Before micro-dissected, the length of C7 from root to anterior division: (61.14 ±13.44)mm; the length of C7 from root to posterior division: (54.63 ± 11.35)mm after micro-dissected, the length of C7 from root to anterior division: (74.67±12.86)mm; the length of C7 from root to posterior division:(68.73± 11.86)mm; the prolonged length of anterior division: (13.15± 4.26)mm; the prolonged length of posterior division: (14.21 ± 6.98)mm. Conclusion Through dessecting the adventitia of binding site of division (anterior and posterior division) and cord of C7 nerve. The length of C7 nerve can be relatively prolonged.

Objective To investigate the quality of life on brachial plexus injury patients in crosssectional study method and acquire related data. To analysis the effect factors and try to study on the methods which help to improve the quality of life of these patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study that measures quality of life of the brachial plexus injury patients in China. Methods Research participants completed the Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-Bref (WHOQOL-BREF) and the 5-items version of International Index of Erectile Dysfunction Questionnaire (IIEF-5) for male.Data were typed into computer and analyzed with SPSS version 13.0. Correlations between domain scores and hospital stay, age, and family monthly income variables were analyzed with Spearman non-parameter correlation analysis. Results Fifty-one valid questionnaires were retrieved. The average score of these patients in physical, psychological, environment domains were 11.47 ± 2.36, 12.37 ± 2.28 and 11.62 ± 2.22, respectively. They were significantly lower than the norm groups in national studies which were 15.8 ± 2.9, 14.3 ±2.5 and 13.2 ± 2.4 (P ＜ 0.01 ). The average score of IIEF-5 was ( 17.83 ± 4.65), significantly lower than the normal score of 22 (P ＜ 0.01 ). Significant correlation was found among physical domain and age(P ＜ 0.05),family monthly income (P ＜ 0.05) and IIEF-5 score(P ＜ 0.01). Psychological domain also has significant correlation with IIEF-5 score (P ＜ 0.05) and so does environment domain with family monthly income (P ＜0.05). Conclusion Brachial plexus injury patients showed a reduction in quality of life scores. Even though the physical aspect was the most affected, there is evidence that the psychological, environmental domains and erectile function remained far from the ideal conditions expected for the general population. The effect factors are complex and there still remain much work to do.

Objective To explore the clinical design and therapeutic effect of total root avulsion of brachial plexus by contralateral C_7 nerve transfer for directly repairing C_8T_1 via prespinal route combined with functioning gracilis transplantation. Methods Twelve cases of total roots avulsion of brachial plexus were operated at 1 month to 3 months after injury.The contralateral C_7 nerve was successfully transferred to directly repair avulsed C_8T_1 roots or lower trunk via prespinal route.At 2nd operation stage after 4 to 8 months,the functioning gracills transplantation was preformed to reconstruct the elbow flexion and fingers extension. Results Follow-ups were carried out in all 12 cases who had been discharged for 9 to 36 months after the first operation.The positive Tinel signs of ulnar or median nerves were located in the proximal arm at 3 months after 1st operation,in the elbow or proximal forarm at 6 months,and in the wrist or distal forarm at 9 months.At 12 months the positive Tinel signs were found in the plam or fingers in 9 cases.The contraction of sternocostal part of pectoralis major was found at 9 mooths in 7 cases.There were the restoration of the taction-pain sensation in the palm, finger, and medial side of forearm and the contraction of flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum(M_3)in 5 cases at 15 to 18 months after 1st operation.In 7 patients the flexion of elbow and extension of fingers and thumb restored at 9 to 12 months after the 2nd operation.Their elbow flexion was 90°-120°and M_3(Highet's method),and their finger and thumb extension M_3. Conclusion There is the possibility of the operative design and clinical application of total root avulsion of brachial plexus by contralateral C_7 nerve transfer for directly repairing C_8T_1 via prespinal route combined with functioning gracilis transplantation.There are not only the restoration of sensation and flexion of wrist and fingers,but also the restoration of elbow flexion and fingers extension.