Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with various neurological complications, including the rare occurrence of spinal cord infarction. In this report, we present the case of a 42-year-old man who developed sudden quadriplegia after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provided inconclusive results; however, subsequent imaging revealed diffusion restriction and vertebral body signal changes, indicative of ischemic changes in the spinal cord. The patient received anticoagulation and corticosteroid therapy followed by rehabilitation, resulting in partial recovery of motor function. This case illustrates the importance of considering spinal cord infarction in patients with COVID-19 who present with neurological symptoms. Furthermore, it highlights the crucial role of MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging, in diagnosis.

Background: Criteria for return to sports (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been extensively studied. But there is no consensus among investigators regarding which factors are most important in determining a safe RTS. Methods: Sixty-one patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were included. Subjective knee scoring systems (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] score and Lysholm score), functional performance tests (carioca test and single-leg hop for distance [SLHD] test), and isokinetic knee strength test were used for assessment and analyzed for association with the limb symmetry index (LSI) of the Y-balance test for lower quarter (YBT-LQ). Results: The LSI of the YBT-LQ was significantly correlated with Lysholm score, IKDC score, Carioca, LSI for the SLHD, and extensor strength deficit at 6 months after ACL reconstruction. At 12 months, Lysholm score, IKDC score, LSI for the SLHD, and extensor strength deficit were significantly correlated with the LSI of the YBT-LQ. Conclusions The YBT-LQ test could be used conveniently as an additional tool to assess the patient’s functional performance results after ACL reconstruction in outpatient clinics.

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-96-5p on apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by maltol aluminum. Methods: In January 2021, PC12 cells at logarithmic growth phase were divided into blank control group and low, medium and high dose group. Cells in each group were treated with 0, 100, 200 and 400 μmol/L maltol aluminum for 24 hours respectively. Cells were collected and cell apoptosis rates were detected by flow cytometry, miR-96-5p and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) mRNA expressions were detected by qRT-PCR, and the protein expression levels of cysteine protease 3 (Caspase3) 、activated cysteine protease 3 (Cleaved-caspase3) 、IRS1、phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) and phosphorylated glucose synthesis kinase 3β (p-GSK3β) were detected by western blotting. The target binding relationship between miR-96-5p and IRS1 was detected by double luciferase reporter gene experiment. The miR-96-5p inhibitor cells and negative control cells were constructed after transfecting PC12 cells with miR-96-5p inhibitor for 24 hours. The cells were divided into blank control group, negative control group, aluminum exposure group, aluminum exposure+negative control group, aluminum exposure+miR-96-5p inhibition group, and miR-96-5p inhibition group. After transfecting PC12 cells with miR-96-5p inhibition and IRS1 siRNA for 24 h, the cells were divided into aluminum exposure+miR-96-5p inhibition+negative control group and aluminum exposure+miR-96-5p inhibition+IRS1 inhibition group. The control group was cultured in complete culture medium, and cells in the aluminum exposure group were treated with 200 μmol/L maltol aluminum for 24 hours. Cells in each group were collected and the apoptosis rate, miR-96-5p and IRS1 mRNA expression levels, as well as protein expression levels of Caspase3, Cleaved-caspase3, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-GSK3β were measured. Results: After 24 hours of exposure, compared with blank control group and low-dose group, the apoptosis rates, relative expressions of Caspase3 and Cleaved-caspase3 proteins, and relative expressions of miR-96-5p in the medium and high-dose groups of PC12 cells were significantly increased, while the relative expression levels of IRS1 mRNA, IRS1, p-AKT and p-GSK3β proteins were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Targetscan prediction and double luciferase report experiment both proved that IRS1 was a direct target gene of miR-96-5p. In the transfection experiment, compared with the aluminum exposure group, the apoptosis rate, the relative expressions of Caspase3 and Cleaved-caspase3 proteins, the relative expression of miR-96-5p in the aluminum exposure+miR-96-5p inhibition group were significantly decreased, while the relative expression levels of IRS1 mRNA and IRS1, p-AKT and p-GSK3β proteins were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the IRS1 low expression experiment, compared with the aluminum exposure+miR-96-5p inhibition+negative control group, the apoptosis rate, the relative expressions of Caspase3 and Cleaved-caspase3 proteins in the aluminum exposure+miR-96-5p inhibition+IRS1 inhibition group were significantly increased, while the relative expression levels of IRS1 mRNA and IRS1, p-AKT and p-GSK3β proteins were significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The increased expression of miR-96-5p and the targeted inhibition of IRS1 may be one of the mechanisms of apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by maltol aluminum exposure.
Animals ; Rats ; Aluminum/toxicity* ; Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta/metabolism* ; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins/metabolism* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; PC12 Cells ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; RNA, Messenger

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive human cancer with increasing incidence worldwide. Multiple efforts have been made to explore pharmaceutical therapies to treat HCC, such as targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immune based therapies and combination of chemotherapy. However, limitations exist in current strategies including chemoresistance for instance. Tumor initiation and progression is driven by reprogramming of metabolism, in particular during HCC development. Recently, metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a reappraisal of new nomenclature for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), indicates growing appreciation of metabolism in the pathogenesis of liver disease, including HCC, thereby suggesting new strategies by targeting abnormal metabolism for HCC treatment. In this review, we introduce directions by highlighting the metabolic targets in glucose, fatty acid, amino acid and glutamine metabolism, which are suitable for HCC pharmaceutical intervention. We also summarize and discuss current pharmaceutical agents and studies targeting deregulated metabolism during HCC treatment. Furthermore, opportunities and challenges in the discovery and development of HCC therapy targeting metabolism are discussed.

This study investigated the effect of puerarin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) injured with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). HUVEC were divided into three groups: a control group, a model group (H₂O₂ 400 μmol·L^-1) and a puerarin-treated group (3, 10, 30 and 100 μmol·L^-1). HUVEC were cultured with varied concentration of puerarin for 2 h and treated with H₂O₂ for another 24 h. Cell proliferation was detected by a CCK-8 assay. The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by a JC-1 fluorescent probe. A transwell chamber assay was adopted to observe cell migration ability. Mitochondrial respiratory function was measured in a two-chamber titration injection respirometer (Oxygraph-2k). The expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The expression of pyroptosis-mediated proteins, including cleaved-cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1), N-gasdermin D (N-GSDMD), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7R) was detected by Western blot. The results show that 400 μmol·L^-1 H₂O₂ treatment for 24 h causes obvious damage to HUVEC. Compared with the model group, puerarin protected against cellular injury in a dose-dependent manner, with the greatest effect at a dose of 30 and 100 μmol·L^-1. Puerarin significantly decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and improved mitochondrial function. Puerarin inhibited cell migration induced by H₂O₂, suppressed the expression of IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α, and down-regulated the pyroptosis-mediated protein. These changes are statistically significant (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that puerarin has a protective effect against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage of HUVEC by inhibiting the migration of HUVEC cells. The mechanism may be related to improved mitochondrial respiratory function and inhibition of pyroptosis.

Background: Spine-hip discordance (SHD) increases fracture risk. However, its prevalence and clinical implications have not been investigated in patients with hip fractures. This study determined the prevalence and association of SHD with mortality and investigated the cause of SHD in patients with hip fractures. Methods: This study included patients admitted for fragility hip fractures between 2011 and 2020. All patients underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and anteroposterior and lateral views of the lumbosacral spine during admission. Data on demographics, diagnosis, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and mortality were collected. A T-score difference of more than 1.5 between L1-4 and the femur neck was considered discordant, and 3 groups (lumbar low [LL] discordance, no discordance [ND], and femur neck low [FL] discordance) were compared. In the discordance group, lumbar radiographs were reviewed to determine the cause of discordance. Results: Among 1,220 eligible patients, 130 were excluded due to patient refusal or bilateral hip implantation; therefore, this study included 1,090 patients (271 male and 819 female). The prevalence of LL, ND, and FL was 4.4%, 66.4% and 29.2% in men and 3.9%, 76.1%, and 20.0% women. Mortality was not associated with discordance. The most common causes of discordance were physiological in the LL group and pathological in the FL group for both sexes. Conclusions Patients with hip fractures showed lower rates of ND and higher rates of FL compared to the general population. True discordance should be carefully judged for pathological and artifact reasons. The clinical implications of SHD require further investigation.

Background: The best option for the treatment of Neer type IIB lateral clavicle fractures remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and complications between pre-contoured locking plate osteosynthesis (PLPO) and coracoclavicular stabilization (CCS) using a TightRope for the treatment of type IIB fractures. Methods: Forty-six consecutive type IIB fractures were treated with PLPO (17 cases) or CCS (29 cases). The mean follow-up period was 33.7 months (range, 12–144 months). Radiographic outcomes were evaluated using serial plain radiographs. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and subjective shoulder value (SSV). Results: Of the 46 cases, complete bony union within 6 months after surgery was achieved in 42 cases (91.3%). The union rate was 100% (17/17) in the PLPO group and 86.2% (25/29) in the CCS group, showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.043). No significant differences in terms of UCLA score (32.8 vs. 32.1), ASES score (93.2 vs. 90.8), or SSV (89.1% vs. 90.3%) were observed between the PLPO and CCS groups. The complication rates were 17.6% (3/17; 2 cases of screw breakage and 1 case of stiffness) in the PLPO group and 37.9% (11/29; 4 cases of nonunion, 3 cases of stiffness, 2 cases of skin irritation, 1 case of superficial infection, and 1 case of coracoid button migration) in the CCS group, showing no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Four cases with nonunion after CCS did not require reoperation because they had good to excellent clinical outcomes without radiographic progression. Conclusions Although a higher nonunion rate was observed in the CCS group compared with the PLPO group, satisfactory clinical outcomes were obtained for both groups. Both techniques can be regarded as useful options for the treatment of Neer type IIB lateral clavicle fractures.

Background: Accurate measurement of the lower limb alignment is one of the most crucial factors in advanced knee osteoarthritis patients scheduled for surgery. Recently, EOS biplanar stereoradiography with three-dimensional reconstruction was developed. The purpose of this study was to compare radiographic parameters between conventional scanography and EOS in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis who need surgical treatment. Methods: A total of 52 consecutive patients (104 knees) with bilateral knee osteoarthritis of advanced stage (Kellgren-Lawrence [KL] grade 3 or 4) were retrospectively reviewed. We measured the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) on conventional scanograms. In EOS, we measured HKA, hip-knee-shaft angle, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, and mechanical medial proximal tibial angle. To evaluate sagittal and axial plane alignment, knee flexion angle (KFA), and knee joint rotation (KJR) were also measured. Results: Ninety knees were KL grade 4, and 14 knees were grade 3. The average HKA was 10.14° ± 6.16° on conventional scanograms and 11.26° ± 6.21° in EOS. HKA was greater in EOS than on conventional scanograms, and the difference (1.12°; range, −1.07° to 3.22°) was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed on the difference in HKA and mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (r = –0.198, p = 0.044), KFA (r = 0.193, p = 0.049), and KJR (r = 0.290, p = 0.003). In multivariable linear regression analysis, the difference in HKA had significant relationship with KFA (β = 0.286, p = 0.003) and KJR (β = 0.363, p < 0.001). Conclusions HKA measured on conventional scanograms and in EOS differed significantly and the difference had a significant correlations with KFA, KJR, and medial proximal tibial angle. Surgeons can consider these results before orthopedic surgery in patients who have advanced knee osteoarthritis.

This study was to investigate the protective effects of puerarin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury and the underlying mechanism. The MI/R-model was established by ligating the left anterior descending artery (LAD) for 60 min followed by 24 h reperfusion, puerarin (10, 30, and 100 mg·kg^-1) was orally administered 20 min before reperfusion. Cardiac function, myocardial infarct index, cardiac damage markers, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis index were measured to evaluate the protective effects of puerarin on MI/R injury. The activation of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (Myd88)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were determined by Western blot. All animal experimental procedures were approved by the ethics committee of the Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The results showed that puerarin could significantly improve cardiac function, reduce myocardial infarct size, decease the levels of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and suppress cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Meanwhile, puerarin could notably decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Western blot analysis revealed that puerarin could downregulate the expression of TLR4, Myd88, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cleaved-caspase 1, cleaved-gasdermin-D (GSDMD), IL-1β, and IL-18, as well as the phosphorylation levels of inhibitor of NF-κB α (IκBα), IκB kinase β (IKKβ), and NF-κB. These findings demonstrated that puerarin could alleviate MI/R injury by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation, possibly via TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among cancer survivors is a persistent and distressing psychosocial concern that affects recovery and quality of life. The prevalence of FCR in Singapore is unknown. This cross-sectional study was designed to examine FCR and identify factors associated with FCR in mixed-cancer survivors locally. METHODS: Cancer survivors in remission (n = 404) were assessed for: FCR using the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI); emotional distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; and quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Clinical and severe/pathological FCR was determined based on the severity scale of FCRI, known as FCRI-Short Form. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine factors associated with FCR. RESULTS: The mean score on the FCRI was 59.5 ± 30.4. 43.6% of cancer survivors had clinical FCR and 32.1% had severe/pathological FCR. Younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.952, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.911-0.995, p < 0.05), higher educational status (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.15-5.65, p < 0.05) and higher levels of emotional distress (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.10-1.24, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with severe/pathological levels of FCR. CONCLUSION The present study is the first to determine levels of FCR among cancer survivors in Singapore. While the total FCR scores were similar to those of international studies, severe/pathological levels of FCR were found to be four times higher. These findings highlight a problem that is not widely recognised or acknowledged, but which deserves greater attention.