Correlation study between bone metabolic markers, bone mineral density, and sarcopenia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between bone metabolism markers, bone mineral density (BMD), and sarcopenia. METHODS: A total of 331 consecutive patients aged ≥ 60 years who were hospitalized between November 2020 and December 2021 were enrolled. Participants were divided into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups according to the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia criteria (AWGS, 2019). The clinical data, bone metabolism markers (ß-CTX, N-MID, and TP1NP), and BMD were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Age, ß-CTX, and N-MID of the sarcopenia group were higher than those of the non-sarcopenia group (P < 0.05), but the BMD T values were lower than those of the non-sarcopenia group (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that increased femoral neck BMD (FNBMD) was a protective factor for sarcopenia, while increased ß-CTX was a risk factor. Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis showed that the diagnostic indices of sarcopenia were positively correlated with FNBMD and negatively correlated with ß-CTX and N-MID. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that BMI and FNBMD significantly positively affected muscle strength and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). The FNBMD significantly positively affected physical performance, while ß-CTX significantly negatively affected muscle strength, ASM, and physical performance. CONCLUSION: Increased FNBMD may be a protective factor against sarcopenia, and increased ß-CTX may be a risk factor. The FNBMD significantly positively affected the diagnostic indices of sarcopenia, while ß-CTX significantly negatively affected them. BMD and bone metabolism marker levels may be considered in early screening for sarcopenia.

[Long-term outcome of EVAHEART I implantable ventricular assist device for the treatment of end stage heart failure: clinical 3-year follow-up results of 15 cases].

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the implantable ventricular assist system EVAHEART I in clinical use. Methods: Fifteen consecutive patients with end-stage heart failure who received left ventricular assist device therapy in Fuwai Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were enrolled in this study, their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Cardiac function, liver and kidney function, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, 6-minute walk distance and quality of life were evaluated before implantation and at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after device implantation. Drive cable infection, hemolysis, cerebrovascular events, mechanical failure, abnormally high-power consumption and abnormal pump flow were recorded during follow up. Results: All 15 patients were male, mean average age was (43.0±7.5) years, including 11 cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, 2 cases of ischemic cardiomyopathy, and 2 cases of valvular heart disease. All patients were hemodynamically stable on more than one intravenous vasoactive drugs, and 3 patients were supported by preoperative intra aortic balloon pump (IABP). Compared with before device implantation, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) was significantly decreased ((80.93±6.69) mm vs. (63.73±6.31) mm, P<0.05), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), total bilirubin and creatinine were also significantly decreased ((3 544.85±1 723.77) ng/L vs. (770.80±406.39) ng/L; (21.28±10.51) µmol/L vs. (17.39±7.68) µmol/L; (95.82±34.88) µmol/L vs. (77.32±43.81) µmol/L; P<0.05) at 1 week after device implantation. All patients in this group were in NYHA class Ⅳ before implantation, and 9 patients could recover to NYHA class Ⅲ, 3 to class Ⅱ, and 3 to class Ⅰ at 1 month after operation. All patients recovered to class Ⅰ-Ⅱ at 6 months after operation. The 6-minute walk distance, total quality of life and visual analogue scale were significantly increased and improved at 1 month after implantation compared with those before operation (P<0.05). All patients were implanted with EVAHEART I at speeds between 1 700-1 950 rpm, flow rates between 3.2-4.5 L/min, power consumption of 3-9 W. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates were 100%, 87%, and 80%, respectively. Three patients died of multiple organ failure at 412, 610, and 872 d after surgery, respectively. During long-term device carrying, 3 patients developed drive cable infection on 170, 220, and 475 d after surgery, respectively, and were cured by dressing change. One patient underwent heart transplantation at 155 d after surgery due to bacteremia. Three patients developed transient ischemic attack and 1 patient developed hemorrhagic stroke events, all cured without sequelae. Conclusion: EVAHEART I implantable left heart assist system can effectively treat critically ill patients with end-stage heart failure, can be carried for long-term life and significantly improve the survival rate, with clear clinical efficacy.

[The short-term outcomes of non-contact low frequency ultrasonic debridement in treating periprosthetic joint infections:a prospective single-arm clinical study].

Objective: To evaluate the short-term outcomes of non-contact low-frequency ultrasonic debridement in treating periprosthetic joint infections(PJI). Methods: The clinical data of patients with PJI who met the eligibility criteria and were treated with non-contact low-frequency ultrasonic debridement from August 2021 to January 2022 at the Department of Orthopaedics,the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were prospectively analyzed. PJI was defined according to the modified Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria in 2016. After mechanical debridement,an 8-mm handheld non-contact low-frequency ultrasound probe was used for ultrasonic debridement in the whole surgical area at a frequency of (25±5)kHz and power of 90% for 5 minutes. Each ultrasound lasted 10 seconds with 3-second intervals. The probe was repeatedly sonicated among all soft tissue,bone interface and metal prosthesis surface(patients underwent debridement,antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR)) in the surgical area. The femoral canal of the hip joint,the distal femoral canal and the posterior capsule of the knee were fully sonicated with a special right-angle probe. Before and after ultrasonic debridement,20 ml of liquid was extracted from each operation area and injected into aerobic and anaerobic culture bottles,respectively,for pathogen culture. Harris hip score and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score were used to evaluate clinical function. Treatment failure was defined as the recurrence of infection in the same joint. The patients were routinely followed up in the outpatient clinic at 1,3,and 6 months postoperatively and then annually with a deadline of August 2022. The paired t-test,rank sum,Mann-Whitney U or χ2 test was used to compare the observed data,and rates among multiple groups were compared using the Bonferroni approach. Results: A total of 45 patients were included in the study,including 21 men and 24 women with age of (65.8±15.2)years(range: 20 to 80 years) and body mass index of (29.3±4.2)kg/m2(range: 20.2 to 38.5 kg/m2). Twenty-eight patients (18 hips and 10 knees) underwent one-stage revision,and 17 cases (5 hips and 12 knees) underwent DAIR. Three of the patients (6.7%) had recurrent infections during follow-up. There were no intraoperative complications related to ultrasonic debridement (neurovascular and muscle injury,poor wound healing and fat liquefaction). Seventeen patients who received DAIR were followed for a median(M(IQR)) of 9(3) months,and two relapsed 3 weeks and 3 months post-operation,respectively. In addition,28 patients who underwent one-stage revision were followed for a median of 9(2) months,and one of the patients (3.6%,1/28) had a recurrence 6 months post-operation. The culture-positive rate of preoperative aspiration was 47.6% (20/42). The data of intraoperative soft tissue culture was 86.7% (39/45). The culture-positive rate of wound liquid before ultrasonic debridement was 46.7% (21/45). And the culture-positive rate after ultrasonic debridement was (75.6% (34/45)). After sonication,the culture-positive rate of explanted prostheses was 88.9% (40/45). There was a significant difference in culture-positive rates among all five cultures (χ2=35.483,P<0.01). Further pairwise comparison showed that the culture-positive rate of wound liquid after ultrasonic debridement was higher than that before ultrasonic debridement (χ2=7.901,P=0.005) but was not significantly different from the positive rates of other cultures (all P>0.05). The median number of colonies 24 hours after ultrasonic debridement(2 240 (1 310) CFU/ml,range: 310 to 3 140 CFU/ml) was significantly higher than that before debridement(450 (550) CFU/ml,range: 10 to 910 CFU/ml) (U=43, P=0.017). The post-operative Harris ((78.6±4.2)points,range:70.5 to 85.3 points) and HSS scores((76.4±4.8)points,range: 68.5 to 84.3 points) were significantly higher than the preoperative scores((46.0±9.8)points,range: 27.5 to 64.3 points;and (45.5±10.3)points,range: 27.6 to 63.1 points) (t=-14.6,t=-12.7;both P<0.01). Conclusions: Non-contact low-frequency ultrasonic debridement can increase the culture-positive rate and lead to a favorable short-term outcome. In addition,no complications are associated with using this new technique to treat PJI.

[Outcomes at discharge of preterm infants born <34 weeks' gestation].

Objective: To investigate the incidence and trend of short-term outcomes among preterm infants born <34 weeks' gestation. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from the standardized database established by a multicenter cluster-randomized controlled study "reduction of infection in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) using the evidence-based practice for improving quality (REIN-EPIQ) study". This study was conducted in 25 tertiary NICU. A total of 27 192 infants with gestational age <34 weeks at birth and admitted to NICU within the first 7 days of life from May 2015 to April 2018 were enrolled. Infants with severe congenital malformation were excluded. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the mortality and major morbidities of preterm infants by gestational age groups and different admission year groups. Cochran-Armitage test and Jonckheere-Terpstra test were used to analyze the trend of incidences of mortality and morbidities in 3 study-years. Multiple Logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the differences of outcomes in 3 study-years adjusting for confounders. Results: A total of 27 192 preterm infants were enrolled with gestational age of (31.3±2.0) weeks at birth and weight of (1 617±415) g at birth. Overall, 9.5% (2 594/27 192) of infants were discharged against medical advice, and the overall mortality rate was 10.7% (2 907/27 192). Mortality for infants who received complete care was 4.7% (1 147/24 598), and mortality or any major morbidity was 26.2% (6 452/24 598). The incidences of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis, severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, proven necrotizing enterocolitis, and severe retinopathy of prematurity were 16.0% (4 342/27 192), 11.9% (3 225/27 192), 6.8% (1 641/24 206), 3.6% (939/25 762) and 1.5% (214/13 868), respectively. There was a decreasing of the overall mortality (P<0.001) during the 3 years. Also, the incidences for sepsis and severe retinopathy of prematurity both decreased (both P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the major morbidity in preterm infants who received complete care during the 3-year study period (P=0.230). After adjusting for confounders, infants admitted during the third study year showed significantly lower risk of overall mortality (adjust OR=0.62, 95%CI 0.55-0.69, P<0.001), mortality or major morbidity, moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis and severe retinopathy of prematurity, compared to those admitted in the first study year (all P<0.05). Conclusions: From 2015 to 2018, the mortality and major morbidities among preterm infants in Chinese NICU decreased, but there is still space for further efforts. Further targeted quality improvement is needed to improve the overall outcome of preterm infants.

[Analysis of the efficacy and safety of low-dose aspirin in preventing renal artery stenosis in kidney transplantation].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of aspirin as a prophylactic for transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). Methods: From January 2017 to November 2019, clinical data of 307 patients who had undergone renal transplant in Zhengzhou University People's Hospital were collected. Patients were divided into two groups: the treatment group (124 recipients who had taken oral aspirin 100 mg/d after transplant) and the control group (183 recipients who had not taken aspirin after transplant). The general data, incidence of initially diagnosed and confirmed TRAS, type of renal artery anastomosis vessels, duration of stenosis, location of stenosis, and complications were compared between the two groups. The treatment group was further divided into two subgroups, the early group (92 recipients) and the delayed group (32 recipients), according to the time of starting aspirin after operation. Subgroup analysis was performed. Results: Among all 307 patients included, there were 241 males and 66 females, aged 19-64 years. There were no statistical difference between the treatment and control groups in terms of gender, age, comorbidities, number of arterial vessels, type of graft, and acute rejection all P>0.05. Among 46 initially diagnosed TRAS patients, 13 (10.5%) and 33 (18.0%) cases were in the treatment and control group respectively, with no statistically significant difference in stenosis rate (P>0.05). The number of confirmed TRAS patients was 1 (0.8%) and 24 (13.1%) in the treatment and control group respectively, with statistically significant difference in stenosis rate (P<0.001). The proportion of patients with bleeding disorders in the treatment group was slightly higher than that in the control group (13.7% vs 8.7%), and the proportion of infarct diseases was slightly lower than that in the control group (1.6% vs 4.9%). But there was no significant difference in aspirin-related complications between the two groups (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference in initially diagnosed and confirmed TRAS and aspirin-related complications between the early group and the delayed group (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Oral low-dose aspirin after kidney transplantation can effectively reduce the incidence of TRAS, without increasing the risk of aspirin-related complications.

Venous thromboembolism risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are prone to develop thromboembolic complications due to the chronic inflammatory nature of RA. Only one systematic review and meta-analysis has attempted to evaluate venous thromboembolism risk in RA patients. However, this review has become outdated due to the recent publication of several high-quality retrospective cohort studies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risks of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and overall venous thromboembolism event incidence in RA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five databases (Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and MEDLINE) were systematically searched according to PRISMA guidelines for eligible studies. With the available literature, we conducted a random-effect meta-analysis to evaluate odds ratios of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism incidence in RA patients and healthy controls. RESULTS: We found 12 eligible studies detailing 272,884 RA patients and 2,280,454 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Meta-analysis revealed elevated risks for deep vein thrombosis (Odd's ratio: 2.25), pulmonary embolism (2.15), and overall venous thromboembolism incidence (2.23) in RA patients. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides evidence concerning the elevated risks of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism in RA patients. The findings herein may aid in developing clinical awareness and assisting best practice guideline development for RA patients with thromboembolic complications.

[Use of alternative pancreatic fistula risk score system for patients with clinical relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy].

Objective: To examine the application value of alternative pancreatic fistula risk score system(a-FRS) for patients with clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula(CR-POPF) after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD). Methods: Clinical data of 400 patients who underwent LPD at Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,Jilin University First Hospital,from April 2015 to August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 217 males and 183 females, with age of (M(QR)) 58 (53) years (range:26 to 93 years) and body mass index of (23.0±2.7) kg/m2 (range:19.4 to 27.1 kg/m2).Preoperative CA19-9 was (171.6±212.7) U/ml (range:32.1 to 762.6 U/ml), and preoperative CA125 was (18.6±22.9) U/ml (range:9.0 to 112.3 U/ml).Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were implemented to find independent risk factors in CR-POPF.According to 3 indicators of a-FRS system(pancreatic texture,main pancreatic duct diameter,and body mass index),receiver operator characteristic curve was used to prospectively analyze the clinical value of CR-POPF. Results: CR-POPF occurred in 60 patients(15.0%) among the 400 LPD patients,including 54 patients(13.5%) with grade B pancreatic fistula and 6 patients(1.5%) with grade C pancreatic fistula.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis results showed that soft pancreas,diameter of main pancreatic duct ≤3 mm,and body mass index>23 kg/m2 were the independent risk factors for CR-POPF after LPD.The incidence of CR-POPF was 1.9% in the group with low pancreatic fistula risk(0 to 5%),5.9% with moderate pancreatic fistula risk(>5% to 20%),and 80.7% with high pancreatic fistula risk(>20%).a-FRS prospectively predicted the sensitivity and specificity of CR-POPF after LPD was 76.7% and 96.8%,positive predictive value was 80.7%,negative predictive value was 95.9%,positive likelihood ratio was 23.66,negative likelihood ratio was 0.24,and area under the curve was 0.735(95%CI:0.668-0.799). Conclusion: a-FRS system has great clinical application value in predicting CR-POPF after LPD,which can provide basis for early risk prediction of CR-POPF and timely related clinical intervention.

Effect of music intervention during hemodialysis: a comprehensive meta-analysis.

Aggravating disease and the accompanying increase in the frequency of hemodialysis interventions worsen the quality of life of patients leading to poor physical and psychological outcomes. Music-based interventions have been suggested to improve both the physical and psychological prognoses for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Two meta-analyses on the impact of music-based interventions on anxiety in patients undergoing hemodialysis failed to evaluate the impact of these interventions on other physiological outcomes. Therefore, in this study, we gather evidence on the effects of music-based interventions on physical and psychological outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. To determine the influence of music-based interventions on anxiety, pain, heart rate, and blood pressure (systolic, diastolic) in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis, we performed a systematic literature search adhering to PRISMA guidelines on the EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and MEDLINE academic databases. We performed meta-analyses to consolidate the evidence on the influence of music-based interventions on the physical and psychological outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. From 1,402 studies, we found eight eligible studies with 597 (264 women, 287 men) patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis (mean age, 56.9 ± 10.8 years). Among these patients, 298 received the music-based intervention and 299 were included as controls. Our meta-analysis revealed a small-to-medium effect of the music-based intervention to reduce pain levels (Hedge's g, -0.75), anxiety (-0.16), heart rate (-0.15), and systolic (-0.14) and diastolic blood pressure (-0.11) in patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis as compared to the values of the same variables in the control group. The evidence from our analyses supports the beneficial impact of music-based interventions to alleviate anxiety and pain, and to reduce heart rate and blood pressure in these patients.

[The value of "posterior approach, uncinate process priority, artery first" in laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy].

Objective: To explore the value of "posterior approach, uncinate process priority, artery first" in laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy. Methods: The clinical data of 200 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy from January 2018 to April 2019 in the Second Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University were analyzed retrospectively. Meanwhile, the advantages of "posterior approach, uncinate process priority, artery first" were analyzed. Results: Two hundred patients were treated with "posterior approach, uncinate process priority, artery first". The average total operation time was (260.2±50.1) min, sample cutting time was (86.6±18.7) min, intraoperative bleeding volume was 50 (50-100) ml, average number of lymph node dissection was (19.2±7.4), and average hospitalization time was (17.9±9.9) days. Conclusion: The "posterior approach, uncinate process first, artery first" approach not only protects the variant hepatic artery, but also allows early detection of SMA, clarifies the positional relationship between the tumor and SMA, realizes R0 resection, and reduces the amount of bleeding during operation and shortens the operation time, which is safe and feasible in clinical setting.

On-line attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR): a powerful tool for investigating the methyl cyclopentenone synthesis process.

On-line attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) was used to gain a good understanding of the kinetics and mechanism for methyl cyclopentenone (MCP) synthesis from 2-methylfuran and formaldehyde in a four-step reaction. Combining in situ IR monitoring and a quantitative univariate model, the mechanisms for the main side reactions were discussed in depth. The presence and forming mechanism of the side product generated in step 1 (Mannich reaction) were reported for the first time. Off-line 1H NMR and GC-MS were used as reference tools to further clarify the structure of the side product. Results also show that an undesirable side reaction will take place if the reaction time for step 2 is longer than 3 h. Possible mechanisms for side reactions and optimized experimental conditions were suggested for the purpose of improving the selectivity of the main reaction to efficiently facilitate the yield of MCP. The present study demonstrates that on-line ATR-IR can be a powerful tool to gain insight into the process understanding of various chemical reactions, providing a solid theoretical foundation for highly efficient, large-scale synthesis of MCP.

[Efficacy evaluation of one-stage revision combined with intra-articular injection of antifungal agents in the treatment of chronic periprosthetic fungal infection].

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of one-stage revision combined with intra-articular injection of antifungal agents in the treatment of chronic periprosthetic fungal infection. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 11 patients(4 hips, 7 knees) admitted with chronic periprosthetic fungal infection at Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2004 to April 2016.There were males and females with an age of 67 years (range:47-77 years). Each patient underwent single-stage revision including aggressive soft-tissue debridement. Liquid samples and tissue samples were immediately sent to the microbiology laboratory for drug sensitivity testing and histological analysis. Removed the infected components and cement thoroughly, pouring powdered vancomycin into the medullary cavity and direct intra-articular injection of fungussensitive antibiotics. The patients with infected hips received an uncemented prosthesis and 0.5 g of gentamicin loaded commercial cement was received by the patients with infected knee.After that, a new prosthesis was implanted.Long-term combination therapy of antibacterial agents and antifungal agents were given after operation. Recurrence of infection and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The follow-up period was 5 years (range: 2-12 years). Results: One patient died of acute heart failure on the eighth postoperative day.Three infection cases were recurred.Eight cases had satisfactory outcomes and required no additional surgical or medical treatment for recurrence of infection. The Harris hip score assessed preoperatively and at latest follow-up was increased from 39.25±5.12 to 79.50±4.79, the difference was statistically significant (t=-11.356, P=0.001).The Hospital for Special Surgery knee score was improved from preoperative 46.25±5.61 to final follow-up 80.50±5.06, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-9.930, P=0.002). Conclusion: Treatment of chronic fungal periprosthetic joint infection with single-stage revision can be fairly effective for achieving acceptable functional outcomes.

Single-stage treatment of chronically infected total hip arthroplasty with cementless reconstruction: results in 126 patients with broad inclusion criteria.

AIMS: Single-stage revision is not widely pursued due to restrictive inclusion criteria. In this study, we evaluated the results of single-stage revision of chronically infected total hip arthroplasty (THA) using broad inclusion criteria and cementless implants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2016, 126 patients underwent routine single-stage revision with cementless reconstruction with powdered vancomycin or imipenem poured into the medullary cavity and re-implantation of cementless components. For patients with a culture-negative hip, fungal infections, and multidrug-resistant organisms, a direct intra-articular infusion of pathogen-sensitive antibiotics was performed postoperatively. Recurrence of infection and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Three patients died and 12 patients (none with known recurrent infection) were lost to follow-up. There were 111 remaining patients (60 male, 51 female) with a mean age of 58.7 (sd 12.7; 20 to 79). RESULTS: Of these 111 patients, 99 (89.2%) were free of infection at a mean follow-up time of 58 months (24 to 107). A recurrent infection was observed in four of the 23 patients (17.4%) with culture-negative infected hip. The success rate in patients with multidrug-resistant organisms was 84.2% (16/19). The mean postoperative Harris hip score was 79.6 points (63 to 92) at the most recent assessment. CONCLUSION: Routine single-stage revision with cementless reconstruction can be a viable option for the treatment of chronically infected THA. The results of this study will add to the growing body of evidence supporting routine use of single-stage revision for the treatment of chronically infected THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:396-402.

[Effect of total hip arthroplasty in patients with stiff hip and severe length discrepancy].

Objective: To observe the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in patients with stiff hip and moderate or severe leg length discrepancy and to explore the strategy for balance recovery. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the clinical data of 30 patients who had stiff hip and moderate or severe leg length discrepancy treated with unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty at Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2014 to January 2017.There were 18 male and 12 female patients aging of (43.5±9.7)years (range, 30-68 years). All patients had different degrees of pelvic tilt and scoliosis. In operation, contractured soft tissues were released, periarticular osteophytes were removed thoroughly and the center of ratation was restablished without femoral shortening osteotomy.Patient satisfaction, Harris hip score, perceived leg length discrepancy (LLD), true LLD and functional LLD were collected.Data were analyzed by paired-samples t-test. Results: The mean follow-up duration was (17.6±7.6)months (range, 12-30 months). The Harris hip score was improved from 37.6±5.7 preoperatively to 84.3±5.2 at last follow-up (t=-57.54, P=0.000). The preoperative and last follow-up data of true LLD((3.19±0.82)cm vs.(0.70±0.71)cm), functional LLD((4.36±1.72)cm vs.(0.46±0.53)cm) and perceived LLD((7.74±2.01)cm vs.(0.98±0.79)cm) was significantly difference(t=26.47, t=15.05, t=26.9, P<0.01). Twenty-seven patients were restored to normal level (LLD≤10 mm ) and there was no sciatic nerve injury observed after surgery. 90.0% (27/30) patients were satisfied by the outcome. Conclusions: Total hip arthroplasty have satisfactory effect in correcting leg-length discrepancy of stiff hip patients. Preoperative assessment, individualized surgical methods and soft tissue releasing are important for balance recovery of affected limbs.

The Immunological Functions of Muramyl Dipeptide Compound Adjuvant on Humoral, Cellular-mediated and Mucosal Immune Responses to PEDV Inactivated Vaccine in Mice.

BACKGROUND: The muramyl dipeptide compound adjuvant, CVC1303, was one new resigned adjuvant to PEDV inactivated vaccine. Exploring the effects of CVC1303 on the immune induction to PEDV vaccine was of vital importance to the clinical application. OBJECTIVES: Here we explored the functions of CVC1303 on the humoral, cellular and mucosal immune response to PEDV vaccine in mice immunization. METHODS: Mice were twice subcutaneously injected with PEDV vaccine including high, medium and low dosages CVC1303, respectively. On 30th day after the second immunization, sera samples were collected from the immunized mice to measure PEDV-specific IgG and IgG subclasses levels, and lymphocytes were isolated to detect T cell subtype and intracellular IL-4 and IL-6 cytokine productions, and the expressions of co-stimulatory molecule on dendritic cells in the immunized mice. Small intestinal and lung washings were collected on 30th and 47th day after the second immunization to measure PEDV-specific IgA levels, and SP immunohistochemical method staining was employed to analyze the deviations of IgA+ positive cells in the small intestinal of the immunized mice. RESULTS: Our investigation proved the strong regulatory roles of CVC1303 on PEDV-specific IgG and IgG1 antibody and cytokines productions, and the significant increased CD3+CD4+T cells subpopulation and expressions of co-stimulatory molecules on dendritic cells in the immunized mice. Moreover, our findings verified the significantly enhanced PEDV-specific IgA antibody titers in small intestinal and lung in the mice immunized with PEDV vaccine and CVC1303. CONCLUSION: Compound adjuvant CVC1303 could effectively improve the PEDV-specific immune responses and mucosal immune, which provided an experimental basis for the further clinical application of new adjuvant CVC1303 and the development of improvement on the mucosal immune response.

[Research progress of functional magnetic resonance imaging in mechanism studies of tinnitus].

Tinnitus is a subjective symptom of phantom sound in the ear or brain without sound or electrical stimulation in the environment. The mechanism of tinnitus is complicated and mostly unclear. Recent studies suggested that the abnormal peripheral auditory input lead to neuroplasticity changes in central nervous system followed by tinnitus. More research concerned on the tinnitus central mechanism. A rapid development of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique made it more widely used in tinnitus central mechanism research. fMRI brought new findings but also presented some shortages in technology and cognition in tinnitus study. This article summarized the outcomes of fMRI research on tinnitus in recent years, exploring its existing problems and application prospects.

[Influence of patellofemoral joint degeneration on outcome of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty].

Objective: To evaluate the influence of patellofemoral joint degeneration and pre-operative pain location on the outcome of medial Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods: A total of 58 patients (58 knees) with medial Oxford UKA had been performed for medial osteoarthritis from March 2013 to July 2014 in Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at First Teaching Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were retrospective reviewed. There were 24 males and 34 females, the age from 43 to 87 years with the mean age was 68.5 years. The mean body mass index was 25.2 kg/m(2) ranging from 19.7 to 31.5 kg/m(2). Patients were divided into anterior-medial pain group (35 knees), anterior knee pain group (17 knees) and general knee pain group (6 knees) according to pre-operative pain location. Pre-operative radiological statuses of the patellefemoral joint were defined by Ahlback system and divided into patellofemoral joint degeneration group (16 knees) and normal group (42 knees). Patients were also divided into medial patellofemoral degeneration group (20 knees), lateral patellofemoral degeneration group (12 knees) and normal group (26 knees) according to Altman scoring system. Outerbridge system was used intraoperatively and the patients were divided into patellofemoral joint degeneration group (21 knees) and normal group (37 knees). Pre- and post-operative outcomes were evaluated with Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and MacMaster (WOMAC) and patellofemoral score system of Lonner. T test and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Results: The average duration of follow-up was 33 months (from 26 to 42 months). There were no patients had complications of infection, deep vein thrombosis, dislocation or loosing at the last follow-up. Compared to pre-operation, OKS (18.9±3.5 vs. 38.9±4.7, 19.3±4.2 vs. 39.6±4.6, 18.1±3.2 vs. 38.1±3.7)(t=5.64 to 7.08, all P<0.01) and WOMAC (10.9±2.3 vs.53.2±4.5, 10.4±2.1 vs.54.6±3.4, 11.7±1.8 vs.52.8±3.7)(t=14.50 to 19.16, all P<0.01) decreased, and the Lonner score (88.9±3.4 vs.38.6±2.8, 87.5±4.1 vs.38.2±2.3, 88.2±3.2 vs. 37.6±3.5)(t=-19.78 to -18.16, all P<0.01) increased significantly in anterior-medial pain group, anterior knee pain group and general knee pain group. According to Ahlback scoring system, compared to pre-operation, OKS (18.3±2.4 vs. 38.7±4.4, 19.6±1.8 vs. 38.4±3.1)(t=7.05, 9.08, both P<0.01) and WOMAC (10.6 ±2.6 vs.53.2±4.5, 12.1±1.4 vs.52.4±3.3)(t=14.21, 19.52, both P<0.01) decreased, the Lonner score (88.1±3.1 vs.38.3±3.3, 86.9±2.6 vs.39.1±2.4)(t=-18.90, -23.40, both P<0.01) increased significantly in patellofemoral joint degeneration group and normal group, the outcomes were the same according to Altman and Outerbridge scoring system. There was no significant difference between patellofemoral joint degeneration group and normal group based on Ahlback grading system. According to Altman classification, compared to normal group, there was no statistically differences in OKS, WOMAC and Lonner scoring system between patients with degeneration in the medial patellofemoral joint group, OKS and WOMAC increased (20.2±1.4 vs.18.2±2.7, 12.5±1.7 vs.10.5±2.5) (t=-4.30, P=0.03; t=-4.80, P=0.02), the Lonner score decreased (84.3±2.8 vs.87.4±3.2) (t=-6.20, P=0.01) in lateral patellofemoral degeneration group. According to Outerbridge scoring system, there were no statistically differences in patients in patellofemoral joint degeneration group and normal group. Conclusions: There is a good evidence that neither mild to moderate degree of patellofemoral joint degeneration nor pre-operative pain location will compromise the short-term outcome of medial Oxford UKA, and should not be considered as contraindications. The situation is less clear for lateral patellofemoral degeneration, and more cautious option is advised.

[Effects of sevoflurane and desflurane on pharmacodynamics of rocuronium in children].

Objective: To observe the intraoperative influences on pharmacodynamics of rocuronium in children inhaling sevoflurane and desflurane for 40 min balance. Methods: Ninety children (ASAⅠ-Ⅱ) undergoing elective surgery with general anesthesia in Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University from July 2015 to May 2016 were randomly assigned into six groups (n=15): Sevoflurane group (group S1 and S2), Desflurane group (group D1 and D2) and Propofol group (group P1 and P2). Children in group D1, S1 and P1 were allocated to research the dose-effect relationship of rocuronium, children in group D2, S2 and P2 were allocated to research the time-effect relationship of rocuronium. TOF-Watch SX monitor was used to exert a train-of-four stimulation (TOF) at ulnar nerve in wrist, then the adductor pollicis muscle appeared muscle twitch 4 times in turn which was recorded T(1, )T(2, )T(3) and T(4) respectively. After the success of the muscle relaxant calibration, 1.3 MAC sevoflurane and desflurane were inhaled and maintained for 40 min respectively in children in Sevoflurane group (group S1 and S2) and Desflurane group (group D1 and D2), Plasma target controlled infusion of 3.5-4.0 µg/ml propofol was always administered in Propofol group (group P1 and P2). 75 µg/kg rocuronium was injected each time in group S1, D1 and P1 respectively. Maximum inhibited effect of T(1) was recorded after every injection until inhibition of T(1) more than 95% eventually. The method of cumulative dose four times was used to calculate the efficiency curve of rocuronium[median effective dose (ED(50)), 90% effective dose (ED(90)) and 95% effective dose (ED(95))]. 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium was injected respectively through vein in group S2, D2 and P2. The recovery times of muscle relaxant were recorded which including time of T(1) disappeared (onset time), T(1) from 0% to 5% (peak effect time), T(1) from 0% to 25% (clinical effect time), T(1) from 25% to 75% (recovery index), T(1) from 0% to 70% (internal effect time), T(4)/T(1) (TOFr) from 0% to 70% and 90%. Results: ED(50, )ED(90) and ED(95) in group D1 were 128.73, 212.45 and 245.78 µg/kg respectively. ED(50, )ED(90) and ED(95) in group S1 were 132.46, 218.94 and 252.30 µg/kg respectively. ED(50, )ED(90) and ED(95) in group P1 were 230.56, 381.02 and 439.55 µg/kg respectively. ED(50, )ED(90) and ED(95) in group D1 and S1 were significantly lower than those in group P1 (all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between D1 and S1 group (P>0.05). Compared with group P2, the shorter onset time, the longer peak effect time and clinical effect time was observed in group D2 and S2, the longer recovery index, internal effect time and TOFr from 0% to 70% and 90% was observed in group S2 (all P<0.01). Conclusions: 1.3 MAC sevoflurane and desflurane inhaling for 40 min significantly reduces ED(50) and ED(95) of rocuronium, prolongs the onset time and action time of rocuronium in children. Sevoflurane can significantly prolong the recovery characteristics of rocuronium.

Chronic inflammation initiates multiple forms of K-Ras-independent mouse pancreatic cancer in the absence of TP53.

Chronic inflammation (CI) is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer (PC) including the most common type, ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but its role and the mechanisms involved are unclear. To investigate the role of CI in PC, we generated genetic mouse models with pancreatic specific CI in the presence or absence of TP53. Mice were engineered to express either cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) or IκB kinase-2 (IKK2), and TP53+/+ or TP53f/f specifically in adult pancreatic acinar cells by using a full-length pancreatic elastase promoter-driven Cre. Animals were followed for >80 weeks and pancreatic lesions were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically. The presence of K-ras mutations was assessed by direct sequencing, locked nuclei acid (LNA)-based PCR, and immunohistochemistry. We observed that sustained COX-2/IKK2 expression caused histological abnormalities of pancreas, including increased immune cell infiltration, proliferation rate and DNA damage. A minority of animals with CI developed pre-neoplastic lesions, but cancer was not observed in any TP53+/+ animals within 84 weeks. In contrast, all animals with CI-lacking TP53 developed various subtypes of PC, including acinar cell carcinoma, ductal adenocarcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors, and all died within 65 weeks. No evidence of K-ras mutations was observed. Variations in the activity of the Hippo, pERK and c-Myc pathways were found in the diverse cancer subtypes. In summary, chronic inflammation is extremely inefficient at inducing PC in the presence of TP53. However, in the absence of TP53, CI leads to the development of several rare K-ras-independent forms of PC, with infrequent PDAC. This may help explain the rarity of PDAC in persons with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Varicocele is associated with hypogonadism and impaired erectile function: a prospective comparative study.

We conducted this prospective comparative study to examine the hypothesis that varicocele was associated with hypogonadism and impaired erectile function as reflected in International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores as well as nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) parameters. From December 2014 to December 2015, a total of 130 males with varicocele complaining of infertility or scrotal discomfort and 130 age-matched healthy males chosen from volunteer healthy hospital staff as controls were recruited in this study. Serum testosterone (TT) levels and IIEF-5 scores as well as NPTR parameters were evaluated and compared between varicocele and control subjects. All participants were further grouped into hypogonadism based on the cut-off value 300 ng/dL. A total of 45 of 130 patients were identified as hypogonadism, while it was not found in control subjects. A multivariate logistic regression with likelihood ratio test revealed that TT levels as well as grade III and II varicocele posed significant indicators for hypogonadism occurrence (chi-square of likelihood ratio = 12.40, df = 3, p < .01). Furthermore, TT levels and infertility duration were associated with IIEF-5 scores in a multivariate linear regression analysis (adjusted R2  = 0.545). In conclusion, the correlation of grade III and II varicocele with an increased risk of hypogonadism was confirmed in this study and an impaired erectile function correlated with TT levels and infertility duration was also observed.