Arthroscopic cuff repair: footprint remnant preserving versus debriding rotator cuff repair of transtendinous rotator cuff tears with remnant cuff.

BACKGROUND: In transtendinous full thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCT) with remnant cuff, conventionally, cuff remnant of the greater tuberosity (GT) is debrided for better tendon to bone healing. However, larger cuff defect caused overtension on the repaired tendon. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and tendon integrity between remnant preserving and remnant debriding cuff repairs in the transtendinous FTRCT with remnant cuff. METHODS: From March, 2012 to October, 2017, a total of 127 patients who had the transtendinous FTRCT with remnant cuff were enrolled in this study. Rotator cuff tears were repaired arthroscopically, with patients divided into two groups: group I (n = 63), where rotator cuff remnants were preserved during the repair, and group II (n = 64), where the remnants were debrided during the repair. Clinical outcomes were assessed at the last follow-up (minimum 2 years) using the UCLA score, ASES score, SST score, Constant Shoulder score, and range of motion (ROM). The analysis of structural integrity and tendon quality was performed using the Sugaya classification on postoperative MRI scans at 8 months after surgery. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, UCLA, ASES, SST, and CS scores significantly improved from preoperative values to postoperative (all p < 0.05): UCLA (I: 19.6 ± 6.0 to 31.7 ± 3.2, II: 18.0 ± 5.7 to 31.5 ± 3.2), ASES (I: 54.3 ± 10.7 to 86.5 ± 12.5, II: 18.0 ± 5.7 to 85.8 ± 12.4), SST (I: 5.6 ± 2.8 to 10.2 ± 2.0, II: 5.0 ± 2.9 to 10.1 ± 2.5), CS (I: 74.0 ± 17.2 to 87.8 ± 9.7, II: 62.0 ± 19.2 to 88.3 ± 6.2). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Also, remnant preserving cuff repair yielded significantly better tendon quality on postoperative MRI (p < 0.05). The incidence of re-tear (Sugaya's Type IV and V) was not significantly different between the two groups (I:17% vs. II:19%; p = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: Remnant preserving rotator cuff repairs, which facilitate tendon-to-tendon healing, are superior in terms of tendon quality and are the preferred option for transtendinous FTRCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Complications and Reinterventions of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in a Korean Population: 14-Year Experience in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Background: There are few reports on the revision or reintervention of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the true incidence of complications and reintervention of RTSA and clinical and radiological outcomes based on our 14-year experience in RTSA in a Korean population. Methods: Between March 2008 and June 2022, 412 consecutive cases of RTSA were performed in 388 patients with an average age of 74.4 years at our institute. Excluding 23 patients lost to follow-up, 365 patients (373 shoulders including 8 bilateral cases) who underwent primary RTSA with more than 6 months of follow-up were enrolled in this study. We evaluated those who had complications or reintervention including revision RTSA for failed RTSA. Patient charts were reviewed, and clinical outcomes including clinical scores, complications, and reintervention and radiologic outcomes were evaluated at the last follow-up. Results: Among the 373 shoulders that underwent primary RTSA, complications were found in 50 patients (13.94%, 10 men and 40 women with a mean age of 75.9 ± 6.7 years [range, 51-87 years]). The causes of complications were as follows: 13 acromion, coracoid, or scapular spine fractures, 10 loosening (glenoid: 5, humeral stem: 5), 5 infections, 4 periprosthetic fractures, 2 instability, 2 neurologic complications, and 14 miscellaneous complications. Twenty patients (5.63%, 4 men and 16 women with a mean age of 74.2 ± 8.2 years [range, 51-87 years]) underwent reintervention. The interval to the first reintervention was 27.8 ± 23.1 months (range, 0.1-78 months). The causes of reintervention (20 cases) were 8 loosening (glenoid: 4, humeral stem: 4), 5 infections, 5 fractures, and 2 instability. Among them, 15 component revisions (4.02%) were performed. At the last follow-up, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, University of California at Los Angeles, and Simple Shoulder Test scores were improved from 25.4, 12.4, and 1.6 preoperatively to 40.4, 16.2, and 3.2, respectively. Forward flexion (48° to 87°), abduction (52° to 79°), external rotation (18° to 22°), and internal rotation (buttock to L2) were improved. Conclusions: After primary RTSA in a Korean population, the complication, reintervention, and revision rates were 13.94%, 5.63%, and 4.02%, respectively. Careful evaluation of the complications and adequate treatments should be performed.

Associations of chronotype and insomnia with menstrual problems in newly employed nurses at university hospitals in the Republic of Korea.

Background: Dysmenorrhea and menstrual cycle changes occur in women working shifts. Circadian rhythm disruption and sleep disturbances associated with shift work leads to health problems. We identified chronotypes and the occurrence of insomnia among newly employed university hospital nurses and investigated the association of these factors with menstrual problems. Methods: We conducted pre-placement health examinations for shift workers using self-reported questionnaires between 2018 and 2020. A total of 463 nurses were included in the study. Sociodemographic data, shift work experience, and information on insomnia were collected from health examination data. In addition, details regarding chronotype, dysmenorrhea, irregular and abnormal menstrual cycles, amenorrhea, and contraceptive use were obtained from the questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to study the association between chronotype, insomnia, and menstrual problems after controlling for age, body mass index, contraceptive use, amenorrhea, and prior shift work. Results: The prevalence rates of dysmenorrhea, irregular menstrual cycles, and longer menstrual cycles were 23.8%, 14.9%, and 4.1%, respectively. The risk of dysmenorrhea increased in the evening-type (odds ratio [OR]: 3.209; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.685-6.113) and those with insomnia (OR: 1.871; 95% CI: 1.074-3.261). Additionally, the risk of an irregular menstrual cycle (OR: 2.698; 95% CI: 1.167-6.237) increased in the evening-type, and the risk of a longer menstrual cycle (OR: 4.008; 95% CI: 1.354-11.864) increased in individuals with insomnia. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dysmenorrhea is promoted in the evening-type and insomnia individuals. There may be an increased risk of irregular menstrual cycles among evening-type nurses and an increased risk of longer menstrual cycles among those with insomnia. Therefore, factors such as evening-type and insomnia should be considered for the prevention of menstrual problems in women performing shift work.

Comparisons between treatment of isolated posterosuperior paralabral cysts and simultaneous treatment of cysts combined with associated shoulder pathologies: arthroscopic treatment of posterosuperior paralabral cysts.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to report the radiologic and clinical outcomes of arthroscopic intervention for isolated posterosuperior paralabral cysts and simultaneous treatment of cysts combined with associated shoulder pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2008 through December 2016, 70 cases (48 males and 22 females) operated on for symptomatic posterosuperior paralabral cysts were included. Mean age was 45 (range 18-69). These patients were classified into two groups depending on if they had accompanying lesions: Group I (isolated group, 27 patients) and Group II (concomitant group, 43 patients). Arthroscopic cyst decompression with a labral repair or posterior capsulotomy for patients without labral tear were performed. All concomitant pathologies were also operated simultaneously. Follow-up MRI were performed at postoperative 6 months and clinical outcomes were evaluated during the follow-up. RESULTS: Arthroscopic all intra-articular cyst decompression and labral repair was performed on 67 patients. In three patients, posterior capsulotomy without labral repair was performed for cyst removal. For 43 patients with concomitant lesions, 31 rotator cuff repairs, three SLAP repairs along with biceps tenodesis, two distal clavicle resections due to A-C joint arthritis, one calcific deposit removal, four Bankart repairs, and two acromioplasties were performed. The follow-up MRI showed complete cyst resorption except for two patients. The mean VAS, ASES, UCLA, SST and CS scores significantly improved at the last follow-up. Although both groups showed significantly improved range of motion after the surgery, improvement of ROM in Group II lagged at early periods of the rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic labral repair with all intra-articular cysts decompression or simple posterior capsulotomy were both effective treatment modalities. If paralabral cysts were associated with other shoulder lesions, simultaneous treatment of combined lesions could be performed for the improved clinical outcomes at final follow-up with expected lag in the early rehabilitation period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Comparative Trial, Treatment Study.

Use of an intramedullary fibular strut allograft and dual locking plate in periprosthetic fractures above total knee arthroplasty: new application of a well-known treatment method in trauma.

PURPOSE: Augmenting fracture fixation with intramedullary fibular graft has seen several applications such as in comminuted proximal humerus fractures, and femoral neck and shaft nonunion. The purpose of this study was to report the first case series demonstrating the novel application of an intramedullary fibular allograft strut and dual locking plates on complicated periprosthetic fracture of distal femur. METHODS: The patient demographics, weight-bearing status, and radiographic and clinical outcomes of six patients, who were treated for periprosthetic distal femur fractures using an intramedullary fibular allograft strut and dual locking plate, between January 2018 and April 2020 were analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperative range of knee motion showed median 10' (range 10-20) of flexion contracture and 90' (range 80-110) of further flexion. Postoperative joint function was assessed according to the Kolmert functional criteria, with "excellent to good" in angular deformity and "Good to fair" result in range of motion and pain. RUSH score was assessed, and median score was 24 (range 18-26). All patients were able to ambulate without assistance 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: In summary, the application of fibular strut graft and dual locking plate might be an option in complicated distal femur fracture above total knee arthroplasty. Albeit with an available number, such application showed promise as an intramedullary and cortical support for both reduction and maintenance of correction alignment, length, and prevention of further angular deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Surgical technique and Cases-series.

Assessment of Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee After Primary Versus Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral ligament of the knee (ALL) is a component of the lateral complex that stabilizes the structure against rotational force and may be associated with the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). PURPOSE: To (1) find whether the visibility of the structure of the ALL is different in primary and revision ACLR groups, (2) determine whether the abnormal findings of the ALL structure on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are associated with type of trauma in ACL injury and mode of graft failure, and (3) determine whether there are differences in knee functional scores between patients with or without abnormal findings of the ALL structure on MRI scans in primary and revision ACLR groups. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This retrospective study included 40 patients who underwent primary ACLR and 39 patients who underwent revision ACLR. Conventional MRI (1.5-T) scans taken before primary or revision ACLR were obtained and analyzed for visibility of the ALL, frequency and degree of injury of the ALL, and ALL signal anomalies. We also evaluated 1-year postoperative functional knee scores using the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee and Lysholm scores. RESULTS: Visibility of the ALL was better in the primary ACLR group than the revision ACLR group (38% vs 14%; P = .041). The primary ACLR group showed a lower degree of injury across the femoral, meniscal, and tibial attachment sites than did the revision ACLR group (30% vs 13%, 41% vs 8%, and 62% vs 26%, respectively). Relative signal anomaly of the ALL was more frequent in the case of contact versus noncontact trauma of the ACL (85% vs 15%; P = .035), while absolute signal anomaly was equally observed between cases of contact and noncontact trauma in the primary ACLR group (50% vs 50%). No association was observed between ALL signal anomalies and 1-year postoperative functional knee scores. CONCLUSION: The revision ACLR group offered less visibility and showed a tendency for more frequent, higher degree of injury to the structure of the ALL. Regardless of observational differences between the 2 groups, no definite relevance was observed between the image and the functional outcome. For the assessment of the ALL, routinely performed conventional MRI alone is insufficient to make a clinical decision.

Mid-term outcomes of bony increased offset-reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the Asian population.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of bony increased offset-reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (BIO-RSA) in the Asian population at mid-term follow-up. METHODS: From June 2012 to August 2017 at a single center, 43 patients underwent BIO-RSA, and 38 patients with minimum 2 years follow-up were enrolled. We evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes, and complications at the last follow-up. In addition, we divided these patients into notching and no-notching groups and compared the demographics, preoperative, and postoperative characteristics of patients. RESULTS: Visual analogue scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, University of California-Los Angeles Shoulder Scale, and Simple Shoulder Test scores improved significantly from preoperative (5.00, 3.93, 1.72, 3.94) to postoperative (1.72, 78.91, 28.34, 7.66) (p<0.05) outcomes. All range of motion except internal rotation improved significantly at the final follow-up (p<0.05), and the bone graft was well-incorporated with the native glenoid in all patients (100%). However, scapular notching was observed in 20 of 38 patients (53%). In the comparison between notching and no-notching groups (18 vs. 20 patients), there were no significant differences in demographics, radiological parameters, and clinical outcomes except acromion-greater tuberosity (AT) distance (p=0.003). Intraoperative complications included three metaphyseal fractures and one inferior screw malposition. Postoperative complications included ectopic ossification, scapular neck stress fracture, humeral stem relaxation, and late infection in one case each. CONCLUSIONS: BIO-RSA showed improved clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up in Asian population. However, we observed higher scapular notching compared to the previous studies. In addition, adequate glenoid lateralization with appropriate humeral lengthening (AT distance) might reduce scapular notching.

Transtendon Suture Bridge Repair of Both-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: Midterm Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Among symptomatic partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCT) indicated for surgery, both-sided (concurrent articular and bursal side) PTRCT are rarely reported and discussed in the literature. Without clinical data on and definite guidelines for treating these rare partial tears, appropriate management cannot be expected. PURPOSE: To calculate the prevalence of both-sided PTRCT and to evaluate clinical outcomes after arthroscopic transtendon suture bridge repair of both-sided PTRCT at a minimum 3-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Among symptomatic PTRCT that required arthroscopic surgery (765 patients) between March 2008 and December 2014, 178 both-sided partial tears were confirmed arthroscopically, and arthroscopic transtendon suture bridge repair was performed in 100 patients enrolled in our study after exclusion criteria were applied. The presence of concurrent articular and bursal side partial tears was confirmed via arthroscopy, with Ellman grade >2 on either the bursal or the articular side of these both-sided partial tears. Without tear completion, transtendon suture bridge repair was performed in all cases. Clinical outcomes including clinical scores and range of motion were evaluated at a mean of 5.3 ± 1.4 years (range, 3-8 years). Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at 6 to 12 months (mean ± SD, 11 ± 5.20 months) after surgery to evaluate the tendon integrity (Sugaya classification) of the repaired rotator cuff. RESULTS: The mean age was 57.5 ± 7.8 years, and 65% of patients were women. Mean preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, University of California Los Angeles, Simple Shoulder Test, and Constant-Murley outcome scores of 52 ± 14, 19 ± 4, 6 ± 2, and 69 ± 10 significantly improved postoperatively to 94 ± 5, 33 ± 2, 11 ± 1, and 93 ± 5, respectively (P < .001). Mean forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation improved significantly from 148°± 31°, 134°± 39°, 22°± 13°, and L2 preoperatively to 154°± 17°, 151°± 60°, 29°± 14°, and T10 postoperatively, respectively (P < .001). The retear rate on follow-up MRI scans was 2%. As per Sugaya classification on postoperative MRI scans, type 1 healing was found in 29%; type 2, in 60%; type 3, in 9%; and type 4, in 2%. CONCLUSION: Among all symptomatic PTRCT that required surgery, both-sided PTRCT were more common than expected. Arthroscopic transtendon suture bridge repair of these both-sided PTRCT showed satisfactory clinical outcomes at a minimum 3-year follow-up.

Suture anchor fixation of comminuted inferior pole patella fracture-novel technique: suture bridge anchor fixation technique.

PURPOSE: Comminuted inferior pole fractures of the patella are notorious fractures where it is difficult to obtain rigid internal fixation by conventional tension band wiring. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of the suture bridge anchor fixation for these comminuted inferior pole fractures of the patella. METHODS: From March 2012 to December 2018, suture bridge anchor fixation for the inferior pole comminuted fracture of the patella was performed in 22 patients. There were 21 patients of inferior pole comminuted fracture and 1 patient of lower periosteal sleeve avulsion fracture. Clinical outcomes including SF-36 score, Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and post-operative range of motion were evaluated. In all patients, suture bridge anchor fixation was performed and, tension band wiring with K wire was added for large fragment fixation in two patients. We evaluated bony union, the patellar height using Insall-Salvati ratio and its complications. RESULTS: Mean age was 46 ± 20 (15-82) years. Mean follow-up period was 25 ± 18 (11-74) months. In all patients, bony union was achieved at postoperative 4 months. At final follow-up, mean SF-36 score was 72 ± 15 (30-91) points and KOOS score was 66.7 ± 16 (43-97). The average range of motion was 134 ± 5 (125-140) degrees. As a complication, one patient developed a wound infection and subsequent osteomyelitis of inferior pole fracture fragment. Compared to the normal knee, the Insall-Salvati ratio of the injured knee averages 0.73 and this smaller ratio less than 0.8 meant patella baja. CONCLUSIONS: In the comminuted inferior pole fractures of the patella, suture bridge anchor fixation showed good bony union and satisfactory clinical outcomes at the short-term follow-up and could be a satisfactory alternative treatment option. Even though suture bridge anchor fixation in these fractures caused decreased Insall-Salvati ratio (patella height), any patellofemoral pain and limited range of motion was not developed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Comparative analysis of titanium coating on cobalt-chrome alloy in vitro and in vivo direct metal fabrication vs. plasma spraying.

BACKGROUND: Titanium surface coating on cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy has characteristics desirable for an orthopedic implant as follows: strength, osteointegrative capability, and biocompatibility. Creating such a coated surface takes a challenging process and two dissimilar metals are not easily welded. In our study, we utilized additive manufacturing with a 3D printing called direct metal fabrication (DMF) and compared it to the plasma spraying method (TPS), to coat titanium onto CoCr alloy. We hypothesized that this would yield a coated surface quality as acceptable or better than the already established method of plasma spraying. For this, we compared characteristics of titanium-coated surfaces created by direct metal fabrication method (DMF) and titanium plasma spraying (TPS), both in vitro and in vivo, for (1) cell morphology, (2) confocal microscopy images of immunofluorescent assay of RUNX2 and fibronectin, (3) quantification of cell proliferation rate, (4) push-out biomechanical test, and (5) bone histomorphometry. METHOD: For in vitro study, human osteoblast cells were seeded onto the coated surfaces. Cellular morphology was observed with a scanning electron microscope. Cellular proliferation was validated with ELISA, immunofluorescent assay. For in vivo study, coated rods were inserted into the distal femur of the rabbit and then harvested. The rods were biomechanically tested with a push-out test and observed for histomorphometry to evaluate the microscopic bone to implant ratio. RESULT: For cell morphology observation, lamellipodia and filopodia, a cytoplasmic projection extending into porous structure, formed on both surfaces created by DMF and TPS. The proliferation of the osteoblasts, the DMF group showed a better result at different optic density levels (p = 0.035, 0.005, 0.001). Expression and distribution of fibronectin and Runx-2 genes showed similar degrees of expressions. The biomechanical push-out test yielded a similar result (p = 0.714). Histomorphometry analysis also showed a similar result (p = 0.657). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, DMF is a method which can reliably create a proper titanium surface on CoCr alloy. The resulting product of the surface shows a similar quality to that of the plasma spraying method, both in vivo and in vitro, in terms of biological and mechanical property.

Mid-term Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer in Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes of lattisimus dorsi (LD) tendon transfer in patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (MRCT). We hypothesize that LD tendon transfer would provide safe and satisfactory clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up. METHODS: From November 2008 to December 2016, 23 patients (57.5 ± 4.4 years; 20 male, 3 female) who underwent LD tendon transfer for massive tears, were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were irreparable MRCT. Exclusion criteria included full thickness subscapularis tear, rotator cuff arthropathy, anterosuperior rotator cuff tear, and osteoarthritis. Mean follow-up period was 4.7 ± 4.0 years (range, 2-12 years). Clinical assessment (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA], Simple Shoulder Test [SST]) and radiographic assessment (osteoarthritis [OA], acromiohumeral distance [AHI]) were evaluated. RESULTS: ASES, UCLA and SST scores, and range of motion (ROM), except internal rotation, improved significantly at the last follow-up (p<0.05). Also, AHI was significantly improved at the last follow-up, from 6.6 mm to 8.2 mm (p=0.008). At the final follow-up, the radiologic stages of the glenohumeral osteoarthritis were determined as stage 1 in 9 patients, stage 2 in 10 patients, stage 3 in 2 patients, and stage 4 in 2 patients. Complications were observed in 21.7% cases: 3 re-tears and 2 infections were noted in our study. CONCLUSIONS: LD tendon transfer for irreparable MRCT provides satisfactory clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up. Mild degenerative osteoarthritis (stage 1, 2) of the shoulder joint are common at the mid-term follow-up. Also, complications such as tear, infection should be considered.

Risk factors for adjacent segment degeneration after iliac screw fixation in lumbar degenerative kyphoscoliosis.

PURPOSE: To analyze pre- and postoperative spinopelvic parameters and sagittal profiles in lumbar degenerative kyphoscoliosis (LDK) patients who underwent surgery using iliac screw (IS) and the incidence and risk factor of radiological adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). METHODS: A total of 32 patients, who had undergone surgical correction and lumbar/thoracolumbar fusion with pedicle screws and IS instrumentation for LDK with a minimum 2-year follow-up, were included. Ten cases with ASD (group 1) and 22 cases without ASD (group 2) were compared to see pre- and postoperative change in sagittal view of spine and adjacent segment. Parameters of both groups were analyzed before and after surgery with each parameters being tested on correlativity. All deformity types of patients were classified using Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-Schwab classification. Risk factors of ASD were evaluated using variables of SRS-Schwab classification. RESULTS: Group 1, rather than group 2, showed significant increment in pelvic incidence (PI). Curve types, classified using SRS-Schwab classification, were all corrected using IS; and after correction, coronal curve type was N curve and PI minus lumbar lordosis (LL) and pelvic tilt showed tendency to decrease. Cases with preoperative sagittal vertical axis (SVA) more than 10 cm and with postoperative PI minus LL more than 20° were at higher risk of developing ASD. CONCLUSION: For those with high PI, it might be a risk to cause ASD. Maintaining normal thoracic and lumbar angle, correction of SVA less than 4 cm, and PI minus LL below 20° are proper ways to avoid ASD after surgery.

Fractalkine receptor chemokine (CX3CR1) influences on cervical and lumbar disc herniation.

BACKGROUND: Herniation of nuclear or disc material along with, inflammatory chemokines such as prostaglandin E2, interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinase and nitric oxide has definite correlation, possibly they are over produced. CX3CL1 and its receptor (CX3CR1) are part of chemokine system involved in leukocyte recruitment and adhesion in chronic inflammatory disease, but its role in spinal herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) is unknown. We evaluated the expression of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 in patients with disc herniation to clarify the role of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 in the disc degeneration and to compare between cervical and lumbar HNP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mRNA concentrations of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemokine were analyzed in the surgically obtained disc specimens from C-HNP (n = 13) and L-HNP (n = 13) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The localization of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemokine in the disc of C-HNP and L-HNP patients was determined using immunohistochemical study. Blood samples from patients with C-HNP and L-HNP patients were stained for CX3CR1 with flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: The CX3CL1 positive cell ratio in the discs was observed in both groups by immunohistochemical study. CX3CR1 was strongly expressed on endothelial cells in C-spine disc, but sparely expressed in L-spine disc. There was greater CX3CR1 mRNA expression in C-HNP patients than in L-HNP patients as quantified by reversal transcription-PCR (P = 0.010). CX3CR1 positive cell frequencies and CX3CR1 expression levels were increased in CD4 (+) T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells from patients with C-HNP (P = 0.210 and P = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified that increases in CX3CL1 and CX3CR1-expressing cells are significantly related to pathomechanism of HNP for the first time. Especially, CD4 (+) T-cells and NK cells expressing CX3CR1 may play an important role in developing C-HNP.

Hypertrophy of the ligament flavum in degenerative lumbar stenosis associated with the increased expression of fractalkine (CX3CL1)/CX3CR1 chemokine.

Fractalkine (CX3CL1) and its receptor (CX3CR1) comprise a chemokine system involved in leukocyte recruitment and adhesion in chronic inflammatory disease, but its role in spinal diseases is unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemokine on hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (LF) in degenerative lumbar stenosis (DLS) compared with that of non-degenerative spinal condition (NDS) of the lumbar spine and correlation between expression of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemokine and thickness of LF. The mRNA concentrations of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemokine were analyzed in the surgically obtained LF specimens from DLS (n = 10) and NDS (n = 11) by real-time PCR. The localization of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemokine within the LF was determined using immunohistochemical study. Plasma levels of soluble FKN (sFKN) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The thickness of the LF was measured with axial T1-weighted MRI. The cells that express CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemokine ratio in the LF observed in DLS group were substantially higher than in NDS group. In ELISA, the plasma levels of sFKN was significantly increased in DLS compared with patients in the other groups (p = 0.006). There was greater CX3CL1/CX3CR1 expression in DLS as quantified by RT-PCR (p = 0.004, 0.010). Thickness of LF in patients was significantly correlated with serum CX3CL1 level (R(2) = 0.824, p = 0.003) and with mRNA expression of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 (R(2) = 0.671, p = 0.000) (R(2) = 0.514, p = 0.001). This study identified for the first time that increases in CX3CL1 and CX3CR1-expressing cells are significantly related to LF hypertrophy.

Tissue response to poly(L-lactic acid)-based blend with phospholipid polymer for biodegradable cardiovascular stents.

A temporary cardiovascular stent device by bioabsorbable materials might reduce late stent thrombosis. A water-soluble amphiphilic phospholipid polymer bearing phosphorylcholine groups (PMB30W) was blended with a high-molecular-weight poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) to reduce unfavorable tissue responses at the surface. The PLLA implants and the polymer blend (PLLA/PMB30W) implants were inserted into subcutaneous tissues of rats, the infrarenal aorta of rats, and the internal carotid arteries of rabbits. After 6 months subcutaneous implantation, the PLLA/PMB30W maintained high density of phosphorylcholine groups on the surface without a significant bioabsorption. After intravascular implantation, the cross-sectional areas of polymer tubing with diameters less than 1.6 mm were histomorphometrically measured. Compared to the PLLA tubing, the PLLA/PMB30W tubing significantly reduced the thrombus formation during 30 d of implantation. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured on the PLLA and the PLLA/PMB30W to compare inflammatory reactions. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay quantified substantially decreased proinflammatory cytokines in the case of the PLLA/PMB30W. They were almost the same level as the negative controls. Thus, we conclude that the phosphorylcholine groups could reduce tissue responses significantly both in vivo and in vitro, and the PLLA/PMB30W is a promising material for preparing temporary cardiovascular stent devices.

Discovery of common Asian copy number variants using integrated high-resolution array CGH and massively parallel DNA sequencing.

Copy number variants (CNVs) account for the majority of human genomic diversity in terms of base coverage. Here, we have developed and applied a new method to combine high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) data with whole-genome DNA sequencing data to obtain a comprehensive catalog of common CNVs in Asian individuals. The genomes of 30 individuals from three Asian populations (Korean, Chinese and Japanese) were interrogated with an ultra-high-resolution array CGH platform containing 24 million probes. Whole-genome sequencing data from a reference genome (NA10851, with 28.3x coverage) and two Asian genomes (AK1, with 27.8x coverage and AK2, with 32.0x coverage) were used to transform the relative copy number information obtained from array CGH experiments into absolute copy number values. We discovered 5,177 CNVs, of which 3,547 were putative Asian-specific CNVs. These common CNVs in Asian populations will be a useful resource for subsequent genetic studies in these populations, and the new method of calling absolute CNVs will be essential for applying CNV data to personalized medicine.

A highly annotated whole-genome sequence of a Korean individual.

Recent advances in sequencing technologies have initiated an era of personal genome sequences. To date, human genome sequences have been reported for individuals with ancestry in three distinct geographical regions: a Yoruba African, two individuals of northwest European origin, and a person from China. Here we provide a highly annotated, whole-genome sequence for a Korean individual, known as AK1. The genome of AK1 was determined by an exacting, combined approach that included whole-genome shotgun sequencing (27.8x coverage), targeted bacterial artificial chromosome sequencing, and high-resolution comparative genomic hybridization using custom microarrays featuring more than 24 million probes. Alignment to the NCBI reference, a composite of several ethnic clades, disclosed nearly 3.45 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including 10,162 non-synonymous SNPs, and 170,202 deletion or insertion polymorphisms (indels). SNP and indel densities were strongly correlated genome-wide. Applying very conservative criteria yielded highly reliable copy number variants for clinical considerations. Potential medical phenotypes were annotated for non-synonymous SNPs, coding domain indels, and structural variants. The integration of several human whole-genome sequences derived from several ethnic groups will assist in understanding genetic ancestry, migration patterns and population bottlenecks.