The changes of intrinsic connectivity contrast in young smokers.

Previous studies demonstrated that reward circuit plays an important role in smoking. The differences of functional and structural connectivity were found among several brain regions such as thalamus and frontal lobe. However, few studies focused on functional connectivity (FC) in whole-brain voxel level of young smokers. In this study, intrinsic connectivity contrast (ICC) was used to perform voxel-based whole-brain analyses in 55 young smokers and 55 matched non-smokers to identify brain regions with significant group differences. ICC results showed that the connectivity of young smokers in medial frontal cortex (MedFC), supramarginal gyrus anterior division left (L_aSMG), central opercular cortex left (L_CO) and middle frontal gyrus left (L_MidFG) showed a significantly lower trend compared with the non-smokers. The seed-based FC analysis about MedFC indicated that young smokers showed reduced connectivity between the MedFC and left hippocampus, left amygdala compared to non-smokers. Correlation analysis showed that the ICC of MedFC in young smokers was significantly negatively correlated with Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) and Questionnaire on Smoking Urges (QSU). The FC between the MedFC and left hippocampus, left amygdala was significantly negatively correlated with Pack_years. The mediation analysis indicated that ICC of MedFC completely mediated FTND and QSU of young smokers. The results suggest that nicotine accumulation may affect the communication of the frontal lobe with the whole brain to some extent, leading to changes in smoking cravings. The above research also provides in-depth insights into the mechanism of adolescent smoking addiction and related intervention treatment.

Glutamate levels in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and resting-state functional connectivity within reward circuits in alcohol-dependent patients.

Great progress has been made in understanding the neural mechanisms associated with alcohol-dependent (AD) patients. However, the interactions within the reward circuits of the patients need further exploration. Glutamatergic projections from the prefrontal cortex to some brain regions are present in the reward circuit. However, little is known about the potential implications of glutamate levels in the prefrontal cortex on abnormal interactions within reward circuits in AD patients. To determine the potential roles of reward circuits in drinking, we investigated differences in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) and multivariate Granger causality analysis between 20 AD patients and 20 healthy controls (HC). The neuroimaging findings were then correlated with clinical variables (alcohol use disorder identification test). The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VmPFC) is believed to play a critical role in addiction disorders, and glutamatergic projections from the prefrontal cortex to several regions of the brain are present in reward circuits. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was also performed to assess the difference in glutamate levels in VmPFC between AD patients and HC. The results showed that the strength of functional connectivity in the reward circuit was generally attenuated in AD patients, and the reciprocal enhancement of activity between the right insula, left thalamus and VmPFC was found to be significantly greater in AD patients. It is worth noting that although glutamate levels in the VmPFC did not show significant differences between the two groups, the level of glutamate in the VmPFC was significantly correlated with RSFC. We hope that the current findings will help us to develop new intervention models based on the important role of the VmPFC in AD.

Proximal fibular osteotomy alleviates medial compartment knee osteoarthritis in a mouse model.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to establish a mouse model of proximal fibular osteotomy (PFO), and to determine if PFO could delay degeneration of the medial compartment of the knee joint in a mouse model. METHODS: An animal model of destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) was used to induce post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). PFO was performed to examine the effectiveness of PFO on protection against medial compartment knee OA. Micro-CT was used to observe osteosclerosis development in the subchondral bone, and Safranin O-fast green staining was used to evaluate the progression of articular cartilage destruction. The condylar-plateau angle (CPA) and anatomical femorotibial angle (aFTA) were measured to determine whether knee alignment was changed after PFO. RESULTS: PFO treatment could decrease osteophyte formation and osteosclerosis development in the subchondral bone, as observed by micro-CT. The value of the ratio of trabecular bone volume to total volume (BV/TV) of DMM+PFO group was lower than that of DMM group. PFO also inhibited the progression of articular cartilage destruction. DMM + PFO group displayed decreased maximal and summed OA scores, as compared with DMM group. Moreover, the change of knee alignment was reduced by PFO, which might be the mechanism of PFO alleviating medial compartment knee OA. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that PFO could alleviate medial compartment knee OA in a mouse model.

Reduced resting-state functional connectivity and sleep impairment in abstinent male alcohol-dependent patients.

Alcohol dependence is associated with poor sleep quality, which has both been implicated with thalamocortical circuits function. To identify the possible roles of these circuits in the alcohol-sleep association, we investigated the volume of both left and right thalamus and corresponding resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) differences between 15 alcohol-dependent patients (AD) and 15 healthy controls (HC) male participants. The neuroimaging findings were then correlated with clinical variables, that is, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Additionally, mediation analysis was carried out to test whether the thalamocortical RSFC mediates the relationship between drinking behavior and sleep impairments in AD when applicable. We observed a significant positive correlation between AUDIT score and PSQI score in AD. Compared with HC, AD showed reduced RSFC between the left thalamus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and right caudate. We also observed a negative correlation between RSFC of the left thalamus-mPFC and PSQI score in AD. More importantly, the left thalamus-mPFC RSFC strength mediated the relationship between AUDIT score and PSQI score in AD. No significant difference was detected in the normalized volume of both left and right thalamus, and volumes were not significantly correlated with clinical variables. Our results demonstrate that AD show abnormal interactions within thalamocortical circuits in association with drinking behaviors and sleep impairments. It is hoped that our study focusing on thalamocortical circuits could provide new information on potential novel therapeutic targets for treatment of sleep impairment in alcohol-dependent patients.

Editorial Commentary: Reduce the Failure Risk: A Challenge to Reduce the Risk of Using Hybrid Graft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Hybrid grafting (augmentation of small hamstring autografts with allograft tissue) is preferred by many surgeons for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Although a recent, well-conducted, systematic review reported no significant differences in failure risk between hybrid graft and autograft ACL reconstruction, a trend toward a greater failure risk using the hybrid graft existed in many of the included studies. Three potential causes of hybrid graft ACL reconstruction failure that are absent in autograft ACL reconstruction are different levels of graft revascularization and ligamentization, differences in the tendon-bone healing capacity between the allograft and autograft portions in the bone tunnel, and processing of the graft. Research advances in these areas will further reduce the failure risk of hybrid graft ACL reconstruction.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Hybrid Graft Versus a Hamstring Autograft.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with a hybrid graft versus an autograft after 3 years of follow-up. METHODS: Among 57 patients with an ACL injury who underwent ACL reconstruction, 28 patients received a hybrid graft (gracilis and semitendinosus tendon autograft plus a soft tissue allograft) and 29 patients received an autograft (gracilis and semitendinosus tendon autograft). The 2 groups were compared after a minimum 3-year follow-up regarding International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) assessment of knee function and stability, pivot-shift test, Lachman test, and KT-1000 side-to-side differences. The patient-reported Tegner activity score, Lysholm score, and subjective IKDC score were also compared. Graft failures were identified by patient-reported outcomes, physical examinations, or magnetic resonance imaging, and were confirmed on second-look arthroscopy; failure rate was compared between groups. RESULTS: At final follow-up, the 2 groups significantly differed in pivot-shift test result (P = .013) and Lachman test result (P = .027). The failure rate tended to be greater in the hybrid graft group (14.3%) than in the autograft group (3.4%) (P = .148). All 5 patients with failed graft reconstruction were revised after second-look arthroscopy. The KT-1000 side-to-side differences at final follow-up were significantly inferior in the hybrid graft group (3.5 ± 2.0) compared with the autograft group (2.5 ± 1.0, P = .024). The hybrid graft group also had a lower mean Lysholm score (P = .000) and subjective IKDC score (P = .006) than the autograft group. The mean Tegner activity score was 6.8 ± 0.8 in the hybrid graft group and 6.9 ± 0.6 in the autograft group (P = .436). CONCLUSIONS: The knee stability and patient-reported scores in the autograft-irradiated allograft hybrid graft ACL reconstruction group were significantly inferior compared with those in the autograft ACL reconstruction group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Diagnostic and evaluative efficiency of 68Ga-FAPI-04 in skeletal muscle injury.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscles are vital for daily function, yet assessing their injuries remain challenging. We aimed to elucidate the effectiveness of 68Ga-FAPI-04 in evaluating skeletal muscle remodeling. RESULTS: C2C12 cells were subjected to graded H2O2 stimulation in vitro, revealing an initial rise and subsequent decline in fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expression as H2O2 concentration increased. In vivo, a murine triceps surae injury model was created using various solutions to simulate normal repair, mild repair failure, and severe repair failure. Assessments were conducted on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 using PET, MRI, and ultrasound. With 68Ga-FAPI-04, the normal and mild repair failure groups showed significantly higher SUVmax and T/B ratios on day 1 compared to the severe repair failure group. These values gradually decreased in the normal repair group, becoming negligible after day 7. MRI results for the normal repair group showed low to moderate signal intensity by day 7. A clinical study retrospectively evaluated post-hip arthroplasty patient images at intervals of 1 month, 2-3 months, 5-6 months, and over 7 months. In these patients, 18F-FDG SUVmax and volume remained relatively stable over time, while 68Ga-FAPI-04 SUVmax initially increased, then decreased, with a consistent reduction in volume. CONCLUSION: In skeletal muscle injuries, FAP demonstrates a distinctive mechanism of action, and 68Ga-FAPI-04, in comparison to other tests, more precisely captures alterations in lesion site uptake intensity and volume. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration: ChiCTR2000041204. Registered 22 December 2020, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=66211.

Application of biochar and polyacrylamide to revitalize coastal saline soil quality to improve rice growth.

Poor soil quality is affected by salinity, which limits land productivity and sustainable agricultural development in coastal China. Hence, it is essential to choose suitable and efficient approaches to revitalize coastal saline soil quality and improve agricultural productivity. Biochar and polyacrylamide (PAM) have been widely applied as soil amendments to enhance soil structure, but the interactive effects of biochar and PAM on rice growth are unclear. The experiment described in this study was conducted over five consecutive growing seasons (from 2016 to 2020) with biochar (at 0, 32, and 79 t/hm2) and PAM (at 0, 0.6, and 1.6 t/hm2) applications to study the effects of amendments on soil properties, rice photosynthesis, and rice yield in coastal saline land. The soil property results showed that wheat straw biochar and PAM lowered soil total salt and bulk density, but increased the soil organic matter (SOM), mean weight diameter of water-stable aggregates (MWD), and macroaggregate (> 0.25 mm) content. The application of either biochar or PAM increased the rice net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance. The combined application of 32 t/hm2 biochar + 0.6 t/hm2 PAM increased the net photosynthetic rate by 26.0% and the transpiration rate by 24.8% relative to the control. The application of 32 t/hm2 biochar and 1.6 t/hm2 PAM significantly increased the rice grain yield. The path analysis model showed that spikelets per panicle and canopy gross photosynthesis had strong and significant positive effects on grain yield, whereas soil total salt had a negative effect on grain yield. The combined application of 32 t/hm2 biochar + 0.6 t/hm2 PAM was identified as the most effective for rice growth. Biochar and PAM amendments at an optimal level may enhance soil properties by reducing salinity. These findings indicate that biochar and PAM have the potential to remediate coastal saline soil quality and the environment, which would simultaneously increase the sustainable use of coastal land resources and food production to preserve the ecological environment.

Classification of Bone Bruises in Pediatric Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries.

Background: Bone bruises are frequently found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in pediatric patients. Purpose: To establish a classification system for different bone bruise patterns to estimate the severity of a knee injury in pediatric patients with ACL tears. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A medical database was retrospectively reviewed to identify all cases of primary ACL tears in patients who were aged ≤17 years at the time of the injury and underwent MRI at our institution within 4 weeks of the injury between January 2011 and December 2020. A total of 188 patients were identified (67 male, 121 female; mean age, 15.1 ± 1.4 years). Bone bruises were classified according to their depth and location on MRI in the sagittal and coronal planes. Results: The new classification system identified 3 grades of depth: grade I, the bone bruise was located within the epiphysis but did not reach the epiphyseal plate (n = 54 [35.3%]); grade II, the bone bruise was within the epiphysis that reached the epiphyseal plate (n = 55 [35.9%]); and grade III, the bone bruise was in both the epiphysis and metaphysis (n = 44 [28.8%]). The bone bruise location was classified into 4 types: type a, the deepest bone bruise area was in the lateral tibial plateau (n = 66 [43.1%]); type b, the deepest bone bruise area was in the lateral femoral condyle, commonly occurring in the lateral one-third to two-thirds of the lateral femoral condyle (n = 22 [14.4%]); type c, the bone bruise area had a similar depth in both the lateral femoral condyle and lateral tibial plateau (n = 54 [35.3%]); and type d, the bone bruise area was in the lateral tibial plateau and lateral femoral condyle and extended to the fibular head (n = 11 [7.2%]). The prevalence of collateral ligament injuries increased from grade I to III. All patients with grade III type c bone bruises had meniscal lesions. Conclusion: This new classification system provides a basis for estimating associated lesions of the knee before surgery.

Earlier and More Severe Cartilage Degeneration Occurs After Meniscal Tears in Juvenile Rabbits Compared with Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the severity of cartilage degeneration after meniscal tears between juvenile and adult rabbits. DESIGN: This study included 20 juvenile rabbits (2 weeks after birth) and 20 adult rabbits (6 months after birth). Meniscal tears were prepared in the anterior horn of medial menisci of right knees. Rabbits were sacrificed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Cartilage degenerations in the medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau were evaluated macroscopically and histologically. The semiquantitative assessment of cartilage degeneration was graded by macroscopic Outerbridge scoring system and histological Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring system. RESULTS: In juvenile rabbits, the morphologically intact cartilage and normal extracellular matrix architecture were observed at the first week postoperatively. Mild uneven cartilage surface and toluidine blue depletion in the medial femoral condyle were observed on histological assessment at 3 weeks postoperatively. The worsened cartilage deterioration demonstrating chondral fibrillation, prominent cell death, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) release was observed at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. In adult rabbits, only mild cartilage degeneration was observed in the medial femoral condyle at 12 weeks postoperatively. The outcomes of Outerbridge and OARSI scores were consistent with the aforementioned findings in juvenile and adult rabbits. CONCLUSIONS: Our study validated that earlier and more severe cartilage degenerations were observed in juvenile rabbits after meniscal tears compared with adult rabbits. Moreover, the post-tear cartilage degeneration demonstrated regional specificity corresponded to the tear position. However, caution is warranted when extrapolating results of animal models to humans.

Efficacy of Stem Cell Therapy for Tendon Graft Ligamentization After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Background: Sufficient intra-articular graft ligamentization enhances the biomechanical and biological properties of the femur-graft-tibia complex to ensure knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a tendon graft. It remains unclear whether stem cell therapy promotes tendon graft ligamentization. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare tendon graft ligamentization after primary ACL reconstruction with versus without stem cell therapy. It was hypothesized was that stem cell therapy would promote tendon graft ligamentization by enhancing the biomechanical and histological properties of the tendon graft after ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the guidelines outlined in the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement to identify controlled animal studies that compared tendon graft ligamentization outcomes after primary ACL reconstruction in groups with and without stem cell therapy. Biomechanical and histological outcomes were assessed. Results: A total of 4 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were used in 3 studies, while tendon-derived stem cells were used in 1 study. An intra-articular injection was used to deliver conditioned medium and stem cells in 2 studies, while around-graft application was used to deliver bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in 2 studies. Stem cell therapy enhanced the biomechanical and histological properties of the tendon graft after ACL reconstruction. Conclusion: This review revealed that stem cell therapy is a promising technique that promotes graft ligamentization by enhancing the biomechanical and histological properties of the tendon graft after ACL reconstruction in animal models. There is a need for future preclinical studies aimed at evaluating the effect of stem cells on graft ligamentization and identifying the optimal method of intra-articular stem cell delivery.

HIF1α Promotes BMP9-Mediated Osteoblastic Differentiation and Vascularization by Interacting with CBFA1.

Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) as the most potent osteogenic molecule which initiates the differentiation of stem cells into the osteoblast lineage and regulates angiogenesis, remains unclear how BMP9-regulated angiogenic signaling is coupled to the osteogenic pathway. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) is critical for vascularization and osteogenic differentiation and the CBFA1, known as runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) which plays a regulatory role in osteogenesis. This study investigated the combined effect of HIF1α and Runx2 on BMP9-induced osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of the immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (iMEFs). The effect of HIF1α and Runx2 on the osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of iMEFs was evaluated. The relationship between HIF1α- and Runx2-mediated angiogenesis during BMP9-regulated osteogenic differentiation of iMEFs was evaluated by ChIP assays. We demonstrated that exogenous expression of HIF1α and Runx2 is coupled to potentiate BMP9-induced osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation both in vitro and animal model. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays (ChIP) showed that Runx2 is a downstream target of HIF1α that regulates BMP9-mediated osteogenesis and angiogenic differentiation. Our findings reveal that HIF1α immediately regulates Runx2 and may originate an essential regulatory thread to harmonize osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation in iMEFs, and this coupling between HIF1α and Runx2 is essential for bone healing.

Hamstring Autograft Versus Hybrid Graft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Hamstring tendon autografts are commonly used for primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Some patients have small hamstring tendons however, which may compromise the clinical outcome of the autograft. To solve this problem, many surgeons use hybrid grafting that involves augmentation of small hamstring autografts with allograft tissue. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to compare the clinical outcomes between primary ACL reconstructions performed with hamstring autografts and those performed with hybrid grafts in terms of patient-reported evaluation, failure rate, and knee stability. The hypothesis was that primary ACL reconstruction performed with hamstring autograft alone will not differ significantly from that performed with a hybrid graft in terms of patient-reported evaluation, failure rate, or knee stability. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify prospective and retrospective comparative studies and cohort studies (evidence levels 1-3) comparing outcomes of primary ACL reconstructions performed with hamstring autografting alone and hybrid grafting. Outcomes included patient-reported evaluation, failure rate, and knee stability. RESULTS: Ten studies were included: 1 of level 2 and 9 of level 3. Collectively, they included 398 autografts and 341 hybrid grafts. Mean respective follow-up durations ranged from 24.0 to 69.6 months and from 24.0 to 70.8 months. Patient-reported evaluations, including Lysholm, Tegner, and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores, were reported in 8 of 10 studies. Failure rates were reported in all 10 studies. Results of knee stability examinations-including KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, the pivot-shift test, Lachman test, and overall International Knee Documentation Committee results-were reported in 4 of 10 studies. In this review, there were no statistically significant differences between autografts and hybrid grafts in terms of patient-reported evaluations, failure rates, or KT-1000 measurements. CONCLUSION: In this systematic review, there was no significant difference in patient-reported evaluation or failure rate between primary ACL reconstructions performed with autografts alone and those performed with hybrid grafts. Whether there is a substantial difference in knee stability examination results between autografts and hybrid grafts remains unknown, given a relative lack of reports on knee stability.

An Autograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Results in Better Biomechanical Performance and Tendon-Bone Incorporation Than Does a Hybrid Graft in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: The biomechanical and tendon-bone incorporation properties of allograft-augmented hybrid grafts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction compared with traditional autografts are unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Using an autograft for ACL reconstruction yields better results on biomechanical testing, radiographic analysis, and histological evaluation versus using a hybrid graft. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 66 adult male Sprague Dawley rats underwent unilateral ACL reconstruction with an autograft (AT group; n = 33) or a hybrid graft (HB group; n = 33). The grafts used in both groups were harvested from the peroneus longus tendon and were fixed by suturing to the surrounding periosteum. Samples were harvested for biomechanical testing, micro-computed tomography (CT), and histological evaluation at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Bone tunnels on the femoral and tibial sides were divided into 3 subregions: intra-articular (IA), midtunnel (MT), and extra-articular (EA). A cylinder-like volume of interest in the bone tunnel and a tubular-like volume of interest around the bone tunnel were used to evaluate new bone formation and bone remodeling, respectively, via micro-CT. RESULTS: In the AT group, there were significantly higher failure loads and stiffness at 8 weeks (failure load: 3.04 ± 0.40 vs 2.09 ± 0.54 N, respectively; P = .006) (stiffness: 3.43 ± 0.56 vs 1.75 ± 0.52 N/mm, respectively; P < .001) and 12 weeks (failure load: 9.10 ± 1.13 vs 7.14 ± 0.94 N, respectively; P = .008) (stiffness: 4.45 ± 0.75 vs 3.36 ± 0.29 N/mm, respectively; P = .008) than in the HB group. With regard to new bone formation in the bone tunnel, in the AT group, the bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) was significantly higher than in the HB group on the tibial side at 8 weeks (IA: 22.21 ± 4.98 vs 5.16 ± 3.98, respectively; P < .001) (EA: 19.66 ± 7.19 vs 10.85 ± 2.16, respectively; P = .030) and 12 weeks (IA: 30.50 ± 5.04 vs 17.11 ± 7.31, respectively; P = .010) (MT: 21.15 ± 2.58 vs 15.55 ± 4.48, respectively; P = .041) (EA: 20.75 ± 3.87 vs 10.64 ± 3.94, respectively; P = .003). With regard to bone remodeling around the tunnel, the BV/TV was also significantly higher on the tibial side at 8 weeks (MT: 33.17 ± 8.05 vs 15.21 ± 7.60, respectively; P = .007) (EA: 25.19 ± 6.38 vs 13.94 ± 7.10, respectively; P = .030) and 12 weeks (IA: 69.46 ± 4.45 vs 47.80 ± 6.16, respectively; P < .001) (MT: 33.15 ± 3.88 vs 13.76 ± 4.07, respectively; P < .001) in the AT group than in the HB group. Sharpey-like fibers had formed at 8 weeks in the AT group. A large number of fibroblasts withdrew at 12 weeks. In the AT group, the width of the interface was significantly narrower at 4 weeks (85.86 ± 17.49 vs 182.97 ± 14.35 µm, respectively; P < .001), 8 weeks (58.86 ± 10.99 vs 90.15 ± 11.53 µm, respectively; P = .002), and 12 weeks (42.70 ± 7.96 vs 67.29 ± 6.55 µm, respectively; P = .001) than in the HB group. CONCLUSION: Using an autograft for ACL reconstruction may result in improved biomechanical properties and tendon-bone incorporation compared with a hybrid graft. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Augmenting small autografts with allograft tissue may result in decreased biomechanical performance and worse tendon-bone incorporation, increasing the risk of graft failure.

Remnant preservation technique versus standard technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis was performed to compare the clinical outcomes of primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the ACL remnant preservation technique versus the standard technique. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched through December 24, 2017, to identify randomized controlled studies that compared the use of the ACL remnant preservation technique versus the standard technique for primary ACL reconstruction. Statistical heterogeneity among the trials was evaluated with chi-square and I-square tests. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was performed to identify potential differences according to type of ACL remnant tissue (remnant bundle or remnant fibers). RESULTS: Seven studies with a combined 412 patients (208 in the remnant preservation technique group and 204 in the standard technique group) were included in the meta-analysis. There was a significant difference between the groups in Lysholm score (mean difference (MD), 2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95-3.45; P = 0.0006) and side-to-side difference (MD, - 0.71; 95% CI, - 0.87 to - 0.55; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the groups in subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, complications, pivot shift test, Lachman test, or overall IKDC score. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that for primary ACL reconstruction with preservation of remnant fibers, the remnant preservation technique was superior to the standard technique based on Lysholm scores (P < 0.01) and side-to-side difference (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the current literature, using the remnant preservation technique showed a better clinical outcome than using the standard technique for patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with respect to Lysholm score and side-to-side difference. However, it remains unclear that there is a definite advantage to use the remnant preservation technique compared with the standard technique.

Irradiated allograft versus autograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A meta-analysis and systematic review of prospective studies.

BACKGROUND: Irradiated allografts and autografts are commonly used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The outcomes between these two grafts are controversial. This meta-analysis and systematic review of prospective comparative studies was performed to compare the clinical outcomes, including knee functionality, stability, subjective evaluation, complications, and failure, of irradiated allografts and autografts in primary ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from database inception to 12 August 2017 to identify prospective studies that compared irradiated allografts with autografts for primary ACL reconstruction. Randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Prospective cohort studies were included in the systematic reviews. Two reviewers independently assessed the study quality and extracted relevant data. Statistical heterogeneity among the trials was evaluated by the chi-square and I-square tests. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials and two prospective cohort studies involving 18,835 patients met the inclusion criteria. In the meta-analysis, significant differences were observed in knee stability and subjective evaluation with respect to the KT-2000 score (p < .0001), pivot shift test (p = .001), anterior drawer test (p = .0001), Lachman test (p = .0002), subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (p < .0001), Cincinnati knee score (p = .04), Lysholm score (p = .01), and Tegner score (p = .03). However, the differences in functional assessment in terms of the overall IKDC score (p = .21), range of motion (p = .94), Harner's vertical jump test (p = .09), Daniel's one-leg hop test (p = .50), and complication rate (p = .34) were not significant between the two groups. Failure was reported in two prospective cohort studies in 302 of 14,829 (2%) patients in the autograft group and 157 of 3941 (4%) patients in the irradiated allograft group. CONCLUSION: Irradiated allografts are inferior to autografts for patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with respect to knee stability and subjective evaluation. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of function and complication. The robustness of the findings might need to be further validated because of the limited number of randomized controlled trials. More randomized controlled trials with longer follow-ups are required to further evaluate the failure rate in the two groups.

The counter-balance between ammonia absorption and the stimulation of volatilization by periphyton in shallow aquatic systems.

Ammonia (NH3) volatilization is one of the main pathways of nitrogen (N). The aim of this work was to investigate the determinants of NH3 volatilization, and characterize how the overlying water, sediment, and periphyton interact to regulate the rates of NH3 volatilization in shallow aquatic systems. Two types of structural equation modeling (SEM) methods ('elements' and 'components' models) were evaluated to examine the complex multivariate response of NH3 volatilization. The N components and the pH in the 'elements' models exerted significant and positive effects on NH3 volatilization. The water column accounted for the greatest variation of NH3 volatilization in a favorable pH environment and high NH4+-N concentrations according to the 'components' models. Although periphyton biofilm prohibited the direct flow of NH3 gas, this was counter-balanced by its indirect stimulation effects that positively affected the NH4+-N and DOC concentrations and the pH in both the overlying water and the sediment.

Comparison of clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft versus soft-tissue allograft: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Hamstring tendon autografts and soft-tissue allograft are commonly used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, the clinical outcomes between these two grafts are controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to compare clinical outcomes of primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autografts versus soft-tissue allografts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched through 8 September 2017 to identify randomized controlled studies that compared hamstring tendon autografts with soft-tissue allografts for primary ACL reconstruction. Two authors independently graded the methodological quality of each eligible study using the Cochrane Collaboration tool and extracted relevant data. Statistical heterogeneity among the trials was evaluated with chi-square and I-square tests. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was performed to identify potential differences according to type of reconstruction technique (single-bundle or double-bundle). RESULTS: Eight studies with 785 combined patients (396 hamstring tendon autografts and 389 soft-tissue allografts) were included. Two studies had a high risk of bias. The other six studies had unclear risk of bias. There were significant differences between the groups in subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (mean difference [MD], 2.43; 95%CI, 0.69-4.18; p = 0.006), Tegner score (MD, 0.24; 95%CI, 0.03-0.45; p = 0.03), and side-to-side difference (MD, -1.37; 95%CI, -2.44 to -0.30; p = 0.01). There was no significant difference between the groups in Lysholm score, complications, pivot shift test, anterior drawer test, Lachman test, overall IKDC score, or range of motion. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that for primary ACL reconstruction using the single-bundle technique, soft-tissue allografts were inferior to hamstring tendon autografts in subjective IKDC score, anterior drawer test, and side-to-side difference. CONCLUSION: Soft-tissue allografts are inferior to hamstring tendon autografts with respect to subjective patient evaluation and knee stability but superior in the complication of hypoesthesia for patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction.

Bilateral discoid medial meniscus associated with meniscal tears and hypoplasia of the medial femoral condyle: A case report.

RATIONALE: Bilateral discoid medial menisci is an extremely rare abnormality of the knee joint. The presence of a discoid medial meniscus has been associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiographic changes in the tibial region, such as cupping of the medial tibial plateau and tibial physis collapse. While discoid medial meniscal tears with hypoplasia of the femoral medial condyles have not been previously reported. Herein, we report a case of bilateral discoid medial menisci associated with meniscal tears and femoral bone changes. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 28-year-old man presented with left knee pain and restricted range of motion; the right knee was asymptomatic. DIAGNOSES: Based on radiographic and MRI findings, he was diagnosed with bilateral discoid medial meniscal tears. INTERVENTIONS: Partial meniscectomy and reshaping were performed for the torn discoid medial meniscus of the left knee only. OUTCOMES: MRI revealed short, flattened femoral medial condyles in the coronal and sagittal planes, and hypoplasia of the femoral medial condyles in the axial plane; these findings were confirmed arthroscopically in the left knee. The patient had a satisfactory results at the 12-month follow-up. LESSONS: This case indicates a potential link between discoid medial menisci and hypoplasia of the femoral medial condyle. We recommend preservation of the discoid medial meniscus in asymptomatic patients, while arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and reshaping is recommended in symptomatic patients.

Improved arthroscopic one-piece excision technique for the treatment of symptomatic discoid medial meniscus.

BACKGROUND: Discoid medial meniscus is an extremely rare abnormality of the knee. During arthroscopic meniscectomy for symptomatic discoid medial meniscus, it is difficult to remove the posterior portion of the meniscus because of the confined working space within the compartment and the obstruction caused by the anterior cruciate ligament and the tibial intercondylar eminence. To overcome these problems, we describe an improved arthroscopic technique for one-piece excision of symptomatic discoid medial meniscus through three unique portals. METHODS: Three improved portals were made in the injured knee: a standard anteromedial portal, a central transpatellar tendon portal, and a high anterolateral portal. The anterior side of the discoid medial meniscus was cut 7 mm from the periphery of the meniscus. Next, the anterior portion of the free discoid meniscus fragment was pulled in the anterolateral direction with tension. A curve-shaped cut was made along the longitudinal tear to the posterior horn using basket forceps through the standard anteromedial portal. Then, the anterior portion of the free discoid meniscus was pulled in the anteromedial direction. Pulling the fragment under tension made it easier to cut the posterior side of the discoid meniscus. The posterior side of the discoid meniscus was cut 7 mm from the periphery of the meniscus with straight scissors or basket forceps through the central transpatellar tendon portal. RESULTS: This technique resulted in satisfactory results. Excellent visualization of the posterior part of the discoid medial meniscus was gained during the procedure, and it was easy to cut the posterior part of the discoid medial meniscus. No recurrent symptoms were found. CONCLUSIONS: This improved arthroscopic one-piece excision technique for the treatment of symptomatic discoid medial meniscus enables the posterior part of the meniscus to be cut satisfactorily. Moreover, compared with previous techniques, this novel technique causes less formation of foreign bodies and less damage to the anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and cartilage and requires a shorter procedural time.