Early versus delayed mobilization for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (small to large sized tear): a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The timing to start passive or active range of motion (ROM) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated early versus delayed passive and active ROM protocols following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature on the outcomes of early active/passive versus delayed active/passive postoperative arthroscopic rotator cuff repair rehabilitation protocols. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to April 2022 comparing early motion (EM) versus delayed motion (DM) rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for partial and full-thickness tear was conducted. The primary outcome was range of motion (anterior flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, abduction) and the secondary outcomes were Constant-Murley score (CMS), Simple Shoulder Test Score (SST score) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs with 1,082 patients were included in this study (7 RCTs for early passive motion (EPM) vs. delayed passive motion (DPM) and 7 RCTs for early active motion (EAM) vs. delayed active motion (DAM). Anterior flexion (1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55-2.25) and abduction (2.73, 95%CI, 0.74-4.71) were higher in the EPM group compared to DPM. Similarly, EAM showed superiority in anterior flexion (1.57, 95%CI, 0.62-2.52) and external rotation (1.59, 95%CI, 0.36-2.82), compared to DAM. There was no difference between EPM and DPM for external rotation, retear rate, CMS and SST scores. There was no difference between EAM and DAM for retear rate, abduction, CMS and VAS. CONCLUSION: EAM and EPM were both associated with superior ROM compared to the DAM and DPM protocols. EAM and EPM were both safe and beneficial to improve ROM after arthroscopic surgery for the patients with small to large sized tears.

The Impact of Pharmacist-Managed Service on Warfarin Therapy in Patients after Mechanical Valve Replacement.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of pharmacist interventions on international normalized ratio (INR) control during the warfarin initiation phase after mechanical valve replacement. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a cardiovascular surgery ward in a tertiary hospital from August 1, 2015, to July 31, 2019. Patients aged ≥20 years who were admitted for mechanical valve replacement were enrolled in this study and further classified into conventional and pharmacist-managed warfarin therapy (PMWT) groups. All participants were prospectively followed up until the first outpatient appointment after valve replacement. The effectiveness outcomes were time in therapeutic range (TTR), time to therapeutic INR, number of patients with therapeutic INR at discharge and at first outpatient appointment, and length of hospital stay. The safety outcome was the number of patients with any supratherapeutic INR during the hospital stay. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were also used to determine the predictors of a therapeutic INR at discharge or with any supratherapeutic INR during admission. Results: A total of 39 and 33 patients were enrolled in the conventional and PMWT groups, respectively. At discharge, 18 patients (46.2%) in the conventional group and 24 patients (72.7%) in the PMWT group had achieved the therapeutic INR (P=0.023). Compared to the conventional group, fewer patients in the PMWT group had supratherapeutic INR during hospital stay (35.9% vs. 9.0%, P=0.008). No significant differences were found in TTR, time to therapeutic INR, number of patients with therapeutic INR at return appointment, and length of stay between the study groups. In the multivariate regression analyses, PMWT predicted achieving therapeutic INR at discharge (odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.14 [1.08-9.14]) and was inversely associated with supratherapeutic INRs during admission (OR = 0.21 [0.05-0.82]). Conclusions: Among patients admitted for mechanical valve replacement, the implementation of PMWT was associated with optimal therapeutic INR at discharge and no supratherapeutic INR during admission. Therefore, pharmacist participation is essential for improving the quality of warfarin therapy.

Nephrotoxins and acute kidney injury - The consensus of the Taiwan acute kidney injury Task Force.

The Taiwan Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Task Force conducted a review of data and developed a consensus regarding nephrotoxins and AKI. This consensus covers: (1) contrast-associated AKI; (2) drug-induced nephrotoxicity; (3) prevention of drug-associated AKI; (4) follow up after AKI; (5) re-initiation of medication after AKI. Strategies for the avoidance of contrast media related AKI, including peri-procedural hydration, sodium bicarbonate solutions, oral N-acetylcysteine, and iso-osmolar/low-osmolar non-ionic iodinated contrast media have been recommended, given the respective evidence levels. Regarding anticoagulants, both warfarin and new oral anticoagulants have potential nephrotoxicity, and dosage should be reduced if renal pathology exam proves renal injury. Recommended strategies to prevent drug related AKI have included assessment of 5R/(6R) reactions - risk, recognition, response, renal support, rehabilitation and (research), use of AKI alert system and computerized decision support. In terms of antibiotics-associated AKI, avoiding concomitant administration of vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam, monitoring vancomycin trough level, switching from vancomycin to teicoplanin in high-risk patients, and replacing conventional amphotericin B with lipid-based amphotericin B have been shown to reduce drug related AKI. With respect to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug associated AKI, it is recommended to use these drugs cautiously in the elderly and in patients receiving renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors/diuretics triple combinations.

Surgical outcomes of elderly patients aged more than 80 years with distal radius fracture: comparison of external fixation and locking plate.

BACKGROUND: To compare the outcomes after surgical intervention, including external fixation (EF) with the optional addition of K-pins or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a volar locking plate (VLP), in patients with distal radius fracture aged > 80 years. METHODS: We reviewed 69 patients with a distal radius fracture aged > 80 years who treated under surgical intervention from 2011 to 2017 retrospectively. Their demographic data and complications were recorded. Preoperative, postoperative, and last follow-up plain films were analyzed. The functional outcomes of wrist range of motion were also evaluated. RESULTS: 41 patients were treated with EF with the optional addition of K-pins, while 28 patients were treated with ORIF with a VLP. The radiological parameters, including ulnar variance and radial inclination, at the last follow-up were significantly more acceptable in the VLP group (p = 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively). The forearm supination was significantly better in patients treated with VLP (p = 0.002). The overall incidence of complications was lower in the VLP group (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: VLP provides better radiological outcomes, wrist supination and lower complication rates than EF. Therefore, although EF is still widely used because of its acceptable results and easy application, we recommend VLP as a suitable treatment option for distal radius fracture in the geriatric population aged > 80 years.

Safety assessment of astaxanthin derived from engineered Escherichia coli K-12 using a 13-week repeated dose oral toxicity study and a prenatal developmental toxicity study in rats.

Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid with strong antioxidant activity that has been used for decades as a nutrient/color additive and it has recently been marketed as a health supplement. Astaxanthin can be synthesized in a wide range of microalgae, yeast, and bacteria. As genes directing astaxanthin biosynthesis in various organisms have been cloned, this study assessed the safety of astaxanthin crystal produced by Escherichia coli K-12 harboring plasmids carrying astaxanthin biosynthetic genes. The astaxanthin crystal contains a total carotenoid content of 950 mg/g and an astaxanthin content of 795 mg/g. Subchronic oral toxicity and prenatal developmental toxicity of the astaxanthin in rats were conducted in accordance with the Guidelines of Health Food Safety Assessment promulgated by Food and Drug Administration of Taiwan which is based on OECD guidelines 408 and 414. Both male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (12 for each gender) receiving the astaxanthin crystal at 1.2, 240.0, or 750.0 mg/kg/day in olive oil via oral gavage for 90 days showed no changes in body weight gains, hematology and serum chemistry values and hepatic enzyme stability, organ integrity and organ weight. Except the higher food consumption observed in rats receiving 750.0 mg/g astaxanthin crystal, administration of the astaxanthin crystal to 25-27 pregnant female rats in each group throughout the period of organogenesis (G6-G15) produced no adverse effects on fetal organogenesis. Based on the results, we propose that the no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of the astaxanthin crystal extracted from genetically modified E. coli K-12 is 750.0 mg/kg bw/day.

Surgical outcome of atypical subtrochanteric and femoral fracture related to bisphosphonates use in osteoporotic patients with or without teriparatide treatment.

BACKGROUND: Atypical subtrochanteric fracture and femoral fracture have been considered to be rare complications related to long-term bisphosphonates use. A reduced bone turnover rate may lead to delayed bone healing. Limited data have revealed that teriparatide treatment may reverse the effect of bisphosphonates and be effective in bone healing. METHODS: We reviewed patients with atypical subtrochanteric and femoral fracture related to bisphosphonates use between January 2008 and December 2014. Thirteen female patients were enrolled. Radiographic findings were compatible with the characteristics of atypical fracture. Surgical intervention was performed for all, and teriparatide use was advised postoperatively. Outcome measures included perioperative results, and clinical and radiographic outcome. RESULTS: Of the 13 female patients enrolled, 10 had subtrochanteric and 6 had proximal femoral fracture; 3 had bilateral fractures. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 70.15±6.36 years. Most fractures (68.8%) presented prodromal thigh pain. All patients were treated with an intramedullary fixation system without severe complications. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether they had received treatment with teriparatide or not. The mean time to bone union was 4.4 months in the teriparatide-treated group, and 6.2 months in the non-teriparatide-treated group (p=0.116). Six patients (75%) in the teriparatide-treated group and 4 (50%) in the non-teriparatide-treated group (p= 0.3) achieved bone union within 6 months. The means of the modified Harris Hip Score and Numerical Rating Scale were significantly better in the teriparatide-treated group at postoperative 6 months. Seven patients had the same ability to walk at the 1-year follow-up as they did before the atypical fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Teriparatide treatment in patients with atypical fracture may help in fracture healing, hip function recovery, and pain relief in this reduced bone turnover patient group.

Sequential culture with aroma-producing yeast strains to improve the quality of Kyoho wine.

Despite many non-Saccharomyces yeasts being considered spoilage microorganisms, they can increase aroma and flavor diversity in alcoholic beverages. The purpose of this study was to investigate nontraditional inoculation strategies using aroma-producing yeast strains for Kyoho wine fermentation, followed by an instrumental analysis and sensory evaluation. The winemaking process was carried out using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Gr112, Hanseniaspora uvarum Pi235, and Pichia kluyveri Pe114. Multiple inoculation strategies were explored. In instrumental analysis results, mixed culture could promote the formation of esters (5.9-folds) and glycerol (1.3-folds) and reduce the content of ethanol (-0.5% [v/v]) in wine. The sensory analysis results suggested that the three yeast strains sequential inoculation treatment was associated with the aroma attributes "floral," "red fruity," and "tropical fruity." Co-cultivation contributed to an increase in complexity and aromatic intensity, with the three-strain inoculation treatment presenting a more distinctive appearance. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The inoculation of S. cerevisiae improved the accumulation of volatile acids and esters by inhibiting the growth of non-Saccharomyces yeast strains. Inoculation of H. uvarum and P. kluyveri would effectively solve the defect of excessive content of higher alcohols in wines produced by S. cerevisiae. The suitable inoculation strategy between non-Saccharomyces yeasts could improve the overall quality of Kyoho wine whose starter might be widely used in fermentation industry.

Comparative Analysis of Posterior Approach Versus Anterior Approach for Posterior Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Posterior tibial plateau fractures can lead to significant posttraumatic instability if not treated properly. It remains unclear which surgical approach achieves better patient outcomes. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing anterior, posterior, or combined approach for posterior tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched for studies published before October 26, 2022, comparing anterior, posterior, or combined approaches for posterior tibial plateau fractures. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Outcomes included complications, infections, range of motion (ROM), operation time, union rates, and functional scores. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Meta-analysis was conducted with STATA software. RESULTS: In total, 29 studies with a total of 747 patients were included for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Compared with other approaches, the posterior approach for posterior tibial plateau fractures was associated with a better ROM and shorter operative time. The complication rates, infection rates, union time, and hospital for special surgery (HSS) scores were not significantly different between surgical approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior approach for posterior tibial plateau fractures offers advantages such as improved ROM and shorter operative time. However, there are concerns regarding prone positioning in patients with medical or pulmonary comorbidities and indications in polytrauma cases. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal approach for these fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Involving Pharmacist for Medication Therapy Management in a Heart Transplant Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are common in recipients of solid organ transplants. Pharmacist-led medication therapy management (MTM) has cost benefits in kidney and liver transplants; however, whether MTM is also beneficial in heart transplants remains unclear. This study explored the cost benefits of involving pharmacists in the heart transplant clinic. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated DRPs for 1 year after implementation of pharmacist-led MTM in a heart transplant clinic. The DRPs were compared between patients receiving transplantation for <1 and >1 year. The risk matrix method was used to assess each DRP in terms of the estimated probability and severity of consequent adverse drug events (ADEs). For cost analysis, both estimated cost savings and avoidance were calculated. RESULTS: During the 1-year MTM, 372 DRPs were identified by the pharmacist, among which 169 (45%) and 203 (55%) were from patients at <1-year and ≥1-year post-transplant periods, respectively. The 2 post-transplant periods (<1 year and ≥1 year) exhibited significant differences in the distribution of the dosage or frequency problems (30% vs 18%, P = .005) and the suggestion of more appropriate medication (4% vs 10%, P = .024). In all, 92 (29%) DRPs had an ADE probability of >10%; and 63 (17%) DRPs were estimated to cause ADEs with moderate severity or higher. The estimated cost savings and cost avoidance were US $4902 and US $4519, which equaled a cost-benefit ratio of 2.39. CONCLUSION: Integration of pharmacists into heart transplant clinics could help address DRPs and may have cost benefits.

Total intravenous anesthesia for geriatric hip fracture with severe systemic disease.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to determine the impact of a novel technique of anesthesia administration on the clinical outcomes and complications in geriatric patients with severe systemic disease undergoing hip surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients aged > 65 years with severe systemic disease that was a constant of life [American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) IV] who underwent surgery for hip fracture between January 2018 and January 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I [fascia iliaca compartment block plus propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (FICB + TIVA)] and Group II [general anesthesia (GA)]. The primary outcomes were 30-day and 1-year mortality. The secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, postoperative morbidity, Visual Analog Scale score, and consumption of analgesics. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the 30-day mortality (5 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.85) and 1-year mortality (15 vs. 12%, p = 0.73) between the groups. Group I had significantly lower ICU requirements (p = 0.01) and shorter lengths of ICU stay (p < 0.001) and hospital stay (p < 0.001). Moreover, a smaller proportion of patients in Group I required postoperative morphine or oral opiates. CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients who underwent hip surgery under FICB + TIVA required fewer ICU admissions, shorter lengths of ICU and hospital stay, and had lesser postoperative opioid consumption than those who were under GA. Hence, we recommend the novel FICB + TIVA technique for hip fracture surgery in geriatric patients with poor general health status and high surgical risks (ASA IV).

Meta-analysis of cultural differences in Western and Asian patient-perceived barriers to managing cancer pain.

PURPOSE: barriers to managing cancer pain contribute to cancer patients' reluctance to report pain and use prescribed analgesics, resulting in inadequate pain control. Patients' perceived barriers to managing cancer pain may be influenced by culture. This meta-analysis compared differences in Western and Asian patient-perceived barriers to managing cancer pain. METHODS: the literature was systematically reviewed to compare pain barriers in Western and Asian cancer patients in 22 studies that used Ward's Barrier Questionnaire. Differences in weighted barrier scores were compared by meta-regression analysis. RESULTS: Asian cancer patients had higher barrier scores than Western patients, except for barriers of 'good patient', 'side effects', 'distract physician', 'fear of injections', and 'addiction'. Meta-regression analysis indicated that Asian patients' perceived pain barriers differed significantly from those of Western patients for disease progression (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80, 1.84, p < 0.0001), tolerance (WMD = 1.63; 95% CI 0.91, 2.36, p < 0.0001), fatalism (WMD = 0.89; 95% CI 0.28, 1.52, p = 0.004), and total score (WMD = 0.82; 95% CI 0.36, 1.28, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Asian patients' perceived barriers to managing cancer pain were significantly higher than those for Western patients (especially for concerns about disease progression, tolerance, and fatalism). Asian cancer patients need to be assessed and carefully treated for perceived barriers to optimize cancer pain management.

Fat Embolism Syndrome and in-Hospital Mortality Rates According to Patient Age: A Large Nationwide Retrospective Study.

Introduction: Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare life-threatening condition that can develop after traumatic orthopedic injuries. Controversy remains concerning the epidemiology in the elderly population. Therefore, this study aims to report FES related to in-hospital mortality stratified by age. Methods: A retrospective trauma cohort study was conducted using data from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2007 to 2014. All FES cases were included in the study with the diagnosis of FES (ICD9 958.1). Death on arrival cases were excluded. Patients were stratified by age cohort: less than 40 (G1), 40-64 (G2), and greater than 65 (G3) years of age. The primary outcome evaluated was in-hospital mortality. Multivariable regression models were performed to adjust for potential confounders. Results: Between 2007 and 2014, 451 people from a total of 5,836,499 trauma patients in the NTDB met the inclusion criteria. The incidence rate was 8 out of 100,000. The inpatient mortality rate was 11.8% for all subjects with the highest mortality rate of 17.6% in patients over 65. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that age greater than 65 years was an independent predictor of mortality (aOR 24.16, 95% CI 3.73, 156.59, p=0.001), despite higher incidence and injury severity of FES among patients less than 40. No significant association with length of hospital stay, length of intensive unit care, or length of ventilation use was found between the groups. Subgroup analysis of the elderly population also showed a higher mortality rate for FES in femoral neck fracture patients (18%) than other femoral fractures (14%). Conclusion: In this retrospective cohort analysis, old age (≥ 65 years) was found to be an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality among fat embolism syndrome patients. Elderly patients specifically with femoral neck fractures should be monitored for the development of FES.

Distal femur fractures have a higher mortality rate compared to hip fractures among the elderly: Insights from the National Trauma Data Bank.

INTRODUCTION: The comparison of mortality and morbidity between distal femur (DF) and hip fracture in the old age is rarely reported in the literature. We aim to analyze a nationwide database among the elderly to compare the outcomes between hip fractures and distal femur fractures in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank was queried between 2007-2014 to identify distal femur (DF) and hip fracture patients greater than 65 years of age. Outcomes analyzed included in-hospital mortality, total hospital length of stay(LOS), intensive care unit length of stay(ICU-LOS), length of ventilation use and hospital discharge disposition. Multivariable regression models were performed to adjust for potential confounders. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.001. RESULTS: 26,325 (10.1%) and 233,213 (89.9%) patients reported a diagnosis of DF and hip fracture, respectively. The inpatient mortality rate was significantly higher in the distal femur fracture group (8.3% vs. 6.7%), with significantly longer LOS (7.87 vs. 6.65), ICU-LOS (1.50 vs. 0.73), and required ventilation days (0.74 vs. 0.27). Multivariable analyses demonstrated that hip fracture patients had a lower mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.80; 95% CI [0.76, -0.85]; p < 0.001), shorter LOS ([aOR], -0.31; 95% CI [-0.39, -0.23]; P < 0.001), and more likely to be discharged home ([aOR], 0.88; 95% CI, 0.85, 0.91; P < 0.001, compared to DF fracture patients. CONCLUSION: After adjusting for potential factors, DF fracture patients have a significantly higher mortality, longer LOS, and less likely to be discharged home compared to hip fractures among the elderly. These results may suggest clinicians and caregivers for closely monitoring of clinical conditions for these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Determination of benzotriazole and benzothiazole derivatives in marketed fish by double-vortex-ultrasonic assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry.

Benzotriazoles (BTRs) and benzothiazoles (BTs) are two groups of emerging concern and high production volume contaminants. Via the biomagnification of the food web, they could jeopardize human health. In this work, rapid determining the presence of five BTRs and two BTs in marketed fish was performed by a novel double-vortex-ultrasonic assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion (DVUA-MSPD) and UHPLC-electrospray ionization (+)-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection. Unlike traditional MSPD, we simplified the method without the use of mortar/pestle and SPE-column procedures. The DVUA-MSPD factors were screened by a multilevel categorical design, and then optimized by Box-Behnken Design plus with response surface methodology. The limits of quantification were 0.15-2 ng g-1 (dry weight). The satisfactory average recovery ranged from 70% to 93% with RSDs less than 9%. The developed method was successfully applied for the rapid determination of selected BTRs and BTs in fish samples at trace-level.

The impact of systemic lupus erythematosus on the risk of infection after total hip arthroplasty: a nationwide population-based matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the risk of infection after total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: We identified patients undergoing primary THA (1996-2013) in Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients were then divided into the SLE and control groups according to the diagnosis of SLE. We used 1:1 propensity score to match the control to the SLE group by age, sex, and comorbidities. The primary outcome was infection, including early and late superficial wound infection and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The secondary outcome was in-hospital complications. RESULTS: We enrolled 325 patients in each group. In the primary outcome, the incidence of early superficial wound infection and PJI was comparable between the SLE and matched-control group. However, the incidence of late superficial wound infection and PJI in the SLE group was higher than that in matched-control group (11.4% vs. 5.5%, P = 0.01; 5.2% vs 2.2%, P = 0.04, respectively). Furthermore, the SLE group had a higher risk for late superficial wound infection and PJI (hazard ratio = 2.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35-4.16; HR = 2.74, 95% CI 1.14-6.64, respectively) than the matched-control. Complications other than infection and in-hospital mortality cannot be compared because of very low incidence. CONCLUSIONS: SLE is a risk factor for developing late superficial wound infection and PJI, but not for early postoperative complications following THA. Clinical presentations should be monitored to avoid misdiagnosis of PJI in SLE patients after THA.

Prognostic factors and outcomes of secondary surgery after plate fixation for midshaft clavicle fracture: Comparison of traditional DCP and pre-contoured locking plate.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors of reoperation after plate fixation for midshaft clavicle fracture and compare outcomes of dynamic compression plates (DCP) and pre-contoured locking plates. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: We recruited 274 consecutive patients who underwent plate fixation for midshaft clavicle fracture from 2007 to 2017 and completed at least 1 year of follow-up. INTERVENTION: 235 patients underwent surgery with DCP, while 39 patients were treated with locking plate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: We reviewed the possible variables of secondary surgeries, and documented complications from the medical records. Patients with a DCP or locking plate were further divided for outcome comparisons. RESULTS: 150 (54.7%) patients underwent reoperation after the initial surgery, and plate removal represented the major etiology. On multivariate analysis, superficial wound infection and prominent implant were identified as significant risk factors for reoperation, while aging, locking plate usage, and higher body mass index (BMI) were protective factors (all P < 0.05). The locking plate featured a significantly decreased implant removal rate (7.7% vs. 60.9%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with risk factors for superficial wound infection or a prominent implant tended to require a secondary operation after surgery for midshaft clavicle fracture, while aging, pre-contoured locking plate usage, and higher BMI decreased the risk. Compared with DCP, patients with locking plates tended to have better prognosis and significantly lower implant removal rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic III.

Antibacterial Application on Staphylococcus aureus Using Antibiotic Agent/Zinc Oxide Nanorod Arrays/Polyethylethylketone Composite Samples.

In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod arrays as antibiotic agent carriers were grown on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) substrates using a chemical synthesis method. With the concentration of ammonium hydroxide in the precursor solution kept at 4 M, ZnO nanorod arrays with diameters in the range of 100-400 nm and a loading density of 1.7 mg/cm2 were grown onto the PEEK substrates. Their drug release profiles and the antibacterial properties of the antibiotic agent/ZnO/PEEK samples in the buffer solution were investigated. The results showed that the concentrations of antibiotic agents (ampicillin or vancomycin) released from the samples into the buffer solution were higher than the value of minimum inhibitory concentration of 90% for Staphylococcus aureus within the 96 h test. The bioactivities of ampicillin and vancomycin on substrates also showed around 40% and 80% on the Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. In the antibacterial activity test, sample with the suitable loading amount of antibiotic agent had a good inhibitory effect on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

Engineered periosteum-bone biomimetic bone graft enhances posterolateral spine fusion in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and periosteum-derived cells (PDCs) have shown great viability in terms of osteogenic potential and have been considered the major cellular source for skeletal tissue engineering. Using a PDCs-impregnated cell sheet to surround a BMSCs-impregnated tricalcium phosphate (TCP) scaffold might create a periosteum-bone biomimetic bone graft substitute to enhance spine fusion. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using this newly tissue-engineered biomimetic bone graft for posterolateral spine fusion. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This study design was based on an animal model using adult male New Zealand White rabbits. METHODS: New Zealand White rabbits underwent operation and were divided into three groups based on the experimental material implanted in the bilateral L4-L5 intertransverse space. Group 1 was BMSCs-free TCP wrapped in a PDCs-free cell sheet. Group 2 was BMSCs-loaded-TCP wrapped in a PDCs-free cell sheet. Group 3 was BMSCs-loaded-TCP wrapped in a PDCs-loaded cell sheet. After 12 weeks, six rabbits from each group were euthanized for computed tomography scanning, manual palpation, biomechanical testing, and histology. Each group had 12 radiographic fusion areas for analysis because the right and left intertransverse fusion areas were collected separately. RESULTS: Radiographic union of 12 fusion areas for groups 1, 2, and 3 was 0, 3, and 9, respectively. Group 3 had significantly higher fusion success than groups 1 and 2 (p<.001). Solid fusion of six fusion segments in each group by manual palpation was 0, 1, and 5, accordingly. Group 3 had a higher successful solid fusion rate than groups 1 and 2 (p=.005). The average maximal torques at failure were 727±136 N mm, 627±91 N mm, and 882±195 N mm for groups 1, 2, and 3, accordingly. The maximal torque was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2 (p=.028). Histological evaluation verified that new bone regeneration were greater in the group 3 samples. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated the potential of using a PDCs-impregnated cell sheet to surround the BMSCs-impregnated TCP scaffold for creating a periosteum-bone biomimetic bone graft substitute to enhance bone regeneration and posterolateral fusion success.

Osteoblast Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Effects Using 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphocholine-Grafted Stainless-Steel Composite for Implant Applications.

Poor osteogenesis and bacterial infections lead to an implant failure, so the enhanced osteogenic and antimicrobial activity of the implantable device is of great importance in orthopedic applications. In this study, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphocholine (MPC) was grafted onto 316L stainless steel (SS) using a facile photo-induced radical graft polymerization method via a benzophenone (BP) photo initiator. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to determine the nanoscale morphological changes on the surface. The grafted BP-MPC layer was estimated to be tens of nanometers thick. The SS-BP-MPC composite was more hydrophilic and smoother than the untreated and BP-treated SS samples. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria binding onto the SS-BP-MPC composite film surface was significantly reduced compared with the pristine SS and SS-BP samples. Mouse pre-osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cells showed good adhesion on the MPC-modified samples and better proliferation and metabolic activity (73% higher) than the pristine SS sample. Biological studies revealed that grafting MPC onto the SS substrate enhanced the antibacterial efficiency and also retained osteoblast biocompatibility. This proposed procedure is promising for use with other implant materials.

H5 antibody detection by blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a monoclonal antibody.

Many commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are unable to differentiate antibody responses to different avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes. Developing an ELISA for specifically detecting the H5 antibody is the purpose of this study. Four monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) were raised using A/duck/Yunlin/04 (H5N2). They were confirmed as being specific to H5. Two of these antibodies showed hemagglutination inhibition (HI) activity using the HI test. Using immunodot blot assays, three Mabs recognized both Eurasian and American H5, whereas the other Mab recognized only the tested Eurasian H5 virus. When testing denatured H5 antigen, one of the Mabs lost its antigen binding activity using Western blotting. For detecting the H5 humoral response in serum, one monoclonal antibody was purified and labeled with horseradish peroxidase to set up a blocking ELISA. Chicken sera that blocked H5 Mab binding by > 29% were considered H5 antibody positive. Inhibition percentages for sera from chickens infected with other AIV subtypes, H1 to H15, were < 29%. This blocking ELISA was used for 478 field chicken serum samples. The results showed that the sensitivity and specificity of this ELISA were 98.3% (232/236) and 95.9% (232/242), respectively. This blocking ELISA could be used specifically for detecting the H5 humoral responses in chickens.