Construction of a nomogram model for deep vein thrombosis in patients with tibial plateau fracture based on the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incidence of tibial plateau fracture has been on the rise, predominantly affecting the elderly population. Deep vein thrombosis may lead to poor prognosis in patients. the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index are novel biomarkers of inflammation, and this study aims to verify their predictive effect and construct the nomogram model. METHOD: This study used binary logistic regression analysis to predict the predictive effect of SIRI on the occurrence of DVT in tibial plateau fracture patients. And use R studio to construct nomogram model. RESULT: The results showed that NC (7.036 [3.516, 14.080], p < 0.001), LYM (0.507 [0.265, 0.969], p = 0.04), and SIRI (2.090 [1.044, 4.182], p = 0.037) were independent predictive factors for DVT. The nomogram demonstrated good predictive performance with small errors in both the training and validation groups, and most clinical patients could benefit from them. CONCLUSION: The nomogram constructed based on SIRI can assist clinicians in early assessment of the probability of DVT occurrence.

MMP-13 enzyme and pH responsive theranostic nanoplatform for osteoarthritis.

Stimulus-responsive therapy permits precise control of therapeutic effect only at lesion of interest, which determines it a promising method for diagnosis and imaging-guided precision therapy. The acid environment and overexpressed matrix metalloproteinases-13 (MMP-13) are typical markers in osteoarthritis (OA), which enables the development of stimulus-responsive drug delivery system with high specificity for OA. We herein demonstrate a nano-micelle based stimuli-responsive theranostic strategy with reporting and drug release controlled by acidic pH and MMP-13 for OA therapy. Such nanoplatform is incorporated with a motif specifically targeting on cartilage, a motif responsive to matrix metalloproteinases-13 to specifically report OA condition and biodynamics of nano-micelles, an anti-inflammatory drug (e.g., psoralidin (PSO)) from traditional Chinese medicine, and a biocompatible polymeric skeleton for sustainable drug release in response to the acidic OA condition. The high effectiveness of this targeted precision therapy is demonstrated comprehensively by both in vitro and vivo evidences.

A novel Bursin-like peptide as a potential virus inhibitor and immunity regulator in SPF chickens infected with recombinant ALV.

BACKGROUND: Avian leukosis viruses (ALVs) are important contagious suppressive factors of chicken immunity and growth performance, resulted in enormous economic loss. Although virus eradication programs are applied in breeder flocks, ALVs are still widespread globally. Therefore, other valuable adjunct to reduce the negative effect of ALVs should be considered. Bursin-like peptide (BLP) showed remarkable immunomodulatory effects, whereas their influence on ALV-infected avian groups has not been reported. Here, a designed hybrid BLP was expressed in E. coli. The purified BLP was injected subcutaneously weekly in SPF chickens congenitally infected with a natural ALV strain. Then the influences of this BLP on the growth performance, immune response and virus titer of ALV-infected chickens were determined. RESULTS: This BLP injection significantly improved the body weights of ALV-infected birds (P < 0.05). BLP injection significantly enhanced organ index in the BF in ALV-infected birds (P < 0.05). The weekly injection of BLP significantly lengthened the maintenance time of antibodies against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) attenuated vaccine of ALV-infected birds (P < 0.05) and boosted the antibody titer against avian influenza virus (AIV) H5 inactive vaccine of mock chicken (P < 0.05). BLP injection in mock chickens enhanced the levels of serum cytokines (IL-2, IL-4 and interferon-γ) (P < 0.05). Surprisingly, the novel BLP significantly inhibited expression of the ALV gp85 gene in the thymus (P < 0.05), kidney (P < 0.05) and bursa of Fabricius (BF) (P < 0.01) of ALV-infected chickens. Both viral RNA copy number and protein level decreased significantly with BLP (50 µg/mL) inoculation before ALV infection in DF1 cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report investigating the influence of BLP on the growth and immunity performance of chickens infected by ALV. It also is the first report about the antiviral effect of BLP in vivo and in vitro. This BLP expressed in E. coli showed potential as a vaccine adjuvant, growth regulator and antiretroviral drug in chickens to decrease the negative effects of ALV infection.

Immunomodulatory effectiveness of licofelone in preventing epidural fibrosis in post-laminectomy rat.

OBJECTIVE: The object of this study was to investigate the effects of licofelone on the prevention of epidural fibrosis (EF) formation in post-laminectomy rat models. METHODS: A controlled double-blinded study was conducted in sixty, healthy adult Wistar rats that underwent laminectomy at the L1-L2 vertebrae levels. All the rats were divided randomly into three groups according to the treatment (via oral gavage): (1) licofelone treatment group; (2) vehicle treatment group; (3) sham group (laminectomy without treatment). All rats were euthanized humanely 4 weeks postoperatively. The macroscopic assessment of EF, hydroxyproline content in epidural scar tissue, histological analysis, and the mRNA measurements of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-ß1 were performed. RESULTS: The Rydell score, hydroxyproline content, epidural scar density, and inflammatory factors expressions all suggested better results in licofelone group than the other two groups. CONCLUSION: The application of licofelone could reduce hydroxyproline deposits, inflammatory factors expressions and prevent epidural adhesions in post-laminectomy rats.

Nomogram based on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol for the occurrence of preoperative deep vein thrombosis in patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to develop a nomogram and forecast the incidence of DVT in individuals suffering from an intertrochanteric femur fracture. METHOD: This work created a nomogram using the R programming language and employed logistic regression to determine independent predicting features. An external validation dataset was used to validate the nomogram. RESULT: The findings demonstrated the independence of LYM (0.02[0.01-0.09], p < 0.001), ALB (0.83[0.74, 0.94], p = 0.002), and HDL-C (0.18[0.04, 0.71], p = 0.014). Good prediction performance with modest errors was shown by the nomogram in both the training and validation groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the nomogram that was created using HDL-C, ALB, and LYM can assist medical professionals in determining the likelihood that DVT will occur.

Prediction of the active compounds and mechanism of Biochanin A in the treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

BACKGROUND: Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a special self-limited disease in pediatric orthopedics with a high disability rate and a long-term course, and there is still no clear and effective therapeutic drug in clinic. This study aimed to investigate the potential efficacy of biochanin A, a kind of oxygen-methylated isoflavone compound, in treating Perthes disease based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experiments. METHODS: IL-6 was used to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells to construct endothelial cell dysfunction model. We demonstrated whether biochanin A could alleviate endothelial dysfunction through CCK8 assay, immunofluorescence. Targets of biochanin A from pharmMappeer, SWISS, and TargetNet databases were screened. Targets of endothelial dysfunction were obtained from Genecards and OMIM databases. Protein-protein interaction, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics analyses were used to analyze the potential target and the key pathway of the anti-endothelial dysfunction activity of biochanin A. To validate the potential target-drug interactions, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed and the result was proved by western blot. RESULTS: It was found that biochanin A can promote the expression of ZO-1, reduce the expression of ICAM-1, which means improving endothelial dysfunction. A total of 585 targets of biochanin A from pharmMappeer, SWISS, and TargetNet databases were screened. A total of 10,832 targets of endothelial dysfunction were obtained from Genecards and OMIM databases. A total of 527 overlapping targets of endothelial dysfunction and biochanin A were obtained. AKT1, TNF-α, VCAM1, ICAM1, and NOS3 might be the key targets of the anti-endothelial dysfunction activity of biochanin A, and the key pathways might be PI3K-Akt and TNF signaling pathways. Molecular docking results indicated that the AKT1 and TNF-α had the highest affinity binding with biochanin A. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that biochanin A can target AKT1 and TNF-α to alleviate endothelial dysfunction induced by IL-6 in Perthes disease, which provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of Perthes disease by using biochanin A.

Biochanin A inhibits endothelial dysfunction induced by IL­6­stimulated endothelial microparticles in Perthes disease via the NFκB pathway.

Endothelial dysfunction caused by the stimulation of endothelial microparticles (EMPs) by the inflammatory factor IL-6 is one of the pathogenic pathways associated with Perthes disease. The natural active product biochanin A (BCA) has an anti-inflammatory effect; however, whether it can alleviate endothelial dysfunction in Perthes disease is not known. The present in vitro experiments on human umbilical vein endothelial cells showed that 0-100 pg/ml IL-6-EMPs could induce endothelial dysfunction in a concentration-dependent manner, and the results of the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay revealed that, at concentrations of <20 µM, BCA had no cytotoxic effect. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR demonstrated that BCA reduced the expression levels of the endothelial dysfunction indexes E-selectin and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in a concentration-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence and western blotting illustrated that BCA increased the expression levels of zonula occludens-1 and decreased those of ICAM-1. Mechanistic studies showed that BCA inhibited activation of the NFκB pathway. In vivo experiments demonstrated that IL-6 was significantly increased in the rat model of ischemic necrosis of the femoral head, whereas BCA inhibited IL-6 production. Therefore, in Perthes disease, BCA may inhibit the NFκB pathway to suppress IL-6-EMP-induced endothelial dysfunction, and could thus be regarded as a potential treatment for Perthes disease.

Association of interleukin-1 gene polymorphisms with multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulated levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) were observed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Previous studies have provided conflicting evidence implicating the IL-1 gene polymorphisms in MS risk. METHODS: A meta-analysis of 16 case-control studies involving 3,482 cases and 3,528 controls was conducted to evaluate this association. RESULTS: No association was found between the IL-1α -889 (rs1800587), IL-1α +4,845 (rs17561), IL-1ß -511 (rs16944), IL-1ß +3,953 (rs1143634), IL-1ra variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms and MS risk. However, in subgroup analyses for the IL-1ra VNTR polymorphism, we found that individuals carrying the 2 allele had a 32 % increased risk for bout-onset MS (relapsing remitting and secondary progressive MS) when compared to the LL homozygotes (OR = 1.32, 95 % CI = 1.06-1.66, P (z) = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Common variants in the IL-1 region are not associated with MS risk but our data suggest that the IL-1ra VNTR polymorphism might be associated with bout-onset MS subtype.

Testing relationship between tea intake and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal effect of tea intake on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Genetic instruments for tea intake were obtained from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset of the UK Biobank. Genetic association estimates for RA (6236 cases and 147,221 controls) and SLE (538 cases and 213,145 controls) were obtained from the FinnGen study through the IEU GWAS database. RESULTS: MR analyses using the inverse-variance weighted method showed that tea intake was not associated with risk of RA [odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation increment in genetically predicted tea intake = 0.997, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.658-1.511] and SLE (OR per standard deviation increment in genetically predicted tea intake = 0.961, 95% CI 0.299-3.092). Weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger, leave-one-out and multivariable MR controlling for several confounding factors including current tobacco smoking, coffee intake, and alcoholic drinks per week yielded completely consistent results. No evidence of heterogeneity and pleiotropy was found. CONCLUSION: Our MR study did not suggest a causal effect of genetically predicted tea intake on RA and SLE.

Platelet to lymphocyte ratio was a risk factor in Perthes disease.

The study was aimed to determine the relationship between PLR (platelet to lymphocyte ratio) and the lateral pillar classification of Perthes disease, and to provide an alternative index for clinical diagnosis. In addition, the association of the PLR with the necrosis stage of Perthes disease was also explored. This was a retrospective study. 74 children with Perthes disease and 60 children in the healthy control group without femoral head necrosis in our hospital from 2012 to 2021 were collected. The general data and clinical parameters were collected from the hospital information system. The modified herring lateral pillar classification was collected for the fragmentation stage case group and the PLR, NLR (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio), LMR (lymphocyte to monocyte ratio) and PNR (platelet to neutrophil ratio) were calculated. The cases were divided into four groups, herring A and B were group I, herring B/C and C were group II, the healthy control group was group III, and the necrosis stage was group IV. The hematological indexes (NLR, PLR, LMR, PNR) of children at different stages were statistically analyzed. Group I consisted of 36 patients, with an average age of 7.4 ± 2.0 years (3-11 years). Group II consisted of 23 patients, with an average age of 7.4 ± 1.9 years (4-12 years). Group III consisted of 60 patients, with a mean age of 7.4 ± 2.7 years (4-13 years). Group IV consisted of 15 patients, with an average age of 6.4 ± 1.7 years (3-10 years). The average values of PLR in groups I, II, III and IV were 131.98 ± 47.44, 122.19 ± 37.88, 102.46 ± 30.68 and 128.90 ± 28.11, respectively. It's worth noting that there was statistically significant difference among groups I, II and III (P = 0.003). The optimal threshold of PLR was 130.25, the sensitivity was 45.8% and the specificity was 85%. PLR was also significantly different between groups III and group IV. PLR was higher in Herring A and B classifications than in Herring B/C and C classifications. PLR had certain diagnostic value in both the necrosis stage and fragmentation stage as a risk factor.

Influence of ulnar bow sign on surgical treatment of missed Bado type I Monteggia fracture in children.

The present study aimed to explore the influence of ulnar bow on the surgical treatment of Bado type I missed Monteggia fracture in children. A retrospective review of 28 patients was conducted between November 2010 and June 2020. All patients were treated with open reduction of the radial head and ulnar opening wedge osteotomy without annular ligament reconstruction. Four months (range 1-12 months) was the mean interval between injury onset and surgery. The average age of patients at the time of surgery was 6.1 years old (range 2-10 years old). The maximum ulnar bow (MUB) and MUB position (P-MUB) via radiography were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups according to P-MUB, as follows: middle group (A) included 17 cases, and the MUB was located at 40-60% of the distal ulna; and distal group (B) included 11 cases, and the MUB was located at 20-40% from the distal end of the ulna. The mean follow-up period was 33 months (range 6-102 months). At the last follow-up, all the children showed stable reduction of the radial head, and the flexion function of elbow joint improved after the operation (P < 0.05). Group A presented a larger ratio of maximum ulnar bow (R-MUB) and angle of ulnar osteotomy (OA) than group B (P < 0.05). The osteotomy angle was positively correlated with the R-MUB (R2 = 0.394, P = 0.038). The osteotomy angle was positively correlated with the P-MUB (R2 = 0.683, P = 0.000). The R-MUB was proportional to the P-MUB (R2 = 0.459, P < 0.0001). The regression equation of P-MUB and osteotomy angle was as follows: OA = 32.64* P-MUB + 7.206. If the ulnar bow was positioned at the middle ulna, then a stable reduction of radial head needed to be achieved through a large angle in the ulnar osteotomy. If the position of maximum ulnar bow (P-MUB) was closer to the middle of the ulna, or the ratio of maximum ulnar bow (R-MUB) was larger, then the osteotomy angle was larger.

MicroRNA sequence analysis of plasma exosomes in early Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

The pathogenesis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) has not been fully elucidated, and studies on epigenetic changes that may contribute to the pathogenesis of LCPD are rare. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are epigenetic modifications that play a critical role in gene regulation. This study aimed to determine the expression profiles of circulating exosomal miRNAs and examine the role of exosomal miRNAs in LCPD. Exosomes were extracted from the plasma of three patients with LCPD and three matched healthy volunteers. Total exosomal miRNAs were isolated, and next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic approaches were performed. The top 10 most differentially upregulated miRNAs were identified, and qRT-PCR validation was performed using additional 10 matches. In Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, plasma exosomes were used in verifying osteoclastogenesis and the endothelial dysfunction phenotypes involved. The elevated miRNAs in LCPD plasma exosomes were tested for osteoclastogenesis and endothelial dysfunction in vitro. Sequencing results revealed the expression profiles of plasma exosomal miRNAs with differential expression from the DESeq-identified miRNA profiles in LCPD versus controls in a pairwise comparison. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that the predicted target genes of different miRNAs were mainly enriched in the endothelial and osteoclast cells related to signaling pathways. Functional phenotype experiments showed that the plasma exosomes in the LCPD group promoted osteoclastogenesis and endothelial cell dysfunction. qRT-PCR experiments showed that nine miRNAs in circulating exosomes in LCPD patients were higher than those in the healthy controls. miR-3133, miR-4644, miR-4693-3p, and miR-4693-5p promoted endothelial dysfunction, and miR-3133, miR-4693-3p, miR-4693-5p, miR-141-3p and miR-30a promoted osteoclastogenesis in vitro. This study demonstrated that plasma exosomes from LCPD promote endothelial cell dysfunction and osteoclastogenesis likely through their miRNAs, which might contribute to the development of LCPD.

Application of ultrasound in the closed reduction and percutaneous pinning in supracondylar humeral fractures.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound examination can be applied to the diagnosis of pediatric elbow fracture. This study aims to analyze the application value of ultrasound in the surgical treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures. METHODS: 64 children with supracondylar humeral fractures were treated with ultrasound-guided closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP), 31 patients were treated with CRPP under radiography guidence. The reduction effect of supracondylar humeral fractures was determined through the perioperative ultrasound images of the lateral, medial and posterior aspects of the elbow. Percutaneous pinning was performed after supracondylar humeral fractures were well reduced. A follow-up examination was performed and all the patients were evaluated according to Flynn's criteria. RESULTS: The mean duration of surgery was 58.3 min (42-108 min) in the ultrasound group and 41.5 min (24-63 min) in the radiography group (P < 0.05). The mean carrying angle was 8.2° (0°-15°) in the ultrasound group and 9.4°(3°-16°) in the radiography group; The mean Baumann's angle was 75.5°(60°-85°) in the ultrasound group and 73.4°(62°-82°) in the radiography group; The mean lateral humerocapitellar angle was 38.4° (26°-54°) in the ultrasound group and 41.6°(29°-52°) in the radiography group; No significant differences were observed between the two groups. According to the Flynn's criteria, 49 (76.6%) patients had excellent, 10 (15.6%) patients achieved good, 3 (4.7%) patients showed fair results and 2 (3.1%) patients achieved poor results in the ultrasound group; 22 (70.9%) patients had excellent, 6 (19.4%) patients achieved good, 2 (6.5%) patients showed fair results and 1 (3.2%) patients achieved poor results in the radiography group; No statistically significant difference was noted between the results of these two groups (P > 0.05). After surgery, three patients had pin tract infection. One patient had ulnar nerve neurapraxia in the radiography group. No cases with Volkmann's contracture were reported. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided CRPP is a safe and reliable surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

Retroversion of the hemipelvis rather than hypoplastic posterior wall decreases acetabular anteversion in hips affected by Perthes disease.

The acetabular retroversion has a moderate incidence of 31-60% in all patients of the Perthes disease. It might be caused by posterior wall dysplasia based on recent animal researches. However, some studies support that hemipelvic retroversion is the main factor for the acetabular retroversion. The primary pathological factor of increasing retroversion angle is still controversial anatomically. This study aimed to identify whether there is acetabular retroversion in children with Perthes disease,and to find a method to distinguish version types. Forty children with unilateral Perthes disease who were admitted to our hospital from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018 were enrolled, and 40 controls were matched based on sex and age. The acetabular anteversion angle (AAA), internal wall anteversion angle (IWAA), anterior wall height of the acetabulum (A), acetabular posterior wall height (P), and acetabular width (W) were assessed on computed tomography (CT) at the level of the femoral head center. The acetabular wall difference index (AWDI; AWDI = P-A)/W*100) was calculated. The mean AAA was significantly lower in Perthes disease hips (10.59 (8.05-12.46)) than in contralateral hips (12.04 (9.02-13.33)) (p = 0.002) but did not differ from control hips (9.68 ± 3.76) (p = 0.465). The mean IWAA was significantly lower in Perthes hips (9.16 ± 3.89) than in contralateral hips (11.31 ± 4.04) (p = 0.000) but did not differ from control hips (9.43 ± 3.82) (p = 0.753). The mean AWDI did not differ between Perthes hips (0.41 ± 4.94) and contralateral hips (- 1.12 (- 4.50, 2.17)) (p = 0.06) or control hips (- 0.49 ± 5.46) (p = 0.437). The mean W was significantly higher in Perthes hips (44.61 ± 5.06) than in contralateral hips (43.36 ± 4.38) (p = 0.000) but did not differ from control hips (45.02 ± 5.01) (p = 0.719). The mean A and P did not differ between Perthes hips and contralateral hips or control hips. Correlation analysis of all hip joints revealed a significant correlation between AAAs and IWAAs (r = 0.772; r = 0.643; r = 0.608; and r = 0.540). Linear regression analysis revealed that AAAs increased with IWAAs. Multiple linear regression showed that IWAAs and AWDIs have good predictive value for AAAs in both Perthes and control hips (R2 = 0.842, R2 = 0.869). In patients with unilateral Perthes disease, the affected acetabulum is more retroverted than that on the contralateral side, which may be caused by hemipelvic retroversion. The measurements in this study could distinguish the form of acetabular retroversion. IWAAs and AWDIs can be used as new observations in future studies of acetabular version.

Increased circulating CD31+/CD42b-EMPs in Perthes disease and inhibit HUVECs angiogenesis via endothelial dysfunction.

AIMS: Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are extracellular vesicles secreted by endothelial cells. The purpose of this research is to explore that the clinical significance and roles in angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction of circulating microparticles in Perthes disease. MAIN METHODS: We collected platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from patients and controls, then microparticles (MPs) were extracted. Flow cytometry was performed to calculate the concentrations of CD31+/CD42b-, CD62E+ and CD31+/CD42b+ MPs. ELISA was performed to detect the expression level of biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory factors in plasma. In vitro experiments to evaluate the effect of circulating MPs and EMPs derived from IL-6-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction. KEY FINDINGS: Our results revealed that the CD31+/CD42b- EMPs were significantly higher in Perthes disease group than in the control group. The Perthes-MPs being taken up by HUVECs promoted endothelial cell apoptosis, endothelial dysfunction and inhibited angiogenesis in vitro. Moreover, the level of IL-6 in plasma significantly increased in patients with Perthes, which was tightly correlated with the elevated level of circulating CD31+/CD42b- EMPs. IL-6 promoted HUVECs to secrete CD31+/CD42b- MPs, and EMPs derived from high concentration IL-6-stimulated (100 and 1000 pg/mL) HUVECs promoted endothelial cell apoptosis, endothelial dysfunction and inhibited angiogenesis. SIGNIFICANCE: In summary, our study suggests that circulating EMPs in the phenotypic spectrum revealed unique phenotypes of endothelial dysfunction, showing close correlation with the secretion of IL-6. These circulating EMPs may give rise to endothelial cell apoptosis, endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis in Perthes disease.

Magnetic resonance-guided ablation of liver tumors: A systematic review and pooled analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to study the clinical outcomes of different types of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided ablation for the treatment of liver tumors by performing a systematic review and pooled analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed for clinical trials published from January 1997 to October 2019 in PubMed, the Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Pooled analyses were performed to obtain the complete ablation (CA), complication, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) rates. RESULTS: Thirty studies were eligible, including four studies on MR-guided microwave ablation (MWA); 14 studies on MR-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA); one study on both MR-guided MWA and RFA; eight studies on MR-guided, laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT); two studies on MR-guided percutaneous cryoablation (PC); and one study on MR-guided percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI). The CA rates in patients who underwent RFA, MWA, LITT, PC, and PEI were 95.60%, 98.86%, 77.78%, 47.92%, and 85.71%, respectively. The most frequent complications were pain (27.66%, 13/47) and postablation syndrome (27.66%, 13/47) in the PC group; pleural effusion (8.11%, 119/1,468) and subcapsular hematoma (2.25%, 33/1,468) in the LITT group; pleural effusion (2.67%, 2/75) in the MWA group; and subcapsular hematoma (4.18%, 20/478) and post-ablation syndrome (2.93%, 14/478) in the RFA group. There were few studies reporting PFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: MR-guided ablation is a practicable alternative treatment for liver tumors, especially MR-guided RFA and MWA, which have high rates of CA and low occurrences of complications.

A new approach for surgical treatment of chronic Monteggia fracture in children.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of a combined anterior and posterior approach for the surgical treatment of chronic Monteggia fractures in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2010 to January 2018, 33 patients (27 boys and 6 girls) with chronic Monteggia fracture who were treated surgically by one surgeon of our department were retrospectively analyzed. In the surgical procedure, open reduction and excision of fibrous scar were performed with the anterior Henry's approach, while ulnar osteotomy was carried out with a posterior approach. In cases of unstable radial head reduction, a trans-capitellar K wire was applied. Repair or reconstruction of the annular ligament (ALR) was not undertaken. RESULTS: The average follow-up of the patients was 33.8 months (range 8-87 months). At the last follow-up, Mayor Score and function of flexion and extension showed significant improvement compared to preoperative condition (p < 0.05). Two patients with palsy of the deep branch of the radial nerve with neurolysis recovered to normal over a 3-month follow-up. Redislocation occurred in two patients while subluxation occurred in one. One patient suffered a mild ischemic contracture but gradually recovered. Other severe complications, nerve injuries, heterotopic ossification, or synostosis, were not noted in the follow-up. CONCLUSION: A combined anterior and posterior approach for surgery resulted in a satisfactory outcome due to the advantages of better exposure, more convenient intraoperative management, and facilitate for radial nerve exploration. Our study provided a new approach for the surgery of chronic Monteggia fractures.

Testing relationship between tea intake and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a Mendelian randomization study

Abstract Background We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal effect of tea intake on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Genetic instruments for tea intake were obtained from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset of the UK Biobank. Genetic association estimates for RA (6236 cases and 147,221 controls) and SLE (538 cases and 213,145 controls) were obtained from the FinnGen study through the IEU GWAS database. Results MR analyses using the inverse-variance weighted method showed that tea intake was not associated with risk of RA [odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation increment in genetically predicted tea intake = 0.997, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.658-1.511] and SLE (OR per standard deviation increment in genetically predicted tea intake = 0.961, 95% CI 0.299-3.092). Weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger, leave-one-out and multivariable MR controlling for several confounding factors including current tobacco smoking, coffee intake, and alcoholic drinks per week yielded completely consistent results. No evidence of heterogeneity and pleiotropy was found. Conclusion Our MR study did not suggest a causal effect of genetically predicted tea intake on RA and SLE.

Transcription analysis of the interaction between chicken thymus and recombinant avian leukosis virus isolate FJ15HT0.

Avian leukosis virus (ALV) induces multiple avian tumors, growth decrease and immune suppression. Previously, a novel natural recombinant ALV isolate FJ15HT0 was proven to be associated with significant body weight decrease, immune suppression and lymphocytoma in infected SPF chickens. In order to uncover the interaction between virus and host, we compared differences in the transcriptomes of the thymuses from the mock chickens and simulated congenitally infected chickens at 5days (d), 13d and 21d of age by RNA-seq analysis of the thymuses. Signaling pathways including cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, Janus tyrosine kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (Jak-STAT) signaling pathway and fatty acid degradation were involved in the interaction between FJ15HT0 and SPF chickens. Interestingly, fold change of ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor α (CNTFRα) in infected donor collected from 2d to 21d showed a significant positive correlation with the corresponding expression of the viral gp85 gene in thymuses (r=0.656, P<0.01) and in livers (r=0.525, P<0.05). It will provide new insights for the molecular pathogenesis of ALV infection.

NECL1 coated PLGA as favorable conduits for repair of injured peripheral nerve.

Restoration of normal neurological function of transected peripheral nerve challenged regenerative medicine and surgery. Previous studies showed that Nectin-like molecule 1 (NECL1) is one of the important adhesion molecules on the axons and Schwann cells is located along the internodes in direct apposition to NECL1. In this study, we fabricated PLGA membrane pre-coated with NECL1, mimicking the natural axons to enhance the adhesion of Schwann cells. Investigation of the cellular response in vitro was performed by detecting cytotoxicity, proliferation, morphology, viability, specific markers and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of Schwann cells cultured in PLGA. Further, the NECL1-coated PLGA conduits were used for peripheral nerve repair after sciatic nerve defect was constructed. Results showed that PLGA-coated NECL1 enhanced cell proliferation compared with PLGA, as evidenced by MTT analysis, cell viability assay and histological evaluation. RT-PCR results showed that GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), CNTF (ciliary neurotrophic factor) and neurotrophic factors of axonal regeneration were highly expressed in PLGA/NECL1 group. S100, which is Schwann cell marker, was also elevated in PLGA-NCEL1 in both mRNA and protein expression as demonstrated by PCR and immunohistochemical examination. Moreover, in vivo study showed that implantation of PLGA/NCEL1 tubes in bridging the nerve defect can significantly improve Schwann cell aggregation and attachment and greatly enhance the functional recovery of nerve regeneration as compared with control and PLGA groups. Therefore, the novel blend of PLGA/NECL1 conduits proved to be promising candidate for tissue engineering scaffold.