O-arm navigation for sacroiliac screw placement in the treatment for posterior pelvic ring injury.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the application value of O-arm navigation system in sacroiliac screw placement for the treatment of unstable pelvic ring injury. METHODS: A total of 40 patients (mean age = 30.75 ± 14.99 years, 25 males, 15 females) were included. From January 2016 to July 2018, 40 patients with posterior pelvic ring injury treated in our hospital were included. Of them, 19 patients underwent O-arm navigation for screw placement (O-arm group) while the other 21 received C-arm fluoroscopy guidance (C-arm group) for sacroiliac screw placement. Intraoperative outcomes and the outcome of screw placement were compared between groups. The quality of radiological images was assessed by Matta's radiological outcome grade. The outcome of complex pelvic fracture treatment was evaluated by Majeed Functional score. RESULTS: All demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Compared with the C-arm groups, the O-arm group had a shorter surgery time (33.19 ± 3.14 vs. 48.35 ± 4.38 min, P < 0.001), a higher overall good outcome "excellent + good" rate of screw placement (95.45% vs. 73.91%, P < 0.05), and a significantly higher Majeed Functional score better outcome of complex pelvic fracture treatment at 1 and 3 months postoperation (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that O-arm navigation system is feasible and safe for the treatment of posterior pelvic ring injury and can effectively improve the accuracy and safety of sacroiliac screw placement, shorten the operation time, and help rapid postoperative functional recovery.

Intrauterine transplantation of autologous menstrual blood stem cells increases endometrial thickness and pregnancy potential in patients with refractory intrauterine adhesion.

AIM: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of intrauterine transplantation of menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs) on endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes in patients with refractory intrauterine adhesion (IUA). METHODS: This study included a group of infertile women (n = 12, age 22-40 years), with refractory IUA. Autologous MenSCs isolated from the women's menstrual blood were expanded in vitro and transplanted into their uteruses, followed by hormone replacement therapy. Transvaginal ultrasound examination was performed to assess the endometrial thickness. Transabdominal ultrasound was conducted to detect pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: Autologous MenSCs were successfully isolated and expanded from menstrual blood and transplanted into the uterus of each patient. A significant improvement of the endometrial thickness was observed from 3.9 ± 0.9 to 7.5 ± 0.6 mm (P < 0.001). No adverse reaction was observed. The duration of menstruation was increased from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 5.3 ± 0.6 days (P < 0.001). Five out of 12 patients achieved clinical pregnancy and the pregnancy rate was 41.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Intrauterine transplantation of autologous MenSCs results in regeneration of endometrium, a prolongation of menstrual duration and an increase rate of pregnancy in patients with refractory IUA.

[Treatment of giant cell tumor of bone around knee joint with three-dimensional printing personalized prosthesis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printing personalized prosthesis in the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone around knee joint. METHODS: A clinical data of 9 patients with giant cell tumor of bone around knee joints and met the inclusive criteria between May 2014 and August 2017 was retrospectively analysed. There were 4 males and 5 females, with an average age of 35.8 years (range, 24-50 years). The lesion located at the distal femur in 4 cases and at the proximal tibia in 5 cases. The disease duration was 5-25 months (mean, 12.9 months). According to Campanacci grading, there were 2 patients of grade Ⅰ and 7 of grade Ⅱ. The 3D printing personalized prosthesis was designed based on the CT scanning and 3D reconstruction prepared before operation. All patients were treated with the tumor resection and 3D printing personalized prosthesis reconstruction. The radiological examination was taken to observe the tumor recurrence and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 1993 (MSTS93) score was used to evaluate the knee function. RESULTS: All operations were successful and all incisions healed by first intention without early complications. All patients were followed up 24-40 months (mean, 31.2 months). At last follow-up, no complication such as pain, pathological fracture, prosthesis loosening, or tumor recurrence occurred. The MSTS93 score was 20-29 (mean, 24.7). The knee function was rated as excellent in 6 cases and good in 3 cases, with the excellent and good rate of 100%. CONCLUSION: For giant cell tumor of bone around knee joint, 3D printing personalized prosthesis has the advantages of bio-fusion with host bone, mechanical stability, good joint function, and ideal short-term effectiveness. But the middle- and long-term effectiveness still need to be further observed.

A multifunctional nanoprobe for targeting tumors and mitochondria with singlet oxygen generation and monitoring mitochondrion pH changes in cancer cells by ratiometric fluorescence imaging.

Mitochondria are the main sites of cell metabolism. Even minor pH changes may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and promote cell apoptosis. Mitochondrion-targeting photosensitizers can produce singlet oxygen in the mitochondria. In tumor photodynamic therapy (PDT), tumor cells are killed through singlet oxygen generation by photosensitizers, and optimally the process of cell apoptosis can be real-time monitored by monitoring the changes of mitochondrial pH value. To this end, a multifunctional nanoprobe that is not only able to produce singlet oxygen in mitochondria but also able to detect the changes in mitochondrial pH value has been developed in this work. The probe is a single-excited dual-emission biomass quantum dot (BQD-FA) prepared from Osmanthus leaves with folic acid (FA) and polyoxyethylene diamine as modifiers. The BQD-FAs can target tumor cells and mitochondria, and produce singlet oxygen in the mitochondria under near-infrared laser irradiation (λ em = 660 nm). On the other hand, in the pH range of 3-8, the fluorescence intensity ratio of BQD-FAs at wavelengths 490 nm and 650 nm showed a good linear relationship with the pH value of mitochondria. The ratiometric fluorescence imaging of mitochondria using the prepared BQD-FAs showed that when the cells were chemically stimulated with chlorphenizone, the mitochondrial pH dropped from 7.9 to 7.2 within 15 min. Based on these characteristics, we envision that the prepared multifunctional nanoprobe will be of high significance in the biomedical research of mitochondria and PDT of tumors.

[Analysis of anti-fatigue mechanism and potential targets of ginseng].

Ginseng has effects in reinforcing vital energy,invigorating health effectively and relieving fatigue symptoms,and ginsenoside( GS) is the main component of its anti-fatigue effect. Totally 17 active components and 92 drug targets of ginseng compounds were screened from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology; and 78 intersecting genes of diseases and drug targets were obtained based on R Language Technology. The protein-protein interaction( PPI) network was constructed by STRING 11. 0 software,and Matthews Correlation Coefficient( MCC) algorithm was used to screen core target genes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were used to analyze the major genes and their roles in regulatory networks. The results indicated that ginseng could regulate the core target genes,including AKT serine/threonine kinase( AKT1),interleukin-1ß,Toll-like receptor binding molecule 1( ICAM1),mitogen-activated protein kinase 8( MAPK8),AP-1 transcription factor subunit( JUN),transducer and activator of transcription 1( STAT1) and prostaglandin peroxidase synthase 2( PTGS2). It could participate in the functions of cytokine receptor binding,cell adhesion molecule binding and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily binding,and also regulate the signal pathways of tumor necrosis factor,interleukin 17 and c-type lectin receptor,so as to exert an anti-fatigue effect. Based on the results of network analysis,32 four-week-old male SPFACR mice were randomly divided into control group,low-dose ginsenoside group,middle-dose ginsenoside group and high-dose ginsenoside group. The corresponding drugs were administrated for 3 weeks. The results showed that GS could significantly up-regulate the expressions of STAT1 and AKT1( P<0. 01,P<0. 05),and downregulate the expressions of PTGS2 and JUN( P<0. 01). However,there was no significant effect on MAPK8,IL-1ß and ICAM1. Ginseng's anti-fatigue regulation network was constructed through network pharmacology,and the results were verified by experiments,in order to reveal the anti-fatigue mechanism of ginseng and provide scientific basis for its clinical application.

In Situ Ratiometric Fluorescence Imaging for Tracking Targeted Delivery and Release of Anticancer Drug in Living Tumor Cells.

In situ ratiometric fluorescence tracking the delivery and release of antitumor drugs remains a challenge for targeted treatment of cancer. Herein, we fabricated aptamer-functionalized biomass quantum dots (BQD-Apt) as the nanocarriers and probes for tracking the delivery and release of doxorubicin (DOX) in living cells. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer between BQDs and DOX in the formed BQD-Apt-DOX complex was inhibited after releasing DOX, achieving in situ ratiometric fluorescence imaging of delivery and release of DOX. Because of the good cancer-targeting ability of aptamer and biocompatibility of BQDs, BQD-Apt-DOX holds great potential for improving the efficiency of cancer treatment.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by inflammatory cytokines produce angiogenetic factors and promote prostate cancer growth.

BACKGROUND: Prostate is susceptible to infection and pro-inflammatory agents in a man's whole life. Chronic inflammation might play important roles in the development and progression of prostate cancer. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are often recruited to the tumor microenvironment due to local inflammation. We have asked whether stimulation of MSCs by pro-inflammatory cytokines could promote prostate tumor growth. The current study investigated the possible involvement of MSCs stimulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines in promotion and angiogenesis of prostate cancer through relative pathway in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: A syngeneic mouse model of C57 was established. The murine prostate cancer cells (RM-1) mixing with MSCs treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) or vehicle were subcutaneously injected into C57 mice. Tumor volume of C57 mouse model was estimated and serum level of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was test by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). A hen egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) assay was applied to test the effect of conditioned media of stimulated MSCs in chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis. Short interfering RNA (siRNA) knocked down either hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) or nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) were employed. mRNA of PDGF and VEGF in MSCs, as well as NRF2 and HIF-1α was test by Real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. Protein expression levels of PDGF and VEGF from conditioned medium, NRF2, HIF-1α, as well as PDGF and VEGF in MSCs were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: MSCs treated with TNF-α and IFN-γ promote tumor growth in C57 syngeneic mouse model, correlating with increased serum level of PDGF, VEGF. HET-CAM assay shows the angiogenic effect of conditioned medium of MSCs pre-treated with the pro-inflammatory cytokines. mRNA and protein levels of two pro-angiogenic factors (PDGF and VEGF) and key hypoxia regulators (HIF-1α and NRF2) in MSCs were induced after MSCs' pretreatment. siRNA knockdown either HIF-1α or NRF2 results reduction of PDGF and VEGF expression. CONCLUSIONS: MSCs stimulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines increase the expression of PDGF and VEGF via the NRF2-HIF-1α pathway and accelerate prostate cancer growth in mice.

Electrical and optoelectrical modification of cadmium sulfide nanobelts by low-energy electron beam irradiation.

In this report, we describe a method for modifying electrical and optoelectrical properties of CdS nanobelts using low-energy (lower than 10 keV) e-beam irradiation in a scanning electron microscope. The electrical conductivity of the nanobelts was dramatically improved via the irradiation of e-beams. The modified conductivity of the nanobelts depends on the energy of the e-beam; it exhibits a larger photocurrent and higher external quantum efficiency but slower time-response than that before the modification. A possible mechanism about the modification is the increase of electron accumulation (injected electrons) in the nanobelts due to e-beam irradiation. In addition, the optoelectrical modification could be caused by the trapped electrons in the nanobelts and the decrease of contact resistance between the nanobelts and metal electrodes induced by e-beam irradiation. The results of this work are significant for the in situ study of semiconductor nanostructures in the electron microscope. Besides, the method of electrical and optoelectrical modification presented here has potential application in electronics and optoelectronics.

Computed Tomography Angiography Allows the Classification of the First Dorsal Metatarsal Arteries.

Background Conventional angiography is an invasive technique. Submillimeter computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been shown to be an effective alternative for peripheral artery branches. This study aimed to assess the use of CTA to guide the choice and design of foot donor area for finger or thumb reconstruction. Methods This was a retrospective study of 79 patients who underwent finger or thumb reconstruction between January, 2011 and March, 2014. All these patients underwent preoperative CTA to determine the exact blood supply at the donor site. Preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings at the donor site were compared. Results Among the 79 patients (158 feet), 474 artery segments (dorsalis pedis artery [DPA], first dorsal metatarsal artery [FDMA], and toe web artery [TWA]) were evaluated using CTA. Image satisfaction rates of the vessels were 100.0 ± 0.0%, 89.2 ± 3.2%, and 60.1 ± 5.0% for DPA, FDMA, and TWA, respectively. Among the 158 feet, 90 were Gilbert type I (57.0%), 52 were Gilbert type II (32.9%), 13 were Gilbert type III (8.2%), and 3 were with poor visibility and could not be classified (1.9%). In all 79 patients, the CTA image of the FDMA was consistent with the intraoperative observations. All reconstructed fingers survived. Follow-up was available for 69 patients. After a 6- to 18-month follow-up, the reconstructed fingers and donor area recovered well, and the reconstructed fingers had strong holding power, without pain. Conclusion CTA can produce three-dimensional images for extremity arteries, allowing the preoperative assessment of blood supply and planning of donor site.

The role of mesenchymal stem cells in promoting the transformation of androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cells into androgen-independent manner.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in the development of human prostate cancer (PCa). However, the role of MSCs in the transformation of androgen-dependent human PCa cells into androgen-independent manner has been poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of MSCs in promoting PCa cells from androgen-dependent into androgen-independent manner. Firstly, we demonstrated that MSCs could affect the transformation of androgen-dependent human PCa cells into androgen-independent manner in vivo and in vitro. Then we found a substantial expression of TGF-ß in MSCs. TGF-ß blockade could significantly inhibit the promotive function of MSCs in PCa cells. Besides that, we also demonstrated androgen might inhibit the expression of TGF-ß in MSCs. Furthermore, we found that either overexpression of SSEA-4 or the number of SSEA-4 positive MSCs in PCa tissues was associated with a shorter cancer-free survival interval (CFSI) and a worse overall survival (OS). Our results suggest that androgen blockade treatment in clinical PCa therapy may elicit the expression of TGF-ß in MSCs, which will result in the transformation of androgen-dependent human PCa cells into androgen-independent manner.

Gold embedded maghemite hybrid nanowires and their gas sensing properties.

Well-defined gold embedded maghemite hybrid nanowires are synthesized, and their structures are fully characterized. They are composed of porous γ-Fe2O3 shells and embedded gold nanoparticles (3-10 nm), which is novel and very different from the conventional "surface decoration" configuration. These hybrid nanowires are produced by the de-alloying of Au-Fe alloy nanowires and subsequent heat treatment. The reaction mechanism is proposed and validated. The results of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry techniques prove consistently that the Fe composition of Au-Fe alloy nanowires change to γ-FeOOH first and then to γ-Fe2O3. The embedded gold particles are help to enhance the gas response properties of the hybrid nanowires, which is attributed to the nano open-circuit Schottky junctions between γ-Fe2O3 and the Au nanoparticles. The gas sensing experiment data with high repeatability demonstrate that these hybrid nanowires are excellent sensing materials, especially for ethanol, and have shown both high selectivity and high sensitivity.

A Novel Preoperative Planning Technique Using a Combination of CT Angiography and Three-Dimensional Printing for Complex Toe-to-Hand Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical toe-to-hand transplantation is a reasonable salvage procedure after failed replantation, though no consensus exists on proper donor toe length for restoration of hand function and optimal donor flap needed for recipient site healing. The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel technique for preoperative planning in complicated toe-to-hand reconstruction and to assess feasibility in four cases. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) angiography was used to map donor site vasculature, whereas CT data were used to create three-dimensional (3D) soft tissue and skeletal models for injured and uninjured hands. Based on the reformatted model (mirror of uninjured hand), soft tissue and finger skeleton models were generated using a 3D printer. An adhesive plaster model was placed on the donor site to determine osteotomy level and incision markings. The skeletal model was used to determine the length of the donor foot resection. Four complex amputation cases were included to illustrate clinical feasibility and early functional and cosmetic outcomes. RESULTS: In all four cases, thumb and fingers were reconstructed successfully and all flaps survived. No arterial or venous thrombosis or major donor morbidity were observed. Functional and cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory with similarly satisfactory static two-point discrimination, key pinch and grip strength, and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire scores. CONCLUSION: This novel microsurgical toe-to-hand reconstruction methodology, as introduced in this study, showed promising functional and cosmetic outcomes. Application of this technique in complex hand injuries has the potential to increase surgical efficiency, minimize procedural morbidity, and improve reproducibility.

Repair of minor tissue defect in hand by transfer of free tissue flap from the toe.

BACKGROUND: To introduce our experience of using the free neurovascular flap from great and second toe. METHODS: Thirteen patients (fifteen fingers) sought surgical treatment for soft tissue defects of the hand at our medical institution between March 2006 and September 2009. In two patients, fibular side skin-nail flaps of great toe were applied to cover the dorsal defect of distal thumb. In twelve, the treatment was carried out for the pulp defect of finger with fibular side flap of great toe or tibial side flap of second toe. In one, the treatment was carried out for the defect of distal middle with composite flap with distal digital bone of second toe. RESULTS: All flaps survived. The average subjective satisfaction score was 8.08 (range 4-10). Nine patients (69%) experienced cold intolerance, and 2 patients (15%) dysesthesia. The Semmes-Weinstein sensitivity score was between 3.47and 4.72 on the flap, and 0-4.18 on the donor site. The mean two-point discrimination was 6.8 mm (range 4-12). Grip strength was 10% less than in the unaffected hand. The proximal interphalangeal mobility loss was less than 15 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that these free flaps from toe are useful for patients with a small soft-tissue defect in hand.

A nickel hydroxide-coated 3D porous graphene hollow sphere framework as a high performance electrode material for supercapacitors.

A three-dimensional (3D) porous graphene hollow sphere (PGHS) framework has been fabricated via a hard template method and used to anchor α-Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles with the size of about 4 nm through electrochemical deposition. It is found that a 3D PGHS framework can improve the capacitive performance of Ni(OH)2 effectively. In hybrid materials, α-Ni(OH)2 achieves the high specific capacitance of 2815 F g(-1) at a scan rate of 5 mV s(-1) and 1950 F g(-1) even at 200 mV s(-1) with a capacitance retention of about 70%, indicating that the α-Ni(OH)2-coated 3D PGHS framework exhibits high rate capability. The excellent performance of such hybrid material is believed to be due to the smaller size of Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles and the PGHS framework with large specific surface area promoting efficient electron transport and facilitating the electrolyte ions migration. These impressive results suggest that the composite is a promising electrode material for an efficient supercapacitor.

[A randomized controlled study on the efficacy of modified sclerotherapy in treating angioma of ear, nose and throat].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and security of modified and traditional sclerotherapy in treating angioma in ENT. METHOD: For the Angioma of derma and hypodermis (naso face, auricles, neck) 56 cases and 82 cases of mucosa and hypomucosa (the cavities of nose, throat and mouth) were randomized divided into 2 groups each.: The 5% Sodium Morrhate + Triamcinolone Acetonide (The Modified Sclerotherapy n = 28, n = 41) and only 5% Sodium Morrhate (Traditional Sclerotherapy n = 28, n = 41) were respectively injected into bodies of Angioma, as one time a week for 2-6 weeks, on average 19 days. RESULT: The rates of cure and effective for Modified and Traditional Sclerotherapies were 84.1%, 65.2% and 91.3%, 85.5% respectively. There is a significant in statistics for effective rates and there is a notable difference in cured rates between the two therapies. It shows that Modified Sclerotherapy has an obvious advantage (P < 0.05). Although the efficacy is similar between the two therapies for angioma of mucosa and hypomucosa, the difference has a significant in efficacy for angioma of derma and hypoderma between the two therapies (P < 0.05) and the side-effects were very slight for Modified Sclerotherapy. CONCLUSION: There is a more prominent efficacy and security for Modified Sclerotherapy than Traditional Sclerotherapy.