Clinical outcomes following direct anterior approach during total hip arthroplasty without hip extension: a retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Traditional total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the direct anterior approach (DAA) requires a hip extension. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing THA with DAA using either the no hip extension (NHE) or the traditional hip extension (THE) strategy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of demographics, clinical and radiological outcomes, and occurrence of complications was performed using data from 123 patients treated between January 2020 and November 2021. The patients were categorised into two groups: NHE (84 patients) and THE (39 patients). RESULTS: The NHE group exhibited shorter operative time and had more male participants with higher ages. Comparable outcomes were observed in the visual analogue scale, Harris Hip, and Oxford Hip scores at the final follow-up. Furthermore, complications were observed in the NHE and THE groups, including two and one greater trochanteric fractures and three and one transfusions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the THE, employing the NHE strategy during THA with DAA in elderly and young female patients resulted in comparable clinical outcomes with several advantages, such as favourable surgical time. The NHE method also exhibited good safety and effectiveness. Therefore, the NHE strategy may be a favourable option for elderly and young female patients.

[Establishment of a reporter system for estimating activation of human hepatic stellate cells based on COL1A1 promoter and enhanced green fluorescent protein].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a visual reporting system for evaluating the activity of collagen Ⅰ α 1 chain (COL1A1) gene promoter in immortalized human hepatic stellate cells, so as to estimate the activation status of the cells and provide a new cell model for the screening and study of anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs. METHODS: The promoter sequence of human COL1A1 was amplified from the genomic DNA of human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. Based on the pLVX-AcGFP1-N1 plasmid, the recombinant plasmid pLVX-COL1A1-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was constructed, in which the enhanced green fluorescent protein gene expression was regulated by the COL1A1 promoter. The monoclonal cell line was acquired by stably transfecting pLVX-COL1A1-EGFP into the immortalized human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 by the lentivirus packaging system and screening. The cell line was treated with transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) or co-treated with TGF-ß1 and drugs with potential anti-hepatic fibrosis effects. The EGFP fluorescence intensity in cells was analyzed by the fluorescence microscope and ImageJ 1.49 software using a semi-quantitative method. The COL1A1 and EGFP mRNA were detected by reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and corresponding proteins were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The recombinant plasmid pLVX-COL1A1-EGFP with the expression of EGFP regulated by COL1A1 promoter was successfully constructed. Kozak sequence was added to enhance the expression of EGFP, which was identified by double digestion and sequencing. The LX-2 monoclonal cell line LX-2-CE stably transfected with pLVX-COL1A1-EGFP was obtained. After co-treatment with TGF-ß1 and 5 µmol/L dihydrotanshinone Ⅰ with potential anti-hepatic fibrosis effect for 24 h, the total fluorescence intensity and the average fluorescence intensity of LX-2-CE were lower than those in TGF-ß1 single treatment group (P < 0.05), the intracellular mRNA and protein levels of COL1A1 and EGFP were also lower than those in the TGF-ß1 single treatment group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A reporter system for estimating activation of hepatic stellate cells based on COL1A1 promoter regulated EGFP expression is successfully constructed, which could visually report the changes in COL1A1 expression, one of the activation-related markers of hepatic stellate cells, in vitro. It provides a new cell model for the screening and study of anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs.

Effects of amino acid substitutions in hepatitis B virus surface protein on virion secretion, antigenicity, HBsAg and viral DNA.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: As important virological markers, serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels show large fluctuations among chronic hepatitis B patients. The aim of this study was to reveal the potential impact and mechanisms of amino acid substitutions in small hepatitis B surface proteins (SHBs) on serum HBsAg and HBV DNA levels. METHODS: Serum samples from 230 untreated chronic hepatitis B patients with genotype C HBV were analyzed in terms of HBV DNA levels, serological markers of HBV infection and SHBs sequences. In vitro functional analysis of the identified SHBs mutants was performed. RESULTS: Among 230 SHBs sequences, there were 39 (16.96%) sequences with no mutation detected (wild-type) and 191 (83.04%) with single or multiple mutations. SHBs consist of 226 amino acids, of which 104 (46.02%) had mutations in our study. Some mutations (e.g., sE2G, sL21S, sR24K, sT47A/K, sC69stop (sC69∗), sL95W, sL98V, and sG145R) negatively correlated with serum HBsAg levels. HBsAg and HBV DNA levels from this group of patients had a positive correlation (r=0.61, p<0.001). In vitro analysis showed that these mutations reduced extracellular HBsAg and HBV DNA levels by restricting virion secretion and antibody binding capacity. Virion secretion could be rescued for sE2G, sC69∗, and sG145R by co-expression of wild-type HBsAg. CONCLUSION: The serum HBsAg levels were lower in untreated CHB patients with novel SHBs mutations outside the major antigenic region than those without mutations. Underlying mechanisms include impairment of virion secretion and lower binding affinity to antibodies used for HBsAg measurements. LAY SUMMARY: The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a major viral protein of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) secreted into patient blood serum and its quantification value serves as an important marker for the evaluation of chronic HBV infection and antiviral response. We found a few new amino acid substitutions in HBsAg associated with lower serum HBsAg and HBV DNA levels. These different substitutions might impair virion secretion, change the ability of HBsAg to bind to antibodies, or impact HBV replication. These could all result in decreased detectable levels of serum HBsAg. The factors affecting circulating HBsAg level and HBsAg detection are varied and caution is needed when interpreting clinical significance of serum HBsAg levels. Clinical trial number: NCT01088009.

[Mid-term effectiveness of modified arthroscopic suture button fixation Latarjet procedure for treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations].

Objective: To summarize mid-term effectiveness of modified arthroscopic suture button fixation Latarjet procedure for treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations. Methods: Between January 2018 and October 2020, 30 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations were treated with modified arthroscopic suture button fixation Latarjet procedure. There were 19 males and 11 females with an average age of 27.3 years (range, 18-41 years). The shoulder dislocation occurred 3-7 times, with an average of 4.9 times. The time from the last dislocation to operation was 3-10 days, with an average of 4.1 days. Glenoid defects exceeded 20% in all cases. There were 27 cases of Hill-Sachs lesions. The joint pain and function were estimated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, Rowe score, American Association for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (ASES) score, Walch-Duplay score, and the range of external rotation at 0° and external rotation at 90° abduction of shoulder before operation and at 1 month, 6 months, and last follow-up. The X-ray film, CT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction were reviewed to observe the position, healing, and absorption of the coracoid graft, correction of glenoid defect, and joint degeneration. Results: The operation time ranged from 51 to 79 minutes, with an average of 68.4 minutes. All incisions healed without complications such as nerve or blood vessel injury. All patients were followed up 36-60 months with an average of 44.6 months. The VAS score, UCLA score, Rowe score, ASES score, Walch-Duplay score, and the range of external rotation at 0° and external rotation at 90° abduction after operation significantly improved when compared with preoperative values ( P<0.05). All indicators further improved with time, and the differences between different time points after operation were significant ( P<0.05). Imaging review showed that the coracoid graft was located in the anteroinferior glenoid at 1 day after operation, and no occurrence of shoulder osteoarthritis was found during follow-up. The anatomical structure of the glenoid was normal, and no delayed healing or non-union of the coracoid graft occurred. At 20 months after operation, arthroscopic re-exploration was performed in 1 case due to fracutre caused by falling injury revealed the good shaping of the coracoid graft, smooth glenoid, and no bone resorption or osteoarthritis. Conclusion: For recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations, the modified arthroscopic suture button fixation Latarjet procedure can obtain good recovery of shoulder function and low incidence of complications and has a good mid-term effectiveness.

[Research on Runx2 gene induced differentiation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells into ligament fibroblasts in vitro and promotion of tendon-bone healing in rabbits].

Objective: To investigate whether the Runx2 gene can induce the differentiation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) to ligament fibroblasts in vitro and promote the tendon-bone healing in rabbits. Methods: hAMSCs were isolated from the placentas voluntarily donated from healthy parturients and passaged, and then identified by flow cytometric identification. Adenoviral vectors carrying Runx2 gene (Ad-Runx2) and empty vector adenovirus (Ad-NC) were constructed and viral titer assay; then, the 3rd generation hAMSCs were transfected with Ad-Runx2 (Ad-Runx2 group) or Ad-NC (Ad-NC group). The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect Runx2 gene and protein expression to verify the effectiveness of Ad-Runx2 transfection of hAMSCs; and at 3 and 7 days after transfection, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was further used to detect the expressions of ligament fibroblast-related genes [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), collagen type Ⅰ, Fibronectin, and Tenascin-C]. The hAMSCs were used as a blank control group. The hAMSCs, hAMSCs transfected with Ad-NC, and hAMSCs were mixed with Matrigel according to the ratio of 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 to construct the cell-scaffold compound. Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, and the corresponding cell-scaffold compound with better proliferation were taken for subsequent animal experiments. Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups of sham operation group (Sham group), anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction group (ACLR group), anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction+hAMSCs transfected with Ad-NC-scaffold compound group (Ad-NC group), and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction+hAMSCs transfected with Ad-Runx2-scaffold compound group (Ad-Runx2 group), with 3 rabbits in each group. After preparing the ACL reconstruction model, the Ad-NC group and the Ad-Runx2 group injected the optimal hAMSCs-Matrigel compunds into the bone channel correspondingly. The samples were taken for gross, histological (HE staining and sirius red staining), and immunofluorescence staining observation at 1 month after operation to evaluate the inflammatory cell infiltration as well as collagen and Tenascin-C content in the ligament tissues. Results: Flow cytometric identification of the isolated cells conformed to the phenotypic characteristics of MSCs. The Runx2 gene was successfully transfected into hAMSCs. Compared with the Ad-NC group, the relative expressions of VEGF and collagen type Ⅰ genes in the Ad-Runx2 group significantly increased at 3 and 7 days after transfection ( P<0.05), Fibronectin significantly increased at 3 days ( P<0.05), and Tenascin-C significantly increased at 3 days and decreased at 7 days ( P<0.05). CCK-8 detection showed that there was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in the cell proliferation between groups and between different time points after mixed culture of two ratios. So the cell-scaffold compound constructed in the ratio of 1∶1 was selected for subsequent experiments. Animal experiments showed that at 1 month after operation, the continuity of the grafted tendon was complete in all groups; HE staining showed that the tissue repair in the Ad-Runx2 group was better and there were fewer inflammatory cells when compared with the ACLR group and the Ad-NC group; sirius red staining and immunofluorescence staining showed that the Ad-Runx2 group had more collagen typeⅠ and Ⅲ fibers, tending to form a normal ACL structure. However, the fluorescence intensity of Tenascin-C protein was weakening when compared to the ACLR and Ad-NC groups. Conclusion: Runx2 gene transfection of hAMSCs induces directed differentiation to ligament fibroblasts and promotes tendon-bone healing in reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament in rabbits.

[Short-term effectiveness of modified arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with double EndoButtons for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation].

Objective: To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of modified arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with double EndoButtons for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation. Methods: Between January 2019 and November 2020, 36 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation were treated by modified arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with double EndoButtons. There were 26 males and 10 females, with an average age of 27.8 years (range, 18-36 years). The number of shoulder dislocations ranged from 3 to 12 times, with an average of 6.5 times. The disease duration ranged from 5 to 36 months, with an average of 16.2 months. Preoperative shoulder fear test was positive, and the Beighton score of joint relaxation was 0-4, with an average of 1.3. Imaging examination showed that the defect width of the ipsilateral glenoid bone was 16%-28%, with an average of 21.5%. Postoperative complications, recurrent dislocation, subluxation, and instability of shoulder joint were recorded. Shoulder range of motion was examined, including forward flexion, external rotation at side, external rotation at 90° abduction, and internal rotation. Shoulder joint function was evaluated by Walch-Duplay score, American Association for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Score (ASES), and ROWE score. X-ray film and CT images were taken to observe the shaping of coracoid process graft. Results: All incisions healed by first intention, and no vascular or nerve injury occurred. All patients were followed up 12-28 months, with an average of 19.9 months. During follow-up, no shoulder dislocation recurred, and shoulder fear test was negative. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in shoulder forward flexion, external rotation at side, external rotation at 90° abduction, and internal rotation when compared with preoperative values (P>0.05). The Walch-Duplay score, ASES score, and ROWE score of shoulder function significantly improved (P<0.05). Postoperative imaging examination showed that coracoid process graft was at the same level with the glenoid in 33 cases (91.7%), medial in 1 case (2.8%), and lateral in 2 cases (5.6%); the center of coracoid process graft was mainly located between 3 to 5 o'clock in 33 cases (91.7%), higher than 3 o'clock in 1 case (2.8%), and lower than 5 o'clock in 2 cases (5.6%). There was no obvious glenohumeral joint degeneration during follow-up, and the coracoid process graft gradually formed concentric circles with the humeral head. Conclusion: The modified arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with double EndoButtons can effectively treat recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation, and the short-term effectiveness is satisfactory, and the position of coracoid process graft is accurate.

Occult HBV infection in patients with autoimmune hepatitis: A virological and clinical study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Occult HBV infection (OBI) could have serious clinical consequences in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of OBI in Chinese patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and to analyze its clinical and virological features. METHODS: 103 AIH cases were enrolled. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers were screened by chemiluminescence. HBV-DNA were detected by nest-PCR and real-time PCR. HBV genotyping and mutation analysis were performed by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Twenty-four out of 103 (23.30%) AIH patients had OBI as evidenced by positive HBV-DNA and negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). HBV genotype C is the predominant genotype (57.89%), which had more amino acid (AA) substitutions in S region than that of B-genotype group (P = 0.001). The distribution of AA substitution in the 'α' determinant region between genotype C and B were significantly different (P = 0.042). In addition to those already reported OBI-associated AA substitutions (e.g., sG145R and sV184A), some new OBI-associated AA substitutions (e.g., sV106A, sC137* and sL176P) were found in AIH patients in our study. Three out of 24 (12.50%) OBI patients were diagnosed as decompensated cirrhosis, one patient with S deletion mutation and two patients with HBV extensive AA substitutions. CONCLUSIONS: There was a higher proportion of AIH patients with OBI than the general population in China, which can be either seropositive or seronegative-OBI in AIH patients is associated with some specific AA substitutions. The presence of deletion mutations and the extent of AA substitutions in the HBV S region may have predictive clinical implications.

Impacts of HBV rtH55R polymerase substitution on viral replication and rtM204I/V resistance to nucleoside/nucleotide antiviral drugs.

BACKGROUND: High genetic variability at the reverse transcriptase (RT) region of HBV could confer resistance to nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NUCs). The aim of this study was to identify new RT amino acid (AA) substitutions related to NUC resistance. METHODS: HBV RT sequences of genotype C from 501 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients were analysed to identify potential RT substitutions related to NUC resistance. In vitro studies without and with NUCs were performed in a HepG2 cell line transfected by clones with RT harbouring wild-type or substituted AA(s) of interest. RESULTS: Among 261 NUC-treated CHB patients, we found a high detection rate of rtM204I/V substitution (30.7% [80/261]). We identified a new substitution of rtH55R, and its detection rate had a significantly increasing trend from 3.8% (9/240) in the untreated group to 7.2% (13/181) or 33.8% (27/80) in the treated group with rtM204 or with rtM204I/V substitutions (P<0.0001). In vitro studies showed that rtH55R had a similar HBV DNA level compared to wild type. The rtH55R+rtM204I clone had a significantly better replication capacity than the rtM204I clone without NUCs (P<0.05). The replication capacity of the rtM204I clone was found to significantly decrease under lamivudine treatment, but this was not found in the rtH55R+rtM204I clone. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a new HBV RT substitution of rtH55R in genotype-C-infected CHB patients. It is frequently found in combination with rtM204I/V substitution under NUC treatment. In vitro studies suggest that it might play some replication compensatory role in rtM204I mutants under lamivudine treatment.