The predictive value of CD4, CD8, and C-reactive protein in the prognosis of schistosomal and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although schistosomiasis has been basically eliminated, it has not been completely extinction in China and occasional outbreaks occur in Europe in recent years. The relationship between inflammation caused by Schistosoma japonicum and colorectal cancer (CRC) is still obscure, and the inflammation based prognostic systems of schistosomal colorectal (SCRC) has rarely been reported. AIM: To explore the different roles of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in SCRC and in Non-schistosomal CRC (NSCRC), providing a possible predictive system to evaluate outcomes and to improve the risk stratification for CRC patients, especially for CRC patients with schistosomiasis. METHODS: Three hundred fifty-one CRC tumors were evaluated for density of CD4 + , CD8 + T cells and CRP in intratumoral and stromal compartments by immunohistochemical using tissue microarray. RESULTS: There were no association between TILs and CRP and schistosomiasis. Multivariate analysis identified stromal CD4 (sCD4) (p = 0.038), intratumoral CD8 (iCD8) (p = 0.003), schistosomiasis (p = 0.045) as independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) in the whole cohort; and sCD4 (p = 0.006) and iCD8 (p = 0.020) were independent prognostic factors for OS in the NSCRC and SCRC set, respectively. Besides, we found that there were no differences of TILs and CRP, which were distributed in different areas of tumor tissue, between CRC patients with and without schistosomiasis. CONCLUSION: The results remind us that different subtypes of TILs have distinguished biological behavior and prognosis value in the immune microenvironment of NSCRC and SCRC patients. Meanwhile, the findings require us to stratify patients with schistosomiasis and this might facilitate patient counseling and management.

A novel scheme for the utilization of Cu slag flotation tailings in preparing internal electrolysis materials to degrade printing and dyeing wastewater.

About 60 million tons of Fe-rich Cu slag (IRCS) are generated annually worldwide during Cu slag flotation and cause irreversible water and soil pollution. Current research provides an environmentally friendly technology, the preparation of internal electrolysis materials (IEMs) through the carbothermal reduction of IRCS, for the degradation of printing and dyeing wastewater. XRD and SEM-EDS indicated that carbothermal reduction could promote the conversion of fayalite to zero-valent iron (ZVI), and ZVI could effectively form IEM with residual carbon. The degradation capacity of IEM for methylene blue (MB) was remarkably improved compared with raw IRCS after roasting for 60 min at 1100 °C with 35% anthracite dosage. MB degradation efficiency improved by increasing the IEM dosage and reaction temperature and decreasing the MB concentration and solution pH. FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS, and XPS all detected the formation of Fe oxide or Fe hydroxide. UV-vis and TOC demonstrated that the characteristic groups of MB were destroyed and resulted in the mineralization of MB. MB degradation could be attributed to the Fe2+, [H], and ·OH produced by the galvanic reaction induced by IEM. Overall, this study offers theoretical guidance in the treatment of printing and dyeing wastewater and the reuse of IRCS.

Percutaneous cerclage wiring for type 34-C patella fracture in geriatric patients.

PURPOSE: This study was to retrospectively evaluate clinical outcomes of geriatric patients with patella fracture treated by percutaneous cerclage wiring and to introduce the surgical technique. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2015, fifty-seven consecutive geriatric patients of type 34-C patellar fracture underwent closed reduction and percutaneous cerclage wiring fixation in our hospital. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Levack score system, WOMAC test form of pain, stiffness and function, and knee joint range of motion (ROM) were applied for functional evaluation. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were followed up for a mean period of 36 months (12 to 82 months). All fractures were unioned, no wound infection, second displacement of fracture fragment or wire migration was found. Wire breakage happened in one case at six months post-operation. Thirteen patients had hardware removed, nine cases for implant irritation at the knot and four cases for no specific reason. No patient developed postoperative knee stiffness, and range of motion was 128.6° (110-140). The average VAS score of emotional knee function was 87.5 (65-99) preinjury and 78.1 (53-95) at the last follow-up. 86.8% (46/53) patients considered that they regained more than 80% of their knee function. The average Levack score was 10.0 (6-12), which included thirty-five evaluations of "excellent" and eighteen of "good". The average WOMAC score was 21.3 (13-37). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous cerclage wiring fixation is a viable option for type 34-C patella fracture in geriatric patients.

Urolithin a attenuates IL-1ß-induced inflammatory responses and cartilage degradation via inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways in rat articular chondrocytes.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and is one of the most common chronic degenerative joint diseases that causes pain and disability in adults. Urolithin A (UA) has been widely reported for its anti-inflammatory properties in several chronic diseases. However, the effects of UA on OA remain unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of UA in interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß)-induced chondrocytes. RESULTS: No marked UA cytotoxicity was noted, and UA protected cartilage from damage following IL-1ß stimulation in micromasses. Moreover, UA promoted the expression of anabolic factors including Sox-9, Collagen II, and Aggrecan while inhibiting the expression of catabolic factors such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS-4) in rat chondrocytes. Protective effects of UA were also observed in ex vivo organ culture of articular cartilage. Mechanistically, IL-1ß significantly activated and upregulated the expression of p-ERK 1/2, p-JNK, p-P38, and p-P65, while UA protected chondrocytes against IL-1ß-induced injury by activating the mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: Our results provide the evidence that UA could attenuate IL-1ß-induced cell injury in chondrocytes via its anti-inflammatory action. UA may be a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of OA.

Clinical and radiological outcome of Gustilo type III open distal tibial and tibial shaft fractures after staged treatment with posterolateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the methods and the outcomes of Gustilo type III open distal tibial and tibial shaft fractures with severe anterior and medial soft-tissue injuries, treated with posterolateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. METHODS: From May 2015 to May 2016, 10 patients with Gustilo type III open distal tibial and tibial shaft fractures with severe anterior and medial soft-tissue injuries (Gustilo-Anderson classification IIIA, 6; IIIB, 4) were treated with staged protocol using posterolateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. The initial wound lavage, debridement, and application of a spanning external fixator were performed within 24 h and the mean interval from injury to definitive surgical treatment was 12.8 (range 4-21) days. An additional bone graft was performed in two patients when definitive internal fixation was performed. All patients were followed to union. Postoperative radiographs, postoperative complications, bone union, ankle joint motion, and limb functional outcome information of AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 17.8 (range 12-26) months. The mean interval to bony union was 25.8 (range 20-40) weeks. Bone union was achieved in all cases. There were no complications, such as incision breakdown, deep infection, or impingement of the flexor hallucis longus tendon. The average AOFAS score was 90 (range 83-96). In ten patients, two patients had a superficial wound infection and another one patient showed a 6° varus deformity. CONCLUSIONS: Staged treatment using MIPO technique through a posterolateral approach is a reasonable and safe treatment option for open distal tibial and tibial shaft fractures, especially Gustilo type III with severe anterior and medial soft-tissue injuries. However, it should have a higher level of research evidence in more patients to confirm the safety of the clinical application of this technique.

Application of pre-contoured anatomic locking plate for treatment of humerus split type greater tuberosity fractures: A prospective review of 68 cases with an average follow-up of 2.5 years.

OBJECTIVES: Although various implants exist for 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures, few implants are appropriate for humerus split type greater tuberosity fractures. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of pre-contoured anatomic locking plate for humerus split type greater tuberosity fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of 68 patients with humerus split type greater tuberosity fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using anatomic locking plates between January 2014 and October 2016. Postoperatively, patient radiographs, functional results, and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: All patients got a mean follow-up of 30.5 months (range 14-46 months). Average fracture healing time was 9.4 weeks (range, 8-14 weeks). Overall mean Constant score was 86.8% (range, 70%-96%). The result was rated as excellent in 25 patients (Constant score: 92.1%), good in 38 patients (Constant score: 85.3%) moderate in 5 patients (Constant score: 71.8%) and poor in 0 cases. The excellent-good rate was 92.6%. No recurrence of dislocation occurred in the 30 cases with shoulder dislocation. All fractures healed without the complications of wound infection, subacromial impingement syndrome, nonunion, secondary displacement, and implant loosening. CONCLUSION: Pre-contoured anatomic locking plate is a reliable option in treating humerus split type greater tuberosity fractures as it provides stable fixation with an early return to function. The surgical technique is easy and efficient.

Updated Three-Column Concept in surgical treatment for tibial plateau fractures - A prospective cohort study of 287 patients.

PURPOSE: This study introduces an updated Three-Column Concept for the classification and treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures. A combined preoperative assessment of fracture morphology and injury mechanism is utilized to determine surgical approach, implant placement and fixation sequence. The effectiveness of this updated concept is demonstrated through evaluation of both clinical and radiographic outcome measures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2008 to 2012, 355 tibial plateau fractures were treated using the updated Three-Column Concept. Standard radiographic and computed tomography imaging are used to systematically assess and classify fracture patterns as follows: (1) identify column(s) injured and locate associated articular depression or comminution, (2) determine injury mechanism including varus/valgus and flexion/extension forces, and (3) determine surgical approach(es) as well as the location and function of applied fixation. Quality and maintenance of reduction and alignment, fracture healing, complications, and functional outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: 287 treated fractures were followed up for a mean period of 44.5 months (range: 22-96). The mean time to radiographic bony union and full weight-bearing was 13.5 weeks (range: 10-28) and 14.8 weeks (range: 10-26) respectively. The average functional Knee Society Score was 93.0 (range: 80-95). The average range of motion of the affected knees was 1.5-121.5°. No significant difference was found in knee alignment between immediate and 18-month post-operative measurements. Additionally, no significant difference was found in functional scores and range of motion between one, two and three-column fracture groups. Twelve patients suffered superficial infection, one had limited skin necrosis and two had wound dehiscence, that healed with nonoperative management. Intraoperative vascular injury occurred in two patients. Fixation of failure was not observed in any of the fractures treated. CONCLUSION: An updated Three-Column Concept assessing fracture morphology and injury mechanism in tandem can be used to guide surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Limited results demonstrate successful application of biologically friendly fixation constructs while avoiding fixation failure and associated complications of both simple and complex tibial plateau fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Morphologic study of posterior articular depression in Schatzker IV fractures.

The Schatzker classification of tibial plateau fractures is widely accepted. Type IV fractures are medial tibial plateau fractures that are either split off as a wedge fragment or depressed and comminuted. Posterior articular surface depression in Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures can be seen as a unique variant that increases the difficulty of reduction of the articular surface. Its morphologic characteristics have not been fully studied, and the incidence is sometimes underestimated. The goal of this study was to evaluate the morphologic characteristics of posterior articular depression in Schatzker type IV fractures based on computed tomography measurements. From January 2009 to December 2011, the medical records, including digital radiologic data, of all patients treated for tibial plateau fracture at the authors' institution were retrospectively analyzed. Articular surface depression deeper than 5 mm was the criterion for study inclusion. The depression depth, precise location of the articular depression center, surface area percentage, and distance of the fracture gap to the depression center were calculated. One hundred fifteen cases of Schatzker type IV fracture were retrieved, and a total of 47.83% (55 of 115) cases had posterior articular surface depression. The average depth of the depressed articular surface was 12.41 mm, the surface area percentage was 20.15% of the entire tibial plateau, and the gap distance from the medial direction was 41.40 mm, 2.8 times longer than that from the posterior direction, which was 14.91 mm. Posterior articular surface depression occurs in nearly half of Schatzker type IV fractures, and the posterior approach provides more direct access to the depression than the medial approach.

Combined approaches for fixation of Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral column: a prospective observational cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the surgical techniques and the clinical efficacy of combined approaches for the treatment of Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral column [lateral and posterolateral columns (LPCs) fractures] in a prospective cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 through December 2010, a total of 65 patients with LPCs underwent dual-plate fixation via a combined anterior and posterior approach. The anterior and posterior approaches were the conventional anterolateral approach and a posteromedial inverted L-shaped approach, respectively, with the patients in a floating position. RESULTS: Ultimately, 41 patients were followed up for a mean period of 52.5 months. All fractures healed. The mean time to radiographic bony union was 15.2 weeks and the mean time to full weight-bearing was 18.7 weeks. No parameter associated with knee alignment changed significantly between immediately postoperation and 2 years postoperation. No collapse of the reduced articular surface was detected. Two years postoperation, the mean Hospital for Special Surgery score was 92.3; the mean Short Form-36 score was 90.1, and the mean range of knee motion was 1.7°-123.6° (extension-flexion). Two patients suffered dehiscence of the anterolateral incision and another suffered partial necrosis at the margin of the posteromedial incision postoperatively. All healed in response conservative treatment. Another two patients experienced numbness in the posteromedial inferior region of the calf. No implant loosening, breakage, fixation failure, or other complication was observed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: LPCs are not uncommon. Careful preoperative analysis of computed tomography images and impeccable preparation are necessary to avoid neglecting a posterolateral column fracture. It is inappropriate to generalize one scenario for all Schatzker type II fractures: a single approach cannot address all subtypes of these fractures. Dual-plate fixation via a combined approach is an effective treatment for LPCs.

Pathoanatomy and incidence of the posterolateral fractures in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures: a clinical computed tomography-based measurement and the associated biomechanical model simulation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence and pathoanatomy of posterolateral fragments and analyze the associated fracture mechanism in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: From 1.1.2008 to 3.15.2012, all patients suffering bicondylar tibial plateau fractures were identified, scanned and analyzed at the Shanghai Clinical Trauma Center. Furthermore cadaver knees were selected into three groups of 30/60/90 knee flexion to simulate the posterolateral tibial plateau fracture by an impact device. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-four (44.32 %) bicondylar tibial plateau fractures finally satisfied our requirements. Fifty-three and ninety-four cases were measured eventually in the groups of posterolateral split and depression. The posterolateral articular fragment proportion was 15.43 %. The posterolateral articular fragment angle showed an average of 12.94°. The posterolateral fragment cortical height was on average 2.96 cm. The posterolateral sagittal fragment angle averaged at 72.06°. Ninety-four cases were measured in the posterolateral depression group. The average posterolateral articular depression proportion was 16.74 %. The average posterolateral articular depression height was 2.47 cm. In the biomechanical modeling of such kinds of fracture patterns, posterolateral split fractures in 30° and 60° flexion are significantly more than those in 90° flexion. Posterolateral splits combined with anterolateral depression fractures in 30° flexion are significantly more than those in 90° flexion. CONCLUSION: The incidence of posterolateral fractures is 44.32 % in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. The morphology of posterolateral area can be referenced for the surgeon in the future clinical work. The information is also helpful for the design of locking plate and fracture modeling in biomechanical test. In addition, that posterolateral split and posterolateral depression might be caused by different injury mechanisms. Different angles of knee flexion under the axial impact loading are possibly the interpretations for these two fracture patterns.

Multi-plate reconstruction for severe bicondylar tibial plateau fractures of young adults.

PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and complications following multi-plate reconstruction for treating severe bicondylar tibial plateau fractures of young adults. METHODS: Between September 2007 and February 2012, 26 patients with severe bicondylar tibial plateau fractures met inclusion criteria; they were treated using multi-plate technique through combined approaches. Patients received an average follow-up of 40.8 (range, 18-64) months, which included anteroposterior and lateral imaging, postoperative complications, range of motion and stability of the knee. The Rasmussen score was applied for functional and radiological evaluation. RESULTS: Three to five plates were used for reconstruction. No intra-operative complications occurred. Postoperative complications included bulge of hardware in four patients and superficial dehiscence in three cases in the anterolateral incision of which one developed to deep infection. There was no neurovascular damage, and no implant breakage or loosening. Hardware was removed partly or totally in 16 cases. The average Rasmussen score at final follow-up was 27.2 (range, 21-30) points for functional evaluation and 16.4 (range, 14-18) for radiology. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-plate reconstruction is a valid and safe method for treating severe bicondylar tibial plateau fractures of young adults.

Morphologic characteristics of the posterior malleolus fragment: a 3-D computer tomography based study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics of the posterior malleolus fragment (PMF) based on 3-D computed tomography scans, and evaluated the variability in different types of injuries (ankle fracture, spiral tibial shaft fracture and pilon fracture). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 3-D computed tomography data of PMF from June 2011 to February 2012 was conducted in a level 1 trauma centre. The cross angle (α), fragment length ratio (FLR), fragment area ratio (FAR), sagittal angle (θ), and fragment height (FH) were measured as morphologic assessments in the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). RESULTS: Based on the definition of the PMF, 144 cases were brought into this study. And the PMF was described with a mean α of 25.0°, a mean FAR of 17.66 %, a mean θ of 16.1° and a mean FH of 23.06 mm. Besides, this study showed a significant difference on FAR amongst the three injuries with the FAR was 30.31 % (P < 0.05) in pilon fracture group. Respectively, although the mean θ (16.1°) indicated a vertical fracture pattern, yet no significant difference was shown amongst the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although the PMFs appear to be highly variable, most of the PMFs were located on the posterolateral of the distal tibia, and showed features with vertical nature. The information obtained from this study will be helpful for fracture models in a future biomechanical study and for determining appropriate surgical approaches.

A rapid and economical method for low molecular weight RNA isolation from a wide variety of plant species.

We have developed a time- and cost-effective method for isolating low molecular weight (LMW) RNA from plants. In our protocol, the isolation procedure can be completed within 3 h. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and absolute ethanol are used to isolate LMW RNA, and the LMW RNA yields were >80 µg/g of fresh-weight tissues for several of the plant species tested.

The incidence of posterior tibial plateau fracture: an investigation of 525 fractures by using a CT-based classification system.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the tibial plateau are seen frequently in orthopedic trauma units and traditionally classified based on two-dimension plain radiographs with the Schatzker Classification system, the most popular. This system focuses on fractures involving the medial and lateral plateau but does not comment on fractures that involve the posterior aspect of the tibial plateau. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of posterior tibial plateau fracture and propose a new computed tomography (CT)-based three-column classification system to guide fracture treatment. METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2009, 525 tibial plateau fractures admitted to a level 1 trauma center were retrospectively analyzed by four orthopedic trauma surgeons. Antero-posterior plain radiographs were used for Schatzker classification. CT imaging was used to further classify the fracture types with axial views dividing the plateau into three columns: a lateral, medial, and posterior. Posterior tibial plateau fracture (PTPF) was defined as a fracture with an independent fragment of the posterior column RESULTS: PTPFs were found in 151 cases and had an incidence of 28.8 % in this studied population. Except for type III, PTPFs were observed in each type of the Schatzker classification system. The Schatzker type VI, V, and IV fractures had the three highest percentages of PTPFs, with 76.1, 51.2, and 22.4 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Fractures of the posterior tibial plateau are not uncommon, especially in high-energy trauma. CT imaging is required to appreciate these fracture patterns, and a three-column classification allows for a better understanding of the fracture morphology and the injury mechanism, which guides surgical management.

Morphological characteristics of split-depression fractures of the lateral tibial plateau (Schatzker type II): a computer-tomography-based study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics of lateral tibial plateau split-depression fractures (Schatzker type II). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) data of lateral tibial plateau split-depression fractures from January 2009 to December 2010 was conducted in a level 1 trauma centre. The discontinuity arc, angle of depression centre (ADC), anterior-posterior position of articular depression centre (APDC), surface area percentage (SAP), sagittal angulation and depression depth were measured on CT images using the Picture Archiving and Communication System. RESULTS: Based on the integrity of posterolateral wall and discontinuity arc, 140 cases of Schatzker type II fracture were divided into two subtypes: intact group (69 cases) and broken group (71 cases). The fracture of the intact group was located in the anterior part of the lateral plateau, the average ADC was 72.13°, APDC was 43.25 % of sagittal diameter, SAP was 22.16 % of total plateau, sagittal angulation was 6.59°and depression depth was 10.80 mm. Of the broken group, the average ADC, APDC, SAP, sagittal angulation and depression depth was 92.45°, 61.84 %, 22.63 %, 9.00° and 10.78 mm, respectively. Forty-seven cases in the broken group had a posterolateral fragment and 15 cases among them had articular depression centered in the posterolateral region. The difference in ADC, APDC and sagittal angulation between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed for SAP and depression depth. CONCLUSIONS: Of all the 140 cases in this study, 10.7 % are located in the posterolateral region. An appropriate operative approach and fixation method should be selected based on the individual morphological characteristics of lateral plateau fractures.