LINC00482 sponged miR-2467-3p to promote bone metastasis of prostate cancer through activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

This study was designed to investigate the biological functions of LINC00482 in prostate cancer (PCa) with bone metastasis. TCGA dataset of PCa was applied for LINC00482 expression analysis and real time PCR was used to verify the expression level of LINC00482 in PCa tissues as well as PCa bone metastatic tissues. To detect the biological functions of LINC00482 in vitro, various assays were used including CCK-8, EdU, colony formation and transwell assays. The biological functions of LINC00482 were also identified in vivo by inoculating PCa cells into the left cardiac ventricle of mice, followed by evaluating the osteolytic lesions and osteolytic score. In addition, Starbase and Lncbase databases were applied for predicting the potential target miRNA of LINC00482, while TargetScan and Starbase databases were used for predicting the potential target of miRNA. The luciferase reporter assay was utilized to determine the interactions among these molecules and western blotting was employed to verified the targeted proteins. Results showed that high expression level of LINC00482 was observed in bone metastatic PCa tissues and associated with PCa progression. Silencing of LINC00482 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in PCa. Furthermore, LINC00482 was proved to act as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR-2467-3p to activate Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, which may be a promising therapeutic target for PCa with bone metastasis.

miR-3146 induces neutrophil extracellular traps to aggravate gout flare.

BACKGROUND: Gout is an inflammatory arthritis and is characterized by the accumulation of deposited monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints. miRNAs may act as key regulators of gout pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to explore the underlying role and molecular mechanism of miR-3146 in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) during the pathogenesis of gout. METHODS: The expression of miR-3146 and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the targeting relationship between miR-3146 and SIRT1. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected by fluorescent staining. NETs formation was demonstrated via immunofluorescence staining and ELISA method. Gout model was induced in rats to verify the effects of miR-3146 inhibition on histopathological changes and NETs. RESULTS: Here, we found miR-3146 expression was dramatically increased in neutrophils of patients with gout, which was accompanied with the higher levels of NETs. MSU crystals significantly increased miR-3146 expression and ROS production in neutrophils. The NETs process was also triggered by MSU crystals. Furthermore, we verified the interaction between miR-3146 and SIRT1. Additionally, antagomir-3146-based therapy effectively inhibited the formation of NETs in rats with gout. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that miR-3146-mediated NETs formation may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of gout. These results suggested that miR-3146 could be used as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gout.

Identification and Validation of the Prognostic Stemness Biomarkers in Bladder Cancer Bone Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) is one of the most common urinary system malignancies with a high metastasis rate. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in the occurrence and progression of BLCA, however, its roles in bone metastasis and the prognostic stemness biomarkers have not been identified in BLCA. METHOD: In order to identify the roles of CSC in the tumorigenesis, bone metastasis and prognosis of BLCA, the RNA sequencing data of patients with BLCA were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. The mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) and the differential expressed genes (DEGs) were evaluated and identified. The associations between mRNAsi and the tumorigenesis, bone metastasis, clinical stage and overall survival (OS) were also established. The key prognostic stemness-related genes (PSRGs) were screened by Lasso regression, and based on them, the predict model was constructed. Its accuracy was tested by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and the risk score. Additionally, in order to explore the key regulatory network, the relationship among differentially expressing TFs, PSRGs, and absolute quantification of 50 hallmarks of cancer were also identified by Pearson correlation analysis. To verify the identified key TFs and PSRGs, their expression levels were identified by our clinical samples via immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: A total of 8,647 DEGs were identified between 411 primary BLCAs and 19 normal solid tissue samples. According to the clinical stage, mRNAsi and bone metastasis of BLCA, 2,383 stage-related DEGs, 3,680 stemness-related DEGs and 716 bone metastasis-associated DEGs were uncovered, respectively. Additionally, compared with normal tissue, mRNAsi was significantly upregulated in the primary BLCA and also associated with the prognosis (P = 0.016), bone metastasis (P < 0.001) and AJCC clinical stage (P < 0.001) of BLCA patients. A total of 20 PSRGs were further screened by Lasso regression, and based on them, we constructed the predict model with a relatively high accuracy (AUC: 0.699). Moreover, we found two key TFs (EPO, ARID3A), four key PRSGs (CACNA1E, LINC01356, CGA and SSX3) and five key hallmarks of cancer gene sets (DNA repair, myc targets, E2F targets, mTORC1 signaling and unfolded protein response) in the regulatory network. The tissue microarray of BLCA and BLCA bone metastasis also revealed high expression of the key TFs (EPO, ARID3A) and PRSGs (SSX3) in BLCA. CONCLUSION: Our study identifies mRNAsi as a reliable index in predicting the tumorigenesis, bone metastasis and prognosis of patients with BLCA and provides a well-applied model for predicting the OS for patients with BLCA based on 20 PSRGs. Besides, we also identified the regulatory network between key PSRGs and cancer gene sets in mediating the BLCA bone metastasis.

[Development of on-line lateral stiffness measurement system for anterior cruciate ligament and its influence on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction mostly relies on the experience of surgeons. To improve the effectiveness and adaptability of the tension after ACL reconstruction in knee joint rehabilitation, this paper establishes a lateral force measurement model with relaxation characteristics and designs an on-line stiffness measurement system of ACL. In this paper, we selected 20 sheep knee joints as experimental material for the knee joint stability test before the ACL reconstruction operation, which were divided into two groups for a comparative test of single-bundle ACL reconstruction through the anterolateral approach. The first group of surgeons carried out intraoperative detection with routine procedures. The second group used ACL on-line stiffness measurement system for intraoperative detection. After that, the above two groups were tested for postoperative stability. The study results show that the tension accuracy is (- 2.3 ± 0.04)%, and the displacement error is (1.5 ± 1.8)%. The forward stability, internal rotation stability, and external rotation stability of the two groups were better than those before operation ( P < 0.05). But the data of the group using the system were closer to the preoperative knee joint measurement index, and there was no significant difference between them ( P > 0.05). The system established in this paper is expected to help clinicians judge the ACL reconstruction tension in the operation process and effectively improve the surgical effect.

A study of knee anterior cruciate ligament biomechanics with respect to energy and relaxation.

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to study the biomechanical properties of sheep tendon under torsion and the tendon energy absorption performance with an externally imposed initial force. METHODS: Tendons of nine healthy knees of sheep were investigated. In both tests, we investigated energy and relaxation at rotations of 0°, 90°, 180°, and 360°. For both tensile force and tensile displacement at a sampling period of 100 milliseconds, the maximum value of 89 N was selected as the maximum tension state for 600 s of relaxation duration for testing relaxation, and analysed of the average force of the last 30 s. FINDINGS: The difference of energy levels of the tendons are significant between twisted groups (180° and 360°) and untwisted group (0°) (P < 0.05); The relaxation force decreases significantly with twisted groups (90°,180°, and 360°) and untwists group (0°) (P < 0.05). The nine-group tendons show no significant difference at torsion 90° and 180° (P = 0.466). Peak force test shows significant differences between the twisted groups (90°,180°, and 360°) and untwisted group (0°) (P < 0.05). INTERPRETATION: The torsion tendon has lower energy absorption and relaxation than the untwisted counterparts; thus, it may be more prone to damage. These results are useful for providing guidance on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

miR-29a-5p Targets SATB2 and Regulates the SIRT1/Smad3 Deacetylation Pathway to Inhibit Thoracic Ligamentum Flavum Cell Osteogenesis.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental analysis of the thoracic ligamentum flavum cell osteogenic differentiation process. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the role of miR-29a-5p and special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) in a pathological osteogenic process. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is an uncommon disease wherein ligaments within the spine undergo progressive ossification, resulting in stenosis of the spinal canal and myelopathy. MiR-29a-5p was found to be downregulated in ligament cells from ossified ligament tissue in a previous study. However, whether miR-29a-5p is involved in the process of TOLF has not been investigated. METHODS: The expression of miR-29a-5p in ligament tissues or in the context of TOLF osteogenic cell differentiation was measured via qRT-PCR. Alkaline phosphatase activity assay and Alizarin red staining were used to analyze cellular osteogenesis. The protein-level expression of SATB2, SIRT1, and Smad3 were measured via immunohistochemistry or western blotting. Dual luciferase reporter assays and western blotting were used to confirm that miR-29a targets SATB2. RESULTS: SATB2 was found to be upregulated and miR-29a-5p was downregulated in TOLF tissue. We additionally observed decreased miR-29a-5p expression during the process of TOLF osteogenic cell differentiation, and there was a marked reduction in the expression of key mediators of osteogenesis when miR-29a-5p was overexpressed. Consistent with this, when miR-29a-5p was inhibited this led to enhanced osteogenic cell differentiation of these cells. We further found miR-29a-5p to directly target and suppress the expression of SATB2. Knock-down of SATB2 was sufficient to reduce the ability of miR-29a-5p to inhibit osteogenesis, and this also led to decreased SIRT1 expression and Smad3 acetylation. CONCLUSION: Together our findings indicate that miR-29a-5p is able to prevent thoracic ligamentum flavum cell osteogenesis at least in part via targeting SATB2 and thereby suppressing the SIRT1/Smad3 deacetylation pathway. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

High glucose promotes annulus fibrosus cell apoptosis through activating the JNK and p38 MAPK pathways.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important risk factor of intervertebral disc degeneration. A high glucose niche-mediated disc cell apoptosis is an implicate causative factor for the spine degenerative diseases related with DM. However, the effects of a high glucose niche on disc annulus fibrosus (AF) cell apoptosis and the potential signaling transduction pathway is unclear. The present study is to investigate the effects of high glucose on disc AF cell apoptosis and the role of two potential signaling pathways in this process. Rat AF cells were cultured in baseline medium or medium with different concentrations (0.1 and 0.2 M) of glucose for 3 days. Flow cytometry was used to assess the degree of apoptosis. Activity of caspase 3/9 was evaluated by chemical kit. Expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic molecules was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. In addition, activity of the C-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK) pathway and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was evaluated by Western blot. Compared with the control group, high glucose culture increased cell apoptosis ratio and caspase-3/9 activity, up-regulated expression of bax, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP, and down-regulated expression of bcl-2 in a glucose concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, high glucose culture increased expression of the p-JNK and p-p38 MAPK in a concentration-dependent manner. Further results showed that inhibition of the JNK or p38 MAPK pathway attenuated the effects of high glucose on AF cell apoptosis. Together, high glucose promoted disc AF cell apoptosis through regulating the JNK pathway and p38 MAPK pathway in a glucose concentration-dependent manner.

17ß-Estradiol/extrogen receptor ß alleviates apoptosis and enhances matrix biosynthesis of nucleus pulposus cells through regulating oxidative damage under a high glucose condition.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia in the Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients is a potential etiology of disc degeneration. 17ß-estradiol (17ß-E2) supplementation plays an anti-diabetic role in DM patients. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of 17ß-E2 in regulating nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis and NP matrix production under a high glucose condition. METHODS: Rat NP cells were cultured in medium with a high glucose concentration (0.2 M). 17ß-E2 was added into the culture medium to investigate its protective effects. The ERß inhibitor PHTPP and ERß activator ERB041 were used to investigate the effects of ERß. NP cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry and expression of apoptosis-related molecules. NP matrix production was evaluated by expression of matrix macromolecules. Additionally, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content was also detected. RESULTS: Compared with the control NP cells, 17ß-E2 decreased NP cell apoptosis ratio, down-regulated gene expression of Bax and caspase-3, up-regulated gene expression of Bcl-2, increased protein expression of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3, and increased expression of matrix molecules (aggrecan and collagen II). Moreover, 17ß-E2 decreased ROS content. Further analysis showed that ERß inhibition partly reversed these effects of 17ß-E2 whereas ERß activation further promoted its effects. CONCLUSION: 17ß-E2/ERß interaction attenuates apoptosis and promotes matrix biosynthesis of NP cells through alleviating oxidative damage under a high glucose condition. This study provides new knowledge on strategies for retarding disc degeneration.

Heterogeneous expression and biological function of SOX18 in osteosaroma.

Osteosaroma (OS) is a primary bone malignancy and is associated with high morbidity. Sex determining region Y-box 18 (SOX18) is identified overexpressed in OS. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the biological function of SOX18 in OS is still unclear. The aim of the current study was to determine the SOX18 expression in patients with OS and its effect on tumor cell malignant phenotypes. Our results showed that SOX18 was overexpressed in OS patients from both E-MEXP-3628 database and independent samples from our hospital and in OS cell lines. SOX18 silencing significantly induced G0-G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and inhibited U-2OS cell migration and invasion and cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. However, SOX18 overexpression remarkably promoted 143B cell proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibited cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The protein expression levels of p53, p21, Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 were also regulated by SOX18. Moreover, SOX18 was found negative correlated with the expression of HERC1, HER2, HERC3, HERC4, HERC5, and HERC6 in OS patients and in OS cells, with the most significant correlation detected in HERC2 expression, which was following found interacted with SOX18 in OS cells. Taken together, our results suggest that SOX18 is overexpressed in OS and plays an important role in proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of OS cells, and may provide a novel and promising thera-peutic strategy for OS.

Lumbar idiopathic intervertebral disc calcification associated with ossification of the ligamentum flavum in adult: a case report.

A 23 year-old female was diagnosed with lumbar idiopathic intervertebral disc calcification associated with ossification of OLF. The patient underwent posterior decompression and posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw fixation, which achieved excellent clinical improvement. Surgical intervention of a posterior approach for decompression and instrumented fusion is indicated in cases that the spinal cord compression with neurologic deficits was involved.

An in Vitro Twist Fatigue Test of Fabric Stent-Grafts Supported by Z-Stents vs. Ringed Stents.

Whereas buckling can cause type III endoleaks, long-term twisting of a stent-graft was investigated here as a mechanism leading to type V endoleak or endotension. Two experimental device designs supported with Z-stents having strut angles of 35° or 45° were compared to a ringed control under accelerated twisting. Damage to each device was assessed and compared after different durations of twisting, with focus on damage that may allow leakage. Stent-grafts with 35° Z-stents had the most severe distortion and damage to the graft fabric. The 45° Z-stents caused less fabric damage. However, consistent stretching was still seen around the holes for sutures, which attach the stents to the graft fabric. Larger holes may become channels for fluid percolation through the wall. The ringed stent-graft had the least damage observed. Stent apexes with sharp angles appear to be responsible for major damage to the fabrics. Device manufacturers should consider stent apex angle when designing stent-grafts, and ensure their devices are resistant to twisting.

[Effects of statins upon bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of statins upon bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolic markers in postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted for 100 women receiving treatment from January 2011 to August 2012 and meeting the inclusion criteria of osteopenia or osteoporosis with hypercholesterolemia postmenopausal. They were randomly divided into treatment group on atorvastatin 10 mg once daily and control group. The parameters of lumbar BMD, bone resorption markers of type I collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) , bone synthesis markers procollagen type I N-terminal peptide (PINP) were compared between two groups after half a year and one year. RESULTS: There was an upward trend of lumbar spine BMD and PINP in the treatment group at half a year and one year compared with the control group. And two groups had significant difference (P < 0.05). Although two groups had no significant difference in all parameters at half a year, the values of lumbar spine BMD and PINP were higher in the treatment group at one year than the control group. Two groups had significant difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Statins can help maintain or increase bone mass of hypercholesterolemic menopausal women through promoting bone synthesis.

FS-3D-FISP for the diagnosis of ankle impingement syndrome and the evaluation of clinical outcomes of arthroscopic surgery.

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of three types of MRI sequences and to observe the clinical outcomes of arthroscopy surgery for ankle joint impingement syndrome. Ankle joint impingement syndrome was confirmed by FSE-T2WI, FSE-PDWI, and FS-3D-FISP MRI in 23 patients with arthroscopically proven ankle impingement. All 23 patients underwent arthroscopic surgery and the ankle joint function was evaluated before, 1 week after and 6 months after the operation. The patients were followed-up for 12-64 months (average 28 months). There was no significant difference in ankle function score between preoperatively and 1 week postoperatively, but 86.96 % patients got overall excellent or good scores 6 months after the surgery, significantly higher than before the surgery. The FS-3D-FISP MRI exhibited a good consistency with arthroscopic examination and had higher sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of ankle impingement than FSE-T2WI and FSE-PDWI. In summary, arthroscopy surgery for ankle impingement syndrome has several advantages such as good efficacy, minimal trauma, quick recovery, and much less complications. The preoperative FS-3D-FISP MRI allows accurate diagnosis and positioning of ankle impingement syndrome.

Effect of combination therapy with alginate dressing and mouse epidermal growth factor on epidermal stem cells in patients with refractory wounds.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was to determine the efficacy of combination therapy using an alginate dressing and mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) on proliferation and differentiation of epidermal stem cells (ESCs) in patients with refractory wounds. METHODS: Eighteen patients (12 males and 6 females, aged from 18 to 61 years (mean 36.4 years)) with various skin wounds, were treated by dressing changing for one month. The wounds were located in the foot (11), calf (3), thigh (2) and forearm (2). The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: alginate dressing and mEGF (group A; n = 6), mEGF (group B; n = 6) and control (group C; n = 6). Wound closure indexes were measured at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Samples were harvested for pathologic examination, at 7 and 14 days following treatment. Cytokeratin 10 (CK10) and cytokeratin 15 (CK15) positive cells were evaluated using the super-sensitivity (SP) immunohistochemical staining technique. RESULTS: Wound healing was promoted in groups A and B. In group A, the wound closure index was increased significantly (P < 0.05), and in one case the maximum cure area reached 102 cm(2). Pathological examination identified a thicker epidermis, active angiogenesis and enhanced granulation in group A compared with groups B and C. Using the SP immunohistochemical staining technique, we showed that ESCs in group A were bigger in size and larger in number than in groups B and C. Overall, there was a significant difference in ESCs proliferation and differentiation between group A and group B (or C). CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy using an alginate dressing and mEGF shows increased proliferation and differentiation of ESCs in patients with refractory wounds compared with those treated with mEGF alone.

[Application value of FS-3D-FISP sequence in the diagnosis of ankle cartilage injury].

OBJECTIVE: To compare several sequences of MRI and arthroscopy for detecting the ankle articular cartilage lesions and to evaluate the clinical outcome of special sequence of FS-3D-FISP. METHODS: Forty patients (41 ankles) with iterative ankle pain who were scheduled for arthroscopy underwent MR scanning, including FS-3D-FISP, FSE T2WI and FSE PDWI sequences. The results of each sequence were then compared with the arthroscopic findings. RESULTS: Using arthroscopic results as the standard of reference, the FS-3D-FISP images had the higher sensitivity (92.86%) than the other two sequences. The FS-3D-FISP sequence was well consistent with the result of arthroscopy. Kappa value (0.7590) was higher than the other two sequences (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: As a favorable scanning sequence, FS-3D-FISP imaging can show the early-stage pathological changes of articular cartilage and it has an excellent correlation with the arthroscopic findings. A 3-D reconstruction is helpful to determine the location and the degree of lesion and obtain a more accurate classification to guide clinical decisions.

Functional protection of pentoxifylline against spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits: necrosis and apoptosis effects.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about neuronal death mechanisms following spinal cord ischemia. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) against spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Rabbits sustained spinal cord ischemia following 45 minutes cross-clamping of the infrarenal aorta. Experimental groups were as follows: the first group of animals (sham, n = 8) underwent laparotomy alone and served as the sham group; the second group (I/R, n = 20) received carrier (3 ml saline solution) and served as the control group; the third group (PTX-A, n = 20) received PTX intravenously 10 minutes prior to ischemia; and the fourth group (PTX-B, n = 20) received PTX intravenously at the onset of reperfusion. Rabbits were evaluated for hind-limb motor function with the Tarlov scoring system at 48 hours. Serum was assayed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and spinal cords were harvested for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, histopathological analysis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining, platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry, and the number of necrotic and apoptotic neuron were counted and data analyzed at 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of reperfusion. Spinal cords were studied by electron microscopy. RESULTS: Improved Tarlov scores were seen in PTX-treated rabbits as compared with ischemic control rabbits at 48 hours. A significant reduction was found in TNF-alpha in serum, activity of MPO and immunoreactivity of the PECAM-1 and caspase-3 in PTX-treated rabbits. There were fewer apoptotic neurons than necrotic neurons (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in both necrotic and apoptotic neurons was observed in the PTX-treated groups (PTX-A and PTX-B) compared with the I/R group (P < 0.05). Both necrotic and apoptotic neurons were found with the electron microscope. CONCLUSIONS: PTX may induce protection against ischemia injury in the spinal cord, thereby preventing both necrosis and apoptosis. A major mode of cell death in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury is necrosis while apoptosis is not dominant.

Comparative study on treatment of midshaft tibial fracture with expandable and interlocking intramedullary nails.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of treatment of midshaft tibial fracture with expandable intramedullary nails compared with interlocking intramedullary nails. METHODS: From June 2003 to August 2005, 46 patients (27 males and 19 females, aged 20-74 years, mean=38.4 years) with midshaft tibial fracture were treated surgically in our department. The causes of fractures were traffic injury in 21 patients, fall injury in 6, tumbling injury in 11 and crushing injury in 8. According to AO/ASIF classification, Type A fracture was found in 16 patients, Type B in 11, Type C(1) in 5, and Type C(2) in 2. Open fractures were found in 12 patients, according to Gustilo classification, Type I in 9 patients and Type II in 3 patients. Based on the patients'consent, 24 patients were treated with expandable intramedullary nails (Group A) and 22 with interlocking intramedullary nails (Group B). The operation time, blood loss during operation, X-ray fluoroscopic times, hospitalization time, weight bearing time after operation, healing time of fracture and complications of all the patients were recorded. The clinical effects of all the cases were evaluated according to the criteria of Johner-Wruhs. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for 12-34 months (mean equal to 16.2 months). The time of operation, the blood loss, X-ray fluoroscopic times, hospitalization time and healing time of fracture of Group A significantly decreased (P less than 0.05) compared with those of Group B, but the time for weight bearing after operation, the Johner-Wruhs degree of clinical effects and complications had no significant difference between Group A and Group B (P larger than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Expandable intramedullary nail can shorten operation time, decrease blood loss and reduce invasion, which is a safe and effective treatment method for tibial midshaft fracture.

Robust high-speed binocular 3D eye movement tracking system using a two-radii eye model.

Existing video-based eye movement tracking systems measure three-dimensional eye orientations by assuming the eye is a sphere that rotates around its center at a fixed radius. We found this model inaccurate. We have developed a system that uses a two-radii eye model, which assumes that the eye rotates around two different centers with different radii horizontally and vertically. We found this two-radii model more accurate in estimating the three-dimensional eye positions than the traditional one-radius eye model.