Pyroptosis-Related Genes as Diagnostic Markers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Its Correlation with Immune Infiltration.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stands as a predominant cause of global morbidity and mortality. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) and COPD diagnosis in the context of immune infiltration, ultimately proposing a PRG-based diagnostic model for predicting COPD outcomes. Methods: Clinical data and PRGs of COPD patients were sourced from the GEO database. The "ConsensusClusterPlus" package was employed to generate molecular subtypes derived from PRGs that were identified through differential expression analysis and LASSO Cox analysis. A diagnostic signature including eight genes (CASP4, CASP5, ELANE, GPX4, NLRP1, GSDME, NOD1and IL18) was also constructed. Immune cell infiltration calculated by the ESTIMATE score, Stroma scores and Immune scores were also compared on the basis of pyroptosis-related molecular subtypes and the risk signature. We finally used qRT - PCR to detect the expression levels of eight genes in COPD patient and normal. Results: The diagnostic model, anchored on eight PRGs, underwent validation with an independent experimental cohort. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) for the diagnostic model showcased values of 0.809, 0.765, and 0.956 for the GSE76925, GSE8545, and GSE5058 datasets, respectively. Distinct expression patterns and clinical attributes of PRGs were observed between the comparative groups, with functional analysis underscoring a disparity in immune-related functions between them. Conclusion: In this study, we developed a potential as diagnostic biomarkers for COPD and have a significant role in modulating the immune response. Such insights pave the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for COPD.

Effect of potassium fertilization on storage root number, yield, and appearance quality of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.).

Increasing storage root number is a pivotal approach to enhance both storage root (SR) yield and appearance quality of sweet potato. Here, 2-year field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of 0 (K0), 120 (K1), 240 (K2), and 360 (K3) kg ha-1 potassium fertilizer (K2O) on lignin metabolism, root growth, storage root yield, and uniformity. The results demonstrated that potassium (K) application led to a decrease in the activities of key enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis, including phenylalanine deaminase (PAL), 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase (4-CL), cinnamic acid dehydrogenase (CAD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD). This resulted in a significant reduction in lignin and G-type lignin contents in potential SRs compared to K0 treatment within 10-30 days after planting (DAP). BJ553 exhibited a significant decrease in PAL activity, as well as lignin and G-type contents at 10 DAP, whereas YS25 showed delayed effects until 20 DAP. However, the number and distribution of secondary xylem conduits as well as the mid-column diameter area in roots were increased in K2 treatment. Interestingly, K2 treatment exhibited significantly larger potential SR diameter than other treatments at 15, 20, and 25 DAP. At harvest, K2 treatment increased the SR number, the single SR weight, and overall yield greatly compared with K0 treatment, with an average increase of 19.12%, 16.54%, and 16.92% respectively. The increase of SR number in BJ553 was higher than that of YS25. Furthermore, K2 treatment exhibited the lowest coefficient of variation for both SR length and diameter, indicating a higher yield of middle-sized SRs. In general, appropriate potassium application could effectively suppress lignin biosynthesis, leading to a reduction in the degree of pericycle lignification in potential SRs. This promotes an increase in the number of storage roots and ultimately enhances both yield and appearance quality of sweet potato. The effect of potassium fertilizer on lignin metabolism in BJ553 roots was earlier and resulted in a greater increase in the SR number compared to YS25.

[Correlation between psoas muscle area and contralateral hip fracture after intertrochanteric fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the area of psoas major muscle(PMI) and recurrent contralateral hip fracture in the initial intertrochanteric fracture. METHODS: Total of 87 patients with intertrochanteric fracture of femur from January 2008 to January 2011 were selected for CT scanning of lumbar spine and hip at the time of the first fracture, and then divided into two groups according to whether there was fracture in the contralateral hip, 13 patients in the contralateral hip fracture group, 5 males and 8 females, aged(82.30±5.66) years;there were 74 cases in the non contralateral hip fracture group, including 32 males and 42 females, with an age of (79.70±5.84) years. The gender, age, preoperative blood albumin value, operation side, body mass index(BMI), Harris score of hip joint one year after operation, Barthel index before operation and medical diseases before operation were observed and compared between two groups. The PMI was used to compare the area of psosa major on CT before operation in two groups, and the correlation between the area of PMI at the time of initial fracture and the fracture of the contralateral hip was evaluated. RESULTS: The two groups were followed up for more than 2 years after operation. There was a significant difference in PMI between two groups(P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between preoperative PMI and the time of re fracture of the contralateral hip(r=0.641, P=0.018). CONCLUSION: There are differences in the area of PMI in patients with contralateral hip fracture, so the area of PMI can be regarded as an important risk factor for contralateral hip fracture.

[Comparison of curative effect between F-shaped hollow screw and traditional three parallel screws in the treatment of Pauwels type â ¢ femoral neck fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the clinical efficacy of F-shaped hollow screw and traditional inverted triangle three parallel screws in the treatment of young and middle-aged Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fracture. METHODS: From January 2017 to January 2020, 38 patients with Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fracture were treated. They were divided into two groups according to different screw placement methods. Among them, 18 patients in group A were fixed with F-shaped hollow screw, including 12 males and 6 females, aged 37 to 55 years, the time from injury to operation was 1 to 3 days. Other 20 cases in group B were fixed with 3 parallel screws in traditional inverted triangle, including 12 males and 8 females, aged 35 to 55 years. The time from injury to operation was 1 to 3 days. The fracture nonunion, femoral head necrosis, femoral neck shortening, hollow screw withdrawal, hip function Harris score and visual analogue scale(VAS) of pain were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 15 to 31 months. There was no significant difference in fracture nonunion, femoral neck shortening and femoral head necrosis between two groups(P>0.05). There was significant difference in screw withdrawal between two groups(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in hip Harris score and VAS between the two groups at 12 months after operation(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The short-term and medium-term effects of F-shaped and traditional inverted triangle three parallel screws in the treatment of young and middle-aged Pauwels Ⅲ femoral neck fractures are similar, but the nail withdrawal rate of F-shaped hollow screw is low.

[Fixation of anterior pelvic ring fracture with long reconstruction plate combined with MIPPO technique].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of long reconstruction plate combined with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis(MIPPO) technique in the treatment of unstable pelvic anterior ring fractures. METHODS: From January 2013 to February 2019, 16 patients with unstable pelvic fracture were treated, including 12 males and 4 females, aged from 20 to 60 years(mean 46.5 years). According to Tile classification, there were 4 cases of type B1, 6 cases of type B2, 4 cases of type C1 and 2 cases of type C2. The fracture of all patients was closed, and the time from injury to operation was 7 to 10 days with an average of 6.2 days. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, complications and limb function during the final follow-up were evaluated in 16 patients. RESULTS: All 16 patients were followed up for 12 to 23 months (mean 19.1 months). The operation time was 60 to 180 min (mean 107.8 min). The intraoperative blood loss was 120 to 600 ml (mean 368.1 ml). The fracture healing time was 12 to 20 weeks (mean 16.3 weeks). According to Matta criteria, the fracture reduction was excellent in 6 cases, good in 8 cases and fair in 2 cases. One patient suffered from lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury during the operation, and the lateral thigh sensation decreased after operation, which recovered after 6 months. One patient had pain stimulated by internal fixation at the iliac fossa. The symptoms were improved after the internal fixation was removed. The fractures of 16 patients were healed satisfactorily and there was no internal fixation loosening. Majeed score at the final follow-up was 67 to 95, excellent in 10 cases, good in 4 cases and fair in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and fixation of pelvic anterior ring fracture with long reconstruction plate combined with MIPPO technique through anterior approach has the advantages of less injury, less bleeding time during operation, saving operation time, high intraoperative safety, high fracture healing rate, early functional exercise after operation, and effective treatment of pelvic anterior ring fracture.

[Effect of femoral offset on proximal femoral anti rotation intramedullary nail in the treatment of femoral trochanteric fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of femoral offset (FO) on the postoperative functional results of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in femoral trochanteric fractures. METHODS: From May 2017 to June 2019, 112 patients receiving PFNA were analyzed, X-ray and CT examination of both hips were performed before operation, and X-ray examination of both hips of pelvis was performed on the first day after operation. Among them, 71 patients showed bilateral FO difference≤ 5 mm on positive X-ray film (group A), and 41 patients showed bilateral FO difference>5 mm (group B). There was no significant difference between two groups in gender, age, operative side, course of disease, Harris score of preoperative hip joint, preoperativeFO(P>0.05). The Harris score of hip joint at 6 and 12 months was compared between two groups. The correlation between FO difference and Harris score was analyzed. RESULTS: Patients in both groups were followed up for 12 months after surgery, and all patients reached the healing criteria. The difference of Harris score of the hip joint at 6 and 12 months after surgery was statistically significant (P<0.05), and the difference of bilateral FO was negatively correlated with the Harris score of the hip joint at 6 and 12 months after surgery (R=-0.213, P<0.05), (R=-0.335, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of trochanteric fractures with PFNA, the greater the difference of FO between the two sides, the worse the postoperative function of the patients. The appropriate FO(the difference of FO between the two sides ≤5 mm) can improve the postoperative function of the patients.

[Analysis of risk factors of perioperative blood transfusion in the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fracture with proximal femoral nail antirotation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influencing factors of perioperative blood transfusion in the treatment of elderly femoral intertrochanteric fractures with proximal femoral nail antirotation(PFNA). METHODS: The clinical data of 109 elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures who received PFNA treatment from July 2018 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Both pelvic hip X-rays and CT plain scans were performed before surgery. All patients were diagnosed by X-ray and CT plain scan of pelvis and hip before operation. Through the statistical analysis of the basic data of patients before and during operation, the risk factors of perioperative blood transfusion were explored. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that age (P=0.013), fracture type (P<0.01), diabetes history (P=0.031) and preoperative hemoglobin (P<0.01) were independent risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients with 109 patients. Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between blood transfusion and age of patients (P= 0.017), fracture type (P<0.01), diabetes history (P=0.023), and negatively correlated with preoperative hemoglobin (P<0.01). However, gender (P=0.297), history of hypertension (P=0.318) and operation time(P=0.325) had no significant relationship with perioperative blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Age, fracture type, diabetes history, and preoperative hemoglobin are independent risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion in the treatment of elderly intertrochanteric fractures with PFNA. The older the patient, the history of diabetes, the more unstable the fracture, and the lower preoperative hemoglobin, the more likely it is to require a blood transfusion, which may provide a reference for clinical perioperative blood transfusion decisions.

[Imageology study of correlation loss and its related factors after short-segment pedicle screw reduction and fixation for lumbar fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correction loss after posterior segmental fixation for lumbar spine fractures and explore the related image factors. METHODS: Posterior short-segment fixation was received in 48 patients with L2-L4 fractures. There were 32 males and 16 females, with ages of 23 to 60 (45.98±8.20) yeaes. The anterior vertebrae height (AVH), vertebral wedge angle (VWA) of the injured vertebra and local kyphosis angle (LKA) were measured before operation, 1 week after operation and the final follow-up. The loss of segmental discal angle (LoSDA), LKA(LoLKA), AVH(LoAVH) were calculated between 1 week postoperative and the last follow up. Preoperative load-sharing scores(LSS), TLICS scores, and adjacent intervertebral disc injuries (IDIs) were assessed. Then the correlation between the age, follow up time, LSS, TLICS, IDIs and the correction loss was analyzed. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 12 to 18 (16.13±5.39) months. LKA, AVH and VWA at 1 week postoperative and those at the final follow up, were significantly improved compared with those preoperative (P<0.05). In the final follow up, the average LKA(5.70±3.17)° and AVH(4.31±5.95)% correction loss were observed compared with those 1 week postoperative(P<0.05). Otherwise the lose of VWA was not obvious(P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the SDA (r=0.706, 0.579, 0.449) and LKA(r=0.715, 0.566, 0.502) correction loss were aggravated with the increase of LSS, TLICS and IDIs, and AVH (r=-0.325, -0.219) correction loss was aggravated with the increase of LSS and TLICS(P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that increased LSS scores were all risk factors for segmental disc angle (SDA) loss, LKA correction loss, and AVH correction loss (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The angle of adjacent intervertebral discs and anterior height of injured vertebrae were lost statistically after posterior short-segment pedicle screw treatment for lumbar fractures, and multivariate analysis showed that all of them were correlated with load-sharing score.

Factors Influencing Viral Clearance in Mild COVID-19 and Clinical Characteristics of Asymptomatic Patients.

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global public health emergency. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 in Anhui and to identify predictors of viral clearance. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data collected from discharged patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections. We compared clinical features between viral clearance and viral persistence, and evaluated factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 shedding using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Among the 83 patients involved in the study, the median age was 43 years, while 60.2% were male, 35.4% had comorbidities, and the mortality was zero. The median time from illness onset to admission was 5 days (interquartile range (IQR), 2-7 days), and the median time from the illness onset to SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection was 16 days (IQR, 13-18 days). The factors influencing viral clearance were as follows: (1) delayed admission (beta 1.057, 95% CI 0.810-1.304; p ≤ 0.001) and (2) underlying comorbidities (beta 1.907, 95% CI 0.198-3.616; p = 0.029). No significant differences were observed in the length of stay (p = 0.246) and pneumonia between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients based on computed tomography (CT) (p = 0.124). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed admission and underlying comorbidities may effectively predict SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance. For those infected with SARS-CoV-2, even asymptomatic patients without any clinical symptoms should be traced and isolated. This practice may reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and slow the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the virus. Clinical Trial Registration Number: This trial is registered with 2020-051.

[Minimally invasive percutaneous plate internal fixation through anterolateral single incision for the treatment of open distal tibiofibula fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate therapeutic effect of minimally invasive percutaneous plate internal fixation (MIPPO) through a single incision in treating open distal tibiofibula fractures. METHODS: From March 2015 to February 2019, 10 patients with open distal tibiofibula fractures were treated with MIPPO technique through single anterolateral incision, including 8 males and 2 females, aged from 31 to 68 years old. According to Gustilo classification, 6 patients were typeⅠ, 3 patients were typeⅡand 1 patient was type ⅢA. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss and fracture healing were observed, Mazur ankle joint scoring was used to evaluate clinical effect. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 9 to 24 months. Operative time ranged from 85 to 120 min, intraoperative blood loss ranged from 80 to 200 ml, fracture healing time ranged from 18 to 30 weeks. Nine patients with Gustilo typeⅠandⅡachieved satisfactory healing wound, original wound of 1 patient with Gustilo type ⅢA was poor, and healed by skin flap transplantation at stageⅡ. No steel exposed and infection occurred. According to Mazur ankle scoring at the final following-up, total score was from 61 to 97, and 8 patients got excellent result, 1 good and 1 poor. CONCLUSION: MIPPO technique through anterolateral single incision for the treatment of open distal tibiofibula fractures could protect original medial wound in opertaion, avoid plate exposed through anterolateral extensor tendon to cover internal fixation, and MIPPO technique could protect fracture end blood flow to improve fracture healing rate, and it is a kind of choice.

[Analysis of hidden blood loss and its risk factors in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with PVP].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influencing factors of hidden blood loss (HBL) during the treatment of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). METHODS: The clinical data of 125 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty from March 2016 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent X rays of the AP and lateral lumbar spine, double oblique, and dynamic positions. Lumbar spine CT, MRI, and dual energy X ray bone densitometer (DXA) were used to confirm the diagnosis. There were 55 males and 70 females, 10 cases of thoracic vertebrae, 89 cases of thoracolumbar vertebrae, 26 cases of lumbar vertebrae, 87 cases with single segment, 29 cases with double segment,and 9 cases with 3 segments. The vertebral compression height ratios of 67 patients were less than 1 / 3, and the ratios for 41 patients were from 1 / 3 to 2 / 3,for 17 patients were more than 2 / 3. Blood routine examination were performed before and 3 days after surgery to analyze hidden blood loss and to explore its risk factors. RESULTS: The average hidden blood loss was (317±156) ml in 125 patients. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a history of diabetes(P=0.011),surgical segments(P=0.036),number of segments (P<0.001),vertebral height loss rate (P=0.002),vertebral height recovery rate (P<0.001) and bone cement leakage rate (P=0.003) were positively correlated with hidden blood loss. Moreover,it was found that the blood loss was higher in those with higher vertebral height loss rate than in those with lower vertebral height loss rate, and the blood loss was higher in those with good vertebral height recovery than those with poor vertebral height recovery. Additionally,the cement leakage was also an important factor in increasing hidden blood loss. However,there was no significant correlation between bone mineral density(P=0.814) or history of hypertension(P=0.055) and hidden blood loss. CONCLUSION: Patients with OVCFs have a large amount of hidden blood loss after PVP treatment, which needs attention. At the same time, the history of diabetes, surgical segments, number of segments, bone cement leakage rate, vertebral height loss rate and vertebral height recovery rate are the risk factors for hidden blood loss.

[Analysis of the clinical effects of different pedicle screw fixation methods for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical effects of the different pedicle screw fixation methods for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. METHODS: The clinical data of 55 patients with single thoracolumbar fractures treated between January 2013 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 32 males and 23 females, aged from 20 to 55 years with an average of 35.6 years old. All the fractures were located on a single segment, 8 cases of T11, 18 cases of T12, 19 cases of L1, 10 cases of L2. According to the classification of AO, 10 cases were type A1, 17 cases were type A2, 18 cases were type A3, 7 cases were type B2, 2 cases were type B3, 1 case was type C1. The patients were divided into three groups according to the different fixation methods, among them, 20 cases treated by traditional short-segment 4 pedicle screws fixation were control group, 22 cases treated by intermediate bilateral pedicle screws fixation (6 pedicle screws fixation) were bilateral group, 13 cases treated by intermediate unilateral pedicle screw fixation (5 pedicle screws fixation) were unilateral group. The three groups were compared by operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization cost, VAS and ODI scores, the correction of the fractured vertebrae height and kyphosis angle postoperatively and the losing rate of the fractured vertebrae height and kyphosis angle at the final follow-up and so on. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up from 12 to 20 months with an average of 15.2 months. No complications such as loosening of internal fixation and breakage were found after operation. There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss among three groups(P>0.05). In terms of hospitalization cost, the control group[(20 932.4±298.3)yuan] was significantly lower than the unilateral group[(22 428.2±321.5)yuan] and the bilateral group [(23 630.5±310.5)yuan] (P<0.05), and the unilateral group was lower than the bilateral group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS and ODI scores at preoperative, postoperative 1 week and final follow-up among the groups(P>0.05). And there was no significant difference in the correction of the injuried vertebrae height and kyphosis angle immediately after operation among three groups(P>0.05). However, for the losing rate of the injuried vertebrae height at the final follow-up, the unilateral group[(6.3±2.1)%] and bilateral group [(5.6±2.8)%] were significantly better than the control group[(9.2±1.8)%] (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between unilateral group and bilateral group; for the losing rate of kyphosis angle at the final follow-up, the unilateral group[(15.2±6.5)%] and bilateral group[(13.9±7.2)%] were significantly better than the control group[(23.6±7.5)%] (P<0.05), but there was no statistical difference between the unilateral and bilateral group(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All the three different pedicle screw fixation methods are suitable for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures and the short-term clinical effects are consistent. Compared with traditional short-segment 4 pedicle screws fixation, intermediate bilateral or unilateral pedicle screw fixation were more effective in maintaining the height of the injuried vertebrae and preventing the occurrence of kyphosis. The intermediate unilateral pedicle screw fixation was comparable to that of bilateral fixation at clinical outcomes, but the unilateral fixed hospitalization cost was lower, which was worthy of clinical promotion.

Single-dose local administration of parathyroid hormone (1-34, PTH) with ß-tricalcium phosphate/collagen (ß-TCP/COL) enhances bone defect healing in ovariectomized rats.

Parathyroid hormone (1-34, PTH) combined ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) achieves stable bone regeneration without cell transplantation in previous studies. Recently, with the development of tissue engineering slow release technology, PTH used locally to promote bone defect healing become possible. This study by virtue of collagen with a combination of drugs and has a slow release properties, and investigated bone regeneration by ß-TCP/collagen (ß-TCP/COL) with the single local administration of PTH. After the creation of a rodent critical-sized femoral metaphyseal bone defect, ß-TCP/COL was prepared by mixing sieved granules of ß-TCP and atelocollagen for medical use, then ß-TCP/COL with dripped PTH solution (1.0 µg) was implanted into the defect of OVX rats until death at 4 and 8 weeks. The defected area in distal femurs of rats was harvested for evaluation by histology, micro-CT, and biomechanics. The results of our study show that single-dose local administration of PTH combined local usage of ß-TCP/COL can increase the healing of defects in OVX rats. Furthermore, treatments with single-dose local administration of PTH and ß-TCP/COL showed a stronger effect on accelerating the local bone formation than ß-TCP/COL used alone. The results from our study demonstrate that combination of single-dose local administration of PTH and ß-TCP/COL had an additive effect on local bone formation in osteoporosis rats.

Prevention of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats : Comparative study of zoledronic acid, parathyroid hormone (1-34) and strontium ranelate.

Recently, the use of the pharmacological agents strontium ranelate (SR), parathyroid hormone (1-34, PTH) and zoledronic acid (ZA) has come to prominence for the treatment of osteoporosis due to their ability to prevent bone loss in osteoporotic patients. Although much emphasis has been placed on using pharmacological agents for the prevention of disease, much less attention has been placed on which one is more effective. There is still no direct comparative study on these three drugs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of SR, PTH, ZA on preventing ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats. After bilateral ovariectomy the rats randomly received vehicle, SR (500 mg/kg body weight/day, orally), PTH (20 µg/kg/day, subcutaneously) or a single injection of ZA (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) until death at 12 weeks. The distal femurs were harvested for evaluation of bone metabolism. The rats treated with ZA demonstrated the highest levels of new bone formation as assessed by microcomputed tomography (CT), biomechanical strength, histological analysis and bone metabolism. Furthermore, PTH and SR showed a stronger effect on improving trabecular bone mass at 12 weeks. The results from the present study demonstrate that systemic administration of PTH, SR and ZA could prevent bone loss, while a single dose of ZA has a better effect on preventing ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis than either PTH or SR.

[Posterior short-segment fixation with undermining decompress for upper lumbar burst fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical effects of posterior short-segment fixation with undermining decompress by posterior ligament complex for the treatment of upper lumbar burst fractures. METHODS: From October 2010 to March 2013,23 patients with upper lumbar burst fractures (Denis B type) were treated by posterior short-segment fixation with undermining decompress by posterior ligament complex. There were 18 males and 5 females aged from 26 to 64 years old with an average of 45.7 years old. Twelve patients were caused by falling down, 5 cases were caused by traffic accident, 4 cases were the bruise injury caused by heavy object and 2 cases were caused by other injury. Fourteen patients were L1 fracture and 9 patients were L2 fracture. Thirteen patients were combined with nerve injuries (degree D according to ASIA classification). Internal fixation were removed from 12 to 20 months with an average of 14.3 months. JOA scores and imaging changes were recorded and compared at different time points. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 18 to 24 months with an average of 20.4 months. Thirteen patients with nerve injuries were completely recovered at 3 to 6 months after operation. JOA score at 1 year after operation was 20.63 ± 0.92, and 20.38 ± 1.06 at 3 months after removal of internal fixation,which were improved obviously than 9.90 ± 2.73 at 3 months after operation. (P > 0.05) Anterior height of injured vertebrae, vertebral body angle and local Cobb angle was (95.0 ± 0.53)%, (2.78 ± 1.36) and (2.43 ± 1.52) °respectively, and improved obviously than that of before operation (P < 0.05). There was no statistical significance in JOA scores at 3 months after removal of internal fixation and 1 year after operation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: posterior short-segment fixation with undermining decompress by posterior ligament complex for the treatment of upper lumbar burst fractures has advantages of minimally invasive, could effective recover vertebrae height, maintain stability of spine, decrease low back pain. It is a safe and effective operative method.

Surgical Outcome in Thoracolumbar Fractures Managed by Short-segment Pedicle Instrumentation.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of short-segment instrumentation in treating thoracolumbar fractures in our institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients underwent posterior short-segment instrumentation for thoracolumbar fractures in our institute from 2007 to 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Radiological evaluations were carried out by measuring regional kyphosis angle (RA), anterior vertebral body compression percentage (AVC), and sagittal index (SI) during preoperative, postoperative and final follow-up, with the aim to investigate the rate of correction loss and implantation failure in relation to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosythese(AO) classification of fracture system and the Load Sharing score system. CT scans were also used to determine the preoperative to postoperative canal compromise ratio. During the final follow-up, clinical outcomes were analysed based on scores from the Denis' Pain's and Work scales and neurological function was scored according to the Frankel classification. RESULTS: At the final follow-up (average duration of 15 months), 21 patients (95%) who partially or fully recovered from thoracolumbar fractures were able to resume daily activities with no complaints of pain, or only slight pain. No deterioration in neurological function were recorded. Upon evaluation at each point of time, (preoperative, postoperative and final follow-up), the average RA improved from 21º to 3.5º to 5.6º, average AVC improved from 40.8% to 90.2% to 88.2%, and average SI changed from 19.1º to 3.1º to 4.1º, respectively. Average canal compromise ratio decreased from 45% to 6.7% after surgery. No correlation was found between loss of correction and AO classification of fracture system, and loss of correction and Load Sharing system scores. Also, no correlation was found between clinical outcomes and the correction loss limited to 10º. CONCLUSION: Posterior short-segment fixation in thoracolumbar fractures showed a satisfactory outcome in 95% of the patients based on a 15-month follow-up in our institute, even among patients with comminuted fractures injuries.

[Diagnosis and management for the non-traumatic epidural sequestered cervical disc extrusion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and management of non-traumatic epidural sequestered cervical disc extrusion. METHODS: From January 2002 to July 2011, the clinical data of 10 patients with non-traumatic epidural sequestered cervical disc extrusion were treated by anterior cervical mostly vertebraectomy and nucleus pulposus removal after decompression and internal fixation through longitudinal ligament resection. Of them,there were 6 males and 4 females with an average age of 48.2 years old (ranged from 42 to 65), the course of disease ranged from 1 month to 4 years (mean, 15 months). All patients manifested numbness and weakness of four limbs, unstable walking and sphincter of oddi dysfunction. Preoperative MRI showed segmental cervical spinal cord compression. JOA scoring criteria was applied to evaluate preoperative and follow-up neurologic function. RESULTS: Ten patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 15 to 32 months, with an average of 21 months. No complications related to opreation occurred. Preoperative MRI showed nucelus puplposus sequestered longitudinal ligament were on equal signal on T1-weighted and corresponding pathological,while it showed equal and high signal on T2-weighted. JOA score were increased from 7.20 +/- 1.55 preoperative to 13.60 +/- 1.90 postoperative (t = -11.8, P < 0.001), and excellent in 3 cases, good in 6 cases and moderate in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Anterior cervical mostly vertebraectomy and nucleus pulposus removal after decompression and internal fixation through longitudinal ligament resection after early diagnosis is the key to success of treating non-traumatic epidural sequestered cervical disc extrusion.

Effect of pcDNA3.1- vascular endothelial growth factor 165 recombined vector on vascular buds in rabbit vertebral cartilage endplate.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effect of pcDNA3.1-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)165 vector on vertebral cartilage endplate vascular buds and intervertebral discs. METHODS: Rabbits were randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups with 10 in each. In the experimental group, we anesthetized the rabbits and exposed the front vertebral body. Using the mark of the longitudinal ossature of the front vertebral body of the lumbar vertebrae, we advanced a needle at the central point of the front fourth and fifth lumbar intervertebral discs and injected 20 µl pcDNA3.1-VEGF165. Similarly, in the control group, we injected 20 µl pcDNA3.1. At 4 and 8 weeks post-injection, we examined the changes of the vertebral cartilage endplate using X-ray radiograph, histology, and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The vertebral cartilage endplate calcification and degeneration in the experimental group were less than those in the control group at 8 weeks post-operation. The average number and diameter of vascular buds obviously increased in the experimental group at 4 and 8 weeks post-operation. The number of vascular buds and the diameter in the region of the inner annulus increased when compared to those in the area near the nucleus pulposus. CONCLUSIONS: The pcDNA3.1-VEGF165 plasmid can increase the average number and diameter of vascular buds and decelerate intervertebral disc degeneration.

[Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor vector on vascular buds of vertebral cartilaginous endplate in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To directly inject recombinant pcDNA3.1-VEGF165 plasmid into degeneration intervertebral disc and explore its effects on vascular buds of vertebral cartilage endplate and intervertebral disc in rabbits. METHODS: Rabbits were randomly assigned into the experimental and control groups (n = 10 each). For the experimental group, the animals were anesthetized and the front vertebral body exposed. With the longitudinal ossature of front vertebral body of lumbar vertebrae as a mark, a needle was inserted at the central point of the front fourth and fifth lumbar intervertebral disc and 20 µl pcDNA3.1-VEGF165 injected. For the control group, 20 µl pcDNA3.1 was injected. At Weeks 4 and 8 post-injection, the changes of vertebral cartilage endplate were monitored by radiograph, histology and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The vertebral cartilage endplate calcification and degeneration in the experimental group were less pronounced than that in the control group at Week 8 post-operation. The average number and diameter of vascular buds obviously increased in the experimental group at Weeks 4 and 8 post-operation. The number and diameter of vascular buds in the region of inner annulus increased compared with those in the area near nucleus pulposus. CONCLUSION: The pcDNA3.1-VEGF165 plasmid may promote the vascular buds of vertebral cartilage endplate by increasing their average number and diameter and arresting the intervertebral disc degeneration.