Diagnosis and treatment experience of atypical hepatic cystic echinococcosis type 1 at a tertiary center in China.

BACKGROUND: Some hydatid cysts of cystic echinococcosis type 1 (CE1) lack well-defined cyst walls or distinctive endocysts, making them difficult to differentiate from simple hepatic cysts. AIM: To investigate the diagnostic methods for atypical hepatic CE1 and the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic surgeries. METHODS: The clinical data of 93 patients who had a history of visiting endemic areas of CE and were diagnosed with cystic liver lesions for the first time at the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (China) from January 2018 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical diagnoses were made based on findings from serum immunoglobulin tests for echinococcosis, routine abdominal ultrasound, high-frequency ultrasound, abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, and laparoscopy. Subsequent to the treatments, these patients underwent reexaminations at the outpatient clinic until October 2023. The evaluations included the diagnostic precision of diverse examinations, the efficacy of surgical approaches, and the incidence of CE recurrence. RESULTS: All 93 patients were diagnosed with simple hepatic cysts by conventional abdominal ultrasound and abdominal CT scan. Among them, 16 patients were preoperatively diagnosed with atypical CE1, and 77 were diagnosed with simple hepatic cysts by high-frequency ultrasound. All the 16 patients preoperatively diagnosed with atypical CE1 underwent laparoscopy, of whom 14 patients were intraoperatively confirmed to have CE1, which was consistent with the postoperative pathological diagnosis, one patient was diagnosed with a mesothelial cyst of the liver, and the other was diagnosed with a hepatic cyst combined with local infection. Among the 77 patients who were preoperatively diagnosed with simple hepatic cysts, 4 received aspiration sclerotherapy of hepatic cysts, and 19 received laparoscopic fenestration. These patients were intraoperatively diagnosed with simple hepatic cysts. During the follow-up period, none of the 14 patients with CE1 experienced recurrence or implantation of hydatid scolices. One of the 77 patients was finally confirmed to have CE complicated with implantation to the right intercostal space. CONCLUSION: Abdominal high-frequency ultrasound can detect CE1 hydatid cysts. The laparoscopic technique serves as a more effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool for CE.

Parallel reconstruction of vascularized fibula autograft for treatment of complications after resection of malignant tumor from the thigh.

SUMMARY: The authors herein introduce a modification of parallel reconstruction with a vascularized fibula autograft (VFA) for cases of femur allograft complications. Conventional parallel reconstruction, in which the fibula with its vascular pedicle is placed on the medial side of the femur and allogeneic bone, may be an effective means to solve the allograft complications. However, the limited contact area between the fibula and femur/allogeneic bone can affect the bone healing ability. Furthermore, the rigid internal fixation method for the VFA may cause stress shielding and result in bone resorption. The authors propose the use of modified parallel reconstruction of the VFA with fibula expansion and titanium cable fixation for patients with allograft-host junction nonunion, allogeneic bone fracture, and femoral shaft fracture after surgical removal of a malignant tumor from the thigh. The modified parallel reconstruction has been performed on 5 patients (2 patients underwent fibular expansion). All 5 patients with 7 nonunion of allograft-host junction or fracture were followed up 33.2 months. The length of fibular graft is 10-20cm, with an average of 15.0 cm. The union rate of allograft-host junction and fracture was 100% (7/7), and the union time 15.9 months. This modified parallel reconstruction technique can achieve satisfactory union in treatment of the above complications.

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of burns in mainland China from 2009 to 2018.

Background: Burn injuries place a heavy burden on the global healthcare system. However, there is still a lack of nationwide studies on the epidemiological characteristics of burn patients in mainland China. The present study aims to accurately analyze the clinical characteristics of burn patients by collecting data in mainland China from 2009 to 2018, which will provide effective strategies for healthcare systems and the government in mainland China. Methods: Patients admitted for burn injuries to 196 hospitals in 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in mainland China from 2009 to 2018 were included. The data collected included sex, age, month distribution, etiology, region, clinical outcome, injury anatomical location, total burn surface area and mortality. SPSS 19.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: From 2009 to 2018, the burn patients were 333,995 (0.76%), which included 222,480 (66.61%) males and 111,515 (33.39%) females. From 2009 to 2018, the number of individuals admitted to hospitals for burns showed a downward trend year by year. The burn patients accounted for the highest proportion of inpatients in 0-10 years (38.10%), followed by 40-50 years (13.14%). The highest cure ratio of burn inpatients was in the 20-30 age group (31 394, 71.53%). Among 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, the province with the highest proportion of total inpatients caused by burns was Inner Mongolia (4.61%), followed by Zhejiang (3.17%), Hainan (2.88%) and Xinjiang (2.64%). Summer (29.16%) was the season with the highest incidence of burn patients admitted to hospitals, followed by spring (25.6%). Scalding (60.19%) was the most frequent kind of burn treated, followed by fire (20.45%). The patients had multiple burn sites (68.89%) most often, followed by burns on the lower limbs (10.91%). From 0% to 10% total body surface area (TBSA) accounted for the highest ratio (37.19%), followed by 90-100% TBSA (21.74%). Conclusions: The present study is the first to describe the associated situation and trends of burn patients in mainland China from 2009 to 2018. Our findings will serve as the latest clinical evidence for healthcare planning and prevention efforts in China and other countries.

Study on the Correlation between the Prevalence of Venous Thromboembolism in Kazak Pregnant and Lying-In Women in Xinjiang.

In order to reveal the correlation between the prevalence of venous thromboembolism in Kazak pregnant and lying-in women in Xinjiang, the polymorphisms in the promoter region and coding region of the TAFI gene and the interaction of environmental factors are investigated. In this study, determination and analysis of anticoagulation indexes are conducted. The activity of antithrombin III and protein C is measured by chromogenic substrate method, and the activity of protein S is measured by coagulation method. Besides, the detection of APC-R is performed by APC-APTT method. The experimental results show that the prevalence rate of hereditary thrombophilia + DVT among Kazak pregnant women in Xinjiang is 33.8%, and the prevalence rates of AT-III deficiency, PC deficiency, PS deficiency, APCR, and Hcy are 17.5%, 16.7%, 22.0%, 23.7%, and 26.8%, respectively. Also, the genotype frequency and allele frequency distribution of each group are in line with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). The comparison result indicates that the gene frequency has reached a genetic balance and is representative of the population. It is clearly evident that the polymorphisms of prothrombin gene rs3136447 and rs5896 may be associated with hereditary thrombophilia in Xinjiang Kazaks.

Efficacy and safety of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes: a single-center, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: To determine the efficacy and safety of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: In this single-center, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled phase II trial, 91 patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous infusion of UC-MSCs (n = 45) or placebo (n = 46) three times with 4-week intervals and followed up for 48 weeks from October 2015 to December 2018. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of < 7.0% and daily insulin reduction of ≥ 50% at 48 weeks. Additional endpoints were changes of metabolic control, islet ß-cell function, insulin resistance, and safety. RESULTS: At 48 weeks, 20% of the patients in the UC-MSCs group and 4.55% in the placebo group reached the primary endpoint (p < 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.25-28.66%). The percentage of insulin reduction of the UC-MSCs group was significantly higher than that of the placebo group (27.78% versus 15.62%, p < 0.05). The levels of HbA1c decreased 1.31% (9.02 ± 1.27% to 7.52 ± 1.07%, p < 0.01) in the UC-MSCs group, and only 0.63% in the placebo group (8.89 ± 1.11% to 8.19 ± 1.02%, p˃0.05; p = 0.0081 between both groups). The glucose infusion rate (GIR) increased significantly in the UC-MSCs group (from 3.12 to 4.76 mg/min/kg, p < 0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in the placebo group (from 3.26 to 3.60 mg/min/kg, p ˃ 0.05; p < 0.01 between both groups). There was no improvement in islet ß-cell function in both groups. No major UC-MSCs transplantation-related adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: UC-MSCs transplantation could be a potential therapeutic approach for Chinese adults with T2DM. Trial registration This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02302599).

[Effectiveness analysis of metatarsal mortise and tenon shortening osteotomy in treatment of macrodactyly in children].

Objective: To investigate the application and effectiveness of metatarsal mortise and tenon shortening osteotomy in the treatment of macrodactyly in children. Methods: The clinical data of 17 children with macrodactyly (18 feet and 27 toes) admitted between January 2018 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males (12 feet and 18 toes) and 5 females (6 feet and 9 toes); the age ranged from 1 to 13 years, with a median age of 5 years. All children were treated with metatarsal mortise and tenon shortening osteotomy. Ten cases of single-segment metatarsals were shortened, 7 cases of 2-segment metatarsals, and 1 case of 3-segment metatarsals; involved 1 foot of single toe, 9 feet of 2 toes, 3 feet of 3 toes, 3 feet of 4 toes, and 2 feet of 5 toes. Five cases had lameness, and 1 case had limited walking with the big toes of both feet, and there was no obvious pain in all children. X-ray films showed that the involved phalanges were thickened and increased in 18 feet, and the deformity of the distal segment was heavier than that of the proximal segment in 13 feet, and the two were similar in 5 feet. The length of metatarsal shortening was 0.7-2.5 cm, with an average of 1.2 cm. The clinical healing of shortened metatarsal fractures in children was observed after operation, and the occurrence of related complications was recorded. Results: All 17 children were followed up 6-22 months, with an average of 14 months. All incisions healed by first intention. The osteotomy ends of 27 toes were clinically healed after operation, and the healing time was 4-8 weeks. No nonunion, fracture displacement, malunion, epiphyseal plate premature closure, and needle tract infection occurred. Conclusion: Metatarsal mortise and tenon shortening osteotomy is a good osteotomy method. It can improve the stability of the osteotomy end and increase the contact surface of the osteotomy end, which is conducive to the healing of the osteotomy end and is suitable for the treatment of macrodactyly.

An Analysis of the Pathogenic Genes and Mutation Sites of Macrodactyly.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the pathogenic genes and mutation sites of macrodactyly. METHODS: Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the pathological tissue and peripheral blood of 12 patients with macrodactyly who were operated in our hospital between June 2018 and May 2020. In order to conduct comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and screen the pathogenic genes of macrodactyly, the patients were divided into four groups: macrodactyly of finger group, macrodactyly of foot group, macrodactyly and syndactyly of finger group, and macrodactyly and syndactyly of foot group. The results of the whole-exome sequencing were verified using Sanger sequencing in order to clarify the pathogenic genes and mutation sites of macrodactyly, and immunohistochemical analysis of the protein signaling pathways encoded by the pathogenic genes was performed to observe the protein expression and further verify the mutant genes. RESULTS: In the comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and Sanger verification of the whole-exome sequencing, the PIK3CA gene mutation was screened as the pathogenic gene of macrodactyly. The mutation sites were identified as the p.E542K (c.G1624A) and p.E545K (c.G1633A) sites of exon10 and the p.H1047R (c.A3140G) and p.G1049R (c.G3145C) sites of exon21. Among these, the p.G1049R (c.G3145C) locus was found in macrodactyly for the first time. The mutation of the PIK3CA gene was also found to lead to increased expression of serine-threonine kinase (AKT) in adipocytes in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Mutation of the PIK3CA gene leads to the enhancement of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, which is the cause of macrodactyly. There is also some diversity in PIK3CA gene mutation sites.

Expression and role of interleukin-1ß and associated biomarkers in deep vein thrombosis.

Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common peripheral vascular disease, in which inflammation plays an important role. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and role of inflammatory factors in DVT. A rat model of venous thrombosis of the lower extremities was established through venous ligation surgery. The rats were examined at 2, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h after the induction of inferior venous stenosis and compared with control and sham surgery groups. The serum levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tissue factor (TF) and xanthine oxidase (XOD) were measured using ELISAs. The morphology of the DVT tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in peripheral blood were counted by flow cytometry. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein expression, respectively. The serum levels of IL-1ß, TF and XOD exhibited no significant differences between the control and sham surgery groups. However, those in the rat model of DVT presented an upward trend from 2 to 24 h and peaked at 24 h, with a significant difference from the respective levels in the control and sham surgery groups. The histopathological analysis revealed the presence of red and mixed thrombi in the rats 2-48 h following the induction of inferior venous stenosis group with inflammatory cell infiltration in the vascular wall. Thrombus formation was evident after 72 h. While significant difference was observed in the number of CECs in the peripheral blood between the control and sham surgery groups, the number of peripheral blood CECs in the rats with inferior venous stenosis group increased from 8 to 72 h, with significant differences among these groups. The mRNA levels of IL-1ß, TF, XOD and NF-κB in the tissues peaked at 24 h, with significant differences compared with those in the control and sham surgery groups. In addition, the protein expression level of NF-κB increased from 2 to 72 h. In conclusion, these results suggest that the high expression of IL-1ß, TF, XOD and NF-κB may promote thrombus formation.

Radical resection of hepatic polycystic echinococcosis complicated with hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an infectious zoonotic parasitic disease, and the insidious onset and slow progression of hepatic CE usually contributes to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common malignant tumor. Co-existence of CE and HCC is fairly rare in clinical settings and the association between the two is still not well recognized. We report a case of hepatic CE complicated with HCC which are radically resected and raise some questions worth thinking about. CASE SUMMARY: A 70-year-old man presented with upper abdominal pain. On admission, laboratory data showed that, except for hepatitis B surface antigen positivity, other indicators were normal, including alpha-fetoprotein. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a huge polycystic lesion in left liver lobe, without reinforcement after enhanced scanning and sized about 16.9 cm × 12.2 cm, which was considered a type II hydatid cyst. Multiple small solid lesions were also found adjacent to it, and thus it was highly suspected as a malignant tumor. After a multidisciplinary team discussion, the diagnosis of co-occurrence of hepatic CE and HCC was made. According to Romic classification, the case belongs to type IIb, and radical left hemi-hepatectomy was performed. Postoperative pathological examination revealed CE co-existence with well-differentiated HCC, consistent with the preoperative diagnosis. CONCLUSION: With the combination of hepatitis B and obvious extrusion by large hydatid, the HCC risk of a patient might be higher.

Mid-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Total Cystectomy Versus Open Surgery for Complicated Liver Hydatid Cysts.

BACKGROUND: Total cystectomy is a challenging procedure in patients with complicated liver hydatid cysts (HCs). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic total cystectomy in patients with complicated liver HCs. METHODS: Prospectively collected clinical data of 50 consecutive patients, who underwent laparoscopic procedures for complicated liver HCs between January 2017 and January 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. One hundred patients who underwent open procedures were compared with the laparoscopic group in terms of perioperative outcomes during the 1-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Conversion to open surgery occurred in 1 (2%) case. The number of single and multiple lesions and the size of HCs were similar between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Sixty-six percent of patients underwent total cystectomy, 10% subtotal cystectomy, and 24% hepatectomy in the laparoscopic group (P>0.05). Decompression and hepatic inflow occlusion were performed in high-risk cases. No differences were noted in average blood loss volume, and transfusion rate between the 2 groups. Postoperative recovery in the laparoscopic group was significantly shorter than that in the open group. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the laparoscopic and open groups. No recurrence or death was observed in either group during this period. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic total cystectomy was a curative and safe surgical approach to the treatment of complicated HC with favorable mid-term outcomes. Subtotal cystectomy combined with decompression is the preferred option for patients with high surgical risk(s). However, long-term outcomes need to be validated in prospective studies with larger sample sizes and prolonged follow-up.

Clinical Characteristics of 90 Macrodactyly Cases.

PURPOSE: Macrodactyly is a rare, nonhereditary congenital deformity. Digital enlargement in macrodactyly involves all tissue types and presents alone or as part of a congenital deformity syndromes. Macrodactyly treatment largely depends on surgeons' experience and knowledge. Because there is a paucity of large cohort studies of macrodactyly in the literature, our goal was to retrospectively analyze macrodactyly cases in order to define a better system for diagnosis, classification, and prognosis. METHODS: Medical records of 90 Chinese macrodactyly patients, including demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, anatomical distributions, x-rays, pathological findings, and treatments, were reviewed. Genetic analyses of 12 patients were also reviewed. RESULTS: Disease incidence was similar across sex and geographical regions. Multiple-digit involvement was 2.6 times more frequent than single-digit involvement. The index finger, middle finger, and thumb were most commonly involved. Two digits were affected more often than 3, with the affected digits adjacent in most cases. The affected digit was in the median nerve innervation distribution in 79% of cases and was accompanied by enlargement and fat infiltration of the median nerve. Seven cases had syndactyly. Ten of the 12 cases subjected to PIK3CA mutation analysis were positive. CONCLUSIONS: Macrodactyly represents a heterogeneous group of conditions, without significant sex or geographical predilection, which is usually present at birth. A high PIK3CA mutation-positive rate in affected tissues suggests a similar cellular mechanism for overgrowth in patients with various clinical presentations. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Comparison of arthrodesis and arthroplasty of Chinese thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis is very common. Multiple methods are used to treat progressive thumb CMC osteoarthritis, among which trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis and trapezial excision with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) are the most common. These two surgical treatment methods have received mixed reviews in previous studies in the west patients. This retrospective study studied the effects, advantages, and disadvantages of arthrodesis and arthroplasty for treating thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis in Chinese patients. METHODS: Between February 2012 and September 2017, 39 Chinese patients with stage II or III thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis underwent surgery (trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis in 22, trapezial excision with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition in 17). Postoperative objective and subjective evaluations were performed. The objective evaluation involved grip strength, pinch strength, thumb abduction degree (palmar and radial), and Kapandji opposition scores. The subjective evaluation involved visual analog scale (VAS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores. RESULTS: Intergroup differences in pinch strength, thumb abduction degrees (palmar and radial), and Kapandji opposition scores were obvious, whereas those in grip strength, VAS score, and DASH score were not. CONCLUSION: In Chinese patients, both techniques relieved pain and improve grip strength. Arthrodesis displayed better pinch strength, while arthroplasty displayed better motor function. Patients were satisfied with the effects of both techniques.

A Cadaveric Study on the Accuracy of an Individualized Guiding Template to Assist Scaphoid Fixation Using Computed Tomography and 3-Dimensional Printing.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of scaphoid screw guidewire placement using a computer-assisted-designed, and 3-dimensional-printed, surgical guiding template in cadaver wrists. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 12 fresh-frozen cadaver wrists were performed and the data imported into a surgical planning system. A 3-dimensional skin surface template block with a guiding hole was generated from the CT data to allow a screw guidewire to be placed in the central third of the scaphoid. This 3-dimensional model was printed and then put back onto the wrist. A screw guidewire was inserted through the palmar guide hole into the intact scaphoid and then a postprocedure CT scan was obtained. These postprocedure data were introduced into the surgical planning system. Angular and linear deviation between the preprocedural simulation and the image of the guidewire was measured in the system to assess accuracy. RESULTS: Mean angular deviation was 3.85° ± 1.32° (range, 1.56°-5.35°) and linear deviations of the 12 specimens were less than 1.1 mm. No specimen required a repeat drilling to the scaphoid. All the screw guidewires were considered to be centrally placed in the scaphoid based on our criterion of central placement of the scaphoid screw. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a computer-assisted 3-dimensional-printed surgical guide template to assist screw guidewire placement into an intact scaphoid, mimicking a nondisplaced scaphoid fracture, showed acceptable accuracy in cadaver wrists. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our technique may provide a simple and effective method for the guidance of screw guidewire insertion in a nondisplaced scaphoid fracture surgery.

An investigation of PIK3CA mutations in isolated macrodactyly.

Somatic PIK3CA mutations may relate to pathogenesis of isolated macrodactyly. We set up to test the association between PIK3CA mutations with isolated macrodactyly in order to establish a more accurate and molecular mechanism-based diagnosis and classification. DNA extracted from affected tissues in 12 individuals with isolated macrodactyly was tested for PIK3CA mutation using targeted Sanger DNA sequencing. Ten patients had macrodactyly in the foot and two in the hand. Nine of the 12 patients were found to carry a low-level, mosaic PIK3CA mutation. The mutations identified, p.His1047Arg, p.His1047Leu, p.Glu545Lys, and p.Glu542Lys, are codons frequently mutated in cancers. Among all tissues tested, adipose had the highest mutation detection rate, followed by nerve and skin. Our results indicate that a high proportion of isolated macrodactyly patients carry a pathogenic PIK3CA mutation. Affected adipose, nerve and skin tissues are ideal for PIK3CA mutation analysis.

Contralateral C7 Nerve Root Transfer for Function Recovery in Adults: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Root avulsion to all 5 roots of the brachial plexus is a common presentation and keeps a major reconstructive challenge. The contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve transfer has been used in treating brachial plexus avulsion injury (BPAI) since 1986. However, the effectiveness of the procedure remains a subject of controversy. The aim of this meta-analysis was to study surgical outcomes regarding motor and sensory recovery after CC7 nerve transfer. METHODS: Chinese or English (i.e., "contralateral c-7", "contralateral c7", "c7 nerve root", and "seventh cervical nerve root") keywords were used for a literature search for articles related to CC7 nerve transfer in several databases (i.e., PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CNKI, CQVIP, and Wanfang Data). Clinical research articles were screened, and animal studies as well as duplicate publications were excluded. Muscle strength and sensory recovery were considered to be effective only when the scores on the United Kingdom Medical Research Council scale were equal to or higher than M3 and S3, respectively. RESULTS: The overall ipsilateral recipient nerve recovery rates were as follows: the efficiency rate for muscle strength recovery after CC7 nerve transfer was 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48-0.66) and for sensory recovery was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.46-0.58). When the recipient nerve was the median nerve, the efficiency rate for muscle strength recovery was 0.50 (95% CI: 0.39-0.61) and for sensory was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.50-0.63). When the recipient nerve was the musculocutaneous nerve and the radial nerve, the efficiency rate for muscle strength recovery was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.65-0.82) and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.31-0.70), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Transfer of CC7 nerves to musculocutaneous nerves leads to the best results. CC7 is a reliable donor nerve, which can be safely used for upper limb function reconstruction, especially for entirely BPAI. When modifying procedures, musculocutaneous nerves and median nerve can be combined as recipient nerves.

Arthroscopic Management of Perilunate Injuries.

The key to successful treatment of perilunate injuries is to achieve early anatomic reduction and maintain the carpal alignment. Open surgery may lead to capsular scarring and joint stiffness. Furthermore, there is increased chance of damage of the already tenuous blood supply to scaphoid and the torn ligaments. Recently, arthroscopic-assisted management of perilunate injuries has been suggested. This article describes the surgical technique and outcome of this minimally invasive approach for perilunate injuries.

Edoxaban improves venous thrombosis via increasing hydrogen sulfide and homocysteine in rat model.

Anticoagulant therapy is prescribed to millions of patients worldwide for the prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis. Evidence has indicated that edoxaban is a potential drug of oral anticoagulant in the acute treatment of venous thromboembolism. Hydrogen sulfide and homocysteine plasma concentration are indicators of cardiovascular and neurovascular disease risk factors that have attracted considerable attention for regulation of vascular health and homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanism of edoxaban­mediated differences of hydrogen sulfide and homocysteine has not been investigated in the progression of venous thrombosis. In the present study, the authors analyzed the phosphoinositide 3­kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway in the vein endothelial cells and expression levels of hydrogen sulfide and homocysteine. Homocysteine­hydrogen sulfide metabolism through transsulfuration and that transsulfuration capacity and hydrogen sulfide availability have been investigated both in vitro and in vivo following treatment with edoxaban. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation and cystathionine ß­synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ­lyase (CGL) levels were studied in a cell model and rat model of vein thrombosis prior and post treatment of edoxaban. The therapeutic effects of edoxaban for rats with vein thrombosis were determined by clinical diagnose scores. The results demonstrated that edoxaban increased expression levels of hydrogen sulfide and homocysteine in microvascular endothelial cells. It was observed that the transsulfuration enzymes, CBS and CGL levels were upregulated in murine microvascular endothelial cells. The MMP­9 expression level and activity and homocysteine­hydrogen sulfide metabolism were increased in murine microvascular endothelial cells following edoxaban treatment. In addition, CBS and CGL activities were upregulated in murine microvascular endothelial cells and a rat model of venous thrombosis following treatment with edoxaban. Furthermore, it was observed that edoxaban increased PI3K and AKT expression both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, edoxaban significantly improved endothelial injury and inhibited thrombosis factors expression in rat model of venous thrombosis. In conclusion, these findings suggested that edoxaban can improve venous thrombosis by decreasing hydrogen sulfide and homocysteine through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Hierarchical NiCo2 S4 Nanotube@NiCo2 S4 Nanosheet Arrays on Ni Foam for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

Hierarchical NiCo2 S4 nanotube@NiCo2 S4 nanosheet arrays on Ni foam have been successfully synthesized. Owing to the unique hierarchical structure, enhanced capacitive performance can be attained. A specific capacitance up to 4.38 F cm(-2) is attained at 5 mA cm(-2) , which is much higher than the specific capacitance values of NiCo2 O4 nanosheet arrays, NiCo2 S4 nanosheet arrays and NiCo2 S4 nanotube arrays on Ni foam. The hierarchical NiCo2 S4 nanostructure shows superior cycling stability; after 5000 cycles, the specific capacitance still maintains 3.5 F cm(-2) . In addition, through the morphology and crystal structure measurement after cycling stability test, it is found that the NiCo2 S4 electroactive materials are gradually corroded; however, the NiCo2 S4 phase can still be well-maintained. Our results show that hierarchical NiCo2 S4 nanostructures are suitable electroactive materials for high performance supercapacitors.

Measurement of the Shift in the Distal Radioulnar Joint Using a Custom Platform.

Diagnosis of subluxation and dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is difficult. In order to measure the shift between radius and ulna, we evaluate a method with a custom platform in this study. Cadaver specimen was fixed on a custom platform, and the volar and dorsal translation of the ulnar head was measured under different stress forces. We built a subluxation model via a surgical procedure that removed components of the radioulnar joint, and the translation at varying stress levels was measured again. We find at the same stress level, the normal model results in significantly less translation than the subluxation model at the majority of the stress forces, and particularly with volar forces. Our results indicate that this measurement is a potential method to evaluate the stability of the DRUJ.

Analysis of the morphologic differences of the second toe and digits of the hand, and evaluation of potential surgical intervention to minimize the differences using computer-aided design technology.

BACKGROUND: Toe "narrow neck" augmentation and pulp-plasty are two aesthetic surgical refinements that are performed to minimize the visual differences between the transferred toe and digit following a second toe-to-hand transfer. To improve the aesthetic refinements in a second toe transfer, the authors investigated the real shape of the flap and factors affecting the flap design using computer-aided design technology. METHODS: The plaster models of the right first through fourth digits and right second toes from 20 volunteers were scanned by spiral computer tomography to obtain three-dimensional reconstruction data. Computer-aided design software was used to analyze the data and simulate narrow neck augmentation and pulp-plasty. Next, the three-dimensional shapes of the transferred and excised flaps were created by Boolean calculation. RESULTS: The simulated transferred flaps were classified into two types in terms of their shape: crab claw and cross. The simulated excised pulp flaps could also be divided into two types-water drop and elliptic. There were individual variations and gender differences in the second toe morphology that resulted in different flap shapes. The flap shapes in narrow neck augmentation and pulp-plasty were determined using the location of the palmar protruding part and contour of the distal margin of the toe tip, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate three-dimensional shapes of the flap could be obtained by computer-aided design, and there were individual variations and gender differences. The authors suggest that the affected factors should be considered, and computer-aided design could be used to improve the accuracy of flap design before surgery.