Improved prediction of chlorophyll-a concentrations in reservoirs by GRU neural network based on particle swarm algorithm optimized variational modal decomposition.

The accurate and reliable prediction of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration is of great significance in reservoir environment management and pollution control. To improve the accuracy of Chl-a index prediction, a novel hybrid water quality prediction method was proposed for gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural network based on particle swarm algorithm optimized variational modal decomposition (PV-GRU). The results showed that the variational mode decomposition (VMD) optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) in this study effectively reduced the non-smooth of water quality data. In addition, the GRU neural network reduced the risk of overfitting the deep-learning model with small sample data. Overall, the PV-GRU prediction model exhibited significant superiority in predicting non-smooth and non-linear Chl-a sequences with a relatively small sample size. The prediction errors of PV-GRU model were all less than those of other comparative models, and the fitting determination coefficient R2 was 94.21%. These results indicated that the proposed PV-GRU model can effectively predict the content of Chl-a in reservoirs, which provides an alternative new method for water quality prediction to prevent and control eutrophication in reservoirs.

[Comparison of effectiveness of tibial intramedullary nailing fixation via suprapatellar approach and medial parapatellar approach in treatment of multiple tibial fractures].

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of intramedullary nailing fixation via suprapatellar approach and medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position in the treatment of multiple tibial fractures. Methods: The clinical data of 43 patients with multiple tibial fractures treated with intramedullary nailing fixation between July 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 23 patients treated with suprapatellar approach in semi-extended position (group A) and 20 patients with medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and fracture healing time were recorded and compared. The VAS score and ROM of the knee joint were analyzed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, and the incidence of postoperative complications was observed; knee function was evaluated by Lysholm score at last follow-up. Results: The operations were successfully completed in both groups, and there was no complication such as nerve and blood vessel injury during operation, and all incisions healed by first intention. There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency between the two groups ( P>0.05), but the incision length in group B was significantly longer than that in group A ( P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-30 months, with an average of 21.1 months. The VAS score decreased and ROM increased gradually in both groups with time after operation, showing significant differences between different time points ( P<0.05). The VAS score of group B was significantly lower than that of group A at 4 and 8 weeks after operation ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in VAS score and ROM between the two groups at other time points ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no complication such as internal fixator loosening, breakage, and loss of fracture reduction. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score in group B was significantly better than that in group A ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Both the suprapatellar approach and the medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position can achieve satisfactory results in the treatment of multiple tibial fractures. The medial parapatellar approach has lower symptoms of early knee pain and better long-term function.

LncRNA HOTTIP regulates TLR4 promoter methylation by recruiting H3K4 methyltransferase MLL1 to affect apoptosis and inflammatory response of fibroblast-like synoviocyte in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease, and the role of HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) in its pathogenesis remains underexplored. This study investigates the mechanism by which HOTTIP influences apoptosis and the inflammatory response of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). An RA mouse model was established, and clinical scores were analyzed. Pathological changes in synovial tissues, bone mineral density (BMD) of the paws, serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, and TNF-α and IL-1ß levels were assessed. FLS were transfected, and cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined. The RNA-pull-down assay determined HOTTIP's interaction with mixed-lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1), while RNA immunoprecipitation assay measured HOTTIP expression pulled down by MLL1. The levels of MLL1 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) after MLL1 overexpression based on HOTTIP silencing were determined. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed with H3K4me3 as an antibody, followed by the evaluation of TLR4 expression. HOTTIP expression was elevated in RA mouse synovial tissues. Inhibition of HOTTIP led to reduced clinical scores, inflammatory infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, TRAP activity, and TNF-α and IL-1ß levels, along with increased BMD. In vitro Interference with HOTTIP suppressed RA-FLS apoptosis and inflammation. HOTTIP upregulated TLR4 expression by recruiting MLL1 to facilitate TLR4 promoter methylation. MLL1 overexpression reversed HOTTIP silencing-mediated repression of RA-FLS apoptosis. Activation of H3K4 methylation counteracted HOTTIP knockout, ameliorating the inflammatory response. HOTTIP regulates TLR4 expression by recruiting MLL1, leading to TLR4 promoter methylation, thereby suppressing RA-FLS proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis and inflammatory response in RA.

Mefenamic acid exhibits antitumor activity against osteosarcoma by impeding cell growth and prompting apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells and xenograft mice model.

The study investigates the anticancer activity of mefenamic acid against osteosarcoma, shedding light on its underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Mefenamic acid exhibited robust inhibitory effects on the proliferation of MG-63, HOS, and H2OS osteosarcoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, mefenamic acid induced cellular toxicity in MG63 cells, as evidenced by LDH leakage, reflecting its cytotoxic impact. Furthermore, mefenamic acid effectively suppressed the migration and invasion of MG-63 cells. Mechanistically, mefenamic acid induced apoptosis in MG-63 cells through mitochondrial depolarization, activation of caspase-dependent pathways, and modulation of the Bcl-2/Bax axis. Additionally, mefenamic acid promoted autophagy and inhibited the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, further contributing to its antitumor effects. The molecular docking studies provide compelling evidence that mefenamic acid interacts specifically and strongly with key proteins in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, suggesting a novel mechanism by which mefenamic acid could exert anti-osteosarcoma effects. In vivo studies using a xenograft mouse model demonstrated significant inhibition of MG-63 tumor growth without adverse effects, supporting the translational potential of mefenamic acid as a safe and effective therapeutic agent against osteosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry staining corroborated the in vivo findings, highlighting mefenamic acid's ability to suppress tumor proliferation and inhibit the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway within the tumor microenvironment. Collectively, these results underscore the promising therapeutic implications of mefenamic acid in combating osteosarcoma, warranting further investigation for clinical translation and development.

Long non-coding PRNCR1 regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of synoviocytes in osteoarthritis by sponging miR-377-3p.

BACKGROUND: LncRNA PRNCR1 has been reported to be involved in LPS-induced inflammation, which contributes to osteoarthritis (OA). We predicted that miR-377-3p could bind to PRNCR1.MiR-377-3p can suppress OA development. We therefore analyzed the potential interaction between them in OA. METHODS: Expression of miR-377-3p and PRNCR1 in both OA (n = 40) and control (n = 40) samples were analyzed by RT-qPCR. MiR-377-3p or PRNCR1 were overexpressed in synoviocytes to explore their potential interaction. The subcellular location of PRNCR1 was analyzed by nuclear fractionation assay. The direct interaction between miR-377-3p and PRNCR1 was analyzed by RNA-pull down assay. The proliferation and apoptosis of synoviocytes were analyzed by BrdU and apoptosis assay, respectively. RESULTS: PRNCR1 was overexpressed in OA, while miR-377-3p was downexpressed in OA. PRNCR1 was detected in the cytoplasm and directly interacted with miR-377-3p. Interestingly, overexpression of PRNCR1 and miR-377-3p showed no regulatory role in each other's expression. LPS treatment increased PRNCR1 expression and decreased miR-377-3p expression. PRNCR1 overexpression decreased LPS-induced synoviocyte proliferation and increased LPS-induced synoviocyte apoptosis. MiR-377-3p played opposite roles in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, PRNCR1 suppressed the role of miR-377-3p. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, PRNCR1 is was detected in cytoplasm and regulates synoviocyte proliferation and apoptosis in OA by sponging miR-377-3p.

A Layered Spiking Neural System for Classification Problems.

Biological brains have a natural capacity for resolving certain classification tasks. Studies on biologically plausible spiking neurons, architectures and mechanisms of artificial neural systems that closely match biological observations while giving high classification performance are gaining momentum. Spiking neural P systems (SN P systems) are a class of membrane computing models and third-generation neural networks that are based on the behavior of biological neural cells and have been used in various engineering applications. Furthermore, SN P systems are characterized by a highly flexible structure that enables the design of a machine learning algorithm by mimicking the structure and behavior of biological cells without the over-simplification present in neural networks. Based on this aspect, this paper proposes a novel type of SN P system, namely, layered SN P system (LSN P system), to solve classification problems by supervised learning. The proposed LSN P system consists of a multi-layer network containing multiple weighted fuzzy SN P systems with adaptive weight adjustment rules. The proposed system employs specific ascending dimension techniques and a selection method of output neurons for classification problems. The experimental results obtained using benchmark datasets from the UCI machine learning repository and MNIST dataset demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed LSN P system. More importantly, the proposed LSN P system presents the first SN P system that demonstrates sufficient performance for use in addressing real-world classification problems.

[Analysis of effectiveness of greater trochanteric osteotomy approach and K-L posterior approach in patients with type â £ Pipkin fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of two surgical approaches in the treatment of type Ⅳ Pipkin fracture. METHODS: The clinical data of 15 patients with type Ⅳ Pipkin fracture treated surgically between July 2013 and June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different surgical approaches, they were divided into group A (8 cases, using K-L posterior approach) and group B (7 cases, using greater trochanter osteotomy approach). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, and interval from injury to operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, fracture healing time, and complications of the two groups were recorded. Hip joint function recovery was evaluated according to Thompson-Epstein functional evaluation system. RESULTS: All the 15 patients were followed up 1-5 years, with an average of 2.5 years. There was no significant difference in operation time between the two groups ( t=14.681, P=0.100); the incision length, intraoperative blood loss, and fracture healing time in group A were all greater than those in group B, and the hospital stay was shorter than that in group B, showing significant differences ( P<0.05). In group A, 1 patient presented hip pain, clasthenia, and limited mobility after operation, 1 patient presented ossifying myositis, 1 patient presented osteonecrosis of the femoral head, 1 patient presented fat liquefaction of incision, and 1 patient presented sciatica, with a complication incidence of 62.5%. Postoperative hip pain occurred in 1 patient and ossifying myositis in 2 patients in group B, with a complication incidence of 42.9%. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( χ 2=-0.735, P=0.462). At last follow-up, according to Thompson-Epstein functional evaluation system, the results in group A were excellent in 3 cases, good in 2 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 62.5%; in group B, the results were excellent in 4 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case, and the excellent and good rate was 85.7%. There was no significant difference in good and fair rate between the two groups ( χ 2=-0.990, P=0.322). CONCLUSION: K-L posterior approach is more convenient in the fracture treatment during operation, but it has greater trauma, greater vascular damage, and more blood loss. The greater trochanter osteotomy approach can better protect the blood supply of femoral head, shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative blood loss, and reduce postoperative complications. It is an ideal way in the surgical treatment of type Ⅳ Pipkin fracture.

LncRNA DILC participates in rheumatoid arthritis by inducing apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes and down-regulating IL-6.

IL-6 produced by human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS) promotes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while lncRNA DILC regulates liver cancer stem cells by inhibiting IL-6. Therefore, lncRNA DILC may participate in RA. In the present study, we found that plasma lncRNA DILC was down-regulated, while IL-6 was up-regulated in RA patients than in healthy controls. Plasma levels of lncRNA DILC and IL-6 were significantly and inversely correlated only in RA patients. Overexpression of lncRNA DILC resulted in promoted apoptosis of HFLS isolated from RA patients, while lncRNA DILC siRNA silencing played an opposite role. In addition, overexpression of lncRNA DILC also resulted in inhibited IL-6 expression in HFLS isolated from RA patients. Therefore, lncRNA DILC may participate in RA by inducing apoptosis of HFLS and down-regulating IL-6.

[Effectiveness comparison of titanium elastic nail and locking compression plate fixation in treating femoral subtrochanteric fractures in older children].

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of titanium elastic nail (TEN) and locking compression plate fixation in treating femoral subtrochanteric fracture in older children. Methods: Between April 2015 and September 2016, 35 older children (aged 7-13 years) with femoral subtrochanteric fractures were treated, the clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. TEN fixation was used in 19 cases (group A) and locking compression plate fixation in 16 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in age, gender, sides, fracture causes, type of fracture, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups ( P>0.05). The fluoroscopy times, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time were recorded and compared between 2 groups. The limb function was evaluated according to the Sanders scores and Flynn et al. outcome score. Results: All the patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 11.46 months). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and fracture healing time of group A were significantly less than those of group B, but the fluoroscopy times of group A was significantly more than that of group B ( P<0.05). All the fractures were healed, no breakage of screw, infection of deep tissue, nerve injury, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, or other complication occurred. At last follow-up, according to the Sanders scores, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 1 case in group A with an excellent and good rate of 94.74%; the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case in group B with an excellent and good rate of 93.75%; showing no significant difference between 2 groups ( χ2=0.400, P=0.980). According to the Flynn et al. outcome score, the results were excellent in 13 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 1 case in group A with an excellent and good rate of 94.74%; the results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases in group B with an excellent and good rate of 87.50%; showing no significant difference between 2 groups ( χ2=0.748, P=0.688). Conclusion: Both TEN and locking compression plate have satisfactory outcomes for treating pediatric femoral subtrochanteric fractures. TEN method has minimally trauma, security, and faster fracture healing when compared with locking compression plate.

Alcohol Devitalization and Replantation for Primary Malignant Bone Tumors of the Knee Joint.

BACKGROUND: This paper is aimed at studying the therapeutic effects of in situ replantation of alcohol-devitalized bone segments to treat malignant bone tumors of the knee joint. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data for 45 patients from January 2013 to January 2016 who underwent replantation following alcohol-devitalization of bone segments and 40 who underwent prosthesis implantation. The two groups were comparable in basal clinical biometric data, including gender, age, tumor type and location, Enneking staging, and maximum tumor diameter. Radical tumor resection was combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy following the two-implantation procedures. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 25 months, and the outcomes were compared. We found no differences in the length of bone lesions, surgery time, intraoperative blood loss, amount of postoperative drainage, and perioperative complications, which were just three for each method. We also found no significant differences in limb function scores, internal fixation imaging scores, tumor-free survival rate, and overall survival rate between the two groups. Replantation following alcohol-devitalization of tumor-bearing bone segment demonstrated similar clinical outcomes compared with prosthesis implantation in the treatment of primary malignant bone tumors of the knee joint. CONCLUSION: Both therapies enjoy good application safety and effectiveness. Because alcohol devitalization is inexpensive and easy to apply in the clinic, it should be considered a preferred method in the treatment of bone tumors.

[SIMULTANEOUS REPAIR OF TIBIA BONE DEFECT AND REFRACTORY SOFT TISSUE DEFECT BY BONE TRANSPORT TECHNIQUE].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of bone transport technique for simultaneous repair of tibia defect and refractory soft tissue defect. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with tibia bone defect combined with refractory soft tissue defect were treated between January 2010 and December 2014, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 21 males and 14 females with an average age of 29 years (range, 18-47 years). All patients had Gustilo type Ⅲ open tibial fractures, which were caused by traffic accident. Fracture located at the upper 1/3 of the tibia in 1 case, at the middle 1/3 of the tibia in 19 cases, and at the lower 1/3 of the tibia in 15 cases. All patients underwent external fixation after 4-10 hours of trauma, and tibial skin necrosis, infection, and purulent exudation were observed after 5-10 days of operation. The time from injury to admission was 21 days to 5 months (mean, 2 months). After debridement, the average length of tibia defect was 8 cm (range, 6-11 cm); the area of soft tissue defect was 6 cm×5 cm to 10 cm×8 cm. Orthofix external fixation was applied to tract the bone and soft. RESULTS: All 35 patients were followed up 12-22 months (mean, 16 months). The average time of bony healing was 15 months (range, 9-20 months), and no obvious force line offset was found. Osteotomy segment was extended from 6 to 11 cm (mean, 8 cm); after treatment, the external fixation support was retained for 2 to 10 months (mean, 5 months). No blood vessel and nerve injuries were found during treatment, and no osteomyelitis and refracture happened after operation. The skin and soft tissue defects healed, and the healing time was 1 to 3 months (mean, 1.3 months). Different degrees of infection occurred in 5 cases, and was cured after dressing change. According to Johner-Wruhs' evaluation criteria after external fixator was removed, the results were excellent in 26 cases, good in 5 cases, and moderate in 4 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 88.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Bone transport technique can simultaneously repair tibia bone defect and soft tissue defect by continuous bone and soft tissue traction.

[Advance in researches on materials for abdominal wall defect].

How to succeed in repairing an immense abdominal wall defect is often a perplexed question for surgeons. Finding perfect substitute material, therefore, is of great importance. The materials in this regard are often divided into two categories: biomaterial and non-boimaterial. The former has excellent mechanics properties while the latter possesses more favourable biocompatibility. The characteristics, clinical effects and advantages of biomaterials and non-biomaterials for abdominal wall repair are reviewed.

[Effectiveness of T-locking plate for internal fixation of medial clavicle fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of T-locking plate in treating medial clavicle fracture so as to find out a therapy with safety and stability. METHODS: Between October 2006 and January 2009, 13 patients with medial clavicle fracture were treated with open reduction and T-locking plate fixation. There were 9 males and 4 females, aged 18-68 years (mean, 47 years), including 7 cases of traffic accident injury, 4 cases of falling injury from height, and 2 cases of heavy object hit injury. The locations were left side in 5 cases and right side in 8 cases. All cases were closed fracture. The disease duration was 1 hour to 14 days. RESULTS: All incisions healed by first intention after operation. The X-ray films showed good reduction of fracture and internal fixation. All the 13 patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 15 months). The average fracture healing duration was 8 weeks (range, 6-12 weeks). No complication of infection, nerve or blood vessel injury, hemopneumothorax, or internal fixation loosening or failure occurred. The anatomical medial clavicle structure as well as appearances and functions were restored. According to Rockwood's score method, the results were excellent in 11 cases and good in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: The internal fixation of T-locking plate in treating medial clavicle fracture has the advantages of good stability and low risk. Besides, the patients can do functional exercises early and the shoulder joint function can be improved in great degree.

Preliminary study of mesenchymal stem cells-seeded type I collagen-glycosaminoglycan matrices for cartilage repair.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility of repairing articular cartilage defects with the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)- seeded type I collagen-glycosaminoglycan(CG) matrices after being cultured with the chondrogenic differentiation medium. METHODS: The adherent population of MSCs from bone marrow of 10 adult dogs were expanded in number to the 3rd passage. MSCs were seeded into the dehydrothermal treatment (DHT) cross-linked CG matrices; 2 x 10(6) cells per 9-mm diameter samples were taken. Chondrogenic differentiation was achieved by the induction media for 3 weeks. Cell contractility was evaluated by the measurement of the cell-mediated contraction of the CG matrices with time in culture. The in vitro formation of the cartilage was assessed by an assay employing immunohistochemical identification of type II collagen and by immunohistochemistry to demonstrate smooth muscle actin (SMA). The cells seedling CGs were implanted into cartilage defects of canine knee joints. Twelve weeks after surgery, the dogs were sacrificed and results were observed. RESULTS: There was significant contraction of the MSCs-seeded DHT cross-linked CG scaffolds cultured in the cartilage induction medium. After 21 days, the MSC-seeded DHT cross-linked matrices were contracted to 64.4% +/- 0.3%; histologically, the pores were found to be compressed and the contraction coupled with the newly synthesized matrix, transforming the MSCs-seeded CG matrix into a solid tissue in most areas. The type II collagen staining was positive. The SMA staining was positive when these MSCs were seeded and the contracted CGs were implanted into the cartilage defects of the canine knee joints to repair the cartilage defects. The function of the knee joints recovered and the solid cartilaginous tissue filled the cartilage defects. Conclusion The results demonstrates that MSCs grown in the CG matrices can produce a solid cartilaginous tissue containing type II collagen after being cultured with the chondrogenic differentiation medium and implanted into cartilage defects. We hypothesize that the following steps can be performed in the chondrogenic process: (1)MSCs express SMA, resulting in matrix contraction, thus achieving a required cell density (allowing the cells to operate in a necessary society); (2)Cells interact to form a type II collagen-containing extracellular matrix (and cartilaginous tissue); (3)Other factors, such as an applied mechanical stress, may be required to form a mature cartilage with the normal architecture.

[Elementary evaluation of small intestinal submucosa and polypropylene mesh used for repairing abdominal wall defect in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) and polypropylene mesh (PPM) on repairing abdominal wall defects in rats, and to probe into the feasibility of using SIS to repair the abdominal wall defects. METHODS: 100 SD rats (50 males and 50 females)were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 50). Their weight ranged from 200 to 250 g. Full thickness abdominal wall defects (2 cmX 2 cm) were created by surgery and were repaired with SIS and PPM respectively. At different postoperative time (1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th and 12th week), animals were sacrificed to make histological observation. The tensile strength and the development of adhesions were measured and observed. RESULTS: 95 animals survived and were healthy after surgery. No inflammatory response and obvious immunoreaction were observed in both groups. One week after operation, the tensile strength of abdominal wall in SIS group (204.30+/-5.13 mmHg) was lower than that in PPM group(240.0+/-10.0 mmHg) at 1st week (P<0.05), and there were no difference at 4th, 8th, 12th week. Adhesions were more marked in PPM group than that in SIS group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both SIS and PPM are histologically compatible when used in rats and can maintain sufficient tensile strength. SIS is superior to PPM in regards to tissue compatibility and adhesion formation.