Long-Term Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty With Transverse Subtrochanteric Shortening Osteotomy and Modular Stem in Crowe IV Developmental Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of high dislocation related to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) remains challenging for joint surgeons. The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of union, the revision rate, functional scores, and complications in patients with Crowe IV DDH treated with total hip arthroplasty, transverse subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy, and modular stem in an average 10-year follow-up. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (33 hips) with Crowe IV DDH who were operated on between 2008 and 2013 were followed. All patients underwent uncemented total hip arthroplasty with transverse subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and anatomical acetabular cup implantation. The mean age was 36.6 years, and the mean follow-up period was 121 months. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean Harris Hip Score significantly improved from 47.0 preoperatively to 89.6 postoperatively. The mean limb length discrepancy was significantly reduced from 3.8 to 0.8 cm. The mean osteotomy union time was 6.8 months. At the mean follow-up of 121 months, there were 3 cases of postoperative dislocation, 2 cases of intraoperative fracture, and 1 case of posterior tibial venous thrombosis. No revision occurred, and no signs of component loosening or migration were observed at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Crowe IV DDH patients treated with transverse subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy, modular stem, and anatomic acetabular component insertion can have satisfactory and reliable 10-year clinical outcomes.

microRNA-7 inhibition protects human osteoblasts from dexamethasone via activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling.

Sustained dexamethasone (Dex) treatment could induce secondary osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, or even bone fractures. Dex can induce potent cytotoxicity in cultured human osteoblasts. The aim of this study was to test the potential role of microRNA-7 (miR-7), which targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in Dex-treated human osteoblasts. In OB-6, hFOB1.19, and primary human osteoblasts, miR-7 depletion by a lentiviral antagomiR-7 construct (LV-antagomiR-7) increased EGFR expression and downstream Akt activation, protecting cells from Dex-induced viability reduction, cell death, and apoptosis. In contrast, forced overexpression of miR-7 by a lentiviral miR-7 construct (LV-miR-7) inhibited EGFR expression and Akt activation, potentiating Dex-induced cytotoxicity in OB-6, hFOB1.19, and primary human osteoblasts. EGFR is the primary target of miR-7 in human osteoblasts. Luciferase activity of the EGFR 3-untranslated region was enhanced by LV-antagomiR-7, but decreased by LV-miR-7 in OB-6 cells. Further, LV-antagomiR-7-induced osteoblast cytoprotection against Dex was abolished by the EGFR inhibitors AG1478 and PD153035. Moreover, neither LV-antagomiR-7 nor LV-miR-7 was functional in EGFR-KO OB-6 cells. We also show that miR-7 is upregulated in the necrotic femoral head tissues of Dex-administered patients, correlating with EGFR downregulation. Together, we conclude that miR-7 inhibition protects human osteoblasts from Dex via activation of EGFR signaling.

Long Non-Coding RNA MALAT1 Protects Human Osteoblasts from Dexamethasone-Induced Injury via Activation of PPM1E-AMPK Signaling.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dexamethasone (Dex) induces injuries to human osteoblasts. In this study, we tested the potential role of the long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (Lnc-MALAT1) in this process. MATERIALS: Two established human osteoblastic cell lines (OB-6 and hFOB1.19) and primary human osteoblasts were treated with Dex. Lnc-MALAT1 expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Cell viability, apoptosis, and death were tested by the MTT assay, histone-DNA assay, and trypan blue staining assay, respectively. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling was evaluated by western blotting and AMPK activity assay. RESULTS: Lnc-MALAT1 expression was downregulated by Dex treatment in the established osteoblastic cell lines (OB-6 and hFOB1.19) and primary human osteoblasts. The level of Lnc-MALAT1 was decreased in the necrotic femoral head tissues of Dex-administered patients. In osteoblastic cells and primary human osteoblasts, forced overexpression of Lnc-MALAT1 using a lentiviral vector (LV-MALAT1) inhibited Dex-induced cell viability reduction, cell death, and apoptosis. Conversely, transfection with Lnc-MALAT1 small interfering RNA aggravated Dex-induced cytotoxicity. Transfection with LV-MALAT1 downregulated Ppm1e (protein phosphatase, Mg2+/ Mn2+-dependent 1e) expression to activate AMPK signaling. Treatment of osteoblasts with AMPKα1 short hairpin RNA or dominant negative mutation (T172A) abolished LV-MALAT1-induced protection against Dex-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, LV-MALAT1 induced an increase in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate activity and activation of Nrf2 signaling. Dex-induced reactive oxygen species production was significantly attenuated by LV-MALAT1 transfection in osteoblastic cells and primary osteoblasts. CONCLUSION: Lnc-MALAT1 protects human osteoblasts from Dex-induced injuries, possibly via activation of Ppm1e-AMPK signaling.

Arachidonic acid causes hidden blood loss-like red blood cell damage through oxidative stress reactions.

BACKGROUND: Hidden blood loss (HBL) often occurs in the prosthetic replacement for joint, but the mechanism is still not clear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study tried to establish an animal model of HBL by injecting arachidonic acid (AA) into the Sprague-Dawley rats. Different concentrations of AA were injected into the tail veins of the rats, and blood samples were collected before and after administration at 24, 48, and 72 h. A complete blood count was obtained by to find the hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cell (RBC) count changes. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were detected. The morphological changes of erythrocyte were observed under a polarizing microscope. The absorbance values of the blood samples were tested to determine the presence of ferryl Hb. RESULTS: HBL occurred in the experimental groups when the concentration of AA reached 10 mmol/L; Hb and RBC values decreased sharply at 24- and 48-h postinjection. This was followed by reduced activities of GSH-PX and T-SOD and decreased levels of H2O2. Moreover, the pathologic changes of red cell morphology mainly presented as pleomorphic RBC morphology, including cell rupture. The absorbance values of the blood samples were in accordance with ferryl Hb features. RBC and Hb values were relatively stable at 72 h. The GSH-PX and T-SOD activities and H2O2 levels gradually increased up to a balanced state. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that high concentrations of AA can induce oxidative stress reactions in the body, causing acute injury of RBCs, which is closely related to HBL.

Estrogen-like neuroprotection of isopsoralen against spinal cord injury through estrogen receptor ERα.

Isopsoralen is a type of furocoumarin that exhibits estrogen-like activities. The aim of this study was to determine the estrogen-like neuroprotection of isopsoralen in an animal model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Results indicated that isopsoralen (intraperitoneal injection of 5 and 10 mg/kg per day for two weeks) significantly enhanced the hindlimb locomotor functions of mice with SCI, as revealed in the BMS score and angle of inclined plane tests. Morphological data showed that isopsoralen significantly attenuated the injury of the gray matter of spinal cord and induced the up-regulation of ERα levels. The neuroprotective effects of isopsolaren were blocked by the ERα antagonist MPP (0.3 mg/kg), but not by the ERß receptor antagonist PHTPP (0.3 mg/kg). Isopsolaren treatment increased phosphorylated PI3K and AKT (P-PI3K and P-AKT) in the spinal cord of SCI mice and showed a significant anti-apoptotic activity. These results suggest that isopsoralen performs estrogen-like neuroprotection against SCI-induced apoptosis by activating ERα and regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Analgesic effects of adenylyl cyclase inhibitor NB001 on bone cancer pain in a mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Cancer pain, especially the one caused by metastasis in bones, is a severe type of pain. Pain becomes chronic unless its causes and consequences are resolved. With improvements in cancer detection and survival among patients, pain has been considered as a great challenge because traditional therapies are partially effective in terms of providing relief. Cancer pain mechanisms are more poorly understood than neuropathic and inflammatory pain states. Chronic inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain are influenced by NB001, an adenylyl cyclase 1 (AC1)-specific inhibitor with analgesic effects. In this study, the analgesic effects of NB001 on cancer pain were evaluated. RESULTS: Pain was induced by injecting osteolytic murine sarcoma cell NCTC 2472 into the intramedullary cavity of the femur of mice. The mice injected with sarcoma cells for four weeks exhibited significant spontaneous pain behavior and mechanical allodynia. The continuous systemic application of NB001 (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, twice daily for three days) markedly decreased the number of spontaneous lifting but increased the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold. NB001 decreased the concentrations of cAMP and the levels of GluN2A, GluN2B, p-GluA1 (831), and p-GluA1 (845) in the anterior cingulate cortex, and inhibited the frequency of presynaptic neurotransmitter release in the anterior cingulate cortex of the mouse models. CONCLUSIONS: NB001 may serve as a novel analgesic to treat bone cancer pain. Its analgesic effect is at least partially due to the inhibition of AC1 in anterior cingulate cortex.

A novel translocator protein 18 kDa ligand, ZBD-2, exerts neuroprotective effects against acute spinal cord injury.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) happens accidently and often leads to motor dysfunction due to a series of biochemical and pathological events and damage, either temporarily or permanently. Translocator protein 18 (TSPO) has been found to be involved in the synthesis of endogenous neurosteroids which have multiple effects on neurons, but the internal mechanisms are not clear. N-benzyl-N-ethyl-2-(7,8-oxo-2-phenyl-9H-purin-9-yl) acetamide (ZBD-2), a newly reported ligand of TSPO, shows some neuroprotective effect against focal cerebral ischemia in vivo and NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. The present study aims to examine the role of ZBD-2 in SCI mice and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The SCI model was established by crushing spinal cord. ZBD-2 (10 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the hindlimb locomotor functions after SCI and decreased the tissue damage and conserved the white matter of the spinal cord. High-dose ZBD-2 alleviated the oxidative stress induced by SCI and regulated the imbalance between NR2B-containing NMDA and GABA receptors by increasing the levels of GAD67 in the spinal cord of SCI mice. Additionally, ZBD-2 (10 mg/kg) increased phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and decreased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. These results demonstrate that ZBD-2 performs neuroprotection against SCI through regulating the synaptic transmission and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Anxiolytic-like effects of translocator protein (TSPO) ligand ZBD-2 in an animal model of chronic pain.

The activation of Translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) has been demonstrated to mediate rapid anxiolytic efficacy in stress response and stress-related disorders. This protein is involved in the synthesis of endogenous neurosteroids that promote γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated neurotransmission in the central neural system. However, little is known about the functions and the underlying mechanisms of TSPO in chronic pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors. The novel TSPO ligand N-benzyl-N-ethyl-2-(7,8-dihydro-7-benzyl-8-oxo-2-phenyl-9H-purin-9-yl) acetamide (ZBD-2) was used in the present study. We found that ZBD-2 (0.15 or 1.5 mg/kg) significantly attenuated anxiety-like behaviors in mice with chronic inflammatory pain induced by hindpaw injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). However, the treatment did not alter the nociceptive threshold or inflammation in the hindpaw. Hindpaw injection of CFA induced the upregulation of TSPO, GluR1-containing α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, and NR2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). ZBD-2 administration reversed the alterations of the abovementioned proteins in the BLA of the CFA-injected mice. Electrophysiological recording revealed that ZBD-2 could prevent an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory transmissions in the BLA synapses of CFA-injected mice. Therefore, as the novel ligand of TSPO, ZBD-2 induced anxiolytic effects, but did not affect the nociceptive threshold of mice under chronic pain. The anxiolytic effects of ZBD-2 were related to the regulation of the balance between excitatory and inhibitory transmissions in the BLA.

Associations of polymorphisms in the bone morphogenetic protein-2 gene with risk and prognosis of osteosarcoma in a Chinese population.

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in adolescence. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) plays important roles in the development of bone and cartilage and in inhibiting the tumorigenicity of cancer stem cells in human osteosarcoma cell line. The aim of this study was to examine whether polymorphisms in the BMP2 gene are associated with osteosarcoma risk and prognosis in Chinese population. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the BMP2 gene were genotyped in a case-control study, including 203 osteosarcoma patients and 406 cancer-free controls. We found that rs3178250 TT genotype was associated with significant increased osteosarcoma risk (age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.06, 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 1.23-3.45) compared with CC genotype. Subjects carrying the AA genotype of rs1005464 had significant decreased cancer risk (age-adjusted OR = 0.44, 95% CI of 0.23-0.85) compared with those carrying the GG genotype. Haplotype analysis also showed that carriers of the G-T-T-G and A-T-T-G haplotypes (rs235764-rs3178250-rs235768-rs1005464) had significant increased risks of osteosarcoma (age-adjusted OR = 1.85, 95% CI of 1.28-2.66 and age-adjusted OR = 1.51, 95% CI of 1.06-2.16) compared with the G-C-T-A haplotype carriers. Besides, rs1005464 was an independent prognostic factor for osteosarcoma patients (GA vs. GG: age-adjusted hazard radio (HR) = 0.60, 95% CI of 0.36-0.99). Our data suggest that genetic mutations in the BMP2 gene are associated with osteosarcoma risk and prognosis in a Chinese population.

[Hip joint biomechanical analysis of the acetabular anatomical reconstruction and nonanatomical reconstruction in total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type â ¢ developmental dysplasia of the hip by finite element method].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the hip joint biomechanics of the acetabular anatomical reconstruction and nonanatomical reconstruction in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Crowe type Ⅲ developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) by finite element method, which provided theoretical foundation and experimental basis for the anatomical acetabular reconstruction during THA in clinical practice. METHODS: One patient with left end-stage hip arthritis secondary to Crowe type Ⅲ DDH was selected in this study, who underwent total hip arthroplasty in the orthopedic department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College in April 2020. This patient was female, 57 years old. The preoperative and postoperative three dimentional CT scan of the patient's pelvis were performed. Fourteen acetabular cup models with different anteversion, inclination and rotation center height were established in Mimics and 3-Matic software. The boundary and load conditions were set in Abaqus software. The Von Mises and stress distribution of the hip joint were calculated and observed. RESULTS: In the Crowe type Ⅲ DDH THA, if the hip rotation center was restored anatomically and the acetabular cup's inclination was set as 40°, the cup's anteversion varied from 5° to 25°, the lowest Von Mises value of acetabular cup and polyethylene liner occured in 20°anteversioin;if the hip rotation center was restored anatomically and the acetabular cup's anteversion was set as 15°, the cup's inclination varied from 35° to 55°, the lowest Von Mises value of acetabular cup and polyethylene liner occured in 35° inclination;if the acetabular cup's anteversion and inclination were set as 15°and 40°respectively, the up migration of hip rotaion center varied from 0 mm to 20 mm, the lowest Von Mises value of acetabular cup and polyethylene liner occured in 10 mm up migration. In all fourteen models, the Von Mises value of the acetabulum, acetabulum cup and polyethylene liner were lowest when the acetabular cup's anteversion and inlcination were 15°, 35° respectively, as well as the rotation center was restored anatomically. CONCLUSION: In total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type Ⅲ DDH, the anatomical restoration of hip rotation center with 15° anteversion and 35° inclination of the acetabular cup are suggested, bone graft above the acetabular cup and additional screws are recommended simultaneously to further reduce the Von Mises of hip joint.

[Construction and stability analysis of finite element model for spinal canal reconstruction with miniplates fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the finite element model of spinal canal reconstruction and internal fixation,analysis influence of spinal canal reconstruction and internal fixation on spinal stability,and verify the effectiveness and reliability of spinal canal reconstruction and internal fixation in spinal canal surgery. METHODS: A 30-year-old male healthy volunteer with a height of 172 cm and weight of 75 kg was selected and his lumbar CT data were collected to establish a finite element model of normal lumbar L3-L5,and the results were compared with in vitro solid results and published finite element analysis results to verify the validity of the model. They were divided into normal group,laminectomy group and spinal canal reconstruction group according to different treatment methods. Under the same boundary fixation and physiological load conditions,six kinds of activities were performed,including forward bending,backward extension,left bending,right bending,left rotation and right rotation,and the changes of range of motion (ROM) of L3-L4,L4-L5 segments and overall maximum ROM of L3-L5 were analyzed under the six conditions. RESULTS: The ROM displacement range of each segment of the constructed L3-L5 finite element model was consistent with the in vitro solid results and previous literature data,which confirms the validity of the model. In L3-L4,ROM of spinal canal reconstruction group was slightly increased than that of normal group during posterior extension(>5% difference),and ROM of other conditions was similar to that of normal group(<5% difference). ROM in laminectomy group was significantly increase than that in normal group and spinal canal reconstruction group under the condition of flexion,extension,left and right rotation. In L4-L5,ROM in spinal canal reconstruction group was similar to that in normal group(<5% difference),while ROM in laminectomy group was significantly higher than that in normal group and spinal canal reconstruction group(>5% difference). In the overall maximum ROM of L3-L5,spinal canal reconstruction group was only slightly higher than normal group under the condition of posterior extension(>5% difference),while laminectomy was significantly higher than normal group and spinal canal reconstruction group under the condition of anterior flexion,posterior extension,left and right rotation(>5% difference). The changes of each segment ROM and overall ROM of L3-L5 showed laminectomy group>spinal canal reconstruction group>normal group. CONCLUSION: Laminectomy could seriously affect biomechanical stability of the spine,but application of spinal canal reconstruction and internal fixation could effectively reduce ROM displacement of the responsible segment of spine and maintain its biomechanical stability.

Proteomic analysis of synovial fibroblast-like synoviocytes from rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identity protein expression patterns of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) derived from the synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis. METHODS: Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) in combination with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was used to visualise and identify differential cellular protein expression profiles in FLSs between RA and control groups. Western-blot analysis was performed to further verify selected differentially-expressed proteins. RESULTS: A total of 1633 and 1603 protein spots were examined in synovial FLSs of RA patients and controls, respectively. Ninety-two spots in the RA group were statistically over- or under-expressed compared with controls. Among them, 33 proteins over-expressed by more than 3-fold were then identified by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. These proteins included enzymatic and structural proteins (e.g. PKM1/M2, α-enolase, ERp60, lamin-A/C), signal transduction proteins (e.g. annexin 11, peroxiredoxin 1, TrpRS), heat-shock/chaperone proteins (e.g. TCP-1, GRP75, HspB5, Bip) and some unknown protein species. Three proteins, namely α-enolase, GRP75 and PKM2, were verified by Western blot and the results were found to be consistent with proteomic analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The differentially expressed proteins identified in RA synovial FLSs might be candidate RA-associated proteins and may prove to be promising diagnostic indicators or new therapeutic targets for RA.

Design and preliminary biomechanical analysis of artificial cervical joint complex.

OBJECTIVE: To design an artificial cervical joint complex (ACJC) prosthesis for non-fusion reconstruction after cervical subtotal corpectomy, and to evaluate the biomechanical stability, preservation of segment movements and influence on adjacent inter-vertebral movements of this prosthesis. METHODS: The prosthesis was composed of three parts: the upper/lower joint head and the middle artificial vertebrae made of Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) alloy and polyethylene with a ball-and-socket joint design resembling the multi-axial movement in normal inter-vertebral spaces. Biomechanical tests of intact spine (control), Orion locking plate system and ACJC prosthesis were performed on formalin-fixed cervical spine specimens from 21 healthy cadavers to compare stability, range of motion (ROM) of the surgical segment and ROM of adjacent inter-vertebral spaces. RESULTS: As for stability of the whole lower cervical spine, there was no significant difference of flexion, extension, lateral bending and torsion between intact spine group and ACJC prosthesis group. As for segment movements, difference in flexion, lateral bending or torsion between ACJC prosthesis group and control group was not statistically significant, while ACJC prosthesis group showed an increase in extension (P < 0.05) compared to that of the control group. In addition, ACJC prosthesis group demonstrated better flexion, extension and lateral bending compared to those of Orion plating system group (P < 0.05). Difference in adjacent inter-vertebral ROM of the ACJC prosthesis group was not statistically significant compared to that of the control group. CONCLUSION: After cervical subtotal corpectomy, reconstruction with ACJC prosthesis not only obtained instant stability, but also reserved segment motions effectively, without abnormal gain of mobility at adjacent inter-vertebral spaces.

[Penile erectile function after lumbar discectomy for intervertebral disc herniation in different age groups of male patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment effect on penile erectile function after lumbar discectomy in different age groups of men. METHODS: We included in this study 90 male patients with intervertebral disc herniation treated by lumbar discectomy, who were divided into three age groups of equal number: groups A (< 45 yr), B (45 - 55 yr) and C ( > 55 yr). We obtained the IIEF-5 scores of the patients preoperatively and at 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The IIEF-5 scores at 12 months after surgery were 21.3 +/- 3.3, 16.8 +/- 1.3 and 14.1 +/- 1.0 in groups A, B and C, respectively, significantly higher than 10.4 +/- 2.6, 10.7 +/- 2.8 and 11.2 +/- 1.9 preoperatively (P < 0.05). Group A showed better improved erectile function than B and C ([51.17 +/- 6.25 ]% vs [36.31 +/- 4.28]% and [22.71 +/- 5.68]%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Penile erectile function of the male patient is one of the major factors in evaluating lumbar discectomy for intervertebral disc herniation. Early decompression surgery according to different etiological factors is very important for erectile function recovery in the young and middle-aged male patients.

Hydrogen applications: advances in the field of medical therapy.

Hydrogen (H2) has been widely used in the chemical industry as a reducing agent. As the researches move along, increasing attention has been paid to its biological functions. The selective antioxidant effect of hydrogen is considered to be the main reason for medical applications. So far, many studies have confirmed its potential protective effects on ischemia/reperfusion injury of multiple organs, neurodegenerative diseases, bone and joint diseases, and respiratory diseases, opening a new era in the medical research and application of H2. Increasing studies have focused on its biological effects and molecular mechanisms in the treatment of different diseases. In this paper, we review the biological effects, molecular mechanisms and methods of H2 supply. We do hope that the advances in materials science can be better translated into medical applications and solve clinical problems. The medical application of H2 is promising, and how to prepare an H2 sustained-release system to achieve a sustained and stable H2 supply in the body and ultimately improve the therapeutic effect of H2 is a problem worthy of further investigation.

Responses of soil nematode abundance and food web to cover crops in a kiwifruit orchard.

Soil biodiversity plays an important role in both agricultural productivity and ecosystem functions. Cover crop species influence the primary productivity of the ecosystem and basal resources. However, it remains poorly understood how different cover crop treatments influence the community of soil nematodes in an orchard ecosystem. In this study, field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of cover crop treatments with different species numbers, i.e., no cover crop (CK), two cover crop species (C2), four cover crop species (C4), and eight cover crop species (C8), on weed biomass, together with composition, abundance, and metabolic footprint of soil nematode community in a kiwifruit orchard. As compared to the CK group, the groups of cover crop treatments had lower weed biomass, which decreased with the increase of the cover crop diversity. Moreover, for the abundance of total nematodes, fungivores exhibited higher levels in C4 and C8 treatments than that in CK, bacterivores had a higher abundance in C4 treatment, and plant parasites had a higher abundance in C2 and C8 treatments. Cover crop treatments also changed the structure of nematode community and enhanced the nematode interactions and complexity of nematode community network. In addition, C4 increased the Wasilewska index but decreased the plant-parasite index. The metabolic footprints of fungivores were higher in cover crop treatments compared with CK, and C4 and C8 also increased the functional metabolic footprint of nematode. Soil nematode faunal analysis based on nematode metabolic footprints showed that C8 improved the soil nutrient status and food wed stability. Mantel test and redundancy analysis showed that soil microbial biomass nitrogen and carbon, organic carbon, nitrate nitrogen, moisture content, pH, and cover crop biomass were the main factors that affect soil nematode community. In conclusion, cover crop treatments with four or eight plant species displayed a positive role in weed control, improvement of soil health, and promotion of energy flow in the soil food web through the increase in the metabolic footprints of nematodes in kiwifruit orchard.

Restoring Rotation Center in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip with the Assistance of Three Dimensional Printing Technology: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new method to restore hip rotation center exactly and rapidly in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the assistance of three dimensional (3D) printing technology and evaluate its clinical and radiological outcomes. METHODS: From March 2014 to July 2018, a total of 17 patients (five hips of four men and 16 hips of 13 women) with end-stage osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip who underwent THA were analyzed and followed up retrospectively. The average age is 58.00 ± 8.12 years (range from 45 to 71 years). Simulated operations were performed on 3D printed hip models for preoperative planning. The morphology of Harris fossa and acetabular notches were recognized and restored to locate the acetabular center. The size of bone defect was measured by the bone wax method. The agreement on the size of acetabular cup and bone defect between simulated operations and actual operations were analyzed. Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to evaluate the recovery of hip joint function. The vertical distance and horizontal distance of the rotation center on the pelvis plain radiograph were measured, which were used to assess the efficacy of restoring hip rotation center and acetabular cup migration. RESULTS: The mean sizes of bone defect in simulated operations and THA were 4.58 ± 2.47 cm2 and 4.55 ± 2.57 cm2 respectively. There was no significant difference statistically between the sizes of bone defect in simulated operations and the actual sizes of bone defect in THA (t = 0.03, P = 0.97). The sizes of the acetabular cup of simulated operations on 3D print models showed a high rate of coincidence with the actual sizes in the operations (ICC = 0.93). All 17 patients were available for clinical and radiological follow-up. The average follow-up time was 18.35 ± 6.86 months (range, 12-36 months. The average HHS of the patients was improved from (38.33 ± 6.07) preoperatively to the last follow-up (88.61 ± 3.44) postoperatively. The mean vertical and horizontal distances of hip rotation center on the pelvic radiographs were restored to 15.12 ± 1.25 mm and 32.49 ± 2.83 mm respectively. No case presented dislocation or radiological signs of loosening until last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The application of 3D printing technology facilitates orthopedists to recognize the morphology of Harris fossa and acetabular notches, locate the acetabular center and restore the hip rotation center rapidly and accurately.

[Impacts of Co-application of Chemical Fertilizer Reduction and Organic Material Amendment on Fluvo-aquic Soil Microbial N-cycling Functional Gene Abundances and N-converting Genetic Potentials in Northern China].

The emerging environment-associated issues due to the overuse of inorganic fertilizers in agricultural production are of global concern despite the benefit of high yields. Eco-friendly organic materials with the capability to fertilize soil are encouraged to partially replace mineral fertilizer. The N cycle conducted by soil microorganisms is the most important biogeochemical process, dictating the N bioavailability in farmland ecosystems; however, little is known about how organic material amendment affects soil microbial N cycling under chemical fertilizer reduction. Hence, a fixed field trial with five fertilization practices was implemented to experimentally alter microorganisms essential for the soil N cycle, including conventional chemical fertilization (NPK), reduced chemical fertilization (NPKR), reduced chemical fertilization plus straw (NPKRS), reduced chemical fertilization plus organic fertilizer (NPKRO), and reduced chemical fertilization plus organic fertilizer and straw (NPKROS). The microbial N-cycling gene abundances and associated N-converting genetic potentials were evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR. In comparison to conventional chemical fertilization (NPK), organic addition significantly increased the amounts of heterotrophic microbes involved in organic N decomposition, N fixation, and N reduction; however, it reduced autotrophic microbes performing ammonia oxidization. Consequently, the overall proportion of heterotrophic microbes was remarkably enhanced, and the autotrophic proportion was correspondingly lowered. The fertilization practice shift significantly improved N fixation and gaseous N emission potentials, whereas it suppressed NO3- leaching potential. A significant discrepancy among five fertilization treatments was observed based on functional gene abundances (PERMANOVA, P=0.002),as revealed by distance-based redundancy analysis (db-RDA), with NH4+ as the dominant factor. Organic fertilizer addition was beneficial for heterotrophic N functional microorganisms, with simultaneous input of straw augmenting such an effect. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that N storage and gaseous N emission potentials were both substantially negatively correlated with NH4+; NO3- leaching potential was notably negatively associated with SOC and TN but significantly related to NH4+. In conclusion, chemical fertilizer reduction combined with organic material amendments, a main fertilization recommendation, may enhance soil N storage, diminish N loss by leaching, and mitigate the environmental risk of N2O emission. This deserves attention considering that healthy and sustainable agricultural soil environment can be cultivated from the view of microbial N-cycling.

[Effect of lysyl oxidase on migration and adhesion of human gastric cancer HGC-27 cells in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of lysyl oxidase (LOX) on the migration and adhesion of the human gastric cancer cell line HGC-27 cells in vitro. METHODS: The human gastric cancer cell line HGC-27 cells were cultured in vitro, and treated with different concentration of ß-aminopropionitrile (BAPN). The ability of migration was assessed by wound-healing assay. The ability of adhesion was detected by homogenous and heterogeneous adhesion experiments. RESULTS: Compared that with 0 mmol/L BAPN, the ability of migration of the cells after treatment with 0.2 mmol/L BAPN was descended at 8, 24, 32 and 48 h; the number of cells with homogeneous adhesion was increased from (6.97 ± 0.07) × 10(3)/ml to (7.78 ± 0.11) × 10(3)/ml; and the number of cells with heterogeneous adhesion was decreased from (8.98 ± 0.15) × 10(3)/ml to (8.35 ± 0.10) × 10(3)/ml, both < 0.05. Compared with that of cells treated with 0 mmol/L and 0.2 mmol/L BAPN, the migration ability of cells after treatment with 0.3 mmol/L BAPN was descended at 8, 24, 32 and 48 h; the number of cells with homogeneous adhesion was raised to (8.02 ± 0.11) × 10(3)/ml and the number of cells with heterogeneous adhesion was down to (7.93 ± 0.07) × 10(3)/ml (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: LOX may promote the metastasis of cancer cells by enhancing invasion, increasing heterogeneous adhesion and decreasing homogeneous adhesion.

[Effects of tillage managements on soil microbial community structure in soil aggregates of fluvo-aquic soil]. / 耕作方式对潮土土壤团聚体微生物群落结构的影响.

In order to explore the impacts of different tillage managements on the structure and diversity of microbial community in fluvo-aquic soil, the phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) method was used to determine microbial community composition in soil aggregates. Four tillage treatments were set up in Qihe County, Shandong Province, including rotary tillage with straw return (RT), deep ploughing with straw return (DP), subsoiling with straw return (SS) and no-tillage with straw return (NT). Our results showed that DP treatment significantly increased the amount of fungal PLFAs and fungi/bacteria ratio in >5 mm soil aggregates compared with RT. DP could provide favorable conditions for fungi reproduction, facilitate soil organic matter storage and soil buffering capacity. DP increased the amount of PLFAs in 5-2 mm soil aggregates, reduced the gram-positive (G+) /gram-negative (G-) bacteria ratio in the soil, and improved soil nutritional status. In addition, DP improved the microbial abundance index in <0.25 mm soil aggregates. In general, DP could not only increase the abundance of bacteria and fungi in soil aggregates, but also improve the microbial community structure of soil aggregate, which help increase soil carbon sequestration capacity and keep soil microbial diversity to a certain extent. Results of the redundancy analysis showed that the total PLFAs, PLFAs of bacteria, G- bacteria and actinomycetes in soil aggregates are closely correlated with soil organic carbon, while PLFAs of G+ bacteria had a strong correlation with soil total nitrogen concentration. In each treatment, microbial communities in larger sizes of soil aggregates were mainly affected by the ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen, soil moisture, pH, and mass fractions of soil aggregates, while the microbial communities in smaller sizes of soil aggregates were affected by the concentrations of organic carbon and total nitrogen.