Characteristics of Adult Fractures in Emergency Department in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital during 2009-2016

Fracture was a common injury in adults.Moreover,the number of fractures showed an increasing trend in previous studies.Fractures bring suffering and enormous financial burdens to patients and their families. As the development of urbanization,the incidence of fractures increases gradually.However,the research on the spectrum of adult fractures has not been enough in Beijing.As a trauma emergency center of Beijing,Jishuitan Hospital is a center for adults＇ first aid and treatment of fractures,we designed this study to provide a reliable basis for better adjustment of adult fractures treatment and prevention.

Artificial intelligence-assisted repair of peripheral nerve injury: a new research hotspot and associated challenges

Artificial intelligence can be indirectly applied to the repair of peripheral nerve injury.Specifically,it can be used to analyze and process data regarding peripheral nerve injury and repair,while study findings on peripheral nerve injury and repair can provide valuable data to enrich artificial intelligence algorithms.To investigate advances in the use of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis,rehabilitation,and scientific examination of peripheral nerve injury,we used CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to analyze the relevant literature included in the Web of Science from 1994–2023.We identified the following research hotspots in peripheral nerve injury and repair:(1)diagnosis,classification,and prognostic assessment of peripheral nerve injury using neuroimaging and artificial intelligence techniques,such as corneal confocal microscopy and coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy;(2)motion control and rehabilitation following peripheral nerve injury using artificial neural networks and machine learning algorithms,such as wearable devices and assisted wheelchair systems;(3)improving the accuracy and effectiveness of peripheral nerve electrical stimulation therapy using artificial intelligence techniques combined with deep learning,such as implantable peripheral nerve interfaces;(4)the application of artificial intelligence technology to brain-machine interfaces for disabled patients and those with reduced mobility,enabling them to control devices such as networked hand prostheses;(5)artificial intelligence robots that can replace doctors in certain procedures during surgery or rehabilitation,thereby reducing surgical risk and complications,and facilitating postoperative recovery.Although artificial intelligence has shown many benefits and potential applications in peripheral nerve injury and repair,there are some limitations to this technology,such as the consequences of missing or imbalanced data,low data accuracy and reproducibility,and ethical issues(e.g.,privacy,data security,research transparency).Future research should address the issue of data collection,as large-scale,high-quality clinical datasets are required to establish effective artificial intelligence models.Multimodal data processing is also necessary,along with interdisciplinary collaboration,medical-industrial integration,and multicenter,large-sample clinical studies.

Role of Vickers Ligament in the Pathogenesis of Madelung Deformity

Objective The Vickers ligament is thought to hinder the growth of palmar ulnar radius by tethering the lunate to the radius,leading to Madelung deformity.The purpose of this study was to clarify the nature of the Vickers ligament and investigate its pathogenesis in Madelung deformities based on our observation of the Vickers ligament.Methods All 22 patients(33 wrists)with Madelung deformities treated surgically between 2018 and 2022 were included.The diagnosis was confirmed radiographically in all patients.The three-dimensional computed tomography(3D-CT)data of 16 patients(19 wrists)were available.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)data were available for 9 patients(14 wrists).Wrist arthroscopy was used in 4 patients.The Vickers ligament was resected and submitted for histopathological examination in 8 patients.Radiographic outcomes,3D-CT,MRI,arthroscopy,surgical findings,and histopathology of the Vickers ligament were evaluated.Results The 3D-CT revealed that the Vickers ligament originated in the metaphysis and formed a metaphyseal defect at the palmar ulnar radius.In the sequential MR coronal images,the Vickers ligament could be divided into 3 branches,extending to the lunate,triquetrum and ulnar styloid.Arthroscopy and surgical findings revealed that the nature of the Vickers ligament was the stretched palmar ligament of the wrist.The histopathology results revealed ligamentous tissue and fibrocartilaginous metaplasia with a structure similar to that of the triangular fibrocartilage complex(TFCC).Conclusions The Vickers ligament is not a separate aberrant ligament.The nature of the Vickers ligament is a combination of the stretched TFCC ligament(palmar radioulnar ligament,ulnotriquetral ligament and ulnolunate ligament)and radiolunate ligament.The possible pathogenesis of Madelung deformity might be focal early epiphyseal closure at the middle part of the sigmoid notch,which leads to focal growth retardation of the radius and pulls palmar ligaments proximally to form the Vickers ligament.

Temporal and spatial regulation of biomimetic vascularization in 3D-printed skeletal muscles

In the intricate skeletal muscle tissue,the symbiotic relationship between myotubes and their supporting vasculature is pivotal in delivering essential oxygen and nutrients.This study explored the complex interplay between skeletal muscle and endothelial cells in the vascularization ofmuscle tissue.By harnessing the capabilities of three-dimensional(3D)bioprinting and modeling,we developed a novel approach involving the co-construction of endothelial and muscle cells,followed by their subsequent differentiation.Our findings highlight the importance of the interaction dynamics between these two cell types.Notably,introducing endothelial cells during the advanced phases of muscle differentiation enhanced myotube assembly.Moreover,it stimulated the development of the vascular network,paving the way for the early stages of vascularized skeletal muscle development.The methodology proposed in this study indicates the potential for constructing large-scale,physiologically aligned skeletal muscle.Additionally,it highlights the need for exploring the delicate equilibrium and mutual interactions between muscle and endothelial cells.Based on the multicell-type interaction model,we can predict promising pathways for constructing even more intricate tissues or organs.

Transfer force perception skills to robot‐assisted laminectomy via imitation learning from human demonstrations

A comparative study of two force perception skill learning approaches for robot‐assisted spinal surgery,the impedance model method and the imitation learning(IL)method,is presented.The impedance model method develops separate models for the surgeon and patient,incorporating spring‐damper and bone‐grinding models.Expert surgeons'feature parameters are collected and mapped using support vector regression and image navi-gation techniques.The imitation learning approach utilises long short‐term memory networks(LSTM)and addresses accurate data labelling challenges with custom models.Experimental results demonstrate skill recognition rates of 63.61%-74.62%for the impedance model approach,relying on manual feature extraction.Conversely,the imitation learning approach achieves a force perception recognition rate of 91.06%,outperforming the impedance model on curved bone surfaces.The findings demonstrate the potential of imitation learning to enhance skill acquisition in robot‐assisted spinal surgery by eliminating the laborious process of manual feature extraction.

A novel predictor of unsustained return of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest patients through a combination of capnography and pulse oximetry: a multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND:Unsustained return of spontaneous circulation(ROSC)is a critical barrier to survival in cardiac arrest patients.This study examined whether end-tidal carbon dioxide(ETCO_(2))and pulse oximetry photoplethysmogram(POP)parameters can be used to identify unsustained ROSC.METHODS:We conducted a multicenter observational prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with cardiac arrest from 2013 to 2014.Patients’general information,ETCO_(2),and POP parameters were collected and statistically analyzed.RESULTS:The included 105 ROSC episodes(from 80 cardiac arrest patients)comprised 51 sustained ROSC episodes and 54 unsustained ROSC episodes.The 24-hour survival rate was significantly higher in the sustained ROSC group than in the unsustained ROSC group(29.2%vs.9.4%,P<0.05).The logistic regression analysis showed that the difference between after and before ROSC in ETCO_(2)(ΔETCO_(2))and the difference between after and before ROCS in area under the curve of POP(ΔAUCp)were independently associated with sustained ROSC(odds ratio[OR]=0.931,95%confi dence interval[95%CI]0.881-0.984,P=0.011 and OR=0.998,95%CI 0.997-0.999,P<0.001).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ofΔETCO_(2),ΔAUCp,and the combination of both to predict unsustained ROSC were 0.752(95%CI 0.660-0.844),0.883(95%CI 0.818-0.948),and 0.902(95%CI 0.842-0.962),respectively.CONCLUSION:Patients with unsustained ROSC have a poor prognosis.The combination ofΔETCO_(2) andΔAUCp showed signifi cant predictive value for unsustained ROSC.

Neural stem cell transplantation in a double-layer collagen membrane with unequal pore sizes for spinal cord injury repair

A novel double-layer collagen membrane with unequal pore sizes in each layer was designed and tested in this study. The inner, loose layer has about 100-μm-diameter pores, while the outer, compact layer has about 10-μm-diameter pores. In a rat model of incomplete spinal cord injury, a large number of neural stem cells were seeded into the loose layer, which was then adhered to the injured side, and the compact layer was placed against the lateral side. The results showed that the transplantation of neural stem cells in a double-layer collagen membrane with unequal pore sizes promoted the differentiation of neural stem cells, attenuated the pathological lesion, and signiifcantly improved the motor function of the rats with incomplete spinal cord injuries. These experimental ifndings suggest that the transplantation of neural stem cells in a double-lay-er collagen membrane with unequal pore sizes is an effective therapeutic strategy to repair an injured spinal cord.

Effect of Qi-protecting powder (Huqi San) on expression of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc in diethylnitrosamine-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis

To study the inhibitory effect of Huqi San （Qi- protecting powder） on rat prehepatocarcinoma induced by diethylinitrosamine （DEN） by analyzing the mutational activation of c-fos proto-oncogene and over-expression of c-jun and c-myc oncogenes. METHODS： A Solt-Farber two-step test model of prehepatocarcinoma was induced in rats by DEN and 2-acetylaminofluorene （AAF） to investigate the modifying effects of Huqi San on the expression of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc in DEN-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. Huqi San was made of eight medicinal herbs containing glycoprival granules, in which each milliliter contains 0.38 g crude drugs. T-glutamy-transpeptidase-isoenzyme （T-GTase） was determined with histochemical methods. Level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine （OHdG） formed in liver and c-jun, c-fos and c-myc proto-oncogenes were detected by immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS： The level of 8-OHdG, a mark of oxidative DNA damage, was significantly decreased in the liver of rats with prehepatocarcinoma induced by DEN who received 8 g/kg body weight or 4 g/kg body weight Huqi San before （1 wk） and after DEN exposure （4 wk）. Huqi San- treated rats showed a significant decrease in number of T-GT positive foci （P 〈 0.001, prevention group： 4.96-0.72 vs 29.46-2.17; large dose therapeutic group： 7.53-0.88 vs 29.46-2.17）. On the other hand, significant changes in expression of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc were found in Huqi San-treated rats. CONCLUSION： Activation of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of liver cancer.Huqi San can inhibit the over-expression of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc oncogenes and liver preneolastic lesions induced by DEN.

Free Flow-through Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for Wrist High-tension Electrical Burns:A Retrospective Case Series

Objective The objective of this report was to demonstrate the clinical application of free flow-through anterolateral thigh flaps for the treatment of high-tension electrical wrist burns.Methods We collected the data of 8 patients with high-tension electrical wrist burns admitted to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2014 to December 2018.The clinical and pathological data were extracted from electronic hospital medical records.We obtained follow-up information through clinic visits.Results The injury sites for all 8 patients were the wrists,specifically 5 right and 3 left wrists,all of which were on the flexor side.Five patients had ulnar artery embolism necrosis and patency,with injury to the radial artery.Two patients had ulnar and radial arterial embolization and necrosis.The last patient had ulnar arterial embolization and necrosis with a normal radial artery.After debridement,the wound area ranged from 12 cm×9 cm to 25 cm×16 cm.The diagnoses for the eight patients were type II to type III high-tension electrical wrist burns.Free flow-through anterolateral thigh flaps(combined with great saphenous vein transplantation if necessary)were used to repair the wounds.The prognosis for all patients was good after six months to one year of follow-up.Conclusion Treating wrist types II and III high-tension electrical burns is still challenging in clinical practice.The use of free flow-through anterolateral thigh flaps(combined with great saphenous vein transplantation if necessary)to repair the wound and to restore the blood supply for the hand at the same time is a good choice for treating severe wrist electrical burns.

Predictive value of quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after ablation

AIM: To investigate the relationship between contrastenhanced ultrasound(CEUS),basic fibroblast growth factor(b FGF),endothelin-1(ET-1),and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) recurrence after ablation. METHODS: A total of 51 HCC patients(38 males and 13 females) who received radiofrequency ablation in our hospital from June 2012 to July 2014 were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: recurrence group and non-recurrence group. Routine abdominal examination was first performed in the horizontal position. Then the patients underwent CEUS and immunohistochemical staining before receiving radiofrequency ablation. All patients were followed-up every three months for one year.The results of CEUS and serum tumor marker levels were evaluated and combined together to estimate HCC recurrence and metastasis. Patients were divided into two groups: recurrence group and non-recurrence group. Quantitative parameters of CEUS and tumor expression levels of b FGF and ET-1 were compared between the two groups,respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between CEUS quantitative parameters,expression levels of ET-1 and b FGF,and HCC recurrence after ablation. RESULTS: Based on the quantitative parameters of CEUS before patients received radiofrequency ablation,the levels of tumor rise time(t RT),tumor time to peak(t TTP),tumor peak intensity(t PI) and tumorparenchymal peak intensity(t-p PI) in the recurrence group were significantly lower than those in the nonrecurrence group(16.6 ± 6.1 vs 23.2 ± 7.0,P = 0.000; 41.2 ± 10.2 vs 59.6 ± 14.2,P = 0.000; 23.8 ± 6.7 vs 31.4 ± 6.4,P = 0.000; 7.1 ± 3.4 vs 14.6 ± 7.4,P = 0.000; respectively). The expression levels of b FGF in the recurrence group were significantly higher than those in the non-recurrence group(P < 0.05). Levels of t TTP showed a significant inverse correlation with the level of b FGF in tumors(r =-0.312,P = 0.037). The Binary logistic regression analysis results revealed that the levels of t RT,t TTP,t PI and the level of b FGF were associated with HCC recurrence after radiofrequency ablation(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CEUS is a noninvasive and effective method for evaluating the angiogenesis of HCC,and predicting its recurrence and prognosis.

Treatment of Post-traumatic Pediatric Ankle Varus Deformity with Physeal Bar Resection and Hemi-Epiphysiodesis

Children presenting with partial physeal arrest and significant remaining growth may benefit from physeal bar resection,although the operation is a technique demanding procedure.This study evaluates the treatment of post-traumatic pediatric ankle varus deformity using physeal bar resection and hemi-epiphysiodesis with the assistance of two operative methods.Forty-five patients presenting with a distal tibial medial physeal bridge as well as ankle varus deformity following traumatic ankle physeal injury between 2009 and 2017 were followed.These patients were treated w让h physeal bar resection and hemi-epiphysiodesis,with the assistance of either fluoroscopy (10 cases) or intraoperative three-dimensional navigation (35 cases).Of the 45 cases,the median age was 9.0 years (range:3-14 years) with 28 male and 17 female patients.The median of pre-operation ankle varus angle was 20 degrees (IQR 15-25) and 5 degrees (IQR 0-20) at the time of final follow up,representing a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).No differences were observed with regards to age,gender,and surgical history between effective group and ineffective group (P>0.05).The median of pre-operative ankle varus angles of the navigation and fluoroscopy groups were both 20 degrees (P>0.05).The median correction angle of the navigation and fluoroscopy groups was 10 and 15 degrees,respectively (P>0.05).Our results indicate that physeal bar resection and hemiepiphysiodesis are effective treatments for correcting ankle varus deformity due to traumatic medial physeal arrest of the distal tibia.We observe no difference in outcome between fluoroscopy group and three-dimensional navigation group during the procedures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Histopathological Analysis of Experimental Muscle Injuries in a Rabbit

Objective To investigate the correlation of magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） with histopathologica changes, and to evaluate T2 mapping in assessing muscle trauma in a rabbit model of muscle injury. Methods We divided 35 rabbits into seven groups that each represented a different time point after intramuscular hemorrhage and muscle injury. Hemorrhage was created by injecting autologous blood into the left legs, and muscle injury was created by scalpel incision of the biceps femoris of the right legs. At different time points, the rabbits underwent Tl-weighted imaging and T2-weighted imaging （TzWl and T2Wl） and T2 mapping. T2 relaxation times were measured, and the corresponding samples were evaluated for pathological changes. Results After 2 h, the intramuscular hemorrhage model demonstrated an increased signal intensity on both TlWl and T2Wl. Histological examination showed erythrocytes within the muscle bundle. On days 1 and 3, the MRI signals were decreased, and there were no significant changes after day 7. From 2 h to 3 days, the muscle-injury model showed a high signal on both TzWl and T2Wl. Corresponding pathological changes included rupture and edema of muscle fibers, and inflammation. The abnormal signals were reduced on day 7. After day 14, the T2Wl intensity remained high. TlWl showed no abnormal changes, but some models showed a high signal, representing fresh bleeding and fatty tissue. T2 relaxation times were significantly different between the central and marginal regions, and between the marginal and normal regions. Conclusion MRI clearly demonstrates intramuscular hemorrhage and muscle injury, which correlate well with histopathological changes. Tz mapping is useful in assessing the extent of injury.

Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid inhibit proliferation in transformed rat hepatic oval cells

AIM: To investigate H2O2-induced promotion proliferation and malignant transformation in WB-F344 cells and anti-tumor effects of ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA).

Allicin as add-on therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Allicin(2-propene-1-sulfinothioic acid S-2-propenyl ester,diallyl thiosulfinate)extracted from garlic,has proven activity against Helicobacter pylori(H.Pylori)infection.In recent years,clinical trials have explored its utility as an add-on therapy with variable outcomes reported.AIM To perform a systemic review of allicin as an add-on treatment for H.Pylori infection and assess its efficacy in randomized controlled trials(RCTs).METHODS Electronic databases including MEDLINE,EMBASE,the Web of Science,the Cochrane Database,the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,Chinese VIP Information Databases,Chinese Medical Databases,and the Wan-Fang Database were searched for keywords including“allicin”,“Helicobacter pylori”,“randomized clinical trials”,and their synonyms.A meta-analysis was performed using the fixed-effects model for low heterogeneity and the randomeffects model for high heterogeneity with sensitivity analysis.Bias was evaluated using Egger’s tests.Trial sequential analysis(TSA)was used to evaluate information size and treatment benefits.The Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation(GRADE)was used to assess the level of quality,and studies were classed as“high quality”,“moderate quality”,“low quality”,and“very low quality”.RESULTS A total of eight RCTs consisting of 867 participants(435 from the allicin group and 432 from the control group)were included.Eradication rate in the allicin group(93.33%,406/435)was significantly higher than that of the control group(83.56%,361/432)[I2=0%,odds ratio(OR)=2.75,95%confidence interval(CI):1.74-4.35,P<0.001].The healing rate of ulcers following H.pylori therapy in the allicin group(86.17%,349/405)was significantly higher than that of the control group(75.87%,305/402)[I2=0%,OR=2.05,95%CI:1.39-3.03,P<0.001].The total remission rate of peptic ulcers across all allicin groups was 95.99%,which was significantly higher than that of controls[95.99%(359/374)vs 89.25%(332/372),I2=0,heterogeneity P=0.84,OR=3.13,95%CI:1.51-6.51,P=0.002].No significant differences in side effects were observed.TSA suggested that the trials were of sufficient standard to draw reliable conclusions.The quality of outcomes including eradication rates and side effects was graded as“very low”due to downgrades for“risk of bias”and“indirectness”.Other outcomes such as ulcer healing rates and total ulcer remission rates were graded as"low"due to downgrades for“risk of bias”.CONCLUSION Allicin as an add-on therapy improves H.pylori eradication,healing of ulcers,and remission of symptoms.These results are suggested to be treated with caution due to limited quality.

Distribution and drug resistance of pathogens in burn patients in China from 2006 to 2019

BACKGROUND In this study,recent trends in the distribution and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria isolated from patients treated at a burn ward between 2006 and 2019 were investigated.AIM To develop more effective clinical strategies and techniques for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections in burn patients.METHODS Clinical samples with positive bacteria were collected from patients at the burn ward in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital in China between January 2006 and December 2019.The samples were retrospectively analyzed,the distribution of pathogenic bacteria was determined,and the trends and changes in bacterial drug resistance during different period were assessed.Drug resistance in several main pathogenic bacteria from 2006 to 2011 and from 2012 to 2019 was comparatively summarized and analyzed.RESULTS Samples from 17119 patients were collected and analyzed from 2006 to 2019.Surprisingly,a total of 7960 strains of different pathogenic bacteria were isolated at this hospital.Among these bacteria,87.98%(7003/7960)of the strains were isolated from burn wounds,and only 1.34%(107/7960)were isolated from the blood of patients.In addition,49.70%(3956/7960)were identified as Grampositive bacteria,48.13%(3831/7960)were Gram-negative bacteria,and the remaining 2.17%(173/7960)were classified as fungi or other pathogens.Importantly,Staphylococcus aureus(21.68%),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(14.23%),and Staphylococcus epidermidis (9.61%) were the top three pathogens most frequentlyisolated from patients.CONCLUSION In patients treated at the burn ward in this hospital from 2006 to 2019,Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the predominant clinicalpathogens responsible for bacterial infections. The circumstantial detection anddetailed monitoring of the intensity and growth of different pathogenic bacteria inclinical patients as well as tests of drug sensitivity during burn recovery areparticularly important to provide guidelines for the application of antibiotics andother related drugs. Careful collection and correct, standard culture of bacterialspecimens are also crucial to improve the efficiency of bacterial infectiondetection. Effective monitoring and timely clinical treatment in patients may helpreduce the possibility and rate of infection as well as alleviate the effects of drugresistance among patients in burn centers.

Computer-assisted Surgery for Scaphoid Fracture

The computer-assisted surgery (CAS)has significantly improved the accuracy, reliability and outcomes of traumatic,spinal,nerve surgery and many other operations with a less invasive way.The application of CAS for scaphoid fractures remains experimental.The related studies are scanty and most of them are cadaver researches.Some intrinsic defects from the registration procedure,scan and immobilization of limbs may inevitably result in deviations. Some deviations become more obvious with operations of small bones (such as scaphoid)although they are acceptable for spine and other orthopedic surgeries.We reviewed the current literatures on the applications of CAS for scaphoid operation and summarized technical principles,scan and registration methods,immobilization of limbs and their outcomes.On the basis of the data,we analyzed the limitations of this technique and envisioned its future development.

Safety and efficacy of a nerve matrix membrane as a collagen nerve wrapping: a randomized, single-blind, multicenter clinical trial

A new nerve matrix membrane derived from decellularized porcine nerves has been shown to retain the major extracellular matrix components, and to be effective in preventing adhesion between the nerve anastomosis sites and the surrounding tissues in a rat sciatic nerve transection model, thereby enhancing regeneration of the nerve. The effectiveness of the membrane may be attributed to its various bioactive components. In this prospective, randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled multicenter clinical trial, we compared the safety and efficacy of the new nerve matrix membrane with a previously approved bovine tendon-derived type I collagen nerve wrapping. A total of 120 patients with peripheral nerve injury were recruited from Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, and Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, China. The patients were randomly assigned to undergo end-to-end and tension-free neurorrhaphy with nerve matrix membrane(n = 60, 52 male, 8 female, mean age 41.34 years, experimental group) or tendon-derived collagen nerve wrapping(n = 60, 42 male, 18 female, mean age 40.17 years, control group). Patients were followed-up at 14 ± 5, 30 ± 7, 90 ± 10 and 180 ± 20 days after the operation. Safety evaluation included analyses of local and systemic reactions, related laboratory tests, and adverse reactions. Efficacy evaluation included a static 2-point discrimination test, a moving 2-point discrimination test, and a Semmes–Weinstein monofilament examination. Sensory nerve function was evaluated with the British Medical Research Council Scale and Semmes–Weinstein monofilament examination. The ratio(percentage) of patients with excellent to good results in sensory nerve recovery 180 ± 20 days after the treatment was used as the primary effectiveness index. The percentages of patients with excellent to good results in the experimental and control groups were 98.00% and 94.44%, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the results of routine blood tests, liver and renal function tests, coagulation function tests, or immunoglobulin tests at 14 and 180 days postoperatively between the two groups. These findings suggest that the novel nerve matrix membrane is similar in efficacy to the commercially-available bovine-derived collagen membrane in the repair of peripheral nerve injury, and it may therefore serve as an alternative in the clinical setting. The clinical trial was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, China(approval No. 20160902) on October 8, 2016, the Institutional Ethics Committee of the First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, China(approval No. 160518-088) on December 14, 2016, and the Institutional Ethics Committee of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, China(approval No. 2016-10-01) on December 9, 2016. The clinical trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(registration number: Chi CTR2000033324) on May 28, 2020.

Urotensin Ⅱ-induced insulin resistance is mediated by NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species in Hep G2 cells

AIM: To investigated the effects of urotensin Ⅱ(UII) on hepatic insulin resistance in Hep G2 cells and the potential mechanisms involved.METHODS: Human hepatoma Hep G2 cells were cultured with or without exogenous UII for 24 h, in the presence or absence of 100 nmol/L insulin for the last 30 min. Glucose levels were detected by the glucoseoxidase method and glycogen synthesis was analyzed by glycogen colorimetric/fluorometric assay. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels were detected with a multimode reader using a 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate probe. The protein expression and phosphorylation levels of c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK), insulin signal essential molecules such as insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS-1), protein kinase B(Akt), glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), and glucose transporter-2(Glut 2), and NADPH oxidase subunits such as gp91 phox, p67 phox, p47 phox, p40 phox, and p22 phox were evaluated by Western blot.RESULTS: Exposure to 100 nmol/L UII reduced the insulin-induced glucose consumption(P < 0.05)and glycogen content(P < 0.01) in Hep G2 cells compared with cells without UII. UII also abolished insulin-stimulated protein expression(P < 0.01) and phosphorylation of IRS-1(P < 0.05), associated with down-regulation of Akt(P < 0.05) and GSK-3β(P < 0.05) phosphorylation levels, and the expression of Glut 2(P < 0.001), indicating an insulin-resistance state in Hep G2 cells. Furthermore, UII enhanced the phosphorylation of JNK(P < 0.05), while the activity of JNK, insulin signaling, such as total protein of IRS-1(P < 0.001), phosphorylation of IRS-1(P < 0.001) and GSK-3β(P < 0.05), and glycogen synthesis(P < 0.001) could be reversed by pretreatment with the JNK inhibitor SP600125. Besides, UII markedly improved ROS generation(P < 0.05) and NADPH oxidase subunit expression(P < 0.05). However, the antioxidant/NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin could decrease UII-induced ROS production(P < 0.05), JNK phosphorylation(P < 0.05), and insulin resistance(P < 0.05) in HepG 2 cells. CONCLUSION: UII induces insulin resistance, and this can be reversed by JNK inhibitor SP600125 and antioxidant/NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin targeting the insulin signaling pathway in HepG 2 cells.

Sustained release of exosomes loaded into polydopamine-modified chitin conduits promotes peripheral nerve regeneration in rats

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells are of therapeutic interest because of their important role in intracellular communication and biological regulation.On the basis of previously studied nerve conduits,we designed a polydopamine-modified chitin conduit loaded with mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes that release the exosomes in a sustained and stable manner.In vitro experiments revealed that rat mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes enhanced Schwann cell proliferation and secretion of neurotrophic and growth factors,increased the expression of Jun and Sox2 genes,decreased the expression of Mbp and Krox20 genes in Schwann cells,and reprogrammed Schwann cells to a repair phenotype.Furthermore,mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promoted neurite growth of dorsal root ganglia.The polydopamine-modified chitin conduits loaded with mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes were used to bridge 2 mm rat sciatic nerve defects.Sustained release of exosomes greatly accelerated nerve healing and improved nerve function.These findings confirm that sustained release of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes loaded into polydopamine-modified chitin conduits promotes the functional recovery of injured peripheral nerves.

Effects of Structural Changes in Subchondral Bone on Articular Cartilage in a Beagle Dog Model

Objective Using MR T2-mapping and histopathologic score for articular cartilage to evaluate the effect of structural changes in subchondral bone on articular cartilage. Methods Twenty-four male Beagle dogs were randomly divided into a subchondral bone defect group （n = 12） and a bone cement group （n = 12）. Models of subchondral bone defectin the medial tibial plateau and subchondral bone filled with bone cement were constructed. In all dogs, the left knee joint was used as the experimental sideand the right knee as the sham side. The T2 value for articular cartilage at the medial tibial plateau was measured at postoperative weeks 4, 8, 16, and 24. The articular cartilage specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and evaluated using the Mankin score. Results There was a statistically significant difference （P 〈 0.05） in Mankin score between the bone defect group and the cement group at postoperative weeks 16 and 24. There was a statistically significant difference in the T2 values between the bone defect group and its sham group （P 〈 0.05） from week 8, and between the cement group and its sham group （P 〈 0.05） from week 16. There was significant difference in T2 values between the two experimental groups at postoperative week 24 （P 〈 0.01）. The T2 value for articular cartilage was positively correlated with the Mankin score （ρ = 0.758, P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion Structural changes in subchondral bone can lead to degeneration of the adjacent articular cartilage. Defects in subchondral bone cause more severe degeneration of cartilage than subchondral bone filled with cement. The T2 value for articular cartilage increases with the extent of degeneration. MR T2-mapping images and the T2 value for articular cartilage can indicate earlycartilage degeneration.