补骨脂素对环磷酰胺抑制小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化的恢复作用

背景:补骨脂素具有很强的抗骨质疏松活性,可能对化疗导致的骨质疏松具有恢复作用。目的:探讨补骨脂素对环磷酰胺抑制小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化的恢复作用及机制。方法:分离培养C57BL/6小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞,以MTT法检测补骨脂素对骨髓间充质干细胞活力的影响,以成骨诱导结合碱性磷酸酶染色确定补骨脂素对环磷酰胺抑制骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化恢复作用的最佳剂量。采用RT-qPCR法检测补骨脂素干预不同时间点成骨分化标志基因Runx2、ALP、Osteocalcin、骨保护素及Wnt/β-catenin信号通路相关基因Wnt1、Wnt4、Wnt10b、β-catenin、c-MYC的mRNA表达;采用Western blot法检测补骨脂素干预不同时间点成骨特异性转录因子Runx2及Wnt/β-catenin信号通路相关基因Activeβ-catenin、DKK1、c-MYC、Cyclin D1的蛋白表达。结果与结论:(1)不同浓度补骨脂素对骨髓间充质干细胞活力没有显著影响;200μmol/L补骨脂素干预后对环磷酰胺诱导骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化抑制的恢复作用最佳;(2)补骨脂素可以逆转环磷酰胺条件培养基导致的骨髓间充质干细胞成骨标志基因Runx2、ALP、Osteocalcin、骨保护素mRNA表达和Runx2蛋白表达的降低;(3)补骨脂素可以逆转环磷酰胺条件培养基导致的骨髓间充质干细胞Wnt/β-catenin通路相关基因Wnt4、β-catenin、c-MYC mRNA表达和Activeβ-catenin、c-MYC、Cyclin D1蛋白表达的降低以及DKK1蛋白表达的升高;(4)结果表明,环磷酰胺能抑制小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化,补骨脂素对其具有恢复作用,且200μmol/L补骨脂素干预效果最佳,而这种保护作用可能与补骨脂素激活Wnt4/β-catenin信号通路有关。

Influence of Statins and Fibrates Drugs on Bone Health and Regeneration

In the medical and dental field, the importance and need for the study of materials and drugs for use as bone grafts or regeneration in injured areas due to the presence of fractures, infections or tumors that cause extensive loss of bone tissue is observed. Bone is a specialized, vascularized and dynamic connective tissue that changes throughout the life of the organism. When injured, it has a unique ability to regenerate and repair without the presence of scars, but in some situations, due to the size of the defect, the bone tissue does not regenerate completely. Thus, due to its importance, there is a great development in therapeutic approaches for the treatment of bone defects through studies that include autografts, allografts and artificial materials used alone or in association with bone grafts. Pharmaceuticals composed of biomaterials and osteogenic active substances have been extensively studied because they provide potential for tissue regeneration and new strategies for the treatment of bone defects. Statins work as specific inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAreductase). They represent efficient drugs in lowering cholesterol, as they reduce platelet aggregation and thrombus deposition;in addition, they promote angiogenesis, reduce the β-amyloid peptide related to Alzheimer’s disease and suppress the activation of T lymphocytes. Furthermore, these substances have been used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease. By inhibiting HMG-CoAreductase, statins not only inhibit cholesterol synthesis, but also exhibit several other beneficial pleiotropic effects. Therefore, there has been increasing interest in researching the effects of statins, including Simvastatin, on bone and osteometabolic diseases. However, statins in high doses cause inflammation in bone defects and inhibit osteoblastic differentiation, negatively contributing to bone repair. Thus, different types of studies with different concentrations of statins have been studied to positively or negatively correlate this drug with bone regeneration. In this review we will address the positive, negative or neutral effects of statins in relation to bone defects providing a comprehensive understanding of their application. Finally, we will discuss a variety of statin-based drugs and the ideal dose through a theoretical basis with preclinical, clinical and laboratory work in order to promote the repair of bone defects.

Contribution of Bone Scintigraphy in the Metastatic Extension Assessment of Prostate Cancer: A Study of 288 Cases in the Nuclear Medicine Department of Idrissa Pouye General Hospital, Dakar

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed male malignancy and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. Since the advent of screening methods such as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) assay, digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate biopsy, its incidence has increased significantly. The aim of our study was to analyse aspects of bone scintigraphy (BS) as part of the metastatic extension assessment of prostate cancer in Senegal. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study, running from January 1er 2022 to August 31 2023. Patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer were included. Whole-body scans (WBS) were performed using a dual-head SPECT gamma camera (Mediso Nucline TM Spirit DH-V type), 3 hours after intravenous injection of 8 MBq/kg (555 to 740 MBq) of 99mTc-HMDP. Results: A total of 288 patients with a mean age of 68.37 ± 7.79 years were included. The median total PSA level was 97.6 ng/ml, with 144 patients having a level greater than or equal to 20 ng/ml. All patients had adenocarcinoma, and the Gleason score was available in 202 (70.13%) patients, 75.75% of whom had a score greater than or equal to 7. BS was contributory in 70.48% of cases, with 30.90% positive and 39.58% negative. The result was inconclusive in 85 patients (29.51%). The mean PSA for patients with a positive scan was 190.2 ng/ml and 40.6 ng/ml for those with a negative scan. Multiple metastatic lesions predominated (87.35% of cases). Metastatic lesions occurred preferentially in the axial skeleton, with a proportion of 68% versus 32% in the appendicular skeleton. Classification of bone metastases according to the SOLOWAY score revealed grade I (62.07%), grade II (35.63%) and grade IV (2.30%). Conclusion: In Senegal, prostate cancer is generally diagnosed in men of advanced age. The presence of bone metastases is frequent in its evolution, transforming a curable localized disease into a generalized disease with a compromised prognosis. Bone scintigraphy remains an essential part of the initial work-up and evaluation of response to treatment.

Demineralized Bone Matrix Fibers plus Allograft Bone for Multilevel Posterolateral Spine Fusion: A Game Changer?

Introduction: While autograft bone is the gold standard for multilevel posterolateral lumbar fusion, bone substitutes and graft extenders such as allograft bone, ceramics and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) have been used to avoid the morbidity and insufficient quantity associated with harvesting autologous bone. The primary objective of this retrospective study was to determine whether, in patients with increased risk of operative nonunion related to multilevel fusion, adding DBM fibers to mineralized bone allograft resulted in better fusion than using allograft alone. The secondary objectives were to evaluate how adding DBM fibers affects functional disability, low back pain, intraoperative blood loss and the nonunion rate. Methods: This retrospective study involved a chart review of consecutive patients who underwent multilevel lumbar spinal fusion and were operated on by a single surgeon. The patients were divided into two groups: 14 patients received mineralized bone allograft (control group) and 14 patients received a combination of mineralized bone allograft and DBM (experimental group). Patients were reviewed at a mean of 16.4 ± 2.2 months after surgery at which point CT scans were analyzed to determine whether fusion had occurred;Oswestry disability index (ODI) and pain were also evaluated. Results: A mean of 5 levels [min 2, max 13] were fused in these patients. Posterolateral fusion as defined by the Lenke classification was not significantly different between groups. The experimental DBM group had a significantly better composite fusion score than the control group (P Discussion: Adding DBM fibers to allograft bone during multilevel posterolateral spinal fusion was safe and produced better composite fusion than using allograft only as an autograft extender.

Epdemiology and Treatment of Pseudarthrosis of Long Bones in the Servce D Orthopedics-Traumatology of the University Hospital of Donka

Introduction: Pseudarthrosis (PSA) of the diaphysis of long bones still remains a current problem, despite improvements in the treatment of these fractures. Our study aims to study the epidemiological and therapeutic aspects of PSA of the diaphysis of long bones. Method: This retrospective work concerns 30 cases of non-union of the diaphysis of long bones treated in the orthopedic and trauma surgery department at Donka National Hospital, during a period of 18 months from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Results: We recruited 30 patients, 80% of whom were male, with an average age of 39.9 years. Public road accidents (AVP) represented the main cause of fractures of the diaphysis of long bones 87%, they were open in 25 cases or 83%. The fractures were located in the middle 1/3 of the diaphysis of the long bones in 50% of cases. Treatment of initial fractures was traditional in 21 cases, orthopedic in 2 cases and surgical in 7 cases. It was aseptic nonunion in 28 cases (93%) and septic nonunion in 2 cases. They were hypertrophic in 7 cases, slightly hypertrophic in 5 cases, oligotrophic in 11 cases, atrophic in 6 cases and with bone defect in 1 case. The treatment was based on osteosynthesis including 16 cases of screwed “PV” plate: 7 cases of centromedullary “ECM” nailing, 2 cases of external fixator, 1 case of broaching and 4 cases of Plastering. The results according to ASAMI criteria on an anatomical level were excellent in 19 cases, good in 3 cases and poor in 3 cases, with a union rate of 76%. And 5 patients undergoing consolidation. Conclusion: Based on the literature data and the experience of our department, the true treatment of PSA requires correct management of the initial fracture without forgetting the interest in preventing AVP which appears to be an element essential, making it possible to reduce the incidence of fractures of the diaphysis.

Patterns and Distribution of Bone Tumors among Patients at Kumi Orthopaedic Center: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Primary bone tumors, although rare, are an important rising cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. Late presentation, delayed diagnosis, and failure to obtain proper management are important causes of loss of limbs and lives especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Existing data on primary bone tumors in Uganda for the various regional levels is limited. This study aimed to determine the patterns and distributions of primary bone tumors especially in rural Uganda. Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out at Kumi Orthopaedic Center from 2012 to 2023. Patients’ information regarding the histological type of bone tumor, age, sex, and tumor site was obtained from their files. Results: A total of 115 bone tumors were seen over the study period. The mean age of patients was 30 years ± 20.1 years (range: 1 to 80 years). The majority of the patients were males 67 (58.3%) and females were 48 (42.6%). Benign tumors accounted for 66 (57.4%) of the tumors while malignant tumors were 49 (42.6%). Most tumors (both benign and malignant) were found in patients between the ages of 11 to 20 years 46 (40.1%) followed by those between 21 to 30 years 15 (13.2%) and the least were in the elderly aged 71 to 80 years 4 (3.5%). The commonest benign tumors were osteochondroma 14 (21.2%), cysts 11 (16.7%), hemangiomas 9 (13.6%), and fibrous dysplasia of the bone 8 (12.1%). The commonest malignant tumors were plasmacytoma 10 (20.4%) followed by metastases 8 (16.3%), osteosarcomas 7 (14.3%), lymphoma 5 (10.2%), and fibrosarcoma 4 (8.2%). Conclusion: Uganda shares some similar epidemiological characteristics of primary bone tumors with other countries;however, this study identified some peculiar differences. Population-based studies are required to obtain more accurate epidemiological data to improve patient diagnosis and treatment.

Anisotropy of Trabecular Bone from Ultra-Distal Radius Digital X-Ray Imaging: Effects on Bone Mineral Density and Age

Background: When applied to trabecular bone X-ray images, the anisotropic properties of trabeculae located at ultra-distal radius were investigated by using the trabecular bone scores (TBS) calculated along directions parallel and perpendicular to the forearm. Methodology: Data from more than two hundred subjects were studied retrospectively. A DXA (GE Lunar Prodigy) scan of the forearm was performed on each subject to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) value at the location of ultra-distal radius, and an X-ray digital image of the same forearm was taken on the same day. The values of trabecular bone score along the direction perpendicular to the forearm, TBSx, and along the direction parallel to the forearm, TBSy, were calculated respectively. The statistics of TBSx and TBSy were calculated, and the anisotropy of the trabecular bone, which was defined as the ratio of TBSy to TBSx and changed with subjects’ BMD and age, was reported and analyzed. Results: The results show that the correlation coefficient between TBSx and TBSy was 0.72 (p BMD and age was reported. The results showed that decreased trabecular bone anisotropy was associated with deceased BMD and increased age in the subject group. Conclusions: This study shows that decreased trabecular bone anisotropy was associated with decreased BMD and increased age.

Correlation between DKK-1 Level and Bone Density Status in Children on Maintenance Haemodialysis

Background: Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a bone disorder resulting from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related metabolic diseases. Dickkopf-related protein-1 (DKK-1) is critical in regulating bone biology. This study aimed to evaluate the serum DKK-1 level as a bone marker in children with CKD who undergo regular hemodialysis (HD). Subjects and Methods: This case-control study involved 40 children with CKD on HD and 40 healthy children as controls. The study measured serum DKK-1 levels and performed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan (DEXA) in line with routine laboratory investigations. Results: There was a significant increase in the serum level of DKK-1 in the patient group compared to the control group. The DKK-1 levels were 2540.65 (2215.4 - 2909.2) pg/ml and 1110.45 (885.45 - 1527.65) pg/ml, respectively, with a p-value of less than 0.001. In the hemodialysis group, 25 patients (62.5%) had low bone mineral density (BMD) with a Z-score of under -2.0. Eighteen of these patients had low BMD in both the neck of the femur and lumbar spines. Additionally, there was a significant increase in serum DKK-1 level in patients with low BMD (2567.35 (2303.8 - 3108.1) pg/ml) compared to patients with normal BMD (2454 (1859 - 2820) pg/ml) (p = 0.041). There was also a significant positive correlation between DKK1 level and phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and Parathormone serum levels. In conclusion, the study indicates a clear correlation between DKK-1 and BMD in children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. DKK1 is a promising biomarker for CKD-MBD.

CT Thresholds for Spinal Bone Mineral Attenuation to Prioritize Eligible Older Women for Osteoporosis Screening

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) measurements of bone mineral attenuation may be a useful means to identify older women who should be prioritized for bone mineral density screening. Methods: We compared bone mineral attenuation as measured in the L1 vertebra of CT studies to the results of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) studies to determine what CT attenuation thresholds might yield a reasonable combination of sensitivity and specificity for the detection of osteoporosis. The study was limited to women between the ages of 65 and 75 years who had a DEXA study and a CT that included the L1 or adjacent vertebra performed within 3 years of the DEXA study. Results: There were 1226 women in this study, of whom 452 (38%) had osteoporosis based on a T-score ≤ −2.5 by DEXA. There were 830 CT studies performed with contrast and 396 studies which were performed without contrast. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean HU of those studies performed without contrast compared to those with contrast (unenhanced mean 103 HU versus 125 HU, p < 0.001). Different CT attenuation thresholds provided the most appropriate combination of sensitivity and specificity for the detection of osteoporosis when comparing CT studies performed without or with IV contrast and when all the CT data were used in aggregate. Conclusion: Different thresholds appear necessary when using the mean CT vertebral attenuation to identify older women for preferential referral for DEXA studies.

Ecthyma Gangrenosum in Patient with Bone Marrow Aplasia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is an infrequent and discernible cutaneous disease caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In situations where it is associated with septicemia in debilitated patients, the prognosis is usually unfavorable. Objective: In this case, we aim to verify risk factors, clinical, bacteriological and therapeutic characteristics of ecthyma gangrenosum and we review the literature to highlight the features of this rare condition and discuss the role of early diagnosis and treatment. Case Report: We describe the clinical case of a 4-year-old male with bone marrow aplasia who was presented with characteristic skin lesions of EG and developed sepsis later. Conclusion: EG is a cutaneous disease characterized by its aggressive nature. The presence of delayed diagnosis and therapy, along with sepsis, is closely linked to a high mortality rate. Treatment is empirically founded on an aggressive initial approach.

The Effect of Transverse Tibial Bone Transfer in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot

To analyse the effectiveness of performing a transverse tibial bone graft in the treatment of patients with diabetic foot. We retrospectively analysed the clinical details of 51 diabetic foot patients in our hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 and divided them into two groups according to the different treatment modalities, in which the control group received open debridement and the treatment group received transverse tibial bone transfer and compared the differences between the two groups. There were large differences in VAS score, Toronto Clinical Symptom Score, quality of life score, internal lumen diameter, blood flow velocity in the affected limb, perfusion volume, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor and CRP between the two groups after surgery (P < 0.05). Patients with diabetic foot should be treated with transverse tibial bone grafting, which is safer and more effective and can have a significant impact on improving the status of the affected limb, the inflammation and the patient’s quality of life.

A Preliminary Mechanism Study on the Treatment of Rabbit Bone Defect Bone Nonunion with Xuduan Jiegu Decoction

Objective: To investigate the curative effect and mechanism of Xuduan Jiegu Decoction in the treatment of rabbit bone defect bone nonunion. Methods: The experiment was randomly divided into three groups;1) The control group that was given neither the modeling nor the treatment;2) The model group that was not given the treatment after the operation to model a bone defect;3) The treatment group that was given intermittent bone decoction after modeling (i.e., the operation), the dose was 105 g/piece, twice a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. For the three groups, Anterolateral X-rays of the left forearm were taken 14 days after the surgery to observe the bone nonunion healing with pretherapy and post-treatment. The expression levels of TGF-β, BMP-2 and VEGF in the blood of each group were measured by ELISA at 4 weeks after treatment. The peri-fracture histopathological changes between each group of pretherapy and post-treatment were evaluated by using tissue sections. Results: Compared with the control group, there was no obvious healing in the model group on the 14th day after the operation. Compared with the model group, the treatment group was treated with Xuduan Jiegu Decoction, and there was a trend of healing and callus formation on the 14th day. HE staining showed that the cells in the control group were closely arranged without any pathological changes. In the model group, the tissues around the fracture end were arranged loosely, and the cells were vacuolated and infiltrated by inflammatory cells. Compared with the model group, the peripheral cell arrangement was better and the peripheral lesions were reduced in the treatment group. The content of TGF-β, BMP-2 and VEGF in blood detected by ELISA was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group and the model group, with statistical significance. Conclusion: Xuduan Jiegu Decoction can promote callus formation and accelerate fracture healing in rabbit radius bone defect, and the mechanism of promoting fracture healing is related to the increases of TGF-β, BMP-2 and VEGF levels.

Interleukin 6 and Bone Erosions in Rheumatoid Arthritis in an African Hospital

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, erosive and deforming inflammatory rheumatic disease. In the era of biotherapies and the arrival of biosimilars in sub-Saharan Africa, the objective of this study was to describe plasma IL-6 variations in RA patients at Cité Verte District Hospital (Cameroon). Material and Methods: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study from December 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. We included patients over 18 years old suffering from RA (ACR/EULAR 2010). Patients with an infection were not included. The data collected were age, sex, smoking status, family history, disease duration, disease activity by DAS28, CRP, rheumatoid factor, and plasma level of IL-6. Bone erosion was sought on radiography and ultrasound. Result: We included 31 patients, 25 of whom were women (80.6%). The mean age was 47.27 ± 17.97 years. Disease activity was predominantly moderate (32.3%) and severe (32.3%). Mean IL-6 level was 15.29 ± 2.36 pg/ml (extremes: 11.26 pg/ml and 20.15 pg/ml). IL-6 levels were higher in patients with a history of smoking. Similarly, IL-6 levels were higher in patients with mildly active RA in remission than in moderately and severely active RA. Mean IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with erosive RA (16.3 pg/ml VS 14.6 pg/ml). Conclusion: IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in men, weaned smokers and patients with bone erosions.

单细胞转录组测序技术在骨质疏松症研究中的应用与进展

背景:骨质疏松导致的脆性骨折发病率逐年上升,亟需探索其病理生理、潜在生物标志物、治疗靶点及有效药物。骨微环境中存在多种细胞,对骨代谢的维持至关重要。近几年,单细胞RNA测序(scRNA-seq)技术被开发用于表征单个细胞的转录组,并逐步应用到骨质疏松症防治的研究。目的:综述单细胞转录组测序技术在骨质疏松症研究中的应用与进展。方法:由第一作者使用计算机检索Web of Science,PubMed和中国知网数据库中2009-2023年出版的文献,英文检索词为:“single-cell RNA sequencing,bone marrow derived stromal cells,osteoblasts,osteocytes,osteoclasts,immune cells,Bone marrow vascular endothelial cells”;中文检索词为:“单细胞转录组测序,骨髓间充质干细胞,成骨细胞,骨细胞,破骨细胞,免疫细胞,骨髓血管内皮细胞”;通过阅读筛选相关文献,最终纳入89篇文献进行综述分析。结果与结论:①单细胞转录组测序技术能够深入了解细胞发育、增殖、分化的轨迹及其调控机制。②影响骨密度的候选基因主要富集在骨髓间充质干细胞亚群,其中Sox9是关键的转录因子。③成骨细胞不同亚群中差异表达Runx2控制骨髓间充质干细胞向成骨细胞方向分化。④破骨细胞分化过程中RAB38与组蛋白修饰和转录调控动态变化有关。⑤单细胞层面研究证实,骨微环境中存在多种细胞间通讯,破骨细胞可能通过CD160-TNFRSF14配体-受体结合进行细胞间通讯;中性粒/单核细胞与成骨细胞间可能通过RESISTIN通路进行交互;浆样树突状细胞与成骨细胞系通过表皮生长因子通路进行交流;均可以为靶点预测和药物研发提供方向。⑥新的骨髓毛细血管内皮细胞亚群,称为S型内皮细胞,完全起源于骨骺次级骨化中心,甚至比H型血管更具有可塑性。⑦文章从细胞角度总结单细胞转录组测序技术在表征不同骨组织细胞的分化命运和分化轨迹、识别新的细胞亚群、鉴定细胞调控因子及明确细胞间通讯的研究进展,为探讨骨质疏松症的病理机制、筛选潜在诊断标志物、预测治疗靶点及探究药物作用机制提供细胞层面的信息。⑧未来单细胞测序技术将向单细胞多组学(基因组、蛋白组学及代谢组学)方向及结合其他诸如空间转录组技术为骨组织细胞变化提供更有价值的信息。

U-Net Based Dual-Pooling Segmentation of Bone Metastases in Thoracic SPECT Bone Scintigrams

In order to enhance the performance of the CNN-based segmentation models for bone metastases, this study proposes a segmentation method that integrates dual-pooling, DAC, and RMP modules. The network consists of distinct feature encoding and decoding stages, with dual-pooling modules employed in encoding stages to maintain the background information needed for bone scintigrams diagnosis. Both the DAC and RMP modules are utilized in the bottleneck layer to address the multi-scale problem of metastatic lesions. Experimental evaluations on 306 clinical SPECT data have demonstrated that the proposed method showcases a substantial improvement in both DSC and Recall scores by 3.28% and 6.55% compared the baseline. Exhaustive case studies illustrate the superiority of the methodology.

Place of Bone Scintigraphy in the Assessment of Extension and Follow-Up of Breast Cancer in Senegal: Study of 165 Cases in the Nuclear Medicine Department of Idrissa Pouye General Hospital (Dakar)

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, accounting for an estimated 22% of all female cancers. It is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women, almost all of which is due to metastases, with 73% of metastases occurring in the bone. In oncology, metastable technetium 99-labelled methylene bisphosphonate bone scintigraphy (BS) remains the standard examination for detecting and assessing the extent of bone metastases. The aim of this study was to assess the role of BS in the evaluation and follow-up of breast cancer in Senegal. Methodology: This was a retrospective study of breast cancer patients who underwent bone scintigraphy with 99mTc-HMDP in the nuclear medicine department of Idrissa Pouye General Hospital (IPGHO), from July 2009 to June 2022. Results: We enrolled 165 patients, mean age 46.79 years (27 - 87 years). BS was performed in 94.37% of cases for post-therapeutic monitoring and in 5.63% for pre-therapeutic assessment. Results were contributory in 131 patients (92.25%), of whom 72 cases (50.70%) were normal and 59 cases (41.55%) positive or presenting bone metastases;and non-contributory or doubtful in 11 cases (7.75%). Secondary bone locations were multiple in 57 cases (96.61%) and single or solitary in 2 cases (3.39%). The scintigraphic appearance of bone metastases was hyper-fixative in 58 cases (98.31%) and mixed in 1 case (1.69%). Bone lesions were quantified using the Soloway’s grading classification. Conclusion: BS with 99mTc-labelled bisphosphonates remains the examination of choice for skeletal exploration, in the detection and extension of bone metastases in breast cancer. Performance has been enhanced by the development of SPECT coupled with CT (SPECT-CT).

Contribution of Bone Scintigraphy in the Diagnosis of a Case of SAPHO in the Nuclear Medicine Department of Idrissa Pouye General Hospital (Dakar, Senegal)

Introduction: The acronym SAPHO (Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis and Osteitis) is a syndrome combining osteoarticular and cutaneous manifestations. It occurs mainly between the ages of 30 and 50. Sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis is one of the main distinguishing features. We report a case of SAPHO in Dakar diagnosed by bone scintigraphy. Observation: 28-year-old Senegalese women presented with left shoulder pain and relative functional impotence for over 2 years. Examination revealed right sternoclavicular hyperostosis and left shoulder pain on palpation. Questioning revealed a history of acne and hyperostosis of the right first toe. Bone scintigraphy, performed after injection of 630 MBq of 99mTc-HMDP, revealed: hyperfixation of the bilateral (right++) manubrio-sternal and sternoclavicular junction, producing the classic bull’s horn image;hyperfixation of the left shoulder with an inflammatory appearance;hyperfixation of the sacroiliac joints suggestive of bilateral sacroiliitis;hyperfixation of the right first toe;two mandibular hyper fixations probably related to dental damage. This scintigraphic appearance in one was strongly suggestive of SAPHO syndrome. Conclusion: SAPHO syndrome, related to spondyloarthropathy, associates cutaneous and osteoarticular signs. It is characterized by frequent delays in diagnosis due to poor recognition. Soy is an invaluable diagnostic tool, enabling us to assess the extent of the disease and its evolution.

Development and Optimization of Universal Bone Conduction Hearing Spectacles

Background: Non-implantable bone anchored hearing devices (BCHDs) are utilized for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss who are unsuitable for conventional hearing aids or have unresolved middle ear issues. These devices can be surgically implanted or attached using adhesive plates, dental sticks, elastic headbands, or bone conduction spectacles. Optimal fitting of bone conduction spectacles requires appropriate frame selection and contact pressure in the temporal and mastoid areas. The ANSI S3.6 and DIN EN ISO 389-3 standards recommend a contact area of approximately 1.75 cm2 and a maximum force of 5.4 N for effective sound transmission and comfort. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the technical fit and mechanical stability of universal bone conduction hearing spectacles compared to established systems. A Sen-Pressure 02 thin-film sensor connected to an Arduino Uno R3 board measured contact force in the temporal and mastoid areas. Several BCHDs were tested, including the Bruckhoff la belle BC D50/70, Radioear B71 headset, Radioear B71 elastic headband, Cochlear Baha SoundArc M, and Cochlear Baha elastic headband, on a PVC artificial head, with data analyzed using ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests. Results: The la belle BC D50/70 spectacles showed comparable contact force to established BCHDs, ensuring adequate sound transmission and comfort. Significant differences were observed between the systems, with the Radioear B71 headset exhibiting the highest forces. The la belle BC D50/70 had similar forces to the Radioear B71 elastic headband. Conclusion: The la belle BC D50/70 universal bone conduction hearing spectacles are a technically equivalent alternative to established BCHDs, maintaining pressure below 5.4 N. Future research should explore the impact of different contact forces on performance and comfort, and the integration of force control in modified spectacles. This study indicates that the la belle BC D50/70 is a viable alternative that meets audiological practice requirements.

Implementing P-15/ABM Bone Graft as a Standardized Technique for Lumbar Fusion Approaches

Introduction: Lumbar fusion as low back pain treatment continues to be a challenge because of the multiple techniques and materials available, most popular techniques include Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). Successful lumbar fusion is associated with better clinical outcomes, and it is enhanced and targeted through the use of bone graft materials as an osteogenic cell binding peptide P-15, bound to an anorganic bone mineral (ABM). This peptide improves bone formation when used in fixation devices in a targeted and limited way to the implant surface by activating osteoblast precursor cells;by the osteogenic, osteoinductive and osteoconductive stimuli. The main objective of this study is to standardize the lumbar fusion process in the 3 techniques and achieve a more efficient and predictable lumbar fusion, evaluating results with radiological and clinical scales. Material and Methods: Patients underwent lumbar fusion with the use of P-15 Osteogenic Cell Binding Peptide, bound to an anorganic bone mineral (P-15/ABM) bone graft (5 cc) in three different techniques (TLIF, LLIF, ALIF), achieving a total of 100 lumbar levels. Radiological outcomes included fusion rates per Hounsfield Units at computed tomography (CT) scan and Lenke scale. Clinical outcomes were evaluated via the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form Performance (SPF-36) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS and VASs) for pain and satisfaction. Results: 67 patients completed the 12 months follow-up, showing no differences in fusion rates between techniques. (Computed Tomography Hounsfield Units) CTHU reaches more than 200 UH at 3 months follow-up and continues fusion process till 12-month follow-up. Clinical scales showed no disability at ODI, improvement at VAS and VASs scales, absence of health restrictions at SPF-36 score since 6 months follow up. Conclusion: Bone graft volume of 5 cc is adequate for achieving successful lumbar fusion, regardless of the surgical technique employed.

低氧暴露后大鼠外周血及骨髓红系的变化

背景:低氧暴露下大鼠外周血红细胞变化与骨髓有核红细胞增殖变化相关。低氧诱导因子、促红细胞生成素等相关调控因素参与其中。目的:探讨大鼠低氧暴露后外周血红细胞及骨髓有核红细胞的变化特点及相关因素。方法:模拟海拔5000 m的低压低氧环境建立实验大鼠模型,对照组大鼠饲养在海拔2260 m的实验室内,对比低氧暴露前后大鼠血常规、骨髓有核红细胞比例及低氧诱导因子、促红细胞生成素等相关指标。结果与结论:①实验组大鼠外周血红细胞计数、血红蛋白、红细胞压积等指标较对照组升高(P<0.05);②实验组大鼠骨髓CD71^(+)有核红细胞比例较对照组升高(P<0.05);③实验组大鼠骨髓CD71^(+)有核红细胞中低氧诱导因子2α表达水平较对照组升高(P<0.05);④实验组大鼠骨髓上清液促红细胞生成素水平较对照组升高(P<0.05)。结果表明,低氧暴露后大鼠外周血红细胞及骨髓有核红细胞比例增高,可能与骨髓有核红细胞中低氧诱导因子2α及骨髓上清液中促红细胞生成素水平增高有关。