Pulmonary melanoma and "crazy paving" patterns in chest images: a case report and literature review

Background

In the lung, melanoma is mostly arranged as patterns of multiple nodules, solitary nodules, or miliary invasions. Very rarely, it also displays a “crazy paving” pattern (also described as a “paving stone,” “flagstone,” or “slabstone” pattern), which is rarer still in discrete bilateral nodules. This pattern is considered to be caused by pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, but its association with various diseases is unclear.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old man was diagnosed with pulmonary melanoma. Computed tomography revealed discrete bilateral nodules surrounded by a “paving” pattern. A literature review found more than 40 types of diseases that have presented with “paving” patterns in the lung—predominantly pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, viral pneumonia, exogenous lipoid pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis, interstitial pneumonia, ARDS, squalene aspiration pneumonia, radiation pneumonitis, drug-induced pneumonitis, pulmonary leptospirosis, pulmonary hemorrhage, and pulmonary nocardiosis.

Conclusions

We describe the first case of pulmonary melanoma in the form of discrete bilateral nodules accompanied with a computed tomography paving pattern. Although pulmonary paving patterns are rare, more than 40 diseases reportedly display them; clinicians should consider melanoma of the lung in differential diagnoses for patients who show such a pattern.

Time-dependent activity of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 and homeostasis of intracellular pH in astrocytes exposed to CoCl2 treatment

Hypoxia causes injury to the central nervous system during stroke and has significant effects on pH homeostasis. Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) is important in the mechanisms of hypoxia and intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis. As a well-established hypoxia-mimetic agent, CoCl2 stabilizes and increases the expression of hypoxia inducible factor‑1α (HIF-1α), which regulates several genes involved in pH balance, including NHE1. However, it is not fully understood whether NHE1 is activated in astrocytes under CoCl2 treatment. In the current study, pHi and NHE activity were analyzed using the pHi‑sensitive dye BCECF‑AM. Using cariporide (an NHE1‑specific inhibitor) and EIPA (an NHE nonspecific inhibitor), the current study demonstrated that it was NHE1, not the other NHE isoforms, that was important in regulating pHi homeostasis in astrocytes during CoCl2 treatment. Additionally, the present study observed that, during the early period of CoCl2 treatment (the first 2 h), NHE1 activity and pHi dropped immediately, and NHE1 mRNA expression was reduced compared with control levels, whereas expression levels of the NHE1 protein had not yet changed. In the later period of CoCl2 treatment, NHE1 activity and pHi significantly increased compared with the control levels, as did the mRNA and protein expression levels of NHE1. Furthermore, the cell viability and injury of astrocytes was not changed during the initial 8 h of CoCl2 treatment; their deterioration was associated with the higher levels of pHi and NHE1 activity. The current study concluded that NHE1 activity and pHi homeostasis are regulated by CoCl2 treatment in a time-dependent manner in astrocytes, and may be responsible for the changes in cell viability and injury observed under hypoxia-mimetic conditions induced by CoCl2 treatment.

Expression of MMP-1, -2, and -8 in longissimus dorsi muscle and their relationship with meat quality traits in cattle

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the major macromolecule in skeletal muscle, which affects meat quality greatly. The remodeling of the ECM is mainly regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The expression patterns of MMP-1, -2, and -8 in longissimus dorsi muscle were explored using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results show that the expression of MMP-1, -2, and -8 decreased significantly from 135 days of pregnancy to postnatal 30 months. While the expression of MMP-1, -2, and -8 showed no significant relationships with intramuscular fat contents, MMP-1 and -2 showed significant negative correlations with the shearing force of the longissimus dorsi muscle in cattle. The expression of MMP-1 also showed a significant negative correlation with cooking loss and a positive correlation with water holding capacity. The expression levels of MMP-1 and -2 were usually higher in fat than in skeletal muscle tissue. The expression of MMP-8 was significantly higher in the mammary fat pad and the longissimus dorsi muscle than in all other tissues. This study indicates that the remodeling of the ECM has important effects both on the development of postnatal skeletal muscle and on meat quality.

Time-dependent homeostasis between glucose uptake and consumption in astrocytes exposed to CoCl₂ treatment

Hypoxia has been implicated in the pathology of the central nervous system during stroke. It also has a significant effect on the regulation of glucose transporters (GLUTs), and homeostasis between glucose uptake and consumption. CoCl2 is a hypoxia‑mimetic agent, and thus stabilizes the hypoxia‑inducible factor 1α (HIF‑1α) subunit and regulates GLUT genes. GLUT‑1 and GLUT‑3 are the most common isoforms of the GLUT family present in the brain, with the former primarily expressed in astrocytes and the latter in neurons under physiological conditions. However, it remains controversial whether GLUT‑3 is expressed in astrocytes. Additionally, it is unclear whether the regulation of GLUT‑1 and GLUT‑3, and glucose homeostasis, are affected by CoCl2 treatment in a time‑dependent manner. In the present study, mRNA and protein levels of GLUT‑1, GLUT‑3 and HIF‑1α in astrocytes were examined by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. The intracellular glucose concentration, glycogen storage, ATP content, pyruvate concentration, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release activity and cell viability in astrocytes were also investigated. The observations of the current study confirmed that both protein and mRNA levels of GLUT‑1 and GLUT‑3 were elevated in a time‑dependent manner induced by CoCl2 treatment, followed by accumulation of HIF‑1α. Furthermore, in the early period of CoCl2 treatment (≤8 h at 100 µM), LDH release, ATP content, glycogen storage and cell viability remained unchanged, whereas intracellular pyruvate concentration increased and glucose concentration was reduced. However, in the later period of CoCl2 treatment (>8 h at 100 µM), LDH release and intracellular pyruvate concentration increased, while intracellular glucose concentration, ATP content and glycogen storage were reduced. This may be due to disruption of homeostasis and reduced cell viability. In conclusion, alteration in the expression levels of GLUT‑1 and GLUT‑3, and the homeostasis between glucose uptake and consumption were affected by CoCl2 treatment, in a time‑dependent manner, and may result in reduced energy production and cell viability in astrocytes.

Expression and effect of serum interleukin-24 level on bone marrow mononuclear cells in children with acute leukemia

To investigate the expression of interleukin-24 (IL-24) in the children with acute leukemia (AL) and its effect on the apoptosis of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) in vitro. Four groups were assessed: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), non-leukemia, and healthy groups, 20 children in each group. ELISA was used to measure IL-24 serum level. The bone marrow was taken from patients and controls. BMMNCs were isolated and the DNA was analyzed by glucose electrophoresis. Flow cytometry was used to determine BMMNC apoptosis. The serum level of IL-24 in the ALL and AML groups were significantly higher than in the other two groups. There was no statistical difference between ALL and AML groups, either between non-leukemia and healthy groups. BMMNCs were exposed to IL-24 for 48 h, and the apoptotic rate of the group treated with 50 ng/ml IL-24 was obviously higher than that of control group (0 ng/mL). The serum IL-24 level of AL children decreased comparing to non-leukemia and healthy children, indicating that IL-24 can induce BMMNCs apoptosis of AL children in vitro.

Mini-midvastus versus mini-medial parapatellar approach in simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty with 24-month follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Comparisons of mini-midvastus (mMV) with mini-medial parapatellar (mMPP) approach in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been performed in the past but were often compromised by variables such as disease, pain tolerance, bone quality, and surgeon. The aim of this study was to minimize the influence of these factors in order to more accurately evaluate these 2 approaches.

METHODS

Forty-five patients who had bilateral arthritis of the knee with similar deformity and preoperative range of motion (ROM) on both sides agreed to have 1 knee replaced via mMV approach (Group I) and the other via mMPP approach (Group II) were evaluated. Postoperative clinical outcomes, postoperative complications, perioperative parameters, and knee component positioning were analyzed.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the mMV and mMPP groups with regards to functional assessment, patient satisfaction, postoperative complication, quadricep strength, pain at the point of incision, degree of soft tissue release, as well as ROM. Nor were significant differences found between the 2 groups in terms of perioperative parameters and radiographic component positioning.

CONCLUSION

The present study did not detect any substantive difference between the mMV and mMPP approaches for TKA. The decision between the 2 surgical approaches should be based on surgeon experience and preference.

Male-specific association of the APC rs383830 T allele with the risk of coronary heart disease

APC is a tumor suppressor gene that is involved in the processes of cell migration and adhesion, transcriptional activation, and apoptosis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the APC rs383830 polymorphism to coronary heart disease (CHD) in Han Chinese. A total of 783 patients with CHD and 737 controls were tested in the current association study. Although our study did not identify an association between the APC rs383830 polymorphism and CHD, a breakdown analysis by gender indicated there was a significant contribution of the rs383830 T allele to the risk of CHD in males (P = 0.046, odds ratio = 1.267, 95% confidence interval = 1.004-1.598). In conclusion, our study suggested a male-specific association of the APC rs383830 polymorphism with CHD.

The effect of concentration and duration of normobaric oxygen in reducing caspase-3 and -9 expression in a rat-model of focal cerebral ischaemia

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of normobaric oxygen (NBO) on neurological function and the expression of caspase-3 and -9 in a rat model of acute cerebral ischaemia. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=120) were randomly divided into four groups (n=30 per group), including 3 groups given NBO at concentrations of 33%, 45% or 61% and one control group given air (21% oxygen). After 2h of ischaemic occlusion, each group was further subdivided into six subgroups (n=5) during reperfusion according to the duration (3, 6, 12, 24, 48 or 72h) and concentration of NBO (33%, 45% or 61%) or air treatment. The Fluorescence Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to detect caspase-3 and -9 mRNA and protein relative expression respectively. The Neurologic Impairment Score (NIS) was significantly lower in rats given 61% NBO ≥3h after reperfusion when compared to the control group (P<0.05, Mann-Whitney U). NBO significantly reduced caspase-3 and -9 mRNA and protein expression when compared to the control group at all NBO concentrations and time points (P<0.05, ANOVA). The expression of caspase-3 and -9 was lower in the group given 61% NBO compared any other group, and this difference was statistically significant when compared to the group given 33% NBO for ≥48h and the control group (both P<0.05, ANOVA). These findings indicate that NBO may inhibit the apoptotic pathway by reducing caspase-3 and -9 expression, thereby promoting neurological functional recovery after stroke.

Efficacy of celecoxib for acute pain management following total hip arthroplasty in elderly patients: A prospective, randomized, placebo-control trial

The aim of the present study was to determine whether celecoxib is able to ameliorate pain intensity, provide a narcotic-sparing effect, achieve early ambulation and improve rehabilitation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in elderly patients. Peri- and post-operative oral celecoxib was administered to verify the efficacy of celecoxib for acute pain management in a multimodal analgesic strategy. All 64 eligible patients were randomly allocated to either the celecoxib group, who took an oral 400 mg capsule of celecoxib peri-operatively and 200 mg per 12 h post-operatively for the first 5 days, or the control group, who were orally treated with a placebo capsule having the same appearance. A multimodal analgesic technique was used in which oral celecoxib or placebo capsule was combined with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine pump for peri- and post-operative pain management. Pain assessments were recorded at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, and 7 and 14 days after THA using the visual analog scale (VAS). PCA morphine consumption; 6, 12, 24 and 48-h post-operative Harris hip score (HHS); time interval until initial ambulation; rates of urinary retention and post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) within 72 h; and intra- and post-operative blood loss were also documented. The celecoxib and control groups comprised 34 and 30 patients, respectively. Baseline demographics were comparable between the two groups. The post-operative VAS in the celecoxib group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after THA. The post-operative HHS had no significant difference between the two groups, while the time interval until initial ambulation in the celecoxib group (4.5±1.2 days) was significantly less than that in the control group (5.83±2.04 days; P<0.05). Morphine consumption was significantly decreased in the celecoxib group when compared with the control group at 6, 12, 24 and 24 h. Although the 72-h post-operative rates of urinary retention and PONV were lower in the celecoxib group than in the control group, there were no significant differences in these rates between the two groups. The intra- or post-operative blood loss was not significantly different between groups. In conclusion, pre-and post-operative oral celecoxib in a multimodal analgesic strategy can achieve favorable pain relief, reduce opioid consumption, and provide earlier ambulation and improved rehabilitation when compared with PCA morphine alone following THA in elderly patients.

The effects of Chinese traditional feeding habits on the eating disorders and the psychological analysis

To investigate the impact of Chinese parents' traditional feeding habits on the development of their children's eating disorders, 35 patients suffering eating disorders and a randomly selected 35 normal young people as the control group were studied in this project. A force-feeding score graph was designed, and the 2 groups and their parents were asked to rate their force-feeding scores. The scores of the patients with eating disorders and the scores of their parents are significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.01; P<0.01). The scores of the children in the two groups are significantly higher than those of the parents' respectively (P<0.01, P<0.01). Our study suggests that the Chinese traditional feeding habits have significant impact on the development of eating disorders.

Associations between INSR and MTOR polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy in a Northeast Chinese Han population

We explored the associations of INSR and mTOR, 2 key genes in the insulin signaling pathway, and the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1799817, rs1051690, and rs2059806) in INSR and 3 SNPs (rs7211818, rs7212142, and rs9674559) in mTOR were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform in 89 type 2 diabetes patients without diabetic nephropathy, 134 type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic nephropathy, and 120 healthy control subjects. Statistical analysis based on unconditional logistic regression was carried out to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for each SNP. Combination analyses between rs2059806 and rs7212142 were also performed using the X(2) test and logistic regression. Among these 6 SNPs, 4 (rs1799817, rs1051690, rs7211818, and rs9674559) showed no association with type 2 diabetes mellitus or diabetic nephropathy. However, rs2059806 in INSR was associated with both type 2 diabetes mellitus (P = 0.033) and type 2 diabetic nephropathy (P = 0.018). The rs7212142 polymorphism in mTOR was associated with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (P = 0.010, OR = 0.501, 95%CI = 0.288- 0.871), but showed no relationship with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Combination analysis revealed that rs2059806 and rs7212142 had a combined effect on susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. Our results suggest that both INSR and mTOR play a role in the predisposition of the Han Chinese population to type 2 diabetic nephropathy, but the genetic predisposition may show some differences.

First Report of Fig mosaic virus Infecting Common Fig (Ficus carica) in China

The common fig (Ficus carica) is one of the earliest plants domesticated by humans. It has been cultivated in China ever since the early seventh century. Fig fruit is an important traditional Chinese medicine and a fine health food, featuring a unique flavor and rich nutrients. In addition to its great medicinal values, its abundant availability in the Xinjiang province of China has made the fig one of the most popular fruits in the country. One of the major diseases that affect figs is the fig mosaic disease (FMD) (1,4), which was reported in China in 1935 (3). A causal agent of this disease is associated with the Fig mosaic virus (FMV), a negative-strand RNA virus with six RNA segments (2). In 2013, and later during a survey in 2014, fig plants in several orchards in Xinjiang displayed symptoms of a virus-like disease, which was characterized as FMD. These symptoms included chlorotic clearing as well as banding of leaf veins along with various patterns of discoloration, severely distorted leaves, and deformed fruits. Total RNA extracts (TRIzol reagent, Ambion) from 18 symptomatic and four asymptomatic leaf samples were subjected to reverse reaction (RT) assays using M-MLV reverse transcriptase (Promega, Fitchburg, WI) with primer FMV-GP-R (TATTACCTGGATCAACGCAG). PCR analysis of the synthesized cDNA was performed using FMV-specific primers FMV-GP-F (ACTTGCAAAGGCAGATGATA) and FMV-GP-R. Amplicons of 706 bp produced by RT-PCR assays were obtained from most (15 out of 18) of the symptomatic samples; however, none was obtained from the four asymptomatic leaves. The purified amplicons were cloned and sequenced. BLAST analysis of these sequences revealed more than 94% nucleotide identity with glycoprotein precursor (GP) genes of an FMV-Serbia isolate (SB1). One sequence was deposited in NCBI databases, and one sequence was submitted to GenBank (Accession No. KM034915). RNA segments 2 to 6 of FMV were also amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. These sequences showed 94 to 96% identity with FMV sequences deposited in the NCBI databases. The collected samples were further detected by Northern-blot hybridization with a digoxigenin-labeled RNA probe, which targets the RNA1 genome of the FMV. The result was in line with RT-PCR detection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of FMV in fig trees in China. Considering the economic importance of fig plants and the noxious nature of FMV, this virus poses a great threat to the economy of the fig industry of Xinjiang. Thus, it is important to develop immediate effective quarantine and management of this virus to reduce any further predictable loss. References: (1) T. Elbeaino et al. J. Gen. Virol. 90:1281, 2009. (2) K. Ishikawa et al. J. Gen. Virol. 93:1612, 2012. (3) H. A. Pittman. J. West Aust. Dept. Agric. 12:196, 1935. (4) J. J. Walia et al. Plant Dis. 93:4, 2009.

Comparison of Bryan versus ProDisc-C total disk replacement as treatment for single-level cervical symptomatic degenerative disk disease

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective trial was to compare the role of the Bryan with ProDisc-C total disk replacement (TDR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected before surgery and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Disability and pain were assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Visual Analog Scale of the neck and of the arm pain. SF-36 outcome measures were obtained including the physical component score as well as the mental component score. Functional spinal unit (FSU) was examined on lateral radiographs at 24-month follow-up. Occurrences of heterotopic ossification (HO) were detected from 24-month follow-up X-rays.

RESULTS

The mean NDI, mean VAS, and mean SF-36 scores were not statistically different between groups before surgery and at 24-month follow-up. At 24 months: Bryan 49 and ProDisc-C 53 (P > 0.05). The FSU angle increased slightly for the Bryan group (from 0.7 to 0.8°, P > 0.05), while for the ProDisc-C group, it increased significantly (from 0.5 to 2.3°, P < 0.05). There were 2 additional operations in this series: 1 in the Bryan group and 1 in the ProDisc-C group. There were no intraoperative complications, no vascular or neurologic complications, no spontaneous fusions, and no device failures or explantation. No significant difference was noted in terms of HO formation.

CONCLUSION

Both the Bryan and the ProDisc-C TDR resulted in satisfactory clinical outcome. Moreover, Bryan TDR can maintain the lordosis of FSU, whereas ProDisc-C TDR can restore the lordosis of FSU, whether or not this radiographic evidence leads to more favorable clinical outcome for ProDisc-C TDR requires further investigation.

High-flexion posterior-substituting versus cruciate-retaining prosthesis in total knee arthroplasty: functional outcome, range of motion and complication comparison

PURPOSE

Currently, a high-flexion cruciate-retaining knee prosthesis has been designed to allow greater advantage after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The present study was conducted to compare functional outcome, range of motion (ROM) as well as complications in subjects who underwent either a high-flexion cruciate-retaining (HFCR, Group I) or a high-flexion posterior-substituting (HFPS, Group II) prosthesis TKA.

METHODS

Thirty-four subjects which had TKA with HFCR prosthesis and thirty-three subjects which had TKA with HFPS prosthesis were enrolled in our study and were assessed preoperatively and at 24 months postoperatively. For functional outcome comparison, Hospital for Special Surgery Score (HSSS), Knee Society Score (KSS, including the Mean Knee Score and the Mean Function Score) as well as SF12 Score (including Mental Health Score and Physical Health Score) were measured. For ROM comparison, the arcs of maximal non-weight-bearing passive flexion and weight-bearing flexion were detected, and the number of knees which allowed patients to kneel and sit cross-legged in comfort was determined. For complication comparison, wound necrosis/discharge, anterior knee pain, dislocation, radiolucent lines as well as osteolysis were investigated.

RESULTS

At 24-month follow-up, no significant difference in functional outcome between the two groups was detected. The average maximal non-weight-bearing flexion was 136.2° for the knees in Group I and 135.1° for the knees in Group II (P > 0.05). The average weight-bearing flexion was 123.2° for the knees in Group I and 129.8° for the knees in Group II (P > 0.05). No significant difference, with regard to the number of knees that allowed kneeling and sitting cross-legged, was detected. Comparisons of postoperative complications between the two groups did not yield a significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated no advantage of the high-flexion cruciate- retaining TKA over high-flexion posterior-substituting TKA with regard to functional outcome, range of motion as well as complications at short-term follow-up. However, longer follow-up is necessary to confirm whether these results are sustained.

Fumigant Toxicity and Repellence Activity of Camphor Essential Oil from Cinnamonum camphora Siebold Against Solenopsis invicta Workers (Hymenoptera:Formicidae)

The red imported fire ant (RIFA) Solenopsis invicta Buren causes severe damage to humans and animals as well as the environment. Chemical treatment is the main strategy of RIFA management, which also is potentially toxic to the environment. Plant essential oils (EOs) are considered as potential substance that can be used to control insects. This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of camphor EO and investigate the insecticidal activity on RIFAs. The chemical composition of the EO was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Results revealed that 36.61% camphor and 30.05% cineole were the major components. The insecticidal activity of camphor EO was assessed against RIFA workers by conducting two different bioassays: fumigant toxicity and repellence. Fumigant toxicity assay results showed that the lethal dose (LC50) of the EO at 24 h was 1.67 and 4.28 μg/ml for minor and major workers, respectively; knockdown time (KT50) was 10.82 and 14.73 h. At 2.55 μg/ml, the highest average mortality of the ants was 84.89% after 72 h. Camphor EO exhibited fumigant toxicity against minor and major workers as indicated by the effects on attacking, feeding, and climbing behaviors. This EO was also strongly repellent to the two size workers of the colony as observed in their behavior against Tenebrio molitor treated with 5 µl EO. The fumigant toxicity and repellence of camphor EO against RIFA indicated that this substance could be a potential alternative for the development of eco-friendly products used to control pests.

Integrating GO and KEGG terms to characterize and predict acute myeloid leukemia-related genes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a progressive and malignant cancer of myelogenous blood cells, which disturbs the production of normal blood cells. Although several risk and genetic factors (AML-related genes) have been investigated, the concrete mechanism underlying the development of AML remains unclear. In view of this, it is crucial to develop an effective computational method for meaningfully characterizing AML genes and accurately predicting novel AML genes.

METHODS

In this study, we integrated gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotations as features to characterize AML genes. We also provided an optimal set of features for predicting AML-related genes by using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) algorithm and dagging metaclassifier.

RESULTS

We obtained 26 optimal GO terms that characterized AML genes well. Finally, we predicted 464 novel genes to provide clinical researchers with additional candidates and useful insights for further analysis of AML.

DISCUSSION

An in-depth feature analysis indicated that the results are quite consistent with previous knowledge. We developed a systematic method to identify the possible underlying mechanism of AML by analyzing the related genes. Our method has the ability to identify the types of features that are optimal to meaningfully interpret AML and accurately predict more AML genes for further clinical researches.

Arthroscopic single-bundle versus triple-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the clinical results of arthroscopic single-bundle (SB) and triple-bundle (TB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

METHODS

The study included 105 patients who underwent arthroscopic SB ACL and TB ACL reconstruction. Anterior stress radiographs and the maximal manual muscle test using a KT-2000 arthrometer were used to assess anteroposterior stability and rotational stability was investigated using the lateral pivot shift test at the 24th month follow-up. Clinical results were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Orthopädische Arbeitsgruppe Knie (OAK) scores preoperatively and at the 24th month follow-up. Postoperative thigh circumference, strength and range of motion (ROM) were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Rotational stability was significantly superior in the TB group than in the SB group. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to residual anteroposterior laxity determined at the 24th month follow-up. No significant difference in terms of IKDC score, OAK score, thigh circumference, strength and ROM was detected between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Both arthroscopic SB and TB ACL reconstruction resulted in satisfactory subjective outcome and objective stability. Rotational stability was significantly superior in the TB group.

Diaphragmatic motion studied by M-mode ultrasonography in combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema

BACKGROUND

The coexistence of emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis is known as combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE). The aim of this study was to compare diaphragmatic motion measured by M-mode ultrasonography of patients with CPFE, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

Pulmonary function, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and diaphragmatic motion were examined in patients with CPFE (n = 25), IPF (n = 18), and COPD (n = 60), and in healthy controls (n = 21). Diaphragmatic motions were measured on M-mode ultrasonographic images during quiet breathing and deep breathing.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in right or left diaphragmatic motion during quiet breathing among the four groups, whereas differences were significant in right and left motion during deep breathing. Diaphragmatic motion in CPFE patients was the lowest among the four groups. COPD patients, especially those with severe COPD, showed significantly lower diaphragmatic motion than IPF patients or healthy controls. There were no differences in diaphragmatic motion between IPF patients and healthy controls. Right diaphragmatic motions during deep breathing were negatively correlated with emphysema scores (r = -0.606, p < 0.001), but were not correlated with fibrosis scores on HRCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Diaphragmatic weakness was found in CPFE patients. Emphysema but not fibrosis may be one cause of limited diaphragmatic motion in patients with CPFE. M-mode ultrasonographic evaluation of diaphragmatic motion during deep breathing may be a useful tool in diagnosing CPFE and in discriminating CPFE patients from IPF or COPD patients.

Quantitative trait loci mapping for kernel row number using chromosome segment substitution lines in maize

Unveiling the genetic architecture of grain yield and yield-related traits is useful for guiding the genetic improvement of crop plants. Kernel row number (KRN) per ear is an important yield component, which directly affects the grain yield of maize. In this study, we constructed a set of 130 chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs), using Nongxi531 as the donor parent and H21 as recipient parent, by continuous backcrossing and selfing. In total, 11 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected for KRN by stepwise regression under 3 environmental settings, with 9.87-19.44% phenotypic variation being explained by a single QTL. All 11 QTL were also detected by single-factor ANOVA across the 3 environments tested. Of these 11 QTL, 4 were identified across more than 2 environments, indicating that they are authentically expressed under different environments to control the formation and development of KRN in female maize inflorescences. The CSSLs harbored a greater number of favorable alleles for KRN compared to the H21 line, and could be employed as improved H21 lines in maize breeding programs.

Minimal invasive and computer-assisted total knee replacement compared with the minimal invasive technique: a prospective, randomized trial with short-term outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Up to now, no prospective, randomized comparisons between minimal invasive and computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (MICA-TKA), and minimal invasive technique (MI-TKA) has been documented to evaluate not only clinical, but also radiologic results of the MICA-TKA. This prospective, randomized study was performed to compare the short-term results of MICA-TKA with minimal invasive technique MI-TKA for 6-month follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reported the clinical and radiological results of 80 subjects who had cruciate-substituting, TKA-implanted primary total knee arthroplasties using either minimal invasive and computer-assisted technique (40 patients Group I) or minimal invasive technique (40 patients, Group II). Tourniquet time, length of skin incision, and total blood loss were compared. Knee society scores (KSSs), knee society functional scores (KSFSs), range of motion (ROM), and radiographic results were assessed and reported preoperatively and at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

The accuracy of the implantations in relation to the coronal mechanical axis in Group I was superior to that of Group II (P < 0.05). The femoral rotational profile revealed the prosthesis in Group I that was implanted with significantly less internal rotation than in Group II. The average blood loss in patients of Group I was significantly reduced as compared to patients of Group II. No significant difference was detected in terms of tourniquet time or length of skin incision. Clinical results, with regard to ROMs and KSSs, as well as KSFSs were equally good in both the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Better alignment and similarity of good clinical results at short-term follow-up may provide subjects who receive MICA-TKA with long-term endurance of their implants. Further studies on longer-term outcomes and functional improvements are required to validate these possibilities.

First Report of Grapevine yellow speckle viroid-1 and Hop stunt viroid Infecting Grapevines (Vitis vinifera) in India

During March through July 2012, 10 to 15% of the Vitis vinifera cultivars Thompson Seedless and Anab-e-Shahi exhibited yellow leaf spots and flecks, shortened internodes, and tiny yellow leaves in vineyards of the Bijapur, Doddaballapur, and Kolar districts of Karnataka State, India. These are the major grapevine cultivation regions in India. Samples were collected from four different plants from each district (12 samples in total) and RNA was extracted using 2X CTAB buffer (1). Presence of Grapevine yellow speckle viroid1 (GYSVd-1, genus Apscaviroid) was tested by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR with primer pair PBCVd100C/194H (4) for the amplification of a 220-bp region of the genome. In agarose gel electrophoresis, five samples showed amplicons of the expected size. These amplicons were cloned and sequenced. BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of GYSVd-1. Based on this data, the full-length genome of GYSVd-1 was amplified by RT-PCR using primer pair 341M (5'-CACTCGCGGGGCGCGTTGGA-3') and 342P (5'-CAATCCCCGGAACCCCCGCT-3') and the amplicons were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed two sequence variants namely Kar-1 (GenBank Accession No. AB742222) and Kar-2 (AB742223) with 98% and 99% identity to GYSVd-1 variants IXc (X87913) and II (X87906), respectively. GYSVd-1 variants Kar-1 and Kar-2 clustered in two distinct phylogenetic sub-clades. All 12 samples also tested positive for Hop stunt viroid (HpSVd, genus Hostuviroid) in two separate sets of RT-PCR using HSV-78P (5'-AACCCGGGGCAACTCTTCTC-3') and HSV-83M (5'-AACCCGGGGCTCCTTTCTCA-3'); and HSV-7P (5'-AATTCTCGAGTTGCCGC-3') and HSV-220M (5'-CGAACCGAGAGGTGATGCCA-3'), with the expected size of 303 and 213 bp, respectively (3). Sequence analysis of the amplicons confirmed the presence of HpSVd. Alignment of HpSVd nucleotide sequences obtained from the 12 samples showed the presence of a single type of sequence variant, namely Ind-2 (AB742225). BLAST analysis showed 99% sequence identity of Ind-2 with a HpSVd variant isolated from a 100-year-old grapevine in China. All 12 grapevine samples were also tested for the presence of Australian grapevine viroid (AGVd, genus Apscaviroid), Grapevine yellow speckle viroid 2 (GYSVd 2, genus Apscaviroid), and Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd, genus Pospiviroid) by RT-PCR as described previously (2). None of the samples showed any positives. Northern blot assay using appropriate digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes performed as described previously (2) further confirmed RT-PCR results. Positive controls for RT-PCR and Northern blot were obtained from viroid-infected grapevines maintained in the greenhouse. GYSVd-1 and HpSVd were detected in symptomatic and symptomless plants. Hence, the symptoms observed in the vineyard cannot be attributed to viroid infection. More work is needed to identify the causal agent(s) of the decline of Thompson Seedless and Anab-e-Shadi cultivars. References: (1) C. R. Adkar-Purushothama et al. Plant Dis. 97:149, 2013. (2) D. Jiang et al. Virus Res, 169:237, 2012. (3) Y. Kawaguchi-Ito et al. PLoS One 4:e8386, 2009. (4) L. I. Ward et al. Plant Dis. 95:617, 2011.

Integrin-mediated osteoblastic adhesion on a porous manganese-incorporated TiO2 coating prepared by plasma electrolytic oxidation

This study was conducted to evaluate the bioactivity of manganese-incorporated TiO₂ (Mn-TiO₂) coating prepared on titanium (Ti) plate by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technique in Ca-, P- and Mn-containing electrolytes. The surface topography, phase and element compositions of the coatings were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), respectively. The adhesion of osteoblast-like MG63 cells onto Ti, TiO₂ and Mn-TiO₂ surfaces was evaluated, and the signal transduction pathway involved was confirmed by the sequential expression of the genes for integrins β₁, β₃, α₁ and α₃, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and the extracellular regulated kinases (ERKs), including ERK1 and ERK2. The results obtained indicated that Mn was successfully incorporated into the porous nanostructured TiO₂ coating, and did not alter the surface topography or the phase composition of the coating. The adhesion of the MG63 cells onto the Mn-incorporated TiO₂ coating was significantly enhanced compared with that on the Mn-free TiO₂ coating and the pure Ti plates. In addition, the enhanced cell adhesion on the Mn-TiO₂ coatings may have been mediated by the binding of the integrin subunits, β₁ and α₁, and the subsequent signal transduction pathway, involving FAK and ERK2. The study indicated that the novel Mn-TiO₂ coating has potential for orthopedic implant applications, and that further investigations are required.