ObjectiveTo investigate whether exosomes derived from miR-27a-overexpressing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)—exo (miR-27a) can promote bone regeneration and improve glucocorticoids (GC) induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) (GC-ONFH).MethodsThe exo (miR-27a) were intended to be constructed and identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blot, and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the effect of exo (miR-27a) in delivering miR-27a to osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 cells). Alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red staining, and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate its effect on MC3T3-E1 cells osteogenesis. Dual-luciferase reporter (DLRTM) assay was used to verify whether miR-27a targeting Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 2 (DKK2) was a potential mechanism, and the mechanism was further verified by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and alizarin red staining in MC3T3-E1 cells. Finally, the protective effect of exo (miR-27a) on ONFH was verified by the GC-ONFH model in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.ResultsTransmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blot, and qRT-PCR detection showed that exo (miR-27a) was successfully constructed. exo (miR-27a) could effectively deliver miR-27a to MC3T3-E1 cells and enhance their osteogenic capacity. The detection of DLRTM showed that miR-27a promoted bone formation by directly targeting DDK2. Micro-CT and HE staining results of animal experiments showed that tail vein injection of exo (miR-27a) improved the osteonecrosis of SD rat GC-ONFH model.Conclusionexo (miR-27a) can promote bone regeneration and protect against GC-ONFH to some extent.
Objective The aim of this research was to explore the relationship between type D personality and symptom duration/emergency admissions/mental health status/quality of life (QOL) in Chinese rectal cancer patients. Methods Rectal cancer patients who were treated in our hospital form Oct. 2010 to Oct. 2012 were selected prospectively, and then their type D personality was measured with the 14-item Type D Personality Scale (DS14). Mental health status was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The QOL was assessed longitudinally by using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 questionnaires at the baseline and 6 months after diagnosis. Comparison between the type D personality group and non-type D personality group in social-demographic characteristics, clinicopathological features, mental health status, and QOL was performed. Results Of the 596 patients (92%) who responded, 131 patients (22%) had type D personality. ① Compared with non-type D personality group, the proportions of patients with duration of symptoms ≥1 month, without medical insurance, and emergency admissions in type D personality group were all higher, as well as the poor economic situation and more complication ( P<0.050). ② EORTC QLQ-C30. At the baseline, scores of role function, emotional function, cognitive function, social function, and overall health status in type D personality group were all lower than those of non-type D personality group ( P<0.050), but scores of fatigue, constipation, and financial difficulties in type D personality group were all higher than those of non-type D personality group ( P<0.050). In 6 months after diagnosis, scores of role function, emotional function, cognitive function, social function, and overall health status in type D personality group were all lower than those of non-type D personality group ( P<0.050), but scores of fatigue, insomnia, constipation, and financial difficulties in type D personality group were all higher than those of non-type D personality group ( P<0.050). ③ EORTC QLQ-CR38. At the baseline, score of expectation for the future in type D personality group was lower than that of non-type D personality group ( P<0.001), but score of urinary problems in type D personality group was higher in type D personality group than that of non-type D personality group ( P<0.001). In 6 months after diagnosis, scores of expectation for the future and sexual function in type D personality group were both lower than those of non-type D personality group ( P<0.050), but scores of urinary problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, male sexual dysfunction, and excretion difficulties in type D personality group were all higher than those of non-type D personality group ( P<0.050). ④ At the baseline and 6 months after diagnosis, the incidences of anxiety and depression in type D personality group were all higher than those of non-type D personality group at the same time point ( P<0.001). In type D personality group, the incidences of anxiety and depression in 6 months after diagnosis were both higher than baseline ( P<0.001). Conclusion Type D personality may be a general vulnerability factor to screen for subgroups at risk for longer SD and emergency admissions in clinical practice of rectal cancer patients, and it was associated with poor QOL and poor mental health status.
Objective To investigate the accuracy and reliability of augmented reality (AR) technique in locating the perforating vessels of the posterior tibial artery during the repair of soft tissue defects of the lower limbs with the posterior tibial artery perforator flap. Methods Between June 2019 and June 2022, the posterior tibial artery perforator flap was used to repair the skin and soft tissue defects around the ankle in 10 cases. There were 7 males and 3 females with an average age of 53.7 years (mean, 33-69 years). The injury was caused by traffic accident in 5 cases, bruising by heavy weight in 4 cases, and machine injury in 1 case. The size of wound ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 14 cm×7 cm. The interval between injury and operation was 7-24 days (mean, 12.8 days). The CT angiography of lower limbs before operation was performed and the data was used to reconstruct the three-dimensional images of perforating vessels and bones with Mimics software. The above images were projected and superimposed on the surface of the affected limb using AR technology, and the skin flap was designed and resected with precise positioning. The size of the flap ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 15 cm×8 cm. The donor site was sutured directly or repaired with skin graft. Results The 1-4 perforator branches of posterior tibial artery (mean, 3.4 perforator branches) in 10 patients were located by AR technique before operation. The location of perforator vessels during operation was basically consistent with that of AR before operation. The distance between the two locations ranged from 0 to 16 mm, with an average of 12.2 mm. The flap was successfully harvested and repaired according to the preoperative design. Nine flaps survived without vascular crisis. The local infection of skin graft occurred in 2 cases and the necrosis of the distal edge of the flap in 1 case, which healed after dressing change. The other skin grafts survived, and the incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-12 months, with an average of 10.3 months. The flap was soft without obvious scar hyperplasia and contracture. At last follow-up, according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS) score, the ankle function was excellent in 8 cases, good in 1 case, and poor in 1 case. Conclusion AR technique can be used to determine the location of perforator vessels in the preoperative planning of the posterior tibial artery perforator flap, which can reduce the risk of flap necrosis, and the operation is simple.