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The Journal retracts the article \"Silencing of ether à go-go 1 by shRNA inhibits osteosarcoma growth and cell cycle\" [...].The Journal retracts the article \"Silencing of ether à go-go 1 by shRNA inhibits osteosarcoma growth and cell cycle\" [...].

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming a notable health concern globally. The combination of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB) and Sophora japonica L. (SJ) has been demonstrated to have anti-hypertensive effects and improve kidney injury clinically. This study aimed to explore the renal protective effect of the combination of SB and SJ against CKD and clarify the potential mechanisms. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used to induce hypertensive nephropathy and were treated with SB or SJ separately or in combination for 15 weeks, and an antibiotic group was used for a rescue experiment. Blood pressure, serum or urine biochemical markers, serum inflammation factors, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), indoxyl sulfate (IS), and oxidative stress indicators were assessed. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, including occludin and ZO-1. The mRNA expression of the SCFAs receptors olfactory 78 (Olfr78) and G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Gut microbiota profiles were established via high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. SB and SJ significantly ameliorated the severity of renal injury induced by hypertension. The combination also decreased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus , and reduced that of Clostridiaceae. The intestinal barrier was improved, and the change in dominant bacteria reduced IS accumulation and further inhibited oxidative stress activation in kidneys. SB and SJ increased SCFAs production, inhibited inflammatory factor release, and regulated blood pressure by decreasing the expression of Olfr78 and increasing that of GPR41, then alleviated kidney damage. This research demonstrated the positive effects of SB and SJ in a rat model of hypertensive nephropathy, indicated that the treatment of SB and SJ by improving the intestinal barrier function, increasing SCFAs, reducing inflammation, decreasing IS, and inhibiting oxidative stress reactions.

Background Although many treatments for ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures have been developed, controversy exists regarding their optimal management. The purpose of this retrospective study was to discuss the effectiveness of the bridge-link type combined fixation system (BCFS) and evaluate functional outcomes in treating patients with these complex fractures. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed 14 cases of ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures treated from January 2012 to December 2016. All cases were treated by BCFS combined with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO). Clinical and radiographic data were collected during regular post-operative follow-up visits. Functional outcomes were determined according to the Friedman and Wyman scoring system. Results The proximal femoral fractures were emergency diagnoses in 11 cases and delayed diagnoses in 3 cases. The delay time was 5–6 days, with an average of 5.3 days. The mean operation time was 179.6 min (range 135–231 min) with a blood loss volume that ranged from 430 to 535 ml (average 483.6 ml). Follow-up was conducted in 13 cases between 9 and 30 months post-operation, with an average follow-up time of 17.3 months. The proximal femoral fractures were united in 12 cases at the final follow-up. One case had nonunion 13 months after the operation, underwent valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy, and healed 6 months later. The femoral shaft fractures obtained rigid union at the latest follow-up in 12 cases. One case endured nonunion 12 months after the operation. After the revision surgery and iliac bone grafting, the fracture healed 6 months later. Eight of the cases had good functional results, 4 had fair results, and results were poor in 1 case at the final follow-up. Conclusions The treatment of ipsilateral proximal femoral and shaft fractures with BCFS in combination with MIPPO demonstrated a high likelihood of union for both fractures and good functional results.

Recently, a member of the voltage-dependent potassium channel (Kv) family, the Ether à go-go 1 (Eag1) channel was found to be necessary for cell proliferation, cycle progression and tumorigenesis. However, the therapeutic potential of the Eag1 channel in osteosarcoma remains elusive. In the present study, a recombinant adenovirus harboring shRNA against Eag1 was constructed to silence Eag1 expression in human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. We observed that Eag1-shRNA inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of MG-63 cells due to the induction of G1 phase arrest. Moreover, in vivo experiments showed that Eag1-shRNA inhibited osteosarcoma growth in a xenograft nude mice model. In addition, selective inhibition of Eag1 significantly decreased the expression levels of cyclin D1 and E. Taken together, our data suggest that the Eag1 channel plays a crucial role in regulating the proliferation and cell cycle of osteosarcoma cells, and represents a new and effective therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of 2 surgical strategies for 4-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a hybrid procedure using anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) combined with segmental corpectomy versus posterior laminectomy and fixation. Between 2002 and 2010, fifty-one patients with consecutive 4-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy were treated surgically, with 27 patients undergoing the hybrid procedure and 24 undergoing posterior laminectomy and fixation. Radiologic data were compared between the 2 groups, including cervical curvature and cervical range of motion (ROM) in the sagittal plane. Pre- and postoperative neurological status was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system and the Nurick grading system. Mean ROM at last follow-up was not significantly different between the 2 groups (The purpose of this study was to compare the results of 2 surgical strategies for 4-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a hybrid procedure using anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) combined with segmental corpectomy versus posterior laminectomy and fixation. Between 2002 and 2010, fifty-one patients with consecutive 4-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy were treated surgically, with 27 patients undergoing the hybrid procedure and 24 undergoing posterior laminectomy and fixation. Radiologic data were compared between the 2 groups, including cervical curvature and cervical range of motion (ROM) in the sagittal plane. Pre- and postoperative neurological status was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system and the Nurick grading system. Mean ROM at last follow-up was not significantly different between the 2 groups ( P >.05). In the hybrid group, mean JOA score and Nurick grade improved from 9.6±1.4 and 2.74±0.45 respectively, preoperatively, to 13.9±1.3 and 0.86±0.38 respectively, postoperatively. In the fixation group, mean JOA score and Nurick grade improved from 9.4±1.2 and 2.81±0.42 respectively, preoperatively, to 13.1±1.5 and 1.32±0.36 respectively, postoperatively. The JOA scores and Nurick grades at last follow-up were significantly different between the 2 groups ( P <.05). In patients with preoperative cervical kyphosis, preoperative JOA score and Nurick grade were not significantly different between the 2 groups ( P >.05); however, JOA scores and Nurick grades at last follow-up showed better improvement in the hybrid group than in the fixation group ( P <.01). In patients with preoperative cervical lordosis, the preoperative and last follow-up JOA score and Nurick grade were not significantly different between the 2 groups ( P >.05).

Implants currently used for reconstruction of a burst vertebral body are associated with complications, including subsidence, nonunion, and substantial intraoperative blood loss. A new reconstruction device, the U-Cage (Double Engine Medical Material Ltd, Xiamen, Fujian, China), was designed to minimize complications. Six intact adult cadaver thoracolumbar (T11-L3) spines were collected and scanned by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The stiffness of the burst spine was subsequently compared with its previous intact state during flexion/extension, lateral bending, and rotation, and then subjected to a cyclic test to predict cage subsidence and device loosening. Axial load was applied continuously until failure to test the peak load that the specimen could withstand during the cyclic test. The correlation of bone mineral density and peak load was also analyzed. The instrumented specimens were found to be equivalent to intact bone in all directions (Six intact adult cadaver thoracolumbar (T11-L3) spines were collected and scanned by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The stiffness of the burst spine was subsequently compared with its previous intact state during flexion/extension, lateral bending, and rotation, and then subjected to a cyclic test to predict cage subsidence and device loosening. Axial load was applied continuously until failure to test the peak load that the specimen could withstand during the cyclic test. The correlation of bone mineral density and peak load was also analyzed. The instrumented specimens were found to be equivalent to intact bone in all directions ( P >.05), with the exception of left rotation ( P <.05). All specimens could withstand the cyclic test, and no subsidence or loosening of the device was detected. Average peak load for the instrumented specimens was 4137.5 N, which correlated with the average bone mineral density ( r =0.915; P =.011). Thoracolumbar burst fractures instrumented with a U-Cage and anterolateral D-rod fixation achieved a stiffness similar to that of intact spines. This procedure may avoid the subsidence of the cage in vivo and serve as a better option for treating thoracolumbar burst fractures.

The optimal surgical approach for cervical disk disease remains a matter of debate, especially for multilevel disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of 2 surgical strategies for cervical disk disease involving 3 levels: hybrid constructs, artificial disk replacement combined with midlevel anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF), and 3-level ACDF. The authors prospectively compared patients who had cervical disk disease involving 3 levels that was treated with hybrid constructs or with 3-level ACDF. Patients were asked to use the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to grade their pain intensity preoperatively and at routine postoperative intervals of 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Dynamic flexion and extension lateral cervical radiographs were obtained while in the standing position preoperatively and at the postoperative intervals. The angular range of motion for C2–C7 and the adjacent segments was measured using the Cobb method. Twenty-four patients were treated, 12 with hybrid constructs and 12 with 3-level ACDF. Both groups had significant postoperative improvement in NDI scores and neck pain ( P <.05). However, no significant difference was found between the groups ( P >.05). The hybrid constructs group showed faster recovery of C2–C7 range of motion. Mean C2–C7 range of motion of the hybrid constructs group recovered to that of the preoperative value, but that of the 3-level ACDF group did not ( P <.05). Range of motion of the superior and inferior adjacent segments showed significant differences between the 2 groups at 12 and 24 months postoperatively ( P <.05). These findings suggest that the hybrid constructs is a safe and effective alternative for cervical disk disease involving 3 levels. The definite stabilization and maintained range of motion can be achieved right away, which can ensure a good preliminary clinical outcome.

Recently, a member of the voltage-dependent potassium channel (Kv) family, the Ether à go-go 1 (Eag1) channel was found to be necessary for cell proliferation, cycle progression and tumorigenesis. However, the therapeutic potential of the Eag1 channel in osteosarcoma remains elusive. In the present study, a recombinant adenovirus harboring shRNA against Eag1 was constructed to silence Eag1 expression in human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. We observed that Eag1-shRNA inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of MG-63 cells due to the induction of G1 phase arrest. Moreover, in vivo experiments showed that Eag1-shRNA inhibited osteosarcoma growth in a xenograft nude mice model. In addition, selective inhibition of Eag1 significantly decreased the expression levels of cyclin D1 and E. Taken together, our data suggest that the Eag1 channel plays a crucial role in regulating the proliferation and cell cycle of osteosarcoma cells, and represents a new and effective therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

Background Subsidence and late fusion are commonly observed in anterior subtotal corpectomy and reconstruction for treating thoracolumbar burst fractures. The subsidence rate of this surgical method was reported from 19.6% to 75% in the literatures, which would cause treatment failure. Thus, an improvement of anterior surgery technique should be studied to reduce these complications. Materials and Methods 130 patients of thoracolumbar burst fractures treated by minimal corpectomy, decompression and U cage, between January 2009 and December 2010 were included in this study. The hospital Ethical Committee approved the protocols. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale, visual analog scales, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were used for clinical evaluation. The local kyphosis angle, vertebral height (one level above the fractured vertebral to one level below), canal stenosis, and fusion status were used to assess radiological outcome. All complications and demographic data such as number of male/female patients, average age, mode of trauma, burst level involved, mean surgery time and blood lost were reported. Results 120 patients were followed up for 24 months. Most patients had improvement of at least 1 ASIA grade, and all experienced pain reduction. The mean ODI score steadily decreased after the surgery (P < 0.01). Approximately, 83.3% of patients achieved solid fusion at 3 months and reached 98.3% at 6 months. The kyphosis angle and radiographic height were corrected significantly after the surgery and with a nonsignificant loss of correction at 24 months (P > 0.05). The average canal stenosis index was increased from 39% to 99% after surgery. No cage subsidence or implant failure was observed. Conclusions The clinical outcomes described here suggest that the selective corpectomy and rectangular cage reconstruction can effectively promote solid fusion and eliminate complications related to subsidence or implant failure.

The ether à go-go1 (Eag1) channel is overexpressed in a variety of cancers. However, the expression and function of Eag1 in liposarcoma are poorly understood. In the present study, the mRNA expression of Eag1 in different adipose tissue samples was examined by real-time PCR. Then, the protein expression of Eag1 in 131 different adipose tissues from 109 patients was detected by immunohistochemistry. Next, the associations between Eag1 expression and clinicopathological features of liposarcoma were analyzed. In addition, the effects of Eag1 on liposarcoma cell proliferation and cycle were evaluated by CCK-8, colony formation, xenograft mouse model, and flow cytometry, respectively. Finally, the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was detected by Western blot analysis to explain the detailed mechanisms of oncogenic potential of Eag1 in liposarcoma. It was found that Eag1 was aberrantly expressed in over 67% liposarcomas, with a higher frequency than in lipoma, hyperplasia, inflammation, and normal adipose tissues. However, Eag1 expression was not correlated with clinicopathological features of liposarcoma. Eag1 inhibitor imipramine or Eag1-shRNA significantly suppressed the proliferation of liposarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo, accompanying with accumulation of cells in the G1 phase. These results suggest that Eag1 plays an important role in regulating the proliferation and cell cycle of liposarcoma cells and might be a potential therapeutic target for liposarcoma.