3D external shape analysis and barycentremetry can provide early signs of progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Purpose: Our objective was to analysis the barycentremetry, obtained from the external envelope reconstruction of biplanar radiographs, in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to determine whether assessing would help predict the distinction between progressive and stable AIS at the early stage.

Methods: A retrospective study with a multicentre cohort of 205 AIS was conducted. All AIS underwent a biplanar X-ray between 2013 and 2020.

Medium to long term functional and radiographic outcomes in patients with Madelung's deformity treated by isolated or combined radioulnar osteotomy.

Introduction: Madelung's deformity is a rare congenital condition of the wrist that can cause pain, aesthetic concerns, reduced range of motion and grip strength. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal age for surgery or whether operative procedures can be isolated or combined depending on the extent of the deformity. The main objective of our study was to analyze the postoperative functional clinical results at a minimum of 3-years follow-up in patients operated on for Madelung's deformity.

How does magnetically controlled growing rods insertion affect sagittal alignment in ambulatory early onset scoliosis patients?

Purpose: The importance of sagittal alignment restoration in early onset scoliosis (EOS) management has rarely been investigated to date. The aim was to report the influence of magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) insertion on the sagittal alignment of EOS patients.

Methods: All consecutive ambulatory patients operated with MCGR rods between 2011 and 2018 were retrospectively included in four institutions.

Radiocarpal dislocation: A retrospective study of 14 patients.

Introduction: Radiocarpal dislocation (RCD) is defined as total loss of contact between the carpal and radial joint surfaces. The condition is rare, with few published series. The aim of the present study was to assess functional results of RCD surgery, notably without ligament reconstruction.

Regulation of RhoA by STAT3 coordinates glial scar formation.

Understanding how the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) controls glial scar formation may have important clinical implications. We show that astrocytic STAT3 is associated with greater amounts of secreted MMP2, a crucial protease in scar formation. Moreover, we report that STAT3 inhibits the small GTPase RhoA and thereby controls actomyosin tonus, adhesion turnover, and migration of reactive astrocytes, as well as corralling of leukocytes in vitro.

Use of capillary zone electrophoresis for differentiating excessive from moderate alcohol consumption.

Background: The poorly sialylated transferrin isoforms in serum were analyzed by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) to differentiate moderate from heavy alcohol consumption.

Methods: We enrolled 614 volunteers, classified after interviews, self-reported drinking habits, and AUDIT scores as alcohol abusers (consuming >50 g/day ethanol for the previous 3 months or longer; n = 413) or moderate drinkers (<30 g/day ethanol; n = 201). Serum transferrin isoforms were separated at 28 kV and monitored at 214 nm on a P/ACE 5500 CZE with use of fused-silica capillaries and the related CEofix CDT reagent set.

Branched chain amino acids improve body composition and nitrogen balance in a rat model of extra hepatic biliary atresia.

Malnutrition and growth retardation remain a major complication in infants with extrahepatic biliary atresia associated cholestasis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether oral supplementation with branched chain amino acids (BCAA) can correct malnutrition in a rat model of biliary atresia. Four groups of 15 rats, 30 d old, were used.

Emission tomography for assessment of diffuse alcoholic liver disease.

A method of quantitative liver tomoscintigraphy (SPECT) was compared for accuracy with planar scintigraphy (PS) in a group of patients with diffuse alcoholic liver disease. SPECT sensitivity was also compared with that of transmission computed tomography (CT), US, aminopyrine breath test (ABT) and liver chemistries (LC). One hundred and fourteen alcoholic patients with proven liver disease and 17 patients free of liver disease were included.

Use of propofol for sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopies.

This study investigated the suitability of propofol as a sole agent for continuous sedation in 100 unpremedicated patients during gastrointestinal endoscopy. The propofol was given very slowly (average 62.7 seconds) in order to prevent apnoea during induction, and the dose adjusted according to age (68% of patients were older than 50 years) and ASA grade (32% were ASA grade 3 or 4).

High-output right ventricular failure secondary to hepatic arteriovenous microfistulae. Selective arterial embolization treatment.

A patient with diffuse hepatic arteriovenous microfistulae suffered from secondary high-output right ventricular failure, pulmonary hypertension, and ascites, all of which could be managed by selective embolization of the hepatic artery. The vascular lesion of the liver seems to be essential, although hemorrhagic hereditary telangiectasia , perhaps aggravated by administration of oral contraceptives, may be considered contributory factors in this case.

Tc-99m-MDP bone scanning detection of gastric calcification.

A 50-year-old man with hypercalcemia related to Cope syndrome was referred for bone scintigraphy. There was a clear accumulation of the technetium-phosphate complex in the stomach. The condition was reversible with treatment of the underlying cause.