Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyl Transferase Controls NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Through MAPK and NF-κB Signaling in Nucleus Pulposus Cells, as Suppressed by Melatonin.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is characterized by an imbalance between matrix synthesis and degradation in intervertebral discs. However, the causes of this imbalance remain elusive. Previous studies revealed that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a vital role in IDD and nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) is involved in matrix degradation induced by IL-1β.

[Reconstruction of severe contracture of the first web space and wrist by incorporating pedicled retrograde flap of forearm transplantation].

Objective: To summarize the therapeutic effectiveness of incorporating pedicled retrograde flap of forearm transplantation for reconstructing severe contracture of the first web space and wrist.

Methods: Between November 2005 and February 2010, 26 patients with severe contracture of the first web and wrist were treated. There were 18 males and 8 females with an average age of 27 years (range, 12-45 years).

[Repair of scars in submaxillary region using expanded forehead axial flaps with fascia pedicles carrying bilateral frontal branches of superficial temporal artery and vein].

Objective: To study the feasibility of applying expanded forehead axial flaps with fascia pedicles carrying bilateral frontal branches of superficial temporal artery and vein (expanded forehead axial flap with double pedicles in brief, EFAF-DP) in repairing scars in submaxillary region.

Methods: Sixteen patients with mandibular scars hospitalized in Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the First Hospital Affiliated to Fuzhou General Hospital in Nanjing Military Area Command from July 2005 to December 2009 were repaired with EFAF-DP. The operation consisted of 3 stages.

[Change in plasma brain natriuretic peptide and its clinical significance in burn patients after delayed fluid resuscitation of shock].

Objective: To observe the early change in plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level in burn patients with long delayed fluid resuscitation of burn shock and its clinical significance.

Methods: Thirty-six burn patients with second and third degree of burn covering 32%-92% total body surface area were enrolled for the study, among them 10 patients were complicated with serious heart failure (heart failure group), and 26 patients rallied from shock after delayed fluid resuscitation without heart failure (stable group). The level of plasma BNP, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB), and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined at admission and 3 hours after hospitalization, and 24, 48, 72, 168 hours after the injury in both groups with electrochemiluminescence (ECL).

[Epithesis of nasal deformity after prosthesis of unilateral complete harelip with design of nasal subunits].

Objective: To discuss the operative method and therapeutic effect of correcting nasal deformity after prosthesis of unilateral complete harelip with design of nasal subunits.

Methods: From January 2006 to December 2008, 18 patients with nasal deformity after prosthesis of unilateral complete harelip were treated. There were 7 males and 11 females aged 6-26 years old.

[Effect of reduced glutathione on impairment of hepatic function after delayed resuscitation of severe burn shock].

Objective: To investigate the protective effects of the reduced glutathione (GSH) on hepatic injury after delayed resuscitation in patients with severe burn.

Methods: Forty severely burned patients with hepatic injury after delayed resuscitation were randomly divided into two groups: treatment group (T, 20 cases) and control group (C, 20 cases). In the T group, the patients were treated with GSH for 7-14 days, while the patients in the C group were treated with same quantity of "energy mixture" as control.