MicroRNA-146a reduces IL-1 dependent inflammatory responses in the intervertebral disc.

Because miR-146a expression in articular chondrocytes is associated with osteoarthritis (OA), we assessed whether miR-146a is linked to cartilage degeneration in the spine. Monolayer cultures of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells from the intervertebral discs (IVD) of bovine tails were transfected with a miR-146a mimic. To provoke inflammatory responses and catabolic extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, cells were co-treated with interleukin-1 (IL-1).

Adapted simplified Chinese (mainland) version of Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire.

Study Design: Validation study to define validity and reliability of an adapted and translated questionnaire.

Objective: This study attempted to validate the traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) version of the modified Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Outcomes Instrument, SRS-22, into simplified Chinese for use in mainland China.

Summary Of Background Data: Although a traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) adaptation of the SRS-22 has been previously validated, no culturally adapted, validated SRS-22 exists for use in mainland China.

Posterior pedicle screws combined with shortening and release techniques for lumbar and thoracolumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic effects of posterior surgery with wide posterior shortening release and segmental pedicle screws techniques in a consecutive group of patients with thoracolumbar /lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods: Between April 2002 and July 2005, 114 patients (86 women and 28 men) were enrolled in this study. There were 72 Lenke type 5, 32 Lenke type 6, and 10 Lenke type 3C curves.

Abnormal ossification as a cause the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Although, there is no generally accepted scientific theory for the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the relative anterior spinal column overgrowth has been postulated as a mechanism of AIS progression by many morphological studies. The normal spinal growth involves both kinds of ossification: endochondral and membranous ossification. Considering the uncoupled anterior-posterior column growth of AIS patients, the uncoupled endochondral-membranous ossification could possibly play an important role in the progression of AIS.

[Analysis of the parameters about selective anterior fusion of thoracolumbar/lumbar curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis].

Objective: To establish criteria for AIS of Lenke5 and Lenke6 by an anterior only procedure of the lower curve fusion.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between March 1999 and May 2004 to investigate 52 AIS patients of Lenke5 and Lenke6. All the patients were observed 24 years (34 months on average).