Reducing host aldose reductase activity promotes neuronal differentiation of transplanted neural stem cells at spinal cord injury sites and facilitates locomotion recovery.

Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation is a promising strategy for replacing lost neurons following spinal cord injury. However, the survival and differentiation of transplanted NSCs is limited, possibly owing to the neurotoxic inflammatory microenvironment. Because of the important role of glucose metabolism in M1/M2 polarization of microglia/macrophages, we hypothesized that altering the phenotype of microglia/macrophages by regulating the activity of aldose reductase (AR), a key enzyme in the polyol pathway of glucose metabolism, would provide a more beneficial microenvironment for NSC survival and differentiation.

Selective anterior thoracolumbar/lumbar fusion and instrumentation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

Background: Selective anterior thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) fusion and instrumentation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients with a structural major TL/L curve and a nonstructural minor thoracic curve is rarely reported. We investigate the correction results of these patients.

Methods: By reviewing the medical records and roentgenograms of AIS patients undergone selective anterior TL/L fusion and instrumentation, Cobb angle, correction rate of the major and minor curves, coronal balance, lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) tilt, coronal disc angle immediately below the LIV (LIVDA) and radiographic shoulder height (RSH) were measured and analyzed.

[Selective anterior thoracolumbar or lumbar fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis].

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of selective anterior thoracolumbar or lumbar (TL/L) fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with PUMCIId1 curves (Lenke type 5).

Methods: Thirty-five consecutive AIS patients (PUMC type IId1, Lenke type 5) with selective anterior TL/L fusion with single solid rod instrumentation were reviewed. The average follow-up was 36 months (range, 18 - 42 months).

[Clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment of congenital contractural arachnodactyly: analysis of 6 cases].

Objective: To discuss the clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment of congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA).

Methods: The clinical data of 6 CCA patients, 1 male and 5 female, aged 7.5 (5-14) were analyzed.