Search

The association between height and risk of hip fracture has been investigated in several studies, but the evidence is inconclusive. We therefore conducted this meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to explore whether an association exists between height and risk of hip fracture. We searched PubMed and EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for studies of height and risk of hip fracture up to February 16, 2016. The random-effects model was used to combine results from individual studies. Seven prospective cohort studies, with 7,478 incident hip fracture cases and 907,913 participants, were included for analysis. The pooled relative risk (RR) was 1.65 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26–2.16) comparing the highest with the lowest category of height. Result from dose-response analysis suggested a linear association between height and hip fracture risk (P-nonlinearity = 0.0378). The present evidence suggests that height is positively associated with increased risk of hip fracture. Further well-designed cohort studies are needed to confirm the present findings in other ethnicities.

Background Nonunions in the upper extremity are challenging for the reconstructive surgeon. The evolution of microsurgical techniques has allowed for the reliable use of free vascularized bone flaps. Methods In a retrospective study, patients with challenging upper limb nonunions who underwent free vascularized corticocancellous flaps from the medial femoral condyle (MFC) were included. Patient demographics, surgical technique, and outcomes were evaluated. Results Fifteen patients with nonunions of the upper extremity underwent free MFC corticocancellous flap reconstruction. The length of preoperative bone defects ranged from 0.8 to 3 cm, and the mean number of procedure prior to free MFC reconstruction was 1.5. Thirteen patients healed completely in an average of 15 weeks (range, 8–22 weeks). Two patients were lost to follow-up. Only one patient required additional surgery. Functional outcome measures such as Mayo, Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and Constant–Murley scores all demonstrated improvement. Conclusion The free vascularized MFC corticocancellous flap can be successfully used for challenging upper extremity nonunions and small bone defects.

Schwann cells (SCs) within peripheral nerve respond robustly after exposure to neurotrophic factors. Recent results have revealed that valproic acid (VPA), at a clinically relevant therapeutic concentration, produces effects similar to neurotrophic factors, and promotes neurite growth and cell survival. We hypothesized that VPA could also induce Schwann cell response. In this study, we sought to determine how pure Schwann cells responded to VPA by evaluating for proliferation, expression of S-100, growth cone-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and myelin basic protein (MBP). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the Schwann cells were positive for S-100, GAP-43, MAG, and MBP greater than 99% of the experimental cells. The rate of proliferation was increased in experimental cells from MTT assay and Bromodeoxyuridine/DAPI double staining. Furthermore, Western blot showed an up-regulation in GAP-43, MAG and MBP protein expression in experimental cells, respectively. We also found that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathway was involved in the enhanced cell proliferation of Schwann cells evoked by VPA. This study provides novel information regarding Schwann cell response to VPA, which might help the understanding of VPA-based treatment for peripheral nerve injury.