Acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base for post-stroke mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base in treating post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (PSMCI), and preliminary explore its action mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 76 PSMCI patients were randomly divided into an observation group (38 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a control group (38 cases, 3 cases dropped off, 1 case was removed). In the observation group, acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base (bilateral Fengchi [GB 20], Wangu [GB 12], Tianzhu [BL 10] and Yamen [GV 15], Baihui [GV 20]) was used for treatment. In the control group, 8 non-meridian and non-acupoint points at the distal end were selected for shallow puncture treatment. Retaining the needles of 30 min, once every other day,3 times a week for 4 weeks in both groups. The scores of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Barthel index (BI) and serum levels of cystatin C (Cys-C) and homocysteine (Hcy) were compared in the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of MoCA were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The scores of MMSE and BI were increased compared with those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05), and the score of MMSE in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of Cys-C and Hcy were decreased compared with those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05), and lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum level of Cys-C was increased compared with that before treatment in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 88.2% (30/34), which was higher than 32.4% (11/34) of the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base can improve cognitive function and daily living ability of PSMCI patients, which may be related to the down regulation of serum levels of Cys-C and Hcy.

CT perfusion combined with energy spectrum imaging to evaluate the short-term efficacy of bronchial arterial chemoembolization for lung cancer / 中华内科杂志

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of dynamic volumetric CT perfusion combined with energy spectrum imaging in bronchial arterial chemoembolization (BACE) in patients with lung cancer. Methods: The data of 31 patients with lung cancer confirmed by pathology and treated with BACE in Lishui Central Hospital from January 2018 to February 2022 were retrospectively collected, including 23 men and 8 women, aged 31-84 (67) years. All patients received perfusion scans of lesion sites within 1 week before surgery and 1 month after surgery. We collected and compared the changes in preoperative and postoperative perfusion parameters such as blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean through time (MTT), permeability surface (PS) and energy spectrum parameters including arterial phase CT value (CTA), venous phase CT value (CTV), arterial phase iodine concentration (ICA), venous phase of iodine concentration (ICV), arterial standardization iodine concentration (NICA), and intravenous standardized iodine concentration (NICV) to confirm the significance of these parameters in evaluating the short-term efficacy of BACE in the treatment of advanced lung cancer. Data normality was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and normally distributed measurement data are expressed here as mean ± standard deviation; the independent-samples t-test was used for comparisons between two groups. The measurement data that were not normally distributed are expressed as median (interquartile interval) [M (Q1, Q3)], and the comparison between the two groups used the Kruskal-Wallis test. Count data are expressed as cases (%), and comparisons between groups used the χ2 test. Results: The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) at 1 month after BACE were 54.8% (17/31) and 96.8% (30/31), respectively. CT perfusion parameters and energy spectrum parameters of patients before and after BACE treatment were compared. The results showed that BF, BV, MTT, ICA, ICV and NICV were significantly decreased after BACE treatment compared with before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant[58.06 (40.47,87.22) vs.23.57(10.92, 36.24) ml·min-1·100g-1,3.33(2.86,6.09) vs.2.12(1.96,3.61)ml/100g,2.70(2.19,3.88) vs.1.53 (1.12,2.25)s, 3.51 (3.11,4.14)vs.1.74 (1.26,2.50)mg/ml,2.00 (1.30,2.45) vs.1.32(0.92,1.76)mg/ml,0.51(0.42,0.57) vs.0.33(0.23,0.39)](all P<0.05). At the same time, compared with the non-remission group, the study results showed that the difference of parameters in remission group before and after BACE was more obvious, including ΔBF, ΔBV, ΔMTT, ΔPS, ΔCTA, ΔCTV, ΔICA, ΔICV, ΔNICA, ΔNICV were significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant [36.82(32.38, 45.34) vs.9.50(-1.43, 12.34) ml·min-1·100g-1,4.46(2.52, 5.79) vs.0.22(-0.76, 4.09) ml/100g,4.22(2.25, 6.77) vs.0.43(-2.53, 1.88) s,10.07 (2.89, 13.13) vs.-2.01(-6.77, 4.28) ml·min-1·100g-1,14.22(11.88, 20.57) vs.4.18(-5.25, 6.37) HU, 34.6(14.88, 43.15) vs.11.60(0.26, 25.05) HU,0.95(0.54, 1.47) vs.0.11(0.20, 0.59) mg/ml,1.57(1.10, 2.38) vs. 0.26(-0.21, 0.63) mg/ml,0.05(0.03, 0.08) vs.-0.02(-0.04, 0.01),0.18(0.13, 0.21)vs. 0.11(-0.06, 0.16)](all P<0.05). Conclusions: CT perfusion combined with spectral imaging could effectively evaluate the changes in tumor vascular perfusion in patients with advanced lung cancer before and after BACE treatment, which has important value in judging the short-term efficacy after treatment.

Enhanced active contraction of the transversus abdominis during walking / Aumento de la contracción activa del músculo transverso del abdomen durante la caminata / Aumento da contração ativa do músculo transverso do abdome durante a caminhada

ABSTRACT Introduction: We applied three-dimensional gait analysis to assess the effects of enhanced active contraction of the transversus abdominis (EACTA) during walking. We sought to evaluate the effect of EACTA during walking in order to improve walking quality. Methods: Thirty college students were recruited and trained to perform EACTA during walking. We examined gait parameters under different conditions, including EACTA and habitual ACTA (natural walking with mild contraction of the feedforward mechanism of ACTA, HACTA) during walking using three-dimensional gait analysis. We compared differences in gait parameters under the two walking conditions using SPSS 16.0 statistical software. Results: The following gait parameters were significantly lower under EACTA conditions than under HACTA conditions (P < 0.05): stance phase, 59.151% ± 1.903% vs. 59.825% ± 1.495%; stride time, 1.104 s ± 0.080 s vs. 1.134 s ± 0.073 s:; stance time, 0.656 s ± 0.057 s vs. 0.678 s ± 0.053 s; and swing time, 0.447 s ± 0.028 s vs. 0.454 s ± 0.031 s, respectively. Gait parameters single support phase and mean velocity were significantly higher for EACTA than for HACTA conditions (both P < 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, the results revealed that EACTA during walking can improve gait. This method is simple, and EACTA training during walking to improve gait quality in daily life could provide a positive basis for people to strengthen the transverse abdominal muscle. Level of evidence III; Retrospective comparative study .

RESUMEN Introducción: Aplicamos el análisis tridimensional de la marcha para evaluar los efectos del aumento de la contracción activa del músculo transverso del abdomen (EACTA) durante la caminata. Buscamos evaluar el efecto del EACTA durante la caminata para mejorar su calidad. Métodos: Treinta estudiantes universitarios fueron reclutados y entrenados para realizar el EACTA durante la caminata. Examinamos los parámetros de la marcha en diferentes condiciones, incluyendo EACTA y ACTA habitual (caminata natural con leve contracción del mecanismo de feedforward del ACTA, HACTA) durante la caminata usando análisis tridimensional de la marcha. Comparamos las diferencias en los parámetros de la marcha en las dos condiciones de caminata en el software estadístico SPSS 16.0. Resultados: Los siguientes parámetros de marcha fueron significativamente más bajos en la condición EACTA que en condiciones HACTA (P <0,05): fase de apoyo 59,151 ± 1,903% vs 59,825 ± 1,495%, tiempo de zancada 1,104 s ± 0,080 s vs 1,134 s ± 0,073 s, tiempo de apoyo 0,656 s ± 0,057 s vs 0,678 s ± 0,053 s y tiempo de balance 0,447 s ± 0,028 s vs 0,454 s ± 0,031 s, respectivamente. Los parámetros de la marcha, fase de apoyo simple y velocidad promedio fueron significativamente mayores en el EACTA que en las condiciones HACTA (ambos P <0,05). Conclusiones: En general, los resultados revelaron que el EACTA durante la caminata puede mejorar la marcha. Este método es simple, y el entrenamiento del EACTA durante la caminata para mejorar la calidad de la marcha en la vida diaria puede ser una base positiva para el fortalecimiento del músculo transverso del abdomen. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio retrospectivo comparativo .

RESUMO Introdução: Aplicamos a análise tridimensional da marcha para avaliar os efeitos do aumento da contração ativa do músculo transverso do abdome (EACTA) durante a caminhada. Procuramos avaliar o efeito do EACTA durante a caminhada para melhorar sua qualidade. Métodos: Trinta estudantes universitários foram recrutados e treinados para realizar o EACTA durante a caminhada. Examinamos os parâmetros da marcha em diferentes condições, incluindo EACTA e ACTA habitual (caminhada natural com leve contração do mecanismo de feedforward do ACTA, HACTA) durante a caminhada usando análise tridimensional da marcha. Comparamos as diferenças nos parâmetros da marcha nas duas condições de caminhada no software estatístico SPSS 16.0. Resultados: Os seguintes parâmetros da marcha foram significativamente mais baixos na condição EACTA do que em condições HACTA (P < 0,05): fase de apoio 59,151 ± 1,903% vs. 59,825 ± 1,495%, tempo de passada 1,104 s ± 0,080 s vs. 1,134 s ± 0,073 s, tempo de apoio 0,656 s ± 0,057 s vs. 0,678 s ± 0,053 s e tempo de balanço 0,447 s ± 0,028 s vs. 0,454 s ± 0,031 s, respectivamente. Os parâmetros da marcha fase de apoio simples e velocidade média foram significativamente maiores no EACTA do que nas condições HACTA (ambos P < 0,05). Conclusões: No geral, os resultados revelaram que o EACTA durante a caminhada pode melhorar a marcha. Esse método é simples, e o treinamento do EACTA durante a caminhada para melhorar a qualidade da marcha na vida diária pode ser uma base positiva para o fortalecimento do músculo transverso do abdome. Nível de evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo comparativo .

Textual Research on Ancient Literature of Classical Prescription Kaixinsan and Its Associated Prescription / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The classical prescription Kaixinsan，which is recorded in an ancient medical book named Beiji Qianjin Yaofang，is one of the famous prescriptions used by ancient physicians to treat amnesia. Research on classical prescriptions has attracted more and more attention from scientific research institutions and related enterprises. Based on ancient books，textual research on origins and development of prescriptions，combing the evolution of prescriptions，preparations，oral ways，taboos and others are the important contents of the study on classical prescriptions. The research results show that the creation of Kaixinsan in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang can be traced back to Kaixinsan recorded in Jiyanfang and Dingzhiwan recorded in Gujinluyanfang. Later generations of physicians created many associated prescriptions in the process of applying Kaixinsan，and the efficacy of these prescriptions was constantly expanded with the development of the times. In the Tang and Song dynasties，Kaixinsan and its associated prescriptions were mainly used to treat amnesia，sorrow，fear，and other diseases. In the Jin and Yuan dynasties，these prescriptions were also used to treat convulsions and yawning. In the Ming dynasty， they were mainly for the treatment of hyperopia， myopia， sprematorrhea，and constipation. In the Qing dynasty，these herbs could be used to treat auricular deafness， aging and sweating. The dosage of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Poria should be increased in the treatment of farsightedness，spermatorrhea and blurred urine，and in the treatment of nearsightedness，the dosage of Polygalae Radix and Haliotidis Concha should be increased. The main pathogenesis of the disease that Kaixinsan and its associated prescriptions treated could be summarized as the deficiency of heart and spleen，imbalance between heart-Yang and kidney-Yin，and the internal resistance of phlegm stagnation. By summarizing the contents of the preparation of tradition Chinese medicine products for Kaixinsan and its associated prescriptions，it is suggested that the dosage form of Kaixinsan can be pills，with the specification size confroming to the most record of ancient generations of physicians，as big as Firmiana platanifolia's fruit.The volume of a single pill is about 0.25 mL and the weight is about 0.3 g. The initial dosage is fifteen pills，which can be modified according to the severity of the illness，with no more than forty pills for each time，three times a day. Also，some excitant food like the sour food，sweet food and mutton should be avoided during the medication. The above research results can provide literature basis for the development of compound tradition Chinese Medicine preparation of Kaixinsan.

Textual Research on Ancient and Modern Literature Analysis and Research of Classical Prescriptions for Shentong Zhuyutang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The Shentong Zhuyutang is recorded in an ancient medical book named Yilin Gaicuo， and it is one of the classical prescriptions. Based on the literature reviewed，it is generally found that the Shentong Zhuyutang is evolved from the prescription named Chentongsan that recorded by Danxi Xinfa. Statistics on the dosage of clinical research on this prescription in recent years， reference to the textbook and pharmacopoeia dose， at the same time to respect the original dosage， verify historical changes， and ensure the safety of prescriptions， at the same time consider the pharmacy's dispenses， the author recommends that the clinical dosage of Shentong Zhuyutang could be 3 gram of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix， 6 gram of Chuanxiong Rhizoma， 10 gram of Persicae Semen， 10 gram of Carthami Flos， 6 gram of Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma， 3 gram of Notopterygii Rhizoma Et Radix， 5 gram of Myrrha， 12 gram of Angelicae Sinensis Radix， 5 gram of Cyperi Rhizoma，12 gram of Cyathulae Radix， and 6 gram of Pheretima used as a reference. The efficacy of the compound preparation can be marked as promoting blood circulation， removing blood stasis， removing wind and dampness， and relieving pain. At present， most of its research is focused on clinical research and experimental research， and there are few literature on the research of Shentong Zhuyutang from the level of key information verification. The diseases it treats include more than 10， such as Gubi， Pibi， Xuebi， shechuanchuan， headache， postpartum pain and dysmenorrhea， especially in the study of Gubi， which means that it has a huge market demand and broad development prospects in orthopedic diseases， the core point of "blood stasis and cold dampness evil" should be closely held in the course of treatment. Some scholars deem that Shentong Zhuyutang should not be used the method of Force Sweat in the treatment of Bizheng，while others believe that this prescription should be used with caution in menstruation， pregnancy and blood deficiency. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Shentong Zhuyutang has obvious anti-inflammatory， relieve pain， anticoagulan， nerve and bone protection. In view of the fact that there are less researches on Shentong Zhuyutang except for Gubi， this suggests that the mechanism of this prescription treat other diseases has a relatively broad research space.

Textual Research on Lycii Cortex / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The research and development of classical prescriptions is an important way to promote the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and promote the modernization and internationalization of TCM. It is particularly important to summarize the historical development of the composition of classical prescriptions, so as to define their origin, taste efficacy and syndrome taboos. It is also the source to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the whole prescription. As a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal material, Lycii Cortex is widely used and has a good prospect for research and development. There are five prescriptions containing wolfberry bark in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Prescriptions(the First Batch). There are only a few modern literatures on the development of Lycii Cortex. Therefore, this paper will summarize the development of skeleton skin alias, origin, nature, taste, meridian, efficacy, syndromes and taboos in ancient books of the previous dynasties. Textual analysis found that Lycii Cortex was first recorded in the Fifty-two Pathogenic Prescriptions. Ancient books before the Han dynasty did not mention the Chinese medicinal material named " Digupi" . There are little differences in the contents about Digupi between modern literatures and ancient books of the previous dynasties. With the changes of the times, Lycii Cortex has been rarely used, with a fault inheritance, suggesting that there are still many potential efficacy indications for clinical application. In addition to the traditional Chinese medicinal specifications, ancient books also recorded the processing methods with liquorice soup, fried, roasted, children's stool, wine soaking and steaming.

Three-year retrospective clinical evaluation of pulp-less molars with defects of varying degree repaired by cast ceramic onlays of three marginal types / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of pulp-less molars with defects of different degrees repaired by cast ceramic onlays of three marginal types.@*METHODS@#A total of 165 endodontically treated molars of 105 patients were included in this study and were divided into three kinds of defect (mild, moderate, severe) according to the number of remaining axial walls. Each defect was divided into three groups according to the shape of edge to edge, bevel edge, and concave shoulder. After tooth preparation, the casting of ceramic onlays was performed. Treatment follow-up was done for the evaluation of the success and survival rates of three groups under the same defect.@*RESULTS@#The average follow-up was 925.44 days. Under the mild defect, the success and survival rates of the edge to edge onlays were respectively 100% and 100%; bevel edge onlays, 100% and 100%; and concave shoulder onlays, 94.4% and 100%. Under the moderate defect, the success and survival rates of the edge to edge onlays were respectively 96.0% and 100%; bevel edge onlays, 80.0% and 93.3%; and concave shoulder onlays, 95.2% and 95.2%. Under the severe defect, the success and survival rates of the edge to edge onlays were respectively 95.2% and 100%; bevel edge onlays, 73.7% and 89.5%; and concave shoulder onlays, 73.3% and 80.0%. Under different defects, the success or survival rates of the three kinds of onlays had no significant difference (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The edge to edge type is the most preferable way of onlay tooth preparation and can achieve good clinical results in the mild, middle, and severe tooth defection with root canal treatment.

Research progress in pulpless posterior tooth restored with ceramic onlay / 华西口腔医学杂志

Minimal invasive restoration is a common technique in the restoration of pulpless posterior teeth. The development of bonding techniques and ceramic materials in recent years has increased the use of high-strength ceramic onlay in the restoration of endodontically treated posterior teeth because of its minimal invasiveness, improved aesthetics, and low requirement of mechanical retention. This study conducts a retrospective analysis on the material, tooth preparation, bonding, and clinical considerations of ceramic onlay in endodontically treated posterior tooth.

Effect of cervical rotatory direction on the displacement of cervical disc and the volume of intervertebral foramen in a three-dimensional finite element model / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy could be effectively treated by cervical rotatory manipulation, but the symptoms may be exacerbated when rotated to the wrong direction. OBJECTIVE: To simulate the cervical rotatory manipulation in left/right rotation by three-dimensional finite element, and then investigate the effect of this manipulation on the displacement of cervical disc and the volume of intervertebral foramen so as to provide a basis for effectiveness and safety of cervical rotatory manipulation in treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. METHODS: With Mimics10.01, Geomagic Studio and Solidworks 14.0 software, a three-dimensional geometric CAD model of C5-6was developed from the CT scan images of a 25-year-old normal adult female. The model was imported into Ansys Workbench 14.5, and a three-dimensional finite element model was verified and simulated the cervical rotatory manipulation. The cervical rotatory manipulation was decomposed by principium of manipulation in left lateral flexion and rotated to the left/right side. The parameter of mechanics was analyzed with the finite element system. The change of displacement in cervical disc and volume in intervertebral foramen simultaneously were displayed during simulating the manipulation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In left lateral flexion and rotated to the left side, the posterior part of the left side of annulus fibers was expanded 0.46 mm into posterior, and the posterior part of the right side of annulus fibers was retracted 0.77 mm. The volume of left intervertebral foramen became small and the right side became large. However, in left lateral flexion and rotated to the right side, the posterior part of the left side of annulus fibers was retracted 0.71 mm, and the posterior part of the right side of annulus fibers was expanded 0.43 mm into posterior. The volume of left intervertebral foramen became large and the right side became small. Therefore, the posterior part of the rotated side of cervical disc was expanded into posterior, while the posterior part of the contralateral side of cervical disc was retracted. The volume of intervertebral foramen in rotated side became small, while the volume of intervertebral foramen in contralateral side became large. We should rotate to the contralateral side when cervical spondylotic radiculopathy was treated with cervical rotatory manipulation.

Finding of a NDM-1 carbapenems-producing Leclercia adcarboxglata / 临床检验杂志

Objective To investigate the resistance mechanism of a carbapenems-resistant Leclercia adcarboxglata.Methods The species was identified by the automatic microbial analyzer,matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rRNA sequence analysis.The conventional drug susceptibility test was detected with automatic microbial analyzer,and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for imipenem was examined by E-test.The phenotypes of carbapenemase were detected by modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM) and the genotypes of resistance genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing.The characteristics of the carried plasmid were analyzed by conjugation test and S1pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE).Results The clinical isolates of Leclercia adcarboxglata were resistant to imipenem,other beta-lactam antibiotics(except aztreonam) and aminoglycosides,but sensitive to quinolones and sulfonamides.The conjugation test resulted in a drug-resistance spectrum of the receptor strain E.coli J53 similar to Leclercia adcarboxglata bacteria.The phenotype of carbapenemase was positive.PCR amplification and sequencing analysis showed that blaNDM-1,blaTEM and aac (6')-Ib were detectable in the isolates simultaneously,while the conjugon only carried blaNDM-1.S1-PFGE revealed that Leclercia adcarboxglata carried 3 plasmids.Conclusion The carbapenems resistance of Leclercia adcarboxglata may contribute to carrying blaNDM-1 gene which may exist in an around 100 kb plasmid transmitted with conjugation.

Finite element analysis on the optimal unilateral pedicle screw-implanted angle and cage position for TLIF surgery / 医用生物力学

Objective To compare biomechanical properties of pedicle screw with different axial angles and interbody cage with different positions for unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery. Methods The normal L3-5 finite element (FE) model was established and validated. Then one bilateral TILF reconstruction FE model and four unilateral TILF reconstruction FE models with different pedicle screw-cage combination types at L4-5 level were constructed, respectively. Namely, Model A (a small axial angle-implanted screw and an ipsilaterally-placed cage), Model B (a small axial angle-implanted screw and a contralaterally-placed cage), Model C (a large axial angle-implanted screw and an ipsilaterally-placed cage), Model D (a large axial angle-implanted screw and a contralaterally-placed cage). The range of motion (ROM) of 4 reconstruction models under various physiological stresses as well as the maximum Von Mises stresses on pedicle screw, cage-L4 inferior endplate were compared. Results The ROMs at fusion segment (L4-5) in 4 unilateral TLIF reconstruction models were significantly decreased compared with the normal model, but they were still larger than bilateral TLIF reconstruction model. For 4 unilateral TLIF reconstruction models, Model C showed the largest decrease in stability, and the ROM of Model C was 50.7%, 89.9%, 90.3% of the normal model in flexion-extension, lateral bending, axial rotation, respectively. When comparing the maximum Von Mises stress of posterior pedicle screw and cage-L4 inferior endplate in 4 unilateral TLIF reconstruction models, Model C could bear relatively smaller stress under most loading modes, except in ipsilateral lateral bending and axial rotation. Conclusions The unilateral TLIF reconstruction model with a large axial angle-implanted screw and an ipsilaterally placed-cage can achieve the optimal stability. By narrowing the difference in stability with the bilateral TILF model, the unilateral TLIF reconstruction model can reduce the risk of screw failure and cage subsidence, which is worth of clinical application.

Finite element analysis on the optimal unilateral pedicle screw-implanted angle and cage position for TLIF surgery / 医用生物力学

Objective To compare biomechanical properties of pedicle screw with different axial angles and interbody cage with different positions for unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery.Methods The normal L3-5 finite element (FE) model was established and validated.Then one bilateral TILF reconstruction FE model and four unilateral TILF reconstruction FE models with different pedicle screw-cage combination types at L4-5 level were constructed,respectively.Namely,Model A (a small axial angle-implanted screw and an ipsilaterally-placed cage),Model B (a small axial angle-implanted screw and a contralaterally-placed cage),Model C (a large axial angle-implanted screw and an ipsilaterally-placed cage),Model D (a large axial angle-implanted screw and a contralaterally-placed cage).The range of motion (ROM) of 4 reconstruction models under various physiological stresses as well as the maximum Von Mises stresses on pedicle screw,cage-L4 inferior endplate were compared.Results The ROMs at fusion segment (L4-5) in 4 unilateral TLIF reconstruction models were significantly decreased compared with the normal model,but they were still larger than bilateral TLIF reconstruc-tion model.For 4 unilateral TLIF reconstruction models,Model C showed the largest decrease in stability,and the ROM of Model C was 50.7％,89.9％,90.3％ of the normal model in flexion-extension,lateral bending,axial rotation,respectively.When comparing the maximum Von Mises stress of posterior pedicle screw and cage-L4 inferior endplate in 4 unilateral TLIF reconstruction models,Model C could bear relatively smaller stress under most loading modes,except in ipsilateral lateral bending and axial rotation.Conclusions The unilateral TLIF reconstruction model with a large axial angle-implanted screw and an ipsilaterally placed-cage can achieve the optimal stability.By narrowing the difference in stability with the bilateral TILF model,the unilateral TLIF reconstruction model can reduce the risk of screw failure and cage subsidence,which is worth of clinical application.

Comparison of biomechanical properties by different posterior fixation methods with or without crosslink for fixing thoracolumbar fractures / 医用生物力学

Objective To compare the biomechanical differences in 3 posterior fixation methods with or without crosslink for treatment of thoracolumbar fractures, so as to find the optimal posterior fixation methods. Methods On the basis of the validated finite element model of T12-L2 segments to simulate L1 vertebra burst fracture, the superior 1/2 cortical bone of T12 segment was removed and the superior 1/2 cancellous bone was assigned with the material damage property of cancellous bone. Then 6 thoracolumbar fracture models by intermediate unilateral pedicle screw fixation without or with crosslink (Model A1, A2), traditional short-segment pedicle screw fixation without or with crosslink (Model B1, B2), intermediate bilateral pedicle screw fixation without or with crosslink (Model C1,C2) were established, respectively. The range of motion (ROM) as well as the maximum Von Mises stress of the pedicle screw and rod for 6 models under various physiological loading conditions were compared. Results The ROM under flexion-extension and lateral bending in Model A and Model C was obviously smaller than that of Model B. Under flexion-extension, no significant difference was found in ROM between Model A and Model C; under lateral bending, the ROM of Model C was smaller than that of Model A. The stress was concentrated in the root of upper screw and the rob located between upper screw and intermediate screw; the maximum stress of upper screw in Model C was smaller than that in Model A and Model B. The crosslink could increase the stability of all fixation groups under axial rotation stress condition, and decrease the maximum stress on upper screw and rod under axial rotation stress condition, but no significant difference was found under flexion-extension and lateral bending. Conclusions Additional pedicle screws at the level of fracture vertebra can achieve the better biochemical stability. The additional crosslink not only increases the torsional rigidity, but also decreases the maximum torsional stress of the screw and rod, which is a better choice as the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.

Pedicle screw fixation with kyphoplasty decreases the fracture risk of the treated and adjacent non-treated vertebral bodies: a finite element analysis / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Adjacent vertebral fractures are common in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) after kyphoplasty. This finite element study was to examine whether short segment pedicle screw fixation (PSF) with kyphoplasty may decrease the fracture risk of the treated and adjacent non-treated vertebrae after kyphoplasty for OVCFs. By simulating cement augmentation with or without short segment pedicle screw fixation (PSF), two tridimensional, anatomically detailed finite element models of the T10-L2 functional spinal junction were developed. The insertion of pedicle screws into the intact vertebra apparently decreased the stress distribution of the treated vertebra in vertical compression and other load situations. The stress distribution in the bone structures of the intact vertebra adjacent to the intact-screwed vertebra was much less than that in the one adjacent to the treated vertebra. The insertion of pedicle screws into the intact vertebra greatly decreased the maximum displacement of the cortical bones and cancellous bones of the vertebrae. Our results indicated that short segment PSF with kyphoplasty may decrease the fracture risk of the treated and adjacent non-treated vertebrae in the management of OVCFs.

Biodiversity of the oleaginous microorganisms in Tibetan Plateau

Microbial lipids, which are also known as single cell oils (SCO), are produced by oleaginous microorganisms including oleaginous bacteria, yeast, fungus and algae through converting carbohydrates into lipids under certain conditions. Due to its unique environment having extremely low temperature and anoxia, the Tibetan Plateau is amongst the regions with numerous rare ecotypes such as arid desert, salt marsh, alpine permafrost, hot spring, and lawn. By using a rapid, convenient screening method, we identified 31 strains of oleaginous microorganisms from different habitats in the Tibetan Plateau, which include wetlands, lawn, hot spring, alpine permafrost, and saline-alkali soil. Molecular identity analysis showed that they belong to 15 different species, 7 of which are reported for the first time as lipid-producing microorganisms, that is, Cladosporium sp., Gibberella fujikuro, Ochrobactrum sp., Plectosphaerella sp., Tilletiopsis albescens, Backusella ctenidia, and Davidiella tassiana. The distribution of the oleaginous microorganisms varies with habitats. 11 strains were found in hot spring (35.5%), 10 in farmland (32.3%), 6 in lawn (19.4%), 2 in sand (6.4%), 1 in wetland (3.2%), and 1 in permafrost (3.2%). Carbon utilization analysis indicated that most of these filamentous fungi can use xylose and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as carbon source, where Backusella ctenidia, Fusarium sp. and Gibberella fujikuroi have the strongest capability.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Associated with Cerebral Ischemic Injury and Recovery (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), which is a member of MMP family, can degrade extracellular matrix. During the early stage of cerebral ischemia, MMP-2 degrades endothelial tight junction and basal lamina resulting in the opening of blood-brain barrier. During the late stage, MMP-2 promotes neurovascular regeneration and the recovery of the damaged brain tissue.