Application of ultrasonographic human estimated foetal weight formulas to cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) at 129-132 days of gestation: A comparative study of estimated and actual birthweight.

BACKGROUND: Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are essential in biomedical research, including reproductive studies. However, the application of human estimated foetal weight (EFW) formulas using ultrasonography (USG) in these non-human primates is not well established. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the applicability of human EFW formulas for estimating foetal weight in cynomolgus monkeys at approximately 130 days of gestation. METHODS: Our study involved nine pregnant cynomolgus monkeys. We measured foetal parameters, including biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length using USG. The EFW was calculated using 11 human EFW formulas. The actual birthweight (ABW) was recorded following Cesarean section, the day after the EFW calculation. For comparing EFW and ABW, we employed statistical methods such as mean absolute percentage error (APE) and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: The ABW ranged between 200.36 and 291.33 g. Among the 11 formulas, the Combs formula showed the lowest APE (4.3%) and highest correlation with ABW (p < 0.001). Notably, EFW and ABW differences for the Combs formula were ≤5% in 66.7% and ≤10% in 100% of cases. The Bland-Altman analysis supported these results, showing that all cases fell within the limits of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The Combs formula is applicable for estimating the weight of cynomolgus monkey fetuses with USG at approximately 130 days of gestation. Our observations suggest that the Combs formula can be applied in the prenatal care and biomedical research of this species.

Biomedical Device Surface Treatment by Laser-Driven Hydroxyapatite Penetration-Synthesis Technique for Gapless PEEK-to-Bone Integration.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a bioinert polymer known for its mechanical properties similar to bone, is capable of averting stress shielding. Due to these attributes, it finds applications in diverse fields like orthopedics, encompassing cervical disc replacement for the neck and spine, along with dentistry and plastic surgery. However, due to insufficient bonding with bone, various methods such as hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on the surface are attempted. Nonetheless, the interface between the polymer and ceramic, two different materials, tended to delaminate after transplantation, posing challenges in preventing implant escape or dislodgement. This research delves into the laser-driven hydroxyapatite penetration-synthesis technique. Differing from conventional coating methods that bond layers of dissimilar materials like HA and PEEK, this technology focuses on synthesizing and infiltrating ionized HA within the PEEK substrate resulting in an interface-free HA-PEEK surface. Conversely, HA-PEEK with this technology applied achieves complete, gap-free direct bone-implant integration.  Our research involved the analysis of various aspects. By means of these, we quantitatively assesed the enhanced bone bonding characteristics of HA-PEEK surfaces treated with this approach and offered and explanation for the mechanism responsible for direct bone integration.

Sesquiterpene dimers with a rare skeleton from Chloranthus holostegius exhibiting multidrug resistance reversal activity in vitro and in vivo.

Two previously unreported lindenane sesquiterpene dimers (1 and 2) with a rare skeleton containing an oxaspiro[4.5]decane moiety were isolated from the roots of Chloranthus holostegius var. trichoneurus. Their structures were elucidated by HRESIMS, NMR, ECD, and NMR quantum chemical calculations, along with DP4+ probability analysis. In bioassay, compound 1 exhibited significant activity to reverse the MDR in MCF-7/ADR cells, with an IC50 value of 4.4 µM. Further mechanistic studies revealed that compound 1 combined with doxorubicin could induce apoptosis of MCF-7/ADR cells and block the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Mechanistically, compound 1 could inhibit the efflux function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) using the zebrafish model. Finally, the enhanced chemotherapeutic effects of doxorubicin were further confirmed by in vivo zebrafish xenograft experiments.

Machine Learning-Based Etiologic Subtyping of Ischemic Stroke Using Circulating Exosomal microRNAs.

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Proper etiological subtyping of ischemic stroke is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies. This study explored the utility of circulating microRNAs encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EV-miRNAs) to distinguish the following ischemic stroke subtypes: large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardioembolic stroke (CES), and small artery occlusion (SAO). Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and machine-learning techniques, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) associated with each subtype. Through patient selection and diagnostic evaluation, a cohort of 70 patients with acute ischemic stroke was classified: 24 in the LAA group, 24 in the SAO group, and 22 in the CES group. Our findings revealed distinct EV-miRNA profiles among the groups, suggesting their potential as diagnostic markers. Machine-learning models, particularly logistic regression models, exhibited a high diagnostic accuracy of 92% for subtype discrimination. The collective influence of multiple miRNAs was more crucial than that of individual miRNAs. Additionally, bioinformatics analyses have elucidated the functional implications of DEMs in stroke pathophysiology, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms. Despite limitations like sample size constraints and retrospective design, our study underscores the promise of EV-miRNAs coupled with machine learning for ischemic stroke subtype classification. Further investigations are warranted to validate the clinical utility of the identified EV-miRNA biomarkers in stroke patients.

A fungal polysaccharide from Fomitopsis officinalis as a multi-target molecule to combat cancer.

Some macrofungi have a long history of being used as traditional or folk medicines, making significant contributions to human health. To discover bioactive molecules with potential anticancer properties, a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide (FOBP90-1) was purified from the medicinal macrofungus Fomitopsis officinalis. FOBP90-1 was found to have a molecular weight of 2.87 × 104 g/mol and mainly consist of →6)-α-d-Galp-(1→, →2,6)-α-d-Galp-(1→, →3)-α-l-Fucp-(1→, →6)-ß-d-Glcp-(1→, α-d-Manp-(1→, and 3-O-Me-α-l-Fucp-(1→ according to UV, FT-IR, methylation analysis, and NMR data. In addition to its structural properties, FOBP90-1 displayed anticancer activity in zebrafish models. The following mechanistic analysis discovered that the in vivo antitumor effect was linked to immune activation and angiogenesis inhibition. These effects were mediated by the interactions of FOBP90-1 with TLR-2, TLR-4, PD-L1, and VEGFR-2, as determined through a series of experiments involving cells, transgenic zebrafish, molecular docking simulations, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). All the experimental findings have demonstrated that FOBP90-1, a purified fungal polysaccharide, is expected to be utilized as a cancer treatment agent.

The Perioperative Effects of Preoperative Radiotherapy in Metastatic Spinal Tumor Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Radiotherapy is one of the important treatment options for metastatic spinal tumors but is not the definite intervention in all cases, as there are patients who still require surgical treatment because of severe pain or neurologic events after this treatment. We evaluated the perioperative effects of preoperative radiotherapy in these cases as a future guide for surgeons on critical considerations in this period. METHODS: We included 328 patients in this study who had undergone decompression and fusion surgery for metastatic spinal tumors. Patients who underwent surgery with preoperative radiotherapy were designated as the radiotherapy group (group RT, n = 81), and cases of surgery without preoperative radiotherapy were assigned to the non-radiotherapy group (group nRT, n = 247). We compared the demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative factors between these 2 groups. RESULTS: In terms of intraoperative factors, statistically significant differences were evident in operation time, estimated blood loss, and transfusion (RT vs. nRT: 188.1 ± 80.7 minutes vs. 231.2 ± 106.1 minutes, 607.2 ± 532.7 mL vs. 830.1 ± 1324.7 mL, and 30.9% vs. 43.3%, P < 0.001, P < 0.031, and P < 0.048, respectively). With regard to postoperative factors, the incidence of infection, wound problems, and local recurrence were statistically higher in group RT (RT vs. nRT: 6.2% vs. 0.8%, 12.3% vs. 0.8%, 23.4% vs. 13.7%, P = 0.004, P < 0.001, and P = 0.038, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative radiotherapy has the intraoperative advantages of reducing bleeding and shortening the operating time, but postoperative caution is needed because of the possibility of infection, wound problems, and local recurrence increases.

A facile method for separating fine water droplets dispersed in oil through a pre-wetted mesh membrane.

To achieve the successful separation of emulsions containing fine dispersed droplets and low volume fractions, a membrane with pore sizes comparable to or smaller than the droplet size is typically required. Although this approach is effective, its utilization is limited to the separation of emulsions with relatively large droplets. To overcome this limitation, a secondary membrane can be formed on the primary membrane to reduce pore size, but this can also be time-consuming and costly. Therefore, a facile and effective method is still required to be developed for separating emulsions with fine droplets. We introduce a pre-wetted mesh membrane with a pore size significantly larger than droplets, easily fabricated by wetting a hydrophilic stainless-steel mesh with water. Applying this membrane to emulsion separation via gravity-driven flow confirms a high efficiency greater than 98%, even with droplets approximately 10 times smaller than the pore size.

Reoperation Rates According to Surgical Approach After Operation for Degenerative Cervical Pathology in Patients With Athetoid Cerebral Palsy: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

STUDY DESIGN: National population-based cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The overall complication rate for patients with athetoid cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing cervical surgery is significantly higher than that of patients without CP. The study was conducted to compare the reoperation and complication rates of anterior fusion, posterior fusion, combined fusion, and laminoplasty for degenerative cervical myelopathy/radiculopathy in patients with athetoid cerebral palsy. METHODS: The Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service national database was used for analysis. Data from patients diagnosed with athetoid CP who underwent cervical spine operations for degenerative causes between 2002 and 2020 were reviewed. Patients were categorized into four groups for comparison: anterior fusion, posterior fusion, combined fusion, and laminoplasty. RESULTS: A total of 672 patients were included in the study. The overall revision rate was 21.0% (141/672). The revision rate was highest in the anterior fusion group (42.7%). The revision rates of combined fusion (11.1%; hazard ratio [HR], .335; P = .002), posterior fusion (13.8%; HR, .533; P = .030) were significantly lower than that of anterior fusion. Revision rate of laminoplasty (13.1%; HR, .541; P = .240) was also lower than anterior fusion although the result did not demonstrate statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Anterior fusion presented the highest reoperation risk after cervical spine surgery reaching 42.7% in patients with athetoid CP. Therefore, anterior-only fusion in patients with athetoid CP should be avoided or reserved for strictly selected patients. Combined fusion, with the lowest revision risk at 11.1%, could be safely applied to patients with athetoid CP.

Does Preoperative Radiation Therapy Performed for Metastatic Spine Cancer at the Cervical Spine Increase Perioperative Complications of Anterior Cervical Surgery?

Background: Radiation therapy (RT) performed before anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS) may cause fascial plane fibrosis, decreased soft-tissue vascularity, and vertebral body weakness, which could increase the risk of esophageal and major vessel injuries, wound complications, and construct subsidence. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether preoperative RT performed for metastatic spine cancer (MSC) at the cervical spine increases perioperative morbidity for ACSS. Methods: Forty-nine patients who underwent ACSS for treatment of MSC at the cervical spine were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients underwent anterior cervical corpectomy via the anterior approach. Patient demographics, surgical factors, operative factors, and complications were recorded. Results of patients who were initially treated with RT before ACSS (RT group) were compared with those who did not receive RT before ACSS (non-RT group). Results: Eighteen patients (36.7%) were included in the RT group, while the remaining 31 (63.3%) were included in the non-RT group. Surgery-related factors, including operation time (p = 0.109), estimated blood loss (p = 0.246), amount of postoperative drainage (p = 0.604), number of levels operated (p = 0.207), and number of patients who underwent combined posterior fusion (p = 0.768), did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. Complication rates, including esophageal injury, dural tear, infection, wound dehiscence, and mechanical failure, did not significantly differ between the RT and non-RT groups. Early subsidence was significantly greater in the non-RT group compared to that in the RT group (p = 0.012). Conclusions: RT performed before surgery for MSC does not increase the risk of wound complication, mechanical failure, or vital structure injury during ACSS. The surgical procedural approach was not complicated by previous RT history. Therefore, surgeons can safely choose the anterior approach when the number of levels or location of MSC favors anterior surgery, and performing a posterior surgery is unnecessary due to a concern that previous RT may increase complication rates of ACSS.

Risk factors of revision operation and early revision for adjacent segment degeneration after lumbar fusion surgery: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) following lumbar fusion operation is common and can occur at varying timepoints after index surgery. An early revision operation for ASD, however, signifies a short symptom-free period and might increase the risk of successive surgeries. PURPOSE: We aimed to elucidate the overall risk factors associated with revision surgeries for ASD with distinct attention to early revisions. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective, case-control study. PATIENT SAMPLE: The study included 86 patients who underwent revision operations for ASD after lumbar fusion in the revision group and 166 patients who did not for at least 5 years after index surgery. OUTCOME MEASURES: Sagittal parameters, Pfirrmann grading, facet degeneration grading, and disc space height (DSH) of adjacent segments were assessed. METHODS: Revision operations within 5 years postsurgery were defined as early revision. We compared the revision and no-revision groups as well as the early- and late-revision groups. RESULTS: The revision group demonstrated a significantly greater preoperative C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (p=.001), postoperative C7-S1 SVA (p<.001), and postoperative pelvic incidence (PI)-lumbar lordosis (LL) (p<.001) than those in the no-revision group. Preoperative DSH of the proximal adjunct segment (p=.001), postoperative PI-LL (p=.014), and postoperative C7-S1 SVA (p=.037) exhibited significant association with ASD in logistic regression analysis. The early-revision group had a significantly higher patient age (p=.001) and a greater number of levels fused (p=.030) than those in the late-revision group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that old age (p=.045), a significant number of levels fused (p=.047), and a narrow preoperative DSH of the proximal adjacent level (p=.011) were risk factors for early revision. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative sagittal imbalance, including significant PI-LL and C7-S1 SVA were risk factors for revision operation for ASD but not for early revision. These factors are likely to affect the long-term risk of revision operation due to ASD and thus are not considered risk factors for early revision. Narrow DSH of the proximal adjacent level increased the risks of both revision and early revision surgeries. Moreover, old age and a significant number of levels fused further increased the risk for early revision for ASD.

Shoulder balance in Lenke type 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: correlations among radiological indices, cosmetic indices, and patient-reported outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between radiological indices of shoulder balance (SB) and cosmetic indices of shoulder deformity in patients with Lenke type 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to determine the extent to which patient-reported outcomes (PROs) correlate with these measurements. Current management decisions and outcomes for SB in AIS are primarily based on radiological measurements. It is crucial to understand how these radiological parameters and cosmetic indices relate to patient satisfaction. METHODS: The authors analyzed the preoperative radiological and photographic indices of SB, along with PROs, in patients with Lenke type 2 AIS. Lateral SB parameters included the radiological shoulder height (RSH) and clavicle angle, while medial SB parameters included the first rib angle and T1 tilt angle. Photographic indices included the shoulder height angle (SHA), axilla height angle (AHA), and the left/right trapezius angle (LRTA) ratio. The authors assessed the self-image, mental health, and total score domains of the Korean version of the 22-item Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire. RESULTS: In their analysis of Lenke type 2 patients, the authors found that correlation coefficients between radiological measurements and photographic indices ranged from -0.25 to 0.47, among which only lateral SB including clavicle angle and RSH showed a significant correlation with anterior and posterior photographic indices. No statistically significant correlations were found between radiological measurements and PROs. Anterior photographic indices including SHA and AHA significantly correlated with all three PROs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Radiological shoulder parameters did not accurately reflect the perceived SB. Anterior photographic indices were reliable for evaluating clinical SB in patients with Lenke type 2 AIS and correlated with PROs. Spine surgeons may benefit from paying more attention to anterior photographic indices when making surgical decisions regarding clinical SB.

Effect of Osteoporosis on Clinical and Radiological Outcomes Following One-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate how osteoporosis affected the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with plating. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The incidence of complications associated with implants is high when ACDF is performed in patients with poor bone quality. METHODS: In total, 101 patients without (T-score ≥1.0, group A) and 25 with (T-score ≤-2.5, group B) osteoporosis who underwent single-level ACDF with plating were followed up for >2 years. The clinical and radiological outcomes were compared between the two groups. The fusion rate and implant-related complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Although clinical outcomes such as visual analog scale scores for the arm (2.0±2.3 vs. 2.4±2.9, p=0.490) and neck pain (1.4±1.9 vs. 1.8±2.2, p=0.343) and neck disability index (7.7±7.1 vs. 9.9±7.5, p=0.225) were slightly higher in group B, no statistically significant difference was noted. Cage subsidence (13.9% vs. 16.0%, p=0.755) and plate migration (7.9% vs. 8.0%, p=1.000) rates did not differ between the two groups. The fusion rate at 1 year postoperatively was higher in group A than in group B (80.3% vs. 68.2%, p=0.139) and slightly increased in both groups (94.6% vs. 86.4%, p=0.178) at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis did not significantly affect the rate of cage subsidence or plate migration after cervical fusion. After ACDF, increased cage subsidence and implant migration rates had no significant effect on clinical outcomes.

Characterization of the intestinal transport mechanism of polystyrene microplastics (MPs) and the potential inhibitory effect of green tea extracts on MPs intestinal absorption.

The aims of the current study included characterizing the intestinal transport mechanism of polystyrene microplastics (MPs) with different charges and sizes in the intestinal epithelial cell model and determining the inhibitory effect of green tea extracts (GTEs) on the intestinal absorption of MPs in Caco-2 cells. The smaller sizes, which included diameters of 0.2 µm, of amine-modified MPs compared to either larger size (1 µm diameter, or carboxylate-MPs (0.2 and 1 µm diameter) significantly lowered the cell viability of caco-2 cells that were measured by MTT assay (p < 0.05). The transported amount (particles/mL of the cell media) of amine-modified MPs by the Caco-2 cell, was not dependent according to the concentrations, energy, or temperature, but it was higher than the carboxylate-modified MPs. The co-treatment of GTEs with the amine-modified MPs inhibited Caco-2 cell cytotoxicity as well as reduced the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 generated by the exposure of amine-modified MPs. The GTEs co-treatment also increased trans-epithelial electrical resistances (TEER) and reduced the transportation of Lucifer Yellow via the Caco-2 monolayer compared to only the amine-modified MPs exposure. The GTEs treatment led to a decrease in the number of amine-modified MPs transported to the basal side of the Caco-2 monolayer. The results from our study suggest that the consumption of GTEs could enhance the intestinal barrier function by recovering intestinal epithelial cell damage induced by MPs, which resulted in a decrease of the intestinal absorption of MPs.

Does Sacral Slanting Affect Postoperative Shoulder Balance in Patients With Lenke Type 2A Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?

OBJECTIVE: Even minor sacral slanting can influence T1 tilt and shoulder balance. Yet, the relationship between sacral slanting and postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) has not been previously explored. To determine risk factors for PSI in Lenke 2A adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients, with an emphasis on sacral slanting. METHODS: The study encompassed 96 consecutive patients who had undergone posterior correction and fusion surgery for Lenke type 2A AIS. Patients were grouped into PSI(+) and PSI(-) based on postoperative outcomes. Additionally, they were classified into left-sided slanting, no slanting, and right-sided slanting groups according to the degree of sacral slanting. Various radiological measures were compared. RESULTS: Patients in the PSI(+) group exhibited a smaller preoperative proximal thoracic curve and a higher main thoracic curve correction rate than those in the PSI(-) group. The presence or absence of sacral slanting did not exhibit a significant variation in PSI occurrence. However, the right-sided sacral slanting group showed a larger delta radiologic shoulder height compared to the other 2 groups (7.1 mm vs. 1.5 & 3.3 mm). CONCLUSION: Sacral slanting was not directly linked to the development of PSI. Despite the common postoperative elevation of the left shoulder, the shoulder height differences decreased over the follow-up period. Especially in cases with a right-sided tilted sacrum, the PSI demonstrated progressive improvement, with an associated increase in the rightward distal wedging angle, leading to distal adding-on.

Novel Screw Placement Method for Extremely Small Lumbar Pedicles in Scoliosis.

Study Design: Consecutive case series. Objective: To propose a screw placement method in patients with extremely small lumbar pedicles (ESLPs) (<2 mm) to maintain screw density and correction power, without relying on the O-arm navigation system. Summary of Background Data: In scoliosis surgery, ESLPs can hinder probe passage, resulting in exclusion or substitution of the pedicle screws with a hook. Screw density affects correction power, making it necessary to maximize the number of screw placements, especially in the lumbar curve. Limited studies provide technical guidelines for screw placement in patients with ESLPs, independent of the O-arm navigation system. Methods: We enrolled 19 patients who underwent scoliosis correction surgery using our novel screw placement method for ESLPs. Clinical, radiological, and surgical parameters were assessed. After posterior exposure of the spine, the C-arm fluoroscope was rotated to obtain a true posterior-anterior view and both pedicles were symmetrically visualized. An imaginary pedicle outline was presumed based on the elliptical or linear shadow from the pedicle. The screw entry point was established at a 2 (or 10) o'clock position in the presumed pedicle outline. After adjusting the gear-shift convergence, both cortices of the transverse process were penetrated and the tip was advanced towards the lateral vertebral body wall, where an extrapedicular screw was placed with tricortical fixation. Results: Out of 90 lumbar screws in 19 patients, 33 screws were inserted using our novel method, without correction loss or complications during an average follow-up period of 28.44 months, except radiological loosening of one screw. Conclusions: Our new extrapedicular screw placement method into the vertebral body provides an easy, accurate, and safe alternative for scoliosis patients with ESLPs without relying on the O-arm navigation system. Surgeons must consider utilizing this method to enhance correction power in scoliosis surgery, regardless of the small size of the lumbar pedicle.

Rapid deep learning-assisted predictive diagnostics for point-of-care testing.

Prominent techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and rapid kits are currently being explored to both enhance sensitivity and reduce assay time for diagnostic tests. Existing commercial molecular methods typically take several hours, while immunoassays can range from several hours to tens of minutes. Rapid diagnostics are crucial in Point-of-Care Testing (POCT). We propose an approach that integrates a time-series deep learning architecture and AI-based verification, for the enhanced result analysis of lateral flow assays. This approach is applicable to both infectious diseases and non-infectious biomarkers. In blind tests using clinical samples, our method achieved diagnostic times as short as 2 minutes, exceeding the accuracy of human analysis at 15 minutes. Furthermore, our technique significantly reduces assay time to just 1-2 minutes in the POCT setting. This advancement has the potential to greatly enhance POCT diagnostics, enabling both healthcare professionals and non-experts to make rapid, accurate decisions.

New Pimarane Diterpenoids Isolated from EtOAc-Extract of Apiospora arundinis Culture Medium Show Antibenign Prostatic Hyperplasia Potential.

Three new pimarane diterpenoids, libertellenones U-W (1-3), together with libertellenone C (4) and myrocin A (5) were isolated from an EtOAc-extract of Apiospora arundinis culture medium. The chemical structures of the new compounds were elucidated using MS, NMR, and CD spectroscopic data. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the abnormal and pathological proliferation of epithelial and stromal cells in prostatic tissues, is a common disease in middle-aged and elderly men. In this study, the anti-BPH effects of myrocin A (5) were evaluated using BPH-1 and WPMY-1 cells. Treatment with myrocin A (5) exerted antiproliferative effects in BPH-1 and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-stimulated WPMY-1 cells. In BPH, treatment with myrocin A (5) significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of androgen receptor (AR) and its downstream targets nuclear receptor coactivator 1 (NCOA1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3). Additionally, DHT-stimulated WPMY-1 cells demonstrated an upregulated mRNA levels of AR, NCOA1, PCNA, and KLK3. However, treatment with myrocin A (5) resulted in suppression of the mRNA levels. Moreover, myrocin A (5) docked computationally into the binding site of the androgen receptor (-5.5 kcal/mol).

Connecting the S2 alar-iliac screw head to the satellite rod for surgical correction of degenerative sagittal imbalance.

PURPOSE: The S2AI screw technique has several advantages over the conventional iliac screw fixation technique. However, connecting the S2AI screw head to the main rod is difficult due to its medial entry point. We introduce a new technique for connecting the S2AI screw head to a satellite rod and compare it with the conventional method of connecting the S2AI screw to the main rod. METHODS: Seventy-four patients who underwent S2AI fixation for degenerative sagittal imbalance and were followed up for ≥ 2 years were included. All the patients underwent long fusion from T9 or T10 to the pelvis. The S2AI screw head was connected to the satellite rod (SS group) in 43 patients and the main rod (SM group) in 31 patients. In the SS group, the satellite rod was placed medial to the main rod and connected by the S2AI screw and domino connectors. In the SM group, the main rod was connected directly to the S2AI screw head and supported by accessory rods. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in postoperative complications, including proximal junctional failure, proximal junctional kyphosis, rod breakage, screw loosening, wound problems, and infection between the two groups. Furthermore, the correction power of sagittal deformity and clinical results in the SS group were comparable to those in the SM group. CONCLUSION: Connecting the S2AI screw to the satellite rod is a convenient method comparable to the conventional S2AI connection method in terms of radiological and clinical outcomes.

Mass spectrometry-guided isolation of thiodiketopiperazines from an EtOAc-extract of Setosphaeria rostrata culture medium and their anti-skin aging effects on TNF-α-induced human dermal fibroblasts.

Using mass spectrometry (MS)-guided isolation methods, a new thiodiketopiperazine derivative (1) and exserohilone (2) were isolated from an EtOAc-extract of Setosphaeria rostrata culture medium. The chemical structure of the new compound was elucidated by MS and NMR spectroscopy, and the absolute configurations were established by the quantum mechanical calculations of electronic circular dichroism. All isolated compounds were examined for their effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) secretion, and procollagen type I α1 secretion in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced human dermal fibroblasts. Compound 1 and exserohilone (2) exhibited the inhibition of TNF-α-induced ROS generation and MMP-1 secretion. Additionally, compound 1 and exserohilone (2) increased the procollagen type I α1 secretion. Compound 1 docked computationally into the active site of MMP-1 (-6.0 kcal/mol).

Subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma in a cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis).

Leiomyosarcoma, a malignant tumour originating from smooth muscle cells, has rarely been documented in non-human primates. In this case study, a 7-year-old female cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) presented with a rapidly growing mass overlying the left elbow joint. Radiographs indicated the presence of a soft tissue neoplasm without any associated bone involvement. The mass was surgically resected. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed spindle-shaped cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm that resembled smooth muscle cells, exhibiting positive immunoreactions for vimentin, desmin and smooth muscle actin and a negative reaction for pan-cytokeratin. This is the first reported case of subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma in a cynomolgus macaque and provides important insights into the incidence and characteristics of this condition in this species.