Egr2 drives the differentiation of Ly6Chi monocytes into fibrosis-promoting macrophages in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in mice.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a growing concern worldwide, with liver fibrosis being a critical determinant of its prognosis. Monocyte-derived macrophages have been implicated in MASH-associated liver fibrosis, yet their precise roles and the underlying differentiation mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we unveil a key orchestrator of this process: long chain saturated fatty acid-Egr2 pathway. Our findings identify the transcription factor Egr2 as the driving force behind monocyte differentiation into hepatic lipid-associated macrophages (hLAMs) within MASH liver. Notably, Egr2-deficiency reroutes monocyte differentiation towards a macrophage subset resembling resident Kupffer cells, hampering hLAM formation. This shift has a profound impact, suppressing the transition from benign steatosis to liver fibrosis, demonstrating the critical pro-fibrotic role played by hLAMs in MASH pathogenesis. Long-chain saturated fatty acids that accumulate in MASH liver emerge as potent inducers of Egr2 expression in macrophages, a process counteracted by unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, oral oleic acid administration effectively reduces hLAMs in MASH mice. In conclusion, our work not only elucidates the intricate interplay between saturated fatty acids, Egr2, and monocyte-derived macrophages but also highlights the therapeutic promise of targeting the saturated fatty acid-Egr2 axis in monocytes for MASH management.

Endothelial ROBO4 suppresses PTGS2/COX-2 expression and inflammatory diseases.

Accumulating evidence suggests that endothelial cells can be useful therapeutic targets. One of the potential targets is an endothelial cell-specific protein, Roundabout4 (ROBO4). ROBO4 has been shown to ameliorate multiple diseases in mice, including infectious diseases and sepsis. However, its mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, using RNA-seq analysis, we found that ROBO4 downregulates prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), which encodes cyclooxygenase-2. Mechanistic analysis reveals that ROBO4 interacts with IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) and TNF receptor-associated factor 7 (TRAF7), a ubiquitin E3 ligase. In this complex, ROBO4 enhances IQGAP1 ubiquitination through TRAF7, inhibits prolonged RAC1 activation, and decreases PTGS2 expression in inflammatory endothelial cells. In addition, Robo4-deficiency in mice exacerbates PTGS2-associated inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, edema, and pain. Thus, we reveal the molecular mechanism by which ROBO4 suppresses the inflammatory response and vascular hyperpermeability, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases.

Evaluation and Rehabilitation after Adult Lumbar Spine Surgery.

Purpose: With an increase in the proportion of elderly patients, the global burden of spinal disease is on the rise. This is gradually expected to increase the number of surgical procedures all over the world in the near future. As we know, rehabilitation following spine surgery is critical for optimal recovery. However, the current literature lacks consensus regarding the appropriate post-operative rehabilitation protocol. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the optimal protocol for rehabilitation after lumbar spine surgery in adults. Materials and Methods: The goals of rehabilitation after lumbar spine surgery are to improve physical and psychosocial function and may include multiple modalities such as physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, specialized instruments, and instructions to be followed during activities of daily living. In recent years, not only are a greater number of spine surgeries being performed, but various different techniques of lumbar spine surgery and spinal fusion have also emerged. (1) Our review summarizes post-operative rehabilitation under the following headings-1. Historical aspects, 2. Subjective functional outcomes, and (3) Actual rehabilitation measures, including balance. Results: Physical therapy programs need to be patient-specific and surgery-specific, such that they consider patient-reported outcome measures and take into consideration the technique of spinal fusion used and the muscle groups involved in these surgeries. By doing so, it is possible to assess the level of functional impairment and then specifically target the strengthening of those muscle groups affected by surgery whilst also improving impaired balance and allowing a return to daily activities. Conclusions: Rehabilitation is a multi-faceted journey to restore mobility, function, and quality of life. The current rehabilitation practice focuses on muscle strengthening, but the importance of spinal balance is less elaborated. We thus equally emphasize muscle strengthening and balance improvement post-lumbar spine surgery.

A Novel Technique for Basilar Invagination Treatment in a Patient with Klippel-Feil Syndrome: A Clinical Example and Brief Literature Review.

Objectives and Background: To present a novel technique of treatment for a patient with basilar invagination. Basilar invagination (BI) is a congenital condition that can compress the cervicomedullary junction, leading to neurological deficits. Severe cases require surgical intervention, but there is debate over the choice of approach. The anterior approach allows direct decompression but carries high complication rates, while the posterior approach provides indirect decompression and offers good stability with fewer complications. Materials and Methods: A 15-year-old boy with severe myelopathy presented to our hospital with neck pain, bilateral upper limb muscle weakness, and hand numbness persisting for 4 years. Additionally, he experienced increased numbness and gait disturbance three months before his visit. On examination, he exhibited hyperreflexia in both upper and lower limbs, muscle weakness in the bilateral upper limbs (MMT 4), bilateral hypoesthesia below the elbow and in both legs, mild urinary and bowel incontinence, and a spastic gait. Radiographs revealed severe basilar invagination (BI). Preoperative images showed severe BI and that the spinal cord was severely compressed with odontoid process. Results: The patient underwent posterior surgery with the C-arm free technique. All screws including occipital screws were inserted into the adequate position under navigation guidance. Reduction was achieved with skull rotation and distraction. A follow-up at one year showed the following results: Manual muscle testing results and sensory function tests showed almost full recovery, with bilateral arm recovery (MMT 5) and smooth walking. The cervical Japanese Orthopedic Association score of the patient improved from 9/17 to 16/17. Postoperative images showed excellent spinal cord decompression, and no major or severe complications had occurred. Conclusions: Basilar invagination alongside Klippel-Feil syndrome represents a relatively uncommon condition. Utilizing a posterior approach for treating reducible BI with a C-arm-free technique proved to be a safe method in addressing severe myelopathy. This novel navigation technique yields excellent outcomes for patients with BI.

Use of a Triaxial Accelerometer to Measure Changes in Gait Sway and Related Motor Function after Corrective Spinal Fusion Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity.

Background: Adult spinal deformity is a complex condition that causes lower back pain, causing spinal imbalance and discomfort in activities of daily life. After corrective spinal surgery, patients' gait and balance abilities might not revert to normalcy and they might be at increased risk of falling. Therefore, early evaluation of such a risk is imperative to prevent further complications such as a fall, or even worse, fractures in post-surgery ASD patients. However, there has been no report of an investigation of such early changes in gait sway before and after ASD surgery. This is a prospective to investigate changes in gait sway before and following ASD surgery, using accelerometers, and also to examine motor function related to postoperative gait sway. Methods: Twenty patients were included who underwent corrective surgery as treatment for ASD, from October 2019 to January 2023. Measurement parameters included a 10 m walking test and the timed up-and-go test (TUG), gait sway was evaluated using accelerometers (root mean square; RMS), and hip flexion and knee extension muscle strength were tested. RMS included RMS vertical: RMSV; RMS anterior posterior: RMSAP; RMS medial lateral: RMSML. The radiographic spinopelvic parameters were also evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. p < 0.05 was noted as remarkably significant. Results: Preoperative and postoperative RMSV were 1.07 ± 0.6 and 1.31 ± 0.8, respectively (p < 0.05). RMSML significantly decreased from 0.33 ± 0.2 to 0.19 ± 0.1 postoperatively (p < 0.01). However, RMSAP did not change postoperatively (0.20 ± 0.2 vs. 0.14 ± 0.1, p > 0.05). Patients' one-month postoperative hip flexor muscle strength became significantly weaker (0.16 ± 0.04 vs. 0.10 ± 0.03 kgf/kg, p = 0.002), but TUG was maintained (11.6 ± 4.2 vs. 11.7 s, p = 0.305). RMSV was negatively correlated with quadriceps muscle strength and positively with TUG. RMSAP was negatively correlated with quadriceps muscle strength. All spinopelvic parameters became normal range after surgery. Conclusions: After corrective spinal fusion for ASD patients, the gait pattern improved significantly. Iliopsoas (hip flexor) and quadriceps femoris (knee extensor) muscles may play important roles for gait anterolateral and vertical swing, respectively.

Retrospective Cohort Study of Early versus Delayed Ballon Kyphoplasty Intervention for Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture Treatment.

Objectives: To investigate the outcomes of early balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) intervention compared with late intervention for osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF). Background: Osteoporotic vertebral fracture can lead to kyphotic deformity, severe back pain, depression, and disturbances in activities of daily living (ADL). Balloon kyphoplasty has been widely utilized to treat symptomatic OVFs and has proven to be a very effective surgical option for this condition. Furthermore, BKP is relatively a safe and effective method due to its reduced acrylic cement leakage and greater kyphosis correction. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at our hospital for patients who underwent BKP for osteoporotic vertebral fractures in the time frame between January 2020 and December 2022. Ninety-nine patients were included in this study, and they were classified into two groups: in total, 36 patients underwent early BKP intervention (EI) at <4 weeks, and 63 patients underwent late BKP intervention (LI) at ≥4 weeks. We performed a clinical, radiological and statistical comparative evaluation for the both groups with a mean follow-up of one year. Results: Adjacent segmental fractures were more frequently observed in the LI group compared to the EI group (33.3% vs. 13.9%, p = 0.034). There was a significant improvement in postoperative vertebral angles in both groups (p = 0.036). The cement volume injected was 7.42 mL in the EI, compared with 6.3 mL in the LI (p = 0.007). The mean surgery time was shorter in the EI, at 30.2 min, compared with 37.1 min for the LI, presenting a significant difference (p = 0.0004). There was no statistical difference in the pain visual analog scale (VAS) between the two groups (p = 0.711), and there was no statistical difference in cement leakage (p = 0.192). Conclusions/Level of Evidence: Early BKP for OVF treatment may achieve better outcomes and fewer adjacent segmental fractures than delayed intervention.

Extremely Rare Complications in Uniportal Spinal Endoscopy: A Systematic Review with Unique Case Analyses.

Background: Endoscopic spine surgery represents a significant advancement in the minimally invasive treatment of spinal disorders, promising reduced surgical invasiveness while aiming to maintain or improve clinical outcomes. This study undertakes a comprehensive review of the literature on endoscopic spine surgery, with a particular focus on cataloging and analyzing the range of complications, from common postoperative issues to more severe, casuistic outcomes like dural tears and nerve damage. Methods: Our methodology encompassed a detailed review of meta-analyses, prospective randomized trials, cohort studies, and case reports to capture a broad spectrum of complications associated with endoscopic spine techniques. The emphasis was on identifying both the frequency and severity of these complications to understand better the procedural risks. Results: The findings suggest that endoscopic spine surgery generally exhibits a lower complication rate compared to traditional surgical approaches. Nonetheless, the identification of specific, rare complications peculiar to endoscopic methods underscores the critical need for surgeons' advanced skills, continuous learning, and awareness of potential risks. Conclusions: Recognizing and preparing for the potential complications associated with the rapid adoption of endoscopic techniques is paramount to ensuring patient safety and improving surgical outcomes in minimally invasive spine surgery.

Is Proximal Triangular Fixation Better than the Conventional Method in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery?

In adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery, one of the key factors working to prevent proximal junctional kyphosis is the proximal anchor. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of triangular fixation with conventional fixation as proximal anchoring techniques in ASD surgery. We retrospectively evaluated 54 patients who underwent corrective spinal fusion for ASD. Fourteen patients underwent proximal triangular fixation (Group T; average 74.6 years), and 40 patients underwent the conventional method (Group C; average 70.5 years). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) values for back pain and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Radiographic evaluation was also collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Surgical times and intraoperative blood loss of the two groups were not significantly different (493 vs 490 min, 1,260 vs 1,173 mL). Clinical outcomes such as VAS and ODI were comparable in the two groups. Proximal junctional kyphosis in group T was slightly lower than that of group C (28.5% vs 47.5%, p=0.491). However, based on radiology, proximal screw pullout occurred significantly less frequently in the triangular fixation group than the conventional group (0.0% vs 22.5%, p=0.049). Clinical outcomes in the two groups were not significantly different.

Our C-Arm-Free Minimally Invasive Technique for Spinal Surgery: The Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Spine-Based on Our Experiences.

Background and Objectives: The implementation of intraoperative imaging in the procedures performed under the guidance of the same finds its history dating back to the early 1990s. This practice was abandoned due to many deficits and practicality. Later, fluoroscopy-dependent techniques were developed and have been used even in the present time, albeit with several disadvantages. With the recent advancement of several complex surgical techniques, which demand higher accuracy and are in conjunction with the existence of radiation exposure hazard, C-arm-free techniques were introduced. In this review study, we aim to demonstrate the various types of these techniques performed in our hospital. Materials and Methods: We have retrospectively analyzed and collected imaging data of C-arm-free, minimally invasive techniques performed in our hospital. The basic steps of the procedures are described, following with a discussion, along with the literature of findings, enlisting the merits and demerits. Results: MIS techniques of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine that do not require the use of the C-arm can offer excellent results with high precision. However, several disadvantages may prevail in certain circumstances such as the navigation accuracy problem where in the possibility of perioperative complications comes a high morbidity rate. Conclusions: The accustomedness of performing these techniques requires a steep learning curve. The increase in accuracy and the decrease in radiation exposure in complex spinal surgery can overcome the burden hazards and can prove to be cost-effective.

Utility of desflurane as an anesthetic in motor-evoked potentials in spine surgery and the facilitating effect in tetanic stimulation of bilateral median nerves.

Although desflurane is a safe and controllable inhalation anesthetic used in spinal surgery, to our knowledge, there have been no reports of successful motor-evoked potential (MEP) recordings under general anesthesia with desflurane alone. A high desflurane concentration may reduce the risk of intraoperative awareness but can also reduce the success of MEP recording. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the reliability of MEP monitoring and investigate whether tetanic stimulation can augment MEP amplitude under general anesthesia with high-concentration desflurane during spinal surgery. We prospectively evaluated 46 patients who were scheduled to undergo lumbar surgery at a single center between 2018 and 2020. Anesthesia was maintained with an end-tidal concentration of 4% desflurane and remifentanil. Compound muscle action potentials were recorded bilaterally from the abductor pollicis brevis, abductor hallucis, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and quadriceps. For post-tetanic MEPs (p-MEPs), tetanic stimulation was applied to the median nerves (p-MEPm) and tibial nerves (p-MEPt) separately before transcranial stimulation. The average success rates for conventional MEP (c-MEP), p-MEPm, and p-MEPt were 77.9%, 80%, and 79.3%, respectively. The p-MEPm amplitudes were significantly higher than the c-MEP amplitudes in all muscles (P < 0.05), whereas the p-MEPt amplitudes were not significantly different from the c-MEP amplitudes. The MEP recording success rates for the gastrocnemius and quadriceps were inadequate. However, bilateral median nerve tetanic stimulation can effectively augment MEPs safely under general anesthesia with high-concentration desflurane in patients who undergo spinal surgery.

Identification of small compounds that inhibit multiple myeloma proliferation by targeting c-Maf transcriptional activity.

Multiple myeloma displays the clonal B cell expansion and the overproduction of monoclonal immunoglobulins. Genetic translocations at 14q32, particularly with partners like 16q23, lead to the dysregulation of oncogene expression, including the significant enhancement of c-Maf. This aberrant expression of c-Maf has prompted research into strategies for targeting this transcription factor as a potential therapeutic avenue for multiple myeloma treatment. In this study, we introduce a screening pipeline to test small compounds for their ability to inhibit c-Maf. Using a luciferase indicator driven by the Ccl8 gene promoter, we identified two small compounds that inhibit transcriptional activity of c-Maf. These molecules impede the proliferation of c-Maf-expressing myeloma cells, and repress the expression of c-Maf target genes such as ITGB7 and CCR1. Importantly, these molecules target c-Maf-expressing multiple myeloma cells, but not c-Maf-negative myeloma cells, showing potential for tailoring therapeutic intervention. In conclusion, our screening pipeline is effective to explore leads for a novel c-Maf inhibitor for multiple myeloma therapy.

Lateral access minimally invasive spine surgery in adult spinal deformity.

Background: Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and percutaneous posterior approach for screw fixation (PPS) is the latest minimal invasive treatment for spinal deformity in adult patients (ASD). This study aims to design and highlight key points for ASD correction. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 54 patients who had undergone OLIF with PPS for ASD from October 2019 to January 2022 (average 71.5 ± 6.2 years-old, male 4, female 50) with a mean follow-up period of 29.2 months. Clinical outcomes are expressed by values including the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for back pain. The imagistic assessment was also performed preoperatively and at 12, and 24 months postoperatively. For OLIF51, CT- MRI fusion images were obtained before surgery. Results: Postoperative ODI and VAS were 30.5 ± 18.9% and 31.2 ± 6.9 mm, respectively. The average operating time and blood loss during the surgical exposure was 490.9 ± 85.4 min and 1195.2 ± 653.8 ml. Preoperative SVA, PI-LL, and PT were 96.5 ± 55.9 mm, 39.3 ± 22.1°, 34.5 ± 11.0°, respectively. Postoperatively, SVA and PT became normal (24.1 ± 39.0 mm, 17.1 ± 10.3°) and PI-LL was ideal (2.4 ± 12.6°). Postoperative ODI and VAS were 30.5 ± 18.9% and 31.2 ± 6.9 mm. For OLIF51, the results revealed gain in L5-S1 lordosis and intervertebral disc height 9.4° and 4.2 mm respectively. The complications consisted of PJK in 21 cases (38.9%), rod breakage in 5 cases (9.3%), deep or superficial wound infection in 2 cases (3.7%). Conclusion: Clinical and imagistic results of OLIF and PPS for ASD were excellent. The radiographic measurements revealed that OLIF51 created good L5-S1 lordosis and significant L5-S1 disc height. CT-MRI fusion images were very useful for evaluating vascular anatomy for OLIF51.

Minimal Clinically Important Differences in Gait and Balance Ability in Patients Who Underwent Corrective Long Spinal Fusion for Adult Spinal Deformity.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. BACKGROUND: The risk of a femoral neck fracture due to a fall after adult spinal deformity surgery has been reported. One of the most significant factors among walking and balance tests in post-operative ASD patients was the timed up-and-go test (TUG). This study aims to calculate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in balance tests after ASD surgery. METHODS: Forty-eight patients, 4 males and 44 females, were included by exclusion criteria in 66 consecutive patients who underwent corrective surgery as a treatment for ASD at our institution from June 2017 to February 2022. The inclusion criteria for this study were age ≥50 years; and no history of high-energy trauma. The exclusion criteria were dementia, severe deformity of the lower extremities, severe knee or hip osteoarthritis, history of central nervous system disorders, cancer, and motor severe paralysis leading to gait disorders. The surgeries were performed in two stages, first, the oblique lumber interbody fusion (OLIF) L1 to L5 (or S1), and second, the posterior corrective fusion basically from T10 to pelvis. For outcome assessment, 10 m walk velocity, TUG, ODI, and spinopelvic parameters were used. RESULTS: Ten meter walk velocity of pre-operation and post-operation were 1.0 ± 0.3 m/s and 1.2 ± 0.2 m/s, respectively (p < 0.01). The TUG of pre-operation and post-operation were 12.1 ± 3.7 s and 9.7 ± 2.2 s, respectively (p < 0.01). The ODI improved from 38.6 ± 12.8% to 24.2 ± 15.9% after surgery (p < 0.01). All post-operative parameters except PI obtained statistically significant improvement after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of MCID of the 10 m walk velocity and TUG after ASD surgery. Ten meter walk velocity and the TUG improved after surgery; their improvement values were correlated with the ODI. MCID using the anchor-based approach for 10 m walk velocity and the TUG were 0.10 m/s and 2.0 s, respectively. These MCID values may be useful for rehabilitation after ASD surgery.

A C-Arm-Free Minimally Invasive Technique for Spinal Surgery: Cervical and Thoracic Spine.

Background and Objectives: C-arm-free MIS techniques can offer significantly reduced rates of postoperative complications such as inadequate decompression, blood loss, and instrumentation misplacement. Another advantageous long-term aspect is the notably diminished exposure to radiation, which is known to cause malignant changes. This study emphasizes that, in some cases of spinal conditions that require a procedural intervention, C-arm-free MIS techniques hold stronger indications than open surgeries guided by image intensifiers. Materials and Methods: This study includes a retrospective analysis and review of various cervical and thoracic spinal procedures, performed in our hospital, applying C-arm-free techniques. The course of this study explains the basic steps of the procedures and demonstrates postoperative and intraoperative results. For anterior cervical surgery, we performed OPLL resection, while for posterior cervical surgery, we performed posterior fossa decompression for Chiari malformation, minimally invasive cervical pedicle screw fixation (MICEPS), and modified Goel technique with C1 lateral mass screw for atlantoaxial subluxation. Regarding the thoracic spine, we performed anterior correction for Lenke type 5 scoliosis and transdiscal screw fixation for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis fractures. Results: C-arm-free techniques are safe procedures that provide precise and high-quality postoperative results by offering sufficient spine alignment and adequate decompression depending on the case. Navigation can offer significant assistance in the absence of normal anatomical landmarks, yet the surgeon should always appraise the quality of the information received from the software. Conclusions: Navigated C-arm-free techniques are safe and precise procedures implemented in the treatment of surgically demanding conditions. They can significantly increase accuracy while decreasing operative time. They represent the advancement in the field of spine surgery and are hailed as the future of the same.

Cold-programmed shape-morphing structures based on grayscale digital light processing 4D printing.

Shape-morphing structures that can reconfigure their shape to adapt to diverse tasks are highly desirable for intelligent machines in many interdisciplinary fields. Shape memory polymers are one of the most widely used stimuli-responsive materials, especially in 3D/4D printing, for fabricating shape-morphing systems. They typically go through a hot-programming step to obtain the shape-morphing capability, which possesses limited freedom of reconfigurability. Cold-programming, which directly deforms the structure into a temporary shape without increasing the temperature, is simple and more versatile but has stringent requirements on material properties. Here, we introduce grayscale digital light processing (g-DLP) based 3D printing as a simple and effective platform for fabricating shape-morphing structures with cold-programming capabilities. With the multimaterial-like printing capability of g-DLP, we develop heterogeneous hinge modules that can be cold-programmed by simply stretching at room temperature. Different configurations can be encoded during 3D printing with the variable distribution and direction of the modular-designed hinges. The hinge module allows controllable independent morphing enabled by cold programming. By leveraging the multimaterial-like printing capability, multi-shape morphing structures are presented. The g-DLP printing with cold-programming morphing strategy demonstrates enormous potential in the design and fabrication of shape-morphing structures.

Assessment of two entry points for S2 alar-iliac screw in a Japanese cohort using three-dimensional computed tomography scan.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Lumbosacral fusion supplemented with sacropelvic fusion has recently been increasingly employed for correcting spinal deformity and is associated with lower incidence of pseudarthrosis and implant failure. To date, few studies have evaluated anatomical parameters and technical feasibility between different entry points for S2 alar-iliac screws. PURPOSE: To compare anatomical parameters and technical feasibility of two entry points for the S2 alar-iliac screw (S2AIS) in a Japanese cohort using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT). STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Fifteen men and 15 women aged 50-79 years who underwent pelvic CT at our hospital in 2013. OUTCOME MEASURES: Screw length, lateral angulation, caudal angulation, angle range, distance from the entry point to the sacroiliac joint, distance from the S2AIS to the acetabular roof, distance from the S2AIS to the sciatic notch, and insertion difficulty. METHODS: We used 30 pelvic CT images (15 men and 15 women). We selected two entry points from previous studies: one was 1 mm distal and 1 mm lateral to the S1 dorsal foramen (A group) and the other was the midpoint between the S1 and S2 dorsal foramen (B group). We resliced the plane in which the pelvis was sectioned obliquely from these entry points to the anterior inferior iliac spine in the sagittal plane. We placed the shortest and longest virtual S2AISs bilaterally in this plane using a 4-mm margin. We measured screw length, lateral angulation, caudal angulation, angle range, distance from the entry point to the sacroiliac joint, distance from the S2AIS to the acetabular roof, distance from the S2AIS to the sciatic notch, and insertion difficulty. These measurements were compared between Groups A and B. RESULTS: In group A, the angle in the sagittal plane was significantly smaller and the distance from the entry point to the sciatic notch was significantly longer than in group B. Group B demonstrated a significantly longer screw length, longer distance from the entry point to the sacroiliac joint, and longer distance from the entry point to the acetabular roof than group A. The rate of insertion difficulty of S2AIS was much higher in group A. CONCLUSIONS: Insertion of S2AIS from the midpoint between the S1 and S2 dorsal foramen compared with the entry at distal and lateral to S1 foramen enables insertion of longer screws with low insertion difficulty.

Construction of a reduced-order model based on tensor decomposition and its application to airbag deployment simulations.

We present a construction method for reduced-order models (ROMs) to explore alternatives to numerical simulations. The proposed method can efficiently construct ROMs for non-linear problems with contact and impact behaviors by using tensor decomposition for factorizing multidimensional data and Akima-spline interpolation without tuning any parameters. First, we construct learning tensor data of nodal displacements or accelerations using finite element analysis with some representative parameter sets. Second, the data are decomposed into a set of mode matrices and one small core tensor using Tucker decomposition. Third, Akima-spline interpolation is applied to the mode matrices to predict values within the data range. Finally, the time history responses with new parameter sets are generated by multiplying the expanded mode matrices and small core tensor. The performance of the proposed method is studied by constructing ROMs for airbag impact simulations based on limited learning data. The proposed ROMs can accurately predict airbag deployment behavior even for new parameter sets using the Akima-spline interpolation scheme. Furthermore, an extremely high data compression ratio (more than 1000) and efficient predictions of the response surfaces and Pareto frontier (2000 times faster than that of full finite element analyses using all parameter sets) can be realized.

A high-sensitivity ELISA for detection of human FGF18 in culture supernatants from tumor cell lines.

Fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) is elevated in several human cancers, such as gastrointestinal and ovarian cancers, and stimulates the proliferation of tumor cells. This suggests that FGF18 may be a promising candidate biomarker in cancer patients. However, the lack of a high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) does not permit testing of this possibility. In this study, we generated monoclonal antibodies against human FGF18 and developed a high-sensitivity ELISA to measure human FGF18 at concentrations as low as 10 pg/mL. Of the eight tumor cell lines investigated, we detected human FGF18 in culture supernatants from four tumor cell lines, including HeLa, OVCAR-3, BxPC-3, and SW620 cells, albeit the production levels were relatively low in the latter two cell lines. Moreover, the in-house ELISA could detect murine FGF18 in sera from mice overexpressing murine Fgf18 in hepatocytes, although the sensitivity in detecting murine FGF18 was relatively low. This FGF18 ELISA could be a valuable tool to validate FGF18 as a potential biomarker for cancer patients and to test the contribution of FGF18 for various disease models invivo and in vitro.

Accurate Posterior Fossa Decompression Technique for Chiari Malformation Type I and a Syringomyelia With Navigation: A Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Posterior fossa decompression (PFD) has been widely accepted for the surgical treatment for Chiari malformation type I (CM1). However, inadequate decompression causes surgical mortality and complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, or progression of syrinx and symptoms. The authors report a novel technique of PFD under navigation. METHODS: Five female patients with CM1 who developed severe symptoms and underwent surgical treatment were evaluated (mean age 14.0 years; mean follow-up 1.3 years). Surgical outcomes, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, and operative complications were assessed. RESULTS: Four patients with CM1 who developed severe symptoms and underwent surgery were evaluated (mean age 14 years; mean follow-up 1.2 years). All patients were treated with PFD, C1 (and partial C2) laminoplasty to decompress the spinal cord under navigation guidance. Suboccipital craniectomy with 3 cm in diameter around the foramen magnum was performed. The postoperative radiograms and computed tomographic images showed adequate bony resection for CM1. Average surgical time was 114 minutes and average blood loss was 82 mL. There were no postoperative complications. After surgery, the numbness and muscle weakness of the patients were improved. The final follow-up magnetic resonance imaging displayed a good decompression of cerebral tonsile, and cervical syringomyelia was decreased. CONCLUSIONS: PFD under navigation guidance can reduce inappropriate decompression and may decrease a revision surgery. During decompression surgery, cerebrospinal fluid leakage can be prevented using an ultrasonic bone cutter and navigation.

Comparison of self-reported symptoms in COVID-19 patients who had or had not previously received COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.

Although mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been reported for high effectiveness against symptoms, it remains unclear whether post-vaccination infections are less symptomatic than infections in vaccine-naive individuals. We included patients with COVID-19 diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction tests during Japan's alpha and delta variant epidemics. COVID-19 symptoms at approximately 4 weeks were compared based on COVID-19 vaccination status. In total, 398 cases (372 symptomatic and 26 asymptomatic; 286 unvaccinated, 66 vaccinated with one dose, and 46 with two doses) were analyzed. The most common symptoms were fever (78.4%), fatigue (78.4%), cough (74.4%), loss of taste or smell (62.8%), and headache (59.8%). Post-vaccination infections were significantly less likely to be symptomatic. Possible confounder-adjusted odds ratios of two vaccine doses against fatigue, dry eyes and mouth, insomnia, fever, shortness of breath, unusual muscle pains, and loss of taste or smell were 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09-0.38), 0.22 (95% CI: 0.08-0.59), 0.33 (95% CI: 0.14-0.80), 0.31 (95% CI: 0.15-0.63), 0.36 (95% CI: 0.16-0.76), 0.40 (95% CI: 0.19-0.82), and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.22-0.87), respectively. Post-vaccination infections after two mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses show milder and fewer symptoms than infections in unvaccinated patients, highlighting the effectiveness of vaccination.