Application of the Artificial Neural Network in the Diagnosis of Infantile Bronchial Bridge with 64-Slice Multislice Spiral CT.

The objective is to study the application of spiral CT in the diagnosis of the trachea in children. In this study, the effect of 64-slice multislice spiral CT in diagnosing infant bronchial bridge was studied based on an artificial neural network. From June 2020 to December 2020, 100 cases of children with the trachea in the outpatient department of our hospital were selected as the research object. They were divided into the study group and the control group, with 50 cases in each group. The results showed that among the 50 cases in the control group, 42 cases were found to have a bronchial foreign body and 8 cases were missed; the detection rate was 84%. There were 7 cases of trachea foreign body, 15 cases of left bronchial foreign body, 14 cases of right bronchial foreign body, and 6 cases of medium bronchial foreign body. The detection rate of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group, with a statistical significance (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The detection rate of neural networks in MSCT is higher than that of X-ray, and the MSCT based on the artificial neural network can clearly show the morphology, position, and the relationship between the foreign body and trachea, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

The magnetic resonance enterography imaging features of symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum in pediatric patients: a retrospective observational study of 31 cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) imaging manifestations of a symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum (MD) in pediatric patients in order to provide a reference for the diagnosis of the condition. METHODS: The medical records of 31 pediatric patients with MD from May 2014 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were patients with MD accompanied by unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia (except hematological diseases), chronic persistent abdominal pain, repeated intussusception, or intussusception in older pediatric patients during surgery. The clinical variables (age, sex, and hemoglobin) and imaging, surgical, and pathological findings were recorded. RESULTS: MD was definitively identified in 28 patients, with the following characteristics: a blind-ending fluid-filled and/or gas-filled structure (n=23), an elongated shape (n=1), a dumbbell shape (n=1), and a solid mass (n=3). The diverticula were located in the right lower quadrant (n=16), the right abdomen at the level of the umbilicus (n=3), the right upper quadrant (n=2), the left upper quadrant (n=2), and the midline lower abdomen (n=5). Supply arteries were visualized in nine cases. In all cases, mural enhancement was comparable to that of the adjacent small-bowel (SB). Extravasation of the intravascular contrast medium was seen in two cases. Peripheral structural abnormalities included mesenteric fat stranding (n=7), hemorrhage in the adjacent lumen (n=3), free intraperitoneal gas (n=1), abnormal fluid retention (n=2), intestinal obstruction (n=1), and lymph node enlargement (n=7). A normal appendix was identified in 18 cases. CONCLUSIONS: MRE is an appropriate method of diagnosing symptomatic MD in pediatric patients and is particularly useful in the assessment of complications.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 and 7 inhibit the degeneration of intervertebral discs by blocking the Puma-dependent apoptotic signaling.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMPs) can stimulate bone formation and growth in the treatment of spinal fusions and nonunions. However, it is still unclear whether rhBMPs function in the prevention of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Here, we discovered that BMP levels were decreased in IDD patients, which impaired the BMP/Smad (Mothers against decapentaplegic homologs) signaling. Conducting a microarray assay in Smad4-knockdown cells, we found that expression of PUMA (p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis) was significantly induced. The molecular analysis revealed that Smad4 recruited HDAC1 (histone deacetylase 1) and the phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 to dock on the promoter of PUMA to repress its expression. The impairment of BMP/Smad signaling in IDD patients caused the significant induction of Puma-dependent apoptosis and resulted in the pathogenesis of IDD. In vitro knockdown of BMP receptors (BMPR1a and BMPR2) in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells could mimic the molecular changes of BMP/Smad signaling and Puma-dependent apoptotic signaling that were observed in IDD patients. Exposing NP cells to RITA (reactivating p53 and inducing tumor apoptosis) small molecule and rhBMP2 (or rhBMP7), we observed that rhBMP2/7 could significantly decrease protein levels of Puma and its downstream proapoptotic molecules, blocking cell apoptosis. Importantly, administration of rhBMPs in aged rats could inhibit the occurrence of IDD. Our results provide a link between BMP/Smad signaling and Puma-dependent apoptotic signaling, revealing a new mechanism of how BMPs contribute to IDD pathogenesis and providing evidence that rhBMPs may decrease apoptosis and improve the outcome of IDD.

A retrospective controlled clinical study of Cobb angle distribution of the main thoracic curve in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

To compare the characteristics of Cobb angle distribution of the main thoracic curve (MTC) in patients with Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and differences in fulcrum-bending flexibility, correction rate, and correction index between different segments.Included in this study were 40 consecutive patients with Lenke 1 AIS who received posterior correction and fusion with pedicle screws. Cobb angle based on the proximal (T5-T7 or T6-T8), apical (T7-T9 or T8-T10), and distal (T9-T11 or T10-T12) segments in the fulcrum-bending position was measured before and after surgery. The flexibility ([Cobb angle of each segment - residual Cobb angle on fulcrum bending]/Cobb angle of each segment × 100%), correction rate ([Cobb angle of each segment - postoperative residual Cobb angle]/Cobb angle of each segment × 100%]), and correction index (correction rate of each segment/preoperative flexibility of each segment) in different segments were calculated. Comparative analyses were conducted by variance analysis.The mean age before surgery, Cobb angle, Risser sign, and follow-up time were 14.15 ±â€Š2.13 years, 51.17 ±â€Š10.72°, 2.78 ±â€Š1.73, and 43.75 ±â€Š9.82 months, respectively. MTC Cobb angle of the proximal segments was similar to that of the distal ones (12.88 ±â€Š4.81 vs 12.85 ±â€Š5.00) versus 25.45 ±â€Š5.90 in the middle segments (P < .001). The flexibility was higher in the distal segments than that in the proximal or apical segments (66.43 ±â€Š0.22% vs 43.78 ±â€Š0.20% or 32.55 ±â€Š0.17%, P < .001). One week after surgery, the correction rate in these 3 segments was 69.55 ±â€Š0.1%, 66.25 ±â€Š0.17%, and 75.28 ±â€Š0.16 (P = .067), and the correction index was 2.15 ±â€Š1.78, 3.16 ±â€Š3.60, and 1.53 ±â€Š1.93 (P = .019); the correction rate during the 3-year follow-up period was 68.06 ±â€Š0.19%, 69.98 ±â€Š0.15%, and 73.29 ±â€Š0.17 (P = .212); and the correction index was 2.12 ±â€Š1.78, 3.20 ±â€Š3.54, and 1.49 ±â€Š1.93 (P = .012), respectively.The proximal, apical, and distal segments in Lenke 1 AIS accounted for about 25%, 50%, and 25% of MTC Cobb angle, respectively. The distal segments were found to be most flexible and the apical segments most rigid. The correction rate was similar between the proximal, apical, and distal segments, and the correction index in the apical segments was higher than that in the proximal and distal segments.

Bibliometric Analysis of Global Scientific Research on lncRNA: A Swiftly Expanding Trend.

To investigate trends in long-noncoding (lnc) RNA research systematically, we compared the contribution of publications among different regions, institutions, and authors. Publications on lncRNA were retrieved from Web of Science (WoS) from 1975 to 2017. A total of 3879 papers were identified, and together they were cited 62967 times. The literature on lncRNA had been continuously growing since 2006, and the expansion might continue at a rapid pace until around 2021. China contributed the greatest proportion (63.47%) of lncRNA publications, and the USA ranked second in the number of publications (944 articles), while it had the highest citation frequency (43168 times) and H-index (97). The journal Oncotarget has the greatest number of publications on lncRNA research, with 305 papers. The keywords could be stratified into two clusters: cluster 1 (application) and cluster 2 (characteristics). Correspondingly, the "TNM stage," "epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)," "cell apoptosis," and "overall survival" are research hotspots since 2015. Thus, research on lncRNA showed a swiftly expanding trend, with China making the largest contribution. The focus on lncRNA is gradually shifting from "characteristics" to "application."

Does spinal fusion to T2, T3, or T4 affects sagittal alignment of the cervical spine in Lenke 1 AIS patients: A retrospective study.

The aim of this stusy was to investigate whether spinal fusion to T2, T3, or T4 affects sagittal alignment of the cervical spine in Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients.A retrospective study comprised of 64 Lenke 1 AIS patients was performed to assess the radiographic and clinical outcome. According to the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) (T2, T3, or T4), the patients were divided into 3 groups. Comparison analyses were performed among these 3 groups of patients as between pre-op, immediate post-op, and final follow-up, as well as between these groups.Between groups, comparison analyses did not detect a statistical difference in cervical lordosis (CL) preoperatively (P = .501), immediately after surgery (P = .795), and at follow-up (P = .510). Immediately after surgery, CL increased significantly in all groups (T2, P = .004, T3, P < .001 and T4, P = .002 respectively). Compared with immediate postoperatively, CL at final follow-up increased in T2 group (P = .037), and T4 group (P = .010). Furthermore, CL at follow-up was significantly correlated with the following parameters: preoperative (coronal plane balance [r = .349, P = .004], pelvic tilt [r = 0.347, P = .004), pelvic incidence [r = 0.261, P = .031], and CL [r = 0.471, P < .001]) immediately postoperative (CL [r = 0.946, P < .001], T1-slope [r = -0.646, P < .001], and thoracic kyphosis [TK] [r = -0.353, P = .003]), and at follow-up (TK [r = -0.342, P = .004], and T1-slope [r = -0.821, P < .001]). However, there was no significant correlation between a selection of UIV and CL at follow-up (r = 0.031, P = .802). Moreover, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) scores between groups were similar preoperatively (P = .242), immediately after surgery (P = .828), and at follow-up (P = .219).In Lenke 1 AIS patients, the selection of UIV mainly affects the coronal plane, especially shoulder balance. Fusion to T2, T3, or T4 did not affect the alignment of the cervical spine, and the SRS-22 score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Risk Factors for Dysphagia After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery.

This study evaluated the risk factors for dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery by multidimensional analysis and investigated the predictive values of these risk factors for dysphagia. The patients underwent anterior cervical spine surgery and were followed for at least 6 months. Sex, age, tracheal mobility, smoking history, implant type, C3 anterior vertebral soft tissue swelling, narrowest esophageal distance before internal fixation, cervical curvature, operative time, occurrence of fusion, number of operative segments, and highest vertebral segment were recorded. Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed to analyze the predictive value of each dimension for dysphagia. A total of 158 patients were included in this study. The mean C3 anterior vertebral soft tissue swelling was 8.8±4.5 mm, the mean narrowest esophageal distance before internal fixation was 6.9±4.4 mm, and the mean operative time was 78.5±39.2 minutes. Chi-square test results showed that age 60 years and older, female sex, internal fixation with titanium plate/titanium mesh, narrowest esophageal distance before internal fixation of less than 5 mm, and 3 operative segments indicated a relatively high incidence of dysphagia. Logistic regression analyses showed that age, sex, implant type, narrowest esophageal distance before internal fixation, and number of operative segments were all risk factors predictive of postoperative dysphagia. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.872. Age 60 years and older, female sex, internal fixation with titanium plate/titanium mesh, narrowest esophageal distance before internal fixation of less than 5 mm, and 3 operative segments were risk factors for dysphagia after anterior cervical surgery. The regression equation may be used to predict the occurrence of dysphagia. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(1):e110-e116.].

The radiographic parameter risk factors of rapid curve progression in Lenke 5 and 6 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A retrospective study.

Various parameters related to growth and maturity have been shown to be risk factors for scoliosis curve progression. We previously identified correlations between curve progression and radiographic parameters in clinical practice, but there is a lack of research.The aim of this study was to investigate and identify the radiographic parameters that are risk factors for rapid curve progression in Lenke 5 or 6 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).A retrospective review of patients who were prospectively enrolled at the initiation of brace wear and followed through completion of bracing or surgery was performed. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a Lenke type 5 or 6 classification, Risser sign grade 0 or 1 at the initial outpatient examination, a follow-up period of 6 months including a minimum of 4 follow-ups, At each visit, the whole spine x-ray was completed, the following data were measured and collected: angle of the lumbar curve (LC), rotation of the apical vertebra (RAV) in the LC, deviation of the apical vertebra (DAV) in the lumbar curve, clavicle angle, L5 tilt angle (TA), body mass index, flexibility of the LC (FLC), and peak angle velocity (PAV). A binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the contribution of each variable to PAV onset. The touch types for the determination of the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) were compared at both the PAV and final follow-up.Thirty-six AIS patients were recruited. The binary logistic regression model indicated that the following variable values significantly contributed to a high risk of PAV occurrence: LC ≥30° (OR = 6.153, 95%CI = 1.683-22.488, P = .006), RAV ≥III (OR = 15.484, 95%CI = 4.535-52.865, P <.001), DAV ≥40 mm (OR = 8.599, 95%CI = 2.483-29.784, P <.001), and TA ≥10° (OR = 2.223, 95%CI = 3.094-27.563, P <.001). The touch types for LIV determination changed in 12 of 36 patients, with at least 1 segment added as the LIV between the PAV and the final visit.LC ≥30°, RAV ≥III, DAV ≥40 mm, and L5 TA≥10° were radiographic parameters associated with an increased risk of curve progression in Lenke 5 and 6 AIS. The orthopedic surgery performed at the PAV is the ideal timing, and it will preserve 1 active segment than later surgery.Level of evidence was 4.