Oblique lumbar interbody fusion versus minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis compared the efficacy of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. A computer search for the published literature on OLIF and MIS-TLIF for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and other databases was performed, from which 522 related articles were retrieved and 13 were finally included. Two reviewers independently extracted data from the included studies and analyzed them using RevMan 5.4. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane systematic analysis and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis showed that the blood loss [95% confidence intervals (CI) (- 121.01, - 54.56), [Formula: see text]], hospital stay [95% CI (- 1.98, - 0.85), [Formula: see text]], postoperative fusion rate [95%CI (1.04, 3.60), [Formula: see text]], postoperative disc height [95% CI (0.50, 3.63), [Formula: see text]], and postoperative foraminal height [95% CI (0.96, 4.13), [Formula: see text]] were all better in the OLIF group; however, the complication rates were significantly lower in the MIS-TLIF group [95% CI (1.01, 2.06), [Formula: see text]]. However, there were no significant differences between the two in terms of surgery time, patient satisfaction, or postoperative functional scores. The OLIF group had the advantages of lower blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, a higher postoperative fusion rate, and better recovery of the disc and foraminal heights, whereas MIS-TLIF had a relatively lower complication rate.

Boron-Based Inverse Sandwich V2B7- Cluster: Double π/σ Aromaticity, Metal-Metal Bonding, and Chemical Analogy to Planar Hypercoordinate Molecular Wheels.

Inverse sandwich clusters composed of a monocyclic boron ring and two capping transition metal atoms are interesting alloy cluster systems, yet their chemical bonding nature has not been sufficiently elucidated to date. We report herein on the theoretical prediction of a new example of boron-based inverse sandwich alloy clusters, V2B7-, through computational global-minimum structure searches and quantum chemical calculations. This alloy cluster has a heptatomic boron ring as well as a perpendicular V2 dimer unit that penetrates through the ring. Chemical bonding analysis suggests that the inverse sandwich cluster is governed by globally delocalized 6π and 6σ frameworks, that is, double 6π/6σ aromaticity following the (4n + 2) Hückel rule. The skeleton B-B σ bonding in the cluster is shown not to be strictly Lewis-type two-center two-electron (2c-2e) σ bonds. Rather, these are quasi-Lewis-type, roof-like 4c-2e V-B2-V σ bonds, which amount to seven in total and cover the whole surface of inverse sandwich in a truly three-dimensional manner. Theoretical evidence is revealed for a 2c-2e Lewis σ single bond within the V2 dimer. Direct metal-metal bonding is scarce in inverse sandwich alloy clusters. The present inverse sandwich alloy cluster also offers a new type of electronic transmutation in physical chemistry, which helps establish an intriguing chemical analogy between inverse sandwich clusters and planar hypercoordinate molecular wheels.

Chemical Bonding and Dynamic Structural Fluxionality of a Boron-Based Na5B7 Sandwich Cluster.

Doping alkali metals into boron clusters can effectively compensate for the intrinsic electron deficiency of boron and lead to interesting boron-based binary clusters, owing to the small electronegativity of the former elements. We report on the computational design of a three-layered sandwich cluster, Na5B7, on the basis of global-minimum (GM) searches and electronic structure calculations. It is shown that the Na5B7 cluster can be described as a charge-transfer complex: [Na4]2+[B7]3-[Na]+. In this sandwich cluster, the [B7]3- core assumes a molecular wheel in shape and features in-plane hexagonal coordination. The magic 6π/6σ double aromaticity underlies the stability of the [B7]3- molecular wheel, following the (4n + 2) Hückel rule. The tetrahedral Na4 ligand in the sandwich has a [Na4]2+ charge-state, which is the simplest example of three-dimensional aromaticity, spherical aromaticity, or superatom. Its 2σ electron counting renders σ aromaticity for the ligand. Overall, the sandwich cluster has three-fold 6π/6σ/2σ aromaticity. Molecular dynamics simulation shows that the sandwich cluster is dynamically fluxional even at room temperature, with a negligible energy barrier for intramolecular twisting between the B7 wheel and the Na4 ligand. The Na5B7 cluster offers a new example for dynamic structural fluxionality in molecular systems.

Efficacy of oblique lumbar interbody fusion versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the differences in postoperative efficacy between oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Strictly based on the search strategy, we searched the published papers on OLIF and TLIF for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. A total of 607 related papers were retrieved, and 15 articles were finally included. The quality of the papers was evaluated according to the Cochrane systematic review methodology, and the data were extracted and meta-analyzed using Review manager 5.4 software. RESULTS: Through comparison, it was found that in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases, the OLIF group had certain advantages over the TLIF group in terms of intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, visual analog scale (VAS) for leg pain (VAS-LP), Oswestry disability index (ODI), disc height (DH), foraminal height (FH), fused segmental lordosis (FSL), and cage height, and the differences were statistically significant. The results were similar in terms of surgery time, complications, fusion rate, VAS for back pain (VAS-BP) and various sagittal imaging indicators, and there was no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: OLIF and TLIF can relieve low back pain symptoms in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases, but OLIF has certain advantages in terms of ODI and VAS-LP. In addition, OLIF has the advantages of minor intraoperative trauma and quick postoperative recovery.

Establishment and Simulation of 3D Geometric Models of Mini-Pig and Sheep Knee Joints Using Finite Element Analysis.

BACKGROUND Our objective was to establish and compare three-dimensional models of knee joints of mini-pigs and sheep, the 2 most commonly used animal models of osteoarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three-dimensional geometric models of knee joints were used to assess their biomechanical properties by analysis of the three-dimensional finite element stress load for flexion at 30° and 60°. RESULTS Analysis of multiple tissues indicated that the sheep knee had greater stress peaks than the mini-pig knee at 30° flexion (range: 12.5 to 30.4 Mpa for sheep vs. 11.1 to 20.2 Mpa for mini-pig) and at 60° flexion (range: 17.9 to 43.5 Mpa for sheep vs. 15.9 to 28.9 Mpa for mini-pig). In addition, there was uneven distribution of stress loads in the surrounding ligaments during flexion. CONCLUSIONS Our three-dimensional finite element analysis indicated that the mini-pig knee joint had stress values and changes of cartilage, meniscus, and peripheral ligaments that were similar to those of the human knee.

Annexin A1 involved in the regulation of inflammation and cell signaling pathways.

With the deepening of research, proteomics has developed into a science covering the study of all the structural and functional characteristics of proteins and the dynamic change rules. The essence of various biological activities is revealed from the perspectives of the biological structure, functional activity and corresponding regulatory mechanism of proteins by proteomics. Among them, phospholipid-binding protein is one of the hotspots of proteomics, especially annexin A1, which is widely present in various tissues and cells of the body. It has the capability of binding to phospholipid membranes reversibly in a calcium ion dependent manner. In order to provide possible research ideas for researchers, who are interested in this protein, the biological effects of annexin A1, such as inflammatory regulation, cell signal transduction, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis are described in this paper.

rhBMP in lumber fusion for lumbar spondylolisthesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP) and iliac crest autograft in the fusion treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis. METHODS: The studies using randomized controlled trials to compare the rhBMP with iliac crest autograft in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis were retrieved from Embase, Pubmed, ProQuest dissertations & theses (PQDT), China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Database, Wanfang Data, Cochrane Library (from March 1998 to March 2018). Postoperative fusion rate, clinical success rate, postoperative intervertebral height, complications, operation time, blood loss and duration of hospitalization were chosen as the outcome indicators. Methodological quality of the trials was critically assessed, and relevant data were extracted. Statistical software Revman 5.3 was used for data-analysis. RESULTS: Eleven articles were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that, comparing the efficacy of rhBMP with iliac crest autograft, statistical significance was found in the 24-month fusion rate post operation [95% CI (1.38, 24.70), p = 0.02] and operation time [95% CI (-14.22, -2.08), p = 0.008]. There is not sufficient evidence for statistical differences in the remaining indicators. CONCLUSION: The current literature shows rhBMP is a safe and effective grafting material in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Further evidence is dependent on the emergence of more randomized controlled trials with higher quality and larger sample sizes in the future.

H5N1 influenza A virus with K193E and G225E double mutations in haemagglutinin is attenuated and immunogenic in mice.

Live-attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs) are now available for the prevention of influenza, with LAIV strains generally derived from serial passage in cultures or by reverse genetics (RG). The receptor-binding domain (RBD) in haemagglutinin (HA) of influenza virus is responsible for viral binding to the avian-type 2,3-α-linked or human-type 2,6-α-linked sialic acid receptor; however, the virulence determinants in the RBD of H5N1 virus remain largely unknown. In the present study, serial passage of H5N1 virus A/Vietnam/1194/2004 in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells resulted in the generation of adapted variants with large-plaque morphology, and genomic sequencing of selected variants revealed two specific amino acid substitutions (K193E and G225E) in the RBD. RG was used to generate H5N1 viruses containing either single or double substitutions in HA. The RG virus containing K193E and G225E mutations (rVN-K193E/G225E) demonstrated large-plaque morphology, enhanced replication and genetic stability after serial passage, without changing the receptor-binding preference. Importantly, in vivo virulence assessment demonstrated that rVN-K193E/G225E was significantly attenuated in mice. Microneutralization and haemagglutination inhibition assays demonstrated that immunization with rVN-K193E/G225E efficiently induced a robust antibody response against WT H5N1 virus in mice. Taken together, our experiments demonstrated that K193E and G225E mutations synergistically attenuated H5N1 virus without enhancing the receptor-binding avidity, and that the RG virus rVN-K193E/G225E represents a potential H5N1 LAIV strategy that deserves further development. These findings identify the RBD as a novel attenuation target for live vaccine development and highlight the complexity of RBD interactions.

Proximal femoral nail antirotation versus InterTan nail for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) and InterTan Nail in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. Given the high incidence of femoral intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly population and its impact on quality of life, choosing the most effective and safest surgical option is crucial. PFNA and InterTan are currently two commonly used techniques, but there is a lack of systematic evaluation comparing their safety and effectiveness. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap through Meta-analysis, providing clinicians with evidence-based treatment recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computer search was used to search for published literature on PFNA and InterTan in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Cinahl, CBM, and CNKI.A total of 853 related literatures were retrieved, and 15 literatures were finally included. Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale and Cochrane systematic review methodologies were used to assess the quality of the literature. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software, following data extraction. RESULTS: The comparison found that during the surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures, the operation time, fluoroscopy time, and blood loss in the PFNA group were significantly shorter than those in the InterTan group, and the difference was statistically significant. In terms of postoperative complication rates, the InterTan group had a significant advantage over the PFNA group. Shaft fracture, varus collapse, cut out, screw migration, and pain of hip and thigh were the most likely to occur in the PFNA group, and the differences were all statistically significant. In terms of postoperative efficacy, the results of the PFNA group and the InterTan group were comparable, and there was no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: When selecting surgical techniques for the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures, it is necessary to conduct individualized assessments based on the patient's overall health status, surgical tolerance, and post-operative recovery needs. For patients who cannot tolerate long-term surgery or are in poor physical condition, PFNA may be more appropriate. While for patients who can tolerate long-term surgery or have more complex conditions, InterTan may be more suitable.

Correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor A gene polymorphisms and tendon and ligament injury risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Relevant evidence suggests that angiogenic factors contribute significantly to fibril matrix reconstruction following physical injuries to tendon ligaments. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), with its potent angiogenic effect, has been studied extensively, and its functional polymorphisms, including rs699947, rs1570360, and rs2010963, have been the focus of numerous investigations. Some scholars have explored the association between gene polymorphisms in the VEGFA and the risk of tendon ligament injury, but the findings are not entirely consistent. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between rs699947, rs1570360, and rs2010963 gene polymorphisms in VEGFA and the risk of tendon and ligament injuries. METHODS: After including articles about the association of VEGFA rs699947, rs1570360, and rs2010963 polymorphisms with tendon and ligament injuries according to the search strategy, we assessed their quality and conducted meta-analyses to examine the link between these polymorphisms and the risk of tendon and ligament injuries using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Of 86 related articles, six were included in the meta-analysis. Some of these suggest an association between VEGFA rs2010963 and the risk of tendon and ligament injury in the population, with the specific C allele being one of the adverse factors for knee injury. Some studies suggest that VEGFA rs699947 and VEGFA rs1570360 single-nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with anterior cruciate ligament rupture. The risk of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament rupture is nearly doubled in individuals with the rs699947 CC genotype compared to the control group. Our analysis did not find any significant relationship between VEGFA gene polymorphisms (rs699947, rs1570360, and rs2010963) and the chance of tendon and ligament injury without consideration of race. However, the European population reveals that the CC genotype of VEGFA rs699947 can result in a greater risk of tendon and ligament injury, whereas the AG genotype for rs1570360 provides some protection. Additionally, rs2010963 was significantly associated with tendon and ligament injury; individuals with the C allele and the CC genotype had higher risk. False-positive report probability confirmed the high credibility of our results. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study found no significant association between VEGFA rs699947, rs1570360, and rs2010963 polymorphisms and the risk of tendon ligament injury. However, in subgroup analysis, some genotypes of VEGFA rs699947, rs1570360, and rs2010963 were found to increase the risk of tendon ligament injury in European populations.

Evaluation of genetic polymorphisms in TNF­α­308G/A rs1800629 associated with susceptibility and severity of rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta­analysis.

To investigate the association of gene polymorphisms of TNF-α-308G/A rs1800629 with the susceptibility and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), literature from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CNKI databases was searched. Two authors screened the literature independently, extracted data and evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, five genetic models were established: The allelic model (A vs. G), dominant model (GA + AA vs. GG), recessive model (AA vs. GG + GA), co-dominant model (AA vs. GG) and super-dominant model (GG + AA vs. GA). Stata 17.0 software was used for the meta-analysis. A total of 34 eligible studies with 12,611 subjects were included, including 6,030 cases in the RA group and 6,581 controls. Meta-analysis calculations revealed that the genetic polymorphisms of TNF-α-308G/A rs1800629 were not significantly associated with susceptibility to RA, with an odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each genetic model [A vs. G: 0.937 (0.762-1.152); GA + AA vs. GG: 0.918 (0.733-1.148); AA vs. GG + GA: 1.131 (0.709-1.802); AA vs. GG: 1.097 (0.664-1.813); and GG + AA vs. GA: 1.108 (0.894-1.373)]. For the association between TNF-α-308G/A rs1800629 gene polymorphisms and the severity of RA, the results of subgroup analysis calculations showed that TNF-α-308G/A rs1800629 gene polymorphisms were associated with the severity of RA in European populations, with the gene model and 95% CI [GA + AA vs. GG: 0.503 (0.297-0.853); and GG + AA vs. GA: 2.268 (1.434-3.590)]. When assessing the confidence in the positive results of the present study through the false-positive report probability, the positive results were observed to be reliable. No significant association was observed between genetic polymorphisms in TNF-α-308G/A rs1800629 and susceptibility to RA. However, a significant association exists with the severity of RA in European populations.

Analysis of common differential gene expression in synovial cells of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate potential molecular mechanisms differentiating osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through a bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in patient synovial cells, aiming to provide new insights for clinical treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gene expression datasets GSE1919, GSE82107, and GSE77298 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to serve as the training groups, with GSE55235 being used as the validation dataset. The OA and RA data from the GSE1919 dataset were merged with the standardized data from GSE82107 and GSE77298, followed by batch effect removal to obtain the merged datasets of differential expressed genes (DEGs) for OA and RA. Intersection analysis was conducted on the DEGs between the two conditions to identify commonly upregulated and downregulated DEGs. Enrichment analysis was then performed on these common co-expressed DEGs, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub genes. These hub genes were further analyzed using the GENEMANIA online platform and subjected to enrichment analysis. Subsequent validation analysis was conducted using the GSE55235 dataset. RESULTS: The analysis of differentially expressed genes in the synovial cells from patients with Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), compared to a control group (individuals without OA or RA), revealed significant changes in gene expression patterns. Specifically, the genes APOD, FASN, and SCD were observed to have lower expression levels in the synovial cells of both OA and RA patients, indicating downregulation within the pathological context of these diseases. In contrast, the SDC1 gene was found to be upregulated, displaying higher expression levels in the synovial cells of OA and RA patients compared to normal controls.Additionally, a noteworthy observation was the downregulation of the transcription factor PPARG in the synovial cells of patients with OA and RA. The decrease in expression levels of PPARG further validates the alteration in lipid metabolism and inflammatory processes associated with the pathogenesis of OA and RA. These findings underscore the significance of these genes and the transcription factor not only as biomarkers for differential diagnosis between OA and RA but also as potential targets for therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating their expression to counteract disease progression. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this investigation reveal the existence of potentially shared molecular mechanisms within Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The identification of APOD, FASN, SDC1, TNFSF11 as key target genes, along with their downstream transcription factor PPARG, highlights common potential factors implicated in both diseases. A deeper examination and exploration of these findings could pave the way for new candidate targets and directions in therapeutic research aimed at treating both OA and RA. This study underscores the significance of leveraging bioinformatics approaches to unravel complex disease mechanisms, offering a promising avenue for the development of more effective and targeted treatments.

Application of 3D­printed porous titanium interbody fusion cage vs. polyether ether ketone interbody fusion cage in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: A systematic review and meta­analysis update.

The present study aimed to compare the differences between 3D-printed porous titanium and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) interbody fusion cages for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Literature on the application of 3D-printed porous titanium and PEEK interbody fusion cages for ACDF was searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and VIP databases. A total of 1,181 articles were retrieved and 12 were finally included. The Cochrane bias risk assessment criteria and Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used for quality evaluation and Review Manager 5.4 was used for data analysis. The 3D cage group was superior to the PEEK cage group in terms of operative time [mean difference (MD): -7.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): -11.08, -4.29; P<0.00001], intraoperative blood loss (MD: -6.17; 95%CI: -10.56, -1.78; P=0.006), hospitalization time (MD: -0.57; 95%CI: -0.86, -0.28: P=0.0001), postoperative complications [odds ratio (OR): 0.35; 95%CI: 0.15, 0.80; P=0.01], C2-7 Cobb angle (MD: 2.85; 95%CI: 1.45, 4.24; P<0.0001), intervertebral space height (MD: 1.20; 95%CI: 0.54, 1.87; P=0.0004), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Assessment of Treatment (MD: 0.69; 95%CI: 0.24, 1.15; P=0.003) and visual analogue scale score (MD: -0.43; 95%CI: -0.78, -0.07; P=0.02). The difference was statistically significant, while there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of fusion rate (OR: 1.74; 95%CI: 0.71, 4.27; P=0.23). The use of 3D-printed porous titanium interbody fusion cage in ACDF has the advantages of short operation time, less bleeding loss, shorter hospitalization time and fewer postoperative complications. It can better maintain the cervical curvature and intervertebral height, relieve pain and accelerate postoperative functional recovery.

Comparison between minimally invasive and open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of multi­segmental lumbar degenerative disease: A systematic evaluation and meta­analysis.

The present study aimed to compare the differences between minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar fusion (MIS-TLIF) and open transforaminal lumbar fusion (TLIF) for multi-segmental lumbar degenerative disease regarding intraoperative indices and postoperative outcomes. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases were searched for literature on MIS-TLIF and open TLIF in treating multi-segmental lumbar degenerative diseases. Of the 1,608 articles retrieved, 10 were included for final analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Review Manager 5.4 were used for quality evaluation and data analysis, respectively. The MIS-TLIF group was superior to the open TLIF group regarding intraoperative blood loss [95% confidence interval (CI): -254.33,-157.86; P<0.00001], postoperative in-bed time (95%CI: -3.49,-2.76; P<0.00001), hospitalization time (95%CI: -5.14,-1.78; P<0.0001) and postoperative leg pain Visual Analog Scale score (95%CI: -0.27,-0.13; P<0.00001). The fluoroscopy frequency for MIS-TLIF (95%CI: 2.07,6.12; P<0.0001) was significantly higher than that for open TLIF. The two groups had no significant differences in operation time, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative complications, fusion rate, or Oswestry Disability Index score. In treating multi-segmental lumbar degenerative diseases, MIS-TLIF has the advantages of less blood loss, shorter bedtime and hospitalization time and improved early postoperative efficacy; however, open TLIF has a lower fluoroscopy frequency.

Association of IL­6 and MMP­3 gene polymorphisms with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A systematic review and meta­analysis.

The pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains unclear. It has been found that interleukin-6 (IL-6) rs1800795 locus and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) rs3025058 locus gene polymorphisms may be associated with AIS susceptibility, which has been controversial and needs to be further confirmed by updated meta-analysis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of MMP-3 rs3025058 and IL-6 rs1800795 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to AIS. All relevant articles that met the criteria were retrieved and included, and the publication dates were limited from January 2005 to December 2023. The allele frequencies and different genotype frequencies of IL-6 rs1800795 and MMP-3 rs3025058 loci in each study were extracted and statistically analyzed by ReviewManager 5.4 software, and the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of different genetic models were calculated. The results of the meta-analysis showed that there was no significant association between the gene polymorphism of IL-6 rs1800795 locus and the pathogenesis of AIS. The allele 5A and genotype 5A5A of MMP-3 rs3025058 SNP were associated with AIS susceptibility (5A vs. 6A, OR=1.18; 95% CI, 1.04-1.33; 5A5A vs. 6A6A, OR=1.65; 95% CI, 1.23-2.21; and 5A5A vs. 5A6A + 6A6A, OR=1.54; 95% CI, 1.19-1.99). Results of subgroup analysis revealed that the allele 5A and genotype 5A5A of MMP-3 rs3025058 SNP were associated with AIS susceptibility in the Caucasian population, and the susceptibility of AIS was associated with the genotype 5A5A of MMP-3 rs3025058 SNP in an Asian population. There was no significant association between the gene polymorphism of IL-6 rs1800795 locus and the pathogenesis of AIS, while the allele 5A of MMP-3 rs3025058 locus was associated with the susceptibility to AIS, especially in the Caucasian population.

A meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of mineralized collagen-polymethylmethacrylate and polymethylmethacrylate bone cements in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures.

PURPOSE: Vertebral compression fractures are often treated with vertebroplasty, and filling the injured vertebrae with bone cement is a key part of vertebroplasty. This meta-analysis was performed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of mineralized collagen-polymethylmethacrylate (MC-PMMA) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures by vertebroplasty. METHODS: A computerized search of the published literature on mineralized collagen-polymethylmethacrylate and polymethylmethacrylate bone cement in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures was conducted in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The search was carried out from the time the database was created to March 2023 and 2 researchers independently conducted literature searches to retrieve a total of 884 studies, of which 12 were included in this meta-analysis. Cochrane systematic review methods were used to assess the quality of the literature and a meta-analysis was performed using ReviewManager 5.4 software. RESULTS: The results of the present meta-analysis showed that in postoperative adjacent vertebral fractures [OR = 0.25; 95% CI (0.15, 0.41)], postoperative cement leakage [OR = 0.45; 95% CI (0.30, 0.68)], Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores in the first 3 days after surgery [OR = -0.22; 95% CI (-0.42, -0.03)], ODI score at 6-12 months postoperatively [OR = -0.65; 95% CI (-0.97, -0.32)], visual analog scale (VAS) score at 6-12 months postoperatively [OR = -0.21; 95% CI (-0.46, 0.04)], and 1-year postoperative CT values [OR = 5.56; 95% CI (3.06, 8.06)], the MC-PMMA bone cement group was superior to the PMMA bone cement group. However, the differences between the two groups were not statistically different in terms of cement filling time, cement filling volume, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, hospitalization time, postoperative (<1 week, 3-6 months) vertebral body posterior convexity Cobb's angle, postoperative (<1 week, 6-12 months) vertebral body anterior margin relative height, postoperative (≤3 days, 1-3 months) pain VAS score and postoperative (1-3 months) ODI score. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with PMMA bone cement, the application of MC-PMMA bone cement is advantageous in reducing postoperative complications (adjacent vertebral fracture rate, cement leakage rate), pain relief, and functional recovery in the long-term postoperative period (>6 months), but there is still a need for more high-quality randomized controlled studies to provide more adequate evidence.

Chemical bonding and dynamic structural fluxionality of a boron-based Al2B8 binary cluster: the robustness of a doubly 6π/6σ aromatic [B8]2- molecular wheel.

Despite the isovalency between Al and B elements, Al-doping in boron clusters can deviate substantially from an isoelectronic substitution process. We report herein on a unique sandwich di-Al-doped boron cluster, Al2B8, using global structural searches and quantum chemical calculations. The cluster features a perfectly planar B8 molecular wheel, with two isolated Al atoms symmetrically floating above and below it. The two Al atoms are offset from the center of the molecular wheel, resulting in a C 2v symmetry for the cluster. The Al2B8 cluster is shown to be dynamically fluxional even at far below room temperature (100 K), in which a vertical Al2 rod slides or rotates freely within a circular rail on the B8 plate, although there is no direct Al-Al interaction. The energy barrier for intramolecular rotation is only 0.01 kcal mol-1 at the single-point CCSD(T) level. Chemical bonding analysis shows that the cluster is a charge-transfer complex and can be formulated as [Al]+[B8]2-[Al]+. The [B8]2- molecular wheel in sandwich cluster has magic 6π/6σ double aromaticity, which underlies the dynamic fluxionality, despite strong electrostatic interactions between the [Al]+, [B8]2-, and [Al]+ layers.

The association between ADAM12 gene polymorphisms and osteoarthritis: an updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis of the knee is an irreversible disease that causes great pain, and genetic factors play an important role in its occurrence and development. There have been many studies on the correlation between ADAM12 polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to osteoarthritis, but the results remain inconclusive. METHODS: Papers from PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, Springer, SCOPUS, Google Scholar and other databases were systematically retrieved with a cut-off of January 2022. All case-control studies on ADAM12 rs3740199, rs1871054, rs1044122, and rs1278279 polymorphisms and osteoarthritis were searched. Fixed or random effects models were used for pooled analysis with OR values and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and publication bias was assessed. In addition, the false-positive reporting probability test was used to assess the confidence of a statistically significant association. RESULTS: Eleven articles were included, which included 3332 patients with osteoarthritis and 5108 healthy controls. Meta-analysis showed that the rs1871054 polymorphism of ADAM12 was associated with osteoarthritis in dominant, recessive, allelic, and homozygote genetic models [C vs. T: OR = 1.34 95% CI (1.05, 1.71), P < 0.001]. Our subgroup analysis revealed an association between the ADAM12 polymorphism rs1871054 in Asians and osteoarthritis [C vs. T: OR = 1.61, 95% CI (1.25, 2.08), P < 0.001], albeit this was only for three studies. In addition, the ADAM12 polymorphism rs1871054 is associated with osteoarthritis in patients younger than 60 years of age [C vs. T: OR = 1.39, 95% CI (1.01, 1.92), P = 0.289]; however, the ADAM12 gene rs3740199, rs1044122, and rs1278279 site polymorphisms were not significantly. Furthermore, when assessing the confidence of the positive results, the positive results were found to be credible (except for Age < 60). CONCLUSION: Polymorphism at the rs1871054 site of ADAM12 is associated with genetic susceptibility to osteoarthritis, but rs3740199, rs1044122, and rs1278279 site polymorphisms are not.

Efficacy and safety of unilateral biportal endoscopy compared with microscopic decompression in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis: A systematic review and updated meta­analysis.

The incidence of lumbar spinal stenosis is increasing annually, and with an ever-aging population and longer life expectancies, this trend will further continue. It is hoped that a more effective treatment can be found so that the patients can be relieved of their pain. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of unilateral biportal endoscopic surgery (UBE) and microscopic decompression surgery (MD) for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. A literature search of related studies published until April 2022 was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and other databases. After filtering of references, 12 eligible studies were identified that compared UBE with MD as a treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis. Data were extracted and analysed using R. A total of 12 articles (four randomized controlled and eight cohort studies) were included, with a total of 1,067 patients: 250 men and 249 women in the UBE group and 290 men and 278 women in the MD group. The meta-analysis showed that the mean intraoperative blood loss in the UBE group [standardized mean difference (SMD)=-2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-3.97, -0.23), P=0.03] was lower than that in the MD group. The postoperative Visual analogue scale (VAS) score for back pain [SMD=-0.52, 95% CI (-0.76, -0.27), P<0.01], leg pain [SMD=-0.30, 95% CI (-0.51, -0.08), P<0.01], postoperative Oswestry disability index [(ODI); SMD=-0.25, 95% CI (-0.48, -0.03), P=0.03], and postoperative C-reactive protein [(CRP); odds ratio (OR)=-0.92, 95% CI (-1.80, 0.03), P=0.04] were lower than those in the MD group. Complications (OR=0.60, 95% CI (0.37, 0.98), P=0.04) and hospital stay (SMD=-1.84, 95% CI (-2.85, 0.83), P <0.01] were also lesser in the UBE group than in the MD group. UBE was preferable to that in the MD group according to the modified MacNab score [OR=2.28, 95% CI (1.28, 4.06), P<0.01]. No significant differences were observed in the operation times between the groups. UBE surgery was found to be a better option for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis than MD surgery.

A rare presentation of Maffucci syndrome: A case report and literature review.

Maffucci syndrome is an extremely rare disease which can manifest symptoms as early as childhood. It is estimated that there have been <300 cases reported globally; however, this number is likely to be an underestimate. Maffucci syndrome is characterized by multiple enchondromas and soft tissue hemangiomas, which can cause growth and developmental malformations. In addition to bone deformities, pathological fractures and a loss of mobility, patients with Maffucci syndrome may develop secondary central chondrosarcoma and have a higher risk of developing non-skeletal malignant tumors, such as gliomas and mesenchymal ovarian tumors. The present study provides information for clinicians about this disease through the use of imaging, physical examinations, clinical manifestations and the treatment strategy used. There is need to summarize the existing cases of this disease around the world and produce an effective framework for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Maffucci syndrome, in order to better understand this disease. The present study reports on a 15-year-old male diagnosed with Maffucci syndrome. . Due to the risk of malignant tumor development in the absence of effective treatment, regular and careful observation through monitoring of tumor markers and imaging studies is important for patients with Maffucci syndrome. As cases of this disease are rare and case data is limited, it is difficult to create a clear treatment plan. There is an urgent need to establish a case database of Maffucci syndrome patients and explore its pathogenesis for early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.