Directed Evolution of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 to Utilize Allulose as Sole Carbon Source.

Sugar substitutes are popular due to their akin taste and low calories. However, excessive use of aspartame and erythritol can have varying effects. While D-allulose is presently deemed a secure alternative to sugar, its excessive consumption is not devoid of cellular stress implications. In this study, the evolution of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is directed to utilize allulose as sole carbon source through a combination of adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and fluorescence-activated droplet sorting (FADS) techniques. Employing whole genome sequencing (WGS) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference (CRISPRi) in conjunction with compensatory expression displayed those genetic mutations in sugar and amino acid metabolic pathways, including glnP, glpF, gmpA, nagE, pgmB, ybaN, etc., increased allulose assimilation. Enzyme-substrate dynamics simulations and deep learning predict enhanced substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency in nagE A247E and pgmB G12R mutants. The findings evince that these mutations hold considerable promise in enhancing allulose uptake and facilitating its conversion into glycolysis, thus signifying the emergence of a novel metabolic pathway for allulose utilization. These revelations bear immense potential for the sustainable utilization of D-allulose in promoting health and well-being.

Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes Between Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

Objective: This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes in surgical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between percutaneous endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (PE-LIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Methods: We reviewed a total of 89 patients undergoing single-level surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis from January 2018 to July 2021. The cases were categorized as PE-LIF (Group PE-LIF, 41 cases) or MIS-TLIF (Group MIS-TLIF, 48 cases) approach. Parameters obtained at baseline through at least six months of follow-up were collected. The surgical outcomes involving the operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative bed staying time, and length of hospital stays were analyzed. PROs included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), modified MacNab standard evaluation, intervertebral fusion rate, and postoperative complications. Results: A total of 89 patients were included in this analysis involving 41 patients who underwent PE-LIF and 48 patients who underwent MIS-TLIF. The 2 groups were similar in gender, age, body mass index, follow-up time and surgery levels (P > 0.05), and were not significantly different in the length of hospital stays (P > 0.05). PE-LIF had a significantly longer operative time, greater fluoroscopy time, lower estimated blood loss and shorter bed rest time than MIS-TLIF. Both groups improved significantly from baseline for the VAS and ODI scores. PE-LIF was associated with a lower VAS score for back pain at three-day after surgery. There were no significant differences between PE-LIF and MIS-TLIF in the excellent or good rates and intervertebral fusion rates at the last follow-up (P > 0.05). As for related complications, there were no significant complications occurred, and no significant differences were seen in the complications between both groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: To summarize, PE-LIF and MIS-TLIF are both safe and effective for LSS. PE-LIF has a definite short-term curative effect with less trauma.

Posterior unilateral approach with 270° spinal canal decompression and three-column reconstruction using double titanium mesh cage for thoracic and lumbar burst fractures.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of the posterior unilateral approach with 270° spinal canal decompression and three-column reconstruction using double titanium mesh cage (TMC) for thoracic and lumbar burst fractures. Materials and methods: From May 2013 to May 2018, 27 patients with single-level thoracic and lumbar burst fractures were enrolled. Every patient was followed for at least 18 months. Demographic data, neurologic status, back pain, canal compromise, anterior body compression, operative time, estimated blood loss and surgical-related complications were evaluated. Radiographs were reviewed to assess deformity correction, anterior body height correction, bony fusion and TMC subsidence. Results: The average preoperative percentages of canal compromise and anterior body height compression were 58.4% and 50.5%, respectively. All surgeries were successfully completed in one phase, the operative time was 151.5 ± 25.5 min (range: 115-220 min), the estimated blood loss was 590.7 ± 169.9 ml (range: 400-1,000 ml). Neurological function recovery was significantly improved except for 3 grade A patients. The preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back pain were significantly decreased compared with the values at the last follow-up (P = 0.000). The correct deformity angle was 12.4 ± 4.7° (range: 3.9-23.3°), and the anterior body height recovery was 96.7%. The TMC subsidence at the last follow-up was 1.3 ± 0.7 mm (range: 0.3-3.1 mm). Bony fusion was achieved in all patients. Conclusion: The posterior unilateral approach with 270° spinal canal decompression and three-column reconstruction using double TMC is a clinically feasible, safe and alternative treatment for thoracic and lumbar burst fractures.