Clinical study on freehand of bicortical sacral screw fixation with the assistance of torque measurement device.

BACKGROUND: Sacral screw loosening is a typical complication after internal fixation surgery through the vertebral arch system. Bicortical fixation can successfully prevent screw loosening, and how improving the rate of bicortical fixation is a challenging clinical investigation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of improving the double corticality of sacral screws and the optimal fixation depth to achieve double cortical fixation by combining the torque measurement method with bare hands. METHODS: Ninety-seven cases of posterior lumbar internal fixation with pedicle root system were included in this study. Based on the tactile feedback of the surgeon indicating the expected penetration of the screw into the contralateral cortex of the sacrum, the screws were further rotated by 180°, 360°, or 720°, categorized into the bicortical 180° group, bicortical 360° group, and bicortical 720° group, respectively. Intraoperatively, the torque during screw insertion was recorded. Postoperatively, the rate of double-cortex engagement was evaluated at 7 days, and screw loosening was assessed at 1 year follow-up. RESULTS: The bicortical rates of the 180° group, 360° group, and 720° group were 66.13%, 91.18% and 93.75%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the 180° group and both the 360° and 720° groups (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the 360° group and the 720° group (P > 0.05).The rates of loosening of sacral screws in the 180° group, 360° group, and 720° group were 20.97%, 7.35% and 7.81%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the 180° group and both the 360° and 720° groups (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the 360° group and the 720° group (P > 0.05). The bicortical 360° group achieved a relatively satisfactory rate of dual cortical purchase while maintaining a lower rate of screw loosening. CONCLUSION: Manual insertion of sacral screws with the assistance of a torque measurement device can achieve a relatively satisfactory dual cortical purchase rate while reducing patient hospitalization costs.

Study on the consistency between CT hounsfield units and MRI evaluation of preoperative cervical paraspinal muscular fat infiltration in patients undergoing ACDF.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of applying CT Hounsfield Units (HUs) for the assessment of preoperative paraspinal muscle fat infiltration (FI) in different segments in patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). To compare the consistency of preoperative paraspinal muscle FI evaluations using MRI and those via CT HUs in patients who underwent ACDF surgery. METHODS: Ninety-five patients (45 males and 50 females, aged 37‒71 years) who received CT and MRI examinations and underwent ACDF surgery were retrospectively analyzed. In the axial T2-weighted MR images at the median level of the C3/4, C4/5, and C5/6 segments, regions of interests (ROIs) were delineated along the boundaries of the cervical multifidus (MF) and semispinalis cervicis (Scer) muscles. Using the threshold tool in ImageJ software, areas of fat tissue and intermuscular septa within the ROI were quantified. The effective cross-sectional area (ECSA) for each side was obtained by subtracting the areas of fat tissue and intermuscular septa from the total ROI area. The ratio of the fat tissue area to the CSA was then calculated to determine the initial FI value. The depth of subcutaneous fat from the midline spinous process to the epidermis at the median plane of the C4/5 intervertebral disc was measured. The initial FI values were then divided by the depth of fat to determine the post-correction FI value. Using the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), at identical segments and planes, ROIs were delineated using the same method as in MRI under a standard soft tissue window (width of 500 HU, level of 60 HU). The CT HU values were measured within these defined areas. The CT HU values from both sides are summed to obtain the total HU value for the segment. According to whether the measurement results of two sets of data follow a normal distribution, Pearson's test or Sperman's test was used to analyze the correlation. RESULTS: On MRI, a statistically significant difference was observed in the post-correction FI only at the C3/4 segment compared to the other two segments (P < 0.05). No significant difference in the post-correction FI between the C4/5 and C5/6 segments was noted (P > 0.05). The CT HU results showed a substantial discrepancy between C3/4 and C4/5 segments and between C3/4 and C5/6 segments (P < 0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was found in the CT HU value between the C4/5 and C5/6 segments (P > 0.05). The consistency analysis revealed a relatively strong correlation between the post-correction FI and CT HU values of the C3/4 and C4/5 segments. Furthermore, a strong correlation was detected in the variations in the measurement outcomes at the C5/6 segment. CONCLUSION: Patients requiring surgical treatment for the cervical spine exhibit varying degrees of FI in paraspinal muscles across different locations and segments. Evaluating the degree of FI in the paraspinal muscles of the cervical spine through CT HU values is feasible. There is considerable consistency between the post-correction FI assessed under MRI and the measurements of CT HU values in evaluating the FI of paraspinal muscles in the cervical spine.

Prediction of Screw Loosening After Dynamic Pedicle Screw Fixation With Lumbar Polyetheretherketone Rods Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Vertebral Bone Quality Score.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score and screw loosening after dynamic pedicle screw fixation with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rods, and evaluate its predictive value. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients who underwent dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods from March 2017 to June 2022. Data on age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia history, long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, VBQ score, L1-4 average Hounsfield unit (HU) value, surgical fixation length, and the lowest instrumented vertebra were collected. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between VBQ score and pedicle screw loosening (PSL). RESULTS: A total of 24 patients experienced PSL after surgery (20.5%). PSL group and non-PSL group showed statistical differences in age, number of fixed segments, fixation to the sacrum, L1-4 average HU value, and VBQ score (p < 0.05). The VBQ score in the PSL group was higher than that in the non-PSL group (3.56 ± 0.45 vs. 2.77 ± 0.31, p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, VBQ score (odds ratio, 3.425; 95% confidence interval, 1.552-8.279) were identified as independent risk factors for screw loosening. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for VBQ score predicting PSL was 0.819 (p < 0.05), with the optimal threshold of 3.15 (sensitivity, 83.1%; specificity, 80.5%). CONCLUSION: The VBQ score can independently predict postoperative screw loosening in patients undergoing lumbar dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods, and its predictive value is comparable to HU value.

Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric [4 + 3] cycloaddition of methylene-trimethylenemethane: access to seven-membered exocyclic axially chiral allenes.

A palladium-catalyzed asymmetric [4 + 3] cycloaddition of the methylene-trimethylenemethane donor with an azadiene has been developed, affording benzofuro[3,2-b]azepine-derived exocyclic chiral allene with control of axial and point chirality. The target compounds were generated in good to excellent yields and with high diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities (up to >20 : 1 dr, 99% ee). Furthermore, this cycloaddition reaction could be efficiently scaled-up and several synthetic transformations were accomplished for the construction of useful chiral allenol and chiral spirocyclic derivatives.

Correlation between axial symptoms and cervical sagittal alignment parameters in patients with two-level or three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy: anterior cervcial discectomy and fusion versus hybird surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively analyze the correlation between axial symptoms (AS) and cervical sagittal alignment parameters after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and hybrid surgery (HS). METHODS: From January 2018 to June 2023, 74 patients who underwent ACDF (n = 36) or HS (n = 38) for two-level or three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy were retrospectively analyzed. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), Neck Disability Index (NDI) were recorded to assess clinical outcomes. Cervical sagittal alignment parameters (Cobb's angle C2-7, C7 slope [C7S], and C2-7 sagittal vertical axis [C2-7 SVA]) were measured preoperatively, 3 days postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. The range of motion (ROM) of C2-7 and ROM of surgical segment were measured. The occurrence of AS was observed at the last follow-up. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between postoperative AS and cervical sagittal alignment parameters. RESULTS: Both in ACDF group and HS group, VAS, JOA and NDI scores showed significant improvements at 3-day postoperation and at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The Cobb's angle C2-7 and C7S were significantly increased at 3 days postoperation compared with pre-operatively in both groups (P < 0.05). C2-7SVA was increased in both groups 3 days after surgery compared with pre-operatively, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). At the last follow-up, the ROM of C2-7 in ACDF group was significantly smaller than HS group (P < 0.05). The prevalence of postoperative AS in the ACDF group and HS group was 41.7 and 18.4%, respectively, with statistical difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). When simple Logistic regression analysis was used, the last Cobb's angle C2-7 (ß = -0.088), the last C2-7SVA (ß = 0.099) in ACDF group and the last C2-7SVA (ß = 0.222) in HS group were all correlated with the occurrence of postoperative AS. When multiple Logistic regression analysis was used, only the last C2-7SVA (ß = 0.181) in the HS group was positively correlated with the occurrence of postoperative AS. CONCLUSIONS: Both ACDF and HS can achieve satisfied clinical outcomes. ACDF and HS can improve cervical sagittal balance to a certain extent, and HS is superior to ACDF in maintaining ROM. The decrease of the last Cobb's angle C2-7 and the increase of the last C2-7SVA may be related to the occurrence of AS after ACDF. The increase of the last C2-7SVA was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of AS after HS.

Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injury without fracture dislocation (SCIWORA) is relatively rare, and spastic paralysis for more than 2 months with Diffuse diopathic skeletal hyperoseosis (DISH) is even rarer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old male patient presented with quadriplegia for more than 2 months after a fall. He's incontinent of stool and urine. An MRI was performed and the diagnosis was "SCIWORA, DISH". After surgical treatment, there was a significant recovery of postoperative related symptoms. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The timing of SCIWORA surgery remains controversial, with most studies suggesting that early surgery (within 24 h) is more effective. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is one of the main surgical procedures that directly and completely removes compression from the anterior aspect of the spinal cord. Patients with SCIWORA combined with DISH may have fractures due to low-energy injuries and should be treated aggressively with surgery to avoid secondary injury to the spinal cord. CONCLUSION: Adult SCIWORA patients should be aggressively treated surgically when vital signs are stable and relatively calm. To avoid secondary injury, titanium plates combined with self-stabilizing fusions provide reliable immediate stabilization and can be used as one of the internal fixation modalities.

Algorithm of face anti-spoofing based on pseudo-negative features generation.

Introduction: Despite advancements in face anti-spoofing technology, attackers continue to pose challenges with their evolving deceptive methods. This is primarily due to the increased complexity of their attacks, coupled with a diversity in presentation modes, acquisition devices, and prosthetic materials. Furthermore, the scarcity of negative sample data exacerbates the situation by causing domain shift issues and impeding robust generalization. Hence, there is a pressing need for more effective cross-domain approaches to bolster the model's capability to generalize across different scenarios. Methods: This method improves the effectiveness of face anti-spoofing systems by analyzing pseudo-negative sample features, expanding the training dataset, and boosting cross-domain generalization. By generating pseudo-negative features with a new algorithm and aligning these features with the use of KL divergence loss, we enrich the negative sample dataset, aiding the training of a more robust feature classifier and broadening the range of attacks that the system can defend against. Results: Through experiments on four public datasets (MSU-MFSD, OULU-NPU, Replay-Attack, and CASIA-FASD), we assess the model's performance within and across datasets by controlling variables. Our method delivers positive results in multiple experiments, including those conducted on smaller datasets. Discussion: Through controlled experiments, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. Furthermore, our approach consistently yields favorable results in both intra-dataset and cross-dataset evaluations, thereby highlighting its excellent generalization capabilities. The superior performance on small datasets further underscores our method's remarkable ability to handle unseen data beyond the training set.

Timing of decompression in central cord syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study compared the recovery of motor function and the safety of early and delayed surgical intervention in patients with central cord syndrome (CCS). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were employed to retrieve the targeted studies published from inception to February 19, 2023. Comparative studies of early versus delayed surgical decompression in CCS based on American Spinal Injury Association motor score (AMS) recovery, complication rates, and mortality were selected. The statistical analyses were performed using STATA 16.0 and RevMan 5.4. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 13 studies comprising 8424 patients. Results revealed that early surgery improved AMS scores significantly compared with delayed surgery, with an increase in MDs by 7.22 points (95% CI 1.98-12.45; P = 0.007). Additionally, early surgery reduced the complication rates than delayed surgery (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.42-0.67, P < 0.00001). However, no significant difference was observed in mortality between the two groups (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.75-1.26; P = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Early surgical decompression for CCS can improve motor function and reduce the incidence of complications without affecting the mortality rate in patients. Future research should focus on investigating and analyzing the optimal window period for early CCS surgery. Additionally, the timing of surgery should be determined based on the patient's condition and available medical resources.

An Umbrella Insight into the Phytochemistry Features and Biological Activities of Corn Silk: A Narrative Review.

Corn silk (Zea mays L.) is the stigma of an annual gramineous plant named corn, which is distributed in many regions worldwide and has a long history of medicinal use. In recent years, with the sustainable development of traditional Chinese medicine, studies of corn silk based on modern technologies, such as GC-MS, LC-MS, and other analytical means, have offered more comprehensive analyses. Phytochemistry studies have shown that the main bioactive components in corn silk include flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids, fatty acids, and terpenoids. Pharmacological studies have shown that corn silk extract has various pharmacological effects, such as reducing blood lipids, lowering blood pressure, regulating blood sugar levels, anti-inflammatory effects, and anti-oxidation effects. In this paper, the related research on corn silk from the past few years is summarized to provide a theoretical reference for the further development and utilization of corn silk.

Triphenylphosphonium-linked derivative of hecogenin with enhanced antiproliferative activity: Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation.

Hecogenin (HCG), a steroidal sapogenin, possesses good antitumor properties. However, the application of HCG for cancer treatment has been hindered primarily by its moderate potency. In this study, we incorporated triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP+) at the C-3 and C-12 positions through different lengths of alkyl chains to target mitochondria and enhance the efficacy and selectivity of the parent compound. Cytotoxicity screening revealed that most of the target compounds exhibited potent antiproliferative activity against five human cancer cell lines (MKN45, A549, HCT-116, MCF-7, and HepG2). Structure-activity relationship studies indicated that the TPP+ group significantly enhanced the antiproliferative potency of HCG. Among these compounds, 3c demonstrated remarkable potency against MKN45 cells with an IC50 value of 0.48 µM, significantly more effective than its parent compound HCG (IC50 > 100 µM). Further investigations into the mechanism of action revealed that 3c induced apoptosis of MKN45 cells through the mitochondrial pathway. In a zebrafish xenograft model, 3c inhibited the proliferation of MKN45 cells. Overall, these results suggest that 3c, with potent antiproliferative activity, may serve as a valuable scaffold for developing new antitumor agents.

Regulation of Photogenerated Redox Species through High Crystallinity Carbon Nitride for Improved C-S Coupling Reactions.

A novel and efficient approach for the synthesis of α, ß-unsaturated sulfones through heterogeneous photocatalyzed C-S coupling reactions have been developed. The use of molten-salt method derived carbon nitride (MCN), a transition metal-free polymeric photocatalyst, combined with enhanced crystallinity and potassium iodide as an additive, effectively modulates photogenerated reactive redox species, markedly increasing the overall reaction selectivity. This method achieves the shortest reaction time (2 h) with high yield (up to 95 %) among the reported heterogeneous catalytic C-S bond formation reactions, matching the efficiency of the homogeneous photocatalysts. Furthermore, the application to challenging alkyne substrates has been demonstrated, underscoring the potential for a broad range of applications in pharmaceutical research and synthetic chemistry.

Changes in the centre of rotation and the anterior bone loss of the vertebral body in Mobi-C artificial disc replacement segments after cervical hybrid surgery: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the short-term efficacy and imaging results of using the Mobi-C in cervical hybrid surgery on 2-level cervical spondylolisthesis. To observe post-operative changes in the flexion-extension centre of rotation (FE-COR) and anterior bone loss (ABL) of the anterior cervical disc replacement (ACDR) segment. METHODS: Forty-two patients (20 males and 22 females, aged 42‒67 years) who underwent cervical hybrid surgery were retrospectively analysed. Their ACDR segment used Mobi-C, and the fusion segment used ROI-C, with a follow-up of 25‒42 months (31.1 ± 4.8 months). The modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assess clinical outcomes. Pre-operative, 6-month post-operative, and final follow-up radiographs were collected to compare total cervical spine curvature (C2-C7), curvature of the operated segments, range of motion (ROM) in the total cervical spine, operated segmental ROM, ACDR segmental ROM, and operated adjacent segmental ROM. The height of the superior articular process (HSAP), the orientation of zygapophyseal joint spaces (OZJS), and the length of the superior articular surface (LSAS) were measured. The FE-COR of the ACDR segment was measured using the mid-plumb line method. The translation distance of the Mobi-C was measured. The degree of disc degeneration in the adjacent segment, bony fusion of the ACDF segment, and ABL of the upper and lower vertebra of the ACDR segment were observed. RESULTS: In our group, all patients have shown improvements in their postoperative mJOA, NDI, and VAS scores. Overall cervical ROM and surgical segmental ROM decreased (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant decrease in ACDR segmental ROM and upper or lower adjacent segmental ROM compared with pre-operatively (P > 0.05). For FE-COR-X, only the last follow-up compared with pre-surgery showed statistical significance (46.74 ± 7.71% vs. 50.74 ± 6.92%, P < 0.05). For FE-COR-Y, the change was statistically significant at both 6 months post-operation and the final follow-up compared to pre-operation (45.37% ± 21.11% vs. 33.82% ± 10.87%, 45. 37% ± 21.11% vs. 27.48% ± 13.58%, P < 0.05). No significant difference in the Mobi-C translation distance was observed (P > 0.05). Moreover, the difference in HSAP was not statistically significant at each node (P > 0.05). The OZJS and LSAS were significantly different at the final follow-up compared to the pre-operative period (P < 0.05). All the ACDF segments were observed in a stable condition at the final follow-up. Furthermore, 9 of the adjacent segments showed imaging ASD (9/82, 10.98%), and all were present at the last follow-up, of which 6 were mild, and 3 were moderate. Twenty of the 42 Mobi-C segments had no significant ABL (grade 0) 6 months post-operatively (47.62%). Sixteen cases (38.10%) showed mild ABL (grade 1), and 6 cases (14.28%) showed moderate ABL (grade 2). No severe ABL occurred. CONCLUSION: The cervical hybrid surgery using Mobi-C artificial cervical discs can achieve satisfactory results. The Mobi-C segmental FE-COR-X shows a slow forward shift trend, and FE-COR-Y drops noticeably within 6 months post-surgery before stabilizing. It's common to see mild to moderate ABL after cervical hybrid surgery using Mobi-C, and significant progression is unlikely in the short term. Furthermore, changes in the FE-COR after hybrid surgery in the Mobi-C segment might not affect clinical outcomes.

Spinal epidural cavernous hemangiomas in the lumbar spine: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal epidural cavernous hemangiomas (SECHs) are relatively rare intradural epidural lesions of the spinal canal, and those occurring in the lumbar spine are even rarer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old man presented for low back pain with right leg pain. His pee and feces were both normal but symptoms were very similar to a typical lumbar disc herniation. The MRI findings suggest an epidural space of unknown nature in the spinal cord at the L2-3 level and a definite diagnosis of SECHs was made by postoperative pathological examination. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Patients who are suspected of having SECHs should undergo initial classification and differential diagnosis based on MRI imaging features. It is crucial to identify the responsible segment in correlation with the presenting symptoms. During surgery, the primary objective should be the complete removal of the mass, while taking utmost care to protect the nerves. Dynamic stabilization systems, utilizing pedicle rods, can be considered as one of the treatment options for such patients. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting with low back pain and neurological symptoms should undergo MRI, and diagnosed with SECHs should undergo early surgical intervention. For patients with an intradural mass in the spinal canal, complete resection should be performed while prioritizing nerve protection.

Influence of landscape patterns on nitrate and particulate organic nitrogen inputs to urban stormwater runoff.

This study investigated the effect of the landscape pattern of permeable/impermeable patches on NO3--N and particulate organic nitrogen (PON) concentrations during stormwater runoff transport and their source contributions. Six landscape pattern indices, namely, mean proximity index (MPI), largest patch index (LPI), mean shape index (MSI), landscape shape index (LSI), connect index (CONNECT), and splitting index (SPLIT), were selected to reflect the fragmentation, complexity, and connectivity of permeable patches in urban catchments. The results show that lower fragmentation, higher complexity, and greater connectivity can reduce NO3--N concentrations in road runoff and drainage flow (i.e., the flow in the stormwater drainage network), as well as PON concentrations in road runoff. Further, the above landscape pattern is effective for mitigating the contributions of NO3--N and PON from road runoff. Low impact development (LID) can be incorporated with the landscape pattern of permeable/impermeable patches to mitigate nitrogen pollution in urban stormwater at the catchment scale by optimizing the spatial arrangement.

Near-infrared molecular sensor for visualizing and tracking ONOO- during the process of anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver damage.

Isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA) are both the first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs in clinical treatment. It is notable that there are serious side effects of the drugs along with upregulation of reactive nitrogen species, mainly including peripheral neuritis, gastrointestinal reactions, and acute drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Among them, DILI is the most common clinical symptom as well as the basic reason of treatment interruption, protocol change, and drug resistance. As vital reactive nitrogen species (RNS), peroxynitrite (ONOO-) has been demonstrated as a biomarker for evaluation and pre-diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). In this work, we developed a red-emitting D-π-A type fluorescence probe DIC-NP which was based on 4'-hydroxy-4-biphenylcarbonitrile modified with dicyanoisophorone as a fluorescent reporter and diphenyl phosphinic chloride group as the reaction site for highly selective and sensitive sensing ONOO-. Probe DIC-NP displayed a low detection limit (14.9 nM) and 60-fold fluorescent enhancement at 669 nm in the sensing of ONOO-. Probe DIC-NP was successfully applied to monitor exogenous and endogenous ONOO- in living HeLa cells and zebrafish. Furthermore, we verified the toxicity of isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA) by taking the oxidative stress induced by APAP as a reference, and successfully imaged anti-tuberculosis drug-induced endogenous ONOO- in HepG2 cells. More importantly, we developed a series of mice models of liver injury and investigated the hepatotoxicity caused by the treatment of anti-tuberculosis drugs. At the same time, H&E of mice organs (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney) further confirmed the competence of probe DIC-NP for estimating the degree of drug-induced liver injury, which laid a solid foundation for medical research.

Biocontrol Potential of Trichoderma asperellum Strain 576 against Exserohilum turcicum in Zea mays.

Maize is a crucial cereal crop in China, serving both as a staple food and an essential industrial resource. Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) is a disease of corn caused by a fungus, Exserohilum turcicum (sexual stage Setosphaeria turcica). This study aimed to assess the biocontrol potential of various Trichoderma strains against Exserohilum turcicum 101 in Jilin, China. Through dual culture tests, the Trichoderma strains were categorized into four groups based on their antagonistic abilities. Eleven Trichoderma strains exhibited strong antagonistic behavior, with comparable or faster growth rates than E. turcicum 101. Microscopic observations confirmed that T. asperellum 576 hyphae effectively encircled E. turcicum 101 hyphae, reinforcing their antagonistic behavior. The production of non-volatile and volatile substances by the Trichoderma strains was evaluated, with T. asperellum 576 showing the highest potency in producing non-volatile and volatile substances, leading to an impressive 80.81% and 65.86% inhibition of E. turcicum 101 growth. Remarkably, co-culture suspensions of T. asperellum 576 + E. turcicum 101 and T. atroviride 393 + E. turcicum 101 exhibited strong antifungal activity. Furthermore, the activities of chitinase, ß-1.3-glucanase, and cellulase were evaluated using the 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method. T. asperellum 576 + E. turcicum 101 displayed stronger cell wall degradation enzyme activity compared to T. atroviride 393 + E. turcicum 101, with values of 8.34 U/mL, 3.42 U/mL, and 7.75 U/mL, respectively. In greenhouse conditions, the application of a 107 spores/mL conidia suspension of T. asperellum 576 significantly enhanced maize seed germination and plant growth while effectively suppressing E. turcicum 101 infection. Maize seedlings inoculated/treated with both E. turcicum 101 and T. asperellum 576 demonstrated substantial improvements compared to those inoculated solely with E. turcicum 101. The T. asperellum 576 treatment involved a 107 spores/mL conidia suspension applied through a combination of foliar spray and soil drench. These findings highlight T. asperellum 576 as a promising biocontrol candidate against northern leaf blight in maize. Its antagonistic behavior, production of inhibitory compounds, and promotion of plant growth all contribute to its potential as an effective biocontrol agent for disease management.

Grafts vs. flaps: a comparative study of Bracka repair and staged transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias with severe ventral curvature.

Introduction: Bracka repair and staged transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty are both significant methods in treating proximal hypospadias. They utilize the flap and graft techniques, respectively, to achieve a satisfactory success rate. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of these 2 methods in the treatment of proximal hypospadias with severe ventral curvature. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 117 cases of proximal hypospadias with severe ventral curvature who had undergone either Bracka repair (n = 62) or staged transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty (n = 55). All operations were performed by a single surgeon, and the choice of method was determined by the surgeon's preference based on his experience. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated with Pediatric Penile Perception Score (PPPS). Patients' characteristics including age, penis length, glans diameter, length of the urethral defect and ventral curvature degree, cosmetic outcomes, and complication rates were all compared. Results: There was no significant difference in age, penis length, glans diameter, length of the urethral defect, or ventral curvature degree. In the Bracka group, there were 5 patients with fistula, 1 patient with stricture, and 1 case of dehiscence. In the staged transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty group, there were 4 patients with fistula, 1 with stricture, and 2 with diverticulum. The scores of shaft skin and general appearance were consistently higher in the Bracka group than in the staged transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty group. The differences in complication rate and cosmetic outcome were not statistically different (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Bracka repair and staged transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty are both satisfactory staged surgical options for proximal hypospadias with severe ventral curvature and have similar complication rates. Bracka repair may create a better appearance, but more studies are needed to confirm this finding. Pediatric surgeons should consider additional factors, such as the patient's specific condition, parents' inclination, and personal experience, rather than safety, to make the best choice between the 2 methods.

Cellular drug delivery system for disease treatment.

The application of variable novel drug delivery system has shown a flowering trend in recent years. Among them, the cell-based drug delivery system (DDS) utilizes the unique physiological function of cells to deliver drugs to the lesion area, which is the most complex and intelligent DDS at present. Compared with the traditional DDS, the cell-based DDS has the potential of prolonged circulation in body. Cellular DDS is expected to be the best carrier to realize multifunctional drug delivery. This paper introduces and analyzes common cellular DDSs such as blood cells, immune cells, stem cells, tumor cells and bacteria as well as relevant research examples in recent years. We hope that this review can provide a reference for future research on cell vectors and promote the innovative development and clinical transformation of cell-based DDS.

Exploring the research landscape of COVID-19-induced olfactory dysfunction: A bibliometric study.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, olfactory dysfunction (OD) has become an important and persistent legacy problem that seriously affects the quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively analyze and visualize the current research status and development trend of COVID-19 related OD by using VOSviewer software. Based on the Web of Science database, a total of 1,592 relevant documents were retrieved in January 2023, with publication time spanning from 2020 to 2023. The bibliometric analysis revealed that the most influential research results in the field of COVID-19 related OD were concentrated in journals of related disciplines such as otorhinolaryngology, medicine, general and internal, virology, neurosciences, etc. The knowledge base of the research is mainly formed in two fields: COVID-19 clinical research and OD specialized research. The research hotspots are mainly concentrated in six directions: COVID-19, long COVID, smell, anosmia, OD, and recovery. Based on the results of the bibliometric analysis, the temporal trends of COVID-19 related OD studies were visually revealed, and relevant suggestions for future research were proposed.

Overexpression of MicroRNA-155 aggravates pulpitis by targeting kinesin superfamily Proteins-5C based on illumina high-throughput sequencing.

AIM: To investigate the regulatory role of miR-155 and Kinesin Superfamily Proteins-5C (KIF-5C) in the progression of pulpitis based on bioinformatic analysis. METHODOLOGY: Normal pulp tissues and pulpitis pulp tissues were collected and subjected to high-throughput sequencing and the differentially expressed miRNAs were determined. An in vitro and in vivo pulpitis model was established. HE, IHC staining and histological evaluation were used to verify the inflammatory state of human and mouse pulp tissues. The mRNA expression of IL-1ß and TGF-ß1 were determined by RT-qPCR and protein expression of IL-1α, IL-4, IL-8, IL-13, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10 and MCP-1 were determined by protein chip. The target genes of miR-155 were predicted by miRanda database and verified by Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR and western blotting. MiR-155 lentivirus were used to upregulate or downregulate miR-155 and the siRNA of KIF-5C was used to downregulate KIF-5C. The expression of miR-155 or KIF-5C was determined by RT-qPCR. All statistics were analysed using GraphPad prism 8.2. RESULTS: The high-throughput sequencing results showed that 6 miRNAs (miR-155, miR-21, miR-142, miR-223, miR-486, miR-675) were significantly upregulated in diseased human pulp tissues, and miR-155 was significantly elevated among the six miRNAs. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that miR-155 expression was upregulated in human pulpitic tissue, mice pulpitic tissue and LPS-HDPCs. IL-1ß was increased while TGF-ß1 was decreased in lenti-miR-155 transfected LPS-HDPCs. Analysis of protein chip results indicated that lenti-miR-155 transfected LPS-HDPCs produced higher levels of IL-8, IL-6, MCP-1. The opposite results were obtained when miR-155 was inhibited. Through miRanda database screen and Dual-luciferase reporter assay, the target gene (KIF-5C) of miR-155 was identified. In lenti-miR-155 transfected LPS-HDPCs, the expression of KIF-5C was downregulated. However, when shRNA-miR-155 was transfected to LPS-HDPCs, the opposite result was obtained. Silent RNA was used to knock down KIF-5C, the results showed that when both KIF-5C and miR-155 were knocked down simultaneously, the downregulated expression of inflammatory factors observed in LPS-HDPCs following miR-155 knockdown was rescued. CONCLUSION: MiR-155 plays an important role in promoting pulpitis through targeting KIF-5C and may serve as a potential therapeutic target.