Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with a zero-profile VA spacer device: a clinical and radiological study with two-year follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with a novel zero-profile variable-angle (Zero-P VA) spacer and a traditional poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) cage and plate system in cases pertaining to cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy. There are two conventional types of ACDF procedures aimed at treating symptomatic cervical spondylosis. The first one involves an uninstrumented "stand-alone" approach utilizing bone graft/cage, while the second incorporates bone graft/cage in conjunction with a front plate positioned before the vertebral bodies. Both procedures have their own inherent advantages and disadvantages. The Zero-P VA spacer, however, represents a unique synthesis by amalgamating the advantages of both traditionally typical procedures. Notably, this spacer can potentially circumvent the issue related to prevertebral soft-tissue disturbance and reduce the occurrence of dysphagia. METHODS: Using our surgical database, the authors systematically conducted a retrospective analysis encompassing all patients who underwent single-level ACDF between January 2018 and January 2019, with a minimum two-year follow-up. Patients either received a Zero-P VA implant or PEEK cage coupled with plating. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for arm and neck pain were documented. Dysphagia was evaluated using the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (ETA-10). Additional parameters such as cervical alignment, fusion rate and the incidence of postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: According to the outcomes of the statistical analysis, there was no substantial disparity that emerged in the advancements observed in the JOA and VAS metrics between the two study cohorts. Noteworthy, however, the ETA-10 scores were statistically significantly reduced in the Zero-P VA group compared to the cage and plating group (p < 0.05). At the final follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences in the height of the operated segment, Cobb angle of the fused segment, C2-C7 Cobb angle and fusion rate between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, postoperative complications were slightly lower in patients with the Zero-P VA group (7.69%) as compared to the cage and plating group (16.67%). CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes observed with the Zero-P VA spacer used for single-level ACDF were found to be satisfactory. The performance of this device is comparable or even superior to the traditional cage and plating method in preventing postoperative dysphagia and mitigating potential complications associated with the use of a plate.

Effect modification by aging on the associations of nicotine exposure with cognitive impairment among Chinese elderly.

Active and passive exposure to tobacco smoke may increase risk of cognitive decline. However, effects of enhanced the aging process on the association of urinary nicotine metabolites with cognitive impairment remain unclear. In this study, 6657 Chinese older adults completed the physical examinations and cognitive tests. We measured urinary nicotine metabolite levels, mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN), and relative telomere length (RTL) and analyzed effects of urinary nicotine metabolites and their interaction with mtDNA-CN or RTL on cognitive impairment by generalized linear models and qg-computation, respectively. Each 1-unit increase in urinary 3-OHCot, 3-OHCotGluc, CotGluc, or NicGluc levels corresponded to a 1.05-, 1.09-, 1.04-, and 0.90-fold increased risk of cognitive impairment. Each 1-quantile increment in the mixture level of 8 nicotine metabolites corresponded to an increment of 1.40- and 1.34-fold risk of cognitive impairment in individuals with longer RTL or low mtDNA-CN. Urinary 3-OHCotGluc and RTL or mtDNA-CN exhibited an additive effect on cognitive impairment in addition to the mixture of 8 nicotine metabolites and mtDNA-CN. The findings suggested that aging process may increase the risk of tobacco-related cognitive impairment.

Roles of the Neuron-Restrictive Silencer Factor in the Pathophysiological Process of the Central Nervous System.

The neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF), also known as repressor element 1 (RE-1) silencing transcription factor (REST) or X2 box repressor (XBR), is a zinc finger transcription factor that is widely expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. It is a master regulator of the nervous system, and the function of NRSF is the basis of neuronal differentiation, diversity, plasticity, and survival. NRSF can bind to the neuron-restrictive silencer element (NRSE), recruit some co-repressors, and then inhibit transcription of NRSE downstream genes through epigenetic mechanisms. In neurogenesis, NRSF functions not only as a transcriptional silencer that can mediate the transcriptional inhibition of neuron-specific genes in non-neuronal cells and thus give neuron cells specificity, but also as a transcriptional activator to induce neuronal differentiation. Many studies have confirmed the association between NRSF and brain disorders, such as brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Overexpression, underexpression, or mutation may lead to neurological disorders. In tumorigenesis, NRSF functions as an oncogene in neuronal tumors, such as neuroblastomas, medulloblastomas, and pheochromocytomas, stimulating their proliferation, which results in poor prognosis. Additionally, NRSF-mediated selective targets gene repression plays an important role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain caused by nerve injury, cancer, and diabetes. At present, several compounds that target NRSF or its co-repressors, such as REST-VP16 and X5050, have been shown to be clinically effective against many brain diseases, such as seizures, implying that NRSF and its co-repressors may be potential and promising therapeutic targets for neural disorders. In the present review, we introduced the biological characteristics of NRSF; reviewed the progress to date in understanding the roles of NRSF in the pathophysiological processes of the nervous system, such as neurogenesis, brain disorders, neural tumorigenesis, and neuropathic pain; and suggested new therapeutic approaches to such brain diseases.

Sarcopenic obesity defined by visceral adiposity was associated with osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that the fracture risk related to sarcopenic obesity (SO) may be influenced by the distribution of fat mass. Therefore, it is useful to explore a body component suitable for defining obesity when predicting fracture risk. This study was an attempt to explore the contribution of SO defined by visceral adiposity on the incidence of osteoporotic fracture. METHODS: We enrolled 736 Chinese patients aged > 60 years in this prospective study. Sarcopenia was defined as low skeletal muscle index (SMI) with muscle strength or low SMI with low physical performance. Obesity was categorized as follows: (1) android to gynoid ratio (A/G ratio, men > 0.82, women > 0.65) as an indicator of visceral adiposity; (2) body fat percentage (men > 27.8%; women > 34.5%); and (3) body mass index (≥ 25 kg/m2). A Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the association between SO and the risk of osteoporotic fracture. RESULTS: The incidence of SO was 8.7%; 9.0% in females and 8.1% in males. Of 223 (30.2%) patients with self-reported fractures. SO classified by A/G was associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture (HR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.07-2.72). High SMI was associated with a reduced risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72-0.93), higher BMI was associated with a higher risk vertebral fracture (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.94-1.63), and higher A/G ratio was associated with a higher risk of any fracture (HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.14-1.43) and osteoporotic vertebral fracture (HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05-1.36). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SO, defined by visceral adiposity, was associated with the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Moreover, low SMI, low muscle strength and visceral adiposity were independently associated with osteoporotic fracture.

Relationship between Vitamin D and Nonspecific Low Back Pain May Be Mediated by Inflammatory Markers.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to nonspecific low back pain (Ns-LBP); however, the role of inflammation as a possible mediator between vitamin D levels and Ns-LBP is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: To explore the mediating effects of inflammatory markers on the relationship between vitamin D levels and pain outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: Department of Spinal Surgery of a hospital affiliated to a medical university. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we selected patients with non-specific acute low back pain (Ns-ALBP, n = 60) and non-specific chronic low back pain (Ns-CLBP, n = 78), as well as 60 people without Ns-LBP as controls, from January 2018 to January 2019. Serum 25(OH)D and inflammatory marker levels were examined. Regression and causal mediation analysis were used to evaluate the mediating effects of inflammatory markers on the association between vitamin D and pain. RESULTS: Mean serum concentrations of vitamin D in the control, Ns-ALBP, and Ns-CLBP groups were 25.70 ± 10.04, 21.44 ± 8.46 and 18.25 ± 8.05 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). After adjustment for clinical factors, vitamin D deficiency was associated with Ns-LBP (P < 0.05); however, when the interleukin 6 (IL-6) level was added to the multivariable models, the association was no longer significant in Ns-CLBP patients. Mediation analysis estimated the overall mediated effect as -0.461 (P < 0.001) in Ns-CLBP patients, and the intermediary effect of IL-6 was 0.045. LIMITATIONS: A retrospective study may include inevitable bias. More sensitive biomarkers were not investigated in this study. Pain intensity evaluation using the visual analogue scale is inevitably subjective. CONCLUSION: Patients with Ns-LBP had lower vitamin D and higher inflammatory marker levels. This association between hypovitaminosis D and Ns-CLBP may be mediated by IL-6. Therefore, large-scale clinical trials are warranted to investigate the clinical efficacy of vitamin D supplementation for decreasing inflammation and relieving Ns-LBP.

A Study on COMP and CTX-II as Molecular Markers for the Diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is challenging at the early stage. The cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and extracellular matrix degradation products of C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) serve as markers for the serological diagnosis of IVDD. Oxidative stress might cause IVDD and matrix degeneration. METHODS: A total of 128 male adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly and equally assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group was used to construct IVDD models by acupuncture, while the control group underwent sham operation. The animals were executed every week for 8 weeks after intervertebral disc acupuncture, and serum samples were collected for the estimation of CTX-II and COMP concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, the histological changes and caudal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes were examined in the intervertebral disc. RESULTS: IVDD in rats worsened with prolonged follow-up after acupuncture. At all the time points, the experimental group showed altered histological and caudal vertebra MRI signals, and serum CTX-II and COMP concentrations were significantly greater than those of the control group. These levels increase with the process of IVDD. CONCLUSION: Serum CTX-II and COMP estimation is a reliable method to diagnose IVDD, and their concentrations show a positive correlation with the process of IVDD.

Evaluation of the Use of CT Attenuation for the Prediction of Subsequent Vertebral Fracture in Patients with Osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND: Subsequent vertebral fracture (SVF) is one of the most common complications of percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA), which leads to lower back pain in patients. Low bone mineral density (BMD) is an independent risk factor for SVF. BMD measured using computed tomography (CT) trabecular attenuation correlates closely with BMD. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the risk factors of SVF after PVA and to estimate the predictive role of CT trabecular attenuation. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review. SETTING: Department of spinal surgery in an affiliated hospital of a medical university. METHODS: A total of 515 patients were retrospectively enrolled between January 2015 and December 2019 into a 5-year follow-up investigation. Trabecular attenuation (Hounsfield units [HU]) was retrospectively measured at L1 on preoperative lumbar or thoracic CT scans, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate its value for the prediction of SVF. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression were performed to identify the risk factors for SVF. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients (32.2%) experienced SVF. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that an L1 trabecular attenuation of <= 95 HU has a sensitivity of 70.5% and a specificity of 79.9% for the prediction of SVF. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that L1 trabecular attenuation <= 95 HU was significantly associated with lower SVF-free survival (P = 0.001; log-rank test). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that advanced age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.03, P = 0.022), low body mass index (HR = 0.83, P = 0.001), diabetes status (HR = 1.50, P = 0.024), antiosteoporosis drugs use (HR = 0.65, P = 0.031), and decreased L1 trabecular attenuation (HR = 0.95, P = 0.001) were risk factors for SVF. LIMITATIONS: A single-center retrospective study of a consecutive cohort of patients may include the inevitable bias. We periodically reviewed the full-length x-ray of the spine at every 3 months of follow-up visit, which we may miss some patients with SVF without low back pain. CONCLUSIONS: SVF is highly prevalent in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture who undergo single-level PVA. Low L1 trabecular attenuation is associated with a significant reduction in SVF-free survival, and when their L1 trabecular attenuation is <= 95 HU, patients may be at higher risk of SVF. KEY WORDS: Computed tomography, Hounsfield units, vertebral fracture, osteoporosis, percutaneous vertebral augmentation.

Cytotoxicity and Effect of Topical Application of Tranexamic Acid on Human Fibroblast in Spine Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: In spinal surgery, considerable blood loss is increasingly treated with the local application of tranexamic acid (TXA). However, little is known about its cytotoxicity and effect on human fibroblasts. This study was to identify the effect of TXA solution on human fibroblast at different concentrations and exposure times in vitro. METHODS: To mimic the actual clinical situation, human fibroblasts were subjected to both limited and chronic exposure to various clinically relevant concentrations of TXA to mimic different ways of topical administration. At time points after treatment, the viability, proliferation, apoptosis, collagen synthesis, adhesion, and migration of fibroblasts were analyzed in vitro. RESULTS: Limited exposure (10 minutes) to a high concentration of TXA (100 mg/mL) did not affect the viability, proliferation, and apoptosis of fibroblasts, and chronic exposure to low concentration of TXA (≤12.5 mg/mL) exerted little effect on viability, proliferation, apoptosis, collagen synthesis, adhesion, and migration of human fibroblasts (P > 0.05). However, the chronic exposure to a high concentration of TXA (≥25 mg/mL) can inhibit the viability, proliferation, collagen synthesis, adhesion and migration, and induce apoptosis of fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Although limited exposure to high concentration of TXA and chronic exposure to low concentration of TXA exerted little effect on fibroblasts, chronic exposure to high concentration of TXA can lead to fibroblast injury.

Association between handgrip strength and subsequent vertebral-fracture risk following percutaneous vertebral augmentation.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and the risk of subsequent vertebral fracture (SVF) after percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 340 patients aged over 50 years with osteoporotic vertebral fracture were enrolled in this 3-year follow-up investigation. HGS was measured with a hand-held dynamometer before PVA. Female patients and male patients were grouped using the HGS threshold recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate SVF-free survival. The hazard ratios (HRs) of HGS for SVF events were estimated with the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, a total of 93 patients (27.4%) experienced SVF. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the HGS of female patients < 18.0 kg and male patients < 28 kg was significantly associated with lower SVF-free survival (female patients: p < 0.001, male patients: p = 0.038; log-rank test). Among women, each 1-kg increase in HGS was associated with a 9% lower risk of SVF (HR 0.91, p = 0.035) after adjustment for potential risk factors. Among men, although the associations between low HGS and increased risk of SVF were significant in the crude model (HR 0.79, p < 0.001), this significance disappeared after adjustment for bone mineral density of the femoral neck. CONCLUSIONS: Low HGS was significantly associated with lower SVF-free survival among elderly patients who underwent single-level PVA for osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

Proteomics Study on the Differentially Expressed Proteins in c-fos-silenced Cells Exposed to PM 2.5.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of c-fos gene silencing on differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells after exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). METHODS: HBE cells and c-fos-silenced HBE cells were exposed to 50 µg/mL PM 2.5, LC-MS/MS and tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling methods were combined with bioinformatics methods, and DEPs and interaction networks were identified. RESULTS: In the HBE group, 414 DEPs were screened, of which 227 were up-regulated and 187 down-regulated. In the c-fos silenced HBE group, 480 DEPs were screened, including 240 up-regulated proteins and 240 down-regulated proteins. KEGG annotations showed that DEPs in the HBE group are mainly concentrated in the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway and those in the c-fos silenced group are concentrated mainly in endoplasmic reticulum and the processing of proteins. Additionally, the abnormal expression of GPRC5C, DKK4, and UBE2C was identified in top 15 DEPs. After constructing the protein interaction network, 20 Hub proteins including HNRNPA2B1, HNRNPL, RPS15A, and RPS25 were screened from the HBE group and the c-fos silenced HBE group. CONCLUSION: c-fos gene affected the expression of cancer-related proteins. Our results provided a scientific basis for further study of PM 2.5-induced carcinogenesis mechanism.

Clinical Application of a New Assessment Tool for Myelopathy Hand Using Virtual Reality.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a new assessment tool, myelopathy-hand functional evaluation system (MFES), in evaluating the hand dysfunction of patients with cervical myelopathy in the 10-second grip-and-release test (10 second G-R test). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Clumsy fingers movement is a common symptom of myelopathy patients. Evaluating the impaired hand function can provide a strong basis in assessing the severity of myelopathy. Currently, no objective and effective evaluation method is widely accepted in clinical practice. METHODS: MFES mainly consists of a pair of wise-gloves and a computer with software. One hundred and ninety-eight consecutive participants were asked to wear the wise-gloves and then perform 10 seconds G-R test. The movements of each finger were recorded by MFES and converted into waveforms. Relevant waveform parameters were measured and analyzed. The Japanese Orthopedics Association (JOA) scores of each patient were marked and the maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC) was measured on midsagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Myelopathy patients had a lower number of G-R cycles and a longer time per cycle than healthy subjects. There were significant differences in adduction and abduction time in patients with JOA scores greater than 6, but not in healthy subjects and patients with JOA scores less than 6. The waveforms of ulnar three fingers in myelopathy patients were lower and wider than those in healthy individuals. The average ratio value of wave height to wave width (a/b) could quantitatively reflect such differences of waveforms. According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal threshold value of the normal average ratio was more than 1.92. The average a/b value was correlated with the JOA scores of the motor function in the upper extremities (r = 0.842). CONCLUSION: MFES appears to be an objective and quantitative assessment tool for patients with cervical myelopathy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Estimation of the ideal correction of lumbar lordosis to prevent reoperation for symptomatic adjacent segment disease after lumbar fusion in older people.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic adjacent segment disease (ASDis) is a major complication following spinal fusion. Sagittal spinopelvic imbalance may contribute to the development of ASDis. However, the exact ideal correction of lumbar lordosis (LL) is unknown for different ages of people to prevent ASDis. The purpose of this study was to estimate the ideal correction of LL required to prevent symptomatic ASDis requiring revision surgery in patients of various ages, and to determine the radiographic risk factors for ASDis. METHODS: 468 patients who underwent lumbar fusion between January 2014 and December 2016, were enrolled in the present study. The patients were classified into the ASDis and N-ASD group. These two matched groups were compared regarding surgery-related factors and radiographic features. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for ASDis. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (13.25%) underwent reoperation for ASDis during a mean follow-up duration of 38.07 months. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the postoperative LL - preoperative LL (△LL) cutoff value was 11.7°for the development of ASDis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors for symptomatic ASDis were a smaller LL angle, △LL > 12°, and PI-LL > 10° (p <  0.05). For patients > 60 years, the incidence of ASDis was higher in patients with a LL correction of ≥10° and a lumbar-pelvic mismatch (PI-LL) of > 20°. CONCLUSIONS: The significant predictors of the occurrence of ASDis were a smaller LL angle, △LL > 12°, and PI-LL > 10°. However, in patients older than 60 years, the incidence of ASDis after lumbar fusion was higher in those with a LL correction of ≥10° and PI-LL of > 20°. More attention should be paid to patient age and the angle of correction of LL before lumbar fusion.

Sagittal imbalance, muscle atrophy, and osteoporosis: risk factors for revision posterior lumbar fusion surgery in patients with Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate features and complications of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who underwent posterior lumbar fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD), as well as the risk factors for revision. METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2016, 132 patients were retrospectively identified for inclusion. Patients were divided into a 29 revision PD group and a 103 non-revision PD group. Patient factors included bone mineral density (BMD) and severity of PD using the Hoehn and Yahr staging system. Surgical factors included surgical levels and fusion methods. Radiographic measurements included pre-operative spinopelvic parameters, paraspinal muscle atrophy, and fatty infiltration. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors for revision posterior lumbar fusion. RESULTS: The average age of the PD patients was 67.96 years, and the follow-up time was 49.01 months. R-PD patients accounted for 21.97% of all PD patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery. Multivariable analysis indicated that low BMD (p = 0.012), fatty infiltration (p = 0.038), a smaller relative cross-sectional area (rCSA) of the paraspinal muscle (p = 0.008), larger pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) (p = 0.01), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (p = 0.004) were significant independent risk factors for revision posterior lumbar fusion in PD patients. CONCLUSION: PD patients with low pre-operative BMD, fatty infiltration, a smaller rCSA of the paraspinal muscle, and larger PI-LL and SVA had a higher rate of revision lumbar fusion. Maintaining sagittal balance, functional exercises, and anti-osteoporosis treatment were important in preventing complications in PD patients.

Does the C3/4 disc play a role in cervical spondylosis with dizziness? A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of C3/4 disc degeneration on cervical spondylosis with dizziness (CSD) and to assess the curative effect of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) in patients with CSD. METHOD: Four hundred nineteen patients who underwent ACDF for treatment of myelopathy or radiculopathy were divided into dizziness and non-dizziness group. The visual analog scale (VAS) score and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were used to determine the intensity of dizziness and neurological symptoms, respectively. Cervical disc degeneration was evaluated using Miyazaki's classification system. Some parameters were measured using cervical radiographs. The surgical effects on CSD were compared between surgery with and without C3/4 level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for CSD. RESULTS: The pre-operative incidence of CSD was 33.9%. Women were more likely to develop dizziness than men (p < 0.05), CSD was significantly associated with C3/4 disc degeneration (69.7%, p < 0.001), and smokers were more subject to dizziness (p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that female (OR = 1.611, p = 0.031), smoking (OR = 1.719, p = 0.032), Miyazaki grade of C3/4 ≥ IV (OR = 2.648, p < 0.001), and instability on C3/4 (OR = 1.672, p = 0.024) were risk factors for CSD. Treatment of CSD by ACDF involving C3/4 was more effective than not involving C3/4 (efficacy rate, 73.2% vs 51.7%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The CSD is a common clinical manifestation in elderly patients, especially patients with cervical spondylosis at the C3/4 level. Female, smoking, instability on C3/4, and C3/4 Miyazaki grade ≥ IV could be considered significant risk factors for CSD. CSD is more likely to be alleviated by ACDF involving C3/4.

Does vitamin D status influence lumbar disc degeneration and low back pain in postmenopausal women? A retrospective single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D concentration and lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) in postmenopausal women and the epidemiologic factors affecting low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Between July 2017 and December 2018, 232 participants were retrospectively enrolled. Serum concentrations of bone turnover markers were measured using electrochemiluminescence assays. Disc degeneration was evaluated using the Pfirrmann grading system. Other variables were assessed using relevant questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 65.6 ±â€Š10.1 and their serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 19.38 ±â€Š9.21 ng/mL. The prevalences of severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) and normal status (>30 ng/mL) were 12.9% and 12.5%, respectively. The severely deficient group had higher visual analog scale (VAS) scores for LBP (P = 0.002) and lower bone mineral density T scores (P = 0.004) than the other groups. Lower 25(OH)D concentration (<10 ng/mL) was significantly associated with more severe LDD in the lumbosacral region (L4-S1, L1-S1, P < 0.05), but less so in the upper lumbar region. There was an inverse relationship between vitamin D concentration and the severity of disc degeneration (L2-L3, L4-S1, L1-S1, P < 0.05). After adjustment for confounding factors, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, lack of vitamin D supplementation, high body mass index, and low bone mineral density T score were associated with higher incidence of moderate-to-severe pain in postmenopausal women (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with LDD and LBP in postmenopausal women. Specifically, a serum vitamin D concentration < 10 ng/mL is a marker of severe LDD and LBP. Smoking, severe vitamin D deficiency, lack of vitamin D supplementation, high body mass index, and osteoporosis are associated with a higher prevalence of moderate-to-severe pain.

Development of Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Around an Internal Fixation Implant After Lumbar Fusion Surgery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most commonly diagnosed primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the spine and can induce spinal compression. Reports of lymphoma arising in bone adjacent to metallic prostheses are increasing. However, to our knowledge, DLBCL arising from a scar after lumbar fusion surgery has not been reported previously. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 63-year-old man complained of a 2-month history of severe pain in the back and both legs, radiating down to the ankle, similar to sciatica with a past history of L2-S1 decompression and fusion 7 years ago. Imaging revealed an irregular mass in the epidural space and around the internal fixation surgical site, which was initially diagnosed as an epidural infectious abscess. Most of the lesion was completely excised and a detailed immunohistopathologic analysis was performed revealing the diagnosis of a DLBCL. After surgery and chemotherapy, he was discharged without complications. Unfortunately, he died 2 years later because of brain metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the need to consider malignancy in the differential diagnosis and carefully examine surgical specimens in revision surgery. Further understanding of the role of metal implants in the development of lymphoma is required.

Structural characterization and antioxidant effect of green alga Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharide in Caenorhabditis elegans via modulation of microRNAs.

A water-soluble heteropolysaccharide was isolated and purified from Enteromorpha prolifera by DEAE-52 and Bio-Gel P-2 column chromatography. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure of E. prolifera polysaccharide degradation (EPP-1). Its anti-oxidative activity was determined in Caenorhabditis elegans via modulation of microRNAs. The average molecular weight of EPP-1 was 4.28 kDa. It contained six types of linkage units as →2)-ß-d-GlcpA-(1→, →3,6)-ß-d-Manp-(1→, →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →6)-ß-d-Galp-(1→, ß-l-Rhap-(1→, and →4)-ß-d-GalpA-(1→. The mean lifespan, ultraviolet-induced oxidative stress, and thermotolerance in C. elegans were improved after treatment of EPP-1. Moreover, EPP-1 significantly increased the total superoxide dismutase levels and decreased the malondialdehyde levels in C. elegans. Intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation and DNA damage were ameliorated by up-regulation of SKN-1 and DAF-16 expression through miR-48 and miR-51 miR-186 down-regulation. In vivo studies demonstrated that EPP-1 might be applied in functional foods as the antioxidative and anti-ageing ingredient.

Preoperative vitamin D status and its effects on short-term clinical outcomes in lumbar spine surgery.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have found that vitamin D deficiency has a high incidence rate worldwide, but we found few studies on the role of vitamin D in spinal degenerative diseases. We investigated the determinants of preoperative vitamin D deficiency and its effects on postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery. METHODS: 360 patients treated from July 2017 to July 2018 were retrospectively identified for inclusion. The patients' fasting serum levels of 25(OH)D, N-terminal midfragment of osteocalcin (N-MID), and ß typeⅠcollagen carboxyl terminal peptide (ß-CTX) were measured by electrochemiluminescence before the operation. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and Oswestry Disability Index scores (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Standard demographic data and all perioperative complications occurring within 3 months follow-up after operation were recorded. RESULTS: The mean serum level of 25(OH)D was 20.81 ± 8.55 ng/mL, the rates of deficiency (<20 ng/ml) was 53.6%. The abnormal proportion of N-MID and ß-CTX were 8.61% and 34.44%, bone turnover markers serum level was higher in older age groups (p < 0.05). Female sex (p < 0.001), a high body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.012), lack of vitamin D supplementation (p = 0.018), smoking (p = 0.033), moderate (p < 0.001) to severe pain (p = 0.005) were significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency after the multivariate analysis. The VAS, JOA and ODI scores showed significantly better outcomes compared to deficient group at post-operative and final follow-up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency was common in patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery. Female sex, high BMI, lack of vitamin D supplementation, smoking and moderate to severe pain were risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Moreover, preoperative hypovitaminosis D (<20 ng/ml) was correlated with worse surgical outcomes in short-term.

Full-endoscopic transforaminal procedure to treat the single-level adjacent segment disease after posterior lumbar spine fusion: 1-2 years follow-up.

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is one of the potential risks after lumbar spine surgery with instrumentation. Revision surgery needs to be performed on patients suffered from ASD. The traditional open surgery takes severe injury to the body. We investigated the clinical outcome of using full-endoscopic transforaminal procedure to treat the single-level adjacent segment diseases after posterior lumbar fusion. 33 patients (average 71 years, ranged 65-84 years old) underwent full-endoscopic transforaminal procedure were involved. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were used to evaluate the clinical effect. The complication, hospital stay, hospitalization costs and blood loss were investigated according to the patient's records. The mean VAS score was 1.8 and mJOA score was 5.4 postoperatively. Improvement rate was 78%. The mean ODI was 14.6 postoperatively. The mean length of hospital stay, hospitalization costs and blood loss was 2.5 days, $3500 and 15 mL, respectively. No complication or recurrence was observed in any of the patients at the final follow-up. Full-endoscopic transforaminal procedure is a safe and effective technique. It is economical, acceptable and mini-invasive. Of course, it also can shorten the length of hospital stay and decrease bleeding. For revision surgery to treat ASD, this technique can achieve good clinical effects.