Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of sulfonylurea derivatives as NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors.

The NLRP3 inflammasome has been extensively studied in recent years and its aberrant activation can exacerbate inflammatory responses, contributing to various diseases. MCC950, a sulfonylurea drug, is a potent selective inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. However, its clinical development was halted due to hepatotoxicity, and studies have indicated significant reduction in activity among its metabolites. Building upon MCC950, we referenced substitution sites of NP3-146 for structural modifications aimed at addressing potential metabolism-related issues. Consequently, we synthesized a series of sulfonylurea derivatives. Ultimately, the optimized compound C4 exhibited a remarkable 80.39 % inhibition of IL-1ß at 2 µM, with an IC50 value of 0.805 µM. In conclusion, compound C4 shows potential as a lead compound and warrants further development as an anti-inflammatory NLRP3 inhibitor.

Experimental study of rainwater grate blocking and submergence of outfall on drainage network capacity.

Accurately evaluating the performance of urban underground drainage network and its influencing factors is a challenging problem, as this process is affected by many complex factors. In this study, based on an overland flow experiment considering drainage process of pipe network, a series of physical model experiments were conducted to investigate the influences of different surface slopes, rainwater grate blockage and the submergence of outfall on the performance of the drainage pipe network system. The hydrographs of surface runoff and pipe network flow were recorded in collection tanks by precise digital pressure sensors to provide comprehensive information about the characteristics of drainage performance in the pipe network. Through a series of experimental data collection and analysis, the following conclusions are drawn from this study: (1) The longitudinal slope of the road decreases the pipe drainage capacity by 1.68%-8.94%, and this reduction effect is more significant with the increase of slope. (2) The blockage of rainwater grate at different locations has different impacts on the road drainage system, the downstream rainwater grate blockage has the most obvious impact on the performance of the drainage system, which reduces the drainage capacity by 22.59%-25.38%. (3) Different submergence degrees of rainwater outlet have different impacts on the drainage system. Under different slopes, the drainage capacity of the pipe network decreases by 1.88%-23.46% with the increase of the submergence degree of the outfall. These experimental results are helpful in understanding the working conditions of urban road drainage system and the influencing factors of the system's drainage capacity, and also provide measured data for verification of relevant numerical models and coefficient calibration.

What's the rumpus? Resident temperate forest birds approach an unfamiliar neotropical alarm call across three continents.

Alarm signals have evolved to communicate pertinent threats to conspecifics, but heterospecifics may also use alarm calls to obtain social information. In birds, mixed-species flocks are often structured around focal sentinel species, which produce reliable alarm calls that inform eavesdropping heterospecifics about predation risk. Prior research has shown that Neotropical species innately recognize the alarm calls of a Nearctic sentinel species, but it remains unclear how generalizable or consistent such innate signal recognition of alarm-calling species is. We tested for the responses to the alarm calls of a Neotropical sentinel forest bird species, the dusky-throated antshrike (Thamnomanes ardesiacus), by naive resident temperate forest birds across three continents during the winter season. At all three sites, we found that approaches to the Neotropical antshrike alarm calls were similarly frequent to the alarm calls of a local parid sentinel species (positive control), while approaches to the antshrike's songs and to non-threatening columbid calls (negative controls) occurred significantly less often. Although we only tested one sentinel species, our findings indicate that temperate forest birds can recognize and adaptively respond globally to a foreign and unfamiliar tropical alarm call, and suggest that some avian alarm calls transcend phylogenetic histories and individual ecological experiences.

Large-scale assessment of exposure to legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in China's shorebirds.

Emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become more widely applied, whereas legacy PFAS such as PFOS continue to distribute ubiquitously in the environment. Large-scale assessment of wildlife exposure to both emerging and legacy PFAS plays a key role in effective biomonitoring to better discriminate regional contamination patterns and provide early warnings. Using eggs of two closely-related shorebird species collected across China during the breeding season in 2021, we constructed contrasting PFAS levels and profiles in coastal versus inland populations. The highest ∑PFAS concentrations were found in two Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) populations from the Bohai Sea, a semi-enclosed shallow bay located in northeast China. These two populations showed exceptionally high PFOA concentrations (mean: 94 and 121 ng/g wet weight; West and North Bohai Sea, respectively) dominating the overall PFAS profile (66% for both). This pattern is characteristic, compared to that of other seabird eggs worldwide. By comparison, PFAS profile in the white-faced plover (Charadrius dealbatus) population at the South China Sea coast was dominated by PFOS (46%), which showed similar levels to those at the North Bohai Sea coast (mean: 29 and 20 ng/g, respectively). PFAS concentrations of Kentish plovers from the remote Qinghai Lake were lower compared to the three coastal populations, and were dominated by PFNA (mean: 2.6 ng/g, 29%) and PFOS (mean: 2.5 ng/g, 27%). None of the eggs analyzed in the present study exceeded estimated toxicity reference values for PFOS or PFOA. Additionally, the emerging 6:2 Cl-PFESA was detected in eggs from all regions, while its concentrations were highest in the Bohai Sea populations, and short-chain PFBS was only detected in the North Bohai Sea population. Our results indicate intensive local emissions of PFOA and emerging PFAS at the Bohai Sea region, and warrant further investigation and monitoring.

Safety and accuracy of cannulated pedicle screw placement in scoliosis surgery: a comparison of robotic-navigation, O-arm-based navigation, and freehand techniques.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and accuracy of cannulated pedicle screw placement using a robotic-navigation technique, O-arm-based navigation technique, or freehand technique. METHODS: This study analyzed 106 consecutive patients who underwent scoliosis surgery. Thirty-two patients underwent robotic-navigation-assisted pedicle screw insertion (Group 1), 34 patients underwent O-arm-based navigation-guided pedicle screw insertion (Group 2), and 40 patients underwent freehand pedicle screw insertion (Group 3). The primary outcome measure was the accuracy of screw placement. Secondary outcome parameters included operation time, blood loss, radiation exposure, and postoperative stay. RESULTS: A total of 2035 cannulated pedicle screws were implanted in 106 patients. The accuracy rate of the first pedicle screw placement during operation was significantly greater in Group 1 (94.7%) than in Group 2 (89.2%; P < 0.001). The accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement postoperatively decreased in the order of Group 1 (96.7%) > Group 2 (93.0%) > Group 3 (80.4%; P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in blood loss or postoperative stay among the three groups (P > 0.05). The operation times of Group 1 and Group 2 were significantly longer than that of Group 3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The robotic-navigation and O-arm-based navigation techniques effectively increased the accuracy and safety of pedicle screw insertion alternative to the freehand technique in scoliosis surgery. Compared with the O-arm-based navigation technique, the robotic-navigation technique increases the mean operation time, but also increases the accuracy of pedicle screw placement. A three-dimensional scan after insertion of the K-wire may increase the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in the O-arm-based navigation technique.

Uniform Na Metal Plating/Stripping Design for Highly Reversible Solid-State Na Metal Batteries at Room Temperature.

Solid-state alkaline metal batteries are highly sought out for their improved energy density and security over the current lithium-ion batteries. However, their practical application is heavily hindered by the interfacial issues originating from the solid electrolyte/electrode mismatch. This work demonstrates that a CuO coating layer as an active interphase can thoroughly promote the intimate contact between a Na3 Zr2 Si2 PO12 solid electrolyte and a Na metal anode through an in situ conversion reaction. The resultant Cu/Na2 O matrix forms a mixed electron/ion conducting scaffold, which facilitates stable and homogeneous Na metal plating without dendrite formation. Moreover, the symmetric Na metal cell realizes impressively steady plating/stripping cycles for 5000 h even under a high current density of 0.3 mA cm-2 . The novelty is further manifested as a room-temperature solid-state Na metal full battery of Na3 V1.5 Al0.5 (PO4 )3 |CuO@NZSPO|Na is assembled and exhibits a highly reversible cyclability (99.85% coulombic efficiency and 99.0% capacity retention) under a charge/discharge rate of 5 C for 2250 cycles. This work effectively solves the interfacial issues at the Na metal/solid electrolyte interface and provides a convenient way toward high-performance solid-state Na metal batteries operated at room temperature.

A High Compressibility Pressure-Sensitive Structure Based on CB@PU Yarn Network.

In this work, a piezoresistive sensor structure based on carbon black (CB)@polyurethane (PU) yarn material was developed. Specifically, CB@PU yarn was constructed by the polymer-mediated water-based electrostatic deposition method. The distribution of the yarn was artificially controlled to fabricate conductive networks. The CB conductive layer was efficiently supported by the net-like structure of PU yarn, thus generating collaborative advantage. The as-fabricated pressure sensor not only displayed compressibility of over 97%, but also detected a wide pressure change from 25 Pa to 20 kPa. Furthermore, this sensor exhibited response time of less than 70 ms and reproducibility of over 10,000 cycles. The advantages of the CB@PU network ensured this pressure-sensitive structure enormous potential application in pressure sensitive equipment.

Congenital hemivertebrae combined with situs inversus totalis: A rare case report.

RATIONALE: Situs inversus totalis is a rare malposition of organs that typically involves lesions in the respiratory, circulatory, or urinary systems. Cases of congenital hemivertebrae combined with situs inversus totalis are extremely rare and have limited reports. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a 2.5 years old girl with 2 congenital hemipyramids and complete visceral inversion who ultimately underwent hemilaminectomy. DIAGNOSIS: Congenital hemivertebrae combined with situs inversus totalis. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent hemilaminectomy. OUTCOMES: The spinal deformity was corrected. LESSONS: For patient with spinal deformities combined with situs inversus totalis, surgery can be an effective treatment method. But we also need to be vigilant about the dysfunction of various systems.

Optimization design of hydrocyclone with overflow slit structure based on experimental investigation and numerical simulation analysis.

This study aims to address the issue of high energy consumption in the hydrocyclone separation process. By introducing a novel slotted overflow pipe structure and utilizing experimental and response surface optimization methods, the optimal parameters were determined. The research results indicate that the number of slots, slot angles, and positioning dimensions significantly influence the performance of the hydrocyclone separator. The optimal combination was found to be three layers of slots, a positioning dimension of 5.3 mm, and a slot angle of 58°. In a Φ100mm hydrocyclone separator, validated through multiple experiments, the separation efficiency increased by 0.26% and the pressure drop reduced by 24.88% under a flow rate of 900 ml/s. CFD simulation verified the reduction in internal flow field velocity and pressure drop due to the slotted structure. Therefore, this study provides an effective reference for designing efficient and low-energy hydrocyclone separators.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Cervical Laminoplasty for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Double-Door With Lamina Staple, Single-Door With Miniplate, and Double-Door With Spacer-A 2-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: There were few studies to compare the outcomes of different types of cervical laminoplasties. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes of double-door cervical laminoplasty with lamina staple (double-door staple), single-door cervical laminoplasty with miniplate (single-door miniplate), and double-door cervical laminoplasty with spacer (double-door spacer). METHODS: The study involved 166 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Fifty-two patients underwent double-door staple, 63 patients underwent single-door miniplate, and 51 patients underwent double-door spacer. The clinical outcomes were measured. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in Japanese Orthopedic Association score among the 3 groups ( P > .05). The operation time was significantly shorter in double-door staple and single-door miniplate groups than in the double-door spacer group ( P < .005). The estimated blood loss was significantly more in the single-door miniplate group than in double-door staple and double-door spacer groups ( P < .005). The expansion ratio of cervical intraspinal cross-sectional area decreased in the order of double-door staple > double-door spacer > single-door miniplate. There were no significant differences in the expansion ratio of dural sac cross-sectional area among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Double-door staple, double-door spacer, and single-door miniplate can achieve favorable clinical outcomes for CSM. The blood loss of double-door staple is less than that of single-door miniplate, and the operation time of double-door staple is shorter than that of double-door spacer. The mean expansion ratio of cervical intraspinal cross-sectional area decreased in the order of double-door staple > double-door spacer > single-door miniplate. Overall, double-door staple is a safe and innovative alternative choice for treatment of CSM.

Comparison of robot-assisted versus fluoroscopy-assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spinal diseases: 2-year follow-up.

This study was performed to prospectively compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between robot-assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (RA MIS-TLIF) and fluoroscopy-assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (FA MIS-TLIF) in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases. One hundred and twenty-three patients with lumbar degenerative diseases (lumbar spinal stenosis with instability and spondylolisthesis [degenerative spondylolisthesis or isthmic spondylolisthesis]) who underwent MIS-TLIF in our hospital were included in this study. Sixty-one patients underwent RA MIS-TLIF (Group A) and 62 patients underwent FA MIS-TLIF (Group B). Group A was further divided into Subgroup AI (46 single-level procedures) and Subgroup AII (15 double-level procedures). Group B was further divided into Subgroup BI (45 single-level procedures) and Subgroup BII (17 double-level procedures). The clinical outcome parameters were the visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, operative time, number of intraoperative fluoroscopies, blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications. The radiographic change measures were the accuracy of screw placement, facet joint violation (FJV), fusion status, and change in disc height at the proximal adjacent segment at the 2-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in the VAS and ODI scores, blood loss, or postoperative hospital stay between Groups A and B (p > 0.05). The operative time was longer in Group A than B (p = 0.018). The operative time was longer in Subgroup AI than BI (p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between Subgroups AII and BII (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of intraoperative fluoroscopies for patients between Groups A and B (p > 0.05). Although the number of intraoperative fluoroscopies for patients was significantly higher in Subgroup AI than BI (p = 0.019), there was no significant difference between Subgroups AII and BII (p > 0.05). The number of intraoperative fluoroscopies for the surgeon was significantly lower in Group A than B (p < 0.001). For surgeons, the difference in the average number of intraoperative fluoroscopies between Subgroups AI and AII was 2.98, but that between Subgroups BI and BII was 10.73. In Group A, three guide pins exhibited drift and one patient developed a lateral wall violation by a pedicle screw. One pedicle screw perforated the anterior wall of the vertebral body and another caused an inner wall violation in Group B. The rate of a perfect screw position (grade A) was higher in Group A than B (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of clinically acceptable screws (grades A and B) between the two groups. The mean FJV grade was significantly higher in Group B than A (p < 0.001). During at 2-year postoperative follow-up, there was no significant difference in the fusion status between the two groups (p > 0.05); however, the decrease in disc height at the proximal adjacent segment was significantly less in Group A than B (p < 0.001). Robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw placement is a safer and more accurate alternative to conventional freehand fluoroscopy-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw insertion in MIS-TLIF.

Mammalian predators and vegetated nesting habitat drive reduced protected area nesting success of Kentish plovers, Yellow Sea region, China.

Protected areas provide essential habitats for wildlife by conserving natural and semi-natural habitats and reducing human disturbance. However, whether breeding birds vulnerable to nest predation can benefit from strict land management in the protected area is unclear. Here, we compare the nesting performance of two groups of a ground-nesting shorebird, the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), in the protected area (Liaohekou Natural Reserve, hereinafter PA), and the control non-protected area (non-PA) around the Liaohekou Natural Reserve, in the north of the Yellow Sea, China, and identify which environmental factors, such as nesting habitat and nest materials, influence the daily nest survival rate (DSR). We found similar nesting habitats in both study areas, dominated by bare land or Suaeda salsa grassland. However, DSR was lower in PA (0.91 ± 0.01) than in non-PA (0.97 ± 0.01). Kentish plovers nesting in areas with vegetation cover experienced lower DSR than in bare lands in both areas, and nests built with materials of S. salsa sticks had the lowest DSR in the bare land. Data from infrared cameras confirmed relatively higher predator abundances and nest predation rates by nocturnal mammals, such as Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), in PA than in non-PA, and this pattern was especially evident for plover nests located in S. salsa grassland. Our results suggest that Liaohekou Natural Reserve protected area may not necessarily provide safe nesting sites for Kentish plovers due to the abundance of generalist mammal nest predators. However, the PA includes about 80% of the nests from both locations. This means the contribution of the total number of successful nests continues to be much higher within PA, with the benefit for the species that this brings in terms of conservation. The variation and mechanisms underlying differences in the nest predator communities of PA and non-PA deserve further study.

Weight Gain and Nutrition during Pregnancy: An Analysis of Clinical Practice Guidelines in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy can influence the life-course health of offspring. Clinical practice guidelines play an important role in ensuring appropriate nutrition and weight gain among pregnant women. This study aims to identify clinical practice guidelines on gestational weight gain and/or maternal nutrition across the Asia-Pacific region and to determine the quality of the guidelines and variability in the recommendations. Through a systematic search of grey literature from 38 Asia-Pacific countries, 23 published guidelines were obtained. Of these, 10 eligible clinical practice guidelines reporting nutrition- or/and weight-related recommendations for pregnant women were selected and reviewed. Guideline quality was determined using the Assessment of Guidelines for Research Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. Of the 10 guidelines, 90% were classified as low-quality in the AGREE II appraisal. Several variations were found with respect to recommendations on gestational weight gain, including those specific to Asian populations. The recommendations on dietary advice, additional energy intake, and nutritional supplementation during pregnancy were varied. Clinical practice guidelines on weight gain and nutrition in pregnancy across the Asia-Pacific region are generally of poor quality, reflecting significant variation, and need to be improved to ensure pregnant women receive appropriate advice. (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021291395).

Modelling urban flooding integrated with flow and sediment transport in drainage networks.

Drainage networks play an essential role in mitigating urban flooding, which, nevertheless, are prone to suffer sediment deposits. To date, however, the effects of sediments in drainage networks on urban flooding remain poorly understood. Here an integrated model is proposed for urban flooding. It is composed of a hydrological module for surface runoff integrated with a one-dimensional hydro-sediment-morphodynamic module for coupled open-channel or pressurized flow and sediment transport in drainage networks. The governing equations are solved synchronously using a well-balanced finite volume method. The model is tested against two laboratory cases involving mixed flow and sediment transport in pipes, and the results agree well with observed data. A new residential area with virtually pervious surface and an established urban area with essentially impervious surfaces are studied using the present model to unravel how sediments in drainage networks affect urban flooding under different extreme rainfall and sediment scenarios. The results reveal that sediments alter the discharge hydrographs in the drainage networks to distinct extents under different storm return periods. As far as the present computational cases are concerned, when a third of the pipe diameter is occupied by sediment deposits, the peak pipeline flow discharge decreases by up to 25 %. Accordingly, the surface inundation depth increases by up to 18 %, and the inundation area expands by up to 12 %, characterizing a considerably higher flooding risk. The present findings provide insight into the influences of sediment transport in drainage networks on urban flooding.

Age-related radiographic parameters difference between the degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis patients and healthy people and correlation analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To identify age-related radiographic risk factors for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) and analyze correlations among them. METHODS: A total of 180 cases were enrolled in this study, and lumbar magnetic resonance was performed. Among them, 93 cases suffered DLSS and lumbar dynamic X-ray was examined. And following parameters were measured and evaluated: intervertebral disk height (IDH), the ratio of IDH(IDHL4-5/L3-4), initial IDH of L4-5(iIDHL4-5) in the DLSS group, disk degeneration (DD), cartilaginous endplate failure (CEF), Modic changes, the thickness of ligamentum flavum (LF), range of intervertebral motion (ROM), facet joint opening (FJO), facet joint angle (FJA), the standard cross-sectional area (SCSA) of the multifidus, erector spinae, and psoas major muscles. The data of two groups were compared, and the possible risk factors of DLSS were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the DLSS group had higher IDH except for L4-5 and larger iIDHL4-5 (P < 0.05). Significant differences were shown in CEF and the thickness of LF at L1-S1 and DD at L4-5 (P < 0.05). The DLSS group had smaller SCSA of multifidus, erector spinae, and psoas major muscles but greater FJA, FJO (P < 0.05). And the risk of DLSS increased when iIDHL4-5 ≥ 10.73 mm, FJA ≥ 52.03° , or FJO ≥ 3.75 mm. IDH positively correlated with SCSA of multifidus and psoas major muscles and ROM at L1-S1 (P < 0.05). DD showed negative linear relations with SCSA of multifidus and psoas muscle and positive linear relation with CEF at L1-2, L2-3, and L5-S1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Larger initial disk height and excessive CEF may induce DLSS by increasing intervertebral mobility to promote DD, and atrophied paravertebral muscles by weakening the stability of lumbar spine.

Radiological Changes of Paraspinal Muscles: A Comparative Study of Patients with Isthmic Spondylolisthesis, Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis, and Healthy Subjects.

Objective: To investigate the differences, correlations, and clinical significance of the paraspinal muscles among patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS), degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS), and age-matched healthy subjects. Methods: This study involved 159 age-matched patients with L4 anterior spondylolisthesis. The patients were divided into the IS group (n = 81) and DLS group (n = 78). Eighty-four age-matched healthy adults were enrolled as the control group. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of paraspinal muscles (multifidus [MF], erector spinae [ES], and psoas [PS]) and the relative CSA of the paraspinal muscles (paraspinal muscle CSA/vertebral CSA) were measured in the IS group, DLS group, and control group. The degree of fat infiltration was simultaneously observed. Results: There was no significant difference in age or sex among the three groups. The relative CSA of the MF and PS was higher in control group than in IS and DLS groups (p < 0.05). The relative CSA of ES was higher in IS and control groups than in DLS group (p < 0.05). The relative CSA of total paraspinal muscles decreased in the order of control group > IS group > DLS group (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the relative CSA of MF, and the degree of fat infiltration of ES were independent protective factors for IS (odds ratio < 1, p < 0.05). The relative CSA of MF was an independent protective factor for DLS (odds ratio < 1, p < 0.05), whereas BMI and the degree of fat infiltration of MF were independent risk factor for DLS (odds ratio > 1, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the control group, patients with IS and DLS showed varying degrees of degeneration, and the degree of degeneration in patients with DLS was more severe at the same age. Lower fat infiltration and higher paraspinal muscle CSA are protective factors for IS and DLS, whereas the higher BMI is risk factor for DLS.

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Oil and its pollutants, which enter environment through natural oil seepage and many human activities, have considerable impacts on birds. We summarized the research advances in how oil pollutants influence birds and the cleaning technology of polluted birds and their habitats. The toxicity and destruction to feather structure are the major impacts of oil pollution on birds. Oil pollution can lead to birds' death, and also produce many chronic harms, including causing hemolytic anemia, reducing their immunity, disrupting thermal insulation and waterproo-fing performance of feather. It is an important way to reduce the impacts of oil pollution on birds by timely cleaning up the oil in bird habitats as well as carrying out the clean and repair work to the polluted birds. As a big oil-consuming country, China has been left behind by foreign countries in the studies of the effects of oil pollution on birds. More attention should be paid on the short-term and long-term impacts of oil pollution on birds and the cleaning and remediation technologies of the polluted birds and their habitats.

Comparison of the Accuracy of Pedicle Screw Placement Using a Fluoroscopy-Assisted Free-Hand Technique with Robotic-Assisted Navigation Using an O-Arm or 3D C-Arm in Scoliosis Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. OBJECTIVES: To report and compare the application of robotic-assisted navigation with an O-arm or three-dimensional (3D) C-arm-assisted pedicle screw insertion in scoliosis surgery, and compare with free-hand technique. METHODS: One hundred and forty-four scoliosis patients were included in this study. Ninety-two patients underwent robotic-assisted pedicle screw insertion (Group A), and 52 patients underwent freehand fluoroscopy-guided pedicle screw insertion (Group B). Group A was further divided into Subgroup AI (n = 48; robotic-assisted navigation with an O-arm) and Subgroup AII (n = 44; robotic-assisted navigation with a 3D C-arm). The evaluated clinical outcomes were operation time, blood loss, radiation exposure, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications. The clinical outcomes, coronal and sagittal scoliosis parameters and the accuracy of the pedicle screw placement were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in blood loss and postoperative hospital stay between Groups A and B (P = .406, P = .138, respectively). Radiation exposure for patients in Group A (Subgroups AI or AII) was higher than that in Group B (P < .005), and Subgroup AI had higher patient radiation exposure compared with Subgroup AII (P < .005). The operation time in Subgroup AII was significantly longer than that in Subgroup AI and Group B (P = .016, P = .032, respectively). The proportion of clinically acceptable screws was higher in Group A (Subgroups AI or AII) compared with Group B (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted navigation with an O-arm or 3D C-arm effectively increased the accuracy and safety in scoliosis surgery. Compared with robotic-assisted navigation with a 3D C-arm, robotic-assisted navigation with an O-arm was more efficient intraoperatively.

Radiographic risk factors for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: A comparison with healthy control subjects.

Objective: To evaluate the radiologic parameters of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) and determine the radiographic risk factors for DLS by making comparisons with healthy control subjects. Methods: Seventy-five patients with L4/5 DLS (Meyerding grade I) and 53 healthy control subjects were analyzed. The L1-S1 disc height index (DHI), L4/5 facet joint angle (FJA), and relative cross-sectional area (RCSA) of paravertebral muscles were measured in both groups. The initial L4/5 DHI (iDHI) before the onset of DLS were estimated based on the L3/4 DHI of the DLS group and DHI of the control group. The sagittal parameters of DLS were also included in this study. Results: The DHI of L4/5 was lower in the DLS group than in the control group (P < 0.05), but the DHI of the L1-L4 segments were much higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). The initial L4/5 DHI and FJA of the DLS group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The RCSA of the paravertebral muscles were smaller in the DLS group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that iDHI, FJA, and RCSA of the total paraspinal muscles were risk factors for DLS. The cutoff values for iDHI, FJA, and RCSA were 0.504, 56.968°, and 1.991 respectively. The iDHI was associated with lumbar lordosis (LL), while L4/5 DHI was associated with the RCSA of the multifidus muscle and psoas major muscle (P < 0.05). Conclusion: A large initial lumbar disc height, large FJA, and paravertebral muscle atrophy may be risk factors for DLS.

A novel synthetic peptide SVHRSP attenuates dopaminergic neurodegeneration by inhibiting NADPH oxidase-mediated neuroinflammation in experimental models of Parkinson's disease.

Current treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) ameliorates symptoms but fails to block disease progression. This study was conducted to explore the protective effects of SVHRSP, a synthetic heat-resistant peptide derived from scorpion venom, against dopaminergic neurodegeneration in experimental models of PD. Results showed that SVHRSP dose-dependently reduced the loss of dopaminergic neuron in the nigrostriatal pathway and motor impairments in both rotenone and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid (MPTP/p)-induced mouse PD models. Microglial activation and imbalance of M1/M2 polarization were also abrogated by SVHRSP in both models. In rotenone-treated primary midbrain neuron-glial cultures, loss of dopaminergic neuron and microglial activation were mitigated by SVHRSP. Furthermore, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-elicited microglial activation, M1 polarization and related dopaminergic neurodegeneration in primary cultures were also abrogated by SVHRSP, suggesting that inhibition of microglial activation contributed to SVHRSP-afforded neuroprotection. Mechanistic studies revealed that SVHRSP blocked both LPS- and rotenone-induced microglial NADPH oxidase (NOX2) activation by preventing membrane translocation of cytosolic subunit p47phox. NOX2 knockdown by siRNA markedly attenuated the inhibitory effects of SVHRSP against LPS- and rotenone-induced gene expressions of proinflammatory factors and related neurotoxicity. Altogether, SVHRSP protects dopaminergic neurons by blocking NOX2-mediated microglial activation in experimental PD models, providing experimental basis for the screening of clinical therapeutic drugs for PD.