Study on green closed-loop regeneration of waste lithium iron phosphate based on oxalic acid system.

The recovery of valuable metals from used lithium batteries is essential from an environmental and resource management standpoint. However, the most widely used acid leaching method causes significant ecological harm. Here, we proposed a method of recovering Li and Fe selectively from used lithium iron phosphate batteries by using low-concentration organic acid and completing the closed-loop regeneration. Low-concentration oxalic acid is used to carry out PO43-, which is significantly less soluble in aqueous solution than Li, two-stage selective leaching Li, where the leaching rate of Li reaches 99 %, and the leaching rate of Fe is only 2.4 %. The leach solution is then decontaminated. The solubility of Li3PO4 in aqueous solution is much smaller than that of Li2C2O4, which was required to recover Li to change the pH and Li can be recovered as Li3PO4; Fe can be retrieved as FeC2O4·2H2O, and re-prepared into lithium iron phosphate.

Associations of lifestyle activities and a heathy diet with frailty in old age: a community-based study in Singapore.

Frailty is an age-related state characterized by a reduced physiological reserve, and is associated with adverse health outcomes in the elderly. We analyzed the data from 895 adults aged 60 years and above, and investigated the relationships between midlife and late-life social activities, intellectual activities, working hours, and dietary habits and frailty status. Participation in social or intellectual activities in late life was less prevalent among those who were frail than among those who were robust. A greater proportion of those who were frail had worked long hours in midlife. After adjustment for confounders, participating in social activities or intellectual activities in late life was associated with a reduced risk for prefrailty and frailty, while working long hours in midlife was associated with a higher risk for frailty. The risk of frailty decreased with increasing healthy diet scores in midlife and late life. When the results were stratified by gender, late-life participation in social activities and midlife or late-life participation in intellectual activities correlated negatively with prefrailty/frailty only in women. Our study suggests that social and intellectual activities are inversely associated with frailty status, but the association seems to differ based on gender.

Atorvastatin attenuates spinal cord injury by chronic fluorosis in rats.

The aim of the study was to explore the effect of atorvastatin on improvement of the function of the spinal cord in rats with chronic fluorosis. Sixty 3-month-old Wistar rats were separated randomly into three groups: normal group (N group), control group (C group) and atorvastatin group (A group). The Basso Beattie and Bresnahan scale and oblique board test showed that the rats in A group got higher score and better hind-limb motor function than C group. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting revealed that compared with N group, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and p53 were highly expressed and myelin basic protein (MBP) was low expressed in spinal cord of C group. Meanwhile, MMP-9 and p53 expression were decreased and MBP was upregulated by atorvastatin compared with C group. In conclusion, the improvement of the function of the spinal cord in rats can be found when they were treated with atorvastatin.

Application of continuous epidural anesthesia in transforaminal lumbar endoscopic surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare intraoperative lower back pain and leg pain, surgical time, and intraoperative X-ray dose in patients offered local infiltration anesthesia or continuous epidural anesthesia for transforaminal endoscopic spine system (TESSYS) surgery. METHODS: A total of 98 patients who received TESSYS treatment for single-segmental lumbar disc herniation were included, and were randomly divided into two groups: group A (49 cases; local infiltration anesthesia) and group B (49 cases; continuous epidural anesthesia). Surgical duration, intraoperative X-ray dose, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores of lower back pain and leg pain before surgery, during surgery, and 48 h after surgery were recorded and compared. RESULTS: After surgery, the VAS scores of both lower back pain and leg pain decreased in group A, and similar findings were found in group B. Group B had a shorter surgical duration, lower intraoperative X-ray dose, and lower intraoperative VAS scores of lower back pain and leg pain compared with group A. CONCLUSION: Compared with local infiltration anesthesia, continuous epidural anesthesia was more effective for pain relief during TESSYS for single-segmental lumbar disc herniation, and also contributed to a shorter surgical duration and lower X-ray exposure.

[MIPPO and ORIF for the treatment of elderly proximal humerus fractures of type Neer II:a case control study].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis(MIPPO)and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in treating senile NEER IIproximal humerus fractures. METHODS: From March 2014 to March 2016, 46 elderly patients with Neer II proximal humerus fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 20 patients in MIPPO group included 9 males and 11 females with an average age of (70.4±4.4) years old; while 26 patients in ORIF group included 11 males and 15 females with an average age of (70.9±4.0) years old. The length of hospital stay, times of fluoroscopy, beginning time of function rehabilitation, healing time of fracture, Constant Murley score of the shoulder joint at 3, 6, 12 months after operation and complications were observed and compared. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months with an average of 16.8±3.7. The healing time of fracture, beginning time of function rehabilitation in MIPPO group were(13.0±0.8) weeks, (3.0±0.9) days respectively and shorter than those in ORIF group which were (13.8±1.4) weeks and(6.8±1.3) days. The times of fluoroscopy in MIPPO group was 19.2±3.7 and more than that in ORIF group which was 12.1±3.4. At 3 and 6 months after operation, Constant Murley score in MIPPO group were 81.3±3.9, 86.6±5.4 and more than that in ORIF group which were 69.5±6.6, 80.5±6.7. There were no differences between two groups in the length of hospital stay, Constant Murley score at 12 months after operation and grading at the final follow-up. There was one fracture redisplacement in each group. And 1 case of axillary nerve injury in MIPPO group, 2 cases of delayed union in ORIF group. No incision infection, screw loosening or plate break was found. CONCLUSIONS: MIPPO and ORIF are both effective in treating Neer II proximal humeral fractures. MIPPO technique has the advantages of faster recovery, earlier rehabilitative exercise and better shoulder function. The disadvantages are more exposure to radiationd and the possibility of axillary nerve injure.

[CLINICAL OBSERVATION OF POSTERIOR CERVICAL DECOMPRESSIVE LAMINECTOMY AND LATERAL MASS SCREW FIXATION COMBINED WITH FORAMINOTOMY FOR CERVICAL RADICULO-MYELOPATHY].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of posterior cervical decompressive laminectomy and lateral mass screw fixation combined with foraminotomy for treating cervical radiculo-myelopathy. METHODS: Between January 2010 and January 2012, 58 patients with cervical radiculo-myelopathy were treated by posterior cervical decompressive laminectomy and lateral mass screw fixation combined with foraminotomy. There were 31 males and 27 females, with an average age of 52.7 years (range, 41-72 years). The mean disease course was 5.4 years (range, 3-15 years). The preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 7.8±1.3, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.8±1.7. There were 37 cases of inter-vertebral disc herniation and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, 11 cases of vertebral osteophyte formation with the osteophyte spinal canal occupational ratio of 51.7%±18.1%, and 10 cases of inter-vertebral disc herination with cervical instability. Preoperative cervical curvature was (-5.5±12.5)°. The fixed segments included C3-7 in 29 cases, C4-7 in 19 cases, and C3-6 in 10 cases. Foraminotomy was performed in 135 nerve foramina (mean, 2.33 foramina). RESULTS: The mean operation time was 204 minutes (range, 167-260 minutes), and the mean blood loss was 273 mL (range, 210-378 mL). No injury of vertebral artery or nerve root occurred during operation. Postoperative subcutaneous hematoma and cervical axial pain occurred in 1 case and 8 cases, respectively; and no nerve root palsy was observed. The patients were followed up 2.1-4.3 years (mean, 3.4 years). The postoperative JOA score was significantly increased to 14.1±1.7 (t=-27.672, P=0.000), with an improvement rate of 68.5%±21.9%. Postoperative VAS score was significantly decreased to 2.1±1.1 (t=15.168, P=0.000). The imaging examination showed adjacent segmental degeneration in 1 patient, who had no clinical symptom. There was no screw loosening or pseudoarthrosis formation during follow-up. The cervical curvature was (13.6±5.1)° at 5 days and was (13.2±4.8)° at 2 years, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (P<0.05). The osteophyte spinal canal occupational ratio was 36.5%±10.4% at 2 years, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (t=6.921, P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The procedure of posterior cervical decompressive laminectomy and lateral mass screw fixation combined with foraminotomy is effect in treating cervical radiculo-myelopathy. The spinal cord and nerve root can be adequately decompressed by laminectomy and foraminotomy. The lateral mass screw fixation can correct the cervical curvature and further reduce the tension to spinal cord.

[COMPARATIVE STUDY ON TWO SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ISTHMIC SPONDYLOLISTHESIS].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis between two different fusion surgeries combined with pedicle screw fixation system. METHODS: A retrospectively analysis was made on the clinical data of 98 patients with lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis treated between February 2009 and May 2012. Of 98 cases, 53 underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) combined with internal fixation (group A), and 45 underwent posterolateral fusion (PLF) with internal fixation (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, segmental lesions, and degree of spondylolisthesis between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, reduction rate of spondylolisthesis, reduction loss rate, fusion rate, intervertebral space height, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and the recovery rate of JOA score were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS: The operation time and intraoperative blood loss of group A were significantly higher than those of group B (P < 0.05). Dural tear occured in 4 cases of group A and 1 case of group B during operation; 6 cases had radicular symptoms after operation in group A; incision infection was found in 1 case of 2 groups respectively. The follow-up time was 24-36 months in group A and was 26-40 months in group B. No significant difference was found in the JOA score at preoperation and 2 weeks after operation between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The JOA score and the recovery rate of JOA score of group A were significantly better than those of group B at 2 years after operation (P < 0.05). X-ray film showed that the reduction rate of group A was significantly higher than that of group B after 2 weeks of operation (P < 0.05); the reduction loss rate of group A was significantly lower than that of group B after 2 years after operation (P < 0.05). The intervertebral space height of group A was significantly higher than that of group B at 2 weeks and 2 years after operation (P<0.05). The fusion rate of group A was significantly better than that of group B at 2 years after operation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PLIF can achieve a greater degree of reduction, better restore disc height, and lumbar curvature than PLF. PLIF is superior to PLF in maintaining intervertebral height after operation. And PLIF has higher fusion rate, restores the stability of the spine in a greater extent, and it also can achieve a better long-term outcome.

[Analysis of risk factors of axial symptoms after single door laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors of axial symptoms after single door laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 102 patients with cervical myelopathy who underwent single door laminoplasty and were accorded with selective standard between February 2009 and October 2011. There were 59 males and 43 females, aged 35 to 72 years (mean, 58 years). The disease duration was 1-70 months (mean, 18 months). The operated segments included C3-7 in 58 cases, C3-6 in 23 cases, C4-7 in 15 cases, and C3-5 in 6 cases. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to determine whether the patient had axial symptoms (group A) or not (group B). The logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of postoperative axial symptoms by assessing the following indexes: preoperative VAS score, preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, gender, age, disease duration, operated segment, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, wearing collar time, preoperative encroachment rate of anterior spinal canal, preoperative cervical curvature, and preoperative cervical range of motion. RESULTS: A total of 102 cases were followed up 18-26 months (mean, 24 months). And no postoperative spinal cord injury, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, or infection occurred. Of 102 cases, 50 had axial symptoms (group A) and 52 had no axial symptoms (group B). There were significant differences in age, wearing collar time, preoperative cervical range of motion, preoperative cervical curvature, and preoperative encroachment rate of anterior spinal canal between 2 groups (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found in preoperative JOA score and VAS score, blood loss, gender, disease duration, operated segment, and operation time (P > 0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that the increased preoperative encroachment rate of anterior spinal canal, reduced preoperative cervical curvature, and preoperative cervical range of motion loss were the risk factors for cervical axial symptoms. CONCLUSION: Age, wearing collar time, preoperative cervical range of motion, preoperative encroachment rate of anterior spinal canal, and preoperative cervical

Influence of hinge position on the effectiveness of open-door expansive laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of different hinge positions on clinical results of expansive open-door laminoplasty (EOLP) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). METHODS: A total of 102 CSM patients who underwent EOLP from February 2006 to February 2007 were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Using a random digits table, 57 patients with the hinge located at the inner margin of the lateral mass were classified as wide-open group, while 45 patients with the hinge positioned at the lamina margin served as narrow-open group. All patients were observed over 24 months, and the clinical and radiological results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in operation duration, intraoperative bleeding volume, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, cervical curvature index, range of motion and neural function recovery rate. The neural functions were satisfactorily improved after surgery in both groups, while the severity of axial symptoms was significantly lower in the narrow-open group than in the wide-open group (P equal to 0.003). The incidence of C(5) palsy in the wide-open group was higher than that in the narrow-open group (5.3% vs 0), even though the difference did not reach statistical significance (one tailed Fisher's exact test, P equal to 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Proper inward shift of the hinge can ensure effectiveness of surgical decompression, avoid an excessive backward shift of the spinal cord, decrease the incidence of C(5) palsy and alleviate the severity of axial symptoms.

Development of a novel antibody probe useful for domoic acid detection.

The generation of monoclonal antibody (mAb) against marine toxins can serve as a valuable probe to detect this kind of compounds by immunological methods. However, traditional approaches to mAb generation usually need a comparative large quantity of standard substance (more than 400 microg mouse(-1)), and a comparative long immunization period (more than 6 weeks). Here we report a simple, inexpensive and fast protocol for the generation of monoclonal antibody probe specific for domoic acid (DA). In the method, lymph node cells were harvested from the Balb/C mice of hind footpad injection and fused with murine myeloma cells SP2/0 for hybridoma generation. This method for the preparation of mAb for DA has two main advantages: (a) there is no need for large-scale expensive antigen (only 70 microg antigen for one mouse); (b) immunization protocol can be accomplished within 16 days. Some characteristics of the mAb were studied and a direct competitive ELISA for the detection of DA using the mAb as a probe was developed. The detection limit was 0.41 ng well(-1) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and 0.53 ng well(-1) in blue mussel Mytilus edulis. The recoveries of DA from mussel and PBS buffer were from 94.8% to 105.1% and from 96.2% to 103.7%, respectively. Thus, the newly developed direct competitive ELISA using the mAb appears to be a reliable and useful method for monitoring of DA in shellfish (228 words).

Radiographic predictors of residual low back pain after laminectomy for lumbar canal stenosis: a minimum of 6-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To identify radiographic predictors of residual low back pain (LBP) after laminectomy for lumbar canal stenosis (LCS). METHODS: Clinical results and radiographic findings in 69 patients who underwent single level laminectomy for LCS were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had an improvement in LBP scores evaluated by Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system during the follow-up periods were classified as the recovery group, and others were classified as the non-recovery group. Patients'clinical data and radiographic parameters like lordosis angle, range of motion and intervertebral rotational angle were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis to detect factors significantly related with the occurrence of residual LBP. RESULTS: The average preoperative JOA score of 14.8+/-5.05 improved to 21.59+/-5.51 at the final follow-up. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that significant predictors of residual LBP were preoperative lumbar lordosis angle and range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that patients with flat back and limited lumbar mobility before surgery tend to have poor results in terms of LBP. Therefore, these sagittal radiographic parameters should be taken into account when choosing laminectomy as the surgical option for LCS.