[Classification and microsurgical treatment of primary tethered cord syndrome in adults].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical manifestation, classification, and experience of surgical treatment of primary tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in adults. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed a series of 171 adult patients with primary TCS who were surgically treated under microscope from March 2007 to October 2019. There were 61 males and 110 females whose ages were 18-65 years, with an average age of (39.02±11.81) years. Clinically, the patients presented with various neurological symptoms and signs including lower back and legs pain, reflex changes, sensory disturbances, muscle weakness, and sphincter problems. They were divided into 5 types by clinical manifestations and neuro-imaging features: (1) filum terminale traction in 69 cases, (2) split cord malformation in 21 cases, (3) myelomeningocele in 20 cases, (4) lipomyelomeningocele in 36 cases, and (5) dermal sinus traction in 25 cases. All the patients underwent microsurgery to untether the spinal cord. The patients kept prone position 7 days postoperatively. The Kirollos grading was used to evaluate the outcome of intraoperative untethering. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain, the score of critical muscle strength was used to evaluate the lower extremity motor function, and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) sphincter function score was used to evaluate the bladder function. RESULTS: All of the 171 patients were treated with microsurgery to release the adhesion and cut off the filum terminalis. 61 cases of them received resection of the lesions according to the etiology. All the tethered spinal cord reached Kirollos grade Ⅰ untethering and the dural sac was reconstructed. Other than 5 patients had cerebrospinal fluid leakage and incision laceration and underwent re-suture, there was no surgical complication. The local pain was relieved, the lower limbs weakness or bowel and bladder dysfunction gradually recovered postoperatively. The period of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 12.5 years with an average of (5.62±2.31) years. The neurological function was improved in 153 cases and stable in 18 cases. There was no recurrence of tethered cord be found during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The primary TCS in adulthood could be classified into 5 types by clinical manifestations and neuro-imaging features and surgical treatment should be undertaken in regard to the classifications including dissection and resection of the lesion detethering the spinal cord and reconstruction of the dura sac under microscope. The outcome of surgical treatment is satisfactory.

[Reinforced radiculoplasty for the treatment of symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts: A clinical analysis of 71 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of reinforced radiculoplasty in the treatment of symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts (TCs). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data and follow-up data of 71 patients with symptomatic sacral TCs who underwent reinforced radiculoplasty in the Neurosurgery Department of Peking University Third Hospital from June 2018 to March 2021. All the operations were performed under neuroelectrophysiological monitoring. Intraoperative cyst exploration, partial resection of the cyst wall, narrowing of the leak, nerve root sleeve radiculoplasty and artificial dural reinforcement were performed. The incidence of postoperative complications and new neurological dysfunction was analyzed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the changes of pain before and after surgery. The Japanese Orthopedics Association (JOA) low back pain score was used to evaluate the changes in nerve function before and after surgery. RESULTS: In the study, 71 patients had 101 TCs, 19 (18.8%) TCs originated from the left S1 nerve, 26 (25.7%) originated from the left S2 nerve, 3 (3.0%) originated from the left S3 nerve, 14 (13.9%) originated from the right S1 nerve, 33 (32.7%) originated from the right S2 nerve, 6 (5.9%) originated from the right S3 nerve, all the TCs underwent reinforced radiculoplasty. Deep infection (1 case), subcutaneous effusion (1 case), fat li-quefaction (1 case) and urinary tract infection (4 cases) were recorded postoperatively. The patients were followed up for 12-43 months (median, 26 months). Two cases had new urinary retention after operation, and the catheter was removed at the end of the first and second months respectively. One case had new fecal weakness, which improved after 3 months. Compared with preoperation, VAS decreased significantly at the last follow-up [median, 6 (4-9) vs. 1 (0-5), Z=-7.272, P < 0.001], JOA score increased significantly [median, 20 (16-25) vs. 27 (18-29), Z=-7.265, P < 0.001]. There were 18 cured cases (25.4%), 41 excellent cases (57.7%), 8 effective cases (11.3%), and 4 invalid cases (5.6%). The total efficiency was 94.4% (67/71). Two (1.98%) cysts recurred. CONCLUSION: For patients with symptomatic sacral TCs, reinforced radiculoplasty can significantly improve the pain and nerve function, which is safe and reliable.

[Analysis of the serum bile acid profile to facilitate diagnosis and differential diagnosis of NA(+)-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide deficiency].

Objective: This study focuses on Na(+)-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) deficiency to analyze and investigate the value of the serum bile acid profile for facilitating the diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods: Clinical data of 66 patients with cholestatic liver diseases (CLDs) diagnosed and treated in the Department of Pediatrics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from early April 2015 to the end of December 2021 were collected, including 32 cases of NTCP deficiency (16 adults and 16 children), 16 cases of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD), 8 cases of Alagille syndrome, and 10 cases of biliary atresia. At the same time, adult and pediatric healthy control groups (15 cases each) were established. The serum bile acid components of the study subjects were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The data were plotted and compared using statistical SPSS 19.0 and GraphPad Prism 5.0 software. The clinical and bile acid profiles of children with NTCP deficiency and corresponding healthy controls, as well as differences between NTCP deficiency and other CLDs, were compared using statistical methods such as t-tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests. Results: Compared with the healthy control, the levels of total conjugated bile acids, total primary bile acids, total secondary bile acids, glycocholic acid, taurocholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid were increased in NTCP deficiency patients (P < 0.05). Compared with adults with NTCP deficiency, the levels of total conjugated bile acids and total primary bile acids were significantly increased in children with NTCP deficiency (P < 0.05). The serum levels of taurochenodeoxycholic acid, glycolithocholate, taurohyocholate, and tauro-α-muricholic acid were significantly increased in children with NTCP deficiency, but the bile acid levels such as glycodeoxycholic acid, glycolithocholate, and lithocholic acid were decreased (P < 0.05). The serum levels of secondary bile acids such as lithocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and hyodeoxycholic acid were significantly higher in children with NTCP deficiency than those in other CLD groups such as NICCD, Alagille syndrome, and biliary atresia (P < 0.05). Total primary bile acids/total secondary bile acids, total conjugated bile acids/total unconjugated bile acids, taurocholic acid, serum taurodeoxycholic acid, and glycodeoxycholic acid effectively distinguished children with NTCP deficiency from other non-NTCP deficiency CLDs. Conclusion: This study confirms that serum bile acid profile analysis has an important reference value for facilitating the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of NTCP deficiency. Furthermore, it deepens the scientific understanding of the changing characteristics of serum bile acid profiles in patients with CLDs such as NTCP deficiency, provides a metabolomic basis for in-depth understanding of its pathogenesis, and provides clues and ideas for subsequent in-depth research.

[Microscopic resection of lumbar intraspinal tumor through keyhole approach: A clinical study of 54 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and key technology of microscopic resection of lumbar intraspinal tumor through microchannel keyhole approach. METHODS: The clinical features, imaging characteristics and surgical methods of 54 cases of lumbar intraspinal tumor which were microscopically operated by microchannel from February 2017 to September 2019 were reviewed and analyzed. There were 8 cases of extradural tumor, 3 cases of extra-and intradural tumor and 43 cases of subdural extramedullary tumor (including 3 cases of ventral spinal tumor). The tumors were 0.5-3.0 cm in diameter. The clinical symptoms included 49 cases of pain in the corresponding innervation area, 5 cases of sensory disturbance (numbness) at or below the tumor segment, 7 cases of limb weakness and 2 cases of urination and defecation dysfunction. RESULTS: In the study, 37 tumors were resected through hemilaminectomy, 14 tumors were resected through interlaminar fenestration, 3 tumors were resected through hemilaminectomy or interlaminar fenestration combined with facetectomy of medial 1/4 facet. All of the 54 tumors were totally resected. The operation time was 75-135 min, with an average of 93.3 min. The postoperative hospital stay was 4-7 days, with an average of 5.7 days. Postoperative pathology included 34 cases of schwannoma, 4 cases of meningioma, 9 cases of ependymoma, 1 case of enterogenous cyst, 5 cases of teratoma/epidermoid/dermoid cyst, and 1 case of paraganglioma. No infection or cerebrospinal fluid leakage was found after operation. No neurological dysfunction occurred except 1 case of urination dysfunction and 4 cases of limb numbness. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 33 months with an average of 14.4 months. Five patients with new onset symptoms returned to normal. The pain symptoms of 49 patients were completely relieved; 4 of 5 patients with hypoesthesia recovered completely, the other 1 patient had residual mild hypoesthesia; 7 patients with limb weakness, and 2 patients with urination and defecation dysfunction recovered to normal. No spinal instability or deformity was found, and no recurrence or residual tumors were found. According to McCormick classification, they were of all grade Ⅰ. CONCLUSION: The lumbar intraspinal extramedullary tumors within two segments (including the ventral spinal tumors) can be totally resected at stage Ⅰ through microchannel keyhole approach with appropriate selection of the cases. Microchannel technique is beneficial to preserve the normal structure and muscle attachment of lumbar spine, and to maintain the integrity and stability of lumbar spine.

[Surgical treatment of large and giant recurrent meningiomas near the middle and posterior third part of the superior sagittal sinus with extracranial invading].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical strategy for large and giant recurrent meningiomas near the middle and posterior third part of the superior sagittal sinus with extracranial invading. METHODS: The clinical data of 16 patients with large and giant recurrent meningioma in the middle and posterior third part of the superior sagittal sinus with extracranial invasion who underwent surgery in the Department of Neurosurgery of Peking University Third Hospital from May 2019 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients underwent brain-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance venography (MRV), computed tomography angiography (CTA) and three-dimensional skull computed tomography (CT) before, to evaluate the extent of tumor invasion, the edema of brain tissue, the degree of skull damage, the blood supply of the tumor, and the degree of compression of the superior sagittal sinus, etc, and to formulate an individualized surgical plan. The neurological function of the patients was evaluated 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the operation, and the tumor condition was evaluated by brain-enhanced MRI 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the operation. RESULTS: The tumors in the 16 patients were all located in the middle and posterior 1/3 part of the superior sagittal sinus and invaded extracranially. Among them, 8 cases were operated for the second time, 6 cases for the third time, and 2 cases for the fourth time; In the last operation, the bone flap was used to repair the skull in 4 cases, and the titanium mesh was used in 12 cases; Tumor arterials of 3 cases were embolized under digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Tumors of 10 cases were resected at Simpson grade Ⅰ, and 6 cases at Simpson grade Ⅱ; 2 cases underwent decompressive craniectomy during operation, and 14 cases underwent cranioplasty at the same time; scalp incisions of 14 cases were directly sutured, and flap transposition was used in 14 cases. When evaluating nerve function after operation, the limb muscle strength was improved compared with that before operation, and the Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score reached 100 points 3 months after operation. During the follow-up, 1 patient's tumor recurred after 1 year and received Gamma Knife treatment, and the rest of the patients had no recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment is the first choice for large and giant recurrent meningiomas near the middle and posterior third part of the superior sagittal sinus with extracranial invading. It is a safe and effective surgical method to take individualized surgical plan after detailed preoperative assessment of cerebral edema, tumor blood supply, venous sinus compression, and scalp invasion.

[Efficacy analysis of high-sensitivity troponin I concentration and its changes in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction].

Objective: To explore the feasibility and accuracy of 0-1 h high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) concentration and its changes in judging non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and to investigate the feasibility of a simplified process. Methods: Patients with acute chest pain and suspected NSTEMI who were admitted to the emergency department of Fuwai Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and Nanjing First Hospital from January 2017 to September 2020 were selected. Hs-cTnI test was carried out for the selected patients at the time of visit (0 h) and 1 h after visit. According to the 0-1 h hs-cTnI diagnostic process and threshold standard recommended by European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines in 2015, the laboratory adjudication was determined. Cardiologists who did not participate in the project design and did not know the results of hs-cTnI test performed the clinical judgment according to the routine diagnosis and treatment process of emergency department. Taking clinical judgment as the gold standard, the diagnostic efficacy of 0-1 h hs-cTnI concentration and its change recommended by the guidelines for judging NSTEMI in Chinese population was analyzed. The guide process was simplified. Under the condition of not considering the time of chest pain, the guideline threshold was used for test and judgement, and the diagnostic efficacy of the simplified process was evaluated. Results: A total of 1 534 patients were enrolled in the study, aged (62±12) years and 952 (62.1%) patients were male. Among them, 402 patients (26.2%) were clinically diagnosed as NSTEMI and 1 132 patients (73.8%) were diagnosed as non-NSTEMI. According to the diagnosis and determination process recommended by the guidelines, NSTEMI was excluded in 672 patients (42.8%), and 464 patients (30.2%) were diagnosed as NSTEMI. The consistency rate with clinical determination reached 92.4% (1 050/1 136), the sensitivity of excluding diagnosis was 99.5% (95%CI: 98.0%-99.9%), the negative predictive value was 99.7% (95%CI: 98.8%-99.9%), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.008 (95%CI: 0.002-0.335). The diagnostic specificity was 92.6% (95%CI: 90.9%-94.0%), the positive predictive value was 81.9% (95%CI: 78.0%-85.2%), and the positive likelihood ratio was 12.739 (95%CI: 10.356-15.670). According to the simplified process, NSTEMI was excluded in 675 patients (44.0%), and 463 patients (30.2%) were diagnosed as NSTEMI. The consistency rate with clinical judgment was 92.4% (1 051/1 138), the sensitivity of exclusion diagnosis was 99.3% (95%CI: 97.6%-99.8%), the negative predictive value was 99.6% (95%CI: 98.6%-99.9%), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.012 (95%CI: 0.004-0.389). The diagnostic specificity was 92.6% (95%CI: 90.9%-94.0%), the positive predictive value was 81.9% (95%CI: 78.0%-85.2%), and the positive likelihood ratio was 12.705 (95%CI: 10.328-15.630). There was no significant difference in diagnostic efficacy between the simplified process and the recommended process (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The diagnostic process for judging NSTEMI according to the 0-1 h hs-cTnI concentration and its change criteria recommended by the 2015 ESC guidelines is applicable in the Chinese population and remains highly accurate in judging NSTEMI without considering the duration of chest pain at the time of presentation.

[Minimally invasive treatment of cervical1-2 epidural neurilemmoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the minimally invasive surgical method for cervical1-2 epidural neurilemmoma. METHODS: The clinical features, imaging characteristics and surgical methods of 63 cases of cervical1-2 epidural neurilemmoma from July 2010 to December 2018 were reviewed and analyzed. Pain and numbness in occipitocervical region were the common clinical symptoms. There were 58 cases with pain, 30 cases with numbness, 3 cases with limb weakness and 2 cases with asymptomatic mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the tumors located in the cervical1-2 epidural space with diameter of 1-3 cm. The equal or slightly lower T1 and equal or slightly higher T2 signals were found on MRI. The tumors had obvious enhancement. Individualized laminotomy was performed according to the location and size of the tumors, and axis spinous processes were preserved as far as possible. Resection of tumor was performed strictly within the capsule. RESULTS: Total and subtotal resection of tumor were achieved in 60 and 3 cases respectively, and no vertebral artery injury was found. The operation time ranged from 60 to 180 minutes, with an average of 92.83 minutes. The hospitalization time ranged from 3 to 9 days, with an average of 5.97 days. All tumors were confirmed as neurilemmoma by pathology. There was no postoperative infection or cerebrospinal fluid leakage. There was no new-onset dysfunction except 9 cases of numbness in the nerve innervation area. The period of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 8 years (median: 3 years). All the new-onset dysfunction recovered completely. Pain disappeared in all of the 58 patients with pain. Numbness recovered completely in 27 patients while slight numbness remained in another 3 patients. Three patients with muscle weakness recovered completely. The spinal function of all the patients restored to McCormick grade Ⅰ. No recurrence was found on MRI. No cervical spine instability or deformity was found on X-rays. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to resect cervical1-2 epidural neurilemmoma by full use of the anatomical space between atlas and axis and individual laminotomy. It is helpful to prevent cervical instability or deformity by minimizing the destruction of cervical2 bone and preserving normal muscle attachment to cervical2 spinous process. Strict intracapsular resection can effectively prevent vertebral artery injury.

[Diagnosis and treatment of primary intraspinal abscess].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the feature and treatment of the primary intraspinal abscess in order to improve the prognosis. METHODS: In the study, 13 cases of primary intraspinal abscess of the recent 20 years were retrospectively analyzed. The history, etiology, pathogen, surgical methods and prognosis were summarized. RESULTS: The course of the illness ranged from 7 days to 6 months. All the cases began with pain. Of the 13 patients, 10 had limb weakness. Five had a fever and 8 had increased white blood cells. As for distribution, 1 was in cervical vertebra, 1 in cervicothoracic junction, 1 in thoracic vertebra, 4 in thoracolumbar junction, and 6 in lumbosacral segment. The results of bacterial culture were positive in 4 cases, 3 cases were diagnosed as tuberculosis by pathological examination, and 1 case was recognized as infection of Brucella melitensis bacteria because of prior brucellosis. The pathogen of the remaining cases were unclear. All the cases received surgical treatment and pathology examination. The surgical aim was mainly removal of the lesion, decompression and drainage. Postoperatively anti-infection and glucocorticoid therapy were performed according to the pathogeny results and clinical experience. Incision abscesses were seen in 2 cases and reoperations including debridement and repair with transferred muscle flap were performed. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 months to 3 years (mean 1.8 years). One case suffered postoperative recurrence and the abscess spread along the vertebral canal. Reoperation was performed. Infections of all the cases were recovered completely and the nervous system signs were all improved in different degrees. CONCLUSION: The onset of primary intraspinal abscess is relatively urgent, mainly with pain. The lumbar and sacral vertebra is the predilection site. The bacterial culture is mostly negative. Early operation and use of sufficient amount of broad-spectrum antibiotic are recommended. If the incision abscess forms after the operation, it is advisable to transfer the muscle flap to repair the coloboma on the basis of debridement. In order to relieve edema of spinal cord and nerve root, the glucocorticoid can be used in the escort of antibiotics.

[Clinical study of 21 cases of sacral cysts containing fila terminale].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the characteristics of sacral cysts containing fila terminale and to explore the surgical treatment methods. METHODS: The clinical features, imaging characteristics and surgical methods of 21 cases of sacral cysts containing fila terminale from July 2010 to March 2017 were reviewed and analyzed. Lumbosacral and perineal pain, weakness of the lower limbs and bladder and bowel dysfunction were the common clinical symptoms. MRI showed that the cysts located in the sacral canal. The lower T1 and higher T2 signals were found on MRI. There were fila terminale within the cysts which tethered the spinal cord. No enhancement was visible within the lesion. The key steps of operation included the resection of the cyst wall, the cutting off of the fila terminale, the release of the tethered cord and the reconstruction of the cisterna terminalis. RESULTS: The total and subtotal resections of cyst walls were achieved in 14 and 7 cases, respectively. The fila terminales were separated and cut off in all the cases, and the tethered cords were released completely. The reconstructions of the cisterna terminalis were accomplished in all the cases. There was no new-onset dysfunction except for 7 cases of mild numbness around anus postoperatively. Pathological examinations confirmed that the cyst wall was fibrous connective tissue, and hyperplasia of fibrous tissue and/or adipose tissue was found within the thickened fila terminale. The lumbosacral and perineal pain disappeared. The weakness of the lower extremities and the bladder and bowel dysfunction gradually improved. The period of follow-up ranged from 3 months to 7 years (average: 2.25 years). The spinal function of all the patients restored to McCormick grade Ⅰ. Only 1 case encountered recurrence of cyst. CONCLUSION: The sacral cysts containing fila terminale are rare. The common symptoms include lumbosacral and perineal pain and symptoms of tethered cord. MRI is helpful to the diagnosis, which shows the signal of cerebrospinal fluid and the fila terminale in the cyst as well as tlow-placed conus medullaris. Microsurgery should remove the cyst wall, cut off the fila terminale, release the tethered cord and reconstruct the cisterna terminalis.

[Intraspinal metastasis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: A case report].

This paper reported a case of cervical intraspinal metastasis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS). The clinicopathological features, surgical treatment, chemotherapy and prognosis were introduced and the current literature was reviewed. The diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, molecular features and prognosis of the disease were comprehensively analyzed to improve clinicians' knowledge of this rare disease. The primary lesion appeared about 1 year ago which was painless mass of left hand whose size was about 2 cm×2 cm. After conservative treatment, the mass gradually enlarged and the mass was resected. Postoperative pathology revealed embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma. Postoperative chemotherapy with recombinant human endostatin, liposomal doxorubicin and ifosfamide was performed. The left neck mass was found about 3 months ago, and then the left neck mass was resected under general anesthesia. Postoperative pathological examination showed small round cell malignant tumors. Severe left upper extremity pain began about 2 weeks ago with nocturnal pain and supine pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were needed to relieve pain which was accompanied by numbness and weakness of the left upper extremity. MRI showed a intraspinal tumor at C5. The left thumb and index finger were absent. Hypoesthesia, muscle atrophy and hypotonia of the left upper limb were confirmed. The muscle strength of biceps brachii and deltoid muscle of the left upper limb was grade 0, the muscle strength of extensor carpus and interphalangeal muscle was grade II, the muscle strength of intrinsic muscles of hands was grade I. The tendon reflex of the left upper limb disappeared. Intraspinal mass was removed and the pain was relieved. But there was no significant change in the muscle strength of the left upper limb. Pathological examination revealed small cell malignancies which were poorly differentiated with diffuse patchy distribution and disordered arrangement. The tumor cells had round, oval or irregular nuclei, and few cytoplasms were positive for Myogenin and MyoD1. FISH test of FOXO1 gene was positive. More than 50% of nuclei showed redgreen signal separation, and the distance between redgreen signals was larger than double diameter of the signal points, which supported ARMS. Total resection of intraspinal tumors was achieved and postoperative chemotherapy was admitted. But intraspinal disseminated metastasis occurred rapidly. ARMS was rare, aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. Subdural metastasis was rare. Correct diagnosis and classification can be made only with help of modern molecular diagnostic methods, which is effective to guide the treatment.

[Biomechanical changes of sheep cervical spine after unilateral hemilaminectomy and different degrees of facetectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To establish animal models and investigate the impact of unilateral hemilaminectomy (ULHL) and different degrees of facetectomy (FT) on the cervical spinal biomechanics. METHODS: Twenty sheep were randomly and evenly divided into 4 groups. No operation was performed for group A, right C4-C6 ULHL was performed for group B, right C4-C6 ULHL and 50% ipsilateral C4-C5 FT was performed for group C, right C4-C6 ULHL and 100% ipsilateral C4-C5 FT was performed for group D. Animals of group A, B, C and D were sacrificed 24 weeks after operating and fresh cervical spine specimens were acquired, biomechanically tested and these data were compared to determine whether ULHL and different degrees of FT led to long-term differences in range of motion. RESULTS: (1) Changes of the total range of motion of cervical spine 24 weeks after surgery: the total range of motion of group D (60.2°±8.6°) was significantly greater than group A (40.7°±6.4°) and group B (41.2°±13.1°) under flexion-extension station, the total range of motion of group D (81.5°±15.7°) was significantly greater than that of group A (56.7°±12.2°) and group B (57.7°±12.8°) under lateral bending station, and the total range of motion of group D (38.5°±17.5°) had no obvious increase compared with group A (26.4°±9.9°) and group B (27.1°±10.9°) under axial rotation station. The total range of motion of group C had no obvious increase compared with group A and group B under flexion-extension station (44.1°±11.7°), lateral bending station (73.6°±11.4°) and axial rotation station (31.3°±11.5°). (2) Changes of the intersegmental motion 24 weeks after surgery: the intersegmental motion of group D (20.3°±4.6°) at C4-C5 was significantly greater than that of group A (11.7°±3.4°) and group B (11.9°±2.1°) under flexion-extension station, the intersegmental motion of group D (26.8°±3.5°) at C4-C5 was significantly greater than that of group A (15.2°±3.1°) and group B (16.2°±3.2°) under lateral bending station, the intersegmental motion of group D (15.2°±3.5°) at C4-C5 was significantly greater than that of group A (6.6°±2.3°) and group B (7.1°±1.9°) under axial rotation station. The intersegmental motion of group C (21.2°±4.1°) at C4-C5 was significantly greater than that of group A and group B under lateral bending station, the intersegmental motion of group C at C4-C5 had no obvious increase compared with group A and group B under flexion-extension station (15.7°±3.7°) and axial rotation station (10.3°±3.1°). CONCLUSION: ULHL does not affect cervical stability, ULHL and 50% ipsilateral FT does not affect the long-term cervical stability, ULHL and 100% ipsilateral FT can lead to long-term instability under lateral bending and flexion-extension station.

Comparative clinical study on seldom segment with multiple segment intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Several clinical studies were performed on multi-segment intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors. However, no clinical study focused on the relationship between different vertebral segments intramedullary tumors involvement and neurological functions, as well as prognosis of the patients. This prospective study was performed to compare clinical analysis on neurological functions and prognosis of the patients with intramedullary spinal cord primary tumors. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed in a single medical center, Neurosurgical Department, Peking University Third Hospital. Between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 30, 2015, 135 patients underwent microsurgery for intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors. The intramedullary tumor length occupying 3 or more vertebral body levels was considered as multiple segments intramedullary primary spinal cord tumor, and occupying one or two vertebral body levels considered as seldom segments. Preoperative and postoperative functions were assessed using IJOA (improved Japanese orthopaedic association) scoring system, and analyzed using the appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Among the 135 patients, 52 cases had seldom segments intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors, and 83 cases had multiple segments. In the seldom group, 32 (62%) patients presented with normal urine and stool function, 8 (15%) patients with severe dysfunction, 7 (14%) with slight dysfunction, and 5 (9%) with incontinence, and 30 (58%) patients demonstrated various degrees of limbs weakness. The preoperative IJOA scores of the patients were 16.9±2.4. The postoperative IJOA scores at the end of 3 months were 16.6±2.3. The current IJOA scores until the end of the follow-up were 17.5±4.4. In the multiple group, 37 (45%) patients presented with normal urine and stool functions, 26 (31%) patients with slight dysfunction, 11 (13%) with severe dysfunction, and 9 (11%) with incontinence, and 62 (75%) patients demonstrated various degrees of limbs weakness. The preoperative IJOA scores of the patients were 15.6±3.4. The postoperative IJOA scores at the end of 3 months were 15.5±3.8. The current IJOA scores until the end of the follow-up were 16.9±5.8. The difference of presenting urine and stool dysfunction (Z=-1.35, P=0.18) was not statistically significant between the different patient groups. However, the difference of presenting limbs weakness (Z=-2.06, P=0.04) was statistically significant between the two groups. Most patients with multiple segment intramedullary tumors suffered from various limbs weakness. The difference of the preoperative IJOA score (P=0.02) and the postoperative early IJOA score (P=0.004) of the patients was statistically significant between the seldom and multiple segments groups. Preoperative and early postoperative neurological function of the patients was better with seldom segments tumor than with multiple segments tumor. Most patients with multi-segment intramedullary tumors experienced various limbs weakness. However, the difference of long-term neurological function (P=0.12) between the seldom and multiple segments groups was not statistically significant. The neurological function of the patients with multiple segments intramedullary tumor was remarkably improved after physical therapy. CONCLUSION: Perioperative neurological function of the patients with seldom segments primary tumor was superior to that of the patients with multiple segments primary tumor, especially for limb strength. The neurological function of the patients with multiple segments intramedullary primary tumor was remarkably improved after physical therapy during long-term follow-up.

[Application of diffusion tensor imaging combined with virtual reality three-dimensional reconstruction in the operation of gliomas involved eloquent regions].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the values of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and virtual reality (VR) techniques in design surgery program of gliomas near eloquent regions. METHODS: In this study, 35 cases were retrospectively analyzed with gliomas involved language areas or rolandic regions operated in Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital from January 2015 to January 2019. Surgery programs were performed by Dextroscope virtual reality system. The pre-operative data, such as the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance arteriography (MRA) and DTI was transferred into the VR computer for restitution,Tumors, neural fiber tracts and blood vessels were reconstructed to simulate operation and design individual surgical plan. Neurological function was evaluated 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after operation. RESULTS: Virtual reality three-dimensional images of the 35 cases were successfully achieved, including neural fiber tracts,blood vessels and the lesions. The displacement and destruction of fiber tracts, the anatomic relationship between tumor and important fiber bundle, artery and vein could be shown clearly. Surgical simulation and surgery program of VR of the 35 patients were successfully performed. The 3D images obtained from virtual reality near to the real surgery. Ten of the 35 cases were defined as rolandic regions tumors, 14 of the 35 cases were defined as language areas tumors and 11 of the 35 cases involved both language areas and rolandic regions. Complete resection of enhancing tumor (CRET) was achieved in 30 cases (85.7%), subtotal resection in 5 cases (14.3%), neurological function improved in 34 cases (97.1%) after operation,and 1 case had no improvement compared with that before(2.9%). Thirteen cases without neurological deficit pre-operation, showed transient neurological deficit ,which were recovered about 10 days post-operation, 12 of 22 cases with pre-operative neurologic deficit, improved one week postoperation, 9 of 22 cases with pre-operative neurologic deficit improved one month after operation, the rest 1 case was recurrent with glioblastoma with aggravated hemiplegia symptom after operation, who died of cerebral hernia 2 months later. CONCLUSION: Dextroscope virtual reality system can clearly expose and quantify the 3D anatomic relationship of tumors, neural fiber tracts and blood vessels surrounding gliomas near eloquent regions, which is helpful to design the best individualized surgery program, to improve surgical effect.

[Efficacy and safety of paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir combined with dasabuvir in non-cirrhotic Asian adult patients with newly diagnosed and treated chronic HCV genotype 1b infection: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study - China data].

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r) 25/150/100 mg once daily combined with dasabuvir 250mg, twice daily in non-cirrhotic Chinese adult patients with newly diagnosed and treated chronic HCV genotype 1b infection. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase 3 clinical trial was conducted in mainland China, Korea, and Taiwan.Safety and efficacy of OBV/PTV/r plus DSV administered for 12 weeks were evaluated in a newly diagnosed and treated (interferon alpha /pegylated interferon alpha) and ribavirin non-cirrhotic adults with chronic HCVgenotype 1b infection. Patients randomly received OBV/PTV/r plus DSV for 12 weeks (Group A), or placebo for 12 weeks (Group B) followed by an open-label phase of OBV/PTV/r plus DSV for 12 weeks. Sustained response (SVR12) rate obtained at 12 weeks and (SVR24) 24 weeks after discontinuation of treatment, and the incidence of adverse events and laboratory abnormalities after double-blind and open-label phase treatment were assessed. Results: A total of 410 cases of Chinese patients were included and randomly assigned to group A and B (with 205 cases in each group) in a 1:1 ratio. The rates of SVR12 and SVR24 were 99% (95% CI: 94.8% - 99.8%) in the newly diagnosed patients in group A (205 patients) and the rates of SVR12 and SVR24 were 100% in treated patients (95% CI: 96.3% - 100%). Different baseline characteristics had no effect on SVR12 and SVR24 rates. Most of the adverse events occurred were mild, asymptomatic, and≥ 3 laboratory abnormalities during treatment were rare, including elevation of alanine aminotransferase (2 cases in double-blind stage A group), aspartate aminotransferase (Double-blind stage A (3 cases) and total bilirubin (1 case in open-label phase B group); however, those mild adverse events could be recovered after drug withdrawal or discontinuation. only1 person discontinued drugs due to adverse events (Group B, open-label phase). Conclusion: The 12 weeks treatment course of OBV/PTV/r combined with DSV produced 99% ~ 100% rates of SVR12 and SVR24 in non-cirrhotic Asian adult patients with newly diagnosed and treated chronic HCV genotype 1b infection, and the tolerance and safety were good.

[Early surgical treatment of multi-segmet intramedullary cervical spinal cord ependymoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the early clinical treatment and prognosis of multi-segment intramedullary cervical ependymoma. METHODS: Twenty patients with multi-segment (more than 3 segments) intramedullary spinal ependymoma (McCormic grade I) were microsurgically treated with assistance of intraoperative neuroelectrophysiological monitoring. None of them received postoperative radiotherapy. Preoperatively all the patients underwent MRI examination and their neurologically function was assessed by McCormic classification method. They were followed up for an average of 2.7 years (The follow-up ranged from 3 months to 4 years). All the patients underwent review of the MRI examination and their postoperative neurological function was assessed by McCormic classification method again. Evaluation was accomplished according to the results of the follow-up. RESULTS: All tumors were intramedullary. The length of the tumor body varied from 3 to 8 vertebral segments with an average of 4.2 vertebral segments. Gross total removal was achieved in all the 20 patients through one-stage operation. The pathology of these patients was ependymoma (WHO grades I to II ). Two cases were lost during the follow-up due to the change of contact, but the hospital records of them showed that they recovered well at discharge. Eighteen cases were followed up constantly after operation. A case which ran through the whole cervical spinal cord had short-term mild motor dysfunction after operation, which manifested as weakness of the left side muscle strength to grade IV (which recovered to grade V during the follow-up period). Results of the follow-up showed that these 18 patients recovered well. Preoperative symptoms, such as limb numbness and painness were significantly alleviated. There was no obvious motor dysfunction. The bowel and bladder function of these 18 patients were almost normal. The McCormic scores of these 18 patients remained in grade I. No recurrence was found on review of the MRI examination. The main complications were a certain degree of deep sensory disturbance of lower extremities. The operation did not significantly affect the patient's life and work. CONCLUSION: Aggressive surgical therapy is a good treatment strategy for early multi-segment intramedullary cervical ependymoma. There is nearly no recurrence after operation and no postoperative radiotherapy is needed after gross total removal of tumors.

Evaluation of luteinizing hormone regulation of maturation and apoptosis, expression of LHR and FSHR in cumulus-oocyte complexes in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep.

The present study aimed to assess LH effects on in vitro maturation (IVM) and apoptosis and also to explore the gene expressions of LHR and FSHR in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) of the sheep. COCs were in vitro matured 24h in the IVM medium supplemented with varying concentrations of LH (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 µg/mL). They were allocated into LH-1 (control group), LH-2, LH-3, LH-4 and LH-5 groups, respectively. FSH (10 IU/mL) addition was as a positive control (FSH group). COCs apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL. The qPCR and Western blotting were utilized to detect mRNA and protein expressions of FSHR and LHR, respectively. The results showed maturation rates of oocytes improved as LH concentration increased from 0 to 10 µg/mL (IU/mL), reaching a peak value of 44.3% in the LH-3 group. Maturation rate of LH-5 group was lower than that of LH-3 and FSH-treated groups. The lowest apoptosis rate was found in LH-3 group. The germinal vesicle break down (GVBD) rates of LH-2, LH-3 and LH-4 groups were also increased in comparison with that found in LH-1 group (control group). GVBD rate of LH-5 was lower than that in LH-3 group. The germinal vesicle (GV) rates in LH-3 and LH-4 groups were lower than those in LH-1 and LH-5 groups (p<0.05, or p<0.01). The lowest GV rate was found in LH-3 group. GV rates in LH-2, LH-4 and LH-5 groups were higher than that in FSH group (p<0.05). At hours 20, 22 and 24 after oocytes IVM, caspase-3 concentrations in four LH-treated groups were decreased in comparison with that in LH-1 group. At 24h, caspase-3 concentrations of LH-2 and LH-3 groups were lower than that in LH-1 group (p<0.05). Expression levels of FSHR and LHR mRNAs rose when LH concentrations in IVM medium increased. The greatest expressions of FSHR and LHR mRNAs were found in LH-5 and LH-3 groups (p<0.01) in comparison with those in the control group (LH-1). Meanwhile, FSHR mRNA expressions in LH-2, LH-3 and LH-4 groups were lower than that in FSH group (p<0.01 or p<0.05). Expression levels of FSHR proteins revealed no significant differences among all groups. Expression levels in LHR proteins were increased. LHR protein level in LH-2 group was higher than that in LH-1 group. In conclusion, LH treatment could promote the maturation rate and GVBD rate. LH reduced apoptosis rate, GV rate of sheep oocytes, and caspase-3 concentrations in IVM medium fluids and additionally enhanced expressions of FSHR and LHR mRNAs of sheep COCs.

Influence of continuous intervention on growth and metastasis of human cervical cancer cells and expression of RNAmiR-574-5p.

This study was carried out to acquire solid evidence that some common treatments could affect micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) by revealing the regulatory effect of genes, so as to provide a reference for further exploration of the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. Nude mouse tumorigenicity assay was used to study the effect of inhibiting miR-574-5p on development and tumorigenic ability of Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) tumor. Cell wound scratch assay, flow cytometry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were adopted to study the effects of anoxia and temperature, etc., on expression of miR-574-5p and QKI in HeLa as well as on the clone and migration ability of cells, to provide prevention and treatment of cervical cancer with new ideas and evidence. The results demonstrated that cervical cancer tissues had a significantly increased miR-574-5p expression compared with para-carcinoma tissues; conversely, Gomafu, overall QKI (pan-QKI) and QKI-5 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression all decreased. Part of the common nursing methods had a certain influence on miR-574-5p expression, HeLa reproduction and metastasis, and even cell cycle. For example, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was effective in decreasing miR-574-5p expression of HeLa and inhibiting cell migration; severe hypoxia significantly decreased the survival rate of HeLa, leading to the increase of programmed death percentage and cell ratio in G2/M phase as well as the decrease of cell ratio in G1 phase. Incubation at different temperatures also affected miR-574-5p expression and cell proliferation. Thus, it can be known that miR-574-5p, Gomafu and QKI expression in cervical cancer tissues and para-carcinoma tissues are significantly up-regulated or down-regulated. Some treatments, such as UV irradiation, hypoxia, incubation temperatures, etc., can affect miR-574-5p expression and HeLa proliferation as well as metastases in different degrees. These findings provide a reference and basis for further study.

[Association between volatile organic compounds and mortality risk of stroke].

Objective: To investigate the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposure in the atmosphere on the risk of daily death from stroke in Guangzhou. Methods: Daily average concentrations of twelve atmospheric VOCs, meteorological factors, and daily deaths for stroke and its subtypes (including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke) in Guangzhou from 2020 to 2021 were collected. The time-series Poisson generalized additive model was established to analyze the relationship between daily average concentrations of atmospheric VOCs and daily mortality from a stroke on different lag days. The season, gender, and age group further performed stratification analysis. Results: Toluene and n-pentane were associated with a higher mortality risk from stroke and its subtypes. For each interquartile range (IQR) increment in toluene concentration at lag0- 1 days, the RRs for mortality from stroke and hemorrhagic stroke were 1.060 (95%CI: 1.036-1.085) and 1.071 (95%CI: 1.030-1.113), respectively. For each IQR increment in n-pentane concentration, the RR for mortality from ischemic stroke was 1.064 (95%CI: 1.030-1.099). The effect estimates of VOCs may be higher during the cold season and among women and people aged ≥75 years. For each IQR increment in toluene concentration, the RRs for mortality risk of stroke in the cold season and women were 1.099 (95%CI: 1.056-1.143) and 1.085 (95%CI: 1.050-1.120), respectively. For n-pentane, the RR for death risk of stroke in people aged ≥75 years old was 1.072 (95%CI: 1.036-1.109). Results of sensitivity analysis showed that the effect estimates fluctuated less when PM2.5 and O3 were separately introduced for the two-pollutant model, as well as changing the degrees of freedom for covariates. Conclusions: This study suggests that VOCs may be an independent risk factor for daily mortality from stroke. Moreover, Toluene presented the most significant health impact.

[Characteristics and prognosis of female breast cancer in Guangzhou, 2008-2017].

Objective: To describe the distributions of demographic and clinic pathological characteristics and relations with survival on female breast cancer patients in Guangzhou from 2008 to 2017. Methods: The baseline information of the subjects was obtained from the Guangzhou cancer registry and the outcomes were from the Cancer Follow-up System of Guangzhou. Kaplan-Meier was used to calculate the 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival rates. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify the factors related to the overall survival. Results: Among the 12 465 breast cancer patients recruited in the study, the average age at diagnosis was 53.9 years old, with those aged 45 to 54 making up the largest proportion (43.9%). Only 15.6% of the patients had college or above degrees. Patients with normal BMI accounted for 78.2%. Most of the patients (90.0%) had received surgical treatment. Invasive ductal carcinoma appeared the most common histologic type, accounting for 82.3%. Among the 2 640 patients diagnosed in the four large hospitals, clinical stages 0-Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ accounted for 35.0%, 44.8%, 17.2% and 3.0%, respectively. The proportions of ER-positive, PR-positive and HER-2 positive breast cancer were 79.5%, 70.8%, and 19.2%, respectively. In terms of subtypes, Luminal B was the most common one, accounted for 53.3%. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 99.0%, 95.3% and 92.1%, respectively. Results from the multivariate analysis indicated that factors as: age over 55 years old at diagnosis, advanced TNM stage, ER negative, PR negative, Luminal B subtype and triple-negative subtype were associated with poorer prognosis. Conclusions: Compared with the previous hospital-based studies in China, this population-based study revealed that the proportions of patients with advanced age, early clinical stage or ER positive breast cancer were relatively high and the overall survival rate for breast cancer was higher than that in the previous studies. Relationships between characteristics and prognosis of breast cancer were consistent with the previous findings.

Lead in housing paints: an exposure source still not taken seriously for children lead poisoning in China.

After prohibitions on lead gasoline additives, which have proved to be a public health accomplishment world wide, many countries focus on other exposure source of children lead poisoning. Removing lead from paints is one of the important measures. Although there have been regulatory limits on lead in paints in China, evidence reported in this article indicates that lead-based paints were very common in new paints available for housing and in existing residential paints. Twenty-nine of 58 new paint samples (50%) had lead content equal to or exceeding 600 ppm, including 14 (24%) equal to or exceeding 5000 ppm. The highest sample contained 153,000 ppm lead, about 15% of the paint weight. Thirty-two new paints (55%) contained "soluble" lead exceeding 90 ppm, the current lead limit on paints in China. Of the existing paints, 16 of 28 samples of existing paint (57%) collected from 24 kindergartens and primary schools had lead concentrations equal to or exceeding 600 ppm, including six samples (21%) equal to or exceeding 5000 ppm. The highest concentration sample contained 51,800 ppm lead, accounting for 5.2% of the paint weight. It has been shown in many areas that paint lead is a major exposure source for lead poisoning in children. This is particularly true after the phasing out of lead from gasoline. Effective limitation on lead content in new paint, and lead hazard control measures directed towards existing paint, could reduce children blood lead levels (BLLs). There has been a lead standard for paints in China since 1986 and a stricter limit was introduced in recent years. Governments should take it seriously and enforce regulations, commit a long-term challenge to eliminate paint lead as it is the threat to current and the next generation.