Wave Propagation Characteristics and Compaction Status of Subgrade during Vibratory Compaction.

Vibratory compaction status has a significant influence on the construction quality of subgrade engineering. This study carried out field experiments to study the propagation characteristics of the vertical vibration wave in the soil field along the traveling direction of the vibratory roller. The propagation coefficients of the peak acceleration at different positions and compacting rounds are compared in both the time and frequency domains. The compaction status is estimated in the form of dynamic modulus of deformation (Evd) obtained by plate load tests. The experiment results show that the propagation coefficient of peak acceleration is affected by the traveling speed, excitation amplitude, and frequency of the vibratory roller, as well as the compacting rounds. An exponential relationship between the wave amplitudes of the fundamental mode and higher-order modes is revealed. The amplitude of the fundamental wave is maximum at the speed of 3 km/h, whereas the amplitudes of higher-order waves have a maximum of 1.5 km/h. The influences of compaction rounds on the average value of Evd are also investigated to provide a practical reference for engineering construction.

Diagnostic performance of deep learning-based vessel extraction and stenosis detection on coronary computed tomography angiography for coronary artery disease: a multi-reader multi-case study.

BACKGROUND: Post-processing and interpretation of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) imaging are time-consuming and dependent on the reader's experience. An automated deep learning (DL)-based imaging reconstruction and diagnosis system was developed to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. METHODS: Our study including 374 cases from five sites, inviting 12 radiologists, assessed the DL-based system in diagnosing obstructive coronary disease with regard to diagnostic performance, imaging post-processing and reporting time of radiologists, with invasive coronary angiography as a standard reference. The diagnostic performance of DL system and DL-assisted human readers was compared with the traditional method of human readers without DL system. RESULTS: Comparing the diagnostic performance of human readers without DL system versus with DL system, the AUC was improved from 0.81 to 0.82 (p < 0.05) at patient level and from 0.79 to 0.81 (p < 0.05) at vessel level. An increase in AUC was observed in inexperienced radiologists (p < 0.05), but was absent in experienced radiologists. Regarding diagnostic efficiency, comparing the DL system versus human reader, the average post-processing and reporting time was decreased from 798.60 s to 189.12 s (p < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of using DL system alone were 93.55% and 59.57% at patient level and 83.23% and 79.97% at vessel level, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With the DL system serving as a concurrent reader, the overall post-processing and reading time was substantially reduced. The diagnostic accuracy of human readers, especially for inexperienced readers, was improved. DL-assisted human reader had the potential of being the reading mode of choice in clinical routine.

In-vitro characterization and evaluation of mesoporous titanium dioxide composite hydroxyapatite and its effectiveness in occluding dentine tubules.

BACKGROUND: To synthesize mesoporous titanium dioxide composite hydroxyapatite (TiO2-HAP) and to evaluate its effectiveness in sealing of occluding dentine tubules. METHODS: TiO2-HAP was synthesized by chemical precipitation method and characterized using infrared absorption spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and specific surface area detector. Forty completely extracted molars were prepared and randomly assigned into Control group, Gluma group, HAP group and TiO2-HAP group according to different treatments. The characteristics of HAP and TiO2-HAP and the sealing effectiveness of dentine tubules in these four groups, including infrared spectrum, surface contact angle, pore size distribution, and re-mineralized enamel surface profiles, were analyzed by suitable characterized techniques. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized TiO2-HAP was tested and compared using 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) colorimetry. RESULTS: Our results showed TiO2-HAP group had significantly lower contact angle, higher specific surface area, and wider range of pore size distribution than other groups. The majority of dentinal tubules in the TiO2-HAP group were blocked by white matter in a uniformed manner, and the crystals arranged in order grew along the axial direction. In addition, no significant difference in optical density (OD) value was found between control group and TiO2-HAP group (P > 0.05), and cell growth was good in TiO2-HAP group, indicating no cytotoxicity of TiO2-HAP. CONCLUSIONS: The MTT assay identified that TiO2-HAP had little effect on the L929 cell line. We showed TiO2-HAP might be used as a remineralization agent in enamel caries-like lesions.

Optimal indicators for identification of compensatory sagittal balance in patients with degenerative disc disease.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. BACKGROUND: To determine whether radiological parameters such as maximal lumbar lordosis-maximal thoracic kyphosis (maxLL-maxTK), sacral slope-pelvic tilt(SS-PT) and sacral slope/pelvic tilt (SS/PT) could be used as indicators for the diagnosis of degenerative disc disease (DDD) in compensatory sagittal balanced patients. METHODS: Medical records of sagittal balanced DDD patients and asymptomatic adults within our hospital registry from July 2019 to November 2019 were reviewed. General characteristics and radiological parameters were evaluated between the two groups. Analysis of covariance with age as a covariate was conducted, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and areas under the curve (AUC) calculation. The max Youden index was calculated to identify the optimal sensitivity specificity pairs. RESULTS: A total of 42 DDD patients and 199 asymptomatic adults were included. For those parameters that showed significant differences between the two groups, AUC for SS/PT and SS-PT were the largest, reaching 0.919 and 0.936, respectively. The sensitivity was 0.749, the specificity was 0.952 and the max Youden index was 0.701 when SS/PT = 1.635 was used as threshold. The max Youden index was found for a threshold of SS-PT =8.500, for which the sensitivity increased to 0.854, while the specificity decreased to 0.857. CONCLUSIONS: Both SS/PT and SS-PT were significantly different between sagittal balanced DDD patients and asymptomatic adults. SS/PT < 1.6 and SS-PT < 8.5 could be used as indicators for the diagnosis of DDD patients with compensatory sagittal balance.

Characteristics analysis of segmental and regional lumbar spontaneous compensation post thoracic fusion in Lenke 1 and 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics of compensation of unfused lumbar region post thoracic fusion in Lenke 1 and 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. BACKGROUND: Preserving lumbar mobility in the compensation is significant in controlling pain and maintaining its functions. The spontaneous correction of the distal unfused lumbar curve after STF has been widely reported, but previous study has not concentrated on the characteristics of compensation of unfused lumbar region post thoracic fusion. METHOD: A total of 51 Lenke 1 and2 AIS patients were included, whose lowest instrumented vertebrae was L1 from January 2013 to December 2019. For further analysis, demographic data and coronal radiographic films were collected before surgery, at immediate erect postoperatively and final follow-up. The wedge angles of each unfused distal lumbar segments were measured, and the variations in each disc segment were calculated at the immediate postoperative review and final follow-up. Meanwhile, the unfused lumbar curve was divided into upper and lower parts, and we calculated their curve angles and compensations. RESULTS: The current study enrolled 41 females (80.4%) and 10 males (19.6%). Thirty-six patients were Lenke type 1, while 15 patients were Lenke type 2. The average main thoracic Cobb angle and thoracolumbar/lumbar Cobb angle were 44.1 ± 7.7°and 24.1 ± 9.3°, preoperatively. At the final follow-up, the disc wedge angle variation of L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1 was 3.84 ± 5.96°, 3.09 ± 4.54°, 2.30 ± 4.53°, - 0.12 ± 3.89° and - 1.36 ± 2.80°, respectively. The compensation of upper and lower coronal lumbar curves at final follow-up were 9.22 ± 10.39° and - 1.49 ± 5.14°, respectively. CONCLUSION: When choosing L1 as the lowest instrumented vertebrae, the distal unfused lumbar segments' compensation showed a decreasing trend from the proximal end to the distal end. The adjacent L1/2 and L2/3 discs significantly contributed to this compensation.

microRNA-143-3p regulates odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells through regulation of the osteoprotegerin-RANK ligand pathway by targeting RANK.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? What is the role of miR-143-3p during human dental pulp stem cell (hDPSC) differentiation. What is the main finding and its importance? miR-143-3p negatively regulates receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK). RANK ligand (RANKL) binds to RANK and stimulates the development of osteoclasts. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) inhibits the interaction between RANK and RANKL. The OPG-RANKL signalling pathway regulates odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. ABSTRACT: Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are capable of differentiating into odontoblast-like cells, which secrete reparative dentin after injury, in which the role of microRNA-143-3p (miR-143-3p) has been identified. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism by which miR-143-3p influences odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs. The relationship between miR-143-3p and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) was initially identified by bioinformatics prediction and further verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Gain- and loss-of-function analysis with miR-143-3p mimic and miR-143-3p inhibitor was subsequently conducted. Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN) and osteopontin (OPN) mRNA levels were then evaluated by RT-qPCR. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), RANK ligand (RANKL), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein levels and the extent of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation were examined by western blot analysis. Alizarin red staining was performed to assess the mineralization of hDPSCs. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were determined using flow cytometry. During odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSC, miR-143-3p had high expression, but RANK expression was low. miR-143-3p was found to target RANK, and its inhibition enhanced mineralization and hDPSC apoptosis, while blocking cell cycle entry. At the same time, miR-143-3p inhibition elevated the extent of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation, as well as the expression of RANK, RANKL, DSPP, BSP, ALP, OCN and OPN, while decreasing the OPG level. Silencing RANK had opposite effects on these markers. miR-143-3p regulates odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs via the OPG-RANKL pathway that targets RANK. The elucidation of the mechanisms of odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs may contribute to the development of effective dental pulp repair therapies for the clinical setting.

Metabolic remodeling of cardiomyocytes identified in phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1-deficient mice.

Metabolic remodeling plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). Many studies have shown that the disruption of phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1) caused severe and lethal HF; however, the metabolic pattern of PDK1 deletion remains ambiguous. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics was applied to explore the altered metabolic pattern in Pdk1-deficient mice. Principle component analysis showed significant separation as early as 4 weeks of age, and dysfunction of metabolism precedes a morphological change in Pdk1-deficient mice. A time trajectory plot indicated that disturbed metabolic patterns were related to the pathological process of the HF in Pdk1-deficient mice, rather than the age of mice. Metabolic profiles demonstrated significantly increased levels of acetate, glutamate, glutamine, and O-phosphocholine in Pdk1 deletion mice. Levels of lactate, alanine, glycine, taurine, choline, fumarate, IMP, AMP, and ATP were significantly decreased compared with controls. Furthermore, PDK1 knockdown decreased the oxygen consumption rate in H9C2 cells as determined using a Seahorse XF96 Analyzer. These findings imply that the disruption of metabolism and impaired mitochondrial activity might be involved in the pathogenesis of HF with PDK1 deletion.

NMR-based metabolomics characterizes metabolic changes in different brain regions of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice with cognitive decline.

Diabetes at advanced age increases rise of cognitive impairment, but its potential mechanisms are still far from being fully understood. In this study, we analyzed the metabolic alterations in six different brain regions between streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice with cognitive decline (DM) and age-matched controls (CON) using a 1H NMR-based metabolomics approach, to explore potential metabolic mechanisms underlying diabetes-induced cognitive decline. The results show that DM mice had a peculiar metabolic phenotype in all brain regions, mainly involving increased lactate level, decreased choline and energy metabolism as well as disrupted astrocyte-neuron metabolism. Furthermore, these metabolic changes exhibited a brain region-specific pattern. Collectively, our results suggest that brain region-specific metabolic disorders may be responsible for diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction.

[Three-dimensional spine morphology measuring technology for daily surface monitoring].

In order to conduct surface monitoring of the three-dimensional spine morphology of the human body in daily life, a spine morphology measuring method using "single camera, multi-view" to construct stereo vision is proposed. The images of the back of the human body with landmarks of spinous process are captured from multiple angles by moving a single camera, and based on the "Zhang Zhengyou calibration method" and the triangulation principle of binocular stereo vision, the spatial conversion matrices corresponding to each other between all images and the 3D coordinates of the landmarks are calculated. Then the spine evaluation angle used to evaluate the spine morphology is further calculated. The tests' results showed that the spine evaluation angle error of this method is within ±3°, and the correlation between the results and the X-ray film Cobb angles is 0.871. The visual detection algorithm used in this paper is non-radioactive, and because only one camera is used in the measurement process and there is no need to pre-set the camera's shooting pose, the operation is simple. The research results of this article can be used in a mobile phone-based intelligent detection system, which will be suitable for the group survey of scoliosis in communities, schools, families and other occasions, as well as for the long-term follow-up of confirmed patients. This will provide a reference for doctors to diagnose the condition, predict the development trend of the condition, and formulate treatment plans.

Postoperative shoulder imbalance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: risk factors and predictive index.

PURPOSE: Postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) is a common complication of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, results regarding risk factors for PSI are contradictory. This study was performed to explore the risk factors associated with PSI in AIS and determine whether PSI could be predicted. METHODS: Medical records of AIS patients receiving correction surgery from January 2012 to January 2015 were reviewed. Anteroposterior films were evaluated before and after the surgery and at the 2-year follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether PSI was observed at 2-year follow-up. Risk factors for PSI were analyzed, and a PSI index was proposed and verified. RESULTS: A total of 114 AIS patients (PSI/non-PSI: 60/54) were included. The univariate analysis showed that PTC (proximal thoracic curve), preoperative PTC-to-MTC (main thoracic curve) ratio, preoperative bending Cobb angle of PTC, preoperative bending Cobb angle of the lumbar curve, postoperative PTC, postoperative AVT (apical vertebral translation) of PTC, AVT of PTC at follow-up, and adding-on angle were significantly different between two groups. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative AVT of PTC and adding-on angle were the primary contributors to PSI in patients with AIS. The PSI index was defined as 1.2 × postoperative AVT of PTC + 1.1 × adding-on angle. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the cutoff point for the PSI index in predicting the development of PSI was 15. The positive and negative predictive values were 80% and 87%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent PSI, we recommend sufficient correction of AVT of PTC and prevention of adding-on. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Immediate postoperative coronal imbalance in Lenke 5 and Lenke 6 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Is it predictable?

PURPOSE: Immediate postoperative coronal imbalance (IPCIB) is a common reason for worse postoperative appearance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and rarely improves on its own at follow-up, thereby greatly influencing the patients' health-related quality of life. However, no studies have been performed to detect the primary risk factors for IPCIB and it remains unclear whether the condition can be predicted preoperatively. The purpose of this study is to detect the primary risk factors for IPCIB in Lenke 5 and Lenke 6 AIS patients and to explore whether IPCIB can be predicted preoperatively. METHODS: Medical records of Lenke 5 and Lenke 6 AIS patients who underwent correction surgery in our hospital from June 2017 to October 2018 were analyzed. Anteroposterior films were evaluated before and after surgery. Patients were divided into two groups, i.e., occurrence and non-occurrence of IPCIB. The risk factors for IPCIB were analyzed, and an IPCIB index was proposed and verified. RESULTS: Thirty-seven Lenke 5/Lenke 6 AIS patients with IPCIB and 48 patients without IPCIB were recruited. Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in the number of unfused vertebrae, preoperative thoracic Cobb angle, preoperative lumbar Cobb angle, preoperative translation of lumbar apex, preoperative coronal balance, preoperative L5 tilt, preoperative bending L5 tilt, postoperative translation of thoracic apex, postoperative lumbar Cobb angle, postoperative translation of lumbar apex, postoperative radiographic shoulder height, and postoperative L5 tilt. Logistic regression analysis showed that the preoperative bending L5 tilt, postoperative translation of the thoracic apex, and postoperative lumbar Cobb angle were the primary risk factors for IPCIB. The IPCIB index was defined as 1.3 * preoperative bending L5 tilt + 1.5 * postoperative translation of thoracic apex - 0.8 * postoperative lumbar Cobb angle. The receiver operating characteristics curve indicated that the occurrence rate of IPCIB was 88% and the non-occurrence rate was 90% when the IPCIB index was greater than 16. CONCLUSION: The preoperative bending L5 tilt, postoperative translation of the thoracic apex, and the postoperative lumbar Cobb angle were the primary risk factors for IPCIB in Lenke 5 and Lenke 6 AIS patients. The IPCIB index can be used to predict the occurrence of IPCIB with high accuracy. Our results indicate that the thoracic curve should be adequately corrected during surgery; however, moderate correction of the lumbar curve is recommended. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Postoperative neck tilt in Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients after correction surgery: a novel predictive index.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative neck tilt (PNT) is a phenomenon in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients which is distinct form shoulder imbalance. There were scarce studies performed to explore the risk factors for PNT in Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients, and whether it can be predicted after surgery remains unknown. The objective of this study is to explore the prevalence and risk factors for PNT, and introduce an index for prediction of PNT in Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients after correction surgery. METHODS: Medical records of Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients who received correction surgery were reviewed from February 2013 to February 2015. Posteroanterior films were evaluated before surgery and at 2 years' follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether PNT occurred at the 2 years' follow-up. Risk factors of PNT were analyzed, and PNT Index was proposed and verified. RESULTS: One hundred two Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients were recruited in this study. The prevalence of PNT after correction was 40.2%. According to the postoperative CAT (Cervical Axis Tilt), patients were divided into two group: PNT group (CAT≧5°, n = 41) and non-PNT group (CAT< 5°, n = 61). Postoperative T1 tilt, preoperative proximal thoracic curve (PTC), postoperative PTC and postoperative coronal balance (CB) were significantly different between two groups. Logistic regression showed that postoperative PTC and postoperative CB were the primary risk factors for PNT, which could be predicted by the regression equation: PNT Index = 1.1 x postoperative PTC (degrees) - 0.9 x postoperative CB (millimeters). On the basis of ROC curve, if PNT Index was more than 10, the occurrence rate of PNT was 86%. On the contrary, the rate of no PNT phenomenon was 80%. CONCLUSION: Postoperative PTC and postoperative CB were the important factors for PNT in Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients. Sufficient correction of PTC and moderate correction of CB should be recommended when operating on Lenke1 and 2 AIS patients.

Rod fracture after long construct fusion in adult spinal deformity surgery: A retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Very few studies have focused on the complication of rod fracture after posterior long construct fusion in adults with spinal deformity. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of this complication. METHODS: The study reviewed 213 adult patients with spinal deformity treated by long construct fusion between January 2009 and January 2017. Ten patients (4.6%) with rod fracture were included in the case study group. For each case of rod fracture, we selected two age-matched and gender-matched controls. Independent two-sample t test and Chi-square test were used to compare the differences between variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors of rod fracture. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups, in terms of additional bone grafts volume (P = 0.015), osteotomy (P = 0.017), skipped screw in sagittal apex region (P = 0.012), TK change (P = 0.023), and preoperative TLK (P = 0.036). However, there were no differences in terms of age (P = 0.933), follow-up time (P = 0.513), gender distribution (P = 0.650), fusion segments (P = 0.085), the number of screws (P = 0.131), density of screws (P = 0.088), preoperative MC (P = 0.120), postoperative MC (P = 0.430), MC change (P = 0.126), preoperative TK (P = 0.590), postoperative TLK (P = 0.074), TLK change (P = 0.064), preoperative LL (P = 0.084), postoperative LL (P = 0.065), and LL change (P = 0.914). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that osteotomy (P = 0.023) and skipped screw strategy in sagittal apex region (P = 0.046) were the primary factors included in the equation [Odds Ratio (OR) = 11.669 and 7.659, respectively]. CONCLUSION: In our study, the prevalence of rod fracture in adult patients with spinal deformity after long construct fusion was 4.6%; osteotomy was the main risk factor of rod fracture these patients. The skipped screws in sagittal apex region could increase the risk of rod fracture because the stress on the rods failed to be distributed to different segments.

Proximal junctional kyphosis in adult spinal deformity: a novel predictive index.

PURPOSE: Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a devastating complication for adult spinal deformity (ASD) after correction surgery. However, there is no consensus on the risk factors of PJK, and whether it can be predicted remains unknown. The aim of this study is to detect the primary risk factors for PJK in ASD, and introduce a novel index for prediction of PJK. METHODS: Medical records of 62 ASD patients receiving correction surgery from January 2010 to January 2015 were analyzed. Spino-pelvic parameters were evaluated on lateral films before surgery, at 2 weeks' and at follow-up. Primary factors for PJK were evaluated. PJK index was proposed and verified. RESULTS: Cervical lordosis at follow-up, postoperative C2-C7 SVA, C2-C7 SVA at follow-up, postoperative T1 slope, T1 slope at follow-up, preoperative TLK, LL at follow-up, preoperative PT, postoperative PT, PT at follow-up, preoperative SS, postoperative SS, SS at follow-up, preoperative PT/SS, postoperative PT/SS and PT/SS at follow-up were significantly different between ASD with and without PJK. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative TLK, LL at follow-up, preoperative PT/SS and PT/SS at follow-up were primary factors for PJK. PJK index was defined as 0.160*LL at follow-up-0.121*preoperative TLK-4.625*preoperative PT/SS-3.315*PT/SS at follow-up. On the basis of ROC curve, if PJK index was smaller and larger than - 2, the occurrence rate of PJK and non-PJK was 82 and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative TLK, LL at follow-up, preoperative PT/SS and PT/SS at follow-up were primary factors for PJK. PJK index could be used to predict occurrence of PJK effectively. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Developmental changes in the level of free and conjugated sialic acids, Neu5Ac, Neu5Gc and KDN in different organs of pig: a LC-MS/MS quantitative analyses.

Recent studies have shown a relationship between the level of the sialic acid (Sia), N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) in red meat and its risk in cancer, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Unresolved is the Sia concentration in different organs of piglets during development. Our aim was to determine the level of free and conjugated forms of Neu5Gc, N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and ketodeoxynonulsonic acid (Kdn) in fresh and cooked spleen, kidney, lung, heart, liver, and skeletal muscle from 3-days-old (n = 4-8), 38-days-old (n = 10) and adult piglets (n = 4) by LC-MS/MS. Our findings show: (1) Lung tissue from 3 days-old piglets contained the highest level of total Sia (14.6 µmol/g protein) compared with other organs or age groups; (2) Unexpectedly, Neu5Gc was the major Sia in spleen (67-79 %) and adult lung (36-49 %) while free Kdn was the major Sia in skeletal muscle. Conjugated Neu5Ac was the highest Sia in other organs (61-84 %); (3) Skeletal muscle contained the lowest concentration of Neu5Gc in fresh and cooked meat; (4) Kdn accounted for <5 % of the total Sia in most organs; (5) During development, the total Sia concentration showed a 44-79 % decrease in all organs; (6) In adult piglets, the high to low rank order of total Sia was lung, heart, spleen, kidney, liver and skeletal muscle. In conclusion, the high level of Neu5Gc in all organs compared to skeletal muscle is a potential risk factor suggesting that dietary consumption of organ meats should be discouraged in favor of muscle to protect against cancer, cardiovascular and other inflammatory diseases.

Coronal balance in idiopathic scoliosis: a radiological study after posterior fusion of thoracolumbar/lumbar curves (Lenke 5 or 6).

PURPOSE: To explore the compensation mechanisms of immediate postoperative coronal imbalance (CIB) and identify the correlation between preoperative lumbosacral obliquity and postoperative CIB in patients with Lenke 5/6 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) during a 2-year follow-up period. METHODS: Medical records of patients with Lenke 5/6 AIS who were admitted in our hospital between Jan. 2008 and Jan. 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. General information of the patients including gender, age, and Risser classification was collected. Patients were divided into coronal balance (CB) and CIB groups according to the postoperative CB. Radiographic assessment included preoperative, postoperative and full-length anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and passive lateral bending radiographs of the spine at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Altogether 80 patients (37 in CIB group and 43 in CB group) were included in this study, of whom 27 patients in CIB group achieved balance at the last follow-up. Binary logistic regression showed that preoperative bending L5 tilt (OR = 1.498) was a potential risk factor of postoperative CIB (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the distal wedge angle was significantly associated with immediate postoperative CB. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative L5 tilt on bending radiographs was an important risk factor of postoperative CIB in Lenke 5/6 AIS, which might be compensated by the way similar to that seen in the Lenke 1 distal adding-on phenomenon. Appropriate shortening of the fusion segments may help reduce the occurrence of postoperative CIB in patients with a relatively large L5 tilt on the postoperative bending radiograph.

The morphology of sagittal alignment in asymptomatic volunteers of East China: A novel radiological classification.

BACKGROUND: The morphology of sagittal alignment varies in normal population. Sagittal alignment was classified into four subgroups; however, this classification was performed based on senior authors' clinical experiences rather than scientific methods. The objective of this study is to classify the morphology of sagittal alignment in normal population and describe the characteristics of sagittal alignment in each subgroup. METHODS: Medical records of asymptomatic volunteers without known spinal diseases in our outpatient clinic from January 2015 to August 2015 were reviewed. Demographic data and radiological parameters were evaluated, and compared between males and females as well. Two-step cluster analysis was performed. Radiological parameters were compared among these subgroups and then, the characteristics of each group were described. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve was constructed to detect the optimal cut-off value of separation of individual spine. RESULTS: 230 healthy volunteers with mean age of 33.53 years old were recruited (male:female = 106:124). No significant difference of each demographic and radiological parameter was observed between males and females, except for maxLL and PT. Two types of sagittal alignment were classified by the two-step cluster analysis. Type I (57.8%): small sagittal curves with small maxTK (29.24° ± 4.99°), maxLL (43.99° ± 9.10°) and PI (43.49° ± 7.61°), and Type II (42.2%): large sagittal curves with large maxTK (43.10° ± 6.41°), maxLL (53.41° ± 9.59°) and PI (53.10° ± 11.82°). The mean value of age, SS, PT, SVA, TPA, T1 sagittal angle, maxLL-maxTK, SS-PT and PI-maxLL was 37.07 ± 11.54 years old, 31.64° ± 7.43°, 15.66° ± 7.34°, 4.57 ± 22.24 mm, 10.85° ± 7.45°, 16.77° ± 5.09°, 10.31° ± 9.58°, 15.97° ± 10.74° and 3.32° ± 8.91° in Type I, and 39.94 ± 12.73 years old, 37.88° ± 8.36°, 15.29° ± 7.89°, 4.19 ± 22.00 mm, 9.23° ± 7.28°, 23.37° ± 4.87° , 16.74° ± 9.42°, 22.59° ± 11.64° and -5.84° ± 10.70° in Type II, respectively. maxTK, maxLL, PI, SS, T1 sagittal angle, maxLL-maxTK, SS-PT and PI-LL in Type II were greater than those in Type I, while no significant difference was found in age, gender, PT, SVA and TPA between two groups. On the basis of the ROC curve, the optimal cut-off values of maxTK, maxLL and PI as indicators for classification of sagittal alignment were projected to be 37°, 52° and 49°, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There were two subgroups of sagittal plane in normal population. The optimal cut-off values of maxTK, maxLL and PI as indicators for classification of sagittal alignment were projected to be 37°, 52° and 49°, respectively. This novel classification could provide guidelines for our further understandings of sagittal alignment and mechanisms of different spinal diseases more easily, which also help to restore sagittal balance in the correction surgery more accurately.

[Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: a report of 5 cases and review of literature].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotype and differential diagnosis of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC). METHODS: The clinicopathologic features of 5 cases of EMC (during the period from 2008 to 2013) were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemical study (EnVision method) was carried out using the archival material. The literature was reviewed. RESULTS: There were altogether 3 female patients and 2 male patients. Their age ranged from 38 to 63 years (average = 51 years). The patients primarily presented with a tender soft tissue mass. All the tumors studied were solitary and the duration of disease onset varied from 3 months to 1 year. The sites of involvement included toe (number = 2), intracranial (number = 1), thigh (number = 1) and shoulder (number = 1). Gross examination showed white nodular masses with a gelatinous cut surface. The average tumor size measured 5.2 cm in greatest dimension. Histologically, a multinodular architecture with fibrous or loose fibrovascular septa separating lobules of tumor cells was identified. The lobules contained abundant myxoid stroma, with peripheral accentuation of tumor cellularity. Two cases were diagnosed as cellular variant of EMC, with invasive growth pattern and hemorrhage. The tumor cells in cellular EMC were arranged in solid nodules, with rare myxoid matrix in between. The nuclei were relatively uniform, round to oval and contained prominent nucleoli. The mitotic figure ranged from 5 to 10 per 10 high-power fields. Immunohistochemical study showed that all of the 5 cases were positive for vimentin, mitochondria and CD56. Two cases expressed synaptophysin and NSE. Focal positivity for these neuroendocrine markers was detected in the other 2 cases. Chromogranin and S-100 protein expression was demonstrated in 2 cases. The staining for epithelial membrane antigen was positive in case 2 and negative in the other 4 cases. CD117 showed diffuse positivity in case 1, the other 4 cases were not expressed. CONCLUSIONS: EMC is a rare soft tissue sarcoma characterized by distinctive histopathologic features and often shows neuroendocrine differentiation. Although EMC is a slow-growing tumor, it carries a high local recurrence rate and even metastases, warranting long-term follow up.

Renal B-lymphoblastic lymphoma with hematuria as the first symptom diagnosed in urine cytology: A case report and literature review.

Cytological examination of urine sediment is a helpful diagnostic tool for identifying renal involvement by hematological malignancies. We present the case of a 47-year-old man who was diagnosed with extranodal B-lymphoblastic lymphomas after presenting with gross hematuria as his first symptom. The presence of lymphoma cells in the urine led to a diagnosis confirmed through an immunophenotypic study using cell block sections of urine centrifuge sediment and core needle biopsy histology of the right renal pelvis mass. This case highlights the usefulness of a urine cytological study in diagnosing lymphoma involvement in the genitourinary tract. Furthermore, this paper reviews relevant literature on diagnosing lymphoma involvement from urine sediment.

Shaking table test on damage mechanism of bedrock and overburden layer slope based on the time-frequency analysis method.

To systematically analyze the damage caused by bedrock and overburden layer slope under seismic action, a set of large-scale shaking table test was designed and completed. Interpolation of the acceleration amplification coefficient, Hilbert-Huang transform and transfer function was adopted. The damage mechanisms of the bedrock and overburden layer slopes under seismic action are systematically summarized in terms of slope displacement, acceleration field, vibration amplitude, energy, vibration frequency, and damage level. The results show a significant acceleration amplification effect within the slope under seismic action and a localized amplification effect at the top and trailing edges of the slope. With an increase in the input seismic intensity, the difference in the vibration amplitude between the overburden layer and bedrock increased, low-frequency energy of the overburden layer was higher than that of the bedrock, and the vibration frequency of the overburden layer was smaller than that of the bedrock. These differences cause the interface to experience cyclic loading continuously, resulting in the damage degree of the overburden layer at the interface being larger than that of the bedrock, reduction of the shear strength, and eventual formation of landslides. The displacement in the middle of the overburden is always greater than that at the top. Therefore, under the action of an earthquake and gravity, the damage mode of the bedrock and overburden layer slope is such that the leading edge of the critical part pulls and slides at the trailing edge, and multiple tensile cracks are formed on the slope surface.