Relationship between degenerative scoliosis and lower extremity mechanical parameters based on EOS imaging system.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the correlation between coronal imbalance and lower-limb physiological parameters in degenerative scoliosis using the biplanar whole body imaging system (EOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 101 successive EOS images were selected between January 2018 and December 2021. Of the selected images, 63 patients were in the degenerative scoliosis group (DSG) and 38 patients were in the control group (CG). Two independent observers performed measurements of the parameters and compared the two groups. RESULTS: Among parameters examined, significant inter-group differences were found for coronal pelvic tilt angle (CPT), bilateral femoral length difference (ΔFL), and bilateral total lower limb length (ΔTL) difference. Additionally, the knee and ankle joints had more severe degeneration on the main curved side in patients with degenerative scoliosis. In the left curved group, 18 (42.86%) and 24 (57.1%) patients had more severe degeneration in the left knee and left ankle, respectively. In the right lateral bending group, 13 (61.9%) and 14 (66.7%) patients had more severe degeneration in the right knee and right ankle, respectively. Statistical differences were found in the degree of degeneration in both knee and ankle joints bilaterally. CONCLUSION: This study showed that biomechanical parameters of the lower limbs are affected in cases of degenerative scoliosis with altered coronal balance. The lower limb on the main curve side became shorter compared to its counterpart, and joint degeneration of the knee and ankle joints became more severe.

Role of Rho-mediated ROCK-Semaphorin3A signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease in a mouse model.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to elucidate the role of Rho-mediated ROCK-Semaphorin3A signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) in a mouse model. METHODS: One-hundred twelve eight-week male C57BL/6 mice were selected. The mouse model of PD was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of MPTP. All mice were divided into four groups (28 mice in each group): Blank group, Model group, Rho knockout (Rho+/-) group and ROCK knockout (ROCK+/-) group. Changes of behavior of the mice were studied through automatic moving test and rotarod test. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expressions of TH, CD11b and GFAP. High performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) was performed for detection of dopamine and its metabolic product. The mRNA and protein expressions of Rho, ROCK, Sema3A, PlexinA and NRP-1 were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS: Rho and ROCK knockout improved the damage caused by MPTP on the behavior of mice and protected dopaminergic neurons from injury, along with the increases of dopamine and its metabolic product. The mRNA and protein expressions of Rho, ROCK, Sema3A, PlexinA and NRP-1 were increased in PD mice in the Model group compared with those in the Blank group. Compared to the Model group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Rho, ROCK, Sema3A, PlexinA and NRP-1 were reduced in the Rho+/- and ROCK+/- groups. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Rho and ROCK knockout may improve the behavior of mice and prevent MPTP-induced dopaminergic neurons damage by regulating Sema3A, PlexinA and NRP-1 in a mouse model of PD.

[A new mutation in the GJB1 gene of a Chinese family with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease associated with vocal cord paresis].

OBJECTIVE: To report an X-linked dominant Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTX) Chinese family with vocal cord paresis and to identify the mutation of gap junction protein beta 1 gene (GJB1). METHODS: Part of the family members with dysphagia, dysphonia and lethal respiratory failure were studied through flexible laryngoscope, clinical, brain MRI and electrophysiological examinations. After excluding large fragment tandem duplication containing peripheral myelin protein 22 gene (PMP22), direct sequencing was performed to analyze the mutation of the GJB1 gene in 5 patients including the proband, 5 unaffected family members and 50 unrelated healthy individuals. RESULTS: Eight members spanning 3 generations in this family were affected with CMTX characterized by progressive atrophy and weakness of the anterior tibial and peroneal muscles, especially in the proband. Vocal cord paresis was observed through flexible laryngoscope in total of 4 affected members with dysarthria and dysphagia, 2 of them died of severe respiratory failure due to complete bilateral vocal cord involvement. Normal brain MRI was observed in the proband. The electrophysiological data showed predominant demyelization involving the motor and sensory nerves in the proband. DNA sequencing revealed a de novo c.186 C>G missense mutation in exon 2 of the GJB1 gene, the mutation cosegregated with phenotype. CONCLUSION: Respiratory failure associated with vocal cord involvement may be a rare and severe symptom in CMTX. The present report provides further evidence for clinical and genetic heterogeneity in the X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

[The preparation of PELGE-NP and a study of the factors affecting their diameter].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare Poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lacticacid-co-glycolicacid)-poly(ethylene-glycol) nanoparticles (PELGE-NP) and investigate the factors affecting their diameter. METHODS: PELGE were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization, PELGE nanoparticles (PELGE-NP) were prepared by using the emulsion-solvent evaporation technique (O/W). Orthogonal design was applied to optimize the preparation technology on the basis of the single factor evaluation. RESULTS: The optimal conditions for preparing nanoparticles included the PELGE at concentration of 10 mg/ml, the ratio of acetone/DCM at 2/3, the F68 at concentration of 3%, and the volume ratio of O/W at 1/8 (V/V). CONCLUSION: The prepared PELGE nanoparticles are spherical and discrete particles without aggregation; they are smooth in surface morphology, and their diameters range from 60 nm to 100 nm.