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Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to investigate whether the repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) is effective for improving clinical outcomes and return to sports rates in young patients (50 years old or younger) with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and MMPRTs. Methods: Between 2016 and 2019, 153 patients with KOA and MMPRTs who underwent open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) were retrospectively included. The patients were divided into OWHTO combined with MMPRT repair (n = 73) and isolated OWHTO (n = 80) groups. Lysholm scores, Hospital for Special Surgery (HHS) scores, Tegner scores, flexion contracture, range of knee flexion, return to sports rates and postoperative complications were compared. Radiological outcomes, including hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA) and Kellgren–Lawrence (K‐L) grade, were compared between the two groups. Results: After a mean follow‐up of 30.1 ± 3.0 months, the OWHTO + Repair group observed better clinical outcomes compared with the OWHTO group (Lysholm score: 86.7 ± 7.4 vs. 81.6 ± 6.9, p = 0.023. HHS score: 85.4 ± 8.20 vs. 80.5 ± 7.1, p = 0.039). The OWHTO + Repair group had higher Tegner scores and return to sports rates than the OWHTO group (Tegner score: 6 vs. 5, p = 0.020; return to sports rates: 38% vs. 15%, p = 0.001). No fracture or major complications occurred. Radiological outcomes showed no significant differences between the two groups (HKA: 181.1 ± 2.7 vs. 180.1 ± 1.5 n.s; MPTA: 90.1 ± 1.8 vs. 89.2 ± 1.4, n.s; JLCA:1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7, n.s). Conclusions: Additional MMPRT repair during OWHTO was associated with better clinical outcomes and higher rates of return to sports in young patients with medial compartment KOA and MMPRTs. Level of Evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus has gained dominance worldwide, its continual evolution with unpredictable mutations and patterns has revoked all authorized immunotherapeutics. Rapid viral evolution has also necessitated several rounds of vaccine updates in order to provide adequate immune protection. It remains imperative to understand how Omicron evolves into different subvariants and causes immune escape as this could help reevaluate the current intervention strategies mostly implemented in the clinics as emergency measures to counter the pandemic and, importantly, develop new solutions. Here, we provide a review focusing on the major events of Omicron viral evolution, including the features of spike mutation that lead to immune evasion against monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy and vaccination, and suggest alternative durable options such as the ACE2-based experimental therapies superior to mAbs to address this unprecedented evolution of Omicron virus. In addition, this type of unique ACE2-based virus-trapping molecules can counter all zoonotic SARS coronaviruses, either from unknown animal hosts or from established wild-life reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2, and even seasonal alpha coronavirus NL63 that depends on human ACE2 for infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pumps as turbines play an important role in micro pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) systems, which are widely applied in remote areas, and their operational safety can be significantly affected by the transient power-off process. The aim is to analyze the unsteady internal flow characteristics and time–frequency characteristics of the pressure fluctuations of the pump as turbine (PAT) after power-off process by using finite volume method (ANSYS CFX) and bidirectional test rig. During the transient process of power failure, internal flow instabilities were revealed by analyzing the flow field and turbulence kinetic energy. The results indicated that the flow field between the blades was extremely unstable during the brake mode. Additionally, the absolute values of the rotational velocity and flow rate were 1.21 and 0.93 times higher than the initial values, respectively, during the runaway mode. The pressure fluctuations were analyzed in the time-frequency domains using the continuous wavelet transform. The main frequency of pressure pulsation at the volute was related to the rotating speed owing to the rotor-stator interaction. This study revealed the transient flow features during the process of mixed-flow pump as turbine failure, which provides a fundamental theory for the safe transient operations of pump as turbine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 has brought tremendous crisis on global health care systems and industrial operations that dramatically affect the economic and social life of numerous individuals worldwide. Understanding anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune responses in population with different genetic backgrounds and tracking the viral evolution are crucial for successful vaccine design. In this study, we reported the generation of CD8 T cell epitopes by a total of 80 alleles of three major class I HLAs using NetMHC 4.0 algorithm for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which can be targeted by both B cells and T cells. We found diverse capacities of S protein specific epitope presentation by different HLA alleles with very limited number of predicted epitopes for HLA-B*2705, HLA-B*4402 and HLA-B*4403 and as high as 132 epitopes for HLA-A*6601. Our analysis of 1000 S protein sequences from field isolates collected globally over the past few months identified three recurrent point mutations including L5F, D614G and G1124V. Differential effects of these mutations on CD8 T cell epitope generation by corresponding HLA alleles were observed. Finally, our multiple alignment analysis indicated the absence of seasonal CoV induced cross-reactive CD8 T cells to drive these mutations. Our findings suggested that individuals with certain HLA alleles, such as B*44 are more prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studying anti-S protein specific CD8 T cell immunity in diverse genetic background is critical for better control and prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual element method is a new promising finite element method using general polygonal meshes. Its optimal a priori error estimates are well established in the literature. In this paper, we take a different viewpoint. We try to uncover the superconvergent property of virtual element methods by doing some local post-processing only on the degrees of freedom. Using the linear virtual element method as an example, we propose a universal gradient recovery procedure to improve the accuracy of gradient approximation for numerical methods using general polygonal meshes. Its capability of serving as a posteriori error estimators in adaptive computation is also investigated. Compared to the existing residual-type a posteriori error estimators for the virtual element methods, the recovery-type a posteriori error estimator based on the proposed gradient recovery technique is much simpler in implementation and it is asymptotically exact. A series of benchmark tests are presented to numerically illustrate the superconvergence of recovered gradient and validate the asymptotic exactness of the recovery-based a posteriori error estimator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, we propose several novel recovery based finite element methods for the 2D Cahn-Hilliard equation. One distinguishing feature of those methods is that we discretize the fourth-order differential operator in a standard C 0 linear finite elements space. Precisely, we first transform the fourth-order Cahn-Hilliard equation to its variational formulation in which only first-order and second-order derivatives are involved and then we compute the first and second-order derivatives of a linear finite element function by a least-squares fitting recovery procedure. When the underlying mesh is uniform meshes of regular pattern, our recovery scheme for the Laplacian operator coincides with the well-known five-point stencil. Another feature of the methods is some special treatments on Neumann type boundary conditions for reducing computational cost. The optimal-order convergence and energy stability are numerically proved through a series of benchmark tests. The proposed method can be regarded as a combination of the finite difference scheme and the finite element scheme. Highlights • Propose a novel recovery based finite element method for Cahn-Hilliard equation using only linear finite element. • Uncover the intrinsic link between Hessian recovery scheme and the finite difference method. • Build a infusing space discretization scheme using finite difference method and finite element method. • Establish a framework of imposing Neumann boundary condition for recovery based finite element method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Photonic graphene, a photonic crystal with honeycomb structures, has been intensively studied in both theoretical and applied fields. Similar to graphene which admits Dirac Fermions and topological edge states, photonic graphene supports novel and subtle propagating modes (edge modes) of electromagnetic waves. These modes have wide applications in many optical systems. In this paper, we propose a novel gradient recovery method based on Bloch theory for the computation of topological edge modes in photonic graphene. Compared to standard finite element methods, this method provides higher order accuracy with the help of gradient recovery technique. This high order accuracy is desired for constructing the propagating electromagnetic modes in applications. We analyze the accuracy and prove the superconvergence of this method. Numerical examples are presented to show the efficiency by computing the edge mode for the P -symmetry and C -symmetry breaking cases in honeycomb structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of this article contains two parts: first, we prove a supercloseness result for the partially penalized immersed finite element (PPIFE) methods in (Lin, T. Lin, Y. & Zhang, X. (2015), Partially penalized immersed finite element methods for elliptic interface problems. SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 53, 1121–1144) and then based on the supercloseness result, we show that the gradient recovery method proposed in our previous work (Guo, H. & Yang, X. (2017) Gradient recovery for elliptic interface problem: II. Immersed finite element methods. J. Comput. Phys. 338, 606–619) can be applied to the PPIFE methods and the recovered gradient converges to the exact gradient with a superconvergent rate $$\mathcal{\rm O}(h^{1.5})$$. Hence, the gradient recovery method provides an asymptotically exact a posteriori error estimator for the PPIFE methods. Several numerical examples are presented to verify our theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Our study was designed to explore the association miR‐335‐5p and BCL2L2 and to investigate the influence of miR‐335‐5p/BCL2L2 axis on cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer cells. Methods: Microarray analysis was used to determine differentially expressed microRNAs in primary and cisplatin‐resistant A2780 cells. Cell function experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of miR‐335‐5p on the cisplatin sensitivity of A2780 cells. The targeted relationship between BCL2L2 mRNA and miR‐335‐5p was validated through luciferase assay. Tumor xenograft was performed to confirm the function of miR‐335‐5p in restoring the cisplatin sensitivity of the ovarian cancer cells. Results: MiR‐335‐5p was lowly expressed in cisplatin‐resistant A2780 cells. Overexpression of miR‐335‐5p reduced cell survival and enhanced cisplatin‐induced cell apoptosis. BCL2L2 mRNA was a target of miR‐335‐5p, and silencing of BCL2L2 showed the similar results on the cell viability as miR‐335‐5p overexpression. Conclusion: Upregulation of miR‐335‐5p expression enhanced the cisplatin sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells through suppressing BCL2L2, suggesting the potential of miR‐335‐5p/BCL2L2 axis as a therapeutic target for the cisplatin resistance of patients with ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the third paper on the study of gradient recovery for elliptic interface problems. In our previous works Guo and Yang (2017) [23] , we developed gradient recovery methods for elliptic interface problems based on body-fitted meshes and immersed finite element methods. Despite the efficiency and accuracy that these methods bring to recover the gradient, there are still some cases in unfitted meshes where skinny triangles appear in the generated local body-fitted triangulations that destroy the accuracy of recovered gradient near the interface. In this paper, we propose a gradient recovery technique based on Nitsche's method for elliptic interface problems, which avoids the loss of accuracy of gradient near the interface caused by skinny triangles. We analyze the supercloseness between the gradient of the numerical solution by the Nitsche's method and the gradient of the interpolation of the exact solution, which leads to the superconvergence of the proposed gradient recovery method. We also present several numerical examples to validate the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second paper on the study of gradient recovery for elliptic interface problem. In our previous work Guo and Yang (2016) [17] , we developed a novel gradient recovery technique for finite element method based on the body-fitted mesh. In this paper, we propose new gradient recovery methods for two immersed interface finite element methods: symmetric and consistent immersed finite method (Ji et al. (2014) [23] ) and Petrov–Galerkin immersed finite element method (Hou et al. (2004) [22] , and Hou and Liu (2005) [20] ). Compared to the body-fitted mesh based gradient recovery method, the new methods provide a uniform way of recovering gradient on regular meshes. Numerical examples are presented to confirm the superconvergence of both gradient recovery methods. Moreover, they provide asymptotically exact a posteriori error estimators for both immersed finite element methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose two systematic strategies to recover the gradient on the boundary of a domain. The recovered gradient has comparable superconvergent property on the boundary as that in the interior of the domain. This superconvergence property has been validated by several numerical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, phosphorus/carbon (P/C) composites as anode materials for lithium or sodium ion batteries have attracted intense attention owing to their high capacity, fast rate capability and long cycle life. However, the preparation methods of P/C composites were usually confined to high-energy mechanical ball milling and vaporization-condensation strategies. In this work, we reported a high-pressure-assisted spraying method to synthesize an unique sandwich-like hybrid of nanosized phosphorus particles and stacked reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (P@GS composites). The P@GS composites presented a superior cycling performance with an initial discharge capacity of 1876 mAhg −1 and a reversible capacity of ∼990 mAhg −1 after 50 cycles. The remarkable electrochemical performance of P@GS composites could be ascribed to the sandwiched structure and the cooperative effect of phosphorus(high lithium-storage capacity)and reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (stable cyclability). Furthermore, this high-pressure-assisted spraying method was well suitable for the application in production due to its continuity, low cost and simple apparatus. The superiority of the preparation method and the highly reversible lithium storage of P@GS composites offered a promising alternative for lithium-ion battery materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The different mechanisms of CO 2 methanation on Ni(111) surfaces have been investigated by density functional theory with and without the formation of CO as an intermediate. The most stable adsorption configurations of all reaction species (O, OH, CO, CH, CH 2 , CH 3 , CH 4 , HCOO, C(OH) 2 , CH 2 O, etc.) in three paths of CO 2 methanation adsorbed on the Ni(111) surface are described. The energy barriers and reaction energies for the overall processes involved in the various paths are presented. The rate-determining steps for the three mechanisms are HCOO→CO + OH for path 1, CO → C + O for path 2 and CO 2 + 2H → C(OH) 2 for path 3 with maximum energy barriers of 306.8 kJ/mol, 237.4 kJ/mol and 292.3 kJ/mol, respectively. Path 2 is therefore the optimum of the three mechanisms. The path starts with CO 2 dissociation into CO and O, CO decomposition into C and O species and C species hydrogenation to form CH 4 : CO 2 → CO + O → C + O + 4H → CH 2 + 2H → CH 3 + H → CH 4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider conforming finite element approximation of fourth-order singularly perturbed problems of reaction diffusion type. We prove superconvergence of standard C1 finite element method of degree p on a modified Shishkin mesh. In particular, a superconvergence error bound of [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza primed mice are protected against lethal infection with H1N1 A/CA/04/E3/09 virus, and T depletion and serum transfer studies suggest a T-dependent mechanism. We therefore set out to investigate the quality of the cross-reactive T cell response to CA/E3/09 in mice primed with H3N2 influenza A/Hong Kong/X31 virus. Sequences of the immunodominant nucleoprotein (NP) NP366--374 and acid polymerase (PA) PA224--233 CD8 epitopes from X31 each differ from the CA/E3/09 virus by one amino acid: an M371V substitution at position 6 of the NP peptide, and an S224P substitution at position 1 of the PA peptide, raising questions about the role of these epitopes in protection. PA224--233 peptides from either virus could elicit IFN-γ spot forming cells from mice infected with X31, indicating cross-reactivity of these two peptides. However, no T cell responses to either PA224--233 peptide were detectable after primary CA/E3/09 infection, suggesting it is cryptic in this virus. In contrast, primary responses to the NP366 peptides were detectable after infection with either virus, but did not cross-react in vitro. Similarly, H2-Db tetramers of each NP epitope stained CD8+ T cells from each respective virus infection, but did not obviously cross-react. Early after lethal CA/E3/09 challenge, X31 primed mice had enhanced IFN-γ responses toward both NP366 peptides, as well as recall responses to a set of subdominant NP and PA peptides not detectable after primary X31 infection alone. Furthermore, dual-tetramer staining revealed an expanded population of CD8 T cells reactive to both NP366 variant peptides also not seen after the priming infection alone. These observations demonstrate unusual CD8+ T cell cross-reactivity and specificity are elicited after primary and secondary CA/E3/09 influenza virus infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an unfitted Nitsche's method to compute the band structures of phononic crystal with periodic inclusions of general geometry. The proposed method does not require the background mesh to fit the interfaces of periodic inclusions, and thus avoids the expensive cost of generating body-fitted meshes and simplifies the inclusion of interface conditions in the formulation. The quasi-periodic boundary conditions are handled by the Floquet–Bloch transform, which converts the computation of band structures into an eigenvalue problem with periodic boundary conditions. More importantly, we show the well-posedness of the proposed method using a delicate argument based on the trace inequality, and further prove the convergence by the Babuška–Osborn theory. We achieve the optimal convergence rate at the presence of the periodic inclusions of general geometry. We demonstrate the theoretical results by two numerical examples, and show the capability of the proposed methods for computing the band structures without fitting the interfaces of periodic inclusions. • The first work on unfitted Nitsche's scheme for computing phononic band structures. • Avoid generating body-fitted meshes and simplify inclusion of interface conditions. • Analyze the convergence and accuracy of the method for the Lamé system. • Achieve optimal convergence at the presence of the impurities of general geometry. • Proof of methodology by two numerical examples with parameters from real problems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluate the efficacy, safety and indications of single stage posterior release, reduction, and fixation of basilar invagination (BI) with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (IAAD). Seventeen patients with BI and IAAD consecutively underwent one-stage release, reduction, and fixation by a posterior approach from July 2000 to June 2015 were followed up for at least 12 months. There were 8 males. Mean age was 56 35.2 ± 13.8 years (range 12–56). The clinical symptoms and signs of the patients were recorded. Pre- and postoperative imaging examinations were performed. Neurological function was assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and Ranawat scores. Average follow-up time was 47.4 months (12–97 months). The JOA score increased from preoperative 4–10 (8.06 ± 2.52) to postoperative 13–16 (15.20 ± 0.62). The preoperative Chamberlain line, McRae line, Wackenheim line, atlantodens interval, and cervico medullary angle were 12.52 ± 5.17 mm, 6.59 ± 3.04 mm, 6.96 ± 4.32 mm, 9.88 ± 1.93 mm, and 115.35 ± 12.40°, respectively. The postoperative values were 2.0 ± 3.67 mm, −3.06 ± 1.85 mm, −1.76 ± 2.88 mm, 1.17 ± 1.18 mm, and 136.76 ± 11.44°, respectively. One-stage release, reduction, and fixation for patients with BI and IAAD through a posterior approach is safe and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of posterior fixation, combined with one- or two-stage anterior debridement and bone grafting in treating children younger than 3 years of age with thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving 16 young children with thoracic or lumbar tuberculosis. Surgical data were recorded. Frankel Grade was used to assess neurological function. The regional kyphosis angle was measured to evaluate the deformity correction. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were detected to assess the activity of tuberculosis. Bony fusion and complications were also recorded. Results: The mean operation time was 204.4 ± 41.8 min. The mean estimated blood loss was 126.3 ± 94.4 ml. Preoperative Frankel Grade results indicated five patients with Grade C, six with Grade D, and five with Grade E. At the final follow-up, all patients were in Grade E. Twelve patients were brought back to normal spinal alignment and the rest four patients remained kyphotic. There was an improvement of 29.3° ± 18.3° in regional kyphotic angle postoperatively. And the deformity correction was 27.4° ± 19.1° at the final follow-up. ESR and CRP decreased to a normal range at three months follow-up. Bony fusion was achieved in all patients. None of the cases developed fixation failure, pseudoarthrosis, or tuberculosis recurrence. Conclusion: Posterior fixation, combined with one- or two-stage anterior debridement and bone grafting, is a safe and effective surgical strategy for treating young children with thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of posterior fixation, combined with one- or two-stage anterior debridement and bone grafting in treating children younger than 3 years of age with thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving 16 young children with thoracic or lumbar tuberculosis. Surgical data were recorded. Frankel Grade was used to assess neurological function. The regional kyphosis angle was measured to evaluate the deformity correction. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were detected to assess the activity of tuberculosis. Bony fusion and complications were also recorded. Results: The mean operation time was 204.4 ± 41.8 min. The mean estimated blood loss was 126.3 ± 94.4 ml. Preoperative Frankel Grade results indicated five patients with Grade C, six with Grade D, and five with Grade E. At the final follow-up, all patients were in Grade E. Twelve patients were brought back to normal spinal alignment and the rest four patients remained kyphotic. There was an improvement of 29.3° ± 18.3° in regional kyphotic angle postoperatively. And the deformity correction was 27.4° ± 19.1° at the final follow-up. ESR and CRP decreased to a normal range at three months follow-up. Bony fusion was achieved in all patients. None of the cases developed fixation failure, pseudoarthrosis, or tuberculosis recurrence. Conclusion: Posterior fixation, combined with one- or two-stage anterior debridement and bone grafting, is a safe and effective surgical strategy for treating young children with thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper utilizes reanalysis data and statistical methods to elucidate the physical mechanisms of intraseasonal variations of precipitation over southern China during the boreal winter, as well as the two primary factors influencing these variations. Anomalous southerly (northerly) wind over southern China will result in the strong moisture convergence (divergence) in enhanced (suppressed) scenarios, and the stronger positive (negative) horizontal advection of absolute vorticity at upper troposphere induces the anomalous ascending (descending) motion in enhanced (suppressed) scenarios. The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) in the tropics and a wave train over the North Atlantic and Eurasia with four activity centres in the mid–high latitudes (referred as NAE‐wave train) are the two primary factors that modulate the intraseasoanl precipitation over southern China. The intraseasonal circulation induced by MJO and NAE‐wave train exhibits distinct features, resulting in different physical mechanisms of their influences. The moisture flux divergence anomalies over southern China associated with MJO mainly stem from the meridional moisture convergence, whereas the meridional moisture advection is the first contributor in the influence of NAE‐wave train. The anomalous vorticity advection at upper troposphere associated with MJO is primarily influenced by the meridional advection, but that associated with NAE‐wave train is dominated by the zonal advection. Anomalous precipitation induced by MJO is concentrated mainly over South China, while that caused by NAE‐wave train is primarily located in the mid–lower Yangtze River basin. Therefore, different phases locking of MJO and NAE‐wave train could lead to various precipitation anomalies over southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: At present, the main viewpoint is that tibial varus is the main reason of medial knee osteoarthritis (OA), and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is also the main alignment correction method to correct medial knee OA. In contrast, the impact of the anatomical alignment of the femur on medial knee OA is often overlooked. We evaluated the increased risk for medial knee OA because a varus alignment could be attributed to the anatomical reasons that include hip anatomy, femoral shaft bowing (FSB) and femoral condylar dysplasia. Methods: The present research adopted a cross‐sectional study method. We selected 62 patients with HTO in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2021 to March 2022 as the HTO group and 55 healthy volunteers as the control group. Femoral neck‐shaft angle (NSA), lateral FSB, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) and hip‐knee‐ankle (HKA) was radiographically examined within the two groups. The femoral neck length and offset were also measured, and the ratio is represented by the ratio of the femoral neck length to off‐set (N/O). The 2‐tailed Student t‐test was used to compare the differences between groups when the data were in accordance with a normal distribution. Otherwise, the Mann–Whitney U tests was used to compare the differences between groups. Result: Compared to the control group, the HTO group had a higher offset (p < 0.05), greater femoral neck length (p < 0.05), and decreased (more varus) NSA (p < 0.05). The HKA in the HTO group was 172.20 ° (3.50°), which was significantly lower than that of the control group 177.00° (3.05°), (p < 0.001), while the medial OA was associated with more varus HKA. The mean mLDFA was 89.10 ° (2.35°) and 87.50° (2.85°) in the HTO and control groups (p < 0.005), respectively. The mean lateral FSB values of the full‐length radiographs were larger (p < 0.001) in the HTO group (4.24° ± 3.25°) than that in control group (1.16° ± 2.32°). Conclusion: The reduction of NSA (coxa vara) and the increase of the mLDFA can lead to medial knee OA, while the lateral FSB also affects medial OA. We believe that femoral deformity is also one of the cause of the medial knee OA. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the joint deformity of the femur and tibia before surgery in order to determine whether to use HTO alone to correct the lower limb alignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction combined with derotational distal femur osteotomy in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation who had excessive femoral anteversion angle and trochlear dysplasia. Methods: Between 2015 and 2020, 64 patients (64 knees) with recurrent patellar dislocation, who had excessive femoral anteversion angle (≥ 25°) and trochlear dysplasia and were surgically treated using derotational distal femur osteotomy and MPFL reconstruction, were eligible for this retrospective study. These patients were assigned to two groups according to the grade of trochlear dysplasia. Group A (type A trochlear dysplasia, n = 33) and Group B (type B, C, D trochlear dysplasia, n = 31). Preoperative and postoperative patellar tilt angle (PTA), Caton–Deschamps index (CD-I), tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT–TG) distance and femoral anteversion angle were evaluated. Patient outcomes were assessed using the preoperative and postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Kujala score, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and visual analog scale (VAS) score. Results: A total of 64 patients (64 knees) were evaluated in this study, with a mean follow-up period of 28.4 ± 3.6 months. There were no cases of wound infection, osteotomy site fractures, deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities, or re-dislocation in the two groups during the postoperative follow-up period. All patients returned to full extension and flexion. The postoperative Tegner score, Lysholm score, Kujala score, IKDC score, VAS score, PTA, CD-I, TT–TG distance, and femoral anteversion angle were significantly improved compared with the preoperative status (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (n.s.). Conclusion: MPFL reconstruction combined with derotational distal femur osteotomy showed satisfactory clinical outcomes during follow-up in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation who had excessive femoral anteversion angle and trochlear dysplasia. Even patients with high-grade trochlear dysplasia showed satisfactory results. For those patients, additional surgery is not necessary. Level of evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to explore the measurement of the angle between the axis of the pedicle and the lateral margin of the isthmus on the lumbar spine, and investigate its clinical significance. Methods: The angle was measured on 120 normal adults' X-ray and 25 dry anatomical specimens. 60 screws were placed by junior residents on 6 wet specimens through the freehand technique. 30 screws were placed on one side with their original experience. After learning the techniques mentioned in the study, 30 screws were placed on the other side. The specimens were examined by X-ray and CT, and the angles of the screw paths and the integrity of the pedicle were evaluated. Results: The angles of 120 subjects and 25 anatomical specimens show a gradually increasing trend. The differences among each segment were statistically significant (P < 0.05), but the difference in the same segment between the X-ray and the anatomical specimens was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the differences in L1, L2, and L3 between the two genders were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, the angles were larger in female group than in male group in L4 and L5, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The difference in the deviation rate of screw placement before and after the learning was statistically significant only in the L5 segment (P < 0.05). The difference in overall excellence rate was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The measurement of the angle between the axis of the pedicle and the lateral margin of the isthmus on the lumbar can improve the accuracy of the lumbar sagittal screw angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is an effective surgical treatment of intervertebral disk herniation. However, its clinical efficacy for adjacent segment disk degeneration (ASDD) after hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw (pedicle screw at L4 and cortical bone trajectory screw at L5) and hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw (bilateral cortical screw at L4 and bilateral pedicle screw at L5) remains undiscovered. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw and hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw on the adjacent segment via a 3-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analysis. Methods: Four human cadaveric lumbar spine specimens were provided by the anatomy teaching and research department of Xinjiang Medical University. Four finite element models of L1-S1 lumbar spine segment were generated. For each of these, four lumbar transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion models at L4-L5 segment with the following instruments were created: hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw, bilateral cortical screw - bilateral cortical screw (bilateral cortical screw at both L4 and L5 segments), bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw (bilateral pedicle screw at both L4 and L5 segments), and hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw. A 400-N compressive load with 7.5 Nm moments was applied for the simulation of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. The range of motion of L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments and von Mises stress of the intervertebral disc at the adjacent segment were compared. Results: Hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw has the lowest range of motion at L3-L4 segment in flexion, extension, and lateral bending, and the highest disc stress in all motions, while the range of motion at L5-S1 segment and disc stress was lower than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw in flexion, extension, and lateral bending, and higher than bilateral cortical screw - bilateral cortical screw in all motions. The range of motion of hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw at L3-L4 segment was lower than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw and higher than bilateral cortical screw - bilateral cortical screw in flexion, extension, and lateral bending, and the range of motion at L5-S1 segment was higher than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw in flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The disc stress at L3-L4 segment was lowest and more dispersed in all motions, and the disc stress at L5-S1 segment was higher than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw in lateral bending and axial rotation, but more dispersed. Conclusion: Hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw decreases the impact on adjacent segments after spinal fusion, reduces the iatrogenic injury to the paravertebral tissues, and provides throughout decompression of the lateral recess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is an effective surgical treatment of intervertebral disk herniation. However, its clinical efficacy for adjacent segment disk degeneration (ASDD) after hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw (pedicle screw at L4 and cortical bone trajectory screw at L5) and hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw (bilateral cortical screw at L4 and bilateral pedicle screw at L5) remains undiscovered. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw and hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw on the adjacent segment via a 3-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analysis. Methods: Four human cadaveric lumbar spine specimens were provided by the anatomy teaching and research department of Xinjiang Medical University. Four finite element models of L1-S1 lumbar spine segment were generated. For each of these, four lumbar transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion models at L4-L5 segment with the following instruments were created: hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw, bilateral cortical screw - bilateral cortical screw (bilateral cortical screw at both L4 and L5 segments), bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw (bilateral pedicle screw at both L4 and L5 segments), and hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw. A 400-N compressive load with 7.5 Nm moments was applied for the simulation of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. The range of motion of L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments and von Mises stress of the intervertebral disc at the adjacent segment were compared. Results: Hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw has the lowest range of motion at L3-L4 segment in flexion, extension, and lateral bending, and the highest disc stress in all motions, while the range of motion at L5-S1 segment and disc stress was lower than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw in flexion, extension, and lateral bending, and higher than bilateral cortical screw - bilateral cortical screw in all motions. The range of motion of hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw at L3-L4 segment was lower than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw and higher than bilateral cortical screw - bilateral cortical screw in flexion, extension, and lateral bending, and the range of motion at L5-S1 segment was higher than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw in flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The disc stress at L3-L4 segment was lowest and more dispersed in all motions, and the disc stress at L5-S1 segment was higher than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw in lateral bending and axial rotation, but more dispersed. Conclusion: Hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw decreases the impact on adjacent segments after spinal fusion, reduces the iatrogenic injury to the paravertebral tissues, and provides throughout decompression of the lateral recess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To obtain the complication rate, fusion rate, and revision rate of the lumbar cortical bone trajectory technique and pedicle screw fixation technique in lumbar interbody fusion surgery by single-arm meta-analysis and lay a basis for orthopedic surgeons to select the fixation techniques and perioperative management. Methods: PubMed, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched comprehensively. Data extraction, content analysis, and quality assessment of the literature were performed by two independent reviewers according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines using R and STATA software for single-arm meta-analysis. Results: The total complication rate of the lumbar cortical bone trajectory technique was 6%, including a hardware complication rate of 2%, ASD (adjacent segment degeneration) rate of 1%, wound infection rate of 1%, dural damage rate of 1%, hematoma rate tending to 0%, fusion rate of 94%, and revision rate of 1%. Lumbar pedicle screw fixation techniques had a total complication rate of 9%, with a hardware complication rate of 2%, ASD rate of 3%, wound infection rate of 2%, dural damage rate of 1%, hematoma rate tending to 0%, fusion rate of 94%, and revision rate of 5%. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022354550. Conclusion: Lumbar cortical bone trajectory was associated with a lower total complication rate, ASD rate, wound infection rate, and revision rate than pedicle screw fixation. The cortical bone trajectory technique reduces the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications and can be an alternative in lumbar interbody fusion surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is an effective surgical treatment of intervertebral disk herniation. However, its clinical efficacy for adjacent segment disk degeneration (ASDD) after hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw (pedicle screw at L4 and cortical bone trajectory screw at L5) and hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw (bilateral cortical screw at L4 and bilateral pedicle screw at L5) remains undiscovered. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw and hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw on the adjacent segment via a 3-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analysis. Methods: Four human cadaveric lumbar spine specimens were provided by the anatomy teaching and research department of Xinjiang Medical University. Four finite element models of L1-S1 lumbar spine segment were generated. For each of these, four lumbar transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion models at L4-L5 segment with the following instruments were created: hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw, bilateral cortical screw - bilateral cortical screw (bilateral cortical screw at both L4 and L5 segments), bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw (bilateral pedicle screw at both L4 and L5 segments), and hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw. A 400-N compressive load with 7.5 Nm moments was applied for the simulation of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. The range of motion of L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments and von Mises stress of the intervertebral disc at the adjacent segment were compared. Results: Hybrid bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral cortical screw has the lowest range of motion at L3-L4 segment in flexion, extension, and lateral bending, and the highest disc stress in all motions, while the range of motion at L5-S1 segment and disc stress was lower than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw in flexion, extension, and lateral bending, and higher than bilateral cortical screw - bilateral cortical screw in all motions. The range of motion of hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw at L3-L4 segment was lower than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw and higher than bilateral cortical screw - bilateral cortical screw in flexion, extension, and lateral bending, and the range of motion at L5-S1 segment was higher than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw in flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The disc stress at L3-L4 segment was lowest and more dispersed in all motions, and the disc stress at L5-S1 segment was higher than bilateral pedicle screw - bilateral pedicle screw in lateral bending and axial rotation, but more dispersed. Conclusion: Hybrid bilateral cortical screw - bilateral pedicle screw decreases the impact on adjacent segments after spinal fusion, reduces the iatrogenic injury to the paravertebral tissues, and provides throughout decompression of the lateral recess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Investigate the biomechanical properties of the hybrid fixation technique with bilateral pedicle screw (BPS) and bilateral modified cortical bone trajectory screw (BMCS) in L4-L5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods: Three finite element (FE) models of the L1-S1 lumbar spine were established according to the three human cadaveric lumbar specimens. BPS-BMCS (BPS at L4 and BMCS at L5), BMCS-BPS (BMCS at L4 and BPS at L5), BPS-BPS (BPS at L4 and L5), and BMCS-BMCS (BMCS at L4 and L5) were implanted into the L4-L5 segment of each FE model. The range of motion (ROM) of the L4-L5 segment, von Mises stress of the fixation, intervertebral cage, and rod were compared under a 400-N compressive load with 7.5 Nm moments in flexion, extension, bending, and rotation. Results: BPS-BMCS technique has the lowest ROM in extension and rotation, and BMCS-BMCS technique has the lowest ROM in flexion and lateral bending. The BMCS-BMCS technique showed maximal cage stress in flexion and lateral bending, and the BPS-BPS technique in extension and rotation. Compared to the BPS-BPS and BMCS-BMCS technique, BPS-BMCS technique presented a lower risk of screw breakage and BMCS-BPS technique presented a lower risk of rod breakage. Conclusion: The results of this study support that the use of the BPS-BMCS and BMCS-BPS techniques in TLIF surgery for offering the superior stability and a lower risk of cage subsidence and instrument-related complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Basilar invagination (BI) is a malformation of craniovertebral junction. However, surgical procedures on BI with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) remain controversial.Purpose: This research aimed to investigate the selection of surgical procedures and its significance in the surgical treatment of patients with BI and AAD.Study Design: This was a retrospective study.Patient Sample: This study enrolled 33 patients who were diagnosed with BI and AAD and were followed up for at least 6 months.Outcome Measure: All of the patients were assessed for neurologic recovery observation in terms of Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores and Odom criteria. X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography scanning was used to determine reduction, compression, bone graft, and internal fixation before and after operation.Methods: Thirty-three patients who suffered from BI with AAD were treated in our department from July 2000 to October 2014. Preoperatively, the patients were divided into two types on the basis of whether dislocation was reduced after anesthesia and traction were performed: reducible dislocation (Type A) and irreducible dislocation (Type B). Reducible dislocation was further divided into two subtypes: full reducible dislocation (Type A1) and partial reducible dislocation (Type A2). Type A1 patients were treated with direct posterior fixation and fusion after traction and reduction. Type A2 patients received posterior atlantoaxial release, fixation, and fusion under traction. Type B patients underwent transoral atlantoaxial release, posterior fixation, and fusion.Results: There were 5 Type A1 patients, 10 Type A2 patients, and 18 Type B patients treated in accordance with the proposed scheme. Postoperatively, sufficient reduction and decompression were achieved for all cases. Two Type B patients died. Other patients were followed up from 6 months to 42 months (average=16.6 months); follow-up results showed sufficient decompression, effective fixation and fusion, and no reduction loss. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score increased from preoperative 4-12 (average, 7.8) to postoperative 10-17 (average, 14.3), and neurologic recovery was satisfactory.Conclusions: Under traction, simple posterior fixation and fusion were effective for Type A patients suffering from BI with AAD; anterior atlantoaxial release and posterior fixation and fusion were effective for Type B patients with BI and AAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To collect the data of pedicle width and height in different areas, and to investigate the difference and variation rule of pedicle width and height. Methods: Comprehensive search of PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Web of science databases was performed. Collected data were imported into SPSS, and one-way ANOVA test and post hoc test were used to determine whether there were statistical differences in pedicle width and height between the different regions. Results: Oceania had the largest pedicle width and height, followed by Americans. West Asian had the largest pedicle width in Asia, followed by East and Southeast Asian, and Chinese and South Asian had similar pedicle width. Different from the variation pattern of pedicle width, the pedicle height of Chinese, East and Southeast Asian and West Asian in Asian range is similar, but the pedicle height of South Asian is significantly smaller than the first three, and has statistical significance. Conclusions: People in different regions have similar patterns of variation in pedicle width and height even though they belong to different ethnic groups. This phenomenon is particularly prominent and pronounced in populations in geographically close areas, which may be related to inter-ethnic integration due to population movement between adjacent areas. There is a relationship between the morphological characteristics of the human lumbar pedicle and geographical location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi 2 Te 3 is a successful and commercial thermoelectric material. However, Bi 2 Te 3 is easily generates point defects, which limits its thermoelectric (TE) properties. This study presents a novel method to tune point defects by using short-range atomic diffusion via pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment in C-doped Bi 2 Te 3 films. The C atoms migrate from the interstitial position in the Bi layer (C i) and the Van der Waals gap (C vdw) to the Bi vacancy after the PEF treatment. For this case, it increases the content of the Te–C bonds for the PEF films, resulting in increased electron concentration. And the PEF can eliminate amorphous regions of the C-doped Bi 2 Te 3 films. In addition, the shorter bond length of the Te–C improves the compressive stress of the film and increases the effective mass of carriers. Thus, the conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient are improved simultaneously. In this study, the power factor was 2450.32 μW m−1·K−2 at 513 K after the PEF treatment. Therefore, the PEF is an effective method to improve TE properties by short-range atomic diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni-based catalysts, which are widely used, have produced promising results for methane formation from syngas. The key to rational design of catalysts and corresponding technological parameters is an understanding of the underlying mechanism of CO methanation at the molecular level. In the present study, the mechanism of CO methanation on Ni (111) and carbon-doped Ni(111) (C-Ni(111)) surfaces was investigated by means of temperature-programmed surface reaction and density functional theory method. Our conclusion is that the energy barrier of CO dissociation decreases significantly on the C-Ni(111) surface. The rate-limiting steps of CO methanation on the Ni(111) and C-Ni(111) surfaces are CO dissociation and CH 3 species hydrogenation, respectively. Results from comparison of the activation barriers and rate-limiting steps indicate that CH 4 production may be improved by slight deposition of carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the sagittal parameters and clinical outcome of pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with thoracolumbar kyphosis.Methods: The clinical data of 38 patients with AS combined with thoracolumbar kyphosis who underwent PSO were enrolled and divided into the lumbar lordosis group and the lumbar kyphosis group according to the preoperative sagittal morphology. They were subdivided into the lumbar lordosis T12 group, lordosis L1 group, kyphosis L2 group, and kyphosis L3 group. The spine sagittal parameters were compared between the preoperative and the postoperative. Outcome evaluation was performed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).Results: A total of 38 patients with AS combined with thoracolumbar kyphosis were successfully treated by PSO, with a mean follow-up time of 26.9 ± 11.9 months. There were 30 males and 8 females with a mean age of 41.6 ± 7.1 years. Twenty patients consisted in the lumbar lordosis group and 18 patients in the lumbar kyphosis group. GK, SVA, and CBVA were improved significantly (P < 0.05) at the final follow-up between the lumbar lordosis T12 group and the L1 group. Patients in the lumbar kyphosis L2 group and L3 group all received satisfactory, including LL, GK, and SVA (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative TK, GK, SVA, PT, and PI between the lumbar lordosis and lumbar kyphosis groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in three cases.Conclusion: PSO was a practical method for the treatment of patients with AS combined with thoracolumbar kyphosis. PSO at L3 was recommended to be selected for the lumbar kyphosis to obtain greater SVA correction. CBVA of single-segment PSO may be significantly lower than the two-segment PSO in the management of patients with kyphosis of lower CBVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multiple debridement of cavity lesions can be used to treat spinal echinococcosis. • A large case series of spinal echinococcosis is reported. • An individualized presurgical plan should be carefully considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and document the complications and outcomes (bone and functional) of multiple debridement of cavity lesions combined with antiparasitic chemotherapy in the treatment of mid or advanced spinal echinococcosis. From January 2007 to February 2019, the medical records and imaging of all patients with mid or advanced spinal echinococcosis, who were treated by multiple debridement of cavity lesions, were evaluated retrospectively. The Braithwaite and Less classification system of spinal echinococcosis and the Frankel classification system were used to evaluate the results, both preoperatively and postoperatively. Between January 2007 and February 2019, 33 patients met the criteria and were included in this study, with a mean postoperative follow-up time of 4.9 (1–10) years. They included 18 males (54.5%) and 15 females (45.4%), with a mean age of 41.5 years (range 23–70 years). A satisfactory recovery of lower-limb motor function was found in 32 patients, while 24 patients (72.7%) presented with recurrence of spinal echinococcosis. Multiple debridement and spinal cord decompression, combined with antiparasitic chemotherapy after surgery, are effective methods for delaying or preventing disease progression or recurrence. A recurrence of infection is common in most cases. CT and MRI are the preferred methods for diagnosing this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The published evidences on the correlations of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and TLR9 gene polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were conflicting. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether TLR4 and TLR9 gene polymorphisms conferred susceptibility to AS through a meta‐analysis approach. Methods: Databases of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang were retrieved for relevant publications up to 20 June 2020. Study quality was assessed based on Newcastle‐Ottawa scale (NOS). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to judge the associations. Results: Totally, 13 articles with 3,055 AS cases and 4,238 controls were incorporated into this meta‐analysis, and four most widely reported polymorphisms (TLR4‐rs4986790, TLR4‐rs4986791, TLR9‐rs55704465 and TLR9‐rs187084) were analysed. All included studies were in high quality. The pooled data did not support any significant association between the four studied polymorphisms and AS susceptibility. Conclusions: The present meta‐analysis suggests there is no significant association between TLR4‐rs4986790, TLR4‐rs4986791, TLR9‐rs55704465 and TLR9‐rs187084 polymorphisms and AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adventitious roots form from non-root tissues as part of normal development or in response to stress or wounding. The root primordia form in the source tissue, and during emergence the adventitious roots penetrate the inner cell layers and the epidermis; however, the mechanisms underlying this emergence remain largely unexplored. Here, we report that a regulatory module composed of the AP2/ERF transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 4 (ABI4), the MAP kinases MPK3 and MPK6, and the phosphatase PP2C12 plays an important role in the emergence of junction adventitious roots (J-ARs) from the root–hypocotyl junctions in Arabidopsis thaliana. ABI4 negatively regulates J-AR emergence, preventing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and death of epidermal cells, which would otherwise facilitate J-AR emergence. Phosphorylation by MPK3/MPK6 activates ABI4 and dephosphorylation by PP2C12 inactivates ABI4. MPK3/MPK6 also directly phosphorylate and inactivate PP2C12 during J-AR emergence. We propose that this "double-check" mechanism increases the robustness of MAP kinase signaling and finely regulates the local programmed cell death required for J-AR emergence. This study demonstrates that the AP2/ERF transcription factor ABI4 negatively regulates adventitious emergence by preventing reactive oxygen species accumulation and epidermal cell death in the root–hypocotyl junctions of Arabidopsis. Furthermore, the MAP kinases MPK3/MPK6 and the phosphatase PP2C12 are found to regulate ABI4 activity via a "double-check" mechanism that increases the robustness of MAP kinase signaling and regulates local programmed cell death for adventitious root emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, which initiates an inflammatory cascade and triggers inflammatory death, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI). Echinacoside (ECH) is a phenylethanoid glycoside possessing prominent anti-inflammatory effects and various neuroprotective properties in the central nervous system, but the effect of ECH on SCI was rarely studied. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment was to look into the therapeutic effects of ECH on SCI and the underlying mechanisms. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotion scale, Nissl staining, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to examine the therapeutic effects of ECH on SCI. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in BV-2 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharides and adenosine 5′-triphosphate were examined. The expression levels of proteins involving NLRP3 inflammasome-related pathway were measured. The in vivo experiment indicated that administration of ECH significantly enhanced the BBB scores, reduced the neuron loss, and ameliorated the tissue architecture after SCI. Additionally, ECH dramatically inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the rat SCI model. In vitro study indicated that ECH significantly reduced ROS level, improved the MMP, blocked activation of NF-κB, and inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. The effect of ECH on inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway was partially governed by suppression of the generation of ROS and activation of NF-κB. ECH can accelerate motor function recovery in rats following SCI by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-related signaling pathway, suggesting that ECH may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for treating SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The findings regarding association of endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) gene polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) susceptibility are inconsistent. Our aim is to appraise and merge the existing evidence on the relationship of rs27044 and rs30187 polymorphisms in ERAP1 gene and susceptibility to AS. Methods: Electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and CNKI were retrieved for relevant publications. The search was conducted from inception to 10 June, 2019. Studies on the association of rs27044 and rs30187 polymorphisms and risk of AS were included. Quality evaluation was carried out using Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS). Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to appraise the associations under allelic and genotypic models. Results: In total, 26 case‐control studies with 31 cohorts containing 17 223 AS patients and 36 915 controls were eligible for this meta‐analysis. According to NOS, each study received ≥ 5 scores. The pooled data indicated that rs27044 and rs30187 polymorphisms were significantly associated with AS susceptibility in the overall population: rs27044, G versus C, OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.16‐1.33, P<.001; rs30187, T versus C, OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.17‐1.33, P<.001. When stratified by ethnicity, rs27044 appeared to be significantly correlated with AS in both Asians and Caucasians. For rs30187, despite positive association being observed under the allelic model in both Asians and Caucasians, the findings of genotypic comparisons supported the association only existed in Caucasians but not Asians. Conclusion: This study suggests that rs27044 and rs30187 polymorphisms are significantly associated with increased risk of AS, especially in Caucasians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the application and therapeutic effects of debridement from a single posterior approach for bone grafting and internal fixation treatment of lumbosacral tuberculosis. Methods From January 2010 to December 2016, 96 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis were treated by single posterior debridement and internal fixation with bone graft. Among these patients, there were 9 cases involving the L3–L4 segment, 57 involving L4–L5, and 30 involving L5–S1. Interlaminar debridement was applied in 60 cases and transforaminal debridement was applied in 36 cases. Evaluation of therapeutic effects included the Prolo scale and visual analogue scale. The kyphotic angle and height loss of the vertebral body in the affected region of the lumbosacral segment were measured radiologically. Results All patients were followed up for 12–24 months. In the interlaminar group, the mean preoperative, postoperative, and final kyphotic angles were −24.1 ± 5.5°, −34.6 ± 5.6°, and −32.1 ± 5.1°, respectively. In contrast, those in the transforaminal group were −25.1 ± 5.9°, −35.0 ± 6.6°, and −33.3 ± 5.9°, respectively. There was significant improvement of the postoperative angle compared with the preoperative angle. The result of the modified Prolo scale was 93.8%. According to the visual analogue scale, the preoperative and postoperative scales were 7.8 and 2.7, indicating a significant alleviation of pain. Conclusions Debridement from single posterior approach is an effective technique for the internal fixation of lumbosacral regional spinal tuberculosis. An appropriate selection of indications, careful evaluation of radiology, and thorough debridement were the key to a successful operation. Highlights • Debridement via the single posterior approach is an effective technique. • The technique is easy to perform and manage and it can aid in early recovery. • A single posterior approach is an alternative therapy for lumbosacral tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction: Biomechanical evaluation of the hybrid pedicle screw - cortical bone trajectory technique in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion to adjacent segment degeneration - finite element analysis B Correction: b B I BMC Musculoskelet Disord i b B 24, 409 (2023) b https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-023-06411-z Following publication of the original article [[1]], we have been notified of two corrections to affiliation changes of the Paerhati Rexiti and authorship changes (order of corresponding authors). References 1 Zhang R, Kahaer A, Niu H. Biomechanical evaluation of the hybrid pedicle screw - cortical bone trajectory technique in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion to adjacent segment degeneration - finite element analysis. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Aim. Studies have shown an increasing number of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with concomitant obesity and hyperlipidemia syndromes, resulting from relevant metabolic disorders. However, there are few medications and therapies, which can thoroughly address these issues. Therefore, the current study evaluated the efficacy and safety of using JTTZ, a Chinese herbal formula, to treat T2D with obesity and hyperlipidemia. Methods. A total of 450 participants with T2D (HbA1c ≥ 7.0%; waist circumference ≥ 90 cm and 80 cm in males and females, resp.; and triglycerides (TG) ≥ 1.7 mmol/L) were randomly assigned, in equal proportions, to two groups in this multicenter randomized, positive-controlled, open-label trial. One group received JTTZ formula, and the other received metformin (MET) for 12 consecutive weeks. The primary efficacy outcomes were changes in HbA1c, TG, weight, and waist circumference. Adverse reactions and hypoglycemia were monitored. Results. HbA1c decreased by 0.75 ± 1.32% and 0.71 ± 1.2% in the JTTZ and MET groups, respectively, after 12 weeks of treatment. TG levels in the JTTZ and MET groups were reduced by 0.64 ± 2.37 mmol/L and 0.37 ± 2.18 mmol/L, respectively. Weight was decreased by 2.47 ± 2.71 kg in the JTTZ group and by 2.03 ± 2.36 kg in the MET group. JTTZ also appeared to alleviate insulin resistance and increase HOMA-β. In addition, symptoms were significantly relieved in participants in the JTTZ group compared to those in the MET group. One case of hypoglycemia was reported in the MET group. No severe adverse events were reported in either group. Conclusions. The JTTZ formula led to safe and significant improvements in the blood glucose, blood lipids, and weight levels; relieved symptoms; and enhanced β cell function for T2D patients with obesity and hyperlipidemia. The JTTZ formula has shown that it could potentially be developed as an alternative medicine for patients with T2D, particularly those who cannot tolerate metformin or other hypoglycemic drugs. This trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01471275. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity and selectivity of heterogeneous catalysts can be significantly improved by dispersion of another active component in the metal substrate. The impact of Rh promoter on the formation of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) via oxidative carbonylation of methanol on Cu-Rh/AC (activated carbon) catalyst was investigated by density functional theory calculations. The most stable configurations of reacting species (CO, OH, CH3O, monomethyl carbonate, and DMC) adsorbed on the Cu0(zero-valent copper)/AC and Cu-Rh/AC surfaces were determined on the basis of the calculated results. The reaction energy and activation energy of the rate-limiting steps on the Cu-Rh/AC and Cu0/AC surfaces were compared. The activation energies of the rate-limiting step of CO insertion into dimethoxide are 206.3 and 304.8 kJ mol−1 on the Cu-Rh/AC and Cu0/AC surfaces, respectively. The activation energies of the rate-limiting step of CO insertion into methoxide are 78.5 and 92.7 kJ/mol on the Cu-Rh/AC and Cu0/AC surfaces, respectively. The calculated results indicate that the addition of Rh atom has a significant effect on decreasing the active energy the main pathway for DMC formation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI). Carnosic acid (CA) is a natural phenolic diterpene, which possesses diversiform activities. However, whether the protective effect of CA on SCI is partly due to inhibition of ferroptosis was seldom investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study aimed to investigate the role of CA on ferroptosis in PC12 cells and the underlying mechanisms. Cell viability, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, glutathione (GSH) levels, and iron levels were detected to identify the construction of ferroptosis model in PC12 cell induced by erastin. The safe concentrations of CA on PC12 cells were measured via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. Then, cellular MDA contents, GSH levels, iron levels, reactive species (RS) generation, and mitochondrial morphology were tested to determine the influence of CA on ferroptosis in erastin-treated PC12 cells. In addition, Western blot and RT-qPCR were utilized to detecteddetect the ferroptosis-related genes and proteins expression levels. Our study indicated that treatment with CA could reversed the increased MDA, iron, and RS levels, as well as the decreased GSH levels in erastin-treated PC12 cells. The protective effect of CA could be blocked by ML385. The inhibitory effect of CA on ferroptosis probably was partially governed by activation of Nrf2 to regulate the GSH synthesis and metabolism and cellular iron homeostasis. CA can inhibit ferroptosis in PC12 cells induced by erastin via activating Nrf2 pathway, indicating that CA could lead to neuroprotective effect by restraining the occurrence of ferroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]