Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intense pulsed light(IPL)therapy in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome-related dry eye(SS-DE).METHODS:In this prospective randomized trial, 82 cases(82 eyes)diagnosed with moderate-to-severe SS-DE at our hospital from January 2023 to December 2023 were selected. If both eyes meet the criteria, one eye will be randomly selected for inclusion, and if one eye meets the inclusion criteria, the eye will be selected for enrollment. They were randomly assigned to either an experiment group receiving dextran hydroxypropyl methylcellulose eye drops and 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops plus IPL therapy, or a control group receiving dextran hydroxypropyl methylcellulose eye drops and 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops. Ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score, tear meniscus height(TMH), noninvasive tear breakup time(NITBUT), meibomian gland loss score, Schirmer I test(SⅠt), corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)score, conjunctival lissamine green staining(CLGS)score, lipid layer thickness(LLT), blink frequency, corneal Langerhans cell density(CLCD)and complications of both groups were assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 wk after treatment.RESULTS:There were 6 cases lost to follow-up in the experiment group, with a missing rate of 14.6%, and 1 case was lost to follow-up in the control group, with a missing rate of 2.4%, and valid data were eventually obtained from 35 cases(35 eyes)in the experiment group and 40 cases(40 eyes)in the control group. Baseline parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups of patients(all P>0.05). At 4, 8 and 12 wk after treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in OSDI scores, CFS scores, CLGS score, blink frequency, and CLCD, while the reductions were significantly greater in the experiment group compared to the control group(all P<0.05). The experiment group also demonstrated significant increases in TMH, SⅠt, and NITBUT at 4, 8 and 12 wk after treatment, which were significantly greater than those observed in the control group(all P<0.05). No significant intergroup differences were observed in LLT, meibomian gland loss score in the experiment group at any time point(all P>0.05). Furthermore, no severe ocular or cutaneous complications were associated with IPL treatment.CONCLUSION:IPL significantly improves ocular signs and symptoms, enhances aqueous tear secretion, and reduces ocular surface inflammation in patients with SS-DE, with no significant adverse reactions observed.

Objective:To analyze and identify the expression profiles of oxidative stress-related genes and circular RNAs(circRNAs)in ricin toxin(RT)-induced pyroptosis of mouse mononuclear macrophages(RAW264.7)using transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics technology,and to preliminarily analyze their potential functions.Methods:The macrophages(RAW264.7 cells)were treated with RT to establish a cell pyroptosis model and divided into control group,40 μg·L-1 RT group,and 80 ng/mL RT group.Transmission electron microscope(TEM)was used to observe the morphology of the RAW264.7 cells in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of the pyroptosis pathway-related proteins in the cells in various groups;80 μg·L-1 RT was selected for subsequent experiments.Transcriptome sequencing(RNA-Seq)was performed to obtain the circRNA and mRNA expression profiles in the RAW264.7 cells in control group and RT-treated group,followed by bioinformatics analysis.Results:Compared with control group,the cells in 40 and 80 μg·L-1 RT groups underwent morphological changes;the cells in RT groups showed obvious pyroptosis-like morphological changes,characterized by significant swelling of dying cells and the appearance of characteristic large bubbles on the plasma membrane.Compared with control group,the expression level of gasdermin DN-terminal fragment(GSDMD-N)protein in 40 and 80 μg·L-1 RT groups was increased(P<0.05);compared with 40 μg·L-1 RT group,the expression level of GSDMD-N protein in the cells in 80 μg·L-1 RT group was increased(P<0.05);therefore,the subsequent experiments used the RT concentration of 80 μg·L-1.A total of 2930 differentially expressed messenger RNAs(mRNAs)and 24 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified.The constructed circRNA-microRNA(miRNA)-mRNA competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)regulatory network consisted of 7 circRNAs,12 miRNAs and 13 mRNAs.Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis showed that in biological process(BP),the functions regulated by differentially expressed genes mainly included immune response and oxidative stress response;in cellular component(CC),differentially expressed genes were mainly localized to the external side of plasma membrane and cell leading edge;in molecular function(MF),they were mainly involved in transporter transmembrane activity and hormone receptor binding.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway,Forkhead box O(FoxO)signaling pathway and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells(NF-κB)signaling pathway.In the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network,the top 10 hub genes with the highest connectivity were screened by CytoHubba,including matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9),superoxide dismutase 2(SOD2),and v-src sarcoma viral oncogene homolog(Src).Conclusion:The expression profiles of oxidative stress-related genes and circRNAs in RAW264.7 cells are altered after RT treatment.The screened differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs may serve as potential targets to regulate RT-induced pyroptosis in RAW264.7 cells through oxidative stress pathways.

Objective To enhance the cyclic peptide compound's membrane permeability,structural stability,and neuroprotective activity,based on the amino acid sequence of peptides of Tat-GluA2-3Y,by designing and synthesizing a serial of cyclic peptides through strategies including polypeptide cyclization,replacement of the cell-penetrating peptide,substitution with D-amino acids,and incorporation of mini polyethylene glycol fragments.Methods The target peptides were synthesized based on standard Fmoc solid-phase method,followed by analysis and purification via reverse phase high-performance liguid chromatography(RP-HPLC).The cytoprotective activity of the peptides was evaluated by using the HT-22 cell model.The transmembrane transport efficiency of the peptides was determined based on the Caco-2 monolayer intestinal epithelial cell model.Plasmatic plasma and metabolic stability of the peptides were measured by in vitro co-incubation experiments with rat plasma and human liver microsomes.Finally,the in vivo neuroprotective activity of the peptides was validated by using a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion model.Results Seven cyclic peptides were successfully designed and synthesized by using the standard Fmoc solid-phase method,with purities exceeding 90%as confirmed by RP-HPLC.Cytoprotective activity assay demonstrated that both Tat-GluA2-3Y and CMT-C3Y exhibited activity at concentrations above 125 nmol/L,with CMT-C3Y showing superior activity as compared to Tat-GluA2-3Y.The results of the transmembrane assay demonstrated that,compared to Tat-GluA2-3Y,CMT-C3Y exhibited significant transmembrane capabilities at all tested concentrations(P<0.001).CMT-C3Y was classified as a highly permeable compound,whereas Tat-GluA2-3Y was categorized as a moderately permeable compound.Plasma stability studies indicated that over 50%of Tat-GluA2-3Y was metabolized after 4 h of co-incubation with rat plasma.After 8 h of coincubation with CMT-C3Y,the remaining amount was 88.1%,and no obvious degradation phenomenon occurred.In human liver microsomal stability tests,the half-life of Tat-GluA2-3Y was 26.1 min,as compared to 103.8 min for CMT-C3Y,highlighting the enhanced stability of CMT-C3Y.Tat-GluA2-3Y and CMT-C3Y were classified as a fast-metabolizing drug and a moderate-metabolizing drug,respectively.Animal experiments further demonstrated that at a dose of 8 mg/kg the neuroprotective activity of CMT-C3Y was significantly superior to that of Tat-GluA2-3Y(P<0.001).Conclusion The designed bicyclic peptide CMT-C3Y demonstrates significantly higher cell-penetrating efficiency and superior plasma stability as compared to Tat-GluA2-3Y,along with enhanced neuroprotective activity at both cellular and animal levels.

Objective:To discuss the damage effect of vesicular stomatitis virus(VSV)on the vascular endothelial(VE)barrier,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:The canine kidney cells were used to amplify VSV.The half tissue culture infective dose(TCID50)of VSV was determined using mouse brain endothelial tumor bEnd.3 cells,and subsequent experiment was conducted using 300 times the TCID50.The bEnd.3 cells were divided into infection 0 h group,infection 4 h group,infection 8 h group,and infection 12 h group for VE barrier damage experiments due to VSV infection.The bEnd.3 cells were also divided into control group,infection group,and correction group for experiments to inhibit the VSV replication and restore the VE barrier.The bEnd.3 cells were inoculated into Transwell chambers to construct an in vitro VE barrier model.Cell voltage resistance meter was used to detect the transepithelial resistance(TER)in various groups after the bEnd.3 cells were infected with VSV at different time points;fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran leakage assay was used to detect the permeability coefficients of the cells in various groups;immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the localization changes of VE-cadherin,β-catenin,and phosphorylated β-catenin(p-β-catenin)in cytoskeleton and adherens junctions(AJs)of the bEnd.3 cells after VSV infection;real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the expression levels of Wnt and β-catenin mRNA in the cells in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of Wnt,β-catenin,and p-β-catenin proteins in the cells in various groups.Results:The TCID50 of VSV was 10-4.5·100 μL-1.TheTranswell chamber experiment results showed that compared with infection 0 h group,the TERs in the cells in the other groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),and the permeability coefficients were significantly increased(P＜0.05).The immunofluorescence staining results showed that compared with control group,the cytoskeleton of the bEnd.3 cells in infection group was disordered,the cell gaps was increased,the linear index of AJs was significantly decreased(P＜0.05),and β-catenin and p-β-catenin translocated from the cell membrane to the perinuclear area.The RT-qPCR results showed that compared with infection 0 h group,the expression levels of Wnt mRNA in the cells in the other groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),while the expression levels of β-catenin mRNA showed no statistically significant difference(P＞0.05).The Western blotting results showed that compared with infection 0 h group,the expression levels of Wnt protein in the cells in the other groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),the expression levels of β-catenin showed no statistically significant differences(P＞0.05),and the expression levels of p-β-catenin were significantly increased(P＜0.05).After inhibiting the VSV replication and correcting the low density lipoprotein receptor(LDLR)abnormalities,the Transwell chamber experiment results showed that compared with infection group,the TER in the cells in correction group was significantly increased(P＜0.05),and the permeability coefficient was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).The immunofluorescence staining results showed that compared with infection group,the gaps in the cells in correction group were reduced,and the perinuclear aggregation of β-catenin and p-β-catenin in the cells was restrained.The RT-qPCR results showed that compared with infection group,the expression level of Wnt mRNA in the cells in correction group was significantly increased(P＜0.05).The Western blotting results showed that compared with infection group,the expression level of Wnt protein in the cells in correction group was significantly increased(P＜0.05),the expression level of β-catenin showed no statistically significant difference(P＞0.05),and the expression level of p-P-catenin was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion:VSV infection can cause the LDLR inactivation,reduce the expression level of Wnt protein,increase the phosphorylation level of β-catenin and cause its internalization,disrupt the stability of AJs,and ultimately lead to VE barrier damage.

【Objective】 To investigate the relationship between maternal oral health behavior during pregnancy and premature birth. 【Methods】 A total of 248 preterm and 700 non-preterm pregnant women who delivered in Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Shaanxi Province from January to December 2022 were included in case group and control group, respectively. General demographic characteristics and oral health behavior during pregnancy were collected by questionnaires, and the oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) was used to assess the oral health related life quality of pregnant women. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between maternal oral health behavior during pregnancy and premature birth. 【Results】 During pregnancy, maternal frequent eating after brushing teeth (OR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.03-2.57), unused fluoride toothpaste (OR=2.03, 95%CI: 1.25-3.05), late visit to the doctor for oral discomfort (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.02-1.96), brushing teeth less than twice one day (OR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.13-2.78) or less than 3 minutes each time (OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.09-2.11), and elevated OHIP-14 score (OR=1.07, 95%CI: 1.04-1.10) increased the risk of premature birth. 【Conclusion】 Poor oral health behavior during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth. Therefore, more efforts should be made to publicize oral health knowledge and guide pregnant women to establish good oral health habits so as to improve oral health and promote maternal and child health.