Objective To fabricate nanosilicate functionalized polycaprolactone(PCL/LAP)electrospun membrane and evaluate its role in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)-induced bone repairing.Methods The PCL/LAP electrospun membranes were fabricated via electrospinning technology and co-cultured with rat BMSCs.The cytocompatibility of the membranes was evaluated through cytoskeleton staining,live/dead cell staining and CCK-8 assay.The migration capacity of BMSCs was assessed using scratch assay,Transwell migration experiments and expression of migration-related genes(Pdgf and Tgfβ)was evaluated by qRT-PCR.The os-teogenic differentiation and pro-angiogenesis potential were determined by alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining,alizarin red staining,expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes(Alp,Col1a1,Runx2,Bglap and Bmp2)and angiogenesis-related genes(Angpt1,Fgf2 and Vegfa)along with RUNX2 protein expression.PCL and PCL/LAP electrospun membranes conditioned medium was subsequently used to stimulate vascular endothelial cells(EAhy926).The expression of angiogenesis-associated genes(KDR,ENOS and HIF1A)was quantified by qRT-PCR.Results BMSCs adhered well to the surface of the PCL/LAP membranes,with no significant impact on cell viability(P＞0.05).PCL/LAP membranes not only promoted the proliferation(P＜0.05),migration(P＜0.05),but also enhanced ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation(P＜0.05),increased osteogenic differentiation gene and protein expression(P＜0.05)of BMSCs.Moreover,PCL/LAP promoted the expression of angiogenic genes of BMSCs(P＜0.05),to indirectly regulate angiogenesis-related gene expression in vascular endothelial cells(P＜0.05).Conclusion PCL/LAP electrospun membranes exhibit excellent biocompatibility and can promote proliferation,migration,osteogenic differentiation and BMSC-mediated angiogenic differentiation,showing great potential for bone defect repairing as barrier membrane.

Objectives:To compare the differences in three rat intervertebral disc degeneration(IDD)models constructed by needle injections of ethanol into the nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,and endplate,respectively.Methods:45 6-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups using a random number table method,with 15 rats in each group.Three different needle injection of ethanol methods including nucleus pulposus injection(nucleus pulposus injection group),annulus fibrosus injection(annulus fibrosus injection group),and endplate injection(endplate injection group)were used to construct IDD models at the Co6/7 intervertebral disc in rats.At 1,2,3,and 4 weeks post-modeling,3 rats from each group were randomly selected using a random number table for X-ray examination to measure and calculate the disc height index(DHI)of the Co6/7 in rats.Subsequently,rats were euthanized under excessive anesthesia,and the Co6/7 intervertebral disc along with adjacent vertebral bodies were harvested for hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining to observe degeneration,and the degeneration degree was histologically scored.Results:One rat in each of the nucleus pulposus injection group and annulus fibrosus injection group died unexpectedly due to anesthesia;In the endplate injection group,two rats died due to postoperative infection.At 1,2,3,and 4 weeks after modeling,3 rats were selected from each group of the remaining rats,and a total of 36 rats were included in the result analysis.The remaining rats were sacrificed by excessive anesthesia.One week after modeling,the Co6/7 DHI in each group was lower than that before modeling(Nucleus pulposus injection group:0.117±0.002 vs 0.134±0.005;Annulus fibrosus injection group:0.126±0.005 vs 0.133±0.005;Endplate injection group:0.127±0.002 vs 0.130±0.007,all P＜0.05),which gradually decreased over time.After modeling in each group,the annulus fibrosus broke,the arrangement of fibers gradually became disordered,the matrix and cells of the nucleus pulposus were gradually lost or even completely disappeared,the intervertebral discs gradually collapsed,and the intervertebral spaces gradually narrowed.The degeneration rate and degree of the nucleus pulposus injection group were faster and higher than those of the other two groups.Four weeks after modeling,the DHI of the nucleus pulposus injection group was 0.090±0.008,which was lower than that of the annulus fibrosus injection group(0.106±0.007,P＜0.05)and endplate injection group(0.109±0.000,P＜0.05);The histological score of the nucleus pulposus injection group was 10.00±0.82,which was higher than that of the annulus fibrosus injection group(9.00±1.41,P＜0.05)and endplate injection group(8.75±0.96,P＜0.05).Conclusions:The three needle injection of ethanol methods have their own unique characteristics for constructing IDD models.Nucleus pulposus injection induces the fastest and most severe degeneration,endplate injection leads to slower degeneration but is more in line with natural degeneration processes,and annulus fibrosus injection falls between the other two methods in terms of degeneration characteristics.

Objective: To assess the dynamic changes of microcirculation at acupoints in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold congelation and blood stasis syndrome using laser speckle blood flow imaging. Methods: Patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome (primary dysmenorrhea group, n=53) and healthy female college students(control group, n=57) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from October 2020 to July 2022 were enrolled at Hebei University of Chinese Medicine. On the premenstrual and first day of menstruation, a laser speckle blood flow imaging system was used to measure the microcirculation blood flow perfusion on the surface of acupoints related to the conception, thoroughfare, and governor vessels, and stomach, spleen, and bladder meridians in the abdomen and lumbosacral regions. The dynamic changes in microcirculation were calculated based on the difference in average blood flow perfusion at each acupoint before and after menstruation. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of dynamic changes in microcirculation on the surface of each acupoint. The microcirculation sensitization rate of acupoints was calculated. Results: Compared with the control group, the dynamic changes in microcirculation at the following acupoints in the primary dysmenorrhea group were increased (P<0.05): conception vessel (Yinjiao[CV7], Qihai[CV6], Shimen[CV5], Guanyuan[CV4]); left thoroughfare vessel (left Huangshu[KI16], left Zhongzhu[KI15], left Siman[KI14], left Qixue[KI13], left Dahe[KI12], left Henggu[KI11]); left stomach meridian (left Tianshu[ST25], left Wailing[ST26], left Qichong[ST30]); left spleen meridian (left Daheng[SP15], left Fujie[SP14]); right thoroughfare vessel (right Huangshu[KI16], right Zhongzhu[KI15], right Siman[KI14], right Qixue[KI13], right Dahe[KI12], right Henggu[KI11]); right stomach meridian (right Wailing[ST26], right Daju[ST27], right Shuidao[ST28], right Guilai[ST29], right Qichong[ST30]); and right spleen meridian (right Fujie[SP14]). The area under the ROC curve of conception vessel (Yinjiao[CV7], Qihai[CV6], Shimen[CV5], Guanyuan[CV4]), thoroughfare vessel (right Siman[KI14], left Huangshu[KI16], right Qixue[KI13], right Zhongzhu[KI15], right Dahe[KI12], left Zhongzhu[KI15], left Siman[KI14], right Huangshu[KI16], left Qixue[KI13], right Henggu[KI11], left Henggu[KI11], left Dahe[KI12]); stomach meridian (left Tianshu[ST25], right Guilai[ST29], left Wailing[ST26], right Shuidao[ST28], right Daju[ST27], right Wailing[ST26], right Qichong[ST30], left Qichong[ST30]), and spleen meridian (left Daheng[SP15], left Fujie[SP14], right Fujie[SP14]) was 0.610-0.682 (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the sensitization rate of some acupoints in the primary dysmenorrhea group increased (P<0.05). Conclusion With the onset of menstruation, the blood flow perfusion of some acupoints in the abdomen (thoroughfare, and conception vessels, and stomach and spleen meridians) of patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome increased, and the status of acupoints changed from a resting state to an active state. These acupoints are sensitive in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome and have a certain diagnostic efficacy, providing a basis for further analyzing the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion to treat primary dysmenorrhea with cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome.

HDAC7, a member of class IIa HDACs, plays a pivotal regulatory role in tumor, immune, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target. Nevertheless, due to the high similarity in the enzyme active sites of class IIa HDACs, inhibitors encounter challenges in discerning differences among them. Furthermore, the substitution of key residue in the active pocket of class IIa HDACs renders them pseudo-enzymes, leading to a limited impact of enzymatic inhibitors on their function. In this study, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology was employed to develop HDAC7 drugs. We developed an exceedingly selective HDAC7 PROTAC degrader B14 which showcased superior inhibitory effects on cell proliferation compared to TMP269 in various diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Subsequent investigations unveiled that B14 disrupts BCL6 forming a transcriptional inhibition complex by degrading HDAC7, thereby exerting proliferative inhibition in DLBCL. Our study broadened the understanding of the non-enzymatic functions of HDAC7 and underscored the importance of HDAC7 in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, particularly in DLBCL and AML.

Objectives:To compare the differences in three rat intervertebral disc degeneration(IDD)models constructed by needle injections of ethanol into the nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,and endplate,respectively.Methods:45 6-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups using a random number table method,with 15 rats in each group.Three different needle injection of ethanol methods including nucleus pulposus injection(nucleus pulposus injection group),annulus fibrosus injection(annulus fibrosus injection group),and endplate injection(endplate injection group)were used to construct IDD models at the Co6/7 intervertebral disc in rats.At 1,2,3,and 4 weeks post-modeling,3 rats from each group were randomly selected using a random number table for X-ray examination to measure and calculate the disc height index(DHI)of the Co6/7 in rats.Subsequently,rats were euthanized under excessive anesthesia,and the Co6/7 intervertebral disc along with adjacent vertebral bodies were harvested for hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining to observe degeneration,and the degeneration degree was histologically scored.Results:One rat in each of the nucleus pulposus injection group and annulus fibrosus injection group died unexpectedly due to anesthesia;In the endplate injection group,two rats died due to postoperative infection.At 1,2,3,and 4 weeks after modeling,3 rats were selected from each group of the remaining rats,and a total of 36 rats were included in the result analysis.The remaining rats were sacrificed by excessive anesthesia.One week after modeling,the Co6/7 DHI in each group was lower than that before modeling(Nucleus pulposus injection group:0.117±0.002 vs 0.134±0.005;Annulus fibrosus injection group:0.126±0.005 vs 0.133±0.005;Endplate injection group:0.127±0.002 vs 0.130±0.007,all P＜0.05),which gradually decreased over time.After modeling in each group,the annulus fibrosus broke,the arrangement of fibers gradually became disordered,the matrix and cells of the nucleus pulposus were gradually lost or even completely disappeared,the intervertebral discs gradually collapsed,and the intervertebral spaces gradually narrowed.The degeneration rate and degree of the nucleus pulposus injection group were faster and higher than those of the other two groups.Four weeks after modeling,the DHI of the nucleus pulposus injection group was 0.090±0.008,which was lower than that of the annulus fibrosus injection group(0.106±0.007,P＜0.05)and endplate injection group(0.109±0.000,P＜0.05);The histological score of the nucleus pulposus injection group was 10.00±0.82,which was higher than that of the annulus fibrosus injection group(9.00±1.41,P＜0.05)and endplate injection group(8.75±0.96,P＜0.05).Conclusions:The three needle injection of ethanol methods have their own unique characteristics for constructing IDD models.Nucleus pulposus injection induces the fastest and most severe degeneration,endplate injection leads to slower degeneration but is more in line with natural degeneration processes,and annulus fibrosus injection falls between the other two methods in terms of degeneration characteristics.

Objective To fabricate nanosilicate functionalized polycaprolactone(PCL/LAP)electrospun membrane and evaluate its role in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)-induced bone repairing.Methods The PCL/LAP electrospun membranes were fabricated via electrospinning technology and co-cultured with rat BMSCs.The cytocompatibility of the membranes was evaluated through cytoskeleton staining,live/dead cell staining and CCK-8 assay.The migration capacity of BMSCs was assessed using scratch assay,Transwell migration experiments and expression of migration-related genes(Pdgf and Tgfβ)was evaluated by qRT-PCR.The os-teogenic differentiation and pro-angiogenesis potential were determined by alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining,alizarin red staining,expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes(Alp,Col1a1,Runx2,Bglap and Bmp2)and angiogenesis-related genes(Angpt1,Fgf2 and Vegfa)along with RUNX2 protein expression.PCL and PCL/LAP electrospun membranes conditioned medium was subsequently used to stimulate vascular endothelial cells(EAhy926).The expression of angiogenesis-associated genes(KDR,ENOS and HIF1A)was quantified by qRT-PCR.Results BMSCs adhered well to the surface of the PCL/LAP membranes,with no significant impact on cell viability(P＞0.05).PCL/LAP membranes not only promoted the proliferation(P＜0.05),migration(P＜0.05),but also enhanced ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation(P＜0.05),increased osteogenic differentiation gene and protein expression(P＜0.05)of BMSCs.Moreover,PCL/LAP promoted the expression of angiogenic genes of BMSCs(P＜0.05),to indirectly regulate angiogenesis-related gene expression in vascular endothelial cells(P＜0.05).Conclusion PCL/LAP electrospun membranes exhibit excellent biocompatibility and can promote proliferation,migration,osteogenic differentiation and BMSC-mediated angiogenic differentiation,showing great potential for bone defect repairing as barrier membrane.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of ultrasound volume navigation (UVN) and that of O-arm navigation in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 29 patients with thoracolumbar vertebral fracture who had been treated with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation at Department Ⅰ of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital from January 2022 to June 2023. The patients were assigned into 2 groups according to different navigation methods. In group UVN of 17 cases, there were 14 males and 3 females with a mean age of 50.0 (44.0, 53.5) years, and the pedicle screw fixation was guided by UVN; in group O-arm of 12 cases, there were 10 males and 2 females with an age of (40.6±11.1) years, and the pedicle screw fixation was guided by O-arm navigation. The 2 groups were compared in terms of insertion time per screw, total dose of intraoperative radiation, radiation dose per screw, accuracy of screw placement, rate of facet joint violation, and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores for lumbar pain at postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the insertion time per screw between group UVN and group O-arm [(13.2±1.3) min versus (14.1±1.3) min] ( P>0.05). The total dose of intraoperative radiation and radiation dose per screw in group UVN [(1.80±0.54) mSv and (0.41±0.10) mSv] were significantly lower than those in group O-arm [(3.52±0.33) mSv and (0.85±0.11) mSv] ( P<0.05). The accuracy of screw placement and rate of facet joint violation in group UVN [94.7% (71/75) and 17.6% (3/17)] were not significantly different from those in group O-arm [92.2% (47/51) and 8.3% (1/12)]] ( P>0.05). The VAS score at postoperative 1 month in group UVN [4.0 (3.5, 5.0) points] was significantly lower than that in group O-arm [5.0 (5.0, 6.0) points] ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in the VAS pain scores at postoperative 3 and 6 months ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, screw placement guided by UVN is as time-saving, intuitive, and accurate as that guided by O-arm navigation. However, UVN is better than O-arm navigation in radiation avoidance and pain relief.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of ultrasound volume navigation (UVN) and that of O-arm navigation in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 29 patients with thoracolumbar vertebral fracture who had been treated with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation at Department Ⅰ of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital from January 2022 to June 2023. The patients were assigned into 2 groups according to different navigation methods. In group UVN of 17 cases, there were 14 males and 3 females with a mean age of 50.0 (44.0, 53.5) years, and the pedicle screw fixation was guided by UVN; in group O-arm of 12 cases, there were 10 males and 2 females with an age of (40.6±11.1) years, and the pedicle screw fixation was guided by O-arm navigation. The 2 groups were compared in terms of insertion time per screw, total dose of intraoperative radiation, radiation dose per screw, accuracy of screw placement, rate of facet joint violation, and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores for lumbar pain at postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the insertion time per screw between group UVN and group O-arm [(13.2±1.3) min versus (14.1±1.3) min] ( P>0.05). The total dose of intraoperative radiation and radiation dose per screw in group UVN [(1.80±0.54) mSv and (0.41±0.10) mSv] were significantly lower than those in group O-arm [(3.52±0.33) mSv and (0.85±0.11) mSv] ( P<0.05). The accuracy of screw placement and rate of facet joint violation in group UVN [94.7% (71/75) and 17.6% (3/17)] were not significantly different from those in group O-arm [92.2% (47/51) and 8.3% (1/12)]] ( P>0.05). The VAS score at postoperative 1 month in group UVN [4.0 (3.5, 5.0) points] was significantly lower than that in group O-arm [5.0 (5.0, 6.0) points] ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in the VAS pain scores at postoperative 3 and 6 months ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, screw placement guided by UVN is as time-saving, intuitive, and accurate as that guided by O-arm navigation. However, UVN is better than O-arm navigation in radiation avoidance and pain relief.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and accuracy of ultrasound volume navigation (UVN) combined with X-ray fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw implantation through a prospective randomized controlled study. METHODS: Patients with thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures scheduled for percutaneous pedicle screw fixation between January 2022 and January 2023 were enrolled. Among them, 60 patients met the selection criteria and were included in the study. There were 28 males and 32 females, with an average age of 49.5 years (range, 29-60 years). The cause of injury included 20 cases of traffic accidents, 21 cases of falls, 17 cases of slips, and 2 cases of heavy object impact. The interval from injury to hospital admission ranged from 1 to 5 days (mean, 1.57 days). The fracture located at T ₁₂ in 15 cases, L ₁ in 20 cases, L ₂ in 19 cases, and L ₃ in 6 cases. The study used each patient as their own control, randomly guiding pedicle screw implantation using UVN combined with X-ray fluoroscopy on one side of the vertebral body and the adjacent segment (trial group), while the other side was implanted under X-ray fluoroscopy (control group). A total of 4 screws and 2 rods were implanted in each patient. The implantation time and fluoroscopy frequency during implantation of each screw, angle deviation and distance deviation between actual and preoperative planned trajectory by imaging examination, and the occurrence of zygapophysial joint invasion were recorded. RESULTS: In terms of screw implantation time, fluoroscopy frequency, angle deviation, distance deviation, and incidence of zygapophysial joint invasion, the trial group showed superior results compared to the control group, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION UVN combined with X-ray fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw implantation can yreduce screw implantation time, adjust dynamically, reduce operational difficulty, and reduce radiation damage.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Pedicle Screws ; Prospective Studies ; X-Rays ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Fluoroscopy/methods* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/injuries*

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of O-arm navigation and ultrasound volume navigation (UVN) in guiding screw placement during minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent MIS-TLIF surgery for lumbar disc herniation between June 2022 and June 2023 and met the selection criteria were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to group A (screw placement guided by UVN during MIS-TLIF) or group B (screw placement guided by O-arm navigation during MIS-TLIF), with 30 cases in each group. There was no significant difference in baseline data, including gender, age, body mass index, and surgical segment, between the two groups ( P>0.05). Intraoperative data, including average single screw placement time, total radiation dose, and average single screw effective radiation dose, were recorded and calculated. Postoperatively, X-ray film and CT scans were performed at 10 days to evaluate screw placement accuracy and assess facet joint violation. Pearson correlation and Spearman correlation analyses were used to observe the relationship between the studied parameters (average single screw placement time and screw placement accuracy grading) and BMI. RESULTS: The average single screw placement time in group B was significantly shorter than that in group A, and the total radiation dose of single segment and multi-segment and the average single screw effective radiation dose in group B were significantly higher than those in group A ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the total radiation dose between single segment and multiple segments in group B ( P>0.05), while the total radiation dose of multiple segments was significantly higher than that of single segment in group A ( P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the accuracy of screw implantation between the two groups ( P>0.05). In both groups, the grade 1 and grade 2 screws broke through the outer wall of the pedicle, and no screw broke through the inner wall of the pedicle. There was no significant difference in the rate of facet joint violation between the two groups ( P>0.05). In group A, both the average single screw placement time and screw placement accuracy grading were positively correlated with BMI ( r=0.677, P<0.001; r=0.222, P=0.012), while in group B, neither of them was correlated with BMI ( r=0.224, P=0.233; r=0.034, P=0.697). CONCLUSION UVN-guided screw placement in MIS-TLIF surgery demonstrates comparable efficiency, visualization, and accuracy to O-arm navigation, while significantly reducing radiation exposure. However, it may be influenced by factors such as obesity, which poses certain limitations.
Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Pedicle Screws ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fusion ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome