1.Comparison of multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion utilizing zero-profile self-locking cages versus the cage-with-plate system: a 5-year-minimum follow-up study
Haoyu HE ; Zhiwei YANG ; Lini DONG ; Ou ZHANG ; Yunlong LIAO ; Changyu PAN ; Lei KUANG
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(1):20-33
Methods:
Sixty-two patients (2014–2019) were divided into the SC (n=32) and PC (n=30) groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score, and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Radiological parameters, including cervical lordosis (CL), fused segment angle (FSA), and disc height (DH), were assessed. Cage subsidence, adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), and other complications were also documented. The relationship between postoperative radiological changes and symptoms was also analyzed.
Results:
Both groups showed significant improvement in symptoms, with fusion achieved in all surgical segments. The SC group had a shorter operative time and reduced intraoperative blood loss. However, the SC group had a higher subsidence rate (16.7% vs. 5.6%, p=0.017). The PC group maintained better cervical alignment in terms of CL, FSA, and DH (p<0.05), with an increased incidence of dysphagia and ASD (p<0.05). Spearman correlation analyses showed that neither CL nor FSA loss at the 5-year follow-up was significantly associated with improvements in the mJOA, VAS, and NDI scores (p>0.05) in either group. Regression analyses indicated that subsidence or loss of lordosis did not correlate with the degree of postoperative symptoms (p<0.05).
Conclusions
Both SC and PC achieved sustained pain relief, neurological improvement, and solid fusion in three-level ACDF at the 5-year follow-up. SC demonstrated significant advantages in reducing dysphagia and ASD, while PC better maintained cervical alignment and segmental stability. Patient-specific factors should be used to guide implant selection. Further multicenter studies are required to validate these findings.
2.Clinical effects of posterior approach vertebral column resection osteotomy combined with titanium mesh bone-graft fusion and internal fixation in the treatment of special type stage IIIb Kummell disease
Yunlong JIAO ; Ying GUO ; Meng ZHANG ; Xiaowei GUO ; Yulin PAN ; Huaishuan ZHANG ; Wei SHEN ; Wei MEI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(9):588-595
Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of posterior approach vertebral column resection (VCR) osteotomy combined with titanium mesh bone-graft fusion and internal fixation for the treatment of special type stage IIIb Kummell disease.Methods:Twelve patients (3 males, 9 females) diagnosed with special type stage IIIb Kummell disease at Zhengzhou Orthopedics Hospital between October 2015 and June 2021 were enrolled. The mean age was 59.1±5.6 years (range, 53-67 years). All patients underwent VCR osteotomy, pedicle screw fixation, and posterior bone-graft fusion using titanium mesh. Preoperative and postoperative outcomes were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading, Cobb angle correction, and bone graft fusion rate. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also recorded.Results:All surgeries were completed successfully. The average follow-up duration was 11.6±1.8 months (range, 10-13 months). Significant improvements were observed in VAS scores, ODI, JOA scores, and Cobb angles at both two weeks postoperatively and at the final follow-up ( P<0.05), with no significant differences between the two time points ( P>0.05). The final recovery rates were 79.5% for VAS score, 73.2% for ODI, 72.1% for JOA score, and 77.3% for Cobb angle correction. Neurological function showed marked improvement. One patient developed delayed incision healing due to fat liquefaction but recovered following physical therapy. The remaining 11 patients experienced uneventful wound healing without infection or internal fixation loosening. One patient developed postoperative deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs, which resolved with drug therapy. Conclusion:Posterior approach VCR combined with titanium mesh bone-graft fusion and internal fixation provides an effective surgical option for stage IIIb Kummell disease characterized by fractured vertebral bodies with only the broken upper and lower endplates remaining.
3.A Monte Carlo simulation-based study of 235U distribution effect on lung counter detection efficiency
Jie LIU ; Yunlong JI ; Xu XU ; Xiaomin ZHANG ; Dawei LI ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Jing NING
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(3):223-228
Objective:To investigate the effect of nuclide distribution with time from the in vivo metabolism based on measurement of radioactive contamination using lung counting method. Methods:The distribution of nuclides in the body with time was calculated on a basis of a single inhalation of aerosols containing 235U and the International Commission of Radiological Protection(ICRP) nuclide metabolism compartment model. A passive efficiency calibration of the lung counter, was performed using the simulation and calculation software Geant4 to obtain the contribution of the tissue or organs of interest to the lung counter, and to investigate the effect of the nuclide distribution on the lung counting method. Results:The time elapsed after inhalation of radionuclides, as well as their physicochemical state, has the effect on their distribution in the body and on the detection efficiency of the lung counter. Radionuclides with smaller particulate sizes have a higher initial retention in the lungs, and those with an activity median aerodynamic diameter (ADAM) of 1 μm contributed more fraction to the lung counter than those with an ADAM of 5 μm. F-type compounds were metabolized more rapidly by the respiratory system, and after 8 h of ingestion, nuclides were distributed in the lungs. F-type compounds were metabolized in the respiratory system at a relatively fast rate, and 8 h after inhalation, the fraction of nuclides retained in the lung contributed no more than 30% to the lung counter. Within 3 d after ingestion of M-type and S-type compounds, radioactive particulats largely deposites in the nasopharyngeal region. With biological metabolization and clearance, the fraction contributed by lung to counter is in rising, and the fraction to the lung counter typically remained larger than 80% after 3 d.Conclusions:Radionuclide metabolization in the body varies with their physicochemical properties and measurement time and site. For estimating internal contamination, consideration should be given to the distribution of nuclides, in order to avoid the overestimation.
4.Blood glucose fluctuations are associated with the onset of gestational hypertension in gestational diabetes mellitus patients
Rui WANG ; Yuping ZHANG ; Rui LI ; Yunlong LI ; Yuan LI ; Yuan ZHANG ; Yanping LIU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(5):664-670
Objective To identify the impact of glucose variability(GV)on the development of gestational hyper-tension(GH)in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM),and to find the differences between various GV metrics as well as to evaluate their predictive value in management strategy development.Methods A total of 127 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM were included in this study.After the diagnosis of GDM,continuous glu-cose monitoring(CGM)and blood pressure measurements were performed,and the occurrence of gestational hyper-tensive disorders was recorded.Indices of glucose variability were calculated using an automated software EasyGV version 9.0.Results The results revealed an association between gestational hypertension and glucose variability in GDM patients.Among the study participants,2 cases(1.6%)were diagnosed with preeclampsia and 9 cases(7.1%)were diagnosed with gestational hypertension.TBR%(time below range)showed a significantly negative correlation with diastolic blood pressure at 29-32 weeks of gestation and with both diastolic and systolic blood pres-sure during delivery.TIR%(time in range)showed a negative correlation with the rate of change in systolic blood pressure between two prenatal visits.CONGA(continuous overlapping net glycemic action)emerged as an inde-pendent predictor of gestational hypertension(OR:3.648;95%CI:1.046,12.721;P=0.042).When CONGA exceeded 4.856,the risk of gestational hypertension in GDM patients increased.Conclusions Blood glucose varia-tion is an independent factor affecting the occurrence of pregnancy-induced hypertension in GDM women.This study suggests new targets for the use and management of CGM in pregnant women with GDM.For GDM patients at high risk of hypertensive disease during pregnancy,blood glucose should be kept at a reasonable and stable level.
5.MiR-1-3p inhibits mitophagy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting SLC7A11
Shuman ZHEN ; Haoran ZHANG ; Jiaxin SI ; Jiaqi WANG ; Yan ZHAO ; Yunlong JIA ; Lihua LIU
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(7):645-656
Objective:To investigate the effect of miR-1-3p on mitophagy in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells and the related mechanisms.Methods:The differentially expressed miRNAs in ESCC were screened using the GEO database. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to measure miR-1-3p expression in normal esophageal epithelial cells (HET-1A) and ESCC cell lines (TE1, KYSE30, KYSE150, KYSE410, Eca109). Bioinformatics tools were utilized to predict target genes of miR-1-3p, subcellular localization was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The targeting relationship between miR-1-3p and SLC7A11 was validated using dual-luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by CCK8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Furthermore, experimental validation demonstrated that overexpression of SLC7A11 rescued the presence of the miR-1-3p/SLC7A11 axis. Confocal microscopy was used to detect changes in mitochondrial autophagic lysosomes, while transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe mitophagy and morphological alterations. Western blot was conducted to evaluate the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3 and P62. Flow cytometry was used to measure mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Immunohistochemistry was applied to assess SLC7A11 expression in 133 ESCC patient tissues and 115 normal esophageal epithelial tissues. The correlation between SLC7A11 expression level and clinicopathological features was analyzed. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used for multivariate analysis.Results:The expression of miR-1-3p in ESCC cells was significantly lower than that in HET-1A cells ( P<0.05). SLC7A11 was a target gene of miR-1-3p. Transfection of miR-1-3p mimic inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells. CCK-8 assay results showed that the proliferative capacity of KYSE30 and KYSE410 cells in the miR-1-3p mimic group (absorbance values: 2.88±0.24 and 2.88±0.18, respectively) was significantly lower than that in the miRNA mimic negative control (NC) group (3.94±0.27, P<0.001; 4.20±0.21, P<0.001). Meanwhile, the proliferative capacity of KYSE30 and KYSE410 cells in the miR-1-3p mimic+SLC7A11-overexpression (OE) group (absorbance values: 3.57±0.15 and 3.60±0.13, respectively) was significantly higher than that in the miR-1-3p mimic +empty vector (EV) group (2.54±0.10, P<0.001, 2.36±0.16, P<0.001). Additionally, transfection of miR-1-3p mimic promoted apoptosis. Flow cytometry results demonstrated that the apoptosis rates of KYSE30 and KYSE410 cells in the miR-1-3p mimic group [(9.22±0.05)% and (6.55±0.37)%, respectively] were significantly higher than those in the miRNA mimic NC group [(0.81±0.17)%, P<0.001); (1.04±0.12)%, P<0.001]. Conversely, the apoptosis rates of KYSE30 and KYSE410 cells in the miR-1-3p mimic + SLC7A11-OE group [(0.73±0.04)% and (1.19±0.05)%, respectively] were significantly lower than those in the miR-1-3p mimic+EV group [(9.83±0.41)%, P<0.001); (6.09±0.17)%, P<0.00)]. MiR-1-3p mimic downregulated SLC7A11 protein expression and the LC3Ⅱ/LC3I ratio ( P<0.05), upregulated P62 protein expression ( P<0.05), this phenomenon can be rescued by overexpressing SLC7A11 ( P<0.05). Additionally, miR-1-3p mimic increased ROS levels and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 aggregate/monomer ratio), this phenomenon can be rescued by overexpressing SLC7A11 ( P<0.05). SLC7A11 expression was higher in ESCC tissues compared to normal esophageal epithelial tissues ( P<0.001), and SLC7A11 serves as an independent prognostic factor in ESCC ( HR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.27-3.65, P=0.004). Conclusion:miR-1-3p inhibits mitophagy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting SLC7A11.
6.Exploration of the pathogenesis and treatment of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis secondary to systemic sclerosis based on the theory of sanjiao membranous channels
Yunlong SUN ; Xiaomei ZHANG ; Tianshu YANG ; Yanni LI ; Mengqian LI ; Yuxin LAI ; Xinlei TAN ; Liangduo JIANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(5):646-651
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune rheumatic disease that often leads to multisystem diseases,frequently resulting in pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.According to the theory of sanjiao(triple energizers)membranous channels,sanjiao connects the five zang-organs and six fu-viscera internally and the skin,muscles,and bones externally.It serves as a four-way membranous channel that connects internal organs and external structures,linking with the micromembranes of organs and blood vessels.The pathogenesis of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis secondary to systemic sclerosis involves external cold obstructing the skin and interstitial layers,impairing the defense qi and defense yang,which originate in the essence of the kidney.This leads to weak defensive qi and kidney deficiency,causing stagnation in sanjiao's energy flow and disruption of water and gasification and loss of fluid,resulting in accumulation of dampness,phlegm,and blood stasis.These obstructive factors spread along sanjiao's membranous channels,leading to multiorgan micromembrane involvement and systemic damage.The lungs,which are in direct contact with the external environment,are particularly susceptible to invasion by external pathogens.When combined with stagnation of dampness,phlegm,and blood in the lungs,this leads to secondary pulmonary fibrosis,resulting in lung dysfunction.Continuous stagnation of sanjiao exacerbates the overall condition of the patient,leading to a mixed cold-heat imbalance.Treatment focuses on"unblocking,transforming,and regulating"to restore sanjiao function,promote qi and fluid circulation,invigorate blood,and adjust the cold-heat imbalance,ultimately restoring the overall condition of the patient.
7.Randomized controlled clinical study of Yifei Sanjie Decoction in the treatment of multiple pulmonary nodules
Mengqian LI ; Xiaomei ZHANG ; Baozhong LI ; Yuxin LAI ; Yanni LI ; Tianshu YANG ; Xinlei TAN ; Yunlong SUN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(11):1519-1530
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Yifei Sanjie Decoction in the treatment of multiple pulmonary nodules.Methods A prospective randomized controlled clinical study was conducted to select 189 patients with multiple pulmonary nodules who saught medical attention at the Pulmonary Nodule Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2023 to March 2025.According to the random number table method,126 cases were randomly divided into the trial group and 63 cases in the blank control group at a ratio of 2∶1.The trial group was treated with modified Yifei Sanjie Decoction,and the blank control group was only followed up without intervention.The course of treatment was 3 months.The patients in the two groups were reexamined with lung CT after 3 months.The efficacy was evaluated by the area reduction rate of the major pulmonary nodules and the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules in patients with multiple pulmonary nodules combined with the average diameter and malignant signs.According to the property of the major pulmonary nodules,we divided the patients into ground glass,solid,and mixed ground glass subgroups to evaluate the efficacy of different types of pulmonary nodules.We evaluated the change of malignant risk of pulmonary nodules according to the change of Mayo score.We evaluated the safety of the treatment medicine by blood routine,urine routine,and liver and kidney function.Results A total of 175 patients completed the study,117 in the trial group and 58 in the blank control group.The total effective rates of the major pulmonary nodules and the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules in the trial group were 41.03%and 42.74%,respectively,the total effective rate of nodule number change was 29.91%which were significantly higher than those in the blank control group(P<0.05).In the trial group,the total effective rates of the major pulmonary nodules in the ground glass(72 cases),solid(28 cases),and mixed ground glass(17 cases)subgroups were 40.28%,32.14%,and 58.82%,respectively,the total effective rates of the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules were 38.89%,42.86%,and 58.82%,respectively,which were significantly higher than those in corresponding subgroups of ground glass(37 cases),solid(14 cases),and mixed ground glass(7 cases)of the blank control(P<0.05).After treatment,the average diameter,area,and Mayo score of the major pulmonary nodules and the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules in the trial group were significantly lower than those in the blank control group and before treatment(P<0.05),the average diameter,area,and Mayo score of the major pulmonary nodules and the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules in the ground glass,solid,and mixed ground glass subgroups were lower than those in corresponding subgroups of the blank control group,and significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).The number of nodules and malignant signs in the trial group were lower than before,while those in the blank control group were higher than before.There were no serious adverse events in the two groups during the study.Conclusion Yifei Sanjie Decoction can effectively treat the major pulmonary nodules and the cumulative multiple pulmonary nodules in patients with multiple pulmonary nodules,reduce the average diameter and area of nodules,reduce the Mayo score,and reduce the malignant signs and number of nodules.In the ground glass,solid,and mixed ground glass groups,the curative effect is well,and the safety is high,it can be used for the clinical treatment of multiple pulmonary nodules.
8.Risk factors associated with non-radiographic bone erosion in patients with gout
Wei LIU ; Wen GUO ; Zhe GUO ; Chunyan LI ; Yunlong LI ; Siqi LIU ; Liang ZHANG ; Hui SONG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(4):735-739
Objective:To analyze the factors associated with non-radiographic bone erosion in gout pa-tients,to improve the understanding of bone erosion in gout,and to promote the early detection of bone erosion.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of gout patients treated at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2018 to January 2022.Bone erosion was detectable by ultra-sound but not detected by X-ray as non-radiographic bone erosion;no bone erosion was detected by both ultrasound and joint X-ray as undetected bone erosion.A case-control study was used,and the two groups were matched 1∶2 according to age and sex.The differences between the two groups were com-pared in terms of general information,joint involvement characteristics,laboratory indicators and compli-cations.In the univariate analysis,P<0.1 was included in the multivariate analysis,and the conditional Logistic regression was used for the multivariate analysis.P<0.05 was considered to have statistically significant differences.Results:Among the 41 patients with non-radiographic bone erosion,the top three joints with bone erosion before its occurrence were metatarsophalangeal joint(12 cases),ankle(10 ca-ses),and knee(7 cases).There were 82 patients undetected with bone erosion.There were no signifi-cant differences in general information between the two groups(P>0.05),including age,gender,body mass index,and alcohol consumption history.The characteristics of affected joints in the non-radio-graphic bone erosion group were compared with those in the no bone erosion detected,and the former had more affected joints(P=0.02),and a higher proportion of patients with at least 3 attacks of gout per year(P<0.001).There were no significant differences in serum uric acid,fasting blood glucose,cholesterol,triglycerides,low-density lipoprotein,high-density lipoprotein,creatinine,homocysteine,white blood cell count,and urine pH between the two groups(P>0.05).The results of multivariate analysis showed that at least 3 flares of gout per year was an independent risk factor for radiologically negative bone erosion in patients with gout,with an OR(95%CI)of 5.139(1.529-17.271).Conclusion:At least 3 flares of gout per year predicts the occurrence of radiologically negative bone erosion,and these patients should be given more attention to achieving treatment targets.
9.Mitochondrial carrier homolog 2 promotes CAL-27 cell metastasis by regu-lating mitochondrial function
Shen ZHENG ; Hui LIU ; Ran WU ; Yunlong DENG ; Qiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(7):1308-1316
AIM:To investigate the impact of mitochondrial carrier homologous protein 2(MTCH2)on the metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.METHODS:Human tongue squamous cell carcinoma CAL-27 cells were selected as the study model.An MTCH2 inhibition and overexpression model was established using small interfering RNA(siRNA)technology and overexpression plasmids.Based on the experimental design,cells were categorized into the following groups:siRNA negative control(siRNA-NC)group,MTCH2 siRNA(siRNA-MTCH2)group,empty vector(OE-NC)group,and MTCH2 overexpression(OE-MTCH2)group.Transwell as-says and wound healing assays were conducted to assess the invasion and migration capabilities of cells in each group.The morphological changes and distribution of actin microfilaments were examined using a red fluorescent probe.The mito-chondrial membrane potential was evaluated using a mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit.The levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)were measured using a ROS detection kit.Adenosine triphosphate(ATP)production levels were assessed with an ATP detection kit.The protein expression levels of MTCH2 and matrix metalloproteinase 14(MMP14)were analyzed through cell fluorescence and Western blot techniques.RESULTS:The number of invasive cells in the siRNA-MTCH2 group was significantly reduced,and the cell migration rate was notably decreased.Conversely,the OE-MTCH2 group exhibited a significant increase in both the number of invasive cells and the cell migration rate(P<0.01).The fluorescence intensity of F-actin and MTCH2 in the siRNA-MTCH2 group was significantly diminished,while these in-tensities were markedly elevated in the OE-MTCH2 group(P<0.01).The ROS levels in the siRNA-MTCH2 group were significantly higher than those in the siRNA-NC group,whereas the levels of ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly lower.Conversely,the ROS levels in the OE-MTCH2 group were significantly lower than those in the OE-NC group,with corresponding increases in ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.01).The expres-sion levels of MTCH2 and MMP14 proteins in the siRNA-MTCH2 group were significantly lower than those in the siRNA-NC group,while the OE-MTCH2 group showed significantly higher expression levels compared to the OE-NC group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The MTCH2 is associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma and may facili-tate the metastasis of CAL-27 cells by regulating mitochondrial function and MMP14 protein expression.Therefore,MTCH2 may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of oral cancer.
10.Research progress on the pre-treatment and engineering modification of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in chronic wound repair
Yunlong LI ; Xi HUANG ; Yanbiao ZHANG ; Hongfei DONG ; Wei XUE ; Bo HUANG ; Xianhui LI
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(5):534-542
In recent years, studies have demonstrated that exosomes can replace mesenchymal stem cell for chronic wound repair. However, exosomes have some problems such as poor targeting, low availability and low yield, which collectively limit their therapeutic efficacy in chronic wound treatment. Maximizing the therapeutic benefits of exosomes is the primary challenge that needs to be overcome when used for chronic wound repair. Studies have shown that the treatment potential of exosomes can be further developed by pretreatment and engineering modification of exosomes. This article reviewed the research progress of exosome pretreatment and engineering modification in chronic wound repair, and provided reference for subsequent research and clinical application.

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