1.Unveiling and Validating a Modified Method to Assess Cervical Sagittal Alignment as an Effective Substitute for Conventional C2-7 Cobb Angle
Wenpeng LI ; Qiwei WANG ; Qiancheng ZHAO ; Ziliang ZENG ; Xumin HU ; Xin LV ; Liangbin GAO
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(1):130-137
Background:
Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study.
Methods:
The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes.
Results:
The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women.
Conclusions
The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.
2.Unveiling and Validating a Modified Method to Assess Cervical Sagittal Alignment as an Effective Substitute for Conventional C2-7 Cobb Angle
Wenpeng LI ; Qiwei WANG ; Qiancheng ZHAO ; Ziliang ZENG ; Xumin HU ; Xin LV ; Liangbin GAO
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(1):130-137
Background:
Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study.
Methods:
The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes.
Results:
The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women.
Conclusions
The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.
3.Unveiling and Validating a Modified Method to Assess Cervical Sagittal Alignment as an Effective Substitute for Conventional C2-7 Cobb Angle
Wenpeng LI ; Qiwei WANG ; Qiancheng ZHAO ; Ziliang ZENG ; Xumin HU ; Xin LV ; Liangbin GAO
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(1):130-137
Background:
Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study.
Methods:
The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes.
Results:
The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women.
Conclusions
The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.
4.Unveiling and Validating a Modified Method to Assess Cervical Sagittal Alignment as an Effective Substitute for Conventional C2-7 Cobb Angle
Wenpeng LI ; Qiwei WANG ; Qiancheng ZHAO ; Ziliang ZENG ; Xumin HU ; Xin LV ; Liangbin GAO
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(1):130-137
Background:
Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study.
Methods:
The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes.
Results:
The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women.
Conclusions
The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.
5.Progress in the application of PET related imaging omics in urogenital system tumors
Xiaoyan XIAO ; Wenpeng HUANG ; Liming LI ; Jianbo GAO
Journal of Chinese Physician 2024;26(5):793-797
Imaging omics can predict disease evolution, progression, and treatment response by extracting high-dimensional quantitative features from medical imaging. Positron emission tomography (PET) related imaging omics has been a research hotspot in recent years, and its application in urogenital system tumors is rapidly increasing. This article provides a review of the research progress on the application of PET related imaging omics in urogenital system tumors, and discusses the existing challenges and future prospects, in order to provide reference for further clinical application research.
6.Increased risk of subsequent primary lung cancer among female hormone-related cancer patients: A meta-analysis based on over four million cases
Yan WANG ; Wenpeng SONG ; Haoyu WANG ; Guonian ZHU ; Yangqian LI ; Zhoufeng WANG ; Weimin LI ; Guowei CHE
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(15):1790-1801
Background::The incidence rate of lung cancer in women has significantly increased over the past decade, and previous evidence has indicated a significant relationship between the elevated levels of sex hormones and the risk of lung cancer. Therefore, we hypothesized that female hormone-related cancer (FHRC) patients, including breast, endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancer patients, may experience a higher risk of developing subsequent lung cancer. This meta-analysis aimed to identify the risk of lung cancer among FHRC patients compared to the general population.Methods::The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases were searched up to May 11, 2022. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to identify the risk of subsequent lung cancer after FHRC. Subgroup analyses based on the follow-up time and tumor type were also conducted.Results::A total of 58 retrospective cohort studies involving 4,360,723 FHRC participants were included. The pooled results demonstrated that FHRC patients had a significantly increased risk of developing subsequent primary lung cancer (SIR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.48-1.76, P <0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed an obvious trend of increasing lung cancer risk over time (SIRs for <5 years, ≥5 years, ≥10 years, ≥20 years, and ≥30 years after FHRC: 1.32, 1.59, 1.57, 1.68, and 1.95, respectively). In addition, subgroup analysis stratified by tumor type indicated an increased risk of developing subsequent lung cancer after breast (SIR = 1.25, P <0.001), endometrial (SIR = 1.40, P = 0.019), cervical (SIR = 2.56, P <0.001), and ovarian cancer (SIR = 1.50, P = 0.010). Conclusion::FHRC patients are more likely to develop lung cancer than the general population. Furthermore, the increased risk of subsequent primary lung cancer is more obvious with a longer survival time and is observed in all types of hormone-related cancer.Registration::International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols: No. INPLASY202270044; https://inplasy.com/
7.Long-term efficacy analysis of salvage re-irradiation therapy for patients with locally recurrent esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy
Guangbin GAO ; Chen ZHENG ; Qihui LI ; Qing LIU ; Wenpeng JIAO ; Yajing WU ; Yunjie CHENG ; Chang ZHAI ; Yueping LIU ; Jun WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(8):711-718
Objective:To analyze clinical features, short-term efficacy and side effects of salvage re-irradiation therapy for patients with locally recurrent esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy, to investigate the prognostic factors of re-irradiation with precise radiotherapy techniques.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with locally recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after definitive chemoradiotherapy treated in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2008 to December 2016. The patients underwent re-irradiation therapy (re-RT) or re-irradiation therapy concurrent chemotherapy (re-CCRT). The main observation index was after-recurrence survival (ARS), which was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method for survival analysis. Univariate analysis was conducted by log-rank test, and multivariate analysis was performed by Cox regression model.Results:A total of 109 patients were included, with a median age of 66 years (43-89 years), and a median follow-up time of 120.8 months (79.0-176.5 months). The objective response rates (ORR) and dysphagia improvement rates (DIR) in all patients were 64.2% and 63.0%, respectively. The median ARS and 1-, 3-, 5-, 8-year survival rates in all patients were 7.8 months and 32.1%, 9.2%, 7.3% and 2.3%, respectively. The median ARS and 1-, 3-, 5-years survival rates were 10.8 months and 45.9%, 13.5%, 10.8% for patients with time to recurrence (TTR) ≥24 months, significantly longer than those of 5.7 months and 25.0%, 6.9%, 5.6% for patients with TTR<24 months ( χ2=7.99, P=0.005). The median ARS in groups with re-irradiation dose of ≤50 Gy,>50-54 Gy, and>54 Gy groups were 5.7, 10.0 and 8.1 months, respectively ( χ2=6.94, P=0.031). The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 30.4%, 5.1%, and 3.8% for re-RT versus 36.7%, 20.0%, and 16.7% for re-CCRT ( χ2=2.12, P=0.145). Multivariate analysis showed that TTR ( HR=0.607, 95% CI=0.372-0.991, P=0.046) and lesion length ( HR=0.603, 95% CI=0.371-0.982, P=0.042) were the independent factors for ARS. There was no significant difference in ≥2 grade pneumonitis and 2-3 grade radiation esophagitis between the re-RT and re-CCRT groups ( χ2=0.25, P=0.619; χ2=0.51, P=0.808). The morbidity of ≥2 grade myelosuppression in the re-RT group was significantly lower than that in the re-CCRT group (3.7% vs. 36.7%, χ2=18.15, P<0.001). Conclusions:Precise re-irradiation therapy for patients with locally recurrent esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy can alleviate dysphagia, but ARS remains poor. Re-irradiation dose range from>50-54 Gy may be suitable for locally relapse patients as salvage treatment. Patients with TTR≥24 months and lesion length ≤5 cm obtain favorable prognosis.
8.High-precision transcranial direct current stimulation improving prospective memory deficits in patients with schizophrenia
Qi WANG ; Hang LI ; Wenpeng HOU ; Fuchun ZHOU ; Chuanyue WANG
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2024;23(8):792-798
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of high-precision transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC) in prospective memory (PM) deficits in patients with schizophrenia.Methods:A total of 38 schizophrenia patients with PM deficits admitted to Outpatient Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Anding Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from March 2022 to March 2023 were included and divided into true stimulus group ( n=19) and pseudo-stimulus group ( n=19) by random envelope method. Two mA stimulation current intensity with duration of 20 min was given to the true stimulus group, and same stimulation current intensity with duration of 40 s was given to the pseudo-stimulus group twice daily for 5 d. PM function was assessed by Cued Unfocused Laboratory Prospective Memory Task before and 1 week after stimulation, cognitive function and severity of clinical symptoms were evaluated by Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and Chinese version of MATRICS consensus cognition test (MCCB). Safety was assessed by tDCS adverse reaction questionnaire at the end of stimulation. Results:The time (before and 1 week after stimulation) and group interactions of PM trial accuracy and PM trial response time between the two groups were not significantly different ( P>0.05). Compared with that before stimulation, the PM trial accuracy 1 week after stimulation was significantly improved in the true stimulus group ([0.38±0.22] % vs. [0.57±0.28] %, P<0.05). No significant difference in PM trial accuracy ([0.56±0.25] % vs. [0.67±0.25] %) or PM trial response time ([2 216.46±570.03] ms vs. [2 059.59±378.41] ms) between before and 1 week after stimulation was noted in the pseudo-stimulus group ( P>0.05). In terms of severity of clinical symptoms and cognitive function, no significant difference in PANSS or MCCB scores were noted between the true stimulus group and pseudo-stimulus group 1 week after treatment ( P>0.05); no significant difference was noted between the two groups in time (before and 1 week after stimulation) and group interaction of all indexes ( P>0.05). In terms of adverse reactions, compared with the pseudo-stimulus group, the true stimulus group had significantly higher score of "skin redness" ( P<0.05); no significant differences in scores of other adverse reactions were noted between the two groups ( P>0.05). No serious adverse events occurred in all patients. Conclusion:In this study, no positive results have been found in improving PM deficits in patients with schizophrenia with high-precision tDCS targeting aPFC, but existing results suggest an improved trend, which can provide preliminary evidence for subsequent large-sample clinical trials to improve PM deficits in schizophrenia.
9.Multilevel Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for Correction of Thoracolumbar Kyphosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Clinical Effect and Biomechanical Evaluation
Xin LV ; Yelidana NUERTAI ; Qiwei WANG ; Di ZHANG ; Xumin HU ; Jiabao LIU ; Ziliang ZENG ; Renyuan HUANG ; Zhihao HUANG ; Qiancheng ZHAO ; Wenpeng LI ; Zhilei ZHANG ; Liangbin GAO
Neurospine 2024;21(1):231-243
Objective:
To compare the clinical outcomes and biomechanical characteristics of 1-, 2-, and 3-level pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), and establish selection criteria based on preoperative radiographic parameters.
Methods:
Patients undergone PSO to treat ankylosing spondylitis from February 2009 to May 2019 in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled. According to the quantity of osteotomy performed, the participants were divided into group A (1-level PSO, n = 24), group B (2-level PSO, n = 19), and group C (3-level PSO, n = 11). Clinical outcomes were assessed before surgery and at the final follow-up. Comparisons of the radiographic parameters and quality-of-life indicators were performed among and within these groups, and the selection criteria were established by regression. Finite element analysis was conducted to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the spine treated with different quantity of osteotomies under different working conditions.
Results:
Three-level PSO improved the sagittal parameters more significantly, but resulted in longer operative time and greater blood loss (p < 0.05). Greater stress was found in the proximal screws and proximal junction area of the vertebra in the model simulating 1-level PSO. Larger stress of screws and vertebra was observed at the distal end in the model simulating 3-level PSO.
Conclusion
Multilevel PSO works better for larger deformity correction than single-level PSO by allowing greater sagittal parameter correction and obtaining a better distribution of stress in the hardware construct, although with longer operation time and greater blood loss. Three-level osteotomy is recommended for the patients with preoperative of global kyphosis > 85.95°, T1 pelvic angle > 62.3°, sagittal vertical alignment > 299.55 mm, and pelvic tilt+ chin-brow vertical angle > 109.6°.
10.Multilevel Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for Correction of Thoracolumbar Kyphosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Clinical Effect and Biomechanical Evaluation
Xin LV ; Yelidana NUERTAI ; Qiwei WANG ; Di ZHANG ; Xumin HU ; Jiabao LIU ; Ziliang ZENG ; Renyuan HUANG ; Zhihao HUANG ; Qiancheng ZHAO ; Wenpeng LI ; Zhilei ZHANG ; Liangbin GAO
Neurospine 2024;21(1):231-243
Objective:
To compare the clinical outcomes and biomechanical characteristics of 1-, 2-, and 3-level pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), and establish selection criteria based on preoperative radiographic parameters.
Methods:
Patients undergone PSO to treat ankylosing spondylitis from February 2009 to May 2019 in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled. According to the quantity of osteotomy performed, the participants were divided into group A (1-level PSO, n = 24), group B (2-level PSO, n = 19), and group C (3-level PSO, n = 11). Clinical outcomes were assessed before surgery and at the final follow-up. Comparisons of the radiographic parameters and quality-of-life indicators were performed among and within these groups, and the selection criteria were established by regression. Finite element analysis was conducted to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the spine treated with different quantity of osteotomies under different working conditions.
Results:
Three-level PSO improved the sagittal parameters more significantly, but resulted in longer operative time and greater blood loss (p < 0.05). Greater stress was found in the proximal screws and proximal junction area of the vertebra in the model simulating 1-level PSO. Larger stress of screws and vertebra was observed at the distal end in the model simulating 3-level PSO.
Conclusion
Multilevel PSO works better for larger deformity correction than single-level PSO by allowing greater sagittal parameter correction and obtaining a better distribution of stress in the hardware construct, although with longer operation time and greater blood loss. Three-level osteotomy is recommended for the patients with preoperative of global kyphosis > 85.95°, T1 pelvic angle > 62.3°, sagittal vertical alignment > 299.55 mm, and pelvic tilt+ chin-brow vertical angle > 109.6°.

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