Since the first electron micrograph of“lace-like structures”over 75 years ago,the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)is now viewed as a highly dynamic,constantly remodeling,continuous network of tubules and cisternae that pla...Since the first electron micrograph of“lace-like structures”over 75 years ago,the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)is now viewed as a highly dynamic,constantly remodeling,continuous network of tubules and cisternae that plays an important role in a broad range of cellular activities from calcium regulation to protein synthesis and trafficking.In neurons,the ER extends from the soma through the axon to presynaptic terminals,and throughout the dendritic arbor into as many as half of all postsynaptic dendritic spines at any given time(Falahati et al.,2022).展开更多
Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglio...Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglion cells and their axons,leading to axonal transport dysfuntion,subsequently causing secondary damage to anterior or posterior ends of the visual system.Accordingly,recent evidence indicates that glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that causes damage throughout the visual pathway.However,the effects of glaucoma on synaptic plasticity in the primary visual cortex remain unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of unilateral chronic ocular hypertension by injecting magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber of one eye.We found that,after 4 weeks of chronic ocular hypertension,the neuronal somas were smaller in the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body regions of the brain contralateral to the affected eye.This was accompanied by glial cell activation and increased expression of inflammatory factors.After 8 weeks of ocular hypertension,we observed a reduction in the number of excitatory and inhibitory synapses,dendritic spines,and activation of glial cells in the primary visual cortex contralateral to the affected eye.These findings suggest that glaucoma not only directly damages the retina but also induces alterations in synapses and dendritic spines in the primary visual cortex,providing new insights into the pathogenesis of glaucoma.展开更多
Dendritic spines are small protrusions along dendrites that contain most of the excitatory synapses in principal neurons,playing a crucial role in neuronal function by creating a compartmentalized environment for sign...Dendritic spines are small protrusions along dendrites that contain most of the excitatory synapses in principal neurons,playing a crucial role in neuronal function by creating a compartmentalized environment for signal transduction.The plasticity of spine morphologies provides a tunable handle to regulate calcium signal dynamics,allowing rapid regulation of protein expression necessary to establish and maintain synapses(Cornejo et al.,2022).If excitatory inputs were to be located primarily on dendritic shafts,dendrites would frequently short-circuit,preventing voltage signals from propagating(Cornejo et al.,2022).It is thus not surprising that the structural plasticity of dendritic spines is closely linked to synaptic plasticity and memory formation(Berry and Nedivi,2017).While comprehensive in vitro studies have been conducted,in vivo studies that directly tackle the mechanism of dendritic transport and translation in regulating spine plasticity spatiotemporally are limited.展开更多
Artificial intelligence(AI)and machine learning(ML)are transforming spine care by addressing diagnostics,treatment planning,and rehabilitation challenges.This study highlights advancements in precision medicine for sp...Artificial intelligence(AI)and machine learning(ML)are transforming spine care by addressing diagnostics,treatment planning,and rehabilitation challenges.This study highlights advancements in precision medicine for spinal pathologies,leveraging AI and ML to enhance diagnostic accuracy through deep learning algorithms,enabling faster and more accurate detection of abnormalities.AIpowered robotics and surgical navigation systems improve implant placement precision and reduce complications in complex spine surgeries.Wearable devices and virtual platforms,designed with AI,offer personalized,adaptive therapies that improve treatment adherence and recovery outcomes.AI also enables preventive interventions by assessing spine condition risks early.Despite progress,challenges remain,including limited healthcare datasets,algorithmic biases,ethical concerns,and integration into existing systems.Interdisciplinary collaboration and explainable AI frameworks are essential to unlock AI’s full potential in spine care.Future developments include multimodal AI systems integrating imaging,clinical,and genetic data for holistic treatment approaches.AI and ML promise significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy,treatment personalization,service accessibility,and cost efficiency,paving the way for more streamlined and effective spine care,ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.展开更多
BACKGROUND A case study of multiple distinct levels of skipped thoracolumbar spine infection was reported in which 13 successful vacuum sealing drainage(VSD)surgeries were treated.CASE SUMMARY The patient underwent a ...BACKGROUND A case study of multiple distinct levels of skipped thoracolumbar spine infection was reported in which 13 successful vacuum sealing drainage(VSD)surgeries were treated.CASE SUMMARY The patient underwent a total of 13 procedures within our medical facility,including five performed under local anesthesia and eight performed under general anesthesia.The source of the ailment was ultimately identified as Enterobacter cloacae.After the last procedure,the patient's symptoms were alleviated,and the recovery process was satisfactory.Three months post-operation,the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores had improved to 100%.Imageological examination revealed a satisfactory position of internal fixation,and the abnormal signals in the vertebral body and intervertebral space had been eliminated when compared to the pre-operative results.CONCLUSION The study demonstrates that the extreme lateral approach debridement combined with multiple VSD operations is a secure and successful method of treatment for recurrent spinal infection,providing an alternative to traditional surgery.展开更多
Morphological alterations in dendritic spines have been linked to changes in functional communication between neurons that affect learning and memory.Kinesin-4 KIF21A helps organize the microtubule-actin network at th...Morphological alterations in dendritic spines have been linked to changes in functional communication between neurons that affect learning and memory.Kinesin-4 KIF21A helps organize the microtubule-actin network at the cell cortex by interacting with KANK1;however,whether KIF21A modulates dendritic structure and function in neurons remains unknown.In this study,we found that KIF21A was distributed in a subset of dendritic spines,and that these KIF21A-positive spines were larger and more structurally plastic than KIF21A-negative spines.Furthermore,the interaction between KIF21A and KANK1 was found to be critical for dendritic spine morphogenesis and synaptic plasticity.Knockdown of either KIF21A or KANK1 inhibited dendritic spine morphogenesis and dendritic branching,and these deficits were fully rescued by coexpressing full-length KIF21A or KANK1,but not by proteins with mutations disrupting direct binding between KIF21A and KANK1 or binding between KANK1 and talin1.Knocking down KIF21A in the hippocampus of rats inhibited the amplitudes of long-term potentiation induced by high-frequency stimulation and negatively impacted the animals’cognitive abilities.Taken together,our findings demonstrate the function of KIF21A in modulating spine morphology and provide insight into its role in synaptic function.展开更多
Previous studies have shown that the compound(E)-2-(3,4-dihydroxystyryl)-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one(D30),a pyromeconic acid derivative,possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,inhibits amyloid-β aggregati...Previous studies have shown that the compound(E)-2-(3,4-dihydroxystyryl)-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one(D30),a pyromeconic acid derivative,possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,inhibits amyloid-β aggregation,and alleviates scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment,similar to the phase Ⅲ clinical drug resveratrol.In this study,we established a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease via intracerebroventricular injection of fibrillar amyloid-β to investigate the effect of D30 on fibrillar amyloid-β-induced neuropathology.Our results showed that D30 alleviated fibrillar amyloid-β-induced cognitive impairment,promoted fibrillar amyloid-β clearance from the hippocampus and cortex,suppressed oxidative stress,and inhibited activation of microglia and astrocytes.D30 also reversed the fibrillar amyloid-β-induced loss of dendritic spines and synaptic protein expression.Notably,we demonstrated that exogenous fibrillar amyloid-βintroduced by intracerebroventricular injection greatly increased galectin-3 expression levels in the brain,and this increase was blocked by D30.Considering the role of D30 in clearing amyloid-β,inhibiting neuroinflammation,protecting synapses,and improving cognition,this study highlights the potential of galectin-3 as a promising treatment target for patients with Alzheimer's disease.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cauda equina syndrome(CES)is characterized by a group of symptoms that may be caused by inflammation,spinal cord compression,venous congestion,or ischemia.This syndrome is commonly an indication for surgica...BACKGROUND Cauda equina syndrome(CES)is characterized by a group of symptoms that may be caused by inflammation,spinal cord compression,venous congestion,or ischemia.This syndrome is commonly an indication for surgical intervention but has not been determined as a postoperative complication following surgery for lumbar spine disease.CASE SUMMARY To report the case of a 54-year-old male patient who had CES following spinal surgery,with no obvious compression lesions found during re-exploration,suggesting that vascular insufficiency may have contributed to the condition.Furthermore,a series of urodynamic studies on bladder recovery patterns in such complications have also been investigated.CONCLUSION Postoperative CES requires urgent imaging and exploration to rule out compression;noncompressive cases,including vascular insufficiency may performed conservative management.展开更多
Chronic pain after spine surgery(CPSS)is a complex disorder characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis that occurs in 8%–40%of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.We aimed to develop a rat model that mimics cl...Chronic pain after spine surgery(CPSS)is a complex disorder characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis that occurs in 8%–40%of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.We aimed to develop a rat model that mimics clinical CPSS conditions by taking two sequential surgical procedures.Step 1:A plastic rod was inserted into the left L5 intervertebral foramen to produce a steady compression on the dorsal root ganglion(DRG)and the spinal nerve,a common cause of low back pain(LBP).Step 2:The rod was removed after 7 days when rats exhibited mechanical and heat hypersensitivity in the ipsilateral hindpaw,followed by a full L5 laminectomy to mimic spine decompression surgery in LBP patients.The retention of the rod induced a prolonged LBP-like behavior but was quickly resolved after rod removal without laminectomy.However,rats that received laminectomy after rod removal developed heightened mechanical and heat sensitivity in the hindpaw,impaired gait,and reduced spontaneous exploration activity,indicating CPSS.Patch clamp recording revealed a significant augmentation in the intrinsic excitability of smalldiameter DRG neurons in CPSS rats.Administration of Dermorphin[D-Arg2,Lys4](1–4)amide(DALDA,5mg/kg,i.p.),a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor(MOR)-preferred agonist,attenuated pain hypersensitivity,capsaicin-induced[Ca^(2+)]i rising and the increased intrinsic excitability of DRG neurons from CPSS rats.Our findings suggest that this new model,which mirrors the nature of CPSS developed in patients,may be useful for future studies of the underlying mechanisms.展开更多
Neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1)is a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 3000 people due to heterozygous mutations in the NF1 gene.Patients with NF1 can develop multiple symptoms,such as neurofibromas,skin hyperpigmentation,...Neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1)is a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 3000 people due to heterozygous mutations in the NF1 gene.Patients with NF1 can develop multiple symptoms,such as neurofibromas,skin hyperpigmentation,and bone abnormalities,including tibial pseudarthrosis and spine deformity.Here,we aimed to elucidate the cellular origin and pathogenic mechanism of NF1 spine deformity.We explored the Prss56-Nf1 knockout(KO)mouse model that recapitulates neurofibromas and pseudarthrosis by carrying Nf1 gene inactivation in Prss56-expressing boundary cap cells,a neural crest subset,and their derivatives.Micro-CT analyses showed that Prss56-Nf1 KO mice exhibit spine deformity from 12 months of age,associated with vertebral anomalies reminiscent of patients with NF1.Fate mapping revealed a significant increase in OSX^(+)osteoblasts of the Prss56 lineage in vertebrae of Prss56-Nf1 KO mice.Increased traced Nf1-deficient cells correlated with increased vertebral bone volume and kyphosis spine curvature.Finally,we showed that treating Prss56-Nf1 KO mice with RAS-MAPK pathway inhibitors prevented spine deformity.Overall,the Prss56-Nf1 KO mouse model unravels the role of osteoblasts from the Prss56 lineage as the cellular origin of NF1 spine deformity and highlights RAS-MAPK pathway inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing NF1 spine deformity.展开更多
Spinal cord injury and non-traumatic myelopathies are major causes of lifelong disability,yet conventional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)can underestimate microstructural damage.Diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)and tract...Spinal cord injury and non-traumatic myelopathies are major causes of lifelong disability,yet conventional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)can underestimate microstructural damage.Diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)and tractography map white-matter integrity by measuring fractional anisotropy(FA)and mean diffusivity(MD),but their adoption in spine imaging has been limited by long scan times and complex post-processing.Supsupin et al report a two-minute cervical DTI sequence integrated into routine MRI and applied to four representative pathologies–spinal cord contusion,metastatic compression,degenerative myelopathy,and multiple sclerosis–compared with five controls.Each lesion showed distinctive tractographic and quantitative patterns:For example,reduced FA with preserved MD in contusion and combined FA decrease and MD elevation in metastatic compression.These findings highlight the potential of tractography to improve diagnosis,guide surgical planning,and monitor treatment,while maintaining clinical feasibility.Remaining challenges include limited angular resolution,motion artifacts,and the need for multicenter validation and advanced reconstruction methods.This manuscript places the study in the context of current spinal diffusion imaging and outlines future directions toward routine,precision care.展开更多
Fruit spine density is an important commercial trait for cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.).Most North China-type cucumbers that are grown over large areas have a dense-spine phenotype,which directly affects the appearance ...Fruit spine density is an important commercial trait for cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.).Most North China-type cucumbers that are grown over large areas have a dense-spine phenotype,which directly affects the appearance quality,storage,and transportation of the fruits.Here,we isolated a novel few spines mutant(fs2)from the wild-type(WT)inbred line WD1,a North China-type cucumber with high density fruit spines,by an ethyl methanesulfonate(EMS)mutagenesis treatment.Genetic analysis revealed that the phenotype of fs2 is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene.We fine-mapped the fs2 locus using F_(2) and BC_(1) populations(1,802 and 420 individuals,respectively),which showed that the candidate gene of FS2(Csa4G652850)encodes an ARID-HMG transcription factor containing an AT-rich interaction domain(ARID)and a high mobility group box domain(HMG).One SNP(C to T)and one InDel(a 40-bp deletion)in the coding region of FS2 result in amino acid variation and premature translation termination in the fs2 mutant,respectively.FS2 was found to be highly expressed in the apical buds and young ovaries.In addition,experiments suggest that FS2 participates in the regulation of fruit spine initiation by activating the expression of the Tril gene in cucumber.This work provides not only an important reference for understanding the molecular mechanisms of fruit spine development but also an important resource for fruit appearance quality breeding in cucumber.展开更多
No matter how old a desert plant is,water is always precious,whether gathered from melting snow or a shower of rain.So,cacti have developed extraordinary adaptations that enable them not only to collect water but to s...No matter how old a desert plant is,water is always precious,whether gathered from melting snow or a shower of rain.So,cacti have developed extraordinary adaptations that enable them not only to collect water but to store it.Instead of leaves,which would lose precious water,they have spines.Each spine has a tiny pad(软垫)at its base where the water is absorbed and then stored in the great swollen trunk.A large saguaro,which is a kind of giant cactus,can hold 5,000 litres of water and is able to do so because it has another special adaptation.展开更多
Scientists have suspected for a while that Greenland sharks live extremely long lives,but they didnt have a way to determine how long.The age of other shark species can be estimated by counting growth bands on fin spi...Scientists have suspected for a while that Greenland sharks live extremely long lives,but they didnt have a way to determine how long.The age of other shark species can be estimated by counting growth bands on fin spines(鳍脊)or on the sharksvertebrae(脊椎),much like rings of a tree.Greenland sharks,however,have no fin spines and no hard tissues in their bodies.Their vertebrae are too soft to form the growth bands seen in other sharks.Scientists could only guess that the sharks lived a long time based on what they knew—the sharks grow at a very slow rate and they can reach 6 meters in size.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in patients with Modic changes and endplate sclerosis of the lumbar spine.Methods:A total of 66 patients with lumbar spine diseases who u...Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in patients with Modic changes and endplate sclerosis of the lumbar spine.Methods:A total of 66 patients with lumbar spine diseases who underwent MRI and CT diagnostic examinations at the hospital from May 2024 to April 2025 were included in this study.The MRI findings of Modic changes were compared between Type I and Type II patients,and the presence or absence of endplate sclerosis signals and the HU value ratio on CT were analyzed.The pathological characteristics of Modic changes in Type I and Type II patients were observed.The imaging features of Modic changes in patients with lumbar spine diseases were analyzed.Results:Modic changes were present in 34 patients,with a total of 204 endplates evaluated,of which 74 were affected.MRI classification showed:Type I in 8 cases(10.81%),Type I/II mixed in 10 cases(13.51%),Type II in 51 cases(68.92%),and Type II/III mixed in 5 cases(6.76%).In CT reconstruction images,26 endplates with Modic changes on MRI showed sclerosis in the vertebral body,presenting high-density sclerotic features.These sclerotic areas did not exhibit distinct signal characteristics on MRI but pathologically demonstrated Type II Modic changes concurrently with fatty degeneration and sclerosis;In patients with Modic changes of Type I and Type II,regardless of the presence or absence of endplate sclerosis,the sagittal T1/T2 signal intensity ratio showed no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).However,the HU value ratio in Type II changes with sclerotic regions(2.74±0.61)was significantly higher than that in regions without sclerosis(1.16±0.23),with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Conclusion:CT reconstruction images of patients with lumbar Modic changes clearly demonstrate endplate sclerosis,a phenomenon closely associated with the bone marrow repair process.MRI has limited sensitivity for detecting sclerosis,potentially due to the following factors:first,differences in the radiographic characterization of endplate mineral content;second,the specific influence of different Modic types on signal intensity.This suggests that MRI classification should be combined with CT features for comprehensive interpretation.展开更多
Fins are extensively utilized in heat exchangers and various industrial applications as they are lightweight and can benefit in various systems,including electronic cooling devices and automotive components,owing to t...Fins are extensively utilized in heat exchangers and various industrial applications as they are lightweight and can benefit in various systems,including electronic cooling devices and automotive components,owing to their adaptable design.Furthermore,spine fins are introduced to improve performance in applications such as automotive radiators.They can be shaped in different ways and constructed from a collection of materials.Inspired by this,the present model examines the effects of internal heat generation and radiation-convection on the thermal distribution in a wetted convex-shaped spine fin.Using dimensionless terms,the proposed fin model involving a governing nonlinear ordinary differential equation(ODE)is transformed into a dimensionless form.The study uses the operational matrix with the Charlier polynomial collocation method(OMCCM)to ensure precise and computationally efficient numerical solutions for the dimensionless equation.In order to aid in the analysis of thermal performance,the importance of major parameters on the temperature profile is graphically illustrated.The main outcome of the study reveals that as the radiation-conductive,wet,and convective-conductive parameters increase,the heat transfer rate progressively improves.Conversely,the ambient temperature and internal heat generation parameters show an inverse relationship.展开更多
BACKGROUND Epithelioid angiosarcoma(EA)is an aggressive,malignant endothelial-cell tumor of vascular or lymphatic origin.EA often arises from deep soft tissues such as pleura,breast,bone and gastrointestinal tract.It ...BACKGROUND Epithelioid angiosarcoma(EA)is an aggressive,malignant endothelial-cell tumor of vascular or lymphatic origin.EA often arises from deep soft tissues such as pleura,breast,bone and gastrointestinal tract.It usually affects patients aged 60-70 years and is associated with high recurrence and metastasis rates with surgical resection as the primary treatment of choice.Overall survivals are generally poor,ranging from 6 to 16 months.More than 50%of patients died of disease within 2 to 3 years of diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY We present a rare case of EA of the cervical spine causing a C6 pathological fracture complicated by severe kyphosis.The patient received C4-7 posterior laminectomy and C2/3/4/7/T1 transpedicular screw fixation,followed by anterior C5-6 corpectomy with allograft bone fusion and cervical plate fixation.Postoperative radiotherapy was administered without delay.However,the patient died of rapidly progressive acute respiratory distress syndrome 3 weeks after the second surgery.CONCLUSION EA with spinal involvement is extremely rare.Early detection and cord decompression may prevent neurological deterioration and preserve better quality of life.展开更多
BACKGROUND Spinal tuberculosis(TB),also known as Pott’s spine,remains a significant global health issue,particularly in regions with a high TB burden.The disease presents complex challenges in diagnosis,management,an...BACKGROUND Spinal tuberculosis(TB),also known as Pott’s spine,remains a significant global health issue,particularly in regions with a high TB burden.The disease presents complex challenges in diagnosis,management,and treatment,prompting a growing interest in research over recent years.The advancements in imaging,diagnostics,and treatment strategies have driven an increased focus on publishing clinical outcomes,review articles,and case series related to spinal TB(STB).AIM To perform a bibliometric analysis of STB research published over the last 5 years(2019-2023)to identify trends in publication volume,contributions by country,and the nature of the research being conducted.METHODS A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted using the PubMed database,focusing on research articles published between 2019 and 2023.Keywords such as“spine tuberculosis,”“spinal TB,”“TB spine,”and“Pott’s spine”were utilized to capture relevant publications.Articles were analyzed based on the type of research(e.g.,case reports,review articles,cohort studies,randomized controlled trials[RCTs]),number of citations,and country of origin based on the corresponding author's details.Further subgroup analysis was performed according to the TB burden in various countries to assess research trends in high-burden regions.RESULTS A total of 528 articles met the inclusion criteria for this bibliometric analysis.The majority of articles were published between 2020 and 2023(440/528;83.3%),while the lowest number was published in 2019(88/528;16.7%).India led the global contributions with 25.8%of the total publications,followed by China(19.9%)and the United States(10.4%).Combined,African countries contributed 6.8%of the research on STB.Regarding the type of articles,case reports and case series dominated the literature(353/528;66.9%),followed by review articles(120/528;22.7%)and cohort studies(45/528;8.5%).Only 1.9%(10/528)of the studies were RCTs.Countries such as the United States,Germany,the United Kingdom,and Japan have pioneered the use of artificial intelligence(AI)in the diagnostic processes for STB,while India,China,South Africa,and other countries have been pivotal in conducting clinical trials and improving clinical management strategies.CONCLUSION This bibliometric analysis revealed a significant increase in STB research over the last 5 years,with India and China being the leading contributors.However,most publications are case reports or case series,with a limited number of RCTs.The results highlighted the need for more high-quality research,especially in terms of RCTs and innovations in diagnostic technologies.Additionally,the application of AI to STB diagnostics shows promise in developed countries,while high-burden countries are focusing on clinical trials and management strategies.展开更多
This retrospective case study investigates the clinical presentation of a 53-year-old female who underwent mantle field radiotherapy roughly 26 years ago. This patient presents with diffuse muscle atrophy and weakness...This retrospective case study investigates the clinical presentation of a 53-year-old female who underwent mantle field radiotherapy roughly 26 years ago. This patient presents with diffuse muscle atrophy and weakness in the cervical musculature, as well as sensory deficits in the upper extremities. We sought to compare our patient’s symptoms with other patients who had been formally diagnosed with Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS) by reviewing the existing literature. We found that the clinical presentation under investigation was consistent with other patients who had received radiotherapy for Hodgkins’s disease and were then diagnosed with DHS. Electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and a cervical MRI were unable to identify a separate neurological cause for the symptoms, but the MRI did confirm the presence of diffuse muscle atrophy in the cervical musculature. After reviewing the existing literature and imaging results, we compared our patient’s symptoms to those that define DHS, and both the time of onset, presenting symptoms, and progressing course are consistent with a diagnosis of Dropped Head Syndrome.展开更多
基金supported by AHA Career Development Award 938683 (to PJD)NIH grant R01MH123700 (to MLD)
文摘Since the first electron micrograph of“lace-like structures”over 75 years ago,the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)is now viewed as a highly dynamic,constantly remodeling,continuous network of tubules and cisternae that plays an important role in a broad range of cellular activities from calcium regulation to protein synthesis and trafficking.In neurons,the ER extends from the soma through the axon to presynaptic terminals,and throughout the dendritic arbor into as many as half of all postsynaptic dendritic spines at any given time(Falahati et al.,2022).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82271115(to MY).
文摘Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglion cells and their axons,leading to axonal transport dysfuntion,subsequently causing secondary damage to anterior or posterior ends of the visual system.Accordingly,recent evidence indicates that glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that causes damage throughout the visual pathway.However,the effects of glaucoma on synaptic plasticity in the primary visual cortex remain unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of unilateral chronic ocular hypertension by injecting magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber of one eye.We found that,after 4 weeks of chronic ocular hypertension,the neuronal somas were smaller in the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body regions of the brain contralateral to the affected eye.This was accompanied by glial cell activation and increased expression of inflammatory factors.After 8 weeks of ocular hypertension,we observed a reduction in the number of excitatory and inhibitory synapses,dendritic spines,and activation of glial cells in the primary visual cortex contralateral to the affected eye.These findings suggest that glaucoma not only directly damages the retina but also induces alterations in synapses and dendritic spines in the primary visual cortex,providing new insights into the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC/RGC/JRF N_HKU735/21)Research Grant Council of Hong Kong,China(17102120,17108821,17103922,C1024-22GF,C7074-21G)+1 种基金Health and Medical Research Fund(HMRF 09200966)(to CSWL)FRQS Postdoctoral Fellowship(to AHKF).
文摘Dendritic spines are small protrusions along dendrites that contain most of the excitatory synapses in principal neurons,playing a crucial role in neuronal function by creating a compartmentalized environment for signal transduction.The plasticity of spine morphologies provides a tunable handle to regulate calcium signal dynamics,allowing rapid regulation of protein expression necessary to establish and maintain synapses(Cornejo et al.,2022).If excitatory inputs were to be located primarily on dendritic shafts,dendrites would frequently short-circuit,preventing voltage signals from propagating(Cornejo et al.,2022).It is thus not surprising that the structural plasticity of dendritic spines is closely linked to synaptic plasticity and memory formation(Berry and Nedivi,2017).While comprehensive in vitro studies have been conducted,in vivo studies that directly tackle the mechanism of dendritic transport and translation in regulating spine plasticity spatiotemporally are limited.
文摘Artificial intelligence(AI)and machine learning(ML)are transforming spine care by addressing diagnostics,treatment planning,and rehabilitation challenges.This study highlights advancements in precision medicine for spinal pathologies,leveraging AI and ML to enhance diagnostic accuracy through deep learning algorithms,enabling faster and more accurate detection of abnormalities.AIpowered robotics and surgical navigation systems improve implant placement precision and reduce complications in complex spine surgeries.Wearable devices and virtual platforms,designed with AI,offer personalized,adaptive therapies that improve treatment adherence and recovery outcomes.AI also enables preventive interventions by assessing spine condition risks early.Despite progress,challenges remain,including limited healthcare datasets,algorithmic biases,ethical concerns,and integration into existing systems.Interdisciplinary collaboration and explainable AI frameworks are essential to unlock AI’s full potential in spine care.Future developments include multimodal AI systems integrating imaging,clinical,and genetic data for holistic treatment approaches.AI and ML promise significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy,treatment personalization,service accessibility,and cost efficiency,paving the way for more streamlined and effective spine care,ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,No.ZR2023MH331.
文摘BACKGROUND A case study of multiple distinct levels of skipped thoracolumbar spine infection was reported in which 13 successful vacuum sealing drainage(VSD)surgeries were treated.CASE SUMMARY The patient underwent a total of 13 procedures within our medical facility,including five performed under local anesthesia and eight performed under general anesthesia.The source of the ailment was ultimately identified as Enterobacter cloacae.After the last procedure,the patient's symptoms were alleviated,and the recovery process was satisfactory.Three months post-operation,the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores had improved to 100%.Imageological examination revealed a satisfactory position of internal fixation,and the abnormal signals in the vertebral body and intervertebral space had been eliminated when compared to the pre-operative results.CONCLUSION The study demonstrates that the extreme lateral approach debridement combined with multiple VSD operations is a secure and successful method of treatment for recurrent spinal infection,providing an alternative to traditional surgery.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2021ZD0202503(to AHT)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.31872759(to AHT)and 32070707(to CF)+1 种基金Shenzhen Science and Technology Program,No.RCJC20210609104333007(to ZW)Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science,Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions,No.2021SHIBS0002(to ZW).
文摘Morphological alterations in dendritic spines have been linked to changes in functional communication between neurons that affect learning and memory.Kinesin-4 KIF21A helps organize the microtubule-actin network at the cell cortex by interacting with KANK1;however,whether KIF21A modulates dendritic structure and function in neurons remains unknown.In this study,we found that KIF21A was distributed in a subset of dendritic spines,and that these KIF21A-positive spines were larger and more structurally plastic than KIF21A-negative spines.Furthermore,the interaction between KIF21A and KANK1 was found to be critical for dendritic spine morphogenesis and synaptic plasticity.Knockdown of either KIF21A or KANK1 inhibited dendritic spine morphogenesis and dendritic branching,and these deficits were fully rescued by coexpressing full-length KIF21A or KANK1,but not by proteins with mutations disrupting direct binding between KIF21A and KANK1 or binding between KANK1 and talin1.Knocking down KIF21A in the hippocampus of rats inhibited the amplitudes of long-term potentiation induced by high-frequency stimulation and negatively impacted the animals’cognitive abilities.Taken together,our findings demonstrate the function of KIF21A in modulating spine morphology and provide insight into its role in synaptic function.
基金supported by the Research Foundation for Talented Scholars of Fujian Medical University,No.XRCZX2018014(to DZ)Startup Fund for Scientific Research,Fujian Medical University,No.2019QH1017(to CW)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province,China,Nos.2021J01693(to DZ),2021J02032(to ZCY)。
文摘Previous studies have shown that the compound(E)-2-(3,4-dihydroxystyryl)-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one(D30),a pyromeconic acid derivative,possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,inhibits amyloid-β aggregation,and alleviates scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment,similar to the phase Ⅲ clinical drug resveratrol.In this study,we established a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease via intracerebroventricular injection of fibrillar amyloid-β to investigate the effect of D30 on fibrillar amyloid-β-induced neuropathology.Our results showed that D30 alleviated fibrillar amyloid-β-induced cognitive impairment,promoted fibrillar amyloid-β clearance from the hippocampus and cortex,suppressed oxidative stress,and inhibited activation of microglia and astrocytes.D30 also reversed the fibrillar amyloid-β-induced loss of dendritic spines and synaptic protein expression.Notably,we demonstrated that exogenous fibrillar amyloid-βintroduced by intracerebroventricular injection greatly increased galectin-3 expression levels in the brain,and this increase was blocked by D30.Considering the role of D30 in clearing amyloid-β,inhibiting neuroinflammation,protecting synapses,and improving cognition,this study highlights the potential of galectin-3 as a promising treatment target for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
文摘BACKGROUND Cauda equina syndrome(CES)is characterized by a group of symptoms that may be caused by inflammation,spinal cord compression,venous congestion,or ischemia.This syndrome is commonly an indication for surgical intervention but has not been determined as a postoperative complication following surgery for lumbar spine disease.CASE SUMMARY To report the case of a 54-year-old male patient who had CES following spinal surgery,with no obvious compression lesions found during re-exploration,suggesting that vascular insufficiency may have contributed to the condition.Furthermore,a series of urodynamic studies on bladder recovery patterns in such complications have also been investigated.CONCLUSION Postoperative CES requires urgent imaging and exploration to rule out compression;noncompressive cases,including vascular insufficiency may performed conservative management.
基金supported by the Neurosurgery Pain Research Institute at Johns Hopkins University and by the Lehner Family Foundation.
文摘Chronic pain after spine surgery(CPSS)is a complex disorder characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis that occurs in 8%–40%of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.We aimed to develop a rat model that mimics clinical CPSS conditions by taking two sequential surgical procedures.Step 1:A plastic rod was inserted into the left L5 intervertebral foramen to produce a steady compression on the dorsal root ganglion(DRG)and the spinal nerve,a common cause of low back pain(LBP).Step 2:The rod was removed after 7 days when rats exhibited mechanical and heat hypersensitivity in the ipsilateral hindpaw,followed by a full L5 laminectomy to mimic spine decompression surgery in LBP patients.The retention of the rod induced a prolonged LBP-like behavior but was quickly resolved after rod removal without laminectomy.However,rats that received laminectomy after rod removal developed heightened mechanical and heat sensitivity in the hindpaw,impaired gait,and reduced spontaneous exploration activity,indicating CPSS.Patch clamp recording revealed a significant augmentation in the intrinsic excitability of smalldiameter DRG neurons in CPSS rats.Administration of Dermorphin[D-Arg2,Lys4](1–4)amide(DALDA,5mg/kg,i.p.),a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor(MOR)-preferred agonist,attenuated pain hypersensitivity,capsaicin-induced[Ca^(2+)]i rising and the increased intrinsic excitability of DRG neurons from CPSS rats.Our findings suggest that this new model,which mirrors the nature of CPSS developed in patients,may be useful for future studies of the underlying mechanisms.
基金Association Neurofibromatoses et Recklinghausen(C.C)Agence Nationale de la Recherche-18-CE14-0033(C.C.,P.T.)+2 种基金Agence Nationale de la Recherche-21-CE18-007-01(C.C.,P.T.)US Department of the Army NF220019(C.C.)supported by a PhD fellowship from the University Paris-Est Créteil and the Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale(FRM)(FDT202304016600 to FK and ECO202306017399 to CG)。
文摘Neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1)is a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 3000 people due to heterozygous mutations in the NF1 gene.Patients with NF1 can develop multiple symptoms,such as neurofibromas,skin hyperpigmentation,and bone abnormalities,including tibial pseudarthrosis and spine deformity.Here,we aimed to elucidate the cellular origin and pathogenic mechanism of NF1 spine deformity.We explored the Prss56-Nf1 knockout(KO)mouse model that recapitulates neurofibromas and pseudarthrosis by carrying Nf1 gene inactivation in Prss56-expressing boundary cap cells,a neural crest subset,and their derivatives.Micro-CT analyses showed that Prss56-Nf1 KO mice exhibit spine deformity from 12 months of age,associated with vertebral anomalies reminiscent of patients with NF1.Fate mapping revealed a significant increase in OSX^(+)osteoblasts of the Prss56 lineage in vertebrae of Prss56-Nf1 KO mice.Increased traced Nf1-deficient cells correlated with increased vertebral bone volume and kyphosis spine curvature.Finally,we showed that treating Prss56-Nf1 KO mice with RAS-MAPK pathway inhibitors prevented spine deformity.Overall,the Prss56-Nf1 KO mouse model unravels the role of osteoblasts from the Prss56 lineage as the cellular origin of NF1 spine deformity and highlights RAS-MAPK pathway inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing NF1 spine deformity.
文摘Spinal cord injury and non-traumatic myelopathies are major causes of lifelong disability,yet conventional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)can underestimate microstructural damage.Diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)and tractography map white-matter integrity by measuring fractional anisotropy(FA)and mean diffusivity(MD),but their adoption in spine imaging has been limited by long scan times and complex post-processing.Supsupin et al report a two-minute cervical DTI sequence integrated into routine MRI and applied to four representative pathologies–spinal cord contusion,metastatic compression,degenerative myelopathy,and multiple sclerosis–compared with five controls.Each lesion showed distinctive tractographic and quantitative patterns:For example,reduced FA with preserved MD in contusion and combined FA decrease and MD elevation in metastatic compression.These findings highlight the potential of tractography to improve diagnosis,guide surgical planning,and monitor treatment,while maintaining clinical feasibility.Remaining challenges include limited angular resolution,motion artifacts,and the need for multicenter validation and advanced reconstruction methods.This manuscript places the study in the context of current spinal diffusion imaging and outlines future directions toward routine,precision care.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31972425)the Shanghai Agriculture Applied Technology Development Program,China(2020-02-08-00-08-F0148)。
文摘Fruit spine density is an important commercial trait for cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.).Most North China-type cucumbers that are grown over large areas have a dense-spine phenotype,which directly affects the appearance quality,storage,and transportation of the fruits.Here,we isolated a novel few spines mutant(fs2)from the wild-type(WT)inbred line WD1,a North China-type cucumber with high density fruit spines,by an ethyl methanesulfonate(EMS)mutagenesis treatment.Genetic analysis revealed that the phenotype of fs2 is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene.We fine-mapped the fs2 locus using F_(2) and BC_(1) populations(1,802 and 420 individuals,respectively),which showed that the candidate gene of FS2(Csa4G652850)encodes an ARID-HMG transcription factor containing an AT-rich interaction domain(ARID)and a high mobility group box domain(HMG).One SNP(C to T)and one InDel(a 40-bp deletion)in the coding region of FS2 result in amino acid variation and premature translation termination in the fs2 mutant,respectively.FS2 was found to be highly expressed in the apical buds and young ovaries.In addition,experiments suggest that FS2 participates in the regulation of fruit spine initiation by activating the expression of the Tril gene in cucumber.This work provides not only an important reference for understanding the molecular mechanisms of fruit spine development but also an important resource for fruit appearance quality breeding in cucumber.
文摘No matter how old a desert plant is,water is always precious,whether gathered from melting snow or a shower of rain.So,cacti have developed extraordinary adaptations that enable them not only to collect water but to store it.Instead of leaves,which would lose precious water,they have spines.Each spine has a tiny pad(软垫)at its base where the water is absorbed and then stored in the great swollen trunk.A large saguaro,which is a kind of giant cactus,can hold 5,000 litres of water and is able to do so because it has another special adaptation.
文摘Scientists have suspected for a while that Greenland sharks live extremely long lives,but they didnt have a way to determine how long.The age of other shark species can be estimated by counting growth bands on fin spines(鳍脊)or on the sharksvertebrae(脊椎),much like rings of a tree.Greenland sharks,however,have no fin spines and no hard tissues in their bodies.Their vertebrae are too soft to form the growth bands seen in other sharks.Scientists could only guess that the sharks lived a long time based on what they knew—the sharks grow at a very slow rate and they can reach 6 meters in size.
基金Key Laboratory of Spinal Degenerative Diseases,Xianyang City(Project No.:L2023-CXNL-CXPT-ZDSYS-010)Key Technology Innovation Team Project for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery,Xianyang City(Grant No.:L2022CXNLTD002)University-level Scientific Research Project,Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(Project No.:2020FS06).
文摘Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in patients with Modic changes and endplate sclerosis of the lumbar spine.Methods:A total of 66 patients with lumbar spine diseases who underwent MRI and CT diagnostic examinations at the hospital from May 2024 to April 2025 were included in this study.The MRI findings of Modic changes were compared between Type I and Type II patients,and the presence or absence of endplate sclerosis signals and the HU value ratio on CT were analyzed.The pathological characteristics of Modic changes in Type I and Type II patients were observed.The imaging features of Modic changes in patients with lumbar spine diseases were analyzed.Results:Modic changes were present in 34 patients,with a total of 204 endplates evaluated,of which 74 were affected.MRI classification showed:Type I in 8 cases(10.81%),Type I/II mixed in 10 cases(13.51%),Type II in 51 cases(68.92%),and Type II/III mixed in 5 cases(6.76%).In CT reconstruction images,26 endplates with Modic changes on MRI showed sclerosis in the vertebral body,presenting high-density sclerotic features.These sclerotic areas did not exhibit distinct signal characteristics on MRI but pathologically demonstrated Type II Modic changes concurrently with fatty degeneration and sclerosis;In patients with Modic changes of Type I and Type II,regardless of the presence or absence of endplate sclerosis,the sagittal T1/T2 signal intensity ratio showed no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).However,the HU value ratio in Type II changes with sclerotic regions(2.74±0.61)was significantly higher than that in regions without sclerosis(1.16±0.23),with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Conclusion:CT reconstruction images of patients with lumbar Modic changes clearly demonstrate endplate sclerosis,a phenomenon closely associated with the bone marrow repair process.MRI has limited sensitivity for detecting sclerosis,potentially due to the following factors:first,differences in the radiographic characterization of endplate mineral content;second,the specific influence of different Modic types on signal intensity.This suggests that MRI classification should be combined with CT features for comprehensive interpretation.
基金the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Research Project under grant number RGP2/308/46。
文摘Fins are extensively utilized in heat exchangers and various industrial applications as they are lightweight and can benefit in various systems,including electronic cooling devices and automotive components,owing to their adaptable design.Furthermore,spine fins are introduced to improve performance in applications such as automotive radiators.They can be shaped in different ways and constructed from a collection of materials.Inspired by this,the present model examines the effects of internal heat generation and radiation-convection on the thermal distribution in a wetted convex-shaped spine fin.Using dimensionless terms,the proposed fin model involving a governing nonlinear ordinary differential equation(ODE)is transformed into a dimensionless form.The study uses the operational matrix with the Charlier polynomial collocation method(OMCCM)to ensure precise and computationally efficient numerical solutions for the dimensionless equation.In order to aid in the analysis of thermal performance,the importance of major parameters on the temperature profile is graphically illustrated.The main outcome of the study reveals that as the radiation-conductive,wet,and convective-conductive parameters increase,the heat transfer rate progressively improves.Conversely,the ambient temperature and internal heat generation parameters show an inverse relationship.
文摘BACKGROUND Epithelioid angiosarcoma(EA)is an aggressive,malignant endothelial-cell tumor of vascular or lymphatic origin.EA often arises from deep soft tissues such as pleura,breast,bone and gastrointestinal tract.It usually affects patients aged 60-70 years and is associated with high recurrence and metastasis rates with surgical resection as the primary treatment of choice.Overall survivals are generally poor,ranging from 6 to 16 months.More than 50%of patients died of disease within 2 to 3 years of diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY We present a rare case of EA of the cervical spine causing a C6 pathological fracture complicated by severe kyphosis.The patient received C4-7 posterior laminectomy and C2/3/4/7/T1 transpedicular screw fixation,followed by anterior C5-6 corpectomy with allograft bone fusion and cervical plate fixation.Postoperative radiotherapy was administered without delay.However,the patient died of rapidly progressive acute respiratory distress syndrome 3 weeks after the second surgery.CONCLUSION EA with spinal involvement is extremely rare.Early detection and cord decompression may prevent neurological deterioration and preserve better quality of life.
文摘BACKGROUND Spinal tuberculosis(TB),also known as Pott’s spine,remains a significant global health issue,particularly in regions with a high TB burden.The disease presents complex challenges in diagnosis,management,and treatment,prompting a growing interest in research over recent years.The advancements in imaging,diagnostics,and treatment strategies have driven an increased focus on publishing clinical outcomes,review articles,and case series related to spinal TB(STB).AIM To perform a bibliometric analysis of STB research published over the last 5 years(2019-2023)to identify trends in publication volume,contributions by country,and the nature of the research being conducted.METHODS A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted using the PubMed database,focusing on research articles published between 2019 and 2023.Keywords such as“spine tuberculosis,”“spinal TB,”“TB spine,”and“Pott’s spine”were utilized to capture relevant publications.Articles were analyzed based on the type of research(e.g.,case reports,review articles,cohort studies,randomized controlled trials[RCTs]),number of citations,and country of origin based on the corresponding author's details.Further subgroup analysis was performed according to the TB burden in various countries to assess research trends in high-burden regions.RESULTS A total of 528 articles met the inclusion criteria for this bibliometric analysis.The majority of articles were published between 2020 and 2023(440/528;83.3%),while the lowest number was published in 2019(88/528;16.7%).India led the global contributions with 25.8%of the total publications,followed by China(19.9%)and the United States(10.4%).Combined,African countries contributed 6.8%of the research on STB.Regarding the type of articles,case reports and case series dominated the literature(353/528;66.9%),followed by review articles(120/528;22.7%)and cohort studies(45/528;8.5%).Only 1.9%(10/528)of the studies were RCTs.Countries such as the United States,Germany,the United Kingdom,and Japan have pioneered the use of artificial intelligence(AI)in the diagnostic processes for STB,while India,China,South Africa,and other countries have been pivotal in conducting clinical trials and improving clinical management strategies.CONCLUSION This bibliometric analysis revealed a significant increase in STB research over the last 5 years,with India and China being the leading contributors.However,most publications are case reports or case series,with a limited number of RCTs.The results highlighted the need for more high-quality research,especially in terms of RCTs and innovations in diagnostic technologies.Additionally,the application of AI to STB diagnostics shows promise in developed countries,while high-burden countries are focusing on clinical trials and management strategies.
文摘This retrospective case study investigates the clinical presentation of a 53-year-old female who underwent mantle field radiotherapy roughly 26 years ago. This patient presents with diffuse muscle atrophy and weakness in the cervical musculature, as well as sensory deficits in the upper extremities. We sought to compare our patient’s symptoms with other patients who had been formally diagnosed with Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS) by reviewing the existing literature. We found that the clinical presentation under investigation was consistent with other patients who had received radiotherapy for Hodgkins’s disease and were then diagnosed with DHS. Electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and a cervical MRI were unable to identify a separate neurological cause for the symptoms, but the MRI did confirm the presence of diffuse muscle atrophy in the cervical musculature. After reviewing the existing literature and imaging results, we compared our patient’s symptoms to those that define DHS, and both the time of onset, presenting symptoms, and progressing course are consistent with a diagnosis of Dropped Head Syndrome.
