Age-Related Association Between Unilateral Single-Channel and Double-Channel Surgery and Postoperative Multifidus Muscle Atrophy and Fat Infiltration.

Background: Unilateral biportal endoscopic laminotomy (UBE) and percutaneous endoscopic laminotomy (PEL) are minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) techniques used for unilateral and dual-channel endoscopic laminectomy. However, limited research has been conducted on lumbosacral multifidus muscle injuries in elderly individuals undergoing MISS for lumbar spinal canal stenosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of single-channel and double-channel MISS on the multifidus muscle in elderly patients.

Lactoferrin and Lysozyme Inhibit the Proteolytic Activity and Cytopathic Effect of Enzymes.

is a ubiquitous free-living amoeba that causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. As a part of the innate immune response at the mucosal level, the proteins lactoferrin (Lf) and lysozyme (Lz) are secreted and eliminate various microorganisms. We demonstrate that survives the individual and combined effects of bovine milk Lf (bLf) and chicken egg Lz (cLz).

Genotype T4: Inhibition of Proteases Activity and Cytopathic Effect by Bovine Apo-Lactoferrin.

genotype T4 is a clinically significant free-living amoeba that causes granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and amoebic keratitis in human beings. During the initial stages of infection, trophozoites interact with various host immune responses, such as lactoferrin (Lf), in the corneal epithelium, nasal mucosa, and blood. Lf plays an important role in the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, and evasion of the innate immune response is crucial in the colonization process.

Effects of network junctions and defects on the crystallization of model poly(ethylene glycol) networks.

Polymer crystallization drastically changes the physical properties of polymeric materials. However, the crystallization in polymer networks has been little explored. This study investigated the crystallization behavior of a series of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) networks consisting of well-defined branched precursors.

Nanostructure and thermoresponsiveness of poly(-isopropyl methacrylamide)-based hydrogel microspheres prepared aqueous free radical precipitation polymerization.

Thermoresponsive hydrogel microspheres (microgels) are smart materials that quickly respond to external stimuli, and their thermoresponsiveness can be tuned by varying the constituent chemical species. Although uniformly sized microgels can be prepared aqueous free radical precipitation polymerization, the nanostructure of the obtained microgels is complex and remains unclear so far. In the present study, the nanostructure and thermoresponsiveness of poly(-isopropyl methacrylamide) (pNIPMAm)-based microgels, which have a volume-transition temperature of ∼43 °C, were evaluated mainly using temperature-controllable high-speed atomic force microscopy.

Surface Functionalization of Non-Woven Fabrics Using a Novel Silica-Resin Coating Technology: Antiviral Treatment of Non-Woven Fabric Filters in Surgical Masks.

Masks are effective for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. If antimicrobial properties can be applied to the non-woven fabric filters in masks, they can become a more effective countermeasure against human-to-human and environmental infections. We investigated the possibilities of carrying antimicrobial agents on the fiber surfaces of non-woven fabric filters by applying silica-resin coating technology, which can form silica-resin layers on such fabrics at normal temperature and pressure.

Star-Polymer-DNA Gels Showing Highly Predictable and Tunable Mechanical Responses.

Dynamically crosslinked gels are appealing materials for applications that require time-dependent mechanical responses. DNA duplexes are ideal crosslinkers for building such gels because of their excellent sequence addressability and flexible tunability in bond energy. However, the mechanical responses of most DNA gels are complicated and unpredictable.

In Situ Neutron Reflectometry Analysis of Interfacial Structure Formation between Phenolic Resin and Silica during Curing.

The structural formation mechanism of phenolic resin-silica interfaces was investigated in situ by neutron reflectometry during curing. There was a 4 nm thick novolac resin adsorption layer on the silica surface before curing. The curing reaction of the novolac resin with hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) increased the coherent neutron scattering length density of the resin due to the cure shrinkage accompanied by the volatilization of ammonia, which is a byproduct of HMTA decomposition.

Association of gynecomastia with antidiabetic medications in older adults: Data mining from different national pharmacovigilance databases.

Objective: Gynecomastia is a benign proliferation of the glandular breast tissue in men and is generally caused by a decrease in androgen and an increase in estrogen. Diabetes has been reported to be a risk factor for lowering androgen levels. Moreover, lowered androgen levels are more common in older men.

Structural changes in pH-responsive gelatin/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate blends aimed at drug-release systems.

The present study aimed to investigate the thermal- and pH-dependent gelation behavior of gelatin/HPMCP blends using ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry, viscoelasticity, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). We found that the release of lisinopril from gelatin/HPMCP gels can be inhibited at low pH. UV spectrophotometric analysis showed that pH had a significant effect on the transparency of aqueous HPMCP systems and gelatin/HPMCP gels.

The Dichloromethane Fraction of , A Plant Used in Sonoran Traditional Medicine, Affect Erythrophagocytosis and Gene Expression.

Intestinal parasites are a global problem, mainly in developing countries. Obtaining information about plants and compounds that can combat gastrointestinal disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms is a fundamental first step in designing new treatment strategies. In this study, we analyzed the antiamoebic activity of the aerial part of .

Neutralization and Salt Effect on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Polyacrylic Acid Gels under Equivolume Conditions.

The effects of neutralization and salt on the structure and mechanical properties of polyacrylic acid (PAA) gels under equivolume conditions were investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements and tensile tests. We attained the equivolume condition by immersing a piece of PAA gel sample in an ion reservoir containing linear PAA, NaOH, and NaCl at prescribed concentrations (post-ion-tuning). The volume fraction of the linear polymer was set to be the same as that of the gel so as to satisfy the iso-osmotic pressure at the reference state.

The Arp2/3 Inhibitory Protein Arpin Is Required for Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Integrity.

The intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) depends on stable interepithelial protein complexes such as tight junctions (TJ), adherens junctions (AJ), and the actin cytoskeleton. During inflammation, the IEB is compromised due to TJ protein internalization and actin remodeling. An important actin regulator is the actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex, which induces actin branching.

Overexpression and extra-mitochondrial localization of the chaperonin Hsp60 in ameloblastoma.

Objectives: Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic neoplasm of the mandible and maxilla with various histological types and subtypes. It has been reported that some ameloblastomas could arise from dentigerous cyst walls; thus, the development of ameloblastoma from dentigerous cysts may be due to differential protein expression. Our aim was to identify a membrane protein that is differentially expressed in ameloblastomas with respect to dentigerous cysts.

Microphase separation of stimuli-responsive interpenetrating network microgels investigated by scattering methods.

Polymer stimuli-responsive microgels find their use in various applications. The knowledge of its internal structure is of importance for further improvement and expanding the scope. Interpenetrating network (IPN) microgels may possess a remarkable feature of strongly non-uniform inner architecture, even microphase separation, in conditions of a selective solvent.

Effect of Nonlinear Elasticity on the Swelling Behaviors of Highly Swollen Polyelectrolyte Gels.

Polyelectrolyte gels exhibit swelling behaviors that are dependent on the external environment. The swelling behaviors of highly charged polyelectrolyte gels can be well explained using the Flory-Rehner model combined with the Gibbs-Donnan effect and Manning's counterion condensation effect (the FRGDM model). This study investigated the swelling properties of a series of model polyelectrolyte gels, namely tetra-polyacrylic acid-polyethylene glycol gels (Tetra-PAA-PEG gels), and determined the applicability of the FRGDM model.

Microendoscopy-assisted extraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for treating single-level spondylodesis.

Background: Lumbar interbody fusion is a standard technique for treating degenerative lumbar disorders involving instability. Due to its invasiveness, a minimally invasive technique, extraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (ELIF), was introduced. On surgically approaching posterolaterally, the posterior muscles and spinal canal are barely invaded.

Impairment of accessory nerves around major pelvic ganglion leading to overflow urinary incontinence in rats.

Aims: To investigate the relationship between lower urinary tract function and the accessory nerve (ACN) arising from the major pelvic ganglion (MPG).

Methods: Ten-week-old male Wistar/ST rats were randomly divided into eight groups according to the type of treatment (sham or bilateral accessory nerve injury [BACNI]) and the duration of observation (3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, or 4 weeks: Sham-3d, Sham-1w, Sham-2w, Sham-4w, BACNI-3d, BACNI-1w, BACNI-2ws, and BACNI-4w. BACNI was induced in the following manner: the ACN was crushed for 1 min (2 mm away from the MPG) using reverse-action tweezers.

Clinical Comparison of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Laminectomy versus Microendoscopic Laminectomy for Single-Level Laminectomy: A Single-Center, Retrospective Analysis.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical results of microendoscopic laminectomy (MEL) with those of unilateral biportal endoscopic laminectomy (UBEL) in patients with single-level lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

Methods: The subjects consisted of 181 patients who underwent MEL (139 cases) and UBEL (42 cases) who were followed up for at least 6 months. All patients had lumber canal stenosis for 1 level.

A new classification for spinal epidural hematoma following microendoscopic decompressive laminotomy: A prospective clinical and magnetic resonance imaging study of 245 patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a new radiological classification system for postoperative spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to determine the correlation of this classification system with clinical and radiological outcomes.

Methods: This prospective study included a total of 245 consecutive patients (126 females, 119 males; mean age=72 years; age range=39-91 years) with single level spinal stenosis who were treated by microendoscopic decompressive laminotomy (MEDL). MRI was performed for all patients 24 hours postoperatively and at 12 months.

Methods and Early Clinical Results of Percutaneous Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Objective: Percutaneous lumbar interbody fusion (PELIF) is a procedure that includes the use of new devices, which allow minimally invasive diskectomy under the percutaneous full-endoscopic guidance and safe percutaneous insertion of a standard-sized cage. This procedure can be applied to severe disk degeneration, spondylolisthesis, and all lumbar intervertebral levels including the L5-S1 level. We report the methods and the clinical outcomes of this procedure.

Mechanical properties of temperature-responsive gels containing ethylene glycol in their side chains.

The mechanical properties of temperature-responsive and biocompatible poly(oligo-ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate)-based gels were investigated using dynamic viscoelasticity measurements so as to find applications in tissue and biomedical engineering. The gels were copolymerized using two ethylene glycol methacrylate monomers with diethylene glycol side chains: diethylene glycol methacrylate (MeOMA), which contains two ethylene oxide units, and oligo-ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) with either four or five ethylene oxide units. The storage (G') and loss (G'') moduli of these gels exhibit unique temperature-responsive behavior and depend on the copolymerization ratio.

Does "Coronal Root Angle" Serve as a Parameter in the Removal of Ventral Factors for Foraminal Stenosis at L5-S1 In Stand-alone Microendoscopic Decompression?

Study Design: Prospective single-center cohort study.

Objective: The present study aims to investigate the causes of failure of L5/S1 foraminal stenosis, and it is hypothesized that the newly defined "L5 coronal root angle (CRA)" may be a parameter in the removal of ventral pathologies.

Summary Of Background Data: Lumbar foraminal stenosis is an important cause of recurrent leg pain after central spinal stenosis surgery.

Examination of cross-calibration and concentration linearity with quantitative gallium-67 single-photon emission computed tomography: phantom experiment.

We evaluated whether scattered radiation should be considered for cross-calibration and concentration linearity with quantitative gallium-67 (Ga) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The scanned data from cylinder and spherical phantoms were used. They were reconstructed using ordered subset expectation maximization with resolution recovery, scatter, and computed tomography (CT)-based attenuation correction.