Clinical Study of Tianji Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Upper Cervical Spine Fractures

Object: To compare the safety, clinical efficacy, and complication rate of “Tianji” robot-assisted surgery with traditional open surgery in the treatment of cervical vertebrae fracture. Methods: 60 patients with upper cervical vertebrae fracture admitted to Baise People’s Hospital between November 2018 and April 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, 29 underwent “Tianji” robot-assisted surgery (Robot group), and 31 underwent traditional C-arm fluoroscopy-assisted open surgery (Open group). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 27.0 software to compare general data (gender, age, BMI), preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, neck disability index (NDI), intraoperative blood loss, accuracy of screw placement on imaging, and the number of complications in both groups for comprehensive evaluation. A P value < 0.05 was deemed to have achieved statistical significance. Results: There was no significant difference in preoperative VAS scores between the two groups (Robot group: 8.34 ± 0.61;Open group: 8.26 ± 0.68, P = 0.317). There was also no significant difference in VAS scores at 1 week postoperatively (Robot group: 6.90 ± 0.31;Open group: 6.94 ± 0.36, P = 0.3237). Preoperative NDI scores showed no significant difference between the two groups (Robot group: 43.31 ± 2.67;Open group: 43.84 ± 2.67, P = 0.2227), and the difference in NDI scores at 1 week postoperatively was also not significant (Robot group: 35.69 ± 4.24;Open group: 37.35 ± 3.48, P = 0.0509). Intraoperative blood loss in the Robot group was significantly lower than in the Open group (246.21 ± 209 ml vs 380.65 ± 328.04 ml, P = 0.0308), with a statistically significant difference. The operation time was longer in the Robot group (3.75 ± 0.74 h) compared to the Open group (2.74 ± 0.86 h). In terms of screw placement accuracy, the Robot group had a higher accuracy rate for Class A screws compared to the Open group (102 screws vs 94 screws, P = 0.0487), and the accuracy rate for Class B screws was also higher in the Robot group (13 screws vs 29 screws, P = 0.0333), with both differences being statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the number of complications between the two groups (Robot group: 8 cases;Open group: 10 cases, P = 0.6931). Conclusion: Patients treated with “Tianji” robot-assisted surgery for upper cervical vertebrae fracture had lower intraoperative blood loss and higher screw placement accuracy compared to those undergoing traditional C-arm fluoroscopy-assisted open surgery, indicating that this robot-assisted surgery can effectively reduce intraoperative blood loss and improve screw placement accuracy.

Clinical Study of Accelerated Rehabilitation Concept Combined with Tianji Robot-Assisted Surgery in Lumbar Degenerative Diseases

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of two surgical methods for lumbar degenerative diseases;the combination of the concept of accelerated rehabilitation with the assistance of Tianji Robotics and the concept of accelerated rehabilitation combined with manual pedicle screw placement assisted by conventional C-arm fluoroscopy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 70 patients who received the concept of accelerated rehabilitation combined with spinal surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases in Baise People’s Hospital from January 2022 to January 2024. Among them, 35 patients in the robot group received accelerated rehabilitation concept combined with robot-assisted surgery;In the conventional C-arm group, 35 patients received the accelerated rehabilitation concept combined with manual pedicle screw placement assisted by conventional C-arm fluoroscopy. VAS score (preoperative/postoperative), ODI score (preoperative/postoperative), intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications and the accuracy rate of screw placement were compared between the two groups. Result: There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative VAS scores between the robot group and the conventional C-arm group (6.45 ± 0.82 VS 6.63 ± 0.81, P = 0.6600). The postoperative VAS score of the robot group was better than that of the conventional C-arm group (1.69 ± 0.80 VS 2.45 ± 0.85, P = 0.0000*). There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative ODI scores between the robot group and the conventional C-arm group (32.11 ± 3.18 VS 31.66 ± 2.25, P = 0.4900). The postoperative ODI score of the robot group was better than that of the conventional C-arm group (22.68 ± 1.94 VS 24.57 ± 2.25, P = 0.0000*). The postoperative complications in the robot group were less than those in the conventional C-arm group (2.7778% VS 28.5724%, P = 0.0030*). The intraoperative bleeding in the robot group was lower than that in the conventional C-arm group (320.85 ± 276.28 VS 490.00 ± 395.34, P = 0.0420*). The postoperative hospital stay of the robot group was shorter than that of the conventional C-arm group (10.00 ± 9.32 VS 14.49 ± 7.55, P = 0.0300*). The screw placement inaccuracy score of the robot group was lower than that of the conventional C-arm group (0.17 ± 0.51 VS 1.45 ± 1.46, P = 0.0000*). Conclusion: The combination of the concept of accelerated rehabilitation and Tianji Orthopedic robot-assisted surgery is more effective and safer in posterior lumbar decompression and internal fixation surgery with a screw rod system, and is worthy of promotion and application.

Clinical Study of Applying Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Concept in Single-Segment Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Objective: With the aging population and changes in lifestyle, lumbar spinal stenosis has become a common spinal disorder. Treatment modalities have been advancing, and the application of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles provides a new approach to postoperative recovery in patients. This study aims to investigate the clinical application effects of ERAS principles in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. Methods: This study included 64 patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery in the Spinal Surgery Department of Baise People’s Hospital from July 2022 to July 2024. These patients were divided into an experimental group (ERAS group, 33 cases) and a control group (conventional group, 31 cases) based on perioperative care, receiving ERAS principles and traditional treatment, respectively. A comparison was made between the two groups in terms of gender, age, BMI, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, hospital costs, VAS scores (preoperative/postoperative day 3), and ODI scores (preoperative/postoperative day 3). Results: There were no significant differences in gender, age, and BMI between the ERAS group and the conventional group (gender: χ2 = 0.5008, P = 0.4792;age: 54.55 ± 8.51 years vs. 57.39 ± 8.16 years, P = 0.0892;BMI: 25.11 ± 2.70 vs. 24.77 ± 2.75, P = 0.3098). However, during surgery, patients in the ERAS group had significantly less blood loss than those in the conventional group (197.58 ± 195.51ml vs. 438.71 ± 349.22 ml, P = 0.0006), and the postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (7.00 ± 2.24 days vs. 11.55 ± 5.23 days, P = 0.0000). On postoperative day 3, VAS scores were significantly better in the ERAS group compared to the conventional group (3.70 ± 0.88 vs. 4.32 ± 0.87, P = 0.0031), and the ODI scores showed significant improvement as well (46.00 ± 3.04 vs. 48.00 ± 3.39, P = 0.0078). Although there were no significant differences in postoperative complications and hospital costs (complications: 3 cases vs. 0 cases, P = 0.2154;hospital costs: 63524.29 ± 17891.80 RMB vs. 58733.84 ± 13280.82 RMB, P = 0.1154), ERAS demonstrated better postoperative recovery outcomes in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. Conclusion: The study results support the implementation of ERAS principles in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery to promote rapid recovery, reduce healthcare resource consumption, and improve overall patient satisfaction.

Status and distribution of ungulates in Xinjiang,China

Based on a long-term field investigation and other research results, we reviewed the status and distribution of ungulates in Xinjiang, China. The ungulates in Xinjiang included 19 ungulate species （30 subspecies） from 6 families and 2 orders. Among them, 3 species （2 subspecies） relate to Equidae （Per- risodactyla）, and 16 species （28 subspecies） are from 5 families of Artiodactyla. In this paper, we analyzed the conservation status of most rare and important 13 ungulate species. Firstly, we proposed the protec- tion of genetic diversity of Camelus ferus and the distribution areas of Moschus sifanicus, Procapra przewalskii and Saiga tatarica in Xinjiang. We found that Moschus sifanicus but not Procapra przewalskii distributed in Xinjiang. It was not clear whether the remnant populations of Saiga tatarica existed in Xinjiang and China-Kazakhstan border or not. We discussed that the protection level and rational use of Capra si- birica and enhancing protection level and enlarging monitoring and research projects for Pantholops hodgsoni and Gazella subgutturosa. And we would like to suggest Forestry Department to develop the captive breeding of Tibetan antelope for rational use. In addition, the captive breeding of Cervus elaphus in Xinjiang was reviewed. Local government should lessen strong control to Cervus elaphus because of many breeding centers＇ establishment.

Winter habitat use of snow leopards in Tomur National Nature Reserve of Xinjiang,Northwest China

Snow leopards are one of the least known large cats, the population of which has dramatically de- creased. Their habitat loss was considered the main reason for the decline during the last decade, but their habitat preferences are still not well known. In this paper, we studied the winter habitat preferences of snow leopards in the Tomur National Nature Reserve （TNNR） in Northwest China during 2004-2005. We used sign surveys and tran- sects to study the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. The results indicated that snow leopards showed a preference for habitat variabilities in slope aspect, vegetation cover, dominant topographical features, landform ruggedness and grazing status. We found that prey availability and dominant topographical features were the most important factors that determined the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. Our results supported the idea that the habitat preferences of snow leopards are a tradeoff between suitable habitat features and avoidance of potential human interactions.

Selecting flagship species to solve a biodiversity conservation conundrum

The difficulty of effectively monitoring and managing the environment to conserve biodiversity is as yet an unsolved conundrum.A project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has concluded that progress can be made through the use of flagship species selected using criteria drawn from conservation biology,ecosystem function,socio-economics,and cultural importance.Inclusion of the latter three criteria will help attract and maintain the commitment of the public to play full parts in carrying out any conservation measures needed.A system is proposed for scoring species to select those that are most suitable as flagships.This method can be used regardless of the size of the area chosen for attention,whether it is a region,a country,or a particular protected area.

The cluster digging behavior of larvae confers trophic benefits to fitness in insects

Collective behaviors efficiently impart benefits to a diversity of species ranging from bacteria to humans.Fly larvae tend to cluster and form coordinated digging groups under crowded conditions,yet understanding the rules governing this behavior is in its infancy.We primarily took advantage of the Drosophila model to investigate cooperative foraging behavior.Here,we report that Drosophila-related species and the black soldier fly have evolved a conserved strategy of cluster digging in food foraging.Subsequently,we investigated relative factors,including larval stage,population density,and food stiffness and quality,that affect the cluster digging behavior.Remarkably,oxygen supply through the posterior breathing spiracles is necessary for the organization of digging clusters.More importantly,we theoretically devise a mathematical model to accurately calculate how the cluster digging behavior expands food resources by diving depth,cross-section area,and food volume.We found that cluster digging behavior approximately increases 2.2 fold depth,1.7-fold cross-section area,and 1.9 fold volume than control groups,respectively.Amplification of food sources significantly facilitates survival,larval development,and reproductive success of Drosophila challenged with competition for limited food resources,thereby conferring trophic benefits to fitness in insects.Overall,our findings highlight that the cluster digging behavior is a pivotal behavior for their adaptation to food scarcity,advancing a better understanding of how this cooperative behavior confers fitness benefits in the animal kingdom.

中国两栖爬行动物多样性监测进展与展望

两栖爬行动物是良好的环境指示类群,容易受到环境变化的影响,目前正经历着全球范围的种群快速下降和物种灭绝。最新的《中国脊椎动物红色名录》评估发现,37.05%的两栖动物和30.5%的爬行动物受到威胁。开展国家级科学监测,研究和分析两栖爬行动物多样性变迁及其驱动因素是保护的前提。作为中国生物多样性监测与研究网络的重要组成部分,两栖爬行动物监测与研究专项网通过对11个典型样区中两栖爬行动物的组成、种群动态和结构进行长期监测和研究,将野外数据与生态模型相结合,探讨两栖爬行动物的种群现状、群落结构及其动态,以及针对我国两栖爬行动物应对未来环境变化提出及时有效的保护管理对策。在两栖爬行动物多样性研究、极危两栖动物中国大鲵(Andrias davidianus)和濒危两栖动物大凉螈(Liangshantriton taliangensis)的保护、环境DNA(eDNA)技术和无线电追踪技术开拓与应用、荒漠化生境对爬行动物的生态影响、外来入侵种的扩展机制等方面取得了重要进展,明显提升了中国两栖爬行动物监测能力和研究水平。未来尚需持续加大监测网络建设,普及先进监测技术,从法律法规层面强调两栖爬行动物的保护,建设和优化保护区,实施必要的迁地保育和就地保育,实现更多有效保护珍稀两栖爬行动物资源的目的。

中国兽类多样性监测与研究网络建设:十年回顾与展望

兽类物种多样性高,分布广泛,与人类关系密切,对维持生态系统稳定平衡具有不可替代的作用。我国是世界上生态系统类型和兽类多样性最丰富的国家之一,但多数生态系统的兽类物种资源情况仍未完全掌握,许多区域缺乏调查记录或长期监测资料。面对全球生态环境的急剧变化,我国兽类动物资源保护面临严峻挑战。中国兽类多样性监测与研究网络(以下简称兽类网)于2011年启动建设,结合全球生物多样性保护背景下的国家重大需求,以陆生兽类及其栖息地为研究对象,先后建立了55个监测样区,逐渐形成覆盖全国的监测网络,发表有关论著180余篇(部),其中红外相机工作日累计超156万天,获得图像775余万张;同时,推动建立了我国兽类多样性监测标准化技术体系和公共数据服务平台,对兽类群落组成、种群动态和行为变化以及关键驱动因子开展长期监测研究,为我国重要兽类资源保护、有害生物管控提供先进技术和科学数据支撑。本文回顾了兽类网的发展历程,系统梳理了在监测技术方法、编目发现、行为生理、种群、种间关系、群落和保护管理方面的监测与研究进展。未来需加强技术和学科交叉,聚焦多尺度、多维度、多营养级的综合研究应用,为全面、深刻地理解生物多样性维持机制,应对生物多样性丧失的全球危机做好科技支撑与服务。

Fault diagnosis of railway point machines based on wavelet transform and artificial immune algorithm

Aiming at the current problems of high failure rate and low diagnostic efficiency of railway point machines(RPMs)in the railway industry,a short-time method of fault diagnosis is proposed.Considering the effect of noise on power signals in the data acquisition process of the railway centralized signaling monitoring(CSM)system,this study utilizes wavelet threshold denoising to eliminate interference.The results show that the accuracy of fault diagnosis can be improved by 4.4% after denoising the power signals.Then in order to attain a lighter weight and shorten the running time of the diagnosis model,Mallat wavelet decomposition and artificial immune algorithm are applied to RPM fault diagnosis.Finally,voluminous experiments using veritable power signals collected from CSM are introduced,which show that combining these methods can procure higher precision of RPMs and curtail fault diagnosis time.This substantiates the validity and feasibility of the presented approach.

删除Loop区域表面不稳定氨基酸提高(R)-ω-转氨酶热稳定性

手性胺是一类具有重要价值的医药及精细化工中间体,如何实现手性胺类化合物的不对称合成是目前人们普遍关注的一个焦点问题。ω-转氨酶(ω-Transaminase,ω-TA)是一类能直接合成对映体手性胺的天然生物催化剂。相比于(S)-ω-TA,(R)-ω-TA的研究较少,但其需求量随着手性胺类药物的发展日趋增大。提高具有潜在应用价值的(R)-ω-TA的热稳定性,将有利于手性胺的制备。本文利用Py MOL软件和YASARA软件预测来源于土曲霉Aspergillus terreus的(R)-ω-TA中具有高温度因子(B-factor)的Loop区域,通过定点突变对Loop区域表面不稳定氨基酸逐步进行删除获得突变酶。结果表明,突变酶R131del和突变酶P132-E133del半失活温度分别为41.1℃和39.4℃,比野生酶提高了2.6℃和0.9℃;在40℃下的半衰期分别为15.0 min和10.0 min,为野生酶的2.2倍和1.5倍。此外,在400 K和10 ns的分子模拟条件下,突变酶R131del在Loop区域的均方根涨落(Root mean square fluctuation,RMSF)比野生型低,突变酶P132-E133del在Loop区域增加了4个氢键。本研究通过删除(R)-ω-转氨酶Loop区域表面不稳定氨基酸提高了该蛋白的热稳定性,同时也为其他酶热稳定性的理性设计提供了方法学指导。

发酵乳杆菌来源4,6-α-葡萄糖基转移酶的酶学表征及产物性质鉴定

4,6-α-葡萄糖基转移酶(4,6-α-GTs)能以直链淀粉为底物合成含α(1-6)键的α-葡聚糖,在酶法合成膳食纤维中具有很大的应用潜力。根据4,6-α-GTs氨基酸序列中的保守区段设计引物,从发酵乳杆菌Lactobacillus fermentum基因组中PCR扩增得到一条假定GTFB-like 4,6-α-GTs基因(命名为gtf16),构建重组质粒pET15b-gtf16并在宿主大肠杆菌Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)成功表达,纯化后对其进行酶学表征。结果表明,该酶最适pH为5.0,最适温度为40℃。通过薄层色谱、NMR光谱、水解酶水解等检测手段对Gtf16酶转化产物进行系统的表征,发现其产物具有以下特征:与已报道的来源于罗伊氏乳杆菌Lactobacillusreuteri121菌株的4,6-α-葡萄糖基转移酶-GtfB与直链淀粉作用后的产物异麦芽寡糖结构类似;产物键型中α(1-6)键占比可达75%,产物平均分子量为23 793 Da;产物被消化酶水解后得到的抗消化成分含量可达88.22%。

Characterization of a new 4,6-α-glucanotransferase from Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCC 3057 with ability of synthesizing low molecular mass isomalto-/maltopolysaccharide

4,6-α-Glucanotransferase(4,6-α-GT)converts starch into product with increasedα(1-6)glycosidic bonds ratio,and this product is a new type of soluble dietary fiber with property of escaping small intestine digestion.4,6-α-GT gained interest recently because of their potential use in enzymatic synthesis of soluble dietary fiber.In this study,a putative GtfB sequence from Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCC 3057 was identified.This sequence was truncated and expressed in Escherichia coli to obtain the protein L.fermentum NCC 3057 GtfBΔN.GtfBΔN showed optimal activity at 35℃and pH 6.0,and it converted amylose V to isomalto-/maltopolysaccharide(IMMP)with low molecular mass(3.1 kDa).This IMMP product contains 72%α(1-6)glycosidic bonds,and it showed 64%indigestible content in vitro digestion experiment.These results indicate that the product of L.fermentum NCC 3057 GtfBΔN is a soluble dietary fiber.Finally the X-ray crystal structure of GtfBΔN(2.4Å)was resolved.Based on the GtfBΔN structure,we offer an insight about that three loops of domain C may be related to the molecular mass of IMMP product.

Distribution and status of bustards in China

This article presents the distribution and status of bustards,which are listed as first-category protected animals according to the survey results during 1990–2002 in China.The Chinese populations of Otis tarda dybowskii are breeding in south-west of Heilongjiang Province,western Jilin Province,east and middle Inner Mongolia,north Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,and Gansu Province.A few can winter in the south breeding-range.Its winterrange lies from the south to the Yellow River,as far as to Guizhou Province and Jiangxi Province.Its population number is about 200–300 or 500–800.The Chinese populations of O.t.tarda are breeding in the north and west of Xinjiang.It is unclear about its winter-range,which is presumed to be in south Asia.Recently we found individuals wintering in Chabuchaer and west Xinjiang.The population number is about 2000–3000.The habitat in breeding range includes steppe,grassland,desert grassland,and farmland.The habitat in winter range is the beach of rivers and lakes,meadows,meadow-grassland,and wheatland.The Chinese populations of Chlamydotis undulata macqueeni are breeding in the fringe of the Jungar Basin,the banks of the Ulungur River,Balikun and south Turpan Basin in Xinjiang,west Inner Mongolia,and west Gansu.Northeast Mulei in eastern Jungar Basin of Xinjiang is the main breeding-range in the world.The bird uses desert and desert grassland as its habitat.Its winter-range is west Asia and south Asia.Its population number is about 2000.The Chinese populations of Tetrax tetrax are breeding in north Xinjiang,and China is located on the east border of its breeding-range.Its habitat is grassland and semi-desert,and its winter-range lies in south Asia.Its population in China is very scarce.In addition,we analyzed the causes of their endangerment and put forward protection tactics of Chinese Bustards.