Advances in 3D correction of adolescent scoliosis:The superiority of scoliocorrector fatma-UI in rotational realignment

This letter compares the clinical efficacy and economic feasibility of the scoliocorrector fatma-UI(SCFUI)with direct vertebral rotation(DVR)in treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS).SCFUI has shown promising results in threedimensional spinal correction,providing superior rotational alignment compared to DVR and achieving significant improvements in coronal and sagittal planes.Additionally,SCFUI’s advanced design reduces risks associated with AIS surgeries and enhances overall patient outcomes.Economic analysis reveals SCFUI as a cost-effective option,potentially lowering long-term healthcare costs by minimizing complications and revisions.Our findings suggest that SCFUI is a viable,innovative approach in AIS treatment,meeting clinical and economic demands in orthopedic care.

Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI for correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Development, effectivity, safety and functional outcome

BACKGROUND Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains a major problem due to its high incidence,high risk,and high cost.One of the aims of the management in scoliosis is to correct the deformity.Many techniques are available to correct scoliosis deformity;however,they are all far from ideal to achieve three-dimensional correction in scoliosis.AIM To develop a set of tools named Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI(SCFUI)to aid threedimensional correction and to evaluate the efficacy,safety,and functional outcome.METHODS This study consists of two stages.In the first stage,we developed the SCFUI and tested it in finite element and biomechanical tests.The second stage was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial to evaluate the SCFUI compared to direct vertebral rotation(DVR).Forty-four subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were randomly allocated into the DVR group(n=23)and SCFUI group(n=21).Radiological,neurological,and functional outcome was compared between the groups.RESULTS Finite element revealed the maximum stress of the SCFUI components to be between 31.2-252 MPa.Biomechanical analysis revealed the modulus elasticity of SCFUI was 9561324±633277 MPa.Both groups showed improvement in Cobb angle and sagittal profile,however the rotation angle was lower in the SCFUI group(11.59±7.46 vs 18.23±6.39,P=0.001).Neurological and functional outcome were comparable in both groups.CONCLUSION We concluded that SCFUI developed in this study resulted in similar coronal and sagittal but better rotational correction compared to DVR.The safety and functional outcomes were also similar to DVR.

Insight into the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone: The treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)has a poor prognosis if left untreated;therefore,early treatment with pirfenidone is crucial.Lei et al conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of early pirfenidone treatment on lung function in 113 patients with IPF.In addition to other research,pirfeni-done has demonstrated efficacy in patients at all stages of IPF once correct diagnosis has been made.In advanced IPF,we include the requirement for pirfenidone.Therefore,it is essential to choose an appropriate method of adminis-tration method,such as inhalation.This may circumvent the drawbacks of the high cost and possible adverse effects of this drug.

Posterior Selective Thoracic Fusion in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients:a Comparison of All Pedicle Screws versus Hybrid Instrumentation

Objective To analyze the influence of segmental pedicle screws versus hybrid instrumentation on the correction results in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior selective thoracic fusion. Methods By reviewing the medical records and roentgenograms of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients who underwent selective thoracic fusion from February 2000 to January 2007 in our hospital, the patients were divided into 2 groups according to different instrumentation fashions： Group A was hook-screw-rod （hybrid） internal fixation type, Group B was screw-rod （all pedicle screws） internal fixation type, and the screws were used in every segment on the concave side of the thoracic curve. The parameters of the scoliosis were measured and the correction results were analyzed. Results Totally, 48 patients （7 males, 41 females） were included, with an average age of 14.4 years old and a mean follow-up time of 12.3 months. Thirty and 18 patients were assigned to group A and group B, respectively. The mean preoperative coronal Cobb angles of the thoracic curve were 48.8° and 47.4°, respectively. After surgery, they were corrected to 13.7° and 6.8°, respectively. At final follow-up, they were 17.0° and 9.5°, with an average correction rate of 64.6% and 79.0%, respectively, and the correction rate of group B was significantly higher than that of group A （P=0.003）. The mean preoperative coronal Cobb angles of the lumbar curve were 32.6° and 35.2°, respectively. After surgery, they were corrected to 8.6° and 8.3°, respectively. At final follow-up, they were 10.3° and 11.1°, with an average correction rate of 66.8% and 69.9%, respectively, and the correction rate of group B was significantly higher than that of group A （P=0.003）. The correction loss of the thoracic curve and lumbar curve in the 2 groups were 3.1° and 1.8°, 2.4° and 2.4°, respectively. No significant difference was noted （both P〉0.05）. The decompensation rate at final follow-up in these 2 groups were 4% （1/25） and 7.1% （1/14） respectively, with no significant difference （P〉0.05）.

Increased Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand in Osteoblasts from Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients with Low Bone Mineral Density

Persistent generalized low bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).However,the exact mechanisms and causes of the low BMD in AIS patients are largely unknown.The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels in osteoblasts (OBs) from AIS patients with low BMD and with comparison made between the patients and controls.Twenty AIS patients and eight age-matched controls were included in the present study.The BMD of lumbar spine and proximal femur was measured in all subjects.OBs from the cancellous bone of each subject was harvested and primarily cultured.The mRNA and protein expression of RANKL and OPG in OBs was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.The results showed BMD was lower in AIS patients than in controls.A significantly higher mRNA and protein expression of RANKL was observed in OBs from AIS patients,while no significant difference was found in the expression of OPG between AIS patients and controls.As a result,RANKL/OPG ratio in patients with AIS was remarkably higher than controls.Our study preliminarily demonstrated expression of RANKL was higher in OBs from AIS patients with low BMD as compared with controls,suggesting the unbalanced RANKL/OPG ratio caused by an over-expression of RANKL in OBs may be responsible for the low BMD in AIS patients.

Study on the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is classified under fibrotic interstitial pneumonia,characterized by a chronic and progressive course.The predominant clinical features of IPF include dyspnea and pulmonary dysfunction.AIM To assess the effects of pirfenidone in the early treatment of IPF on lung function in patients.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 113 patients with IPF who were treated in our hospital from November 2017 to January 2023.These patients were divided into two groups:control group(n=53)and observation group(n=60).In the control group,patients received routine therapy in combination with methylprednisolone tablets,while those in the observation group received routine therapy together with pirfenidone.After applying these distinct treatment approaches to the two groups,we assessed several parameters,including the overall effectiveness of clinical therapy,the occurrence of adverse reactions(e.g.,nausea,vomiting,and anorexia),symptom severity scores,pulmonary function index levels,inflammatory marker levels,and the 6-min walk distance before and after treatment in both groups.RESULTS The observation group exhibited significantly higher rates than the control group after therapy,with a clear distinction(P<0.05).After treatment,the observation group experienced significantly fewer adverse reactions than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).When analyzing the symptom severity scores between the two groups of patients after treatment,the observation group had significantly lower scores than the control group,with a distinct difference(P<0.05).When comparing the pulmonary function index levels between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group displayed significantly higher levels than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).Evaluating the inflammatory marker data(C-reactive protein,interleukin-2[IL-2],and IL-8)between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group exhibited significantly lower levels than the control group,with significant disparities(P<0.05).Comparison of the 6-min walking distance data between the two groups of patients after treatment showed that the observation group achieved significantly greater distances than the control group,with a marked difference(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Prompt initiation of pirfenidone treatment in individuals diagnosed with IPF can enhance pulmonary function,elevate inflammatory factor levels,and increase the distance covered in the 6-min walk test.This intervention is conducive to effectively decreasing the occurrence of adverse reactions in patients.

Systematic review and network meta-analysis of different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND Various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)have been used for juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA).However,the optimal method for JIA has not yet been developed.AIM To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis to determine the optimal instructions.METHODS We searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)from PubMed,EMBASE,Google Scholar,CNKI,and Wanfang without restriction for publication date or language at August,2023.Any RCTs that comparing the effectiveness of NSAIDs with each other or placebo for JIA were included in this network meta-analysis.The surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)analysis was used to rank the treatments.P value less than 0.05 was identified as statistically significant.RESULTS We included 8 RCTs(1127 patients)comparing 8 different instructions including meloxicam(0.125 qd and 0.250 qd),Celecoxib(3 mg/kg bid and 6 mg/kg bid),piroxicam,Naproxen(5.0 mg/kg/d,7.5 mg/kg/d and 12.5 mg/kg/d),inuprofen(30-40 mg/kg/d),Aspirin(60-80 mg/kg/d,75 mg/kg/d,and 55 mg/kg/d),Tolmetin(15 mg/kg/d),Rofecoxib,and placebo.There were no significant differences between any two NSAIDs regarding ACR Pedi 30 response.The SUCRA shows that celecoxib(6 mg/kg bid)ranked first(SUCRA,88.9%),rofecoxib ranked second(SUCRA,68.1%),Celecoxib(3 mg/kg bid)ranked third(SUCRA,51.0%).There were no significant differences between any two NSAIDs regarding adverse events.The SUCRA shows that placebo ranked first(SUCRA,88.2%),piroxicam ranked second(SUCRA,60.5%),rofecoxib(0.6 mg/kg qd)ranked third(SUCRA,56.1%),meloxicam(0.125 mg/kg qd)ranked fourth(SUCRA,56.1%),and rofecoxib(0.3 mg/kg qd)ranked fifth(SUCRA,56.1%).CONCLUSION In summary,celecoxib(6 mg/kg bid)was found to be the most effective NSAID for treating JIA.Rofecoxib,piroxicam,and meloxicam may be safer options,but further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger trials with higher quality studies.

Altered physiology of mesenchymal stem cells in the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity during puberty,especially in females.It is characterized by aberrant skeletal growth and generalized reduced bone density,which is associated with impaired bone mineral metabolism.Despite recent progress in multidisciplinary research to support various hypotheses,the pathogenesis of Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is still not clearly understood.One of the hypothesis is to study the role of mesenchymal stem cells due to its involvement in the above-mentioned bone metabolic abnormalities.In this review,we will summarize reported literatures on the role of mesenchymal stem cells,particularly in the pathogenesis of Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.In addition,we will describe the research on mesenchymal stem cells of Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis performed using bioinformatics tools.

POSTERIOR SELECTIVE THORACIC FUSION IN ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

To define the criteria of posterior selective thoracic fusion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Methods By reviewing the medical records and roentgenograms of 17 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who un-derwent posterior selective thoracic fusion, the curve type, Cobb angle, apical vertebral rotation and translation, trunk shift, and thoracolumbar kyphosis were measured and analyzed. Results There were 17 King type Ⅱ patients (PUMC type: Ⅱb1 13, Ⅱc3 4). The coronal Cobb angle of thoracic curve be-fore and after operation were 56.9°and 21.6° respectively, the mean correction rate was 60.1%. The coronal Cobb angle of lumbar curve before and after operation were 34.8° and 12.1° respectively, and the mean spontaneous correction rate was 64.8%. At final follow-up, the coronal Cobb angle of thoracic and lumbar curve were 23.5° and 15.2° respectively, there were no significant changes in the coronal Cobb angle, apical vertebral translation and rotation compared with that after operation. One patient had 12° of thoracolumbar kyphosis after operation, no progression was noted at final follow-up. There was no trunk decompensation or deterioration of the lumbar curve. In this group, 3.9 levels were saved compared with fusing both the th-oracic and lumbar curves. Conclusion Posterior selective thoracic fusion can be safely and effectively performed in King type Ⅱ patients with a mo-derate and flexible lumbar curve, which can save more mobile segments and at the same time can maintain a good coronal and sagittal balance.

Postoperative Disc Wedging in Adolescent Idiopathic Thoracolumbar/Lumbar Scoliosis:a Comparison of Anterior and Posterior Approaches

Objective To evaluate the different influences of anterior and posterior correction and fusion approaches upon disc wedging in adolescent idiopathic thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis.Methods The retrospective study was conducted with the medical records and radiographs of adolescent idiopathic thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis patients that underwent anterior(group A) or posterior(group B) correction and fusion surgery from December 1998 to May 2008.The correction of the main curve and changes of the disc wedging were analyzed.Results Fifty-three patients were included,26 in group A and 27 in group B.The mean coronal Cobb angles of the main curve in group A and group B were significantly corrected after surgery(P<0.05),with an average correction rate of 75.2% and 88.2%,respectively.Upon final follow-up,the coronal Cobb angles of the two groups were 18.9°±11.1° and 7.7°±5.6°,respectively,with an average correction loss of 6.8°±6.5° and 2.7°±3.3°,respectively.The coronal Cobb angle after operation and at final follow-up,and the correction rate were significantly better in group B than those in group A(P<0.05),while the coronal Cobb angle loss in group A was greater than that in group B(P<0.05).The disc wedging before operation,after operation,and at final follow-up were 3.2°±3.0°,5.7°±3.0°,and 8.6°±4.4° in group A,and 2.4°±3.2°,3.3°±3.4°,and 3.7°±3.6° in group B,respectively.Postoperative disc wedging was significantly larger compared with preoperative measurements in group A(P<0.05),but not in group B(P>0.05).The difference between disc wedging at final follow-up and that after surgery was significant in group A(P<0.05),but not in group B(P>0.05).Between the two groups,group A had larger disc angles after operation and at final follow-up(P<0.05),and a greater loss of disc angle(P<0.05).Conclusion For adolescent idiopathic thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis,posterior approach using all pedicle screws might produce a better result in terms of disc wedging compared with anterior approach.

Predictors of spine deformity progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A systematic review with meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate published data on the predictors of progressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) in order to evaluate their efficacy and level of evidence. METHODS: Selection criteria:(1) study design: randomized controlled clinical trials, prospective cohort studies and case series, retrospective comparative and none comparative studies;(2) participants: adolescents with AIS aged from 10 to 20 years; and(3) treatment: observation, bracing, and other. Search method: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Pub Medand patent data bases. All years through August 2014 were included. Data were collected that showed an association between the studied characteristics and the progression of AIS or the severity of the spine deformity. Odds ratio(OR), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were also collected. A metaanalysis was performed to evaluate the pooled OR and predictive values, if more than 1 study presented a result. The GRADE approach was applied to evaluate the level of evidence.RESULTS: The review included 25 studies. All studies showed statistically significant or borderline association between severity or progression of AIS with the following characteristics:(1) An increase of the Cobb angle or axial rotation during brace treatment;(2) decrease of the rib-vertebral angle at the apical level of the convex side during brace treatment;(3) initial Cobb angle severity(> 25o);(4) osteopenia;(5) patient age < 13 years at diagnosis;(6) premenarche status;(7) skeletal immaturity;(8) thoracic deformity;(9) brain stem vestibular dysfunction; and(10) multiple indices combining radiographic, demographic, and physiologic characteristics. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the following genes:(1) calmodulin 1;(2) estrogen receptor 1;(3) tryptophan hydroxylase 1;(3) insulin-like growth factor 1;(5) neurotrophin 3;(6) interleukin-17 receptor C;(7) melatonin receptor 1B, and(8) Scoli Score test. Other predictors included:(1) impairment of melatonin signaling in osteoblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC);(2) G-protein signaling dysfunction in PBMC; and(3) the level of platelet calmodulin. However, predictive values of all these findings were limited, and the levels of evidence were low. The pooled result of brace treatment outcomes demonstrated that around 27% of patents with AIS experienced exacerbation of the spine deformity during or after brace treatment, and 15% required surgical correction. However, the level of evidence is also low due to the limitations of the included studies.CONCLUSION: This review did not reveal any methods for the prediction of progression in AIS that could be recommended for clinical use as diagnostic criteria.

Application of Out-of-Hospital Extended Nursing in Brace Treatment of Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis

Objective:To investigate the effect of out-of-hospital extended nursing on the compliance behaviors and therapeutic effect of brace treatment of patients with idiopathic scoliosis.Methods:54 patients with idiopathic scoliosis between February 2015 and December 2017 were randomly divided into control group and observation group.Patients in the control group received pelvic suspension traction,gymnastic exercises,and brace wear at discharge,on the basis of which patients in the observation group were added with extended care outside the hospital.The compliance behaviors and the changes of scoliosis angle(Cobb angle)of patients in the 2 groups were evaluated.Results:Compared with the control group,patients in the observation group had better compliance behaviors in completion status of functional exercise(χ2=5.594,P=0.018),brace wear(χ2=6.171,P=0.013),subsequent visit on time(χ2=9.247,P=0.002).Cobb angle was improved significantly in both groups at the last follow-up compared with that on admission,and the improvement was more significantly in the observation group(P<0.001).Conclusion:Through the implementation of out-of-hospital extended nursing,the compliance behaviors and clinical effect of brace treatment for idiopathic scoliosis patients are obviously improved,and this active nursing model is worth popularizing in clinic.

The cartilage matrisome in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The human spinal column is a dynamic,segmented,bony,and cartilaginous structure that protects the neurologic system and simultaneously provides balance and flexibility.Children with developmental disorders that affect the patterning or shape of the spine can be at risk of neurologic and other physiologic dysfunctions.The most common developmental disorder of the spine is scoliosis,a lateral deformity in the shape of the spinal column.Scoliosis may be part of the clinical spectrum that is observed in many developmental disorders,but typically presents as an isolated symptom in otherwise healthy adolescent children.Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS)has defied understanding in part due to its genetic complexity.Breakthroughs have come from recent genome-wide association studies(GWAS)and next generation sequencing(NGS)of human AIS cohorts,as well as investigations of animal models.These studies have identified genetic associations with determinants of cartilage biogenesis and development of the intervertebral disc(IVD).Current evidence suggests that a fraction of AIS cases may arise from variation in factors involved in the structural integrity and homeostasis of the cartilaginous extracellular matrix(ECM).Here,we review the development of the spine and spinal cartilages,the composition of the cartilage ECM,the so-called"matrisome"and its functions,and the players involved in the genetic architecture of AIS.We also propose a molecular model by which the cartilage matrisome of the IVD contributes to AIS susceptibility.

The Outcome of Posterior Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis without Wound Suction Drainage

Background: In spine surgery postoperative closed suction drainage is used to decrease the potential risks of wound hematoma formation, and reduces the risk of infection, cord compression and neurologic deficit. However, the efficacy of drains used for this purpose in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes of patients after posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis without wound suction drainage. Methods: A total of 66 Patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation for the correction of Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis without the use of drain from January 2012 to January 2021 were included. Wound dehiscence, wound hematoma, infection, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels and need for transfusion were described as frequency and mean values. Results: The average age was 15.06 years. Hospital stay was 2.2 days. Patients were followed-up over 50.21 months. There was no deep infection, wound hematoma. The difference between just postoperative and three days after operation hemoglobin levels was not significant and no need for transfusion. Only 3 (4.5%) cases with superficial skin infection and 4 (6%) cases with skin and Wound dehiscence were treated with dressing and antibiotics with full recovery. Conclusion: Without using drain for patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation, no increase in blood loss, transfusion requirements, wound infection, skin dehiscence, and wound hematoma was observed.

Reliability and concurrent validity of postural asymmetry measurement in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

AIM To investigate the reliability and concurrent validity of the Baseline~? Body Level/Scoliosis meter for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis postural assessment in three anatomical planes.METHODS This is an observational reliability and concurrent validity study of adolescent referrals to the Orthopaedic department for scoliosis screening at KarolinskaUniversity Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden between MarchMay 2012. A total of 31 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis(13.6 ± 0.6 years old) of mild-moderate curvatures(25°± 12°) were consecutively recruited. Measurement of cervical, thoracic and lumbar curvatures, pelvic and shoulder tilt, and axial thoracic rotation(ATR) were performed by two trained physiotherapists in one day. The intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC) was used to determine the inter-examiner reliability(ICC2,1) and the intra-rater reliability(ICC3,3) of the Baseline~? Body Level/Scoliosis meter. Spearman's correlation analyses were used to estimate concurrent validity between the Baseline~? Body Level/Scoliosis meter and Gold Standard Cobb angles from radiographs and the Orthopaedic Systems Inc. Scoliometer.RESULTS There was excellent reliability between examiners for thoracic kyphosis(ICC2,1 = 0.94), ATR(ICC2,1 = 0.92) and lumbar lordosis(ICC2,1 = 0.79). There was adequate reliability between examiners for cervical lordosis(ICC2,1 = 0.51), however poor reliability for pelvic and shoulder tilt. Both devices were reproducible in the measurement of ATR when repeated by one examiner(ICC3,3 0.98-1.00). The device had a good correlation with the Scoliometer(rho = 0.78). When compared with Cobb angle from radiographs, there was a moderate correlation for ATR(rho = 0.627).CONCLUSION The Baseline~? Body Level/Scoliosis meter provides reliable transverse and sagittal cervical, thoracic and lumbar measurements and valid transverse plan measurements of mild-moderate scoliosis deformity.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene Mutations in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Clinical Chart Review

The effects of genetic variations of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme activity have been the discussion of many research papers. It has been associated with multiple neurological sequelae, and has been implicated in other chronic diseases. Although many genetic influences on the development and/or progression of idiopathic scoliosis have been reported, there has been no report of any relationship between MTHFR mutations and idiopathic scoliosis. This paper compared two groups of patients who received MTHFR genetic testing. One group had a history of idiopathic scoliosis, while the other served as a control group. The scoliosis group showed a positive MTHFR mutation in 23 out of 44 patients, while the control group showed 11/44 (P < 0.01). Given the increased incidence of MTHFR defects in scoliosis patients, this study warrants further investigation into how MTHFR variations may trigger the development or progression of idiopathic scoliosis.

Implications of Pediatric Chest Wall Surgery on the Risk of Developing of Scoliosis

Scoliosis, a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, is commonly encountered in orthopedic and multidisciplinary settings, with idiopathic scoliosis being the most diagnosed form. Complications arising from thoracic chest wall surgeries, including thoracotomy and sternotomy, often include scoliosis among other complications. However, reported prevalence rates of scoliosis following chest wall surgery vary widely. This study aims to compare the prevalence of scoliosis in children who have undergone chest wall surgery to the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis in the general population, as well as to observe gender ratios and curve direction in post-surgery scoliosis cases. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria comprised studies reporting scoliosis prevalence post chest wall surgery with follow-up times post-surgery. The search yielded 30 articles, all retrospective institutional cohort studies published between 1975 and 2024. Despite heterogeneity in study characteristics, the analysis revealed a 19% prevalence of acquired scoliosis among 5722 children who underwent chest wall surgery, higher than the reported 1% - 4% prevalence in the idiopathic population. Only three studies showed prevalence rates similar to the idiopathic population, possibly due to short follow-up periods. Further research with longer follow-up into skeletal maturity is warranted to better understand the implications of pediatric chest wall surgery on scoliosis development.

Trigonelline mitigates bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Objective:To evaluate the effect of trigonelline on bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and to explore its underlying mechanisms using network pharmacology.Methods:IPF was induced in C57BL/6 mice by a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin(5 mg/kg).Trigonelline was administered at doses of 25,50,and 100 mg/kg/day orally from the 2nd day post-bleomycin induction up to the 14th day.In IPF-induced mice,lung coefficient,immune cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,and oxidative stress were measured.Histological alterations in lung tissues were also assessed.Moreover,network pharmacology approach was conducted to reveal molecular interactions of bleomycin and trigonelline with targets of IPF.Results:Trigonelline treatment reduced bleomycin-induced oxidative stress and immune cell infiltration,and mitigated physiological changes in the lung tissues of mice.Moreover,trigonelline alleviated bleomycin-induced histological alterations in lung tissues.Network pharmacology analysis showed that bleomycin and trigonelline interacted with IPF targets,such as NFKB1,HDAC2,HIF1A,and TLR4.Conclusions:The interaction of trigonelline with key IPF targets and its ameliorative effects on lung damage and oxidative stress highlight its potential in treating IPF.It may be considered an antifibrotic agent for further clinical development.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Is Associated with Depression Regardless of Weight: A Controlled Study

Research Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a common disease among obese women during their childbearing years, and it could be associated with depression. It is unclear whether obesity contributes also to depression among these patients. Research Objective: To evaluate patients with IIH for the existence of depression using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) questionnaire score, compared to age- and BMI-matched healthy control group. Methods: Controlled IIH patients were prospectively recruited from the neuro-ophthalmology clinic at Tzafon Medical Center, Poria. Following consent, patients were interviewed and answered the HAM-D questionnaire. A healthy age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched participants from the same population (control group), were also recruited and interviewed by the same investigator answering the same questionnaire. Demographics and BMI were documented in both groups. HAM-D score of >10 is significantly associated with depression. Results: Thirty-two and 28 from the patients and control group, respectively, had completed the study. Mean age was 28.6 ± 7.51 and 32.467 ± 8.22 years of both patient and control groups, respectively (P = 0.07). Mean BMI was 32.8 ± 6.87 and 32.1 ± 3.78 respectively (P = 0.621). The IIH group’s mean HAM-D scores was 11.62 ± 8.2 as compared to 3.179 ± 2.407 in the control group (P = 0.000). The most significant differences included the questionnaire items of insomnia initial, work and activities, somatic general and somatic symptoms general. Conclusion: IIH patients had significantly higher HAM-D scores compared to the control group. This score seems to be irrelevant to the weight of the patient. Psychological support in addition to the conventional treatment of IIH, is needed to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Serum Zinc and Copper Level in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Patients and Its Correlation with Disease Duration-A Tertiary Hospital Study

Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent rheumatic disease in children. It is associated with abnormal levels of serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) as during inflammation serum copper concentration increases and zinc decreases. Objective: To assess the serum Zn and Cu levels in different sub-types of JIA patients and their correlation with the disease duration. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over twelve months at the Pediatric Rheumatology Division, Department of Paediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Sixty-nine JIA cases that fulfilled the International League of Association for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria were taken as cases and age and sex-matched healthy children were considered as controls. The serum Zn and Cu tests were done using the spectrophotometric method with INDIKO PLUS Drug Analyzer. Data were recorded in a pre-designed questionnaire. Data were checked, verified and analyzed manually where continuous variables were analyzed using unpaired t-test and categorical variables using the ANOVA test. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to see the correlation of serum zinc and copper levels with disease duration. Results: Boys were predominant in both case and control groups, with the majority within the 10 to 16-year-age group. Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) was the most common subtype followed by sJIA, Oligo JIA, Poly JIA (RF-) and unclassified subtypes. Disease duration was found less than 12 months in 30.4% of JIA patients. Serum analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in mean zinc levels and increased copper levels in JIA patients compared to controls. This study observed a negative correlation between serum zinc levels and disease duration, whereas serum copper levels exhibited a positive correlation with disease duration. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed that JIA patients exhibit alterations in serum zinc and copper levels. Serum copper levels showed a positive correlation and serum zinc levels showed a negative correlation with the duration of the disease.