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Smart agriculture is recommended for labor-saving, refinement and high quality production of rice cultivation with safety and security. The Terrestrial laser measurement has the advantage of acquiring 3D point cloud information with high accuracy and high density, but there is a disadvantage that it becomes difficult to measure the base of rice plant when paddy rice grew. In this study, the 3D point cloud information obtained by terrestrial laser measurement was used to three-dimensionally measure the growth state in the field corresponding to the growing period in time series. The growth characteristics of the whole field as a community were extracted as a representative value of mean growth. Then we attempted extraction of individual differences in growth and growth unevenness, as the deviation from the mean value of the field in terms of the growth characteristics of each strain focused on the individual plants. it is difficult to observe the root of the rice during the growing period, it was used for analyzing the growth quantity as the growth difference height for each growing period by obtaining the difference of the elevation value of the rice at the early stage of growth and at each stage of growing. The spatial variation in the growth quantity of the whole field area and the local area was calculated, the range of the deviation for evaluating the mean variation and the growth abnormality was examined, and the setting of the threshold for evaluating the growth normal and abnormality was examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Satisfactory intermediate and long-term results of periacetabular rotational osteotomy for early osteoarthritis secondary to dysplasia of the hip have been reported for patients in the third and fourth decades of life. The purpose of the present study was to examine the usefulness of rotational acetabular osteotomy in patients older than forty-six years of age.Methods: A retrospective review of two groups of patients who had been treated with a rotational acetabular osteotomy was conducted. The older group consisted of twenty-four patients (twenty-six hips) with early-stage osteoarthritis who had a mean age at the time of surgery of 50.9 years (range, forty-six to fifty-eight years) and a mean duration of follow-up of 8.2 years (range, five to thirteen years), and the younger group consisted of sixty patients (sixty-three hips) who had a mean age at the time of surgery of 34.4 years (range, thirteen to forty-five years) and a mean duration of follow-up of 8.3 years (range, five to fourteen years). Clinical follow-up was based on the system of Merle d'Aubigne and Postel. The center-edge angle, acetabular roof angle, and head lateralization index were measured on radiographs made preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the time of follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative joint congruencies were classified into four grades.Results: Preoperatively, the mean Merle d'Aubigne clinical score was 13.9 points in the older group and 14.1 points in the younger group. In both groups, this score improved significantly to a mean postoperative follow-up score of 16.6 points (p < 0.0001), with no significant difference between the two groups. The mean center-edge angle improved from 3.2 degrees preoperatively to 34 degrees postoperatively (p < 0.0001) in the older group and from -2.1 degrees preoperatively to 34 degrees postoperatively (p < 0.0001) in the younger group. The mean acetabular roof angle improved from 29 degrees to 5.9 degrees (p < 0.0001) in the older group and from 31 degrees to 2.9 degrees (p < 0.0001) in the younger group. The mean head lateralization index improved from 0.67 to 0.64 (p < 0.01) in the older group and from 0.66 to 0.61 (p < 0.0001) in the younger group. Progression of osteoarthritis was observed radiographically at the time of follow-up in five hips in the older group and in four hips in the younger group. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis, with radiographic progression of osteoarthritis as the end point, predicted a ten-year survival rate of 70.0% in the older group and 93.7% in the younger group; this difference was not significant, with the numbers available (p = 0.062, log-rank test).Conclusions: Our results indicate that rotational acetabular osteotomy for elderly patients can prevent progression of osteoarthritis (as indicated by a survival rate of 70% at ten years) and that in selected cases it is worthwhile at least as a temporizing operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:An in vivo study in mouse models of spinal cord contusion.Objectives:To develop a novel indicator to anticipate the severity of spinal cord injury (SCI) during the acute phase and for the assessment of the efficacy of novel therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) circulating in the peripheral blood are reported to modulate signaling between cells, and to be diagnostic markers for cancers. The purpose of this study was to identify circulating miRNAs for predicting the severity of SCI in the acute phase.Setting:Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.Methods:Mouse SCI models were made using Infinite Horizon impactor with 50 or 70 kdyn compressing power following thoracic laminectomy. The mice were then divided into four groups: normal (without surgery), sham (laminectomy only), mild (50 kdyn), and severe (70 kdyn). TaqMan low-density array analysis and real-time PCR were performed to identify candidate miRNAs that were increased in the serum relative to the severity of SCI.Results:The expression levels of miR-9*, miR-219 and miR-384-5p in the serum were significantly increased relative to the severity of SCI 12 h after injury. The expression of miR-9* was also significantly increased relative to injury severity at 3 and 24 h after injury.Conclusion:Serum miR-9*, miR-219 and miR-384-5p might be promising biomarkers for predicting the severity of SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mid-term results of 32 acetabular reconstructions performed using a Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device and bone graft between June 1997 and January 2009.Methods: The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 71.4 years (range 55-85). Patients were followed-up for a mean of 7.5 years (range 2.1-13.7). The acetabular bone defects according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons system was type III for 29 hips and type IV for three hips. Bulk allografts were performed in 30 hips and morselised autografts (iliac bone) were performed in two hips. Clinical evaluations were made according to the criteria of Postel/Merle d'Aubigné.Results: The mean pre-operative Postel/Merle d'Aubigné hip score was 7.0 ± 2.9, and the final follow-up hip score was 12.6 ± 2.8. Six hips showed radiographic loosening, and two hips required further revision. A Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the five-year and ten-year survival rates were 96.9% and 92.3%, respectively, using further revision of the acetabular device as an end point.Conclusion: Acetabular reconstruction using a Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device and bone graft gives satisfactory mid-term results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental canine model was used for quantitative histological study using bone morphometry and biomechanical study on impacted cancellous allografting with cement in revision total hip arthroplasty. The prosthesis had a collarless polished titanium alloy tapered stem with a head diameter of 15 mm. Twelve Beagle dogs were used. Cancellous bone grafts were obtained aseptically from the femoral condyles of other beagles. Histological examinations were performed up to 1 year after surgery. Biomechanical examinations were performed at 8 weeks after surgery. The new bone formation proceeded from the proximal part to the distal site of the femur in the long axis as well as from the host cortical bone to the cement layer. Bone morphometry showed that the mineral apposition rate was higher in the proximal site of the femur than in the distal site at 8 weeks after surgery, but no significant differences were observed at other times. The bone formation rate was higher in the proximal site of the femur at 8 weeks after surgery, while it increased in the distal site at 16 weeks postoperatively but had decreased at 1 year after surgery significantly. The load test at 8 weeks after surgery showed that there was no significant difference at all sites attached strain gauge between impacted cancellous allograft group and control group. We concluded that biological replacement of the grafted bone by new bone settled at 1 year after surgery in this experimental model. However, the process was not completed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Satisfactory intermediate and long-term results of rotational acetabular osteotomy for the treatment of early osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip have been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of rotational acetabular osteotomy in patients with advanced osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the results of rotational acetabular osteotomy in forty-three patients (forty-three hips). All of the patients had radiographic evidence of advanced-stage osteoarthritis, defined as narrowing of the joint space with cystic radiolucencies and small osteophytes according to the staging system of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Forty-one patients were female, and two were male. The mean age was 43.8 years at the time of surgery, and the mean duration of follow-up was 8.5 years. Clinical follow-up was performed with use of the system of Merle d'Aubigné and Postel. The center-edge angle, acetabular roof angle, head lateralization index, and minimum width of the joint space were measured on radiographs made preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the time of final follow-up. Postoperative joint congruency was classified into four grades.Results: The mean preoperative Merle d'Aubigné clinical score was 13.3 points, which improved to a mean of 15.4 points at the time of the latest follow-up (p < 0.0001). The mean center-edge angle improved from 0.7 degrees preoperatively to 29 degrees at three months postoperatively (p < 0.0001), the mean acetabular roof angle improved from 30 degrees to 11 degrees (p < 0.0001), the mean head lateralization index improved from 0.69 to 0.65 (p < 0.01), and the mean minimum width of the joint space improved from 2.2 to 2.5 mm (p < 0.0003). Ten hips had radiographic evidence of progression of osteoarthritis. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis, with radiographic signs of progression of osteoarthritis as the end point, predicted a ten-year survival rate of 72.2%.Conclusions: Rotational acetabular osteotomy for advanced osteoarthritis secondary to dysplasia of the hip in properly selected patients can improve clinical scores and is associated with a lack of radiographic signs of progression of osteoarthritis in most patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomere length plays an important role in regulating the proliferative capacity of cells, and serves as a marker for cell cycle history and also for their remaining replicative potential. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are known to be a significant cell source for therapeutic intervention and tissue engineering. To investigate any possible limitations in the replicative potential and chondrogenic differentiation potential of fibroblast growth factor-2-expanded MSCs (FGF(+)MSC), these cells were differentiated at various population doublings (PDs), and telomere length and telomerase activity were measured before and after differentiation. FGF(+)MSC cultured at a relatively low density maintained proliferation capability past more than 80 PD and maintained chondrogenic differentiation potential up to at least 46 PD and long telomeres up to 105 PD, despite expressing low levels of telomerase activity. Interestingly, upon chondrogenic differentiation of these cells, telomeres showed a remarkable reduction in length. This shortening was more extensive when FGF(+)MSC of higher PD levels were differentiated. These findings suggest that telomere length may be a useful genetic marker for chondrogenic progenitor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Satisfactory intermediate and long-term results of rotational acetabular osteotomy for the treatment of early osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip have been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of rotational acetabular osteotomy in patients with advanced osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the results of rotational acetabular osteotomy in forty-three patients (forty-three hips). All of the patients had radiographic evidence of advanced-stage osteoarthritis, defined as narrowing of the joint space with cystic radiolucencies and small osteophytes according to the staging system of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Forty-one patients were female, and two were male. The mean age was 43.8 years at the time of surgery, and the mean duration of follow-up was 8.5 years. Clinical follow-up was performed with use of the system of Merle d'Aubigné and Postel. The center-edge angle, acetabular roof angle, head lateralization index, and minimum width of the joint space were measured on radiographs made preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the time of final follow-up. Postoperative joint congruency was classified into four grades.Results: The mean preoperative Merle d'Aubigné clinical score was 13.3 points, which improved to a mean of 15.4 points at the time of the latest follow-up (p < 0.0001). The mean center-edge angle improved from 0.7 degrees preoperatively to 29 degrees at three months postoperatively (p < 0.0001), the mean acetabular roof angle improved from 30 degrees to 11 degrees (p < 0.0001), the mean head lateralization index improved from 0.69 to 0.65 (p < 0.01), and the mean minimum width of the joint space improved from 2.2 to 2.5 mm (p < 0.0003). Ten hips had radiographic evidence of progression of osteoarthritis. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis, with radiographic signs of progression of osteoarthritis as the end point, predicted a ten-year survival rate of 72.2%.Conclusions: Rotational acetabular osteotomy for advanced osteoarthritis secondary to dysplasia of the hip in properly selected patients can improve clinical scores and is associated with a lack of radiographic signs of progression of osteoarthritis in most patients.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Satisfactory intermediate and long-term results of periacetabular rotational osteotomy for early osteoarthritis secondary to dysplasia of the hip have been reported for patients in the third and fourth decades of life. The purpose of the present study was to examine the usefulness of rotational acetabular osteotomy in patients older than forty-six years of age. Methods: A retrospective review of two groups of patients who had been treated with a rotational acetabular osteotomy was conducted. The older group consisted of twenty-four patients (twenty-six hips) with early-stage osteoarthritis who had a mean age at the time of surgery of 50.9 years (range, forty-six to fifty-eight years) and a mean duration of follow-up of 8.2 years (range, five to thirteen years), and the younger group consisted of sixty patients (sixty-three hips) who had a mean age at the time of surgery of 34.4 years (range, thirteen to forty-five years) and a mean duration of follow-up of 8.3 years (range, five to fourteen years). Clinical follow-up was based on the system of Merle d'Aubigne and Postel. The center-edge angle, acetabular roof angle, and head lateralization index were measured on radiographs made preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the time of follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative joint congruencies were classified into four grades. Results: Preoperatively, the mean Merle d'Aubigne clinical score was 13.9 points in the older group and 14.1 points in the younger group. In both groups, this score improved significantly to a mean postoperative follow-up score of 16.6 points (p < 0.0001), with no significant difference between the two groups. The mean center-edge angle improved from 3.2° preoperatively to 34° postoperatively (p < 0.0001) in the older group and from −2.1° preoperatively to 34° postoperatively (p < 0.0001) in the younger group. The mean acetabular roof angle improved from 29° to 5.9° (p < 0.0001) in the... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical and radiological studies were done on the results of rotational acetabular osteotomy for advanced osteoarthrosis secondary to dysplasia of 29 adult hips followed up for 6 to 11 years postoperatively (mean 8 years). Clinical evaluation by Merle d’Aubigne and Postel’s system showed improvement from a preoperative mean of 12.8 to a follow-up mean of 14.8, with aggravation being observed in 8 joints. Radiologically, this procedure produced adequated improvement regarding femoral head coverage, but improvement in joint congruency could not necessarily be obtained due to joint deformity and progression of arthrosis, with aggravation of joint congruency being observed in 6 joints. The most important factor influencing the postoperative results of this procedure was postoperative joint congruency. If the postoperative joint congruency is satisfactory, with the joint congruent index being more than 6.0, progression of arthrosis can be prevented in the long term by this procedure, even in advanced cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It has been reported that eradication of Helicobacter pylori improves fold width in H pylori associated enlarged fold gastritis. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of fold thickening in this condition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In eight patients with enlarged fold gastritis and 13 patients without enlarged folds, the presence of H pylori infection, inflammatory infiltrates, mucosal plasia, and epithelial cell proliferation in the body mucosa were investigated, and production of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and interleukin 1 beta (IL 1 beta) was determined by a competitive reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction method and in vitro short-term culture of biopsy specimens. RESULTS: In the patients with enlarged fold gastritis, inflammatory infiltrates including macrophages increased with H pylori colonisation in the body. Foveolar thickness and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labelling index were increased. Messenger RNA levels of HGF, but not TGF alpha, were increased, and release of HGF and IL 1 beta was increased. HGF release, which was positively correlated with IL 1 beta release and foveolar thickness, decreased in the presence of IL 1 receptor antagonist. After eradication of H pylori, inflammatory infiltrates, IL 1 beta and HGF release decreased with concomitant decreases in PCNA labelling index, foveolar thickness and fold width. CONCLUSIONS: Increased IL 1 beta and HGF production caused by H pylori infection may contribute to fold thickening of the stomach by stimulating epithelial cell proliferation and foveolar hyperplasia in patients with enlarged fold gastritis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examined the effects of eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection on gastric mucosal morphology and acid secretion. Sixteen H pylori positive patients with enlarged gastric body folds were divided into two groups: (a) patients with moderate enlargement (fold width: 6 to 10 mm, n = 8) and (b) patients with severe enlargement (> 10 mm, n = 8). After successful treatment, gastric body fold width was reduced in both groups (p < 0.01) with an associated decrease in inflammatory infiltrates in the body mucosa (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Basal acid output and tetragastrin stimulated maximal acid output (mean (SEM)) in all 16 patients significantly increased from 1.1 (0.5) to 2.9 (0.9) mmol/h (p < 0.05) and from 5.4 (1.3) to 18.7 (2.3) mmol/h (p < 0.01), respectively, with a significant decrease in fasting serum gastrin concentrations, from 127.1 (16.1) to 59.6 (3.8) pg/ml (p < 0.01). The increase in acid secretion after eradication of H pylori was more noticeable in the severe group, who had shown lower acid secretion and higher serum gastrin concentrations (p < 0.05) before eradication, than the increase seen in the moderate group. The decreases in ammonia nitrogen content seen after eradication were significant in basal (from 0.91 (0.17) to 0.37 (0.08) mmol/h, p < 0.05) and stimulated gastric secretions (from 1.57 (0.19) to 0.37 (0.13) mmol/h, p < 0.01), although these changes were too small to explain the increases in basal acid output and maximal acid output. These results suggest that inflammation of the gastric body mucosa caused by H pylori infection is associated with enlarged gastric body folds and inhibition of acid secretion in H pylori positive patients with enlarged gastric body folds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Six patients in the neurosurgical ward of Fukushima Medical College Hospital suffering from ventriculitis due to Achromobacter xylosoxidans infection had undergone craniotomy or cranial trepanation before the infection. The strains of A. xylosoxidans isolated from the patients were resistant to streptomycin, ampicillin, cephaloridine, gentamicin, and colistin. They were also resistant to chlorhexidine digluconate (Hibitane) in a concentration of 2%. When a study of the chlorhexidine used in the hospital was carried out four strains of A. xylosoxidans were isolated from 20 containers of chlorhexidine solution in the surgical ward but not from those in the operating theatre. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We investigated the morphological changes in the articular cartilage after rotational acetabular osteotomy in 16 adolescent rabbits. Radiological and histological studies were conducted at 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively. The radiological evaluations at 12 and 24 weeks showed significantly increased femoral head coverage. No cases of osteonecrosis of the acetabulum or femoral head nor narrowing of the joint space was observed. The histology of the articular cartilage at 12 weeks postoperatively showed cloning and hypercellularity of the chondrocytes in the medial portion of the acetabular roof, indicating remodelling due to the increased weight-bearing stress caused by the osteotomy. The histology at 24 weeks postoperatively showed less cloning of the chondrocytes, indicating that the remodelling process in the articular cartilage induced by this procedure was almost complete at 24 weeks. Degeneration of the articular cartilage was not observed within 24 weeks of the operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]