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OBJECTIVE To assess use of directional stimulation in Parkinson's disease and essential tremor patients programmed in routine clinical care. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor implanted at Cleveland Clinic with a directional deep brain stimulation (DBS) system from November 2017 to October 2019 were included in this retrospective case series. Omnidirectional was compared against directional stimulation using therapeutic current strength, therapeutic window percentage, and total electrical energy delivered as outcome variables. RESULTS Fifty-seven Parkinson's disease patients (36 males) were implanted in the subthalamic nucleus (105 leads) and 33 essential tremor patients (19 males) were implanted in the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (52 leads). Seventy-four percent of patients with subthalamic stimulation (65% of leads) and 79% of patients with thalamic stimulation (79% of leads) were programmed with directional stimulation for their stable settings. Forty-six percent of subthalamic leads and 69% of thalamic leads were programmed on single segment activation. There was no correlation between the length of microelectrode trajectory through the STN and use of directional stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Directional programming was more common than omnidirectional programming. Substantial gains in therapeutic current strength, therapeutic window, and total electrical energy were found in subthalamic and thalamic leads programmed on directional stimulation.

A population of chromosome segment substitution lines was developed using KDML105 as the recurrent parent and one of DH212 (IR68586-F2-CA-143) or DH103 (IR68586-F2-CA-31) as the donor parent. The donor parents are part of a doubled haploid population from a cross between CT9993, an upland japonica accession, and IR62266, a lowland indica accession. Multiple QTL that are relevant to drought avoidance, drought tolerance and yield traits under drought stress were mapped in this doubled haploid population and the segments selected for the chromosome segment substitution lines were chosen to capture these QTL. The chromosome segment substitution line population was phenotyped under irrigated and mild drought stress conditions, which identified that many yield traits under drought stress had been introduced into the chromosome segment substitution lines.

Background Conventional percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) are mainly guided by C-arm fluoroscopy, and it usually leads to excessive X-ray radiation exposure to patients, surgeons, and anesthetists. Moreover, multi-time fluoroscope may prolong the operation time. 3D-printed template could help minimize fluoroscopy shot times and fluoroscopy dosage during operation, and shorten operation time. We perform this study to compare the efficacy and accuracy of PVP assisted by “three-dimensional printed individual guide template” versus conventional PVP. Method Patients who suffered acute painful single segment osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF) needed operative treatment were randomly assigned into three-dimensional printing individual guide template-assisted percutaneous vertebroplasty group (group A) or conventional PVP guided by C-arm fluoroscopy group (group B) at a 1:1 ratio. Fluoroscopy times for puncture points (FTPP), total radiation dosages (TRD), total fluoroscopy time (TFT), and total operation time (TOT) were recorded as the main evaluation factors to evaluate the two operation procedures. Results A total of 36 acute painful single segment OVCF patients were successfully operated on, and each group has 18 patients. None of the patients presented symptomatic complications. The surgical success rate in group A was 94.4%(17/18), one patient in the group A was failed and then operated by conventional procedure. FTPP (1.8 ± 0.8 in group A vs 5.2 ± 1.9 in group B, P < 0.05), TRD (4.9 ± 0.9 mGy vs 7.9 ± 1.6 mGy, P < 0.05), TFT (16.7 ± 2.9 vs 26.6 ± 5.3, P < 0.05), and total operation time (19.4 ± 2.4 min vs 27.8 ± 4.0 min, P < 0.05) were presented statistically difference in the two groups. The incidence of cement leakage occurred in group A (3/18, 16.7%) was less than that occurred in group B (7/18, 38.9%) (P > 0.05). Conclusions Compared with the conventional PVP, “three-dimensional-printed individual guide template-assisted PVP” could minimize fluoroscopy shot times during operation and fluoroscopy dosage, shorten operation time, and is a more precise and feasible operation method. Trial registration The present study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) (http://www.chictr.org.cn), and its registration no. is ChiCTR1900024283.

Epistasis plays an important role in manipulating rice tiller number, but epistatic mechanism still remains a challenge. Here we showed the process of epistatic analysis between tillering QTLs. A half diallel mating scheme was conducted based on 6 single segment substitution lines and 9 dual segment pyramiding lines to allow the analysis of 4 epistatic components. Additive-additive, additive-dominance, dominance-additive, and dominance-dominance epistatic effects were estimated at 9 stages of development via unconditional QTL analysis simultaneously. Unconditional QTL effect (QTL cumulative effect before a certain stage) was then divided into several conditional QTL components (QTL net effect in a certain time interval). The results indicated that epistatic interaction was prevalent, all QTL pairs harboring epistasis and one QTL always interacting with other QTLs in various component ways. Epistatic effects were dynamic, occurring mostly within 14d and 21–35d after transplant and exhibited mainly negative effects. The genetic and developmental mechanism on several tillering QTLs was further realized and perhaps was useful for molecular pyramiding breeding and heterosis utilization for improving plant architecture.

To explore 1) whether the degree of facet joint distraction during single-segment anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy affects functional outcome and 2) whether the degree of facet joint distraction is related to cervical sagittal parameters.This study retrospectively analyzed data from 72 patients with single-segment cervical spondylotic radiculopathy from January 2013 to December 2018. Lateral cervical radiographs were performed preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Disc height, interfacet distance, and segmental angle were measured from the lateral cervical radiographs to evaluate facet joint distraction, and cervical sagittal parameters were measured. The outcome measures included visual analog scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index scores.Sixty-eight patients were included. ΔInterfacet distance was statistically significant in relation to ΔVAS score (P0.01). In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, less than the mean ΔVAS score for all patients was set as a positive result, and the critical value of Δinterfacet distance was 0.7 mm (P = 0.024, area under the curve = 0.659, sensitivity = 46.8%, specificity = 78.8%). According to the critical value determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve, all patients were divided into the appropriate distraction group or the excessive distraction group. There was a significant difference in VAS scores between the 2 groups (P0.05).After undergoing single-segment ACDF for the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, patients with an interfacet distance of 0.7 mm or more had worse VAS pain scores. However, this was not related to the improvement in postoperative Neck Disability Index scores; changes in the interfacet distance were not associated with changes in the cervical sagittal parameters.

BACKGROUND Lumbar disc herniation is a common disease. Endoscopic treatment may have more advantages than traditional surgery. AIM To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of microendoscopic discectomy (MED) and open discectomy with lamina nucleus enucleation in the treatment of single-segment lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. METHODS Ninety-six patients who were operated at our hospital were selected for this study. Patients with single-segment lumbar disc herniation were admitted to the hospital from March 2018 to March 2019 and were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group with 48 cases in each group. The former group underwent lumbar discectomy and the latter underwent laparotomy and nucleus pulpectomy. Surgical effects were compared between the two groups. RESULTS In terms of surgical indicators, the observation group had a longer operation time, shorter postoperative bedtime and hospital stay, less intraoperative blood loss, and smaller incision length than the control group (P < 0.05). The excellent recovery rate did not differ significantly between the observation group (93.75%) and the control group (91.67%). Visual analogue scale pain scores were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group at 1 d, 3 d, 1 mo, and 6 mo after surgery (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (6.25% vs 22.92%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Both MED and open discectomy can effectively improve single-segment lumbar disc herniation, but MED is associated with less trauma, less bleeding, and a lower incidence of complications.

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with a spacer and posterior instrument (PI) via minimally invasive surgery (MIS) restores intervertebral height in degenerated disks. To align with MIS, the spacer has to be shaped with a slim geometry. However, the thin spacer increases the subsidence and migration after PLIF. This study aimed to propose a new lumbar fusion approach using bone cement to achieve a larger supporting area than that achieved by the currently used poly aryl-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) spacer and assess the feasibility of this approach using a sawbone model. Furthermore, the mechanical responses, including the range of motion (ROM) and bone stress with the bone cement spacer were compared to those noted with the PEEK spacer by finite element (FE) simulation. An FE lumbar L3-L4 model with PEEK and bone cement spacers and PI was developed. Four fixing conditions were considered: intact lumbar L3-L4 segment, lumbar L3-L4 segment with PI, PEEK spacer plus PI, and bone cement spacer plus PI. Four kinds of 10-NM moments (flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation) and two different bone qualities (normal and osteoporotic) were considered. The bone cement spacer yielded smaller ROMs in extension and rotation than the PEEK spacer, while the ROMs of the bone cement spacer in flexion and lateral bending were slightly greater than with the PEEK spacer. Compared with the PEEK spacer, peak contact pressure on the superior surface of L4 with the bone cement spacer in rotation decreased by 74% (from 8.68 to 2.25 MPa) and 69.1% (from 9.1 to 2.82 MPa), respectively, in the normal and osteoporotic bone. Use of bone cement as a spacer with PI is a potential approach to decrease the bone stress in lumbar fusion and warrants further research.

To compare and evaluate the efficacy and safety of nonstructural versus structural interbody fusion, using a combination of autograft and allograft bone for treatment of single segment thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis (TB) via a posterior-only approach.We retrospectively analyzed 37 patients who were surgically treated in our department for thoracic and lumbar spinal TB between March 2015 and March 2018 and met our inclusion criteria. Eighteen of these 37 patients underwent nonstructural interbody fusion (group A), whereas the other 19 underwent structural interbody fusion with the aid of titanium mesh cages (group B). We compared and analyzed visual analog scale scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood loss, operation time, bone fusion rates, and correction angles.The average duration of follow-up was 20.33 ± 4.73 months (range, 12-26 months) in group A and 19.63 ± 4.63 months (range, 12-26 months), in group B. All patients showed significant improvement in neurologic function by 1 or 2 grades. Bone fusion was achieved in all patients, with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P0.05). However, there were significant between-group differences in operation time (mean, 196.28 ± 43.49 minutes [range, 128-300 minutes] in group A vs. 223.26 ± 46.34 minutes [range, 150-300 minutes] in group B; P0.05) and estimated blood loss (mean, 474.44 ± 224.37 mL [range, 200-900 mL] in group A vs. 585.79 ± 378.82 mL [range, 200-1500] in group B; P0.05).The 2 surgical techniques may well have achieved similar results in terms of decreasing bone fusion time, improving neurologic function, and correcting kyphotic angles. However, the nonstructural interbody fusion technique exhibited less blood loss and faster operation time, and thus could serve as an alternative surgical technique for treatment of single-segment thoracic and lumbar spinal TB.

This article describes the trepan technique for treating single segment ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) using an endoscope. OLF is the most common cause of thoracic spinal stenosis. The most common surgical procedures involve semi‐lamina or full‐lamina resection and decompression. However, considering the anatomical structure of the thoracic spinal canal and the combination of OLF, traditional surgery has higher risks, more complications, and greater technical requirements. In the past ten years, with the development of endoscopic technology, spinal endoscopy has been increasingly applied for the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis. The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of visual trepan decompression under spinal endoscopy used for patients with single segment OLF. This surgical procedure had many advantages, including a shorter operation time, minimal trauma, less expenditure, and better functional recovery over the conventional open surgery.

To review the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive pedicle fixation combined with anterior small incision focus debridement for single-segment lumbar spine tuberculosis, a total of 31 patients with single-segment marginal lumbar tuberculosis were enrolled in the study. All the patients received quadruple anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy for 2 weeks before surgery and treatment with minimally invasive posterior internal fixation, anterior small incision focus debridement, and bone graft fusion. Those patients with preoperative kyphosis deformity were initially treated with appropriate posterior distraction correction. Except for 1 patient who healed 2 weeks after medical dressing change, the remaining 30 patients healed as expected. All the patients had no screwrelated surgical complications, neurological dysfunction, vascular injury, and other complications. The average visual analog scale scores at 3 months postoperatively were significantly decreased to 1.4 ± 1.5 ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, under the premise of treatment using appropriate, effective anti-tuberculosis agents, this surgical procedure for managing patients with lumbar vertebral tuberculosis achieved satisfactory results, effectively reducing the exposure range and fusion segments in simple anterior focus debridement and internal fixation. Using minimally invasive posterior pedicle screw fixation can effectively increase spine stability, reduce fusion segment, and decrease anterior surgical trauma and complications.

Background To report the results of a phase I/II study of helical IMRT-based stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Eligibility included Child–Turcotte–Pugh class A or B, ≤3 lesions, and cumulative tumor diameter ≤6 cm. Dose was escalated from 36 Gy to 60 Gy delivered in 4 fractions. Grade ≥3 gastrointestinal toxicities (CTCAE v3.0) or radiation-induced liver disease defined dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Results Thirty-two patients were enrolled: seven in dose levels 1–2 (36–44 Gy) and 25 in levels 3–4 (42–60 Gy). Failures included 1 local, 14 outfield intrahepatic, 2 distant, 1 concurrent local and outfield, 1 concurrent outfield and distant, and 1 concurrent local, outfield, and distant. Nine had grade 3 hematologic toxicities and 5 had grade 2 hepatic toxicities; no patient experienced DLT. Two-year local control (LFFS), outfield intrahepatic control (OutFFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 80.9%, 46.7%, and 81.3%, respectively. Dose levels 3–4 and pre-radiotherapy multi-segment recurrence were independent prognostic factors for LFFS and OutFFS, respectively. Two-year LFFS, OutFFS, and OS were significantly higher for patients who were treated with dose-levels 3/4 for tumor(s) involving single segment compared with the rest of the patients. Conclusions Helical IMRT-based SBRT was safe and effective, and patients with multi-segment recurrences prior to SBRT need to be closely followed.

Rice growth is sensitive to low temperature. Chilling injury is one of the main natural disasters in rice cultivation, and is damaging to rice growth at all developmental stages. Low-temperature germinability (LTG) is an important trait for seedling establishment, especially in rice direct-sowing practice. However, the genetic mechanism of LTG remains elusive. Here, we report the mapping of QTLs controlling LTG in rice using 586 single segment substitution lines (SSSL) derived from 4 AA-genome wild rice species. 21 SSSLs with the highest germination rate at low temperature in both of the two tested seasons were selected, from them 10 QTLs controlling LTG were identified by substitution mapping to locate on 6 chromosomes: chromosome 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 11, with an interval length of 3.45 to 20.15 cM. Five QTLs were detected from Niv-SSSls: qLTGn3-1, qLTGn5-1, qLTGn5-3, qLTGn7-1 and qLTGn7-2, their additive effects ranged from 3.72% to 19.74% in late season 2018. qLTGb1-1 and qLTGb8-2 were detected in the SSSLs with O. barthii as the donor and they accounted for at least 9.51% of the total phenotypic variation. Two QTLs, qLTGg5-2 and qLTGg8-1, were derived from O. glumaepatula, and their average additive effects were 4.28% and 20.39% in late seasons 2018, respectively. qLTGm11-1 on chromosome 11 was the only QTL identified from O. meridionalis. All QTLs derived from wild rice species improved low-temperature germination significantly. The SSSL library with wild rice species as donor is therefore a valuable resource for rice germplasm innovation and the breeding of chilling-resistant varieties.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar X-rays are usually preferred in patients with lower back pain, but lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) cannot be directly observed on lumbar X-ray films. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to explore the correlation between the degree of single-segment central LSS and lumbar X-ray measurements. METHODS: The data of 60 male patients aged 39–78 years with single-segment central LSS were analyzed. Linear correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between the single-segment central LSS and the various measurement parameters. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting single-segment central LSS. RESULTS: There were significant differences in S1/S0, E, B, L1-5Cobb, and M among the three groups (p< 0.05). S1/S0 was positively correlated with E, B, L1-5Cobb, and M (p< 0.05), but was not correlated with D (p= 0.66). After multiple linear regression analysis, B, L1-5Cobb, and M were independently associated with S1/S0. CONCLUSIONS: The B, L1-5Cobb, and M parameters were independently associated with single-stage central LSS, and would likely be of particular value in evaluating the degree of single-segment central LSS; B, L1-5Cobb, and M served as independent predictors of the degree of LSS. These findings will guide clinicians’ decision-making in the future.

Objective This study was performed to evaluate the surgical indications, clinical efficacy, and preliminary experiences of nonstructural bone grafts for lumbar tuberculosis (TB). Methods Thirty-four patients with lumbar TB who were treated with nonstructural bone grafts were retrospectively assessed. The operative time, operative blood loss, hospital stay, bone graft fusion time, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment grade, and Cobb angle were recorded and analyzed. Results The mean operative time, operative blood loss, hospital stay, Cobb angle correction, and Cobb angle loss were 192.59 ± 42.16 minutes, 385.29 ± 251.82 mL, 14.91 ± 5.06 days, 9.02° ± 3.16°, and 5.54° ± 1.09°, respectively. During the mean follow-up of 27.53 ± 8.90 months, significant improvements were observed in the ESR, CRP concentration, VAS score, ODI, and ASIA grade. The mean bone graft fusion time was 5.15 ± 1.13 months. Three complications occurred, and all were cured after active treatment. Conclusions Nonstructural bone grafts may achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy for appropriately selected patients with lumbar TB.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of an allogeneic bone cage (Biocage; Beijing Datsing Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China) for treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative disease in patients with a high risk of non-fusion.MethodsFrom January 2013 to December 2016, 67 patients who underwent lumbar fusion were divided into the Biocage group (n = 33) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) group (n = 34). The patients were followed up for 24 to 48 months. The mean intervertebral height of the fusion level, fusion rate, height of the intervertebral foramen, visual analog scale score, and Oswestry disability index were compared.ResultsThe PEEK group had a lower fusion rate than the Biocage group (88.24% vs. 90.91%), although the difference was not statistically significant. During follow-up, the height of the intervertebral space was similar between the Biocage and PEEK groups (12.88 ± 0.45 and 12.84 ± 1.01 mm, respectively). The height of the intervertebral foramen was larger in the Biocage than PEEK group (20.67 ± 1.34 vs. 20.00 ± 2.05 mm). Good clinical efficacy was achieved in both groups.ConclusionThe Biocage is efficient and safe for treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative disease in patients with a high risk of non-fusion.

Seed yield is one of the main limitations in hybrid rice production. The improvement of stigma exsertion rate (SER) of male sterility lines is essential for the higher seed yield in hybrid rice. Wild rice species are valuable germplasms with exserted stigma. It is worthy of mining-related genes for SER in wild rice species, as well as probing the way to use the beneficial genes in rice breeding. In the present study, we identified a total number of 36 stable QTLs for the SER distributing on 11 chromosomes by using a set of single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs) of 3 AA-genome wild rice species, O. barthii, O. meridionalis, and O. rufipogon. The mean genetic effects of these QTLs were ranged from 14.50 to 41.25% during 2016–2017. Twelve QTLs among them were novel by comparing the chromosome intervals with the reported QTLs. Besides, 7 homozygous 2-QTL pyramiding lines (PLs) were developed in BAR-SSSLs and MER-SSSLs to detect QTL interactions on the same background of HJX74. The epistatic effects in 3 out of 7 QTL pairs were positive, including qSERb3-1/qSERb6-1, qSERb3-1/qSERb8-1, and qSERb3-1/qSERb12-1, which mean epistatic effect was 13.56%, 4.76%, and 7.29% in 2018–2019, respectively. The PL of B6/B19 (qSERb3-1/qSERb12-1) had the highest mean SER of 80.59% and the largest pyramiding effect of 55.51%. The results in the present study demonstrated that SSSLs were the elite materials for SER QTL detection from wild rice species, and elite PLs could be developed among SSSLs for SER improvement in hybrid rice breeding.

Study Design: Single-center retrospective study.Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the surgical invasiveness of single-segment posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) by comparing perioperative blood loss in PLIF with traditional pedicle screws (PS), cortical bone trajectory screws (CBT), and percutaneous pedicle screws (PPS).Overview of Literature: Intraoperative blood loss has often been used to evaluate surgical invasiveness. However, in patients undergoing spinal surgery, more blood loss is observed postoperatively than intraoperatively. Therefore, evaluating surgical invasiveness using only the intraoperative bleeding volume may result in considerable underestimation of the actual surgical invasiveness.Methods: This study included patients who underwent single-segment PLIF between January 2012 and December 2017. In total, seven patients underwent PLIF with PS (PS-PLIF), nine underwent PLIF with CBT (CBT-PLIF), and 15 underwent PLIF with PPS (PPS-PLIF).Results: No significant differences were noted in terms of operation time or intraoperative bleeding between the PS-PLIF, CBT-PLIF, and PPS-PLIF groups. However, the postoperative drainage volume in the PPS-PLIF group (210.1 mL; range, 50–367 mL) was determined to be significantly lower than that in the PS-PLIF (416.7 mL; range, 260–760 mL; p=0.002) and CBT-PLIF (421.1 mL; range, 180–890 mL; p=0.006) groups. In addition, the total amount of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage was found to be significantly lower in the PPS-PLIF group (362.8 mL; range, 145–637 mL) than in the PS-PLIF (639.6 mL; range, 285–1,000 mL; p=0.01) and CBT-PLIF (606.7 mL; range, 270–950 mL; p=0.005) groups.Conclusions: Based on our findings, evaluating surgical invasiveness using only intraoperative bleeding can result in the underestimation of actual surgical invasiveness. Even with single-segment PLIF, the amount of perioperative bleeding can vary depending on the way the posterior instrument is installed.

Background Several factors affect the outcomes of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of regional anesthesia in secondary procedures or revisions of AVF. Methods Medical records of patients who underwent treatment for AVF secondary procedures or revisions under brachial plexus block (BPB) between March 2016 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results In total, 375 patients (mean age 65.6 ± 12.74; males 210, 56.0%) were enrolled in the study and 770 procedures were performed under BPB for AVF secondary procedures or revisions. The procedures included endovascular treatment (385, 50.0%), surgical treatment (105, 13.6%), and hybrid treatment (280, 36.4%). In 180 procedures (23.4%) for AVF lesions, the operative field included a single segment of the arm, whereas in 590 procedures (76.6%), the operative field included multiple segments. In total, 37 (4.8%) cases of 30-day postoperative complications were observed, of which 33 (4.3%) were surgery-related complications, 2 (0.3%) were BPB-related complications (neurapraxia), and 2 (0.3%) were contrast agent allergic reactions; 34 (4.4%) reinterventions of the total 201 (26.1%) reinterventions were performed within 30 days postoperatively. The mean operation time was 87.5 ± 55.35 min. The pain score for all patients was 0 (no pain), and no patient demanded opioids postoperatively. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided BPB is safe and effective for AVF secondary procedures or revisions in ESRD patients.

A retrospective study.The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of adjacent segment disease (ASD) at 2, 5, and 10 years after primary posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), and clinical features of ASD.Few reports have examined ASD after PLIF with more than 10 years of follow-up. Furthermore, no reports have examined limited conditions of preoperative pathology, fusion segment, and fusion method with long follow-up.Data were reviewed for 128 patients who underwent single-segment PLIF for L4 degenerative spondylolisthesis and could be followed for at least 10 years. Mean age at the time of surgery was 63 years, and mean follow-up was 12.4 years. Follow-up rate was 62.4%. ASD was defined as radiological ASD (R-ASD), radiological degeneration adjacent to the fusion segment by plain X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); symptomatic ASD (S-ASD), a symptomatic condition due to neurological deterioration at the adjacent segment degeneration; and operative ASD (O-ASD), S-ASD requiring revision surgery.Incidences of each ASD at 2, 5, and 10 years after primary PLIF were 19%, 49%, and 75% for R-ASD, 6%, 14%, and 31% for S-ASD, and 5%, 9%, and 15% for O-ASD, respectively. O-ASD incidence was 24% at final follow-up. O-ASD peak was bimodal, at 2 and 10 years after primary PLIF. O-ASD was mainly observed at the cranial segment (77%), followed by the caudal segment (13%) and both cranial and caudal segments (10%). With respect to O-ASD pathology, degenerative spondylolisthesis was observed in 52%, spinal stenosis in 39%, and disc herniation in 10%.Incidences of R-ASD, S-ASD, and O-ASD at 10 years after primary PLIF were 75%, 31%, and 15%, respectively. With respect to O-ASD pathology, degenerative spondylolisthesis at the cranial segment was the most frequent.4.

An increasing number of observations have called the general scheme of five renal segments into question: anatomists, radiologists, and surgeons have reported discrepancies between Graves's scheme and morphological observations. The aims of the present study are: (1) to assess the correspondence between a virtual and a real vascular cast of the kidney; (2) to analyze the arterial anatomy with reference to the renal segments. Fifteen kidneys were injected with acrylic resins to obtain vascular casts, which were also analyzed by computed tomography. A mean of 6.3 (range 4-8) avascular fissures was found, indicating a mean of 7.3 segments (range 5-9). In the superior and middle territories there was a single segment in 4 (26.7%) and 8 (53.3%) cases, respectively, and there were two segments in 11 (73.3%) and in 7 (46.7%) cases, respectively. In the inferior territory there was a single segment in two cases (13.3%), two segments in nine (60%), and three segments in four (26.7%). A mean segmental volume of 550.5 mm3 was calculated; the posterior (1,030.1 mm3 , 28.9%) and inferior (450.3 mm3 , 24.2%) segments were the largest. More third order branches were identified in the inferior segments than in the other segments (three branches of the inferior segmental artery in 26.6%). According to these data the inferior segment occupies the inferior pole, extending both anteriorly and posteriorly. In conclusion, the high correspondence between a virtual and a real vascular cast permits more segments to be identified than those described by Graves, and the volume of each segment can be calculated. Clin. Anat., 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The ability to reproducibly target expression of transgenes to small, defined subsets of cells is a key experimental tool for understanding many biological processes. The Drosophila nervous system contains thousands of distinct cell types and it has generally not been possible to limit expression to one or a few cell types when using a single segment of genomic DNA as an enhancer to drive expression. Intersectional methods, in which expression of the transgene only occurs where two different enhancers overlap in their expression patterns, can be used to achieve the desired specificity. This report describes a set of over 2800 transgenic lines for use with the split-GAL4 intersectional method.

Purpose: To assess the changes in visual acuity and topographic indices after implantation of single-segment Intacs. Methods: Forty-two keratoconic eyes received Femtosecond-assisted single-segment Intacs. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refractive error, keratometry (K1, K2, Km, and KMax.), and seven Pentacam measured topographical indices; index of surface variance (ISV), index of vertical asymmetry (IVA), keratoconus index (KI), central keratoconus index (CKI), index of height asymmetry (IHA), index of height decentration (IHD), and minimum radius of curvature (R Min) were assessed 4 months after surgery. Correlations between changes of visual acuity and topographical indices changes were evaluated. Results: UDVA increased from 0.92 ± 0.35 to 0.49 ± 0.31 logMAR (P

The study is designed to contrast the clinical efficacy of one stage posterior debridement with iliac bone graft, titanium mesh bone graft or granular bone graft in the surgical treatment of single segment lumbar tuberculosis [1].

Objective This retrospective study was performed to investigate the risk factors for axial symptoms (AS) after single-segment anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods One hundred thirteen patients with cervical spondylosis who had undergone single-segment ACDF from January 2012 to December 2015 were divided into those with and without AS (n = 34 and n = 79, respectively). Clinical data and radiological evaluation results were recorded. Results The occurrence rate of AS was 30.1% (34/113), and the average visual analog scale score was 4.5 points. Bony fusion was achieved in all cases during follow-up. There were no differences in age, sex, disease duration, diagnostic categories, operative segment, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, or adjacent segment degeneration. However, cervical range of motion (CROM), cervical curvature, and disc space enlargement significantly differed between the groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that CROM, cervical curvature, and disc space enlargement were independently associated with AS. Conclusions AS after single-segment ACDF is not rare. Disc space enlargement is a risk factor for AS, while higher CROM and lordotic cervical curvature are protective factors. Excessive or insufficient disc space enlargement could increase the incidence of AS. Maintaining CROM within the normal range and restoring cervical lordosis might help to prevent AS.

Purpose: To observe the clinical curative effect of continuous epidural irrigation combined with posterior debridement and posterior lumbar inter-body fusion with instrumentation for the therapy of single-segment lumbar pyogenic spongdylodiscitis. Methods: From June 2010 to November 2013, surgical treatment was performed in 18 patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis. The surgical indications were progressive biomechanical instability, epidural abscesses, deterioration of neurologic status, and intractable back pain. All these patients received posterior decompression with posterior instrumentation, debridement of infected tissue, and inter-body fusion. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were used to assess clinical outcomes. The neural function was evaluated by the Frankel grading system. Laboratory and radiologic results were recorded during clinical follow-up for at least one year. Results: The average follow-up period was 18 months after the operation. The VAS scores decreased from an average of 7.1 points before the procedure to 2.6 points after operation. The neurologic deficits of all the patients were recovered to Frankel grade E. All of the examined laboratory parameters were normalized gradually. Imaging-documented fusion was achieved in each patient, and no implants failure was noted. No patients showed any evidence of recurrence or persistence of infection. Conclusion: In carefully selected patients, single-segment lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis can be cured successfully with continuous epidural irrigation and drainage combined with posterior debridement and posterior lumbar inter-body fusion. Instrumentation could provide immediate stability and reconstruction of the spine column, and the presence of instrumentation did not result in any persistence or recurrence of infection. Continuous epidural irrigation and drainage is an effective method facilitating the elimination of residual infection.

Greatly increased yield by utilizing of heterosis has been a great success in rice over the past 40 years. The cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) line is a key line of hybrid rice. However, the CMS line was very difficult to develop following the traditional breeding methods. Here, we report an example to develop and improve CMS lines sustainably by using the strategy of breeding by design under the platform of single segment substitution line (SSSL) library in the Huajingxian74 (HJX74) genetic background. The CMS lines HZA and HBA with the wild abortive (WA) cytoplasm from Zhenshan97A and BobaiA, respectively, were firstly developed in the HJX74 background through marker-assisted selection. Then, four isonuclear alloplasmic CMS lines with the WA, dwarf wild abortive (DA), and Yegong abortive (YA) types of CMS cytoplasm, respectively, were developed by using the HZB maintainer line. According to the goal of design, E5-HXA and E5-HBA were developed by pyramiding five target genes, Wxg1, ALK, fgr, gs3, and OsMADS50, located on the chromosomal substituted segments in four SSSLs. The two CMS lines show the phenotypes of earlier in heading date, longer and narrower in grain shape, lower in amylose content, and fragrant smell. Thus, the goal of design was achieved on the platform of SSSL library. Compared with that in the E5-HXA line carrying the rf3 and rf4 genes of XieqingzaoA, the CMS in the E5-HBA line with the rf3 and rf4 genes from BobaiA was susceptible to environmental impact and easy to be restored. Therefore, the balance between sterility and its restored ability in CMS lines should be concerned in breeding by design.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of the transforaminal endoscopic focal cleaning and drainage for suppurative spondylitis. Design: Retrospective study. Participants: Twenty-one patients with single-segment suppurative spondylitis. Interventions: All patients were treated with the transforaminal endoscopic focal cleaning and drainage. Outcome Measures: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured before and after the operation. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the relief of pain symptoms. Neurological function American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade was used to evaluate the recovery of neurological function. The postoperative clinical efficacy of the patients was evaluated using the Kirkaldy-Willis functional scoring criteria. The stability of the spine and the recurrence of infection were evaluated by imaging data. Results: Postoperative bacteriological culture results showed positive in 15 cases and no bacteria growth in 6 cases. Besides, 16 cases were pathologically diagnosed. The ESR, CRP, and VAS scores at 2 weeks postoperatively and at the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with those at pre-operation. At the last follow-up, the clinical outcome was excellent in 17 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case, according to the Kirkaldy-Willis functional scoring criteria; and the ASIA grade returned to normal. There was no significant difference in the Cobb angle between the last follow-up and the pre-operation. There was no recurrence of infection during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The transforaminal endoscopic focal cleaning and drainage is a minimally invasive, effective and safe surgical procedure for suppurative spondylitis.

Heat shock proteins of 70 kDa (Hsp70s) are ubiquitous and highly conserved molecular chaperones. They play multiple essential roles in assisting with protein folding and maintaining protein homeostasis. Their chaperone activity has been proposed to require several rounds of binding to and release of polypeptide substrates at the substrate-binding domain (SBD) of Hsp70s. All available structures have revealed a single substrate-binding site in the SBD that binds a single segment of an extended polypeptide of 3–4 residues. However, this well-established single peptide-binding site alone has made it difficult to explain the efficient chaperone activity of Hsp70s. In this study, using purified proteins and site-directed mutagenesis, along with fluorescence polarization and luciferase-refolding assays, we report the unexpected discovery of a second peptide-binding site in Hsp70s. More importantly, the biochemical analyses suggested that this novel binding site, named here P2, is essential for Hsp70 chaperone activity. Furthermore, cross-linking and mutagenesis studies indicated that this second binding site is in the SBD adjacent to the first binding site. Taken together, our results suggest that these two essential binding sites of Hsp70s cooperate in protein folding.

Additive effects (A) and additive-by-environment interactions (A×E) for five rice yield components were analysed using 20 SSSLs under mixed linear model methodology. Thirty-one QTLs were detected. Different yield components have different QTL-by-environment (Q×E) interaction patterns. No A×E interaction effects were detected for the four QTLs for panicle number (PN). Four QTLs detected for spikelets per panicle (SPP) had A×E interactions. Five of seven QTLs detected for grains per panicle (GPP), two of 10 QTLs detected for 1000-grains weight (GWT) and three of six QTLs detected for seed set ratio (SSR) showed significant A×E interaction. Most of these QTLs were distributed in clusters across the genome. The complexity of linkage and pleiotropy of these QTLs plus environmental effect may result in the diversity of the yield phenotype in the SSSLs. Only S19 exhibited a significant increase in yield with a predicted gain by 281.58 kg ha−1. The results may be useful to design a better breeding strategy that takes advantage of QTL-by-environment interaction effects in each of the SSSLs.

The present study aimed to dissect the genetic basis of heterosis for grain yield and its components in maize (Zea mays L.). Quantitative trait loci (QTL) and heterotic loci (HL) were analyzed using a set of 203 single segment substitution lines (SSSLs) and its testcross population in three environments. Forty-one QTL were identified as responsible for grain yield, ear length, ear diameter, row number, kernel number per row, and 100-kernel weight in the SSSLs population, and 17 QTL were conserved across the three environments. In the heterosis analysis, 36 HL were identified for grain yield and five yield-related traits in the test population in the three environments. Among the HL, only six (16.7 %) for ear length, kernel number per row, 100-kernel weight, and grain yield were consistent with the results of QTL mapping. In addition, 16.7 % of the heterotic loci showed a dominant effect and 83.3 % showed an over-dominant effect. The results implied that dominance and over-dominance were two important components of heterosis in maize grain yield and yield-related traits in the present testcross population.

Background Degeneration of intervertebral disks in the lower lumbar spine is associated with significant structural alterations. Finite element model has been widely used in the study of spinal mechanical behaviors. Our study used this technique to characterize the motional influence to the double-level (L4-5 and L5-S) degeneration. Methods and Results Three grades of disk degeneration were modeled with the changes in geometry and material properties. In the extension and flexion of range of motion (ROM), single segment degeneration in L4-5 or L5-S resulted in a decreased angle in itself and increased angle in the other segment. Double-level degeneration resulted in a decreased rotation in both segments. Bending resulted in a decreased ROM in all 3 grades of degeneration in the double-level degeneration. In torsion loading, mild and moderate single degeneration in L4-5 and L5-S increased the rotation angle. In double-level degeneration, mild and moderate L4-5 degeneration increased the L4-5 rotation angle by 14%−19%. In contrast, severe L4-5 decreased L4-5 rotation angle. Concurrently, mild and moderate L5-S degeneration increased the rotation angle, respectively, by 15% and 6%, and severe degeneration decreased the rotation angle by 29%. Conclusions Different loading motions in double-level degeneration had differing effects on the ROM. These changes are important to understand the biomechanics of the progression of disk degeneration in the lower lumbar spine. Our results provide insights for the clinical intervention of double-level intervertebral disks.

Fibre strength (FS) is an important quality attribute in the modern textile industry, which is genetically controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Fine-mapping stable QTLs for FS to identify candidate genes would be valuable for uncovering the genetic basis of fibre quality traits in cotton. Here, a single segment introgression line, IL-D2−2, from the cross of (TM-1×TX-1046) reported in our previous studies, was found to have significantly improved FS compared with the recurrent parent TM-1. To fine-map the QTLs of the FS, we further crossed IL-D2−2 with its recurrent parent TM-1 to produce F2 and F2:3 populations. QTL analysis and substitution mapping showed qFS-Chr. D02 was anchored into a 550.66 kb-interval between two markers, INTR1027 and JESPR-231. This interval contained 67 genes, among which 27 genes related to cell-wall synthesis were selected to conduct qRT-PCR. The results revealed seven genes were expressed significantly differently during the fibre secondary-wall-thickening stage (10–25 days post-anthesis), three being upregulated and four downregulated in IL-D2−2. Both GH_D02G2269 (UDP-glucosyl transferase 84B1) and GH_D02G2289 (unknown function (DUF869)) with nonsynonymous SNPs in IL-D2−2 had significantly downregulated expression, suggesting they were candidates for qFS-Chr. D02. This research provides information about marker-assisted selection for cotton fibre strength improvement.

This review aims to highlight the important contribution of the cerebellum in the Anticipatory Postural Adjustments (APAs). These are unconscious muscular activities, accompanying every voluntary movement, which are crucial for optimizing motor performance by contrasting any destabilization of the whole body and of each single segment. Moreover, APAs are deeply involved in initiating the displacement of the center of mass in whole-body reaching movements or when starting gait. Here we present literature that illustrates how the peculiar abilities of the cerebellum i) to predict, and contrast in advance, the upcoming mechanical events; ii) to adapt motor outputs to the mechanical context, and iii) to control the temporal relationship between task-relevant events, are all exploited in the APA control. Moreover, recent papers are discussed which underline the key role of cerebellum ontogenesis in the correct maturation of APAs. Finally, on the basis of a survey of animal and human studies about cortical and subcortical compensatory processes that follow brain lesions, we propose a candidate neural network that could compensate for cerebellar deficits and suggest how to verify such a hypothesis.

An innovative concept was proposed to treat the lumbar degenerative diseases with full-endoscopic translaminar lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) and the efficacy was evaluated. A total of 44 patients from January 2017 to October 2018 were enrolled, including 20 patients undergoing full-endoscopic TLIF and 24 patients undergoing standard open TLIF. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Dability Index (ODI) and intervertebral fusion were observed in both groups at the last follow-up. The height and width of intervertebral foramen and height of intervertebral space were evaluated via imaging. Mean follow-up time for all patients 13.2 ± 3.2 months. The average operation time was 184.3 ± 70.6 min in experimental group and 191.1 ± 32.4 min in control group. The amount of bleeding was 38.5 ± 19.5 mL and 214.6 ± 61.6 mL. The VAS score was 4.9 ± 1.0 points in experimental group and 4.8 ± 1.0 points in control group before operation, and 0.8 ± 0.6 points and 0.8 ± 0.7 points at the last follow-up. The ODI was 83.5 ± 7.8% and 87.8 ± 5.9% before operation, and 9.9 ± 3.6% and 9.3 ± 3.7% at the last follow-up. The height and width of intervertebral foramen and height of intervertebral space in both groups were significantly improved (p 0.05). The fusion rate at the last follow-up were 95% (19 cases) in experimental group and 92% (22 cases) in control group. Full-endoscopic TLIF is feasible in the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative diseases, which is characterized by small trauma, quick recovery and low cost. However, the large-sample long-term follow-up is needed to further evaluate its clinical efficacy and safety.

To evaluate the surgical outcome of using a trepan to treat single-segment ossification of ligamentum flavum under endoscopy and the clinical value of the new surgical treatment.Patients who underwent surgery for single-segment ossification of ligamentum flavum from January 2015 to June 2018 were included in a retrospective analysis. Endoscopic visual trepan decompression was performed in 26 patients and posterior spinal canal resection and decompression was performed in 11 patients. Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores, Japanese Orthopaedic Association improvement rate, and visual analog scale scores of both groups were recorded during follow-up. Computed tomography was used to evaluate patients' residual area ratio of the vertebral canal. Operative time, length of stay, amount of bleeding, and hospital cost in both groups were recorded.Average follow-up time was 8.9 ± 2.7 months. Average operative time was 100.6 ± 35.0 minutes in the experimental group and 140.5 ± 28.3 minutes in the control group. At the final follow-up, the average improvement rate of Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was 78.3% in the experimental group and 84.2% in the control group. The average residual area ratio of the vertebral canal, which was50% before the operation in both groups, recovered to 100% in both groups after the operation. Visual analog scale score of all patients was significantly (P0.05) reduced at the final follow-up.The visual trepan technique using a spinal endoscope can be used to treat single-segment ossification of ligamentum flavum. Advantages include less trauma, faster recovery, and lower cost. However, more cases and long-term follow-up are required to further evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of this surgical method.

Single segment substitution lines (SSSLs) have been confirmed to be powerful tools to perform quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. This study illuminated the process and methods of QTL analysis with SSSLs on heading date (HD) in rice. QTL identification under two cropping seasons revealed 98 of 202 SSSLs associated with HD. A total of 22 QTLs were positioned in relative narrow regions on chromosomes by mrMLM.GUI software. QTL qHd3-1 was precisely positioned at 4.4 cM on chromosome 3 by a secondary F2 population. Through SSSL pyramiding, double segment substitution lines were constructed and used to analyze epistatic interactions of digenic loci. Epistatic effects for three pairs of QTLs were estimated, indicating the interactions of QTL qHd3-1 with other QTLs detected and the role to enhance the expression of early ripening or restraining of late flowering QTLs. Additionally, analysis of QTL in different environments provided information about the stability of HD QTLs. This type of research points out the way to excavate favorable genes for design breeding.

BACKGROUND Following correction of anterior sutural fusions, long-term forehead irregularities may arise. Based on the premise that frontal reconstructions using a seamless construct might produce better long-term aesthetic results, the supraorbital bandeau was abandoned for a single-piece frontal reconstruction. The purpose of this review was to compare outcomes and complications between children who underwent reconstruction with the traditional supraorbital bandeau and those who underwent reconstruction with a single bony segment. METHODS A retrospective sequential chart review was performed of all children undergoing anterior sutural fusion repairs to compare supraorbital bandeau to single-segment reconstructions. Length of surgery, blood loss, hospital stay, and complications were assessed. Aesthetic outcomes and reoperation rates were also examined. RESULTS Over 10 years, 199 patients with anterior sutural fusions underwent correction: 124 with a single-piece frontal reconstruction and 75 with traditional supraorbital bandeaus. Outcome analyses revealed no significant differences between techniques with respect to blood loss, surgical times, complication rates, and hospital length of stay. A preliminary analysis suggested lower reoperation rates (0 percent versus 2.7 percent) and more favorable aesthetic rankings for those treated with a single segment, although the follow-up for this group was significantly shorter compared with those treated with a supraorbital bandeau (16 months versus 43 months). CONCLUSIONS Abandoning the traditional supraorbital bandeau for a simplified single-segment frontal reconstruction has the potential to result in improved forehead aesthetics, although longer term evaluations are needed. This review suggests that this technical variation does not appear to be associated with longer surgical times, increased blood loss, or higher complication rates. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, III.

We performed whole-genome sequencing for eight inbred rat strains commonly used in genetic mapping studies. They are the founders of the NIH heterogeneous stock (HS) outbred colony. We provide their sequences and variant calls to the rat genomics community. When analyzing the variant calls we identified regions with unusually high levels of heterozygosity. These regions are consistent across the eight inbred strains, including Brown Norway, which is the basis of the rat reference genome. These regions show higher read depths than other regions in the genome and contain higher rates of apparent tri-allelic variant sites. The evidence suggests that these regions may correspond to duplicated segments that were incorrectly overlaid as a single segment in the reference genome. We provide masks for these regions of suspected mis-assembly as a resource for the community to flag potentially false interpretations of mapping or functional results.

Curative effect of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative disease and changes in adjacent segment quantitative score was investigated. A total of 86 patients with single-segment lumbar degenerative disease were randomly selected and divided into control group (n=43) and observation group (n=43). The control group was treated with posterolateral lumbar fusion, while the observation group was treated with PLIF. The observation group had a significantly longer operation time and shorter hospitalization time compared with the control group (P0.05). The grade I and II interbody fusion rates in the observation group at 12 months after operation were significantly higher than those in the control group (P

Objective/Background In critical limb ischaemia (CLI), current guidelines recommend revascularisation whenever possible, preferentially through endovascular means. However, in the case of long occlusions or failed endovascular attempts, distal bypasses still have a place. Single segment great saphenous vein (GSV), which provides the best conduit, is often not available and currently there is no consensus about the best alternative graft. Methods From January 2006 to December 2015, 42 cryopreserved arterial allografts were used for a distal bypass. Autologous GSVs or alternative autologous conduits were unavailable for all patients. The patients were observed for survival, limb salvage, and allograft patency. The results were analysed with Kaplan–Meier graphs. Results Estimates of secondary patency at one, two and five years were 81%, 73%, and 57%, respectively. Estimates of primary patency rates at one, two and five years were 60%, 56%, and 26%, respectively. Estimates of limb salvage rates at one, two and five years were 89%, 89%, and 82%, respectively. Estimates of survival rates at one, two and five years were 92%, 76% and 34%, respectively. At 30 days, major amputations and major adverse cardiac events were one and zero, respectively. Six major amputations occurred during the long-term follow up. Conclusion Despite a low primary patency rate at two years, the secondary patency of arterial allografts is acceptable for distal bypasses. This suggests that cryopreserved arterial allografts are a suitable alternative for limb saving distal bypasses in the absence of venous conduits, improving limb salvage rates and, possibly, quality of life.

Heading date directly determines the planting districts and seasons, and thus plays an important role for producing and introducing of varieties. Limited to the materials and methodologies, analysis of epistasis still presents an obvious challenge. This thesis estimated effectively four types of epistatic components among dual QTLs on heading date based on eight single segment substitution lines (SSSLs) in rice. The results confirmed that they carried truly with heading date QTLs. Eleven pairs of QTLs were with 50.0% of significant epistatic effects, of which additive-additive, additive-dominance or dominance-additive, and dominance-dominance interaction components occupied 40.9%, 50.0% and 59.1%, respectively. One QTL always interacted with multiple QTLs in various components. Several characteristics of epistasis on heading date were found that 1) different epistatic components had almost consistent directions; 2) dominance-dominance epistasis was perhaps most important in the four epistatic components; 3) epistasis was mostly positive, delaying rice heading; and 4) all epistatic components were seasonal sensitive. Two flowering pathways were further confirmed via a network constructed among these QTLs. These results have further confirmed the prevalence of epistatic interactions, deepened the understanding of genetic and flowering mechanism, and excavated several advantageous genes on heading date in rice.

Exploitation of the heterosis of hybrid rice has shown great success in the improvement of rice yields. However, few genotypes exhibit strong restoration ability as effective restorers of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in the development of hybrid rice. In this study, we developed a platform for the breeding by design of CMS restorer lines based on a library of chromosomal single segment substitution lines (SSSLs) in the Huajingxian74 (HJX74) genetic background. The target genes for breeding by design, Rf34 and Rf44, which are associated with a strong restoration ability, and gs3, gw8, Wxg1 and Alk, which are associated with good grain quality, were selected from the HJX74 SSSL library. Through pyramiding of the target genes, a restorer line, H121R, was developed. The H121R line was then improved regarding blast resistance by pyramiding of the qBLAST11 gene. Hence, a new restorer line with blast resistance, H131R, was developed. The platform involving the Rf34 and Rf44 restorer genes would be used for the continuous improvement of restorer lines through breeding by design in rice.

Cold stress is one of the main constraints in rice production, and damage from cold can occur at different developmental stages in rice. Understanding the genetic basis of cold tolerance is the key for breeding cold-tolerant variety. In this study, we used single segment substitution lines (SSSLs) derived from a cross between cold-tolerant japonica variety “Nan-yang-zhan” and a popular indica variety “Hua-jing-xian 74” to detect and pyramid QTLs for cold tolerance at the bud bursting and the seedling stages. Evaluation of cold tolerance of these SSSLs and their recurrent parent helped identify two cold-tolerant QTLs (qCTBB-5 and qCTBB-6) at the bud bursting stage and two cold-tolerant QTLs (qCTS-6 and qCTS-12) at the seedling stage. The SSSLs carrying these QTLs showed stronger cold tolerance than their recurrent parent HJX74 did in three independent experiments. The qCTBB-6 and qCTS-6 were mapped to the same chromosomal region. QTL pyramiding was performed by intercrossing of SSSLs carrying the respective QTLs for cold tolerance at the bud bursting stage and the seedling stage and marker-assisted selection (MAS). The selected pyramiding line SC1-1 with different cold-tolerant QTLs showed cumulative effects on cold tolerance. Our results suggest that different genes (QTLs) control cold tolerance at bud bursting and seedling stages, and pyramiding of stable expression QTLs for cold tolerance at different developmental stages through MAS is a good strategy to prevent cold damage in rice.

In this study, to compare the efficacy of minimally invasive surgery transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) combined with unilateral or bilateral internal fixation for the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative diseases, patients with single-segment lumbar degenerative diseases treated with MIS-TLIF combined with unilateral or bilateral internal fixation in Rehabilitation Center, Gansu Province Hospital from January 2014 to November 2015 were retrospectively enrolled, and the related data of 85 patients with 2-year follow-up were obtained. The patients were divided into unilateral group (40 cases) and bilateral group (45 cases) according to the method of internal fixation, and the Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS), lumbar lordosis angle, surgical segmental lordosis angle, lumbar scoliosis angle, surgical segmental scoliosis angle, lumbar lordosis index (LI), intervertebral height index (IHI), fusion rates, and serum inflammatory factors, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), were calculated to evaluate the efficacy of these two surgical methods. The results showed that the VAS and ODI of the two groups at 1 month, 6 months after surgery, and the last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with those before surgery ( P 0.05). The lumbar lordosis and LI decreased at 1 month, 6 months, and the last follow-up ( P 0.05). In addition, the fusion rates between these two groups had no significant difference ( P > 0.05). The levels of serum CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α at 12 and 24 h after operation in the two groups were higher than those before operation ( P

Purpose: This study compared the clinical outcome of K-rod dynamic internal fixation versus microendoscopic discectomy (MED) for the treatment of single-segment lumbar disc herniation. Methods: This retrospective study included 34 patients with L4-L5 single-segment lumbar disc herniation who underwent K-rod dynamic internal fixation ( n = 18) or MED ( n = 16). The pain was evaluated by the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS). The neurological function was assessed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. The height of intervertebral space was calculated using X-ray images, and the disc degeneration was evaluated based on Pfirrmann scores. The mean follow-up time was 31 months (range, 18–46 months). Results: In both groups, the ODI scores, VAS scores and JOA scores were significantly improved at the last follow-up compared with the preoperative values ( p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the improvement of ODI, VAS and JOA scores between the two groups ( p > 0.05). The height of intervertebral space in the surgical segments, proximal segments and distal segments, was significantly greater in the K-rod group than in the MED group. The disc degeneration occurred more in the MED group than in the K-rod group ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: K-rod internal fixation and MED produce satisfactory outcomes in the treatment of single-segment lumbar disc herniation. K-rod internal fixation is superior to MED in preventing adjacent segment degeneration.

Insights into sensorimotor control of balance were examined by the assessment of perturbed and unperturbed balance in standing and handstand postures. During perturbed and unperturbed balance in standing, the most prevalent control strategy was an ankle strategy, which was employed for more than 90% of the time in balance. During perturbed and unperturbed balance in handstand, the most prevalent control strategy was a wrist strategy, which was employed for more than 75% of the time in balance. In both postures, these strategies may be described as a single segment inverted pendulum control strategy, where the multi-segment system is controlled by torque about the most inferior joint with compensatory torques about all superior joints acting in the same direction to maintain a fixed orientation between superior segments. In contrast to previous literature, surprisingly little time was spent in a mixed strategy, representing less than 1% of time in standing balance and approximately 2% of time in handstand balance. Findings indicate that although the central nervous system may employ a number of control strategies during a trial, these strategies are employed individually rather than simultaneously.