Lateral Line Research Articles

Koima, a new genus of nemacheilid loach from the Western Ghats, India (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae)

Koima, a new genus of nemacheilid loach, is described for Mesonoemacheilus remadevii Shaji 2002, and Nemacheilus monilis Hora 1921, both of which are endemic to the Western Ghats of southern peninsular India. Koima is distinguished from all other genera of family Nemacheilidae by its unique colour pattern comprising a yellowish-brown ground colour, single row of black spots on lateral line, all fins hyaline, and absence of a uniform banding pattern on dorsal side. Koima remadevii was initially identified as a species of Mesonoemacheilus Bănărescu & Nalbant 1982, from which it can be distinguished by the presence of a lower adipose crest, and an absence of a banding pattern on the dorsal side and on the caudal fin, while Koima monilis was initially identified as a species of Nemacheilus Bleeker 1863, from which it can be distinguished by the presence of a lower adipose crest, a narrow and deeply incised upper lip and having the fins hyaline. In the multi-gene phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, Koima remadevii and K. monilis were recovered in a monophyletic group, sister to the endemic peninsular Indian nemacheilid, Schistura denisoni. Resolution of the identity of Koima remadevii and K. monilis contributes to our understanding of the phylogenetics of family Nemacheilidae, which is widely considered to be a polyphyletic group.

Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy in Adult Patient with Symptomatic Discoid Lateral Meniscus: A Case Report

Introduction: For many years, the discoid meniscus was synonymous with snapping knee syndrome. incidence of discoid lateral meniscus is estimated to be 0.4% to 17%, whereas the discoid medial meniscus is extremely rare (0.1% to 0.3%). It has been reported that about 20% of cases are bilateral. Patients with discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) often show normal plain radiography findings but may also show subtle indirect signs. Case Presentation: Female, 59 years old, complained of pain on her left knee after walking and climbing stairs for the last two months. On examination, the range of motion of knee joint was limited due to the pain for flexion more than 90°. Patient had medial joint line tenderness, and a McMurray test elicited pain on the lateral joint line. Radiographs of the left knee showed lateral joint space widening and high fibular head. Arthroscopic examination of the left knee confirmed the presence of discoid lateral menisci (DLM). Discussion: Discoid lateral meniscus (DLM), often referred to as "popping knee syndrome," is an abnormal variation of the meniscus, primarily affecting the lateral side and more common in young individuals. This condition increases the risk of knee injury, especially if the ligament attachment to the tibia is absent. In our case, radiographic findings and a positive McMurray test led to the diagnosis, confirmed by arthroscopy showing a complete DLM. While some recommend for total meniscectomy, studies suggest that partial meniscectomy can offer good initial results, though long-term outcomes may vary. Conclusion: In symptomatic DLM, surgical treatment is necessary to treat the patient. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is the preferred surgical procedure to treat symptomatic DLM. Keywords: Discoid lateral meniscus, arthroscopic menisectomy, WOMAC score

Revalidation of Enteromius karkensis (Gilchrist and Thompson 1913) (Cypriniformes: Smiliogastrinae) from the southern temperate freshwater ecoregion, South Africa.

The chubbyhead barbs, a distinct group of fishes endemic to southern Africa, currently include eight valid species. Historically, Enteromius anoplus was the most widespread freshwater fish in South Africa due to synonymizations in the 1960s. It occurred in nearly every river system except coastal systems in the Cape Fold Ecoregion and the lower Orange River. However, a recent revision utilizing molecular and morphological analyses has led to significant taxonomic updates. Enteromius anoplus is restricted to the Gouritz River system, whereas Enteromius cernuus and Enteromius oraniensis have been revalidated and respectively confined to the Olifants and Orange River systems. Additionally, a new species Enteromius mandelai was described, with its range currently considered to encompass several river systems in the Eastern Cape. Despite these advances, the taxonomic status of fish previously assigned to E. anoplus from KwaZulu-Natal remained uncertain. In this study, an integrative approach, combining genetic analysis, morphological characteristics, and geographic data, was employed to resurrect Enteromius karkensis as a distinct species from E. anoplus. Enteromius karkensis is deeply genetically differentiated (3.99%-8.07% p-distance) from its congeners within the chubbyhead group. Morphologically, E. karkensis is easily distinguishable from its counterparts due to possession of a terminal mouth (vs. inferior in E. amatolicus), one pair of maxillary barbels (vs. two conspicuous pairs in E. motebensis, E. treurensis, and E. gurneyi), and a complete lateral line (vs. incomplete in E. anoplus and E. oraniensis). Furthermore, E. karkensis is differentiated from E. mandelai and E. cernuus by its long maxillary barbels that extend beyond the midpoint of the orbit. These findings highlight a consistent pattern from previous studies that show many freshwater fishes in South Africa have narrow geographic ranges. This emphasizes the importance of targeted conservation and management efforts, and our understanding of the biogeographic and evolutionary history of freshwater fishes in southern Africa.

3D CFD analysis of pressure, boundary layer and shear stresses on a gudgeon (Gobio gobio)

The fish’s mechanosensory lateral line system detects non-acoustic hydrodynamic stimuli required for feeding, schooling, predator avoidance and underwater object detection. Biological investigations have established that flow stimuli are detected through the boundary layer as pressure gradients by canal neuromasts and as shear stresses acting on the superficial neuromasts. Previous works have also shown that the spatial distribution of neuromasts is strongly correlated with the pressure coefficient. Despite these fundamental insights, substantial knowledge gaps persist in understanding how fish body geometry influences the boundary layer, the pressure distribution and shear stresses. To address these gaps, we provide a set of numerical models based on the open-source CFD toolkit OpenFOAM which are experimentally validated using velocity measurements obtained in a laboratory fish swim tunnel. Specifically, we investigate the mid dorsal-ventral planar flow fields around a 3D fish-shaped body of gudgeon (Gobio gobio), a common freshwater bottom-dwelling fish. The contributions of this work are two-fold: First, we provide a comparison of the boundary layer thicknesses and velocity profiles at flow velocities ranging from 0.25 to 1.25 m/s. Second, we qualitatively compare the spatial distributions of the pressure coefficient, dynamic pressure and shear stresses to biological observations of the neuromast locations of adult gudgeon.

Thermal Stress Analysis of Maxillary Dentures with Different Reinforcement Materials Under Occlusal Load Using Finite Element Method

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fiber reinforcement materials on the magnitude of stresses in a critical part of the maxillary denture base under thermal and occlusal load. Thermal stress analyses of the models were carried out using the finite element method. The models consisted of bone, soft tissue, interface gap, and maxillary dentures with and without reinforcements. A concentrated occlusal load of 230 N was applied bilaterally on the molar teeth. A 36 °C reference and 0 °C, 36 °C, and 70 °C variable ambient temperatures were applied to the models. CrCo, unidirectional and woven carbon/epoxy, unidirectional and woven glass/epoxy, and unidirectional and woven Kevlar/epoxy were used as reinforcing materials in the maxillary denture base made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). Stress distributions on the maxillary denture’s midline and lateral line direction were evaluated. Maximum stresses in the incisal notch and the labial frenal notch of the maxillary denture were determined. Failure analysis of reinforcement materials used in maxillary dentures was carried out using the Tsai-Wu index criterion. The results obtained show that the thermal properties of reinforcement materials should be considered as an important criterion in their selection.

PEPITA: Parallelized High-Throughput Quantification of Ototoxicity and Otoprotection in Zebrafish Larvae.

Drug-induced hearing injury (ototoxicity) is a common, debilitating side effect of many antibiotic regimens that can be worsened by adverse drug interactions. Such adverse drug interactions are often not detected until after drugs are already on the market because of the difficulty of measuring all possible drug combinations. While in vivo mammalian assays to screen for ototoxic damage exist, they are currently time-consuming, costly, and limited in throughput, which limits their utility in assessing drug interaction outcomes. To facilitate more rapid quantification of ototoxicity and assessment of adverse drug interactions that impact ototoxicity, we have developed a high-throughput workflow we call parallelized evaluation of protection and injury for toxicity assessment (PEPITA). PEPITA uses zebrafish larvae to quantify ototoxic damage and protection. Previous work has shown that hair cells (HCs) in the zebrafish lateral line are very similar to human inner ear HCs, meaning zebrafish are a viable model to test drug-induced ototoxicity. In PEPITA, we expose zebrafish larvae to different combinations of drugs, fluorescently label the HCs, and subsequently use microscopy to quantify the brightness of the fluorescently labeled HCs as an assay for ototoxic damage and hair-cell viability. PEPITA is a reproducible, low-cost, technically accessible, and high-throughput assay. These advantages allow many experiments to be conducted in parallel, paving the way for systematic evaluation of drug-induced hearing injury and other multidrug interactions. Key features • Analysis of drug-induced hair cell damage associated with ototoxicity using Danio rerio • Ototoxicity assessment performed in vivo • Uses microscopy to generate images to assay ototoxicity quantitatively. • Enables testing of various combinations of drugs at various doses to determine toxicity-associated drug-drug interaction outcomes (synergy, antagonism).

R391 human dominant mutation does not affect TubB4b localization and sensory hair cells structure in zebrafish inner ear and lateral line.

R391 human dominant mutation does not affect TubB4b localization and sensory hair cells structure in zebrafish inner ear and lateral line.

Apigenin attenuates cisplatin-induced hair cell damage in the zebrafish lateral line

Cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy drug, is notorious for causing ototoxicity, which leads to irreversible sensorineural hearing loss by damaging cochlear sensory hair cells (HCs), spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), and the stria vascularis (SV). Mechanisms include DNA adduct formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation, ultimately triggering cell death pathways like apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, or ferroptosis. Apigenin, a natural flavonoid found in various foods and beverages, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. Despite these benefits, its potential to mitigate cisplatin-induced ototoxicity remains unexplored. To investigate, we administered varying concentrations of apigenin (1 μM, 20 μM, 100 μM, and 250 μM) alongside cisplatin (200 μM) to zebrafish larvae at 5 days post fertilization. Cisplatin significantly reduced lateral line HCs, impacting auditory function as shown in startle response tests. However, co-administration with apigenin preserved lateral line HCs and mitigated cisplatin-induced hearing loss. In larvae exposed to cisplatin, TUNEL assay confirmed significant HCs apoptosis, which apigenin effectively countered by suppressing reactive oxygen species accumulation in lateral line HCs. RNA-seq analysis highlighted apigenin's role in modulating apoptosis-related pathways, supporting its protective effects against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. These findings underscore apigenin's potential as a crucial protective agent against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, meriting further investigation for clinical applications.

New data about the stability of skills for creating clay vessel shapes

The article analyzes the relative stability of skills for creating the shapes of clay vessels, both wheel-made and hand-made ones. Sources of the study included a series of “identical” vessels that were made as part of experiments conducted by employees of the Joint Team for Pottery Study in the 1970s and the Samara Expedition for the experimental study of ancient pottery in 2019–2022. Shape parameters have been identified that exhibit the greatest stability, regardless of the method of making the vessel, the type of building elements and the skill level of a craftsman. These parameters are the inclination angles of the lateral line of the shoulder-brachium frame and the body. The results of the study lead to the conclusion that these parameters can be considered as the most reliable for making conclusions based on the pottery shapes about the degree of cultural and ethnocultural homogeneity of the population groups that left archaeological sites.

IncobotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of Upper Facial Lines: Results From Two Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Studies.

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III studies of incobotulinumtoxinA for treating upper facial lines (UFL; combination of glabellar frown lines [GFL], horizontal forehead lines [HFL] and lateral canthal lines [LCL]) were conducted in the US (ULTRA I: NCT04594213) and Germany (ULTRA II: NCT04622254). To evaluate safety and efficacy of simultaneous intramuscular injections for UFL. Longer-term safety and efficacy were assessed in open-label extension periods (OLEX). Healthy participants (≥18 years) with moderate-to-severe GFL, HFL and symmetrical LCL at maximum contraction on the five-point Merz Aesthetics Scales (MAS) were randomized 2:1:1 to receive up to 64 Units of incobotulinumtoxinA in the main period (MP) for each trial. Treatment groups were: UFL, GFL & HFL (ULTRA I), LCL (ULTRA II) and placebo. Primary efficacy endpoints were the proportions of GFL, HFL and LCL responders, defined as a MAS score for the respective area of 0 (no) or 1 (mild) and ≥2-grade improvement from baseline to Day 30, as assessed by both investigator and participant. Overall, 362 and 368 participants received treatment in ULTRA I and ULTRA II, respectively. In both studies, incobotulinumtoxinA treatment was significantly more effective than placebo with respect to the primary endpoint (p < 0.0001) and key secondary endpoints (p < 0.0001). OLEX results were consistent with those seen in the MP. No new safety findings were identified. In ULTRA I and ULTRA II, safety and efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA for the simultaneous treatment of moderate-to-severe UFL were demonstrated, with significant improvements across all primary and secondary endpoints versus placebo.

Tapping below the lateral line does not reduce maple sap yield or quality

Modern maple sugaring operations use vacuum tubing systems to enhance sap flow and maximize yield. The positioning of tapholes is a crucial aspect influencing tree health and sap yields, but is limited by dropline length. Inverting droplines to expand the tappable zone and reduce the risk of over-tapping has raised concerns about vacuum efficiency and microbial contamination.We examined over 2200 trees on multiple high-vacuum 5/16″ tubing systems at two sites over three seasons, tapping at various heights above and below the lateral line. Our analysis showed no significant decrease in sap yield or sugar concentration when tapping below the lateral line. Taps at extreme heights above the lateral line produced slightly more sap (estimated at 0.6 l of sap per tap for a good production season) and marginally sweeter sap (0.06 °Brix). However, differences in vacuum management had a more significant impact on yield. Additionally, there was no evidence of increased microbial activity or changes in sap pH due to relative tapping height.These findings demonstrate that tapping below the lateral line effectively doubles the tappable zone without significantly affecting sap yield or quality, promoting sustainable maple sugaring practices by ensuring long-term productivity without compromising sap yields or quality.

Revisiting the description of Atractoscion macrolepis (Perciformes: Sciaenidae): Another argument for comprehensive taxonomy

Atractoscion macrolepis was described as a species separate to A. aequidens, distinguished by a geographically-separated distribution, genetic evidence and a diagnostic meristic character: the number of pored lateral line scales. However, the distinction of these species and description of A. macrolepis were based on the examination of a limited number of specimens, some of which were incorrectly catalogued and possibly wrongly identified. Moreover, earlier data, demonstrating the overlap of the supposedly diagnostic character, were overlooked or not considered fully. The present study aimed to reconsider the distinction of these two species and to highlight characters for identification, using a more extensive representation of specimens, additional character sets and multivariate analyses. Seven meristic characters, 24 morphometric measurements and nine otolith variables were examined from up to 33 specimens of A. aequidens and 52 specimens of A. macrolepis. These were compared among the species and subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses, including Principal Component Analyses (PCAs) and Discriminant Function Analyses (DFAs). No meristic characters, including the number of lateral line scales, could distinguish the species, with modes being identical or with nodes differing, but ranges overlapping. While the PCA of size-transformed morphometric data revealed some separation of the two species, the DFA indicated significant and reliable discrimination. Considering the otolith variables, the PCA showed weak separation of the two species, while fair discrimination was observed in the DFA. ANOVAs indicated a number of significant differences for some transformed otolith measurements, but there were no clear trends with respect to proportions that would discriminate the species. Further exploration of those morphometric variables highlighted as contributing to separation in the PCA and DFA provided a number of variables that, when expressed as a proportion of SL and used in combination, discriminate A. aequidens and A. macrolepis: HL, MCL, PFL, AFL and PLFL. The present study does not contest the taxonomic status of A. macrolepis, the distinction of which has been demonstrated repeatedly, but does refute the characters regarded as diagnostic. In light of this, an updated key is provided for the five species of the genus. The study demonstrates the value of increased specimen representation and having data fully available rather than in summary.

Stem and progenitor cell proliferation are independently regulated by cell type-specific cyclinD genes.

Regeneration and homeostatic turnover of solid tissues depend on the proliferation of symmetrically dividing adult stem cells, which either remain stem cells or differentiate based on their niche position. Here we demonstrate that in zebrafish lateral line sensory organs, stem and progenitor cell proliferation are independently regulated by two cyclinD genes. Loss of ccnd2a impairs stem cell proliferation during development, while loss of ccndx disrupts hair cell progenitor proliferation but allows normal differentiation. Notably, ccnd2a can functionally replace ccndx , indicating that the respective effects of these Cyclins on proliferation are due to cell type-specific expression. However, even though hair cell progenitors differentiate normally in ccndx mutants, they are mispolarized due to hes2 and Emx2 downregulation. Thus, regulated proliferation ensures that equal numbers of hair cells are polarized in opposite directions. Our study reveals cell type-specific roles for cyclinD genes in regulating the different populations of symmetrically dividing cells governing organ development and regeneration, with implications for regenerative medicine and disease.

Vital Dye Uptake of YO-PRO-1 and DASPEI Depends Upon Mechanoelectrical Transduction Function in Zebrafish Hair Cells.

Vital dyes allow the visualization of cells in vivo without causing tissue damage, making them a useful tool for studying lateral line and inner ear hair cells in living zebrafish and other vertebrates. FM1-43, YO-PRO-1, and DASPEI are three vital dyes commonly used for hair cell visualization. While it has been established that FM1-43 enters hair cells of zebrafish and other organisms through the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channel, the mechanism of entry into hair cells for YO-PRO-1 and DASPEI has not been established despite widespread use. We hypothesize that YO-PRO-1 and DASPEI entry into zebrafish hair cells is MET channel uptake dependent similar to FM1-43. To test this hypothesis, we used both genetic and pharmacologic means to block MET channel function. Genetic based MET channel assays were conducted with two different mechanotransduction defective zebrafish lines, specifically the myo7aa-/- loss of function mutant tc320b (p.Y846X) and cdh23-/- loss of function mutant (c.570-571del). Pharmacologic assays were performed with Gadolinium(III) Chloride (Gad(III)), a compound that can temporarily block mechanotransduction activity. Five-day post fertilization (5dpf) myo7aa-/- and cdh23-/- larvae incubated with FM1-43, YO-PRO-1, and DASPEI all showed nearly absent uptake of each vital dye. Treatment of wildtype zebrafish larvae with Gad(III) significantly reduces uptake of FM1-43, YO-PRO-1, and DASPEI vital dyes. These results indicate that YO-PRO-1 and DASPEI entry into zebrafish hair cells is MET channel dependent similar to FM1-43. This knowledge expands the repertoire of vital dyes that can be used to assess mechanotransduction and MET channel function in zebrafish and other vertebrate models of hair cell function.

A rare anomalous muscle in the popliteal region - a case report.

Anomalous muscles are rarely seen in the popliteal region of the lower limb. Some of them are harmless and go unnoticed and some create problems such as neuropathies. We report a novel case of an unusual additional muscle in this region. The additional muscle was closely associated with the short head of the biceps femoris muscle. It took its origin from the lower part of the lateral supracondylar line and the adjoining popliteal surface of the femur. The muscle was 10cm in length, 1cm in breadth and was fleshy throughout. It was oriented parallel to the medial side of the tendon of biceps femoris. It was inserted to the posterior aspect of the head of the fibula, medial to the insertion of the biceps femoris. The additional muscle derived its nerve supply from the sciatic nerve. The common peroneal nerve was closely related to the medial border of the additional muscle.

Description of two new species of the genus Paranemachilus (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from Guangxi, China

This study describes two new species within the genus Paranemachilus. Paranemachilus luegvetensissp. nov. and Paranemachilus liuisp. nov. can be distinguished from all recognized congeners by a combination of morphological characteristics and substantial genetic divergences. Paranemachilus luegvetensissp. nov. is characterized by scaled cheeks; the whole body covered in scales, except for the head; 11–12 branched pectoral fin rays; 4–5 preoperculomandibular canal pores; body depth 13.5%–16.8% of standard length; and preanus length 68.3%–73.9% of standard length. Paranemachilus liuisp. nov. is characterized by scaled cheeks; the whole body covered in scales except for the head; 11–13 branched pectoral fin rays; 11–15 supraorbital canal pores at the base of the anterior nostrils; 7–9 preoperculomandibular canal pores; preanus length 67.4%–74.3% of standard length; snout length 21.4%–28.7% of lateral head length.

Two new hypogean species of the genus Triplophysa (Osteichthyes, Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from Guizhou Province, Southwest China, with underestimated diversity.

Two new species of the genus Triplophysa from southwestern Guizhou Province, China, are described. These are Triplophysaziyunensis Wu, Luo, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. and Triplophysayaluwang Lan, Liu, Zhou & Zhou, sp. nov. from Maoying Town, Ziyun County, Guizhou Province, China. Triplophysaziyunensis Wu, Luo, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. is distinguished from other hypogean species of the genus Triplophysa by having a combination of the following characteristics: body naked, scaleless, pigmented markings on surface of body, except ventral; eyes reduced, diameter 2.4-4.9% of head length; pelvic-fin tip extending to anus; tip of pectoral fin not reaching pelvic fin origin; anterior and posterior nostrils closely set, with anterior nostril elongated to a barbel-like tip; tip of outrostral barbel extending backward, not reaching anterior margin of the eye; lateral line complete; posterior chamber of air bladder degenerated; and fin differences. Triplophysayaluwang Lan, Liu, Zhou & Zhou, sp. nov. is distinguished from other hypogean species of the genus Triplophysa by having a combination of the following characteristics: body naked, scaleless, with irregular pale and dark brownish brown markings, except ventrally; eyes reduced, diameter 4.6-6.1% of head length; pelvic-fin tip reaching anus; tip of pectoral fin not reaching to pelvic fin origin; anterior and posterior nostrils closely set, with anterior nostril elongated to a barbel-like tip; tip of outrostral barbel extending backward, not reaching to anterior margin of the eye; lateral line complete; posterior chamber of air bladder degenerated; and fin differences. Mitochondrial Cyt b revealed relatively small genetic differences, 1.4-2.0%, between the two new species and close relatives. Nuclear gene RAG1 indicated that the two new species possessed unique haplotypes with multiple linking mutations. This study emphasizes the importance of utilizing nuclear genes to identify new species in rapidly speciation cave species, with small genetic differences due to mitochondrial introgression occurring interspecies.

Kif1a and intact microtubules maintain synaptic-vesicle populations at ribbon synapses in zebrafish hair cells.

Sensory hair cells of the inner ear utilize specialized ribbon synapses to transmit sensory stimuli to the central nervous system. This transmission necessitates rapid and sustained neurotransmitter release, which depends on a large pool of synaptic vesicles at the hair-cell presynapse. While previous work in neurons has shown that kinesin motor proteins traffic synaptic material along microtubules to the presynapse, the mechanisms of this process in hair cells remain unclear. Our study demonstrates that the kinesin motor protein Kif1a, along with an intact microtubule network, is essential for enriching synaptic vesicles at the presynapse in hair cells. Through genetic and pharmacological approaches, we disrupt Kif1a function and impair microtubule networks in hair cells of the zebrafish lateral-line system. These manipulations led to a significant reduction in synaptic-vesicle populations at the presynapse in hair cells. Using electron microscopy, in vivo calcium imaging, and electrophysiology, we show that a diminished supply of synaptic vesicles adversely affects ribbon-synapse function. Kif1aamutants exhibit dramatic reductions in spontaneous vesicle release and evoked postsynaptic calcium responses. Furthermore, kif1aamutants exhibit impaired rheotaxis, a behaviour reliant on the ability of hair cells in the lateral line to respond to sustained flow stimuli. Overall, our results demonstrate that Kif1a-mediated microtubule transport is critical to enrich synaptic vesicles at the active zone, a process that is vital for proper ribbon-synapse function in hair cells. KEY POINTS: Kif1a mRNAs are present in zebrafish hair cells. Loss of Kif1a disrupts the enrichment of synaptic vesicles at ribbon synapses. Disruption of microtubules depletes synaptic vesicles at ribbon synapses. Kif1aa mutants have impaired ribbon-synapse and sensory-system function.

Alignment rod and gap measurement methods achieve comparable alignment correction in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for varus osteoarthritic knees.

To compare clinical and radiological outcomes of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) using two different alignment methods: the alignment rod (AR) versus the gap measurement (GM) method. The primary outcome was to report the surgical accuracy of coronal plane corrections in each method. Patients who underwent MOWHTO with either AR or GM method between 2014 and 2022 at a single institution, with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, were included. The opening gap was gradually spread with an AR under fluoroscopic control in the AR group, whereas the osteotomy site was opened to the value of the measured gap distance in addition to the thickness of the bone saw in the GM group. Radiological assessment of geometric characteristics included hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle and joint line convergence angle. Surgical accuracy, which is the deviation (Δ) between the intended and achieved correction, was compared between both methods. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores. A total of 110 patients (n = 110 knees) with a mean age of 54.1 ± 8.4 years were included in the study. Radiological parameters were significantly improved as reflected by HKA correction from 171.6° ± 2.0° to 181.1° ± 2.6° in the AR group and from 171.0° ± 2.3° to 181.1° ± 2.8° in the GM group at 2 years (Intergroup n.s). There was no significant intergroup difference for all radiological parameters and clinical outcomes. There was no intergroup difference in the surgical accuracy as evaluated by Δvalues and absolute Δvalues of both HKA and MPTA (n.s). Comparable correction accuracy was achieved in MOWHTO using either the AR or GM method. The GM method is simple and reliable in achieving the intended correction in MOWHTO. Ⅲ retrospective comparative study.

Locating Dipole Source Using Self-Propelled Robotic Fish With Artificial Lateral Line System

Locating Dipole Source Using Self-Propelled Robotic Fish With Artificial Lateral Line System