Mechanical Wind Research Articles

Balanced adhesion and cohesion of chitosan matrices by conjugation and oxidation of catechol for high-performance surgical adhesives

Catechol-conjugated chitosan (CCs), used as tissue adhesive, wound dressing, and hemostatic materials, has been drawing much more attention. However, most CCs tissue adhesives exhibit poor adhesion strength, and few studies on optimization of cohesion and adhesion strength of CCs derivatives have been conducted. This work focused on the balance between cohesion and adhesion strength of catechol-conjugated chitosan (CCs) derivatives via different mechanisms of chemical and enzymatic conjugation. CCs derivatives were characterized regarding its mechanical property, cytotoxicity, platelet adhesion and wound healing test. Mechanical properties could be optimized by the degree of catechol substitution, pH and the presence of oxidizing agent, resulting in that the highest value of adhesive shear strength to the porcine tissue is 64.8 ± 5.7 kPa. In addition, CCs derivatives exhibit decreased toxicity and promoted in vivo wound healing effects as comparing to a commercially available adhesive (Dermabond®). All the results demonstrate that CCs derivatives can be used as well-optimized tissue adhesives as well as a hemostat.

Topical wound anaesthesia: efficacy to mitigate piglet castration pain.

ObjectiveThere is a critical need for safe and effective analgesic treatments to address pain resulting from surgical husbandry procedures in livestock. Piglet castration results in acute pain and stress to the animal; however, it is performed globally on millions of piglets annually, often without any analgesia what‐so‐ever. Tri‐Solfen® (Animal Ethics Pty Ltd, Yarra Glen, Victoria, Australia) is a combination local anaesthetic and antiseptic formulation which, applied topically to wounds, has proven effective, and is registered for use to alleviate pain associated with castration (and other wounds) in lambs and calves in Australia and New Zealand. It is also reported to be effective to reduce pain in piglets following castration.DesignThis randomised, blinded, placebo‐controlled study examined the safety and efficacy of the formulation, administered via an adapted wound instillation method, to control pain both during and following piglet castration.MethodPiglets received Tri‐Solfen or placebo, instilled to the wound immediately following skin incision. A 30 s wait period was then observed prior to completing castration. Pain mitigation was assessed by grading nociceptive resistance movements and piglet vocal response during castration, as well as by grading response to mechanical sensory stimulation of the wound (von Frey and needlestick) following castration.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in nociceptive motor and vocal response during castration and in response to mechanical sensory wound stimulation up to and including 2 h following castration. There were no adverse events.ConclusionAdministered via this method, Tri‐Solfen is effective to mitigate acute peri‐operative castration pain in piglets.

A Novel Bilayer Wound Dressing Composed of a Dense Polyurethane/Propolis Membrane and a Biodegradable Polycaprolactone/Gelatin Nanofibrous\xa0Scaffold

One-layer wound dressings cannot meet all the clinical needs due to their individual characteristics and shortcomings. Therefore, bilayer wound dressings which are composed of two layers with different properties have gained lots of attention. In the present study, polycaprolactone/gelatin (PCL/Gel) scaffold was electrospun on a dense membrane composed of polyurethane and ethanolic extract of propolis (PU/EEP). The PU/EEP membrane was used as the top layer to protect the wound area from external contamination and dehydration, while the PCL/Gel scaffold was used as the sublayer to facilitate cells’ adhesion and proliferation. The bilayer wound dressing was investigated regarding its microstructure, mechanical properties, surface wettability, anti-bacterial activity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and its efficacy in the animal wound model and histopathological analyzes. Scanning electron micrographs exhibited uniform morphology and bead-free structure of the PCL/Gel scaffold with average fibers’ diameter of 237.3 ± 65.1 nm. Significant anti-bacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcal aureus (5.4 ± 0.3 mm), Escherichia coli (1.9 ± 0.4 mm) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (1.0 ± 0.2 mm) according to inhibition zone test. The bilayer wound dressing exhibited high hydrophilicity (51.1 ± 4.9°), biodegradability, and biocompatibility. The bilayer wound dressing could significantly accelerate the wound closure and collagen deposition in the Wistar rats’ skin wound model. Taking together, the PU/EEP-PCL/Gel bilayer wound dressing can be a potential candidate for biomedical applications due to remarkable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, antibacterial features, and wound healing activities.

A STUDY OF THE EFFICACY OF A DENTAL FILM IN EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS

The most frequent complications of orthodontic treatment are mechanical damage to the oral mucosa by elements of orthodontic technique, manifested by hematomas, erosions or ulcers. Experimental studies prove the high efficiency of medicinal plants in their use as antibacterial, wound healing and anti-inflammatory agents. We have developed an original dental film based on plant components for the treatment of traumatic lesions of the oral mucosa. The purpose of this study was to prove the effectiveness of dental film containing dry extract of calendula flowers, dry extract of yarrow and propolis tincture in the experimental conditions. The object of morphological studies were the tissues of the mucous membrane of the cheek of rats (Mongrel mature male rats n=44 with a body weight of 250-300 g) in the zone of simulation of a mechanical wound. Sampling was performed on 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after the beginning of the experiment. Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Van Gieson and Mallory. Under the conditions of the experiment, it was found that the dental phytoplankton used exhibits has a stimulating effect on the reparative processes of the oral mucosa: wound healing occurs at an earlier time, signs of the beginning of epithelization, fibroplastic reaction and foci of granulation tissue formation appear in the areas of damage already on the 3rd day from the beginning of the experiment.

Self-regenerative capacity of intra-oral bone defects.

To provide an overview on the self-regenerative capacity of various types of intra-oral bone defects. This paper has narratively reviewed the most important aspects of bone biology and the healing outcomes related to the self-regenerative capacity (i.e. without the placement of any biomaterial) of bone defects that occur following tooth extraction, autogenous graft harvesting, periapical lesions, cystic lesions of the jaws, third molar extraction and experimentally created ridge defects. In animals (i.e. dogs and monkeys), the greatest changes in horizontal and vertical dimension occur during the first 6months following tooth extraction. In humans, bone remodelling may take from several months to years and exhibits marked inter-individual variability. Following tooth extraction at compromised sites (e.g. presence of severe bone loss at the time-point of extraction), the healing may occur slower and a substantial volume reduction can be expected than following tooth extraction at non-compromised sites. In the mandibular symphysis and ramus, the bone defects resulting following bone block harvesting are gradually healing to a large extent, but complete healing appears not to occur due to poorer space provision and wound stability capacities. Defects after peri-apical surgery display a substantial self-regenerative capacity and heal at a great extent without the use of any adjunct measures. The vast majority of jawbone defects after cystectomy heal at a great extent and without apparent influence in the shape of the jaw, without the need of adjunct measures. After surgical removal of mandibular third molars, bone fill can be observed over a period of at least 12months, with the most substantial change (e.g. the greatest bone fill) occurring during the first 3months after surgery. However, complete fill of these residual bone defects does not always occur. Intra-oral bone defects possess a high self-regenerative capacity. Factors such as extent of bone loss, presence of bony walls, closed healing environment, space provision and mechanical wound stability substantially influence healing/regeneration.

Evaluation of the Effects of Biohcly in an In Vivo Model of Mechanical Wounds in the Rabbit Cornea.

Biohcly is a type of acidic nanoclustered water shown to exert an antimicrobial effect and play a role in the tissue-healing process in previous experiments. This study was performed to evaluate the in vivo effects of Biohcly treatment on mechanical corneal wound healing. Rabbit cornea "acute" mechanical wounds were created with an 8-mm hydraulic pressure trephine. The corneal wounds were treated with either Biohcly (left eye) or sterile saline (right eye) 4 times per day. To determine the state of the wounds, the wound healing rate (WHR), inflammatory index (IF), neovascularization, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were evaluated. The expression of inflammatory factors was examined by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemical staining. Biohcly was more effective than saline in healing corneal ulcers as demonstrated by the WHR calculated on the 9th and 14th days after surgery (P < 0.05). The histological and AS-OCT examinations revealed better regeneration and reduced corneal scars in the Biohcly-treated corneas. No neovascularization formed in the corneas treated with Biohcly, whereas 25% of the saline-treated wounds developed this complication. In addition, the IF scores of the Biohcly-treated wounds were significantly lower than those of the saline-treated wounds. Compared with the right-eye corneas, the left-eye corneas had much lower protein and mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) after the injury. Biohcly plays a role in wound healing and anti-inflammation in the treatment of corneal wounds. The downregulation of MMP-9 in the Biohcly-treated corneas might have been responsible for this effect.

The effect of surgical setting on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction outcomes

ABSTRACTObjective: Ambulatory surgical centers (ASC’s) have emerged as an alternative to the traditional hospital- based outpatient department (HOPD). We aim to determine the effect of surgical setting on adverse events following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).Methods: The Humana Claims Database was queried for all patients undergoing ACLR in the HOPD or ASC setting, using the PearlDiver supercomputer. To eliminate selection bias in our study, the HOPD and ASC cohorts were propensity score matched on baseline demographics, comorbidities, and operative factors. Comparisons between the matched cohorts were made using chi-square tests. Logistic regression models were created to determine the effect of surgical setting on adverse events.Results: A total of 13,647 patients were queried in our study, 5,298 of whom underwent surgery in an ASC and 8,349 of whom underwent surgery in an HOPD. Analysis of the post-matched cohort revealed no differences between cohorts for mechanical failure, nerve injury, pulmonary embolism, septic joint, wound infection, revision surgery and readmission. Rates of deep vein thrombosis (1.18% vs 1.84%; p = .03) were significantly lower in the ASC group. On logistic regression, ASC was associated with decreased risk for deep vein thrombosis (.87, .83-.93) and pulmonary embolism (.85, .78-.95).Conclusion: ACLR performed in ASC is associated with reduced risk of venous thromboembolism and no difference in surgical morbidity and readmissions versus ACLR performed in HOPD. Development of a standardized algorithm for patient selection in the ASC setting is needed to preserve acceptability of ASC-based ACLR in cost-savings and patient safety models.

Iliac screw versus S2 alar-iliac screw fixation in adults: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVEIn a meta-analysis, the authors sought to compare outcomes after iliac screw (IS) versus S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw fixation in adult patients.METHODSA PubMed/MEDLINE database search was performed for studies comparing IS and S2AI screw fixation techniques in adults. Levels of evidence were assigned based on the North American Spine Society guidelines. Three outcomes were examined: 1) revision surgery rate secondary to mechanical failure or wound complications, 2) surgical site infection rate, and 3) screw prominence/pain. Data were pooled and outcomes compared between techniques. Absolute risk reductions (ARRs) were also calculated for outcome measures.RESULTSFive retrospective cohort studies (all level III evidence) were included in our analysis. A total of 323 adult patients were included-147 in the IS group (45.5%) and 176 in the S2AI group (54.5%). Overall, revision surgery due to mechanical failure or wound complications was needed in 66 of 323 patients (revision surgery rate 20.4%)-27.9% in the IS group and 14.2% in the S2AI group (13.7% ARR; p < 0.001). Four studies reported wound infections among 278 total patients, with an infection rate of 12.6% (35/278)-25.4% in the IS group and 2.6% in the S2AI group (22.8% ARR; p < 0.001). Three studies examined development of screw prominence/pain; combined, these studies reported screw prominence/pain in 21 of 215 cases (9.8%)-18.1% in the IS group and 1.8% in the S2AI group (16.3% ARR; p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSS2AI screw fixation in adults has a significantly lower mechanical failure and complication rate than IS fixation based on the current best available evidence.

Epithelial HMGB1 Delays Skin Wound Healing and Drives Tumor Initiation by Priming Neutrophils to NETosis

Regenerative responses predispose tissues to tumor initiation by largely unknown mechanisms. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a danger-associated molecular pattern contributing to inflammatory pathologies. Here, we show that HMGB1 derived from keratinocytes, but not macrophages, delays cutaneous mechanical wound healing and drives tumor formation, while protecting from epidermal barrier perturbation. In wounds of mice selectively lacking HMGB1 in keratinocytes, a marked reduction in NETosis, a neutrophil-specific cell death program, is observed. Pharmacological targeting of NETosis or HMGB1 during early response to wounding, prevents skin tumorigenesis and accelerates cutaneous regeneration. We observe NETosis in the microenvironment of keratinocyte-derived tumors in mice and lesional and tumor skin of patients suffering from Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB), a disease in which chronic blistering predisposes to tumor formation. We conclude that tumorigenicity of the wound microenvironment depends on epithelial-derived HMGB1 regulating NETosis, thereby establishing a mechanism linking reparative inflammation to tumor initiation.

Management of Hemorrhage From Craniomaxillofacial Injuries and Penetrating Neck Injury in Tactical Combat Casualty Care: iTClamp Mechanical Wound Closure Device TCCC Guidelines Proposed Change 19-04 06 June 2019.

The 2012 study Death on the battlefield (2001-2011) by Eastridge et al.1 demonstrated that 7.5% of the prehospital deaths caused by potentially survivable injuries were due to external hemorrhage from the cervical region. The increasing use of Tactical Combat-Casualty Care (TCCC) and other medical interventions have dramatically reduced the overall rate of combat-related mortality in US forces; however, uncontrolled hemorrhage remains the number one cause of potentially survivable combat trauma. Additionally, the use of personal protective equipment and adaptations in the weapons used against US forces has caused changes in the wound distribution patterns seen in combat trauma. There has been a significant proportional increase in head and neck wounds, which may result in difficult to control hemorrhage. More than 50% of combat wounded personnel will receive a head or neck wound. The iTClamp (Innovative Trauma Care Inc., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) is the first and only hemorrhage control device that uses the hydrostatic pressure of a hematoma to tamponade bleeding from an injured vessel within a wound. The iTClamp is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for use on multiple sites and works in all compressible areas, including on large and irregular lacerations. The iTClamp's unique design makes it ideal for controlling external hemorrhage in the head and neck region. The iTClamp has been demonstrated effective in over 245 field applications. The device is small and lightweight, easy to apply, can be used by any level of first responder with minimal training, and facilitates excellent skills retention. The iTClamp reapproximates wound edges with four pairs of opposing needles. This mechanism of action has demonstrated safe application for both the patient and the provider, causes minimal pain, and does not result in tissue necrosis, even if the device is left in place for extended periods. The Committee on TCCC recommends the use of the iTClamp as a primary treatment modality, along with a CoTCCC-recommended hemostatic dressing and direct manual pressure (DMP), for hemorrhage control in craniomaxillofacial injuries and penetrating neck injuries with external hemorrhage.

Lack of plakoglobin impairs integrity and wound healing in corneal epithelium in mice

We generated cornea-specific plakoglobin (Jup; junctional plakoglobin) knockout mice in order to investigate the function of plakoglobin on the maintenance of the homeostasis of corneal epithelium in mice. Cornea epithelium-specific conditional knockouts (JupCEΔ/CEΔ) (cKO) were obtained by breeding keratin12-Cre (Krt12-Cre) mice to Jup-floxed (Jupf/f) mice. Light and transmission electron microscopic and immunohistochemical analyses were carried out to determine consequence of the loss of plakoglobin on maintaining corneal epithelium integrity under mechanical stress, e.g., brushing and wound healing. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated that, although Jup ablation did not affect BrdU incorporation, basal cell-like cells labeled for keratin 14 were ectopically present in the supra-basal layer in mutant corneal epithelium, suggestive of altered cell differentiation. Plakoglobin-deficient epithelium exhibits increased fragility against mechanical intervention when compared to wild-type controls under identical treatment. Closure of an epithelial defect was significantly delayed in JupCEΔ/CEΔ epithelium. Our findings indicate that the lack of plakoglobin significantly affects corneal epithelium differentiation, as well as its structural integrity. Plakoglobin is essential to the maintenance of the structure of the corneal epithelium and its wound healing.Homeostasis of the corneal epithelium is critical in exerting a barrier function to noxious external stimuli. This study shows that that plakoglobin, a member of the catenin protein family, is essential to the maintenance of homeostasis of the corneal epithelium in mice. Corneal epithelium-specific deletion of the plakoglobin gene impairs tissue integrity against mechanical intervention and also suppresses wound healing without affecting cell proliferation.

Evaluation and comparison of postoperative analgesic effects of dexketoprofen and methadone in dogs

ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of dexketoprofen and methadone using a noninferiority trial, during the first 24 postoperative hours in dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Study designRandomized, blinded clinical study. AnimalsA total of 38 healthy dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery. MethodsDogs were premedicated with dexmedetomidine [1 μg kg–1 intravenously (IV)] followed by dexketoprofen (1 mg kg–1 IV; group DK) or methadone (0.2 mg kg–1 IV; group M). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in 60% oxygen. Postoperatively, dexketoprofen was administered every 8 hours (group DK) and methadone every 4 hours (group M). Analgesia was assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 18 and 24 hours after extubation using a dynamic and interactive visual analogue scale (DIVAS), the short form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS-SF), mechanical wound thresholds (MWTs) and plasma cortisol levels. If CMPS-SF score was ≥5, rescue analgesia was administered. Data were analysed using a general linear mixed model, Mann–Whitney U test and chi-squared test as appropriate; a p value <0.05 was considered significant. ResultsThe CMPS-SF and DIVAS scores were significantly higher in group M compared with group DK and remained higher for a longer period in group M, although the differences were not clinically significant. No significant differences were found in MWT assessment between groups. Plasma cortisol level significantly increased 2 hours after extubation, without significant differences between treatments. Rescue analgesia was administered to three animals (one in group DK; two in group M). Conclusion and clinical relevanceWe conclude that 1 mg kg–1 IV dexketoprofen administered every 8 hours during the first 24 hours postoperatively is noninferior to methadone in controlling pain after orthopaedic surgery in dog, although frequent pain assessments are recommended to adjust the analgesia plan.

Predictive parameters of early postoperative complications in Crohn's disease: Single team experience.

Most of the patients with Crohn's disease (CD) may require at least one surgical procedure over their lifetime. However, these patients tend to have a high incidence of postoperative complications. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the predictive parameters of postoperative complications in CD. All consecutive patients with CD between March 2001 and March 2016 who underwent bowel resection were included to this study. Postoperative complications were divided as; major complications including anastomotic leakage, ostomy complications, acute mechanical intestinal obstruction and hemorrhage, and minor complications including wound infection. A total of 147 patients (74 females, 73 males) with a mean age of 36±11.9 years met the inclusion criteria. Behaviors of CD were stricturing in 90 (62%), fistulizing in 45 (30%) and inflammatory in 12 (8%) patients. Minimally invasive approach was applied in 35% (n=51) of the patients. Twentysix (17%) patients had early (≤30 days) postoperative surgical complications including anastomotic leak (n=10), intra-abdominal bleeding (n=2), complications related to ostomy (n=2), acute mechanical intestinal obstruction (n=1) and wound infection (n=11). Only fistulizing disease behavior was associated with early postoperative complications (p=0.014). This study suggests that postoperative complications are still more common in fistulizing CD. Surgical approach did not affect the complication rate. The decision should be individualized according to the prominent risk factors and surgeons' preference.

Excess Cost and Predictive Factors of Esophagectomy Complications in the SEER-Medicare Database

Postoperative complications result in significantly increased health care expenditures. The objective of this study was to examine 90-day excess costs associated with inpatient complications after esophagectomy and their predictive factors, by using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database. The study examined patients older than 65 years of age with a diagnosis from 2002 to 2009 and who were undergoing esophagectomy for cancer in the SEER-Medicare database. Quantile regression models were fit at 5% intervals for excess 90-day cost associated with perioperative complications while controlling for baseline characteristics. Excess cost was defined as the difference in total cost for patients with versus without the complication. Analyses were stratified by patients' characteristics to identify factors predictive of excess cost. A total of 1,462 patients were identified in the cohort; 51% had at least one complication. Significant excess cost was associated with pulmonary and mechanical wound complications across all quantiles (p < 0.05). Infectious (0.35 to 0.75 quantiles), intraoperative (0.05 to 0.85 quantiles), and systemic (0.30 to 0.85 quantiles) complications were associated with higher costs. Further, excess costs were significantly elevated in the higher quantiles. At the 0.50 quantile (median) of total cost distribution, excess cost in patients with any complication were significantly higher in patients with the following characteristics: transthoracic esophagectomy, emergency esophagectomy, Charlson Comorbidity Index >0, living in a nonmetropolitan area or poorer community, or treated in larger hospitals; no such difference was identified in patients without complications. Complications after esophagectomy result in significant excess 90-day cost. Efforts at cost reduction and quality improvement will need to focus on reducing complications, in particular pulmonary and infectious, as well as risk factors for higher complication costs.

A Calculated Risk: Performing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis on Patients with End Stage Renal Disease

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a multifactorial disease linked to socioeconomic status and associated with worse surgical outcomes. We explore intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in patients with cholecystitis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2012 was used to identify patients undergoing LC for cholecystitis using ICD-9 codes. Outcomes of interest were mortality, common bile duct injury, conversion to open, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and total charge. Univariate analysis was performed using t test for continuous variables and chi-squared test for categorical variables. Multivariable models were created that adjusted for age, demographics, year of admission, comorbidities, and presence of ESRD. Of 225,058 patients that underwent LC, 2,115 had ESRD. On univariate analysis, the ESRD cohort had a higher incidence of mortality and complications: intraoperative, mechanical wound, respiratory, cardiovascular, and postoperative infections. ESRD patients had higher median LOS and total charge. Multivariate analysis showed ESRD as an independent risk factor for mortality, mechanical wound complications, and intraoperative complications. Negative binomial regression analysis showed that ESRD patients had LOS 50.4 per cent longer than non-ESRD patients. Linear regression analysis showed that, after adjustment, ESRD patients had total charge 6.82 per cent higher than non-ESRD patients. In this large retrospective analysis, we find that after adjusting for clinical, socioeconomic, and demographic variables, ESRD is an independent risk factor for increased mortality, intraoperative complications, mechanical wound complications, increased LOS, and cost for patients undergoing LC. Prospective studies exploring risk optimization strategies for patients with ESRD are warranted.

Performance Evaluation of Mechanical Power Amplifier for Various Belt Materials

Background: In many applications, it is required to control a large output load using a relatively low control force. To satisfy such purposes, a device like mechanical power amplifier can be used which generally gives a very fast response. As per the requirement of the system, power can be instantaneously available from continuously rotating drums of the mechanical power amplifier. Objective: This paper focuses on the computation of amplification factor of the mechanical power amplifier for different rope materials like leather, woven cotton and steel rope. Method: In this study the experimental analysis is performed. A capstan is a simple mechanical amplifier-rope wound on a motor-driven drum. The drums rotate continuously but communicate torque only when the input shaft is rotated to constricts drum A as shown in Fig. (3). Results: From the experimental analysis, it endorses that when the optimal number of turns tend to two, power amplification factor is to be 2.23 for leather contact, 1.867 for woven cotton contact, 1.32 for steel contact of rope. Conclusion: From the experimental analysis, it is seen that power amplification is higher for leather as compared to woven cotton and steel. The results are remarkably consistent with experimental measurements including favorable calculation of amplification factor.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Neuromuscular Scoliosis: Results and Complications in a Series of One Hundred Patients.

Study Design.A retrospective review.Objective.To report the results of an alternative technique using a minimally invasive fusionless surgery. The originality is based on the progressive correction of the deformities with proximal and distal fixation and on the reliability of the pelvic fixation using iliosacral screws on osteoporotic bones.Summary of Background Data.Spinal deformities are common in neuromuscular diseases. Conventional treatment involves bracing, followed by spinal instrumented fusion. Growing rod techniques are increasingly advocated but have a high rate of complications.Methods.The technique relies on a bilateral double rod sliding construct anchored proximally by four hooks claws and distally to the pelvis by iliosacral screws through a minimally invasive approach. Hundred patients with neuromuscular scoliosis underwent the same fusionless surgery extended from T1 to the pelvis. The average age at initial surgery was 11 + 6 years. Diagnoses included cerebral palsy (61), spinal muscular atrophy (22), muscular dystrophy (10), and other neurological etiologies (7). Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity were measured before and after initial surgery, and at final follow-up. Complications were reviewed.Results.At latest follow-up 3 + 9 years (range 2 yr–6 + 3 yr), the mean Cobb angle improved from 89° to 35° which corresponds to 61% correction. Mean pelvic obliquity improved from 29° to 5°, which corresponds to 83% correction. Mean T1-S1 length increased from 30.02 to 37.28 cm. Mean preoperative hyper kyphosis was reduced from 68.44° to 33.29°. Complications occurred in 26 patients including mechanical complications (12) and wound infections (16). No arthrodesis was required at last follow-up.Conclusion.This original fusionless technique is safe and effective, preserving spinal and thoracic growth. It provides a significant correction of spinal deformities and pelvic obliquity with a reduced complications rate. The strength and stability of this modular construct over time allow the avoidance of final arthrodesis.Level of Evidence: 4

Previously unrecognized diversity within fungal fruit rot pathosystems on Vitis vinifera and hybrid white wine grapes in Mid-Atlantic vineyards

Fruit rot diseases are among the most economically important challenges facing the rapidly growing wine grape industry in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Although diverse fungi are associated with fruit rots, most are considered secondary pathogens. Surveys in fall 2015 and 2016 recovered seven species of hyphal fungi from diseased berries, in which Aspergillus japonicus and Colletotrichum fioriniae were the dominant species recovered from Vidal blanc clusters, and Alternaria alternata and Colletotrichum fioriniae were the most common species recovered from Chardonnay. Two species not previously described as pathogens, Aspergillus japonicus and Pestalotiopsis telopeae, could initiate fruit rot in intact Chardonnay berries (incidence: 5–17.5% of berries); all other species were weak pathogens and likely function as secondary colonists. Introduction of inoculum into a mechanical wound significantly increased disease incidence for all species (P < 0.001). The hybrid white cultivar Vidal blanc, grown primarily for fruit rot-resistant traits, was found to be highly susceptible to the newly described pathogen A. japonicus, as well as the ripe rot pathogen C. fioriniae (P = 0.01). This is one of the first studies to evaluate fruit rot pathosystem diversity in Mid-Atlantic vineyards, and to assess the relative susceptibly of a hybrid cultivar to fruit rot diseases. This information will be used to develop diagnostic resources and to further research and outreach efforts for improving fungal fruit rot management.

Acyl-CoA-binding protein family members in laticifers are possibly involved in lipid and latex metabolism of Hevea brasiliensis (the Para rubber tree)

BackgroundAcyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs) are mainly involved in acyl-CoA ester binding and trafficking in eukaryotic cells, and their various functions have been characterized in model plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana), Oryza sativa (rice), and other plant species. In the present study, genome-wide mining and expression analysis of ACBP genes was performed on Hevea brasiliensis (the para rubber tree), the most important latex-producing crop in the world.ResultsSix members of the H. brasiliensis ACBP family genes, designated HbACBP1-HbACBP6, were identified from the H. brasiliensis genome. They can be categorized into four classes with different amino acid sequences and domain structures based on the categorization of their A. thaliana counterparts. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the HbACBPs were clustered with those of other closely related species, such as Manihot esculenta, Ricinus communis, and Jatropha carcas, but were further from those of A. thaliana, a distantly related species. Expression analysis demonstrated that the HbACBP1 and HbACBP2 genes are more prominently expressed in H. brasiliensis latex, and their expression can be significantly enhanced by bark tapping (a mechanical wound) and jasmonic acid stimulation, whereas HbACBP3-HbACBP6 had almost the same expression patterns with relatively high levels in mature leaves and male flowers, but a markedly low abundance in the latex. HbACBP1 and HbACBP2 may have crucial roles in lipid and latex metabolism in laticifers, so their subcellular location was further investigated and the results indicated that HbACBP1 is a cytosol protein, whereas HbACBP2 is an endoplasmic reticulum-associated ACBP.ConclusionsIn this study, the H. brasiliensis ACBP family genes were identified. Phylogenetic analyses of the HbABCPs indicate that there is a high conservation and evolutionary relationship between ACBPs in land plants. The HbACBPs are organ/tissue-specifically expressed and have different expression patterns in response to stimulation by bark tapping or ethrel/jasmonic acid. HbACBP1 and HbACBP2 are two important latex ACBPs that might be involved in the lipid and latex metabolism. The results may provide valuable information for further investigations into the biological functions of HbACBPs during latex metabolism and stress responses in H. brasiliensis.

The specific responses to mechanical wound in leaves and roots of Catharanthus roseus seedlings by metabolomics

ABSTRACTThe mechanical wound is one of the unavoidable threats to survival of plants. More researchers focus on the effect of mechanical wound to the over-ground tissues. And the effects of wound to roots were frequently ignored, although it is an important organ for plant growth. In our studies, the metabolomics study was performed to reveal the mechanical wound effects in Catharanthus roseus on roots and leaves by combining gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) and statistical analyses. The metabolic response of TIAs and PCs in plants to wound was most active at 0.5 h after treatment via Q value analysis. At this time point, then significantly responsive primary metabolites and specific secondary compounds (TIAs and PCs) were screened by PLS-DA score plot. In this case, the treatments of CK, LT (wound to leaves) and RT (wound to roots) were clearly distinguished. The targeted compounds include 8 sugars, 4 TIAs and 12 PCs and they displayed specific responses to CK, LT and RT treatments. Under RT group, plants invest more resources on the local responses using TIAs and the color reactions to regulate wound close using PCs. Whereas, LT group might lay emphasis on systemic responses via TIAs induced by SA (salicylic acid) and gallic acid. Our studies provide some basic data for further investigations of the defensive mechanism on roots treated by mechanical wound.