Number Of Vertebrae Research Articles

Tail anatomy of the Alvarezsauria (Theropoda, Coelurosauria), and its functional and behavioural implications

The anatomy of the alvarezsaurian tail has received relatively little attention in the paleontological literature, even though it shows a peculiar combination of anatomical characteristics that are unique among theropod dinosaurs. Nearly complete, informative tails are known from early-branching, intermediate, and late-branching taxa, allowing for robust inferences about their evolution. The alvarezsaurian tail is notable in being the longest among maniraptoran theropods, both in number of caudal vertebrae and proportional length. We examined the comparative anatomy and myology of the tail, and performed a cladistic analysis on a tail-character-based data matrix that provided a general framework for reconstructing alvarezsaurian tail evolution. Our results show that caudal vertebrae of alvarezsaurians have a combination of derived osteological features, intervertebral joint morphology, and inferred musculature, which together suggest that the tail possessed a unique function among theropods. We interpret these features as indicators of an exceptional capacity to change rotational inertia. The form and function of the tail, in combination with the fossorial forelimb, suggests that alvarezsaurians had an ecological niche similar to today's aardvark, pangolins and anteaters.

A new species of Gymnelus (Perciformes, Zoarcidae) from Greenland, similar to G. viridis

Zoarcid fishes of the genus Gymnelus Reinhardt inhabit the shelves of the North Pacific Ocean and the Arctic. A new species, G. pseudosquamatus sp. nov., is described from trawl samples taken at depths off South-West Greenland. It is most similar to the type species of the genus, Common Fish Doctor G. viridis, inhabiting the coastal waters of Greenland. The characters of the latter are specified on materials from the type locality, including the neotype and specimens of J.C.H. Reinhardt. Both species are in the group of Gymnelus with an interrupted supratemporal commissura, two supratemporal sensory pores (1+0+1), and a dorsal fin originating above the pectoral fin. The two species differ in a complex of characters, including habitus. In G. viridis, the trunk is roundish in cross section, highest above the beginning of the anal fin; the anterior rays of the dorsal fin are shortened, and covered with a thick and somewhat fleshy skin. In G. pseudosquamatus, the body is compressed and deeper anteriorly, the dorsal-fin rays are evenly elongated, and the fin membrane is thin. Differences in counts and measurements are statistically significant, including the number of vertebrae and rays in the dorsal, anal and pectoral fins, the number of teeth on the jaws, as well as the length and depth of the head, predorsal length, the length of pectoral fins, eye diameter and length of the gill slit. The color of G. pseudosquamatus, with 8–16 wide brown mottled bands, is also unusual, as the skin is dotted with light speckles that create the illusion of tiny scales, which is the reason for the name “pseudosquamatus”, the Deceptive Fish Doctor. While G. viridis is found inshore in a zone of macroalgae, the new species is found in deeper waters (100–457 m) along the shelf edge of South-West Greenland. The name Ophidium stigma Lay et Bennett, 1839 (=Gymnelus stigma) should be excluded from the synonymy of G. viridis, since the original description mentions the presence of scales on the body, which are absent in Gymnelus.

Thoracic Kyphosis and Lumbar Lordosis Distribution After Idiopathic Scoliosis Correction Using Posterior Hybrid Versus Screw Instrumentation.

This was a retrospective observational study. The aim of this study was to evaluate kyphosis and lordosis distribution, inflexion points, and the relationship with proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) comparing hybrid instrumentation (in situ contouring, derotation) versus screw instrumentation (thoracic cantilever reduction, lumbar in situ contouring, and derotation). The combination of reduction techniques aims at restoring the levels of lumbar apex and thoracolumbar inflexion point according to Roussouly alignment types. This approach could minimize the PJK risk after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery. The study assessed coronal curve correction, thoracolumbar and spinopelvic sagittal parameters in 86 skeletally mature adolescents and young adults 2.2 years after AIS correction, comparing a hybrid group (HG, n=34) to a screw group (SG, n=52). Segmental kyphosis and lordosis distribution, number of vertebrae included in curves, thoracic and lumbar apex, thoracolumbar inflexion point and Roussouly types were modeled using KEOPS software. Global coronal and sagittal correction were similar in both groups. In the SG, lumbar lordosis (LL) decreased from 61.1 to 53.9 degrees (P<0.0001) and matched with pelvic incidence (r=0.69), whereas LL did not change in the HG. Postoperatively, the thoracolumbar inflexion point migrated cranially, resulting in a longer LL in both groups. Postoperative thoracolumbar inflexion point (P<0.0001) and the lumbar apex (P=0.0274) were more caudal in the SG compared with the HG. The PJK rate was 14.7% in the HG and 7.7% in the SG. In patients with PJK, lumbar apex and thoracolumbar inflexion point shifted cranially and were too high according to the Roussouly type. Hybrid and screw instrumentation led to similar global AIS correction, but the use of cantilever reduction in the SG allowed setting the thoracolumbar inflexion point and the lumbar apex lower than in the HG. Cranial migration of these points was identified as PJK risk factor. Level III.

Better late than never: Clinical outcomes of delayed fixation in thoracolumbar spinal trauma.

To analyse factors influencing functional outcome and neurological recovery in patients undergoing delayed surgery for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) involving thoracolumbar spine. Retrospective analysis of 33 patients with thoracolumbar SCI who underwent delayed surgery (≥ 72hrs post-trauma) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year (average:32.55months) was done. The parameters studied included age, sex, co-morbidities, mode of trauma, associated trauma, level and number of vertebrae involved, fracture morphology, thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score (TLICS), maximal spinal cord compression (MSCC), signal changes in the cord, neurological deficit as per the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale, lower extremity motor score (LEMS), bowel bladder involvement, time interval between trauma and surgery. Mean time interval from injury to spine surgery was 24.45days. At the end of 1-year follow-up, 17(51.5%), 12(36.36%), and 3(9.1%) patients had ≥ 1, ≥ 2, and ≥ 3-grade ASIA improvement, respectively. The mean LEMS rose to 33.86 from 17.09 (P < 0.001). 8 out of 20 patients with bladder involvement showed improvement. 4 patients succumbed, 22 were ambulatory, and 7 remained non-ambulatory. On comparing various parameters, pre-operative LEMS score (P-value: < 0.001), cord signal changes (P-value:0.002), and presence of cord transection (P-value:0.007) differed significantly in the above-mentioned three groups, while age (P-value:0.442), average TLICS (P-value:0.872), time from injury to surgery (P-value:0.386) did not differ significantly. This study highlights that there is still a significant scope for neurological improvement even after delayed surgery in patients with thoracolumbar SCI. The lower the LEMS score at the time of presentation, signal changes in the cord and presence of cord transection have a significant influence on unfavourable clinical outcomes at the end of 1-year post-surgery.

National Rates, Reasons, and Risk Factors for 30- and 90-Day Readmission and Reoperation Among Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Analysis Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database.

Retrospective cohort study of the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). To determine causes of and independent risk factors for 30- and 90-day readmission in a cohort of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) patients. Identifying populations at high-risk of 30-day readmission is a priority in healthcare reform so as to reduce cost and patient morbidity. However, among patients undergoing ACDF, nationally-representative data have been limited, and have seldom described 90-day readmissions, early reoperation, or socioeconomic influences. We queried the NRD, which longitudinally tracks 49.3% of hospitalizations, for all adult patients undergoing ACDF. We calculated the rates of, and determined reasons for, readmission and reoperation at 30 and 90 days, and determined risk factors for readmission at each timepoint. We identified 50,126 patients between January and September 2014. Of these, 2294 (4.6%) and 4152 (8.3%) were readmitted within 30 and 90 days of discharge, respectively, and were most commonly readmitted for infections, medical complications, and dysphagia. The characteristics most strongly associated with readmission were Medicare or Medicaid insurance, length of stay greater than or equal to 4 days, three or more comorbidities, and non-routine discharge, whereas surgical factors (e.g., greater number of vertebrae fused) were more modest. By 30 and 90 days, 8.2% and 11.7% of readmitted patients underwent an additional spinal procedure, respectively. Our analysis uses the NRD to thoroughly characterize readmission in the general ACDF population. Readmissions are often delayed (after 30 days), strongly associated with insurance status, and many result in reoperation. Our results are crucial for risk-stratifying future ACDF patients and developing interventions to reduce readmission.Level of Evidence: 3.

Osteological Development of the Larvae and Juvenile of Favonigobius gymnauchen (Pisces:Gobiidae).

This study was carried out to observe the development of the autonomous skeletal development of the Favonigobius gymnauchen. Total length (TL) of larvae 3 days after hatching (DAH) were mean TL of 3.34 mm, with a line-shaped parasphenoid ossification in the cranium and basioccipital ossification in the back. The 10 DAH larvae had a mean TL of 5.20 mm, with the number of caudal vertebrae increasing to 15. The urostyle and two hypural bones in the lower part also began to ossify. The 23 DAH juveniles had a mean TL of 8.47 mm. The pectoral girdle's skeleton was completed as the scapula and coracoid were ossified. The pelvic girdle also fully supported the ventral fin as its ossification was completed. Favonigobius gymnauchen and Tridentiger obscurus showed similar characteristics in terms of the anus location of hatched larvae, number of myotomes, and melanophore distribution during the morphological development of the larvae and juveniles. However, this study confirmed differences in the development of the vertebrae and urostyle bone.

POSTERIOR VERTEBRAL COLUMN RESECTION (PVCR): A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE OPTION TO TREAT KYPHOSIS FROM SPINAL TUBERCULOSIS

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for the treatment of kyphosis from spinal tuberculosis. Methods: Retrospective study of a series of 14 cases, 9 female and 5 male, with a mean age of 28 years (1 to 64) at the time of surgery, with spinal tuberculosis with mean kyphosis of 56.42° (2° to 95°). Results: All patients underwent surgical treatment with PVCR, with a mean number of 2.57 (1 to 6) resected vertebrae and a mean number of instrumented vertebrae of 6.14 (4 to 8). The mean kyphosis correction was 64% after up to one year of follow-up. Prior to surgery, eight patients had signs of spinal cord impairment (ASIA score ranging from A to D), and six did not present any deficit of strength or sensory function (ASIA E). There was no neurological worsening and everyone with deficits improved by at least one degree on the scale. In the postoperative follow-up, bone consolidation was observed in all patients, except one. Among the intra- and postoperative complications, pleurotomy was the most prevalent. Conclusion: Posterior vertebral column resection has proven to be a safe and effective option for the treatment of kyphotic deformity from spinal tuberculosis. Level of evidence IV; Therapeutic studies - Investigation of treatment results.

Return to sport and daily life activities after vertebral body tethering for AIS: analysis of the sport activity questionnaire

PurposeVertebral body tethering (VBT) is an alternative to fusion for selected scoliosis patients. As VBT does not limit spine mobility, it has been propagated that this technique allows a quicker return to physical activity than fusion. However, no data are available to support this statement. Aim of this study was to quantify how much time patients required to resume preoperative activity level and to seek possible associations between return to physical activity and demographic, radiographic and surgical data.MethodsOne year postoperatively, the validated sport activity questionnaire (SAQ) was administered to all skeletally immature patients who underwent VBT at our institution. SAQ data were analyzed and a multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate associations between SAQ and demographic, radiographic and surgical data.ResultsThirty-one patients aged 14.5 years completed the SAQ. Within 3 months from VBT, 97% returned to school, 61% resumed physical education, 97% carried a backpack, 68% run, and 82% rode a bike; 70% bent within a month from VBT. Ninety-four percent of patients returned to their preoperative athletic level. Within 3 months, 63% of responders resumed noncontact, 61% contact and 53% collision sports. No relevant associations were observed between the SAQ and demographic, radiographic and surgical data. In particular, number of instrumented vertebrae, level of the lowest instrumented vertebra and postoperative Cobb angle did not influence patients’ return to preoperative activities.ConclusionVBT allows patients to quickly return to their preoperative activity level, irrespectively of the postoperative Cobb angle or type of instrumentation.

Vertebral Formulae and Congenital Vertebral Anomalies in Guinea Pigs: A Retrospective Radiographic Study.

Simple SummaryGuinea pigs are popular pets, but there is still a lack of information about their morphology. Variable morphology of the vertebral column can lead to incorrect localization of spinal diseases or the site of surgical intervention. This study aimed to determine the numerical variants of vertebral column and prevalence, localization, and type of congenital anomalies of the vertebral column. Vertebral column radiographs were reviewed in 240 guinea pigs, and nine numerical variants of the vertebral column were noticed. The most common vertebral formula, seven cervical, 13 thoracic, six lumbar, four sacral, and five to seven caudal vertebrae, was found in 75% of guinea pigs. Congenital anomalies were also found as incidental findings in 12.5% of guinea pigs, mostly in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions. The most common congenital anomalies were a variable morphology of the last pair of ribs in the thoracolumbar region and transitional vertebra with a mixed morphological characteristic of lumbar and sacral vertebrae in the lumbosacral region. The cervical region was the least common region for congenital anomalies of the vertebral column. Our results contribute to the knowledge of clinical morphology in guinea pigs applicable in both, research and clinical practice.The objectives of this retrospective study of 240 guinea pigs (148 females and 92 males) were to determine the prevalence of different vertebral formulae and the type and anatomical localization of congenital vertebral anomalies (CVA). Radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (Th), lumbar (L), sacral (S), and caudal (Cd) part of the vertebral column were reviewed. Morphology and number of vertebrae in each segment of the vertebral column and type and localization of CVA were recorded. In 210/240 guinea pigs (87.50%) with normal vertebral morphology, nine vertebral formulae were found with constant number of C but variable number of Th, L, and S vertebrae: C7/Th13/L6/S4/Cd5-7 (75%), C7/Th13/L6/S3/Cd6-7 (4.17%), C7/Th13/L5/S4/Cd6-7 (2.50%), C7/Th13/L6/S5/Cd5-6 (1.67%), C7/Th12/L6/S4/Cd6 (1.25%), C7/Th13/L7/S4/Cd6 (1.25%), C7/Th13/L7/S3/Cd6-7 (0.83%), C7/Th12/L7/S4/Cd5 (0.42%), C7/Th13/L5/S5/Cd7 (0.42%). CVA were found in 30/240 (12.5%) of guinea pigs, mostly as a transitional vertebra (28/30), which represents 100% of single CVA localised in cervicothoracic (n = 1), thoracolumbar (n = 22) and lumbosacral segments (n = 5). Five morphological variants of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (TTV) were identified. Two (2/30) guinea pigs had a combination of CVA: cervical block vertebra and TTV (n = 1) and TTV and lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) (n = 1). These findings suggest that guinea pigs’ vertebral column displays more morphological variants with occasional CVA predominantly transitional vertebrae.

Outcomes and prognostic indicators in 59 paraplegic medium to large breed dogs with extensive epidural hemorrhage secondary to thoracolumbar disc extrusion.

To evaluate outcomes and prognostic factors after decompressive hemilaminectomy in paraplegic medium to large breed dogs with extensive epidural hemorrhage (DEEH) and thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL-IVDE). Retrospective, cohort, descriptive study. Fifty-nine client-owned dogs. Medical records and advanced imaging were reviewed for paraplegic dogs with DEEH. Ambulatory status 6 months after surgery and postoperative complications were recorded. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to explore prognostic factors. Records of 22 dogs with and 37 dogs without pelvic limb pain perception at presentation were included. Median age of dogs was 5 years (interquartile range, 4-7), and mean weight was 26.9 kg (SD, ±9.71). Labradors and Labrador mixes were most common (17/59 [28.8%]). Recovery of ambulation occurred in 17 of 22 (77.3%) dogs with and in 14 of 37 (37.8%) dogs without pain perception prior to surgery. Progressive myelomalacia was recorded in three of 59 (5.1%) dogs, one with pain perception and two without pain perception at presentation. Postoperative complications (14/59 [23.7%]) were common. Factors independently associated with outcome included clinical severity (odds ratio [OR] 0.179, P = .005), number of vertebrae with signal interruption in half Fourier single-shot turbo spin-echo sequences (HASTEi; OR, 0.738; P = .035), and ratio of vertebral sites decompressed to HASTEi (OR, 53.79; P = .03). Paraplegic medium to large breed dogs with DEEH have a less favorable outcome after surgical decompression than paraplegic dogs with TL-IVDE. Dogs with DEEH can have severe postoperative complications. Loss of pain perception and increased HASTEi are associated with a poor outcome, while more extensive decompression improves outcome.

New data on tail lengths and variation along the caudal series in the non-avialan dinosaurs.

The tails of non-avialan dinosaurs varied considerably in terms of overall length, total number of vertebrae, and gross form and function. A new dataset confirms that there is little or no consistent relationship between tail length and snout-sacrum length. Consequently, attempts to estimate one from the other are likely to be very error-prone. Patterns of changes in centra lengths across the caudal series vary among non-avian dinosaurs. However, some overarching patterns do emerge. A number of taxa show (anterior to posterior) a series of short centra, followed by a series of longer centra, with the remainder of the tail consisting of a long series of centra tapering in length. This pattern is consistent with functional constraints, and the anterior series of longer centra are coincident with the major attachments of femoral musculature. This pattern is not present in many basal taxa and may have evolved independently in different dinosaurian groups, further suggesting functional importance.

Radiographic lumbosacral vertebral abnormalities and constipation in cats.

Background and Aim:Lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in cats usually develops concurrent with constipation, spondylosis deformans, and sacralization. However, the prevalence of lumbar IVDD in cats was considered low, and there was less information on the incidence of non-traumatic lumbosacral vertebral abnormalities that may affect large bowel dysfunction. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the relationship between non-traumatic lumbosacral vertebral abnormalities, both congenital and acquired, and large bowel dysfunction in cats.Materials and Methods:Of 3108 cats that were presented to the Diagnostic Imaging Unit, the Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, between March 2016 and February 2018, 1365 cats met the inclusion criteria. All abdominal radiographs were reviewed, and all subsequent data were recorded, including the presence of congenital or acquired lumbosacral lesions, number of lumbar vertebrae, and length of the second, fifth, and last lumbar vertebrae, including the type of lumbar abnormalities. Moreover, radiographic information relating to constipation and megacolon was also collected.Results:Non-traumatic lumbosacral vertebral abnormalities were observed in 29.74% of cats. The most common congenital lumbosacral vertebral abnormalities were six lumbar vertebrae, sacralization, and lumbarization, whereas most common acquired lumbosacral abnormalities were bone spur, narrowing disk space, spondylosis deformans, and lumbosacral degeneration, respectively. Cats with abnormal lumbosacral vertebrae are prone to have more problems with the large bowel (p=0.0057; odds ratio=1.731). Moreover, congenital and acquired lumbosacral abnormalities were also at risk of large bowel abnormalities (p=0.0069; odds ratio=1.920 and p<0.0001; odds ratio=4.107, respectively).Conclusion:This study revealed the evidence and distribution of the variation in feline lumbar anatomy and also elucidated that cats with abnormal lumbar vertebral columns were more likely to have problems with distal gastrointestinal tracts than those without.

Association Between Deep Posterior Cervical Paraspinal Muscle Morphology and Clinical Features in Patients With Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

A retrospective observational study. To clarify the association of the paraspinal muscle area and composition with clinical features in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Consecutive patients with cervical OPLL who underwent cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery were reviewed. The cross-sectional area (CSA) and fatty infiltration ratio (FI%) of deep posterior cervical paraspinal muscles (multifidus [MF] and semispinalis cervicis [SCer]) were examined. We assessed the association of paraspinal muscle measurements with the clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes, such as Neck Disability Index (NDI) score. Moreover, we divided the patients into 2 groups according to the extent of the ossified lesion (segmental and localized [OPLL-SL] and continuous and mixed [OPLL-CM] groups) and compared these variables between the 2 groups. 49 patients with cervical OPLL were enrolled in this study. The FI% of the paraspinal muscles was significantly associated with the number of vertebrae (ρ = 0.283, p = 0.049) or maximum occupancy ratio of OPLL (ρ = 0.397, p = 0.005). The comparative study results indicated that the NDI score was significantly worse (OPLL-SL, 22.9 ± 13.7 vs. OPLL-CM, 34.4 ± 13.7) and FI% of SCer higher (OPLL-SL, 9.1 ± 1.7% vs. OPLL-CM, 11.1 ± 3.7%) in the OPLL-CM group than those in the OPLL-SL group. Our results suggest that OPLL severity may be associated with fatty infiltration of deep posterior cervical paraspinal muscles, which could affect neck disability in patients with cervical OPLL.

Early Versus Late Spine Surgery in Severely Injured Patients-Which Is the Appropriate Timing for Surgery?

Study Design:Retrospective cohort study conducted at tertiary spinal trauma referral center.Objective:We aimed to determine if early definitive management of spine fractures in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) shortens the intubation time and the length of stay (LOS), without increasing mortality.Methods:The medical records of all patients admitted to the ICU and submitted to surgical stabilization of spine fractures were reviewed over a 10-year period. Time to surgery, number of fractured vertebrae, degree of neurological injury, Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II), ASA score and associated trauma were evaluated. Surgeries performed on the first 72 hours after trauma were defined as “early surgeries.” Intubation time, LOS on ICU, overall LOS and mortality rate were compared between patients operated early and late.Results:Fifty patients were included, 21 with cervical fractures, 23 thoracic and 6 lumbar. Baseline characteristics did not differ between patients in both groups. Patients with early surgical stabilization had significantly shorter intubation time, ICU-LOS and overall LOS, with no differences in terms of mortality rate. After multivariate adjustments overall LOS was significantly shorter in patients operated earlier.Conclusions:Early spinal stabilization (<72 hours) of severely injured patients is beneficial and shortens the intubation time, ICU-LOS and overall LOS, with no differences in terms of mortality rate. Although some patients may require a delay in treatment due to necessary medical stabilization, every reasonable effort should be made to treat patients with unstable spinal fractures as early as possible.Level of Evidence of the Study:Level III.

Fracture-free probability and predictors of new symptomatic fractures in sandwich, ordinary-adjacent, and non-adjacent vertebrae: a vertebra-specific survival analysis

BackgroundIt is unclear whether the sandwich vertebra, is at higher risk of new symptomatic fractures (NSFs), and whether prophylactic augmentation might benefit patients with sandwich vertebrae.ObjectiveTo compare fracture-free probabilities of...

Risk factors analysis of adjacent fractures after percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture

To investigate the risk factors of adjacent fractures after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). A total of 2 216 patients who received PVP due to symptomatic OVCF between January 2014 and January 2017 and met the selection criteria were selected as study subjects. The clinical data was collected, including gender, age, height, body mass, history of smoking and drinking, whether the combination of hypertension, diabetes, coronary arteriosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bone mineral density, the number of fractured vertebrae, the amount of cement injected into single vertebra, the cement leakage, and whether regular exercise after operation, whether regular anti-osteoporosis treatment after operation. Firstly, single factor analysis was performed on the observed indicators to preliminarily screen the influencing factors of adjacent fractures after PVP. Then, logistic regression analysis was carried out for relevant indicators with statistical significance to screen risk factors. All patients were followed up 12-24 months, with an average of 15.8 months. Among them, 227 patients (10.24%) had adjacent fractures. The univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences between the fracture group and non-fracture group in age, gender, preoperative bone density, history of smoking and drinking, COPD, the number of fractured vertebrae and the amount of bone cement injected into the single vertebra, as well as regular exercise after operation, regular anti-osteoporosis treatment after operation ( P<0.05). Further multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the elderly and female, history of smoking, irregular exercise after operation, irregular anti-osteoporosis treatment after operation, low preoperative bone density, large number of fractured vertebrae, and small amount of bone cement injected into the single vertebra were risk factors for adjacent fractures after PVP in OVCF patients ( P<0.05). The risk of adjacent fractures after PVP increases in elderly, female patients with low preoperative bone mineral density, large number of fractured vertebrae, and insufficient bone cement injection. The patients need to quit smoking, regular exercise, and anti-osteoporosis treatment after PVP.

A genome-wide association study for the number of teats in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) identifies several candidate genes affecting this trait.

In the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), a polytocous livestock species, the number of teats indirectly impacts the doe reproduction efficiency and, in turn, the sustainable production of rabbit meat. In this study, we carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the total number of teats in 247 Italian White does included in the Italian White rabbit breed selection program, by applying a selective genotyping approach. Does had either 8 (n=121) or 10 teats (n=126). All rabbits were genotyped with the Affymetrix Axiom OrcunSNP Array. Genomic data from the two extreme groups of rabbits were also analysed with the single-marker fixation index statistic and combined with the GWAS results. The GWAS identified 50 significant SNPs and the fixation index analysis identified a total of 20 SNPs that trespassed the 99.98th percentile threshold, 19 of which confirmed the GWAS results. The most significant SNP (P=4.31×10-11 ) was located on OCU1, close to the NUDT2 gene, a breast carcinoma cells proliferation promoter. Another significant SNP identified as candidate gene NR6A1, which is well known to play an important role in affecting the correlated number of vertebrae in pigs. Other significant markers were close to candidate genes involved in determining body length in mice. Markers associated with increased number of teats could be included in selection programmes to speed up the improvement for this trait in rabbit lines that need to increase maternal performances.

NR6A1 Allelic Frequencies as an Index for both Miniaturizing and Increasing Pig Body Size.

The number of vertebrae in swine varies from 19 to 23 and is associated with body size. Nuclear receptor subfamily 6 group A member 1 (NR6A1) is considered a strong candidate for affecting the number of vertebrae in swine. Wild boars, which uniformly have 19 vertebrae, have the wild type allele while multi-vertebrae European commercial pigs have the mutated allele. Our aim was to confirm the factor of the miniaturization. We examined vertebrae number and NR6A1 polymorphism in the Microminipig and three domestic breeds that vary in body size. The Microminipig had 19 or less vertebrae and a wild type NR6A1 genotype. Three domestic breeds had more than 21 vertebrae while the largest vertebrae number was observed in multi-vertebrae-fixed Large White. Heterozygous genotypes were observed in the middle-sized indigenous pig while homozygous NR6A1 mutations were observed in European commercial breeds. NR6A1 could be a useful index for both miniaturizing and increasing pig body size.

The Investigation of Meristic and Morphometric Characteristics of Salmo macrostigma (Dumeril, 1858) in Munzur River

Bu çalışma, Munzur Nehri’ndeki Salmo macrostigma (Dumeril, 1858)’nın morfometrik ve meristik karakterlerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmada kullanılan 40 adet balık numunesi Ocak 2015 ile Aralık 2015 tarihleri arasında Tunceli İli sınırları içerisindeki Munzur Nehri’nden yakalanmıştır. Balık örneklemesinde olta, elektroşoker cihazı, uzatma ağı ve serpme ağı kullanılmıştır. Soğuk zinciri kullanılarak laboratuvara getirilen balıklarda 24 adet morfometrik ve 14 adet meristik özellik araştırılmıştır. Balıkların vücut kısımlarından ölçülerek ve sayılarak elde edilen veriler birbirlerine oranlanmıştır. Araştırmada incelenen balıkların yanal çizgisi (linealateral) üzerindeki pul sayısı 107-146, dorsal yüzgeç ile yanal çizgi arasındaki (transversal) pul sayısı 20-31, birinci solungaç yayındaki diken sayısı 18-22 ve omur sayısı 54-59 arasında değişiklik göstermiştir. Ventral, dorsal, kaudal, anal ve pektoral yüzgeçlerdeki sert ve yumuşak ışınlar sayılmıştır. Buna göre türün tanımlayıcı özellikleri V: I-II 7-12; D: III-IV 10-12; K: VIII 17-25; A: I-IV 7-11; P: I-II 8-14 olarak belirlenmiştir.

First record of the Deepsea pigfish Congiopodus coriaceus (Scorpaeniformes: Congiopodidae) in the Great Australian Bight with new data on morphology

The Deepsea pigfish Congiopodus coriaceus Paulin et Moreland, 1979 is recorded from the waters off the southern coast of Australia, Great Australian Bight for the first time, based on a juvenile specimen SL 64 mm collected in 1966. This is the westernmost known locality of the species, 3500 km from the type locality off New Zealand. The lack of published data after the original description of the species revealed the need to clarify a number of meristic and morphometric parameters. Based on x-ray images of 28 ZIN specimens of C. coriaceus from New Zealand, the range of individual variability in the number of vertebrae, the number of rays of the dorsal and anal fins is shown. The number of procurrent and principal rays in the caudal fin has been clarified. In some cases, the range of morphometric parameters published in the original description has been expanded, for example, the maximum body height and head length. The original description was supplemented with 16 new measurements. For the first time, data on the lengths of the ventral and caudal fins, the length and height of the caudal peduncle, and the interorbital distance were published. Because of contradictory published data on the number of gill rakers on the first branchial arch, their number was clarified; the diagnostic value of this parameter was confirmed.