Spine Length Research Articles

Herbivory, intraspecific trait variability and back to herbivory

Ungulate herbivory is a key driver of leaf trait syndromes and defense strategies at the ecological and macroevolutionary levels. Herbivory should also cause short‐term evolution within plant populations, but few studies have experimentally tested this prediction. We set out to experimentally assess the plastic and heritable effects of contemporary history of ungulate herbivory on 1) leaf trait syndromes at the intraspecific level, and on the defense traits, 2) leaf size and 3) size of spines.We measured leaf traits (specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, leaf nitrogen concentration and leaf mechanical resistance) in populations of six grass and four woody legume species that had grown under contrasting pressures of domestic ungulate herbivory for at least 40 years. We then performed a common garden experiment, measuring the same traits. Next, we performed cutting experiments on the plants grown in the common garden to measure leaf trait plasticity. In the woody species, we also measured the length of spines and the leaf size (average area per leaf), in the field and in the common garden experiment.We found that in grasses field herbivory over decades produced a displacement toward more acquisitive leaf trait syndromes. Most of these changes appeared largely due to plasticity. In woody legume species, in contrast, herbivory produced a displacement towards more conservative leaves, longer spines and smaller leaves, with the trait differences between histories of herbivory being mostly hereditary. These results point out that vertebrate herbivory can lead to evolutionary processes at contemporary time scales even in long‐lived perennial plant species, but the direction of such change depends on the life form of the species. These divergent effects could depend on the predominant anti‐herbivore strategies in the different life forms (tolerance versus resistance).

Mystus irulu, a new species of bagrid catfish from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India (Teleostei: Bagridae).

Mystus irulu, new species, is described from the Netravathi River system from the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It differs all South Asian congeners in having a uniformly black colour pattern, a long-based adipose fin reaching the base of the last dorsal-fin ray anteriorly, dorsal fin with convex dorsoposterior margin, and the following combination of characters: body depth at anus 19.922.3 % SL, dorsal-fin spine length 17.518.7 % SL, adipose-fin base 34.238.4 % SL, caudal peduncle depth 10.611.9 % SL and eye diameter 27.237.1 % HL.

Musculoskeletal pain as the effect of internal compensatory mechanisms on structural and functional changes in body build and posture in elite Polish sitting volleyball players

BackgroundWith the dynamic development of professional Paralympic sport, the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and structural and/or functional disturbances in Para athletes constantly increases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of internal compensatory mechanisms on selected aspects of body structure and function in elite sitting volleyball players.MethodsThe study included eighteen elite sitting volleyball players (male; n = 12, female; n = 6, age; 36.0 ± 6.1, body mass; 76.6 ± 16.1, body height; 179.3 ± 0.1) from the Polish national team. Retrospective and direct participatory observation methods were used in the study. NMQ-7 was used to assess the current prevalence and location of musculoskeletal pain. The evaluation of spinal curvature and pelvic inclination was performed using a non-invasive Medi Mouse method (Idiag M360) in three different trunk positions. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistica 13.3 software package.ResultsLumbar hypolordosis was a predominant sagittal deviation of spinal curvature (n = 15;83%). Low back pain (LBP) and neck pain were the most frequent complaints (50%). Statistically significant differences in the values of thoracic kyphosis angle, pelvic inclination, and spine length (SL) in sagittal standing flexion and extension were found. However, there was no statistically significant difference in sagittal standing flexion for the lumbar lordosis angle with a simultaneous significant change in pelvic inclination (66.9°). Moreover, a tendency to interpenetration of relationships between variables that characterize (a) body structure and (b) function of the spine and musculoskeletal pain were observed. Shoulder pain correlated with SL (R = 0.6; p < 0.05) and body height (R = 0.5; p < 0.05). Pelvic inclination correlated with shoulder pain, LBP (R = 0.5; p < 0.05/R = 0.6; p < 0.01), and body trunk fat mass (R = − 0.6; p < 0.05).ConclusionsTrunk fat mass induces internal compensatory mechanisms to maintain optimal pelvic inclination and sagittal spinal balance. Furthermore, the level of pelvic mobility may determine musculoskeletal pain in Para athletes with lower limb impairment.

Correlation between Morphological Variations and Morphometry of Scapula and Suprascapular Notch with Its Clinical Significance in South Indian Population

Introduction: The biological profile is one of the most important things that forensic anthropologists accomplish in their work, which includes determination of age, sex, race and stature. These components aid in identification of an individual in forensic context. Since the beginning of the field of physical anthropology, anthropologists and anatomists have studied human remains in order to provide new and more accurate ways of building the biological profile. Aim: To compare the metric difference between right and left scapula, calculate scapular index, and to correlate the morphometry between the scapula and the suprascapular notch. Materials and Method: This study was carried out in 200 dry ossified adult human scapula bones collected from the Department of Anatomy and from the students of 1st year MBBS of Yenepoya Medical College. Study done using vernier calliper and measuring tape. Scapula having gross deformity or any pathological alterations were excluded from the study. Results and Discussion: Out of 100 right and left scapulae, maximal width and projection length of scapular spine and maximal length of coracoid process were more on the right sided scapula. The superior- transverse diameter of suprascapular notch, maximal depth of suprascapular notch, morphological length and width of scapula and scapular index were more on the left sided scapulae. The mean scapular index of right side scapula was 70.11 and left side was 70.26, which shows that the left scapula is slightly shorter than right. Also there were more scapulae with longer superior transverse diameter of suprascapular notch (STD&gt;MD) with 52% than the scapulae with longer maximal depth of suprascapular notch (MD&gt;STD) 24% and STD=MD was 9%. Absent notches were seen in 15% of scapulae. The superior transverse scapular ligament was completely ossified in 12% of cases. Both right and left scapula shows more of ‘U-shaped’ suprascapular notch. There was no statistically significant difference between anthropometric measurements of the group with higher maximal depth and the group with higher superior transverse diameter of the suprascapular notch. Conclusion: The scapular index was more in left scapula, which shows that left scapula is slightly shorter than the right scapula compared to other populations. This may be due to the difference in general built and stature of South Indians compared to other populations. Completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament can result in entrapment of suprascapular nerve. Keywords: Scapula, Suprascapular notch, Spine of scapula, Coracoid process.

Johnius sasakii, a new species of croaker (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) with a key to Johnius from East Malaysia, Borneo.

A new sciaenid fish, Johnius sasakii sp. nov. from the East Malaysian coastal waters of Sabah and Sarawak, Borneo is described herein. Johnius sasakii sp. nov. can be separated from the close congeners, Johnius heterolepis and Johnius carouna by having less gill rakers on the lower limb of the first gill arch (mode number 9 vs. 10 for J. heterolepis; 11 for J. carouna). It can be distinguished from J. heterolepis with the higher modal number of gill rakers on the upper limb of first gill arch (5 vs. 4), shorter anal-fin base length (9% vs. 10% of SL) and first anal-fin ray length (1012% vs. 1213% of SL) respectively. Furthermore, J. sasakii sp. nov. can be further differentiated from J. carouna by its shorter second anal-fin spine length 710% SL (usually 810%) vs. 1114% SL (usually 1112%) and slightly deeper body depth 2529% SL (usually 2628%) vs. 2328% SL (usually 2426%). Meanwhile, J. sasakii sp. nov. can be easily differentiated from J. macrorhynus by a present of molariform teeth on inner rows of jaws and stumpy gill rakers. Johnius (Johnius) sasakii sp. nov. can be clearly distinguished from species of the subgenus J. (Johnieops) by the lack of enlarged outer row teeth on upper jaw. A Kimura 2-parameter genetic distance comparison of 450 bp sequences of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and 488 bp nuclear gene S7 showed that J. sasakii sp. nov. are highly differentiated from J. heterolepis (16S: 10.4%, S7: 5.8%), J. carouna (16S:19.3%, S7:8.4%); and J. macrorhynus (16S: 16.7%, S7: 8.1%) respectively. The study highlights that the genetic approach from mtDNA and nDNA can contribute to the confirmation of taxonomic status of sympatric species in genus Johnius.

Phylogenetic and morphological analyses of Pilosocereus leucocephalus group s.s. (Cactaceae) reveal new taxonomical implications

Pilosocereus is one of the Cactaceae family’s most relevant genera in terms of the number of species and its wide geographical range in the Americas. Within Pilosocereus, five informal taxonomic groups have been recognized, one of which is P. leucocephalus group s.s., whose phylogenetic relationships remain unresolved. Therefore, our objectives are to recognize the circumscriptions of the species in P. leucocephalus group s.s. and to corroborate the monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of this group through a set of morphological and molecular characters. This study is based on representative sampling along the broad distribution of this group in Mexico and Central America using multivariate and phylogenetic analyses. The morphological characters identified to contribute to species recognition and group formation are branch diameter, areole length, the areole length-width ratio, the distance between areoles, the length of the longest radial spine, and branch and spines colors. The chloroplast markers rpl16, trnL-trnF, and petL-psbE and the nuclear marker AT1G18270 support the monophyly of the P. leucocephalus group s.s., and two probable synapomorphies are suggested, including one transversion in rpl16 and another in petL-psbE. Together, our results demonstrate that sampled species of P. leucocephalus group s.s. encompass six species distributed in Mexico and Central America: P. alensis and P. purpusii in the western region, P. chrysacanthus and P. collinsii in the central region, and P. gaumeri and P. leucocephalus in the eastern region. A taxonomic key to recognized species is provided.

Survival of immature pre-adult Gnathostoma spinigerum in humans after treatment with albendazole

Human gnathostomiasis is a food-borne zoonotic helminthic infection widely reported in Latin America, Asia and Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand. There are increasing reports of the parasite in countries where it is not endemic. A study of the survival drug-treated immature stage (STIM) of Gnathostoma spinigerum recovered from infected patients focused on their integument surface using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). STIM displayed a specific, characteristic head bulb, with a pair of large thick equal-sized trilobulated lips in the centre. Cephalic spines had eight transverse rows on the head bulb with single-ended tips curved posteriorly. Body cuticular spines on the anterior half of the STIM were not sharp-pointed but distributed more densely, with multi-dentated-cuticular spines, irregularly arranged in a lining pattern of velvety cuticular folds. The length of cuticular spines increased caudally. The size of spines became gradually smaller, and numbers decreased towards the posterior end. Spines were still widely dispersed posteriorly as their density dropped. The morphology of STIM of G. spinigerum are described in detail for the first time. These specimens showed structural adaptation based on changes on integument surfaces, probably to protect against damage induced by the toxic effects of albendazole.

Morphometry of the pedipalp patella provides new characters for species-level taxonomy in whip spiders (Arachnida, Amblypygi): A test case with description of a new species of Phrynus

Whip spiders (Amblypygi Thorell, 1883) are easily distinguished from their spider relatives (Araneae Clerck, 1757) by their raptorial pedipalps, the second pair of appendages, which are covered in spines and used to grasp and impale prey. Among other characters, the number, distribution, and size differences among the pedipalp spines continue to be important for whip spider systematics at different levels in the taxonomic hierarchy. However, traditional meristic and qualitative characters used to describe the pedipalp spines often limit their use for species-level taxonomy, as character states are invariant or overlapping. The present study employs landmark-based morphometrics to map the morphospace comprising the retrolateral surface of the pedipalp patella and its dorsal spines in a group of Neotropical whip spiders of the genus Phrynus Lamarck, 1801, all of which share an inconspicuous spine on the prodorsal surface of the pedipalp tarsus, i.e., "group B" proposed by Quintero (1983). The analysis presented demonstrates that the relative pedipalp patella lengths and the patella spine P3 length to patella width ratios are of similar use for species diagnosis as the commonly employed relative length of leg femur I. Importantly, the analysis reveals that, beyond the traditional approach of qualitatively reporting relative pedipalp patella dorsal spine lengths (e.g., P3 > P5 > P2 > P4 > P6 > P1), the ratios between spine lengths are useful morphometric characters for species-level taxonomy in Phrynus. New morphometric ratios are provided for the species of Phrynus group B and used, together with traditional characters, to describe Phrynus guarionexi sp. nov. from the Dominican Republic. Finally, new morphological data are provided concerning the cerotegument, frontal process and prolateral surface of the pedipalp tibia in the species of group B.

Waxy bloom on capsules is a major determinant of early infection by gray mold (Amphobotrys ricini(N.F. Buchw.) Hennebert) in castor (Ricinus communisL.)

AbstractGray mold is a major disease of castor caused by the pathogenAmphobotrys ricini. It mainly affects the inflorescence resulting in severe yield losses. Role of qualitative characters of inflorescence (spike) and capsuleviz. spike compactness, capsule type, waxy bloom intensity on capsules (visual), capsule spine length, spine texture and spine density in predisposing castor crop to gray mold was investigated. A set of 26 castor lines differing for presence and intensity of bloom was characterized for spike and capsule characters. The lines were screened in vitro (detached spike and capsule techniques) and in vivo by raising the plants in poly house and field conditions for disease reaction. Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlation (rs = &gt;0.5;p = &lt;0.05) between disease severity and capsule type, capsule waxy bloom, spine texture, spine length. Principal component regression analysis revealed that waxy bloom intensity is the major factor, among the evaluated, that predisposes castor lines to the fungus infection promoting disease severity. Quantification of epicuticular wax from capsules of different waxy bloom lines revealed that there was an increase in severity of infection with increase in wax quantity on capsules irrespective of nature of bloom substantiating the role of waxy bloom quantity in promoting the infection. High quantities of wax (1.50–3.00 µg/mg) were extracted from lines showing high per cent disease severity (40%–95%), and low quantities of wax (0.00–1.50 µg/mg) were extracted from lines showing low per cent disease severity (1%–40%). A disease scoring scale considering differences in waxy bloom quantity as a biochemical marker has been proposed. It may not be a replacement to phenotypic screenings but helps breeders in selecting early generation material for low disease severity when huge populations are to be screened against gray mold by choosing low waxy bloom varieties.

3D Radiological Outcomes and Quality of Life of Patients With Moderate Idiopathic Scoliosis Treated With Anterior Vertebral Growth Modulation Versus Bracing: Two-Year Follow-up.

Observational cohort study. To test the hypothesis that anterior vertebral body growth modulation (AVBGM) achieves 3D deformity correction after 2-year follow-up while brace treatment limits curve progression for moderate idiopathic scoliosis (30-50°). For idiopathic scoliosis, bracing and AVBGM have overlapping indications in skeletally immature patients with moderate scoliosis curve angles, creating a grey zone in clinical practice between them. The relative 3D deformity control performance over a 2-year period between these fusionless treatments is still uncertain. A retrospective review of a prospective idiopathic scoliosis patients database, recruited between 2013 and 2018 was performed. Inclusion criteria were skeletally immature patients (Risser 0-2), with Cobb angles between 30° and 50° and a 2-year follow-up after bracing or AVBGM. 3D radiological parameters and health related quality of life (HRQoL) scores were evaluated. Unpaired t test was used. Thirty nine patients (12.7 ± 1.3 y.o.) with Cobb angles more than or equal to 30° treated with brace and 41 patients (11.8 ± 1.2 y.o.) with presenting Cobb angles less than or equal to 50° who received AVBGM were reviewed. The statistical analysis of 3D deformity measurements showed that at 2-year follow-up, only the 3D spine length and both sides apical vertebral heights changed significantly with brace treatment. While AVBGM treatment achieved statistically significant correction differences in thoracic and lumbar Cobb angles, TrueKyphosis, 3D spine length, and selective left apical vertebral height ( P < 0.05). 35% of brace patients had a curve progression of more than 5° at final follow-up while it was 0% for AVBGM. HRQoL assessment showed no statistically significant differences between pre and post SRS-22 total scores for each group ( P > 0.05). Even though these two cohorts are not fully comparable, bracing seems to control progression for a significant portion of patients with moderate scoliosis curves, while AVBGM significantly corrected and maintained 3D deformity parameters at 2-year follow-up.

Sex-specific divergent maturational trajectories in the postnatal rat basolateral amygdala

SummaryIn rodents and humans, the basolateral amygdala (BLA), essential for emotional behaviors, is profoundly reorganized during adolescence. We compared in both sexes the morphology, neuronal, and synaptic properties of BLA neurons in rats at puberty and adulthood. BLA neurons were more excitable in males than in females at adulthood. At pubescence, male action potentials were smaller and shorter than females’ while fast afterhyperpolarizations were larger in males. During postnatal maturation, spine length increased and decreased in females and males, respectively, while there was a reduction in spine head size in females. Excitatory synaptic properties, estimated from stimuli-response relationships, spontaneous post-synaptic currents, and AMPA/NMDA ratio also displayed sex-specific maturational differences. Finally, the developmental courses of long-term potentiation and depression were sexually dimorphic. These data reveal divergent maturational trajectories in the BLA of male and female rats and suggest sex-specific substrates to the BLA linked behaviors at adolescence and adulthood.

When successful, anterior vertebral body tethering (VBT) induces differential segmental growth of vertebrae: an in vivo study of 51 patients and 764 vertebrae.

This study aimed to determine (1) does vertebral body tethering (VBT) produce differential growth modulation in individual vertebrae in patients with idiopathic scoliosis, (2) does VBT change disc shape, and (3) does VBT affect total spine length? Patients with idiopathic scoliosis treated with VBT of the main thoracic curve and minimum 2-year follow-up were included. Vertebrae and discs were categorized as uninstrumented proximal thoracic, instrumented main thoracic, or uninstrumented thoracolumbar-lumbar. The left- and right-sided heights of each vertebra and disc were measured on subsequent radiographs to assess for differential growth. T1-T12 thoracic and T1-S1 thoracolumbar growth velocities were compared with standardized reference data. Fifty-one patients (764 vertebrae and 807 discs) were analyzed. The average major curve magnitude improved from 46° ± 11° to 17° ± 11° at 2-year follow-up. Differential growth was observed in MT vertebrae, in which the left/concave side grew 2.0 ± 2.2mm compared with 1.5 ± 2.3mm on the right/convex (tethered) side (p < 0.001). Differential height changes were observed for all discs, but were most pronounced in instrumented MT discs, in which the right/convex sides decreased by an average of 1.2mm each, compared with no significant height change on the left/concave side. Total spinal growth velocities were not significantly different from standard reference data. Vertebral body tethering limits convex spinal growth as designed while permitting concave growth. Curve correction results from differential vertebral growth and decreased convex disc height. Overall spinal growth continues at the expected rate. Level IV case series.

Anatomy of the sphenoidal spine and its implications in endoscopic endonasal surgery of the infratemporal fossa.

The sphenoidal spine protrudes from the roof of the infratemporal fossa (ITF). This study aims to assess the anatomic relationships among the sphenoidal spine and other structures within the ITF from the perspective of an endoscopic endonasal access (EEA), and to explore the implications of these relationships. An EEA to the ITF was completed on six cadaveric specimens (12 sides). The anatomical relationships among the sphenoidal spine and adjacent structures were explored and associated distances from each other were measured using a navigation system. The foramen spinosum is located anterosuperior to the sphenoidal spine, whereas the chorda tympani courses caudal and medial to the sphenoidal spine and the Eustachian tube and parapharyngeal internal carotid artery (pICA) are at its posterior aspect. Two virtual vertical planes, at the anterior and posterior aspects of the sphenoidal spine, respectively, correspond to the posterior trunk of V3 and middle meningeal artery, and the stylopharyngeal aponeurosis. The average length of sphenoidal spine was 8.5 ± 2.43 mm, and the distance from distal apex of the sphenoidal spine to the foramen ovale, foramen spinosum, and pICA were 10.82 ± 0.83 mm, 6.42 ± 0.52 mm, and 5.02 ± 0.54 mm, respectively. The sphenoidal spine is a meaningful landmark for endonasal approaches to the ITF. Measurements and conceptualization of vertical planes prior and posterior to the sphenoidal spine are beneficial to better appreciate the anatomic relationships in the ITF.

Artificial Light Pollution with Different Wavelengths at Night Interferes with Development, Reproduction, and Antipredator Defenses of Daphnia magna.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) dramatically alters the natural daily cycle of light and may cause a suite of physiological and behavioral responses of freshwater crustacean Daphnia. Here, we conducted a life table experiment to investigate the effect of different wavelengths [white (L-L, 400-800 nm), red (R, 614 nm), green (G, 527 nm), and blue (B, 447 nm)] and flashing modes [three colors flash alternately (3-Flash), seven colors strobe alternately (7-Strobe)] of ALAN on the development, reproduction, and predator-induced defenses of Daphnia magna. The results showed that G inhibited the development of the body and tail spine of Daphnia at sexual maturity and decreased their reproduction. The 7-Strobe promoted Daphnia to develop a larger eye. There was an interaction between fish kairomones and ALAN, which intensified over time. ALAN enhanced the response of the relative tail spine length to fish kairomone at sexual maturity. In addition, L-L and R inhibited the body length of 10th instar D. magna in response to fish kairomone. Through the hierarchical cluster method, the 3-Flash and B are recommended as friendly artificial lighting to Daphnia. Our results highlight the interference effects of ALAN on Daphnia, which are helpful to assess the potential impact of light pollution on zooplankton.

Morphometric analyses of sexual dimorphism in sound-emitting structures in adults of the bess beetle Vindex agnoscendus (Coleoptera: Passalidae)

In insects, the sexually dimorphic body size, color, and horns are very conspicuous. Other not so obvious characteristics, such as behavioral traits related to reproduction, are also dimorphic (courtship dances and sounds). Among these, the stridulation, stridulatory apparatus, and hearing systems could also be different between sexes. Passalids are subsocial beetles with acoustic communication in the interactions of larvae-adult and adult-adult. Most of the species do not have morphological traits with sexual dimorphism, but sounds are dimorphic under reproductive and aggression contexts. We studied sexual dimorphism in the stridulation organs (plectrum) in Vindex agnoscendus (Percheron) as an important step towards understanding its functioning. We acquired SEM micrographs of the plectrum for 14 specimens per sex, for measuring size, density and shape of the spines. We performed traditional and geometric morphometric analyses to test for sexual differences in the spines of three zones (Z1-Z3) of the plectrum. Allometric analyses showed spine variation is not related to body size in either sex. Our univariate and multivariate analyses uncovered sexual dimorphism in spine size (length and width of spines), spine density (distance between spines and number of spines), and spine shape (landmark coordinates). Spines were wider in males than in females in the apical zone (Z1). The spines were further apart in females than in males in two zones (Z1, Z2) and the spine numbers were higher in females than in males in the apical zone (Z1). The shape of spines was different between sexes in two zones (Z1, Z2). Moreover, our disparity analyses showed different variability patterns in size and density of spines. Variability of spine shape was similar between sexes, and variability of spine density was higher in females than in males, while for spine size it was higher in males than in females. These findings for the plectrum suggest further research for sexual dimorphism in the pars stridens and acoustic signals, and for the possible roles of natural and sexual selection in the patterns of variability of spines.

СПОСОБ ДИАГНОСТИКИ НЕСТАБИЛЬНОСТИ ПОЗВОНОЧНО-ДВИГАТЕЛЬНОГО СЕГМЕНТА ПРИ ОСТЕОХОНДРОЗЕ ШЕЙНОГО ОТДЕЛА ПОЗВОНОЧНИКА

Introduction. Instability — dislocation of the vertebrae, one of the forms of the motor segment dysfunction, causes pain and subsequent neurological disorders. There is a direct relationship between the data of the instability indicator and the clinical picture: the higher it is, the more pronounced the clinical manifestations of vertebral displacementare. And vice versa, conversely, its zero value (there is a functional block) coincides with rare exacerbations of the pain syndrome and a relatively satisfactory condition of the patient. Various types of vertebrae dislocation are much more common than is determined by functional radiography of the spine. As a rule, cervical dislocations are diagnosed already at a later date, when conservative measures are difficult and ineffective, and high-tech surgical treatment is requiring with certain material costs. Aim. To study the effectiveness of the developed method of functional radiography with weights for diagnosing instability of the spinal motion segment in the cervical spine. Materials and methods. 50 patients were under observation, the average age was 50.6 ± 2.19 years. All patients were admitted to the neurosurgical department of the clinic of the Irkutsk Scientific Center for Surgery and Traumatology with a diagnosis of adult osteochondrosis of spine (ICD M 42.1). Results. A comparative analysis of the study results of the effectiveness of X-ray methods for diagnosing instability of the spinal motion segment in the cervical spine revealed that the method of weight-bearing spondylography, where the percentage of verification was 68 %, was the most sensitive one. We have developed a formula for determining instability in the spinal motion segment: z = a + b · x – c · l, where z — indicator of instability of determined spinal motion segments; x — patient’s age; l — length of the cervical spine — the distance from the condyle of the lower jaw to the upper contour of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra — ThI, a, b, c — coefficients of linear dependence, obtained by the method of least squares by experimental-calculation (software-computing complex Table Curve 3D v4.0.01). The cervical dislocation was measured when the patient's neck was bent 45° forward (flexion) and 15° backward (extention). The obtained data were grouped according to the sex of the patients, and displacement of the vertebrae. This relationship shows that the maximum normal strain of the intervertebral discs is manifested at a neck flexion of 45°, extension of 15°, and with a load of 500 g, mounted on the patient’s head. A correlation between the length of the cervical spine and the age of patients was established, the correlation coefficient was rix = 0.58. The correlation dependence of the index of the cervical vertebrae instability and the age of patients was checked, the correlation coefficient was rix = 0,58. Correlation coefficients show a fairly high correlation between the length of the cervical spine and age of patients, the index of instability of the cervical vertebrae and age of patients, the index of instability of the cervical vertebrae and length of the neck of patients. The values of the coefficients used in the proposed formula are a = 11.13; b = 0.11; c = 0.45 were obtained by the least squares method experimentally and calculated based on a mathematical analysis of the results of studies of 50 patients. Conclusion. The method of functional weight-bearing spondylography makes it possible to reliably detect instability of the spinal motion segment, while the percentage of verification was 68%. The proposed formula of mathematical calculation helps to clarify the index of instability of the cervical spinal motion segment and can be used in practical work.

Neuron-targeted Knockout of APE1 Forces Premature Cognitive Impairment and Synaptic Dysfunction in Adult Mice.

Adaptable and consistent neural function relies at least in part on the ongoing repair of oxidative damage that can accumulate in the brain over a lifespan. To determine whether forebrain neuron-targeted knockout of AP endonuclease 1 (APE1), a critical enzyme in the base excision DNA repair pathway, contributes to neuronal impairments, we generated APE1 conditional knockout mice under the control of the CamKIIα promotor (APE1 cKO). Spatial learning and memory were tested using the Morris water maze. Synaptic markers, including synapsin, vGLUT, GABA1, and GAD were immunostained and quantified. Dendritic morphology and number were characterized using Golgi staining. Long-term potentiation (LTP) was measured in slices from the 6-month-old brain. APE1 cKO mice did not significantly differ from WT mice in the learning phase of the Morris water maze, but performed significantly worse during the memory phase of the Morris water maze. vGLUT, GABA1, and GAD immunostaining was significantly decreased in APE1 cKO mice without concomitant changes in the number of synapsin-positive structures, suggesting that neural networks may be impaired but not at the level of total presynaptic structures. Dendrites were reduced both in number and length of spines in APE1 cKO mice. APE1 cKO brain slices exhibited decreased LTP induction compared to WT brain slices. Together, these data indicate that the conditional loss of APE1 in forebrain neurons leads to a phenotype consistent with expedited brain aging.

Morphological homoplasy and sectional polyphyly in Centaurea sect. Cynaroides and related taxa

Building natural classifications for genera with complex morphological variations such as Centaurea needs the support of molecular analysis and knowledge of morphological character diversification. Here we use parsimony and Bayesian analyses of nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences to gain insight into the sectional relationships and character evolution in Centaurea sections Chartolepis, Cheirolepis, Cynaroides, Grosheimia, Microlophus, Paraphysis, Phaeopappus, Plumosipappus, Pseudoserida, Pseudophaeopappus, Ptheracantha, Ptosimopappus, and Rhizocalathium, from Turkey. In particular, we increase sampling in Turkish endemic species of Centaurea sect. Cynaroides and related taxa. The new ITS sequences for 26 taxa from 48 locations are given. Sequences of 17 taxa are given here the first time. The phylogeny derived from ITS data provides a reasonably resolved and reasonably supported phylogenetic framework for the genus. Our analysis shows characters traditionally used in Centaurea taxonomy such as flower colour, appendage width, spine length, and pappus length evolved several times independently and show a lot of homoplasies. However, we can confirm the validity of character combinations for a reliable subgeneric classification of Centaurea.

Bipedal locomotion in zoo apes: Revisiting the hylobatian model for bipedal origins.

Bipedal locomotion is a hallmark of being human. Yet the body form from which bipedalism evolved remains unclear. Specifically, the positional behaviour (i.e. orthograde vs. pronograde) and the length of the lumbar spine (i.e. long and mobile vs. short and stiff) of the last common ancestor (LCA) of the African great apes and humans require further investigation. While fossil evidence would be the most conclusive, the paucity of hominid fossils from 5-10 million years ago makes this field of research challenging. In their absence, extant primate anatomy and behaviour may offer some insight into the ancestral body form from which bipedalism could most easily evolve. Here, we quantify the frequency of bipedalism in a large sample (N = 496) of zoo-housed hominoids and cercopithecines. Our results show that while each studied species of ape and monkey can move bipedally, hylobatids are significantly more bipedal and engage in bipedal locomotion more frequently and for greater distances than any other primate sampled. These data support hypotheses of an orthograde, long-backed and arboreal LCA, which is consistent with hominoid fossils from the middle-to-late Miocene. If true, knuckle-walking evolved in parallel in Pan and Gorilla, and the human body form, particularly the long lower back and orthograde posture, is conserved.

Ultrabroad spectral response and excellent SERS performance of PbS-assisted Au/PbS/Au nanostars.

Noble metal nanomaterials have many excellent optical properties due to localized surface plasmon resonance induced by external electric and magnetic fields. The plasmon-enhanced optical properties of nanomaterials can be controlled by changing their shapes or compositions. Here, we use a gentle approach to synthesize Au/PbS/Au nanostars with multiple tips and explore the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity, the second harmonic generation (SHG), and photocatalytic performance. The Au/PbS/Au nanostars have ultrabroad spectral responses and significantly enhanced local electric fields near the sharp tips. The size and tip length of the Au/PbS/Au nanostars can be adjusted by changing the amount of HAuCl4. The Au/PbS/Au nanostars exhibit largely enhanced SERS activity and photocatalytic degradation efficiency compared with the Au bipyramids and the Au BPs@PbS nanocrystals. In addition, the SHG of Au/PbS/Au nanostars is also significantly enhanced due to asymmetry and local field enhancement. This research shows potential in many applications ranging from photophysics to photochemistry.