Technical feasibility and safety of an intraoperative head-up display device during spine instrumentation

BACKGROUND

The primary aim of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of capturing and streaming neuronavigation images onto a head-up display during spine instrumentation.

METHODS

Using a novel device, neuronavigation images were captured and transferred wirelessly via a password-encrypted network to the head-up display. At the end of the procedure, the surgeons completed a survey to gather their opinions of the system.

RESULTS

Forty pedicle screws were placed using the head-up display. The average screw placement time was slightly shorter when the head-up display was used (4.13 min with vs. 4.86 min without). The post-procedure survey demonstrated that 79% of surgeon's responses were positive.

CONCLUSION

A wearable head-up display can benefit current neuronavigation systems, but larger, outcomes-based trials are needed. Higher processing speed would allow streaming of higher resolution images. Along with an enlarged display, these may significantly improve utilization of this technology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determinants of oil concentration and seed yield in canola and Indian mustard in the lower rainfall areas of Western Australia

Oil concentration and seed yield of canola (Brassica napus) are usually low and variable when grown in the lower rainfall areas of Western Australia. This paper identifies determinants of oil concentration and seed yield in these areas. Through a series of cultivar × sowing date experiments at 5 lower rainfall locations and one high rainfall location as comparison, we evaluated the impact of sowing date, cultivar, and location on these 2 key agronomic traits. We also examined relationships between oil concentration, seed yield, and post-anthesis duration, post-anthesis temperature, and post-anthesis rainfall with a view to investigate the adaptive requirements of canola for the lower rainfall areas.Cultivars differed in their capacities to produce oil and seed yield. The ranking of cultivars for oil concentration, and seed yield to a lesser extent, remained constant across sowing dates and locations. Both seed yield and oil concentration decreased with delayed sowing. On average, oil concentration was reduced by 1.1 percentage points and seed yield by 309 kg/ha for every 2 weeks delay in sowing. The magnitude of reduction in oil concentration from delayed sowing was far greater in a low rainfall site at Mullewa than in the high rainfall site at Mt Barker.Later sowings shortened post-anthesis duration. With a given sowing date, early flowering cultivars resulted in longer post-anthesis duration. Oil concentration increased by 1.2 percentage points for a 10-day increase in post-anthesis duration. Both oil concentration and seed yield increased with higher post-anthesis rainfall and lower post-anthesis temperature. The rates of increase were 0.7 percentage points for oil and 116 kg/ha for seed yield for every 10-mm increase in post-anthesis rainfall. The rates of reduction were 0.68 percentage points for oil and 289�kg/ha for seed yield for every 1�C increase in post-anthesis temperature. These relationships suggest that a combination of an early date of sowing with an early flowering cultivar would be essential for the production of high yield and high oil canola in the lower rainfall areas. Indian mustard (B. juncea) showed tolerance to high temperature and water deficit, but the low yield potential makes it uneconomical with early sowing. Further improvement in seed yield could be dependent on increased tolerance of canola to high temperature and water deficit during seed growth and development.

Variation in seed softening patterns and impact of seed production environment on hardseededness in early-maturing genotypes of subterranean clover

This paper describes variation in the dynamics of seed softening (loss of impermeability) in 20 early-maturing genotypes, including 6 cultivars, of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). It reports the effect of 3 sites of seed production in south-western Australia on the pattern of softening in the first summer–autumn and on total softening over the subsequent 2 years. Seeds were softened at a single field location and in a diurnally fluctuating cabinet (60°C/15°C). There was significant variation among genotypes in the pattern of seed softening over the first 5 months after senescence. Cultivars Nungarin, Dwalganup, and Geraldton softened most rapidly in late February, whereas cultivars Dalkeith, Urana, and Izmir softened most rapidly in late March. The duration of field exposure required in order for 50% of the first season’s softening to occur ranged from 44 to 108 days among the 20 genotypes. Persistence of hard seeds into the second and third years also varied among genotypes. Of the cultivars, Nungarin and Izmir had the highest levels of residual hard seed after 30 months (5.3% and 3.9%, respectively), whereas Dalkeith had the lowest (0.9%). Site of seed production had a small but significant effect on both the pattern of softening in the first summer–autumn and the persistence of hard seeds in subsequent years. Seeds produced in a relatively high-rainfall site (768 mm of growing-season rainfall plus supplementary irrigation) had a slower rate of hard seed breakdown than those from either of 2 sites located in the wheatbelt (217 and 423 mm growing-season rainfall). Seed softening through exposure in the field and in a 60°C/15°C fluctuating-temperature cabinet was compared for all genotypes. The cabinet treatment was fairly successful in ranking genotypes for relative between-season hardseededness, although it underestimated total softening by an average of 16%. However, the cabinet treatment was a poor predictor of the within-season pattern of seed softening.

Genotypic variation in metribuzin tolerance in narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.)

Tolerance to metribuzin herbicide is an essential agronomic trait for narrow-leafed lupin (L. angustifolius L.) grown in Western Australia (WA), however, metribuzin causes up to 30% yield loss in cv. Tanjil. Tanjil is widely used as a parent in the WA lupin breeding programme to provide anthracnose resistance. Hence, identification of genotypes tolerant to metribuzin and incorporation of this tolerance into the disease-resistant cultivar is necessary for maintaining lupin production. This study identified tolerance to metribuzin among lupin cultivars and advanced breeding lines under both controlled temperature and natural winter conditions. Differences in dose responses between cultivars revealed that cv. Gungurru was tolerant and cv. Tanjil susceptible to metribuzin. Gungurru seedlings survived metribuzin applications of up to 1600 g/ha, whereas Tanjil seedlings exhibited zero survival at 800 g/ha. The rate of herbicide application that caused a 50% growth reduction (GR50, excluding dead plants) for Gungurru was 2 times greater than that for Tanjil. The level of tolerance in Gungurru is adequate to protect plants against metribuzin damage in the field. Large and consistent differences in tolerance between genotypes were identified among cultivars and advanced breeding lines across controlled temperatures (20°C during the day and 12°C at night) and in natural winter conditions. One breeding line (95L208–13–13) showed marginally better tolerance than Gungurru. A number of advanced breeding lines were as susceptible to metribuzin as Tanjil, indicating that it is very important to select for metribuzin tolerance concurrently with disease resistance in the breeding programme. Of the 6 measures of tolerance used in this study, leaf score proved to be the simplest and most effective measure and could be used for the selection of individual tolerant plants in segregating populations. Tolerance was independent of early vigour, suggesting that it is possible to combine both early vigour and tolerance into a cultivar for better weed management. In conclusion, breeding for metribuzin tolerance in lupin is feasible, and the screening method tested here was simple and consistent, which would assist a breeding programme in making rapid progress towards herbicide-tolerant plants.

A systematic investigation into the extraction of aluminum from coal spoil through kaolinite

This research has applied kaolin and active carbon (AC) to the investigation of the recovery of aluminum from coal spoil (CS). The kaolin, AC-containing kaolin mixture, and CS have been calcined at 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 degrees C for 15, 30, 60, and 120 min. The transformation of kaolinite and aluminum extraction that occurred in each calcined sample have been characterized using XRD, TG, IR, and hydrochloric acid leaching methods. The dehydroxylation of kaolinite and the decomposition of metakaolin were influenced by thermal treatment temperature and time. The metakaolin had kept a portion of OH- in its structure until it was calcined at a temperature of 800 degrees C. Under 60 min treatment, new SiO2 phase was able to be formed at 500 degrees C, kaolinite was totally converted to metakaolin at 600 degrees C, and the SiO2 rejoined the reaction at 800 degrees C. The decompositions of CS were similar to those of kaolin mixture containing 20 wt % AC (MKC). The combustion of combustible matter accelerated the decomposition of kaolinite in the CS and MKC. Higher AC content led to lower aluminum extraction. The treatment at 600 degrees C was optimal for both CS and MKC.

Coolamon subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum)

Coolamon is a mid-season to late-season flowering F4-derived crossbred subterranean clover of var. subterraneum, developed by the collaborating organisations of the National Annual Pasture Legume Improvement Program. It is a replacement for Junee and has been selected for release on the basis of its greater herbage production and persistence, and its resistance to both known races of clover scorch. Coolamon is recommended for sowing in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. It is best suited to well-drained, moderately acidic soils in areas with a growing season of 6.5–8 months that extends into November. Coolamon is best suited to phase farming and permanent pasture systems. It can also be used in cropping rotations, but at least 2 years of pasture are required between crops. Coolamon has been granted Plant Breeders Rights in Australia.

Urana subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum)

Urana is a hardseeded, moderately early flowering F5-derived crossbred subterranean clover of var. subterraneum [(Katz. et Morley) Zohary and Heller] developed by the collaborating organisations of the National Annual Pasture Legume Improvement Program. It has been selected for release as a new cultivar on the basis of its high winter and spring herbage production and overall field performance relative to other subterranean clovers of similar maturity. Urana is recommended for sowing in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. It is best suited to well-drained, moderately acidic soils in areas with a growing season of 5–7 months, which extends into mid-October. Urana is suited to phase farming and crop rotations. It has been granted Plant Breeders Rights in Australia.

Napier subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. var. yanninicum)

Napier is a late flowering F6-derived crossbred subterranean clover of var. yanninicum [(Katz. et Morley) Zohary and Heller] developed by the collaborating organisations of the National Annual Pasture Legume Improvement Program. It is a replacement for both Larisa and Meteora and has been selected for release on the basis of its greater herbage and seed production and disease resistance to both known races of clover scorch and 2 of the common races of Phytophthora root rot. Napier is recommended for sowing in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, and South Australia. It is best suited to moderately acidic soils prone to water-logging and to loamy and clay soils with good water-holding capacity in areas with a minimum growing season length of 7.5 months, which extends into late November. Napier is well adapted to the permanent pasture systems found in the areas in which it will be grown. Its upright, vigorous growth makes it well suited to grazing by cattle or sheep and to fodder conservation. Napier has been granted Plant Breeders Rights in Australia.

A greater relative growth rate of Brassica rapa L. at low temperatures increases biomass at anthesis

0t, n.s.). These relationships suggested that it might be possible to develop early flowering cultivars with increased seed yield by selecting for higher RGR before anthesis. RGR of BC 2 F 3:4 lines in the field during winter was correlated with RGR at low temperatures (13/4°C) in a controlled environment, suggesting that genotypes producing more dry weight at anthesis grew more at the low temperatures normally experienced in the field. This was supported by a significant (P < 0.05 0.05) negative correlation (r = –0.69**) between growth in the field and potassium leakage from leaf tissue at 4

Izmir subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum)

Izmir is a hardseeded, early flowering, subterranean clover of var. subterraneum (Katz. et Morley) Zohary and Heller collected from Turkey and developed by the collaborating organisations of the National Annual Pasture Legume Improvement Program. It is a more hardseeded replacement for Nungarin and best suited to well-drained, moderately acidic soils in areas with a growing season of less than 4.5 months. Izmir seed production and regeneration densities in 3-year pasture phases were similar to Nungarin in 21 trials across southern Australia, but markedly greater in years following a crop or no seed set. Over all measurements, Izmir produced 10% more winter herbage and 7% more spring herbage than Nungarin. Its greater hardseededness and good seed production, makes it better suited to cropping rotations than Nungarin. Softening of Izmir hard seeds occurs later in the summer–autumn period than Nungarin, giving it slightly greater protection from seed losses following false breaks to the season. Izmir is recommended for sowing in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. Izmir has been granted Plant Breeders Rights in Australia.

Positive nonsentinel lymph nodes are associated with poor survival in breast cancer: results from a retrospective study

PURPOSE

The prognostic value of nonsentinel lymph-node (NSLN) status in breast cancer remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the prognostic value of NSLN status in SLN-positive breast cancer.

METHODS

Retrospective 873 consecutive primary breast cancer patients from a single institution who were SLN-positive and underwent axillary lymph-node dissection (ALND) were included. Patients with incomplete clinical information or loss of follow-up were excluded. Survival analysis in patients with the same number of positive LNs and patients belonging to the same American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) node (N) classification was performed to establish a proposal for incorporating the NSLN status into the breast cancer staging system.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 41 months. Positive NSLN status was a significantly unfavorable factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR: 4.31, P < 0.001) and distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS) (HR: 3.62, P < 0.001). The survival of patients with one positive SLN and one positive NSLN (N = 97) was significantly worse than that of patients with two positive SLNs (N = 68; RFS, P = 0.011; DRFS, P = 0.027). Positive NSLN status was a significantly unfavorable factor affecting survival in patients with the AJCC N1 classification (N = 806; RFS, HR: 2.85, P = 0.002; DRFS, HR: 2.81, P = 0.004). No significant difference in survival was found between LN-negative (N = 361) and NSLN-negative AJCC N1 classification (N = 363) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive NSLN status has an independent prognostic value in breast cancer patients with 1-3 positive LNs, and the NSLN status should be incorporated into the breast cancer staging system.

Primary studies on heroin abuse and injury induced by oxidation and lipoperoxidation

OBJECTIVE

To further reveal serious risks of heroin abuse to human body and clarify grave injuries of oxidation, peroxidation and lipoperoxidation induced by nitric oxide and other free radicals to heroin abusers.

METHODS

Determined and compared plasma levels of nitric oxide (P-NO), vitamin C (P-VC), vitamin E (P-VE), beta-carotene (P-beta-CAR), lipoperoxides (P-LPO) and erythrocyte activities of superoxide dismutase (E-SOD), catalase (E-CAT), glutathione peroxidase (E-GSH-Px) and erythrocyte level of lipoperoxides (E-LPO) in 137 cases of heroin abusers (HAs) and 100 cases of healthy volunteers (HVs), used linear regression and correlation, stepwise regression and correlation to analyze correlation among heroin-abusing-duration (HAD), daily-heroin-abusing-quantity (DHAQ) with above determination values in the HAs.

RESULTS

Compared with the above average values in the HVs group, the average values of P-NO, P-LPO, E-LPO in the HAs group were significantly increased (P < 0.0001), the average values of P-VC, P-VE, P-beta-CAR, E-SOD, E-CAT and E-GSH-Px were significantly decreased (P < 0.0001); the analysis of linear regression and correlation showed that with ascending of the HAD and DHAQ in the HAs, the values of P-NO, P-LPO, E-LPO were gradually increased (P < 0.0001), the values of P-VC, P-VE, P-beta-CAR, E-SOD, E-CAT, E-GSH-Px were gradually decreased (P < 0.0001); the analysis of stepwise regression and correlation suggested that the correlation among the HAD, DHAQ with the values of P-NO, P-VC, P-VE was the closest.

CONCLUSION

The balance between oxidation and antioxidation in the HAs was seriously destroyed, and the injuries induced by nitric oxide and other free radicals, oxidation, peroxidation and lipoperoxidation reactions to the body of HAs gravely exacerbated. In the abstaining from heroin dependence, therefore, it should consider that sufficient quantum antioxidants such as VC, VE and beta-CAR are dosed to the HAs so as to abate the injuries to their bodies.

[Analysis of distribution characteristics of specific immunoglobulin E in 8 092 children with eczema and urticaria in a hospital of pediatric in Tianjin City]

To investigate the common specific immunoglobulin E(sIgE) in children with eczema and urticaria, compare the allergies in children with different diseases, genders and ages, and provide the scientific basis for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment. A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the children who were suspected of eczema and urticaria and tested for serum sIgE in the Tianjin Children's Hospital from December 2019 to August 2021. A total of 8 092 serum samples were tested for ten food allergens and ten inhaled allergens. The method was the enzyme-linked immune capture assay. The allergen epidemiological characteristics were statistically analyzed by Chi square test based on the children's characteristics and factors such as different sexes and ages and by the mass data. The results showed that the positive rate of eczema was 64.42%(5 213/8 092), and the urticaria was 35.58%(2 879/8 092). The positive rate of specific IgE was 66.65%(5 393/8 092), the food allergens was 61.74%(4 996/8 092), and the inhaled allergens was 34.85%(2 820/8 092). The top three positive rates of food allergens were egg 46.65%(3 775/8 092), milk 32.64%(2 641/8 092) and wheat flour 15.08%(1 220/8 092). The top three positive rates of inhaled allergens were house dust 21.40%(1 732/8 092), Alternaria 11.78%(953/8 092) and Dermatophagoides farinae 7.33%(593/8 092). The positivity of food allergens and inhaled allergens was significantly different in different age groups. The positive rates of food allergens in different age groups were 48.92%(947/1 936) in<1 year old, 72.28%(2 680/3 708) in 1-3 years old, 64.58%(919/1 423) in 4-6 years old and 43.90%(450/1 025) in>6 years old. The positive rates of inhaled allergens in different age groups were 17.67%(342/1 936) in<1 year old, 36.35%(1 348/3 708) in 1-3 years old, 46.38%(660/1 423) in 4-6 years old and 45.85%(470/1 025) in>6 years old. The top six positive rates of allergens of eczema were the same with urticaria, which were egg, milk, house dust, wheat flour, Alternaria and Dermatophagoides farinae. The allergens (greater than or equal to grade 4) differed in children with eczema and urticaria. Moreover, there were significant differences in the positive rates of Alternaria, egg, wheat flour, crab and shrimp. In conclusion, this study can reflect the epidemic characteristics of allergens in children with eczema and urticaria to a certain extent. There were significant differences in the positive rates of allergens between different age groups. It is necessary to reasonably avoid the high-risk allergens according to the epidemiological characteristics and clinical symptoms, which provide valuable information for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.