GT1b functions as a novel endogenous agonist of toll-like receptor 2 inducing neuropathic pain.

Spinal cord microglia contribute to nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. We have previously demonstrated that toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling is critical for nerve injury-induced activation of spinal cord microglia, but the responsible endogenous TLR2 agonist has not been identified. Here, we show that nerve injury-induced upregulation of sialyltransferase St3gal2 in sensory neurons leads to an increase in expression of the sialylated glycosphingolipid, GT1b. GT1b ganglioside is axonally transported to the spinal cord dorsal horn and contributes to characteristics of neuropathic pain such as mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. Spinal cord GT1b functions as an TLR2 agonist and induces proinflammatory microglia activation and central sensitization. Pharmacological inhibition of GT1b synthesis attenuates nerve injury-induced spinal cord microglia activation and pain hypersensitivity. Thus, the St3gal2-GT1b-TLR2 axis may offer a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Nerve injury-induced gut dysbiosis contributes to spinal cord TNF-α expression and nociceptive sensitization.

The impact of the gut microbiota on glial cell growth and maturation via the gut-brain axis is highlighted herein. Considering that glial activation is crucial for onset and maintenance of neuropathic pain, we assessed the putative involvement of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Depletion of mouse gut microbiota with chronic antibiotics cocktail treatment prevented nerve injury-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia both in male and female mice. Furthermore, post-injury treatment with antibiotics cocktail relieved ongoing pain in neuropathic pain-established mice. Upon recolonization of the gut microbiota after cessation of antibiotics, nerve injury-induced mechanical allodynia relapsed. Depletion of gut microbiota accompanied a decrease in nerve injury-induced TNF-α expression in the spinal cord. Notably, nerve injury changed the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome, which was measured by 16 s rRNA sequencing. We then tested if probiotic administration ameliorating dysbiosis affected the development of neuropathic pain after nerve injury. Probiotic treatment for three weeks prior to nerve injury inhibited nerve injury-induced TNF-α expression in the spinal cord and pain sensitization. Our data reveal an unexpected link between the gut microbiota and development and maintenance of nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, and we propose a novel strategy to relieve neuropathic pain through the gut-brain axis.

Nonlinear Stiffness and Nonlinear Damping in Atomically Thin MoS2 Nanomechanical Resonators.

We report on experimental measurements and quantitative analyses of nonlinear dynamic characteristics in ultimately thin nanomechanical resonators built upon single-layer, bilayer, and trilayer (1L, 2L, and 3L) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) vibrating drumhead membranes. This synergistic study with calibrated measurements and analytical modeling on observed nonlinear responses has led to the determination of nonlinear damping and stiffness coefficients at cubic and quintic orders for these two-dimensional (2D) resonators operating in the very high frequency (VHF) band (up to ∼90 MHz). We find that the quintic force can be ∼20% of the Duffing force at larger amplitudes, and thus, it generally cannot be ignored in a nonlinear dynamics analysis. This study provides the first quantification of nonlinear damping and frequency detuning characteristics in 2D semiconductor nanomechanical resonators and elucidates their origins and dependency on engineerable parameters, setting a foundation for future exploration and utilization of the rich nonlinear dynamics in 2D nanomechanical systems.

Raman Spectroscopic Probe for Nonlinear MoS2 Nanoelectromechanical Resonators.

Resonant nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) enabled by two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors have been actively explored and engineered for making ultrascaled transducers toward applications in ultralow-power signal processing, communication, and sensing. Although the transduction of miniscule resonant motions has been achieved by low-noise optical or electronic techniques, direct probing of strain in vibrating 2D semiconductor membranes and the interplay between the spectroscopic and mechanical properties are still largely unexplored. Here, we experimentally demonstrate dynamical phonon softening in atomically thin molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) NEMS resonators by directly coupling Raman spectroscopy with optical interferometry resonance motion detection. In single-layer, bilayer, and trilayer (1L to 3L) MoS2 circular membrane NEMS resonators, we show that high-amplitude nonlinear resonances can enhance the Raman signal amplitude, as well as introduce Raman modes softening up to 0.8 cm-1. These results shall pave the way for engineering the coupling and control between collective mechanical vibrations and Raman modes of the constituent crystals in 2D transducers.

Platelet-rich plasma injection vs. operative treatment for lateral elbow tendinosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although surgical treatment is considered reliable for lateral elbow tendinosis, local injection therapy may be preferable, as it avoids surgery. Among a number of local injections, platelet-rich plasma has been used successfully to treat lateral elbow tendinosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes in patients treated with either platelet-rich plasma injections or surgery for lateral elbow tendinosis using a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for studies published before March 1, 2021, that compared platelet-rich plasma with operative treatment for lateral elbow tendinosis. The pooled analysis was designed to compare the visual analog scale scores and the Patient-Related Tennis Elbow Evaluation scores between the platelet-rich plasma and surgical treatment groups at serial time points. RESULTS: We included 5 studies involving 340 patients with lateral elbow tendinosis, comprising of 154 patients treated with platelet-rich plasma and 186 patients who underwent surgical treatment. The pooled analysis showed no statistically significant differences in the visual analog scale scores at any of the follow-up time points, namely, 2 months (mean difference [MD] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.51 to 4.74, P = .55, I2 = 94%), 6 months (MD 0.80, 95% CI -2.83 to 4.42, P = .67, I2 = 92%), and 12 months (MD -0.92, 95% CI -4.63 to 2.80, P = .63, I2 = 93%) postintervention and in the Patient-Related Tennis Elbow Evaluation scores at 12 weeks (MD -1.86, 95% CI -22.30 to 18.58, P = .86, I2 = 81%), 24 weeks (MD -3.33, 95% CI -21.82 to 15.17, P = .72, I2 = 74%), and 52 weeks (MD -3.64, 95% CI -19.65 to 12.37, P = .66, I2 = 69%) postintervention. CONCLUSIONS: Local platelet-rich plasma injections and surgical treatment produced equivalent pain scores and functional outcomes in patients with lateral elbow tendinosis. Thus, platelet-rich plasma injections may represent a reasonable alternative treatment for patients who are apprehensive to proceed with surgery or for poor surgical candidates.

The effect of leucocyte concentration of platelet-rich plasma on outcomes in patients with lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

HYPOTHESIS: The concentration of leukocytes influences the quality of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). However, there is no consensus on which type of PRP based on the concentration of leukocytes is the best for lateral epicondylitis (LE). METHODS: We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases until March 1, 2020. Studies involving randomized controlled trials, patients with LE, and treatment with PRP injections were included. PRP was classified into leukocyte-poor (LP) PRP and leukocyte-rich (LR) PRP. LR-PRP was defined as PRP with a white blood cell concentration exceeding that of whole blood (4.0-10.0 per µL3), whereas LP-PRP was defined as PRP with a lower white blood cell concentration than that of whole blood. The efficacy of PRP was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and success rates. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled trials (six involving LP-PRP and five involving LR-PRP) were eligible for inclusion in this review. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis to evaluate the VAS score. Regarding short-term follow-up, there was no difference in the VAS scores between the LP-PRP and control groups (standard mean difference [SMD], 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.29 to 0.30; P = 0.97), with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). There was also no difference in the VAS scores between the LR-PRP and control groups (SMD, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.57 to 0.20; P = 0.34), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 56.7%). Regarding long-term follow-up, there was no difference in the VAS scores between the LP-PRP and control groups (SMD, -0.73; 95% CI, -1.69 to 0.23; P = 0.134) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 88.4%). The LR-PRP group had lower VAS scores than the control group (SMD, -1.06; 95% CI, -2.02 to -0.09; P = 0.032) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 92%). In the LP-PRP group, there was no significant difference in the success rate (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.07-16.47; P = 0.956) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 87.7%). In the LR-PRP group, however, the patients who received PRP had a higher success rate than those in the control group (odds ratio, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.67-4.85; P < 0.01) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 82.9%). CONCLUSION: LR-PRP may provide pain relief and successful outcomes for patients with LE compared with alternative local injections. Better results were observed with the use of LR-PRP than with the use of LP-PRP.

Distinct roles of GT1b and CSF-1 in microglia activation in nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain.

Although microglia activation plays an important role in the development of nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, the molecular mechanisms of spinal cord microglia activation in nerve injury are not completely understood. Recently, two injured sensory neuron-derived molecules, colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and GT1b, were proposed to trigger spinal cord microglia activation, yet their relationship and relative contribution to microglia activation have not been addressed. In the present study, the role of GT1b and CSF-1 in microglia activation and proliferation was characterized. GT1b stimulation upregulated proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1ß, TNF-α, and NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2), without microglia proliferation. Conversely, CSF-1 stimulation induced microglia proliferation with minimal proinflammatory gene induction. Notably, neither GT1b nor CSF-1 induced mechanical hypersensitivity in female mice; however, they induced similar microglial proliferation in both male and female mice. Taken together, our data indicate that injured sensory neuron-derived GT1b and CSF-1 activate spinal cord microglia in concert through distinct activation pathways.

Arthroscopic Transosseous Repair of Foveal Tears of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To determine whether arthroscopic transosseous foveal repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) results in significant and clinically relevant improvement in clinical outcomes including pain and function with low complication and reoperation rates. METHODS: We reviewed studies investigating the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic transosseous foveal repair of the TFCC through MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies on TFCC repair performed with an open or capsular technique and combined with other procedures, such as ulnar shortening osteotomy and a wafer procedure, were excluded. Methodologic quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies score. Clinical outcomes were assessed using range of motion, grip strength, and patient-reported outcomes. Clinically relevant improvement was determined using the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). RESULTS: A total of 443 unique studies were identified, of which 7 (131 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age ranged from 27 to 37 years, and the mean follow-up period ranged from 23.5 to 31.1 months. The grip strength (as a percentage) increased after foveal repair of the TFCC in all studies (mean difference range, 11.8% to 22.3%). All studies also reported an improvement in the visual analog scale score (mean difference range, -9.8 to -1.88); Modified Mayo Wrist Score (mean difference range, 10.5 to 27); and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (mean difference range, -51.8 to -24.48). Considering clinically relevant improvements based on the MCID, 4 of 5 studies reporting the visual analog scale score showed improvements in this score (MCID, 2) and all studies reporting the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score showed improvements in this score (MCID, 10). Most complications recovered without any treatment, and 3 patients (2.29%) needed a reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic transosseous foveal repair of the TFCC resulted in improvements in grip strength and functional outcomes with low complication and reoperation rates. However, the evidence for which technique produces better clinical outcomes remains limited. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

Clinical comparison of the over-the-top and flexor carpi ulnaris split approaches for the treatment of anteromedial facet fracture of the coronoid process.

BACKGROUND: The flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU)-split approach and the over-the-top approach have been used frequently for the fixation of anteromedial facet (AMF) fractures of the coronoid process. Clinical studies have not compared functional recovery and complication rates associated with these approaches. This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of the over-the-top and FCU-split approaches for the treatment of AMF fractures of the coronoid process. METHODS: Thirty-two patients who underwent surgery for AMF fractures between January 2013 and August 2019 were divided into the FCU-split and over-the-top groups. The FCU-split approach was used from January 2013 to March 2016, and the over-the-top approach was used from April 2016 to August 2019. Bony union, radiographic signs of osteoarthritis (Broberg and Morrey classification), and development of heterotopic ossification were evaluated. Postoperative pain score (visual analog scale at 2 days after the operation), surgical time (minutes), range of motion of the elbow, elbow function (Mayo Elbow Performance Score [MEPS]), and the presence of postoperative ulnar neuropathy were also compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The FCU-split and over-the-top approaches were performed in 15 and 17 patients, respectively. The mean age was 46 ± 13 years (range, 22-67 years), and the mean follow-up duration was 19± 6.7 months (range, 13-38 months). All coronoid fractures had a solid osseous union during the follow-up, and no subluxation or dislocation was observed in the 2 groups. The occurrence of heterotopic ossification and the grade of post-traumatic arthritis did not differ significantly between the groups (all P > .05). There were also no significant differences between the groups in terms of postoperative pain score, range of motion, and MEPS (all P > .05). However, the surgical time was shorter for the over-the-top approach than that for the FCU-split approach (79± 23 vs. 101 ± 14, P = .008), and the surgical time was significantly associated with the fracture classification and surgical approach (P = .001 and .003, respectively). In addition, postoperative ulnar neuropathy occurred less with the over-the-top approach than with the FCU-spilt approach (5.9% vs. 46%, P = .013). CONCLUSION: Both the FCU-split and over-the-top approaches were appropriate for performing the buttress plate fixation for AMF fractures of the coronoid process and for restoring the elbow stability. The fixation of AMF fractures through the over-the-top approach was technically easier and had less incidence of postoperative ulnar neuropathy.

Supplementing with L-Tryptophan Increases Medium Protein and Alters Expression of Genes and Proteins Involved in Milk Protein Synthesis and Energy Metabolism in Bovine Mammary Cells.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing with L-tryptophan (L-Trp) on milk protein synthesis using an immortalized bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cell line. Cells were treated with 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.5 mM of supplemental L-Trp, and the most efficient time for protein synthesis was determined by measuring cell, medium, and total protein at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Time and dose tests showed that the 48 h incubation time and a 0.9 mM dose of L-Trp were the optimal values. The mechanism of milk protein synthesis was elucidated through proteomic analysis to identify the metabolic pathway involved. When L-Trp was supplemented, extracellular protein (medium protein) reached its peak at 48 h, whereas intracellular cell protein reached its peak at 96 h with all L-Trp doses. ß-casein mRNA gene expression and genes related to milk protein synthesis, such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ribosomal protein 6 (RPS6) genes, were also stimulated (p < 0.05). Overall, there were 51 upregulated and 59 downregulated proteins, many of which are involved in protein synthesis. The results of protein pathway analysis showed that L-Trp stimulated glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and ATP synthesis, which are pathways involved in energy metabolism. Together, these results demonstrate that L-Trp supplementation, particularly at 0.9 mM, is an effective stimulus in ß-casein synthesis by stimulating genes, proteins, and pathways related to protein and energy metabolism.

Supplementing conjugated and non-conjugated L-methionine and acetate alters expression patterns of CSN2, proteins and metabolites related to protein synthesis in bovine mammary cells.

The experiments reported in this research paper aimed to determine the effect of supplementing different forms of L-methionine (L-Met) and acetate on protein synthesis in immortalized bovine mammary epithelial cell line (MAC-T cells). Treatments were Control, L-Met, conjugated L-Met and acetate (CMA), and non-conjugated L-Met and Acetate (NMA). Protein synthesis mechanism was determined by omics method. NMA group had the highest protein content in the media and CSN2 mRNA expression levels (P < 0.05). The number of upregulated and downregulated proteins observed were 39 and 77 in L-Met group, 62 and 80 in CMA group and 50 and 81 in NMA group from 448 proteins, respectively (P < 0.05). L-Met, NMA and CMA treatments stimulated pathways related to protein and energy metabolism (P < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis also revealed that L-Met, CMA and NMA treatments resulted in increases of several metabolites (P < 0.05). In conclusion, NMA treatment increased protein concentration and expression level of CSN2 mRNA in MAC-T cells compared to control as well as L-Met and CMA treatments through increased expression of milk protein synthesis-related genes and production of the proteins and metabolites involved in energy and protein synthesis pathways.

Survival rates and risk factors for failure using an interposition vein graft for fingertip amputations with segmental vessel defects.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare survival rates and risk factors of replantation failures using an interposition vein graft in fingertip amputations with segmental vessel defects with those using simple end-to-end anastomosis in amputations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2004 and 2015, 776 (647 males and 129 females) with single Zone I or II amputations of digits underwent replantation. Among these, simple end-to-end anastomosis was performed in 698 replantations, while interposition vein grafts were used for either arterial or venous repair or both in 78 amputated fingertips. The survival rate was compared between the groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors predicting replantation failure in all study subjects. RESULTS: Among 776 replantations, 713 (91.9%) survived. At latest follow-up, of 698 cases in the simple anastomosis group, 650 (93.1%) survived; of 78 cases in the vein graft group, 63 (80.8%) survived (p > .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that avulsion type (odds ratio [OR] 3.121; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.211-8.064; p = .018) and zone II amputation (OR, 2.370; 95% CI, 1.382-4.065; p = .002) were significant risk factors for replantation failure. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the survival rate (80.8%) of the vein graft in fingertip amputation with segmental vessel defects was shown to be a possible option to increase the survival rates in case with segmental vessel defects where simple anastomosis could not be performed. However, avulsion type and zone II amputation are important risk factors of replantation failures.

Dietary supplementation with combined extracts from garlic (Allium sativum), brown seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida), and pinecone (Pinus koraiensis) improves milk production in Holstein cows under heat stress conditions.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to examine the effects of a mixture of pinecone oil, garlic, and brown seaweed extracts (PGBE) on milk production traits as well as physiological and ethological parameters in Holstein cows during the summer season (24 May to 03 July 2015, Korea). METHODS: Among the extract combinations tested, we found that the level of 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylberzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) cation radical scavenging activity of the 0.16% PBGE complex at ratio of 1:1:1 (vol/vol) was comparable to that of the control (ascorbic acid; 1 mg/mL). Additionally, the PBGE complex reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced COX-2 expression in bovine mammary epithelial cells. Based on these findings, 40 lactating Holstein cows were used to measure the effects of PBGE complex at ratio of 1:1:1 (vol/vol) on milk production, immune response, metabolites, and behavior patterns by dividing the cows into two groups fed diets containing PGBE complex (n = 20; 0.016%/kg feed dry matter basis) or not containing PGBE complex (control, n = 20) for 40 d. RESULTS: Results showed that PGBE complex did not influence milk composition, eating and ear surface temperature patterns, immune response, or metabolic parameters but promoted average milk yield throughout the experimental period. Additionally, a tendency of higher total antioxidant capacity and glutathione in the PGBE group was observed compared to the those in the control. When the temperature-humidity index (THI) exceeded 72 (average THI = 73.8), PGBE complex-fed cows experiencing heat stress showed increased milk yield and a tendency of increased rumination compared to the control. CONCLUSION: We suggest that incorporation of a combined mixture of 0.016% PGBE (1:1:1 ratio, vol/vol) to diet has the potential to improve milk yield and health status of cows under mild to moderate heat stress, denoting that it might be useful as an alternative anti-stressor in the diet of dairy cows under hot conditions.

Administration of encapsulated L-tryptophan improves duodenal starch digestion and increases gastrointestinal hormones secretions in beef cattle.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of oral administration of rumen-protected L-tryptophan (RPL-T) on duodenal starch digestion and gastrointestinal hormones (GIH) secretions using Hanwoo beef steers as the animal models. METHODS: Four steers (423±24 kg) fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were employed in a crossover design replicated twice. Treatments were control (basal diet) and RPL-T (basal diet+191.1 mg/kg body weight [BW]) group. Blood and duodenal samples were collected to measure serum GIH levels and pancreatic α-amylase activity at day 0, 1, 3, and 5 (-30, 30, 90, 150, and 210 min) of the study. Samples from each segment of the gastrointestinal tract were collected via ruminal and duodenal cannulas and were used to determine soluble protein and the starch digestion rate at days 6 (-30, 180, 360, and 540 min) and 8 (-30, 90, 270, and 450 min) of the experiment. RESULTS: No significant difference in ruminal pH, NH3-N, and total volatile fatty acid including the levels of acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, and the acetate-to-propionate ratio was observed between groups (p>0.05). Crude protein uptake was higher and feces starch content was lower in RPL-T group than the control group (p<0.05). The D-glucose contents of feces in RPL-T group decreased at day 5 compared to those in the control group (p<0.05), however, no change was found at day 0, 1, or 3 compared to the control group (p>0.05). Serum cholecystokinin (CCK), melatonin, duodenal pancreatic α-amylase activity, and starch digestion were significantly higher in RPL-T group than the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Taken together, oral administration of RPL-T at the rate of 191.1 mg/kg BW consistently increased CCK concentration, pancreatic α-amylase activity in duodenal fluids, and starch digestion rate in the small intestine and thus found to be beneficial.

Multi-Population Genetic Algorithm for Multilabel Feature Selection Based on Label Complementary Communication.

Multilabel feature selection is an effective preprocessing step for improving multilabel classification accuracy, because it highlights discriminative features for multiple labels. Recently, multi-population genetic algorithms have gained significant attention with regard to feature selection studies. This is owing to their enhanced search capability when compared to that of traditional genetic algorithms that are based on communication among multiple populations. However, conventional methods employ a simple communication process without adapting it to the multilabel feature selection problem, which results in poor-quality final solutions. In this paper, we propose a new multi-population genetic algorithm, based on a novel communication process, which is specialized for the multilabel feature selection problem. Our experimental results on 17 multilabel datasets demonstrate that the proposed method is superior to other multi-population-based feature selection methods.

Seed longevity phenotyping: recommendations on research methodology.

The length of time for which seed lots maintain their viability and vigour in storage has become a trait of interest for rice and other crop and model species. However, different research groups have taken different approaches to measuring this trait, including storing seeds under 'natural ageing', accelerated ageing, and controlled deterioration test conditions. There has also been a tendency to use only a single germination test result to assess the relative longevity of different genotypes. Here, we explain why we have taken a different approach in a genome-wide association study of seed longevity in Oryza sativa (Indica Group), and offer suggestions as to how, in the future, this trait should be assessed to make it possible to develop varieties with improved seed longevity, depending on the target storage environment.

Variation in seed longevity among diverse Indica rice varieties.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Understanding variation in seed longevity, especially within closely related germplasm, will lead to better understanding of the molecular basis of this trait, which is particularly important for seed genebanks, but is also relevant to anyone handling seeds. We therefore set out to determine the relative seed longevity of diverse Indica rice accessions through storage experiments. Since antioxidants are purported to play a role in seed storability, the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of caryopses were determined. METHODS: Seeds of 299 Indica rice accessions harvested at 31, 38 and 45 d after heading (DAH) between March and May 2015 and differing in harvest moisture content (MC) were subsequently stored at 10.9 % MC and 45 °C. Samples were taken at regular intervals and sown for germination. Germination data were subjected to probit analysis and the resulting parameters that describe the loss of viability during storage were used for genome-wide association (GWA) analysis. KEY RESULTS: The seed longevity parameters, Ki [initial viability in normal equivalent deviates (NED)], -σ-1 (σ is the time for viability to fall by 1 NED in experimental storage) and p50 [time for viability to fall to 50 % (0 NED)], varied considerably across the 299 Indica accessions. Seed longevity tended to increase as harvest MC decreased and to decrease as harvest MC increased. Eight major loci associated with seed longevity parameters were identified through GWA analysis. The favourable haplotypes on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 9 and 11 enhanced p50 by ratios of 0.22-1.86. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe the extent of variation in σ within a species' variety group. A priori candidate genes selected based on rice genome annotation and gene network ontology databases suggested that the mechanisms conferring high seed longevity might be related to DNA repair and transcription, sugar metabolism, reactive oxygen species scavenging and embryonic/root development.

Comparison of Intraoperative Sedation With Dexmedetomidine Versus Propofol on Acute Postoperative Pain in Total Knee Arthroplasty Under Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia, we compared the postoperative analgesic effect of intraoperative sedation with dexmedetomidine versus propofol. We hypothesized that sedation with dexmedetomidine would result in lower postoperative opioid analgesic consumption than with propofol. METHODS: Forty-eight patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either a dexmedetomidine group (n = 24), which received a loading dose of 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine over 10 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1-0.5 µg·kg·hour, or a propofol group (n = 24), which received a continuous infusion of propofol via a target-controlled infusion to maintain the effect-site concentration within a range of 0.5-2.0 µg/mL. The drug infusion rate was determined according to the sedation level, targeting a modified observer's assessment of alertness/sedation score of 3 or 4. The cumulative amounts of fentanyl administered via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia were recorded at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively (primary outcome). The postoperative numerical rating scale for pain was assessed at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours (secondary outcome). The postoperative use of additional rescue analgesic (ketoprofen) and antiemetic drugs was also compared between the 2 groups at 24 and 48 hours. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced postoperative fentanyl consumption (median [interquartile range]) during 0-24 hours (45 [30-71] vs 150 [49-248] µg, P = .004; median difference = -105 µg [99.98% CI, 210-7.5]), 24-48 hours (90 [45-143] vs 188 [75-266] µg, P = .005; median difference = -98 µg [99.98% CI, 195-45]), and 0-48 hours (135 [68-195] vs 360 [146-480] µg, P = .003; median difference = -225 µg [99.98% CI, 405-7.5]). The numerical rating scale (median [interquartile range]) was lower at 6 hours (1 [0-2] vs 2 [1-3], P = .003), 12 hours (1 [1-2] vs 3 [2-3], P < .001), 24 hours (1 [1-2] vs 3 [2-3], P < .001), and 48 hours (2 [2-3] vs 3 [3-4], P < .001) after surgery in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the propofol group. No significant intergroup differences were observed in the amount of rescue analgesics and antiemetics at 24 hours (P = .155 and P = .482) and 48 hours (P = .082 and P = .153) after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative dexmedetomidine sedation was associated with a small but clinically important reduction in postoperative opioid use after total knee arthroplasty.

Defect Analysis of Solution-Based Process CIGS Thin-Film Solar Cells Using Technology Computer-Aided Design.

Copper indium gallium sulfur selenide (Cu(In1-xGax)SeS, CIGS) thin film solar cells are fabricated using a solution-based process, and their defect models are studied through a computer-aided design method. Cu(In1-xGax)SeS is structured with a graded bandgap by controlling the ambient gas and precursor composition, during the fabrication process. The defects in the CIGS are modeled as two donor-like defects, which are differently distributed as per the CIGS grain size (large and small grains at upper and bottom layers, respectively), whereas those in the cadmium sulfide (CdS)/CIGS interface are modeled as a complex model of both donor- and acceptor-like defects in the CdS, near the interface. By measuring the external quantum efficiency and current density-voltage characteristics, the best-fitting match of the simulated values with the measured values are obtained. The simulation results demonstrate that the defects (defect density of ~7 × 1018) in the CdS interface are more serious, compared to the CIGS defects (defect density of ~2 × 1015 in the bottom), which were initially expected to be more severe because of grain nonuniformity. For increasing the cell efficiency, we establish that the process and material quality need to be further improved not only during CIGS formation using a multistep spin-coated precursor but also during the initial deposition of the CdS buffer. This numerical approach can enable better understanding of the defect behavior in solar cells, and indicate directions for improvement in the fabrication process and device structure, for developing high-efficiency solution-based CIGS solar cells.

Clinical Outcomes and Factors Influencing These Outcome Measures Resulting in Success After Arthroscopic Transosseous Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Repair.

PURPOSE: To analyze postoperative outcomes after arthroscopic transosseous triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal repair and identify factors affecting the clinical outcomes. METHODS: This study retrospectively enrolled patients who were treated for TFCC foveal tears by arthroscopic transosseous TFCC foveal repair. The diagnosis of TFCC foveal tear was made based on medical history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging, with confirmation via arthroscopic examination. Outcome evaluation was completed at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively, and patients were classified into 2 groups according to the minimal clinically important difference of the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation. Various factors including age, sex, trauma history, body mass index, symptom duration, hand dominance, ulnar variance, subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint, preoperative pain score, and functional status, as well as the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle, were retrospectively analyzed using both univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: During the study period, 42 patients were treated for TFCC foveal tears. The functional status significantly improved after surgery. Overall, 27 and 15 patients showed good and poor functional outcomes, respectively, which were assessed according to the minimal clinically important difference of the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation. On univariate analysis, clinical outcomes were better in male patients (P = .035), younger patients (P = .022), and those with higher CSAs of the PQ muscles (P < .001). However, on multivariable logistic regression analysis, only a higher CSA of the PQ muscle was identified as an independent prognostic factor affecting clinical outcome after TFCC foveal repair (P = .004). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic transosseous TFCC complex foveal repair led to satisfactory results. However, lower PQ muscle CSA on magnetic resonance imaging was the most independent prognostic factor negatively affecting clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.