Metabolomic and transcriptomic study to understand changes in metabolic and immune responses in steers under heat stress.

Heat stress (HS) damages livestock by adversely affecting physiological and immunological functions. However, fundamental understanding of the metabolic and immunological mechanisms in animals under HS remains elusive, particularly in steers. To understand the changes on metabolic and immune responses in steers under HS condition, we performed RNA-sequencing and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy-based metabolomics on HS-free (THI value: 64.92 ± 0.56) and HS-exposed (THI value: 79.13 ± 0.56) Jersey steer (n = 8, body weight: 559.67 ± 32.72 kg). This study clarifies the metabolic changes in 3 biofluids (rumen fluid, serum, and urine) and the immune responses observed in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HS-exposed steers. This integrated approach allowed the discovery of HS-sensitive metabolic and immunological pathways. The metabolomic analysis indicated that HS-exposed steers showed potential HS biomarkers such as isocitrate, formate, creatine, and riboflavin (P < 0.05). Among them, there were several integrative metabolic pathways between rumen fluid and serum. Furthermore, HS altered mRNA expression and immune-related signaling pathways. A meta-analysis revealed that HS decreased riboflavin metabolism and the expression of glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism-related genes. Moreover, metabolic pathways, such as the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathway, were downregulated in immune cells by HS (P < 0.05). These findings, along with the datasets of pathways and phenotypic differences as potential biomarkers in steers, can support more in-depth research to elucidate the inter-related metabolic and immunological pathways. This would help suggest new strategies to ameliorate the effects of HS, including disease susceptibility and metabolic disorders, in Jersey steers.

Clinical, Radiographic, and Genetic Analyses in a Population-Based Cohort of Adult Spinal Deformity in the Older Population.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the sagittal parameters associated with health-related quality of life and genetic variations that increase the risk of adult spinal deformity (ASD) onset in the older population. METHODS: We recruited 120 participants who had a sagittal vertical axis > 50 mm in a sagittal imbalance study. Sagittal radiographic parameters, cross-sectional area, and intramuscular fatty infiltration using the Goutallier classification in the paraspinal lumbar muscles were evaluated. Functional scales included the self-reported Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and visual analogue scales (VAS) for back and leg pain. We performed whole-exome sequencing and an exome-wide association study using the 100 control subjects and 63 individuals with severe phenotypes of sagittal imbalance. RESULTS: Pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch was negatively associated with the SF-36 and positively correlated with ODI and VAS for back and leg pain. PI-LL was related to the quality and size of the paraspinal muscles, especially the multifidus muscle. We identified common individual variants that reached exome-wide significance using single-variant analysis. The most significant single-nucleotide polymorphism was rs78773460, situated in an exon of the SVIL gene (odds ratio, 9.61; p = 1.15 × 10-9). CONCLUSION: Older age, higher body mass index, and a more significant PI-LL mismatch were associated with unfavorable results on functional scales. We found a genetic variation in the SVIL gene, which has been associated with the integrity of the cytoskeleton and the development of skeletal muscles, in severe ASD phenotypes. Our results help to elucidate the pathogenesis of ASD.

Dynamic changes in blood immune cell composition and function in Holstein and Jersey steers in response to heat stress.

Heat stress has detrimental effects on livestock via diverse immune and physiological changes; heat-stressed animals are rendered susceptible to diverse diseases. However, there is relatively little information available regarding the altered immune responses of domestic animals in heat stress environments, particularly in cattle steers. This study aimed to determine the changes in the immune responses of Holstein and Jersey steers under heat stress. We assessed blood immune cells and their functions in the steers of two breeds under normal and heat stress conditions and found that immune cell proportions and functions were altered in response to different environmental conditions. Heat stress notably reduced the proportions of CD21+MHCII+ B cell populations in both breeds. We also observed breed-specific differences. Under heat stress, in Holstein steers, the expression of myeloperoxidase was reduced in the polymorphonuclear cells, whereas heat stress reduced the WC1+ γδ T cell populations in Jersey steers. Breed-specific changes were also detected based on gene expression. In response to heat stress, the expression of IL-10 and IL-17A increased in Holstein steers alone, whereas that of IL-6 increased in Jersey steers. Moreover, the mRNA expression pattern of heat shock protein genes such as Hsp70 and Hsp90 was significantly increased in only Holstein steers. Collectively, these results indicate that altered blood immunological profiles may provide a potential explanation for the enhanced susceptibility of heat-stressed steers to disease. The findings of this study provide important information that will contribute to developing new strategies to alleviate the detrimental effects of heat stress on steers.

Changes in Diarrhea Score, Nutrient Digestibility, Zinc Utilization, Intestinal Immune Profiles, and Fecal Microbiome in Weaned Piglets by Different Forms of Zinc.

Twenty weaned piglets with initial body weight of 6.83 ± 0.33 kg (21 day of age, LYD) were randomly assigned to four treatments for a two-week feeding trial to determine the effects of different dietary zinc on nutrient digestibility, intestinal health, and microbiome of weaned piglets. The dietary treatments included a negative control (CON), standard ZnO (ZnO, 2500 ppm), zinc chelate with glycine (Chelate-ZnO, 200 ppm), and nanoparticle-sized ZnO (Nano-ZnO, 200 ppm). At 0 to 1 week, the diarrhea score was decreased in the CON group compared with the ZnO, Chelate-ZnO, and Nano-ZnO group. In overall period, the ZnO and Nano-ZnO groups exhibited improved diarrhea scores compared to the CON group. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and gross energy was the lowest in the CON group after one week. Compared to the ZnO group, the chelate-ZnO group exhibited higher proportion of T-bet+ and FoxP3+ T cells and the nano-ZnO group had higher numbers of RORgt+ and GATA3+ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes. ZnO group increased IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the colon tissues and these positive effects were observed in both chelate ZnO and nano-ZnO groups with lower level. The 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that the relative abundance of Prevotella was higher in the ZnO-treated groups than in the CON group and that of Succinivibrio was the highest in the nano-ZnO group. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased in the ZnO group. In conclusion, low nano-ZnO levels have similar effects on nutrient digestibility, fecal microflora, and intestinal immune profiles in weaning pigs; thus, nano-ZnO could be used as a ZnO alternative for promoting ZnO utilization and intestinal immunity.

Hydrolyzed Yeast Supplementation in Calf Starter Promotes Innate Immune Responses in Holstein Calves under Weaning Stress Condition.

Weaned calves are susceptible to infectious diseases because of the stress and malnutrition that occurs during weaning. Therefore, the dairy industry requires effective feed additives to ameliorate stress responses and promote immunity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydrolyzed yeast (HY) supplementation on the growth performance, immune and stress parameters, and health status of calves after weaning. Eighteen Holstein calves were randomly assigned to two groups, either receiving a control calf starter or 0.2% HY calf starter from one week of age. All calves were weaned at six weeks of age as a stress challenge. The HY-fed calves had a significantly-higher body weight gain during the post-weaning period (kg/week) compared to the control. Cortisol levels at three days post-weaning (DPW) were significantly lower in the HY group than the control group. Calves fed HY had significantly-higher serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß at one DPW. The HY-fed calves also had higher concentrations of the acute-phase proteins, haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and transferrin at one DPW. In addition, the diarrhea severity in HY-fed calves was milder after weaning compared to the control group. Our results indicate that HY supplementation reduces stress responses and may promote innate immunity in newly-weaned calves.

Self-Driving Car Location Estimation Based on a Particle-Aided Unscented Kalman Filter.

Localization is one of the key components in the operation of self-driving cars. Owing to the noisy global positioning system (GPS) signal and multipath routing in urban environments, a novel, practical approach is needed. In this study, a sensor fusion approach for self-driving cars was developed. To localize the vehicle position, we propose a particle-aided unscented Kalman filter (PAUKF) algorithm. The unscented Kalman filter updates the vehicle state, which includes the vehicle motion model and non-Gaussian noise affection. The particle filter provides additional updated position measurement information based on an onboard sensor and a high definition (HD) map. The simulations showed that our method achieves better precision and comparable stability in localization performance compared to previous approaches.

Natural history and aggravating factors of sagittal imbalance in marked sagittal deformity compared with mild to moderate sagittal deformity: A prospective cohort study.

Sagittal imbalance is a multifactorial complex deformity that can arise from a variety of causes such as spinal stenosis, sarcopenia, vertebral fracture, and neuromuscular diseases. Furthermore, there is lack of research regarding spinal and general conditions that precede the development of sagittal imbalance. Our aim was to evaluate aggravating factors, such as natural history, for sagittal imbalance in a cohort comprising elderly individuals by conducting various examinations.We recruited 96 participants who had a sagittal vertical axis (SVA) larger than 50 mm in a sagittal imbalance study. Finally, 69 participants were followed up and enrolled this study after 2 years. We evaluated full spine radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone mineral density, and health-related quality of life from patients survey and analyzed factors associated with aggravation of sagittal imbalance. Aggravation was defined by an SVA > 30 mm and T1 pelvic angle (T1PA) > 3° in the third year compared to SVA and T1PA values of the first year.Eighteen participants of the follow-up group had a sagittal imbalance aggravation. According to the deformity severity in the first-year evaluations, the marked deformity group (38 participants) defined as Schwab classification had 11 (28.9%) participants presenting with sagittal imbalance aggravation. These participants had larger mean values of Schwab sagittal modifiers and T1PA compared with the nonaggravation participants. Logistic regression analysis showed a higher pelvic incidence (PI) (OR = 1.201, 95% CI = 1.015-1.422, P = .033) and a small multifidus (MF) volume (OR = 0.991, 95% CI = 0.983-1.000, P = .043) correlated with sagittal imbalance aggravation.From the follow-up group, 18 (26%) subjects of total 69 participants presented a deteriorated sagittal imbalance. A higher PI and smaller MF volume correlated with the aggravation of sagittal imbalance. We should consider that high PI and small MF volume are associated with aggravation of sagittal imbalance.

Dietary lysophospholipids supplementation inhibited the activity of lipolytic bacteria in forage with high oil diet: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of lysophospholipids (LPL) supplementation on rumen fermentation, degradability, and microbial diversity in forage with high oil diet in an in vitro system. METHODS: Four experimental treatments were used: i) annual ryegrass (CON), ii) 93% annual ryegrass +7% corn oil on a dry matter (DM) basis (OiL), iii) OiL with a low level (0.08% of dietary DM) of LPL (LLPL), and iv) OiL with a high level (0.16% of dietary DM) of LPL (HLPL). An in vitro fermentation experiment was performed using strained rumen fluid for 48 h incubations. In vitro DM degradability (IVDMD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber degradability, pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), volatile fatty acid (VFA), and microbial diversity were estimated. RESULTS: There was no significant change in IVDMD, pH, NH3-N, and total VFA production among treatments. The LPL supplementation significantly increased the proportion of butyrate and valerate (Linear effect [Lin], p = 0.004 and <0.001, respectively). The LPL supplementation tended to increase the total bacteria in a linear manner (p = 0.089). There were significant decreases in the relative proportions of cellulolytic (Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus albus) and lipolytic (Anaerovibrio lipolytica and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus) bacteria with increasing levels of LPL supplementation (Lin, p = 0.028, 0.006, 0.003, and 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: The LPL supplementation had antimicrobial effects on several cellulolytic and lipolytic bacteria, with no significant difference in nutrient degradability (DM and neutral detergent fiber) and general bacterial counts, suggesting that LPL supplementation might increase the enzymatic activity of rumen bacteria. Therefore, LPL supplementation may be more effective as an antimicrobial agent rather than as an emulsifier in the rumen.

Replacement of corn with rice grains did not alter growth performance and rumen fermentation in growing Hanwoo steers.

OBJECTIVE: This study was realized to evaluate the nutritional value of rice grains as a replacement for corn grains in the diet of growing Hanwoo steers. METHODS: Two experimental diets were prepared: i) Corn total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of 20% corn grains and ii) Rice TMR consisting of 20% rice grains, in a dry matter (DM) basis. These treatments were used for in vitro rumen fermentation and in vivo growth trials. In the rumen fermentation experiment, the in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro crude protein digestibility (IVCPD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility, pH, ammonia nitrogen, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were estimated at 48 h, and the gas production was measured at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Twenty four growing Hanwoo steers (9 months old; body weight [BW]: 259±13 kg) were randomly divided into two treatment groups and the BW, dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. RESULTS: The in vitro experiment showed that the IVDMD, IVCPD, and VFA production of the Rice TMR were higher than those of the Corn TMR (p<0.05). The growth trial showed no differences (p>0.05) in the final BW, ADG, DMI, and FCR between the two TMRs. CONCLUSION: The use of rice grains instead of corn grains did not exhibit any negative effects on the rumen fermentation or growth performance, thereby rice grains with a DM of less than 20% could be used as a starch source in the diet of growing steers.

Prospective Observational Cohort Study of Health-related Quality of Life: Marked Adult Sagittal Deformity (ASD) in Comparison With Mild to Moderate ASD.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospective observational cohort OBJECTIVE.: This study assessed the difference in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between participants with a mild to moderate adult sagittal deformity (ASD) (sagittal vertical axis [SVA] ≤9.5 cm) and those with a marked deformity (SVA >9.5 cm). We also evaluated predisposing factors for a marked deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Sagittal imbalance is closely associated with HRQOL for the patient. However, how the effect changes depending on the degree of imbalance has not been fully evaluated. The understanding of the predisposing factor associated with marked deformity also lacks. METHODS: A total of 124 elderly persons with a stooping posture were enrolled. Questionnaires related to HRQOL were administered. Sagittal alignment parameters and pelvic parameters were measured with a whole spine x-ray. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the presence of pathologic conditions, muscle quality and quantity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze potential risk factors. RESULTS: Marked ASD was associated with female sex, lower height and weight, and osteoporosis (P < 0.05). Back pain (assessed by a visual analogue scale) and the Oswestry Disability Index were significantly higher in the marked deformity group (P = 0.012, 0.002, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant relationships between the following parameters and marked deformity: preexisting compression fracture (odds ratio [OR] = 7.793; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.527-39.768), severe L5/S1 Pfirrmann disc degeneration grade (OR = 1.916; 95% CI, 1.086-3.382), and lower quantities of multifidus and psoas muscles (OR = 0.994, 0.997; 95% CI, 0.991-0.998, 0.994-0.999, respectively). CONCLUSION: Participants with a marked ASD showed different features from those with a mild to moderate ASD. This study also implies that anatomical factors, including the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and paraspinal muscles, synergistically contribute to progression into marked deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

The effect of heat stress on frame switch splicing of X-box binding protein 1 gene in horse.

OBJECTIVE: Among stress responses, the unfolded protein response (UPR) is a well-known mechanism related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ER stress is induced by a variety of external and environmental factors such as starvation, ischemia, hypoxia, oxidative stress, and heat stress. Inositol requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)-X-box protein 1 (XBP1) is the most conserved pathway involved in the UPR and is the main component that mediates IRE1α signalling to downstream ER-associated degradation (ERAD)- or UPR-related genes. XBP1 is a transcription factor synthesised via a novel mechanism called 'frame switch splicing', and this process has not yet been studied in the horse XBP1 gene. Therefore, the aim of this study was to confirm the frame switch splicing of horse XBP1 and characterise its dynamics using Thoroughbred muscle cells exposed to heat stress. METHODS: Primary horse muscle cells were used to investigate heat stress-induced frame switch splicing of horse XBP1. Frame switch splicing was confirmed by sequencing analysis. XBP1 amino acid sequences and promoter sequences of various species were aligned to confirm the sequence homology and to find conserved cis-acting elements, respectively. The expression of the potential XBP1 downstream genes were analysed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: We confirmed that splicing of horse XBP1 mRNA was affected by the duration of thermal stress. Twenty-six nucleotides in the mRNA of XBP1 were deleted after heat stress. The protein sequence and the cis-regulatory elements on the promoter of horse XBP1 are highly conserved among the mammals. Induction of putative downstream genes of horse XBP1 was dependent on the duration of heat stress. We confirmed that both the mechanisms of XBP1 frame switch splicing and various binding elements found in downstream gene promoters are highly evolutionarily conserved. CONCLUSION: The frame switch splicing of horse XBP1 and its dynamics were highly conserved among species. These results facilitate studies of ER-stress in horse.

Essential oil mixture on rumen fermentation and microbial community - an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of essential oil mixture (EOM) supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial changes in an in vitro. METHODS: Three experimental treatments were used: control (CON, no additive), EOM 0.1 (supplementation of 1 g EOM/kg of substrate), and EOM 0.2 (supplementation of 2 g EOM/kg of substrate). An in vitro fermentation experiment was carried out using strained rumen fluid for 12 and 24 h incubation periods. At each time point, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD), pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, and relative microbial diversity were estimated. RESULTS: After 24 h incubation, treatments involving EOM supplementation led to significantly higher IVDMD (treatments and quadratic effect; p = 0.019 and 0.008) and IVNDFD (linear effect; p = 0.068) than did the CON treatment. The EOM 0.2 supplementation group had the highest NH3-N concentration (treatments; p = 0.032). Both EOM supplementations did not affect total VFA concentration and the proportion of individual VFAs; however, total VFA tended to increase in EOM supplementation groups, after 12 h incubation (linear; p = 0.071). Relative protozoa abundance significantly increased following EOM supplementation (treatments, p<0.001). Selenomonas ruminantium and Ruminococcus albus (treatments; p<0.001 and p = 0.005), abundance was higher in the EOM 0.1 treatment group than in CON. The abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, fungi and Ruminococcus flavefaciens (treatments; p< 0.001, p<0.001, and p = 0.005) was higher following EOM 0.2 treatment. CONCLUSION: The addition of newly developed EOM increased IVDMD, IVNDFD, and tended to increase total VFA indicating that it may be used as a feed additive to improve rumen fermentation by modulating rumen microbial communities. Further studies would be required to investigate the detailed metabolic mechanism underlying the effects of EOM supplementation.

Molecular cloning, purification, expression, and characterization of ß-1, 4-endoglucanase gene (Cel5A) from Eubacterium cellulosolvens sp. isolated from Holstein steers' rumen.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to isolate the cellulolytic microorganism from the rumen of Holstein steers and characterize endoglucanase gene (Cel5A) from the isolated microorganism. METHODS: To isolate anaerobic microbes having endoglucanase, rumen fluid was obtained from Holstein steers fed roughage diet. The isolated anaerobic bacteria had 98% similarity with Eubacterium cellulosolvens (E. cellulosolvens) Ce2 (Accession number: AB163733). The Cel5A from isolated E. cellulolsovens sp. was cloned using the published genome sequence and expressed through the Escherichia coli BL21. RESULTS: The maximum activity of recombinant Cel5A (rCel5A) was observed at 50°C and pH 4.0. The enzyme was constant at the temperature range of 20°C to 40°C but also, at the pH range of 3 to 9. The metal ions including Ca2+, K+, Ni2+, Mg2+, and Fe2+ increased the endoglucanase activity but the addition of Mn2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ decreased. The Km and Vmax value of rCel5A were 14.05 mg/mL and 45.66 µmol/min/mg. Turnover number, Kcat and catalytic efficiency, Kcat/Km values of rCel5A was 96.69 (s-1) and 6.88 (mL/mg/s), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that rCel5A of E. cellulosolvens isolated from Holstein steers had a broad pH range with high stability under various conditions, which might be one of the beneficial characteristics of this enzyme for possible industrial application.

Multiple Regression Analysis to Estimate the Unit Price of Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) Beef.

This study were estimated the contribution of carcass traits to unit price, to analyze the marbling score as a categorical variable rather than a numerical variable, and to develop an optimal model that also includes the holiday effect and the raising period. The data for this study were acquired from the Quality Evaluation of the Korea Institute for Animal Products, and consisted of the trading records of 1,613,699 heads at 12 wholesale markets from 2010 to 2014. The unit price of a cow was estimated from the following parameters: -52.50 Won/mm, 8.93 Won/cm2, 7.20 Won/kg, and -1.04 Won/day for backfat thickness, eye muscle area, carcass weight, and raising period, respectively. Parameters for the dummy variables of marbling scores varied from 0 to 8328.74 Won/kg, which means that each marbling score grade had a different price value. The unit price of a steer was estimated from the following parameters: -92.12 Won/mm, 20.22 Won/cm2, 1.30 Won/kg, and -1.72 Won/day for backfat thickness, eye muscle area, carcass weights, and raising period, respectively. Parameters for dummy variables of marbling scores varied from 0 to 7338.80 Won/kg, which means that the grades of each marbling score had different price values. The unit price of sales during traditional holidays was significantly higher (827.71 Won/kg for cows, and 645.15 Won/kg for steers) than during non-holidays.We conclude that the use of categorical values for marbling scores would be needed to evaluate the price of Hanwoo beef using multiple regression analysis based on carcass traits and environmental factors.

Role of Ethnicity in Alignment Compensation: Propensity Matched Analysis of Differential Compensatory Mechanism Recruitment Patterns for Sagittal Malalignment in 288 ASD Patients From Japan, Korea, and United States.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of adult spinal deformity patients in a multiethnic database. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of ethnicity on recruitment of compensatory mechanisms for sagittal spinal deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: While the impacts of age, sex, and pelvic morphology on the ability to compensate for sagittal malalignment have been investigated, the role of ethnicity in compensatory mechanism recruitment is poorly understood. METHODS: Patients from USA (85% Caucasian) >25 y/o were propensity matched by age, sex, and pelvic incidence with patients from Korea and Japan. Only primary patients or those with existing fusion below T12 were retained for analysis. Groups were subclassified by deformity severity (aligned: sagittal vertical axis (SVA) <50 mm; moderate malalignment: SVA 50-100 mm; severe malalignment: SVA >100 mm). Radiographic measurements including pelvic retroversion, thoracic kyphosis, loss of lumbar lordosis (PI minus LL), cervical lordosis, and cervical SVA were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were 288 patients (96 each in USA, KOR, JPN), with similar age (64-67 yr) and PI (49-53°). USA had smaller pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis in every alignment group (P <0.05). In moderate malalignment, JPN had more pelvic retroversion than USA (30° vs. 20°), and KOR had more thoracic hypokyphosis than USA (15 vs. 31°). In severe malalignment, JPN had more pelvic retroversion than USA (39° vs. 27°), and KOR had more thoracic hypokyphosis than USA (15° vs. 31°). KOR had smaller cSVA than USA in both aligned (11 vs. 27 mm) and moderate (19 vs. 31 mm) malalignment. In severe malalignment, KOR had less cervical lordosis (13° KOR vs. 15° USA vs. 27° JPN). All differences with P <0.05. CONCLUSION: Compensation for sagittal is ethnicity dependent. Korean patients favor thoracic compensation via hypokyphosis, and Japanese patients favor pelvic compensation via retroversion. Patient ethnicity should be considered when evaluating the sagittal plane and surgical correction strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Feasibility Study of Utilization of Action Camera, GoPro Hero 4, Google Glass, and Panasonic HX-A100 in Spine Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Study for feasibility of commercially available action cameras in recording video of spine. OBJECTIVE: Recent innovation of the wearable action camera with high-definition video recording enables surgeons to use camera in the operation at ease without high costs. The purpose of this study is to compare the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of commercially available action cameras in recording video of spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There are early reports of medical professionals using Google Glass throughout the hospital, Panasonic HX-A100 action camera, and GoPro. This study is the first report for spine surgery. METHODS: Three commercially available cameras were tested: GoPro Hero 4 Silver, Google Glass, and Panasonic HX-A100 action camera. Typical spine surgery was selected for video recording; posterior lumbar laminectomy and fusion. Three cameras were used by one surgeon and video was recorded throughout the operation. The comparison was made on the perspective of human factor, specification, and video quality. RESULTS: The most convenient and lightweight device for wearing and holding throughout the long operation time was Google Glass. The image quality; all devices except Google Glass supported HD format and GoPro has unique 2.7K or 4K resolution. Quality of video resolution was best in GoPro. Field of view, GoPro can adjust point of interest, field of view according to the surgery. Narrow FOV option was the best for recording in GoPro to share the video clip. Google Glass has potentials by using application programs. Connectivity such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enables video streaming for audience, but only Google Glass has two-way communication feature in device. CONCLUSION: Action cameras have the potential to improve patient safety, operator comfort, and procedure efficiency in the field of spinal surgery and broadcasting a surgery with development of the device and applied program in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Influences of somatic donor cell sex on in vitro and in vivo embryo development following somatic cell nuclear transfer in pigs.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigates pre- and post-implantation developmental competence of nuclear-transferred porcine embryos derived from male and female fetal fibroblasts. METHODS: Male and female fetal fibroblasts were transferred to in vitro-matured enucleated oocytes and in vitro and in vivo developmental competence of reconstructed embryos was investigated. And, a total of 6,789 female fibroblast nuclear-transferred embryos were surgically transferred into 41 surrogate gilts and 4,746 male fibroblast nuclear-transferred embryos were surgically transferred into 25 surrogate gilts. RESULTS: The competence to develop into blastocysts was not significantly different between the sexes. The mean cell number of female and male cloned blastocysts obtained by in vivo culture (143.8±10.5 to 159.2±14.8) was higher than that of in vitro culture of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) groups (31.4±8.3 to 33.4±11.1). After embryo transfer, 5 pregnant gilts from each treatment delivered 15 female and 22 male piglets. The average birth weight of the cloned piglets, gestation length, and the postnatal survival rates were not significantly different (p<0.05) between sexes. CONCLUSION: The present study found that the sex difference of the nuclear donor does not affect the developmental rate of porcine SCNT embryos. Furthermore, postnatal survivability of the cloned piglets was not affected by the sex of the donor cell.

Characteristics of Cervical Spine Trauma in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical characteristics of cervical spine trauma in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) with those of a control group. METHODS: A total of 124 patients with cervical spine trauma from January 2004 to December 2013 were reviewed. Fourteen patients were diagnosed with AS and 25 patients were diagnosed with OPLL; 85 patients were controls. C-spine plain radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were obtained for evaluation of cervical spine trauma. The American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale and Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification were used to evaluate the neurologic status of patients and the fracture mechanism. RESULTS: Patients with AS or OPLL had more spinal injuries associated with minor trauma than did the control group. All patients with AS had spinal fracture injuries after cervical spine trauma, but patients with OPLL mostly had spinal cord injuries without bony fractures. After cervical spine trauma, delayed diagnosis occurred in 3 patients with AS (21.4%) and 4 patients with OPLL (15.6%). Improvement from neurologic deficit after treatment showed better outcomes in patients with AS and OPLL than in controls (P = 0.106). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AS or OPLL who had cervical spine trauma showed different characteristics and outcomes than control patients. Proper surgical treatment led to better outcomes in both patients with AS and patients with OPLL than in control patients. Moreover, it is important to thoroughly examine patients with AS or OPLL after cervical trauma so as not to delay diagnosis.

Relationship between T1 slope and loss of lordosis after laminoplasty in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Laminoplasty is a major surgical method used to treat patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Sometimes, patients with cervical OPLL demonstrate postoperative kyphosis despite sufficient preoperative lordosis. Recently, the impact of T1 slope has emerged as a predictor of kyphotic alignment change after laminoplasty. However, the relationship between T1 slope and postoperative cervical alignment change is not yet fully established. PURPOSE: The goals of the present study were to investigate the relationship between T1 slope and loss of cervical lordosis (LCL), and to identify the role of T1 slope as a predictor of postoperative kyphosis after laminoplasty in patients with OPLL. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective case study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Between January 2011 and January 2012, 64 consecutive patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty for OPLL were enrolled (male:female ratio=47:17; mean age=55.9 years). Cervical spine lateral radiographs in neutral, flexion, and extension were taken before surgery and at 2-year follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES: The C2-C7 Cobb angle, cervical range of motion (ROM), T1 slope, neck tilt, and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured from lateral radiographs of the cervical spine preoperatively and postoperatively at 2-year follow-up. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups according to preoperative T1 slope, and the postoperative cervical alignment change was compared between the groups. Postoperative kyphosis and LCL incidence were also evaluated at 2-year follow-up. The relationships between postoperative cervical alignment change and preoperative variables, including age, T1 slope, cervical ROM, C2-C7 SVA, and T1 slope minus C2-C7 Cobb angle (T1S-CL), were investigated. RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups above and below median preoperative T1 slope (23.2°). There were no differences in age, sex, type of OPLL, or operation level between the two groups. Patients with higher preoperative T1 slope demonstrated significantly more lordotic preoperative cervical alignment (p=.001). Patients with higher preoperative T1 slope were more likely to exhibit postoperative LCL (p=.03), and when it occurred the degree of LCL was greater (p=.06). In multiple linear regression analysis, higher T1 slope (B=0.414, p=.04) and lower T1S-CL (B=-0.412, p=.03) were significantly associated with more postoperative LCL. In spite of these results, postoperative kyphosis did not occur more frequently in patients with higher T1 slope (p=.64). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with higher T1 slope had more lordotic curvature before surgery and demonstrated more LCL at 2-year follow-up. Cervical alignment was compromised after laminoplasty, and the degree of LCL was correlated with preoperative T1 slope. After laminoplasty for cervical OPLL, patients with higher T1 slope tended to exhibit a greater LCL yet did not drift into frank postoperative kyphosis.