What is the degree of variability in formal training for pediatric orthopedic surgeons performing scoliosis surgery?

INTRODUCTION: although pediatric orthopedic surgeons worldwide perform scoliosis surgery, the training received is variable and poorly understood. By surveying the European Pediatric Orthopedic Society (EPOS) and the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Ortopedia (SLAOTI), we aim to characterize this variability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: in 2021, we distributed an anonymous online questionnaire to EPOS and SLAOTI. RESULTS: 43% EPOS and 22% SLAOTI perform scoliosis procedures (p < 0.05). 18% EPOS and 2% SLAOTI performed > 35 procedures annually (p < 0.05). 70% EPOS and 27% SLAOTI received formal training in spinal deformity surgery (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: results show significant differences in training and performance of scoliosis procedures between societies.

INTRODUCCIÓN: aunque muchos cirujanos ortopédicos pediátricos alrededor del mundo realizan cirugías para la escoliosis, el entrenamiento es variable y poco conocido. A través de encuestar a la Sociedad Europea de Ortopedia Pediátrica (EPOS) y a la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Ortopedia (SLAOTI) queremos caracterizar esta variabilidad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: distribuimos un cuestionario anónimo en 2021 a los miembros de EPOS y SLAOTI. RESULTADOS: realizan las cirugías de escoliosis 43% de EPOS, en comparación con 22% de SLAOTI (p < 0.05); 18% de EPOS realizó > 35 cirugías al año, en comparación con 2% de SLAOTI (p < 0.05); 70% de EPOS y 27% de SLAOTI recibieron capacitación formal en cirugía de deformidades de la columna (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONES: los resultados de este estudio subrayan las diferencias en el entrenamiento de las cirugías de escoliosis entre diferentes sociedades.

Angiotensin-(1-7) relieved renal injury induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis.

We aimed to study the renal injury and hypertension induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and the protective effects mediated by angiotensin 1-7 [Ang(1-7)]. We randomly assigned 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight 180-200 g) to normoxia control, CIH, Ang(1-7)-treated normoxia, and Ang(1-7)-treated CIH groups. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored at the start and end of each week. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded. CTGF and TGF-ß were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Tissue parameters of oxidative stress were also determined. In addition, renal levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, nitrotyrosine, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and ELISA. TUNEL assay results and cleaved caspase 3 and 12 were also determined. Ang(1-7) induced a reduction in SBP together with a restoration of RSNA in the rat model of CIH. Ang(1-7) treatment also suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species, reduced renal tissue inflammation, ameliorated mesangial expansion, and decreased renal fibrosis. Thus, Ang(1-7) treatment exerted renoprotective effects on CIH-induced renal injury and was associated with a reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Ang(1-7) might therefore represent a promising therapy for obstructive sleep apnea-related hypertension and renal injury.

Angiotensin-(1-7) relieved renal injury induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis

We aimed to study the renal injury and hypertension induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and the protective effects mediated by angiotensin 1-7 [Ang(1-7)]. We randomly assigned 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight 180-200 g) to normoxia control, CIH, Ang(1-7)-treated normoxia, and Ang(1-7)-treated CIH groups. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored at the start and end of each week. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded. CTGF and TGF-β were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Tissue parameters of oxidative stress were also determined. In addition, renal levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, nitrotyrosine, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and ELISA. TUNEL assay results and cleaved caspase 3 and 12 were also determined. Ang(1-7) induced a reduction in SBP together with a restoration of RSNA in the rat model of CIH. Ang(1-7) treatment also suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species, reduced renal tissue inflammation, ameliorated mesangial expansion, and decreased renal fibrosis. Thus, Ang(1-7) treatment exerted renoprotective effects on CIH-induced renal injury and was associated with a reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Ang(1-7) might therefore represent a promising therapy for obstructive sleep apnea-related hypertension and renal injury.

Identification of significantly different modules between permanent and deciduous teeth by network and pathway analyses.

The differences in genetic backgrounds between deciduous and permanent teeth might contribute to the differences in developmental processes, histological characteristics, and tooth life cycles. Here, we attempted to identify significantly different modules between permanent and deciduous teeth via network and pathway analyses. We identified 291 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between permanent and deciduous teeth using significance analysis of microarray methods. Co-expression networks of DEGs were constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Three pathways with a significant number of DEGs and P value <0.01 were identified. Integrated co-expression network and pathway (pathway and adjacent gene) analyses were used to extract three pathway-related modules: the calcium signaling pathway-related, ECM-receptor interaction pathway-related, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway-related modules. We also attempted to analyze the topological centralities (degree, closeness, stress, and betweenness) of co-expression networks and modules. Four genes (TMEM229A, PPAPDC1A, LEPREL1, and GAD1) and three pathway-related modules that were significantly different in the deciduous and permanent teeth showed similar properties and good centralities. The relative expression levels of key genes were validated, and the differential expression of TMEM229A, LEPREL1, and GAD1 was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study may provide a greater understanding of the molecular pathogenesis and potential biomarkers of the progression from deciduous to permanent teeth.

Angiotensin-(1-7) inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress to relieve lung injury induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats.

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in lung tissues and can lead to metabolic abnormalities. We investigated the effects of angiotensin1-7 [Ang-(1-7)] on lung injury in rats induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). We randomly assigned 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (180-200 g) to normoxia control (NC), CIH-untreated (uCIH), Ang-(1-7)-treated normoxia control (N-A), and Ang-(1-7)-treated CIH (CIH-A) groups. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in lung tissues, and expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) and Nox subunits (p22phox, and p47phox) was determined by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Pulmonary pathological changes were more evident in the uCIH group than in the other groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunohistochemical staining showed that inflammatory factor concentrations in serum and lung tissues in the uCIH group were significantly higher than those in the NC and N-A groups. Expression of inflammatory factors was significantly higher in the CIH-A group than in the NC and N-A groups, but was lower than in the uCIH group (P<0.01). Oxidative stress was markedly higher in the uCIH group than in the NC and N-A groups. Expression of Nox4 and its subunits was also increased in the uCIH group. These changes were attenuated upon Ang-(1-7) treatment. In summary, treatment with Ang-(1-7) reversed signs of CIH-induced lung injury via inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Angiotensin- (1-7) inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress to relieve lung injury induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in rats

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in lung tissues and can lead to metabolic abnormalities. We investigated the effects of angiotensin1–7 [Ang-(1–7)] on lung injury in rats induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). We randomly assigned 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (180–200 g) to normoxia control (NC), CIH-untreated (uCIH), Ang-(1–7)-treated normoxia control (N-A), and Ang-(1–7)-treated CIH (CIH-A) groups. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in lung tissues, and expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) and Nox subunits (p22phox, and p47phox) was determined by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Pulmonary pathological changes were more evident in the uCIH group than in the other groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunohistochemical staining showed that inflammatory factor concentrations in serum and lung tissues in the uCIH group were significantly higher than those in the NC and N-A groups. Expression of inflammatory factors was significantly higher in the CIH-A group than in the NC and N-A groups, but was lower than in the uCIH group (P<0.01). Oxidative stress was markedly higher in the uCIH group than in the NC and N-A groups. Expression of Nox4 and its subunits was also increased in the uCIH group. These changes were attenuated upon Ang-(1–7) treatment. In summary, treatment with Ang-(1-7) reversed signs of CIH-induced lung injury via inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone treatment on hormone levels and antioxidant parameters in aged rats.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of chronic dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration on steroid hormones and antioxidant parameters in aged rats. To this end, three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were compared: young (3 months of age) untreated; aged (19 months old) untreated; and aged rats treated with 20 mg/kg DHEA for 8 weeks. Major organs of aged rats in the untreated group demonstrated physiological atrophy, compared to those of young rats; this effect appeared to have been partially reversed by DHEA treatment. Testosterone and estradiol contents were significantly decreased and aldosterone significantly increased in aged untreated, compared to young untreated rats. Steroid hormone levels were obviously reversed, however, in aged rats treated with DHEA. Additionally, superoxide dismutase activity in serum, brain, heart, and liver was decreased, and maleic dialdehyde content in heart was markedly increased in untreated aged, compared to young, rats. Importantly, these changes in brain and heart of aged rats were reversed by DHEA treatment. Heme oxygenase mRNA levels were increased and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA levels decreased in aged, compared to young, rats; DHEA treatment appeared to reverse these changes. These results indicate that chronic DHEA administration may have effects on steroid hormone levels and antioxidant parameters in aged rats and result in postponement of the aging process.

Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 induced HDAC2 expression and reduced NF-κB p65 expression in a rat model of OVA-induced asthma

Recent evidence indicates that a deficiency of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3) may influence asthma pathogenesis; however, its roles in regulating specific molecular transcription mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the expression and enzyme activity of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and its synergistic effects with dexamethasone (Dx) in the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine secretion in a rat asthma model. Healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control, asthma, 1,25(OH)2D3 pretreatment, 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment, Dx treatment, and Dx and 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Pulmonary inflammation was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge (OVA/OVA). Inflammatory cells and cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and histological changes in lung tissue were examined. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and HDAC2 expression levels were assessed with Western blot analyses and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Enzyme activity measurements and immunohistochemical detection of HDAC2 were also performed. Our data demonstrated that 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced the airway inflammatory response and the level of inflammatory cytokines in BAL. Although NF-κB p65 expression was attenuated in the pretreatment and treatment groups, the expression and enzyme activity of HDAC2 were increased. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 and Dx had synergistic effects on the suppression of total cell infusion, cytokine release, and NF-κB p65 expression, and they also increased HDAC2 expression and activity in OVA/OVA rats. Collectively, our results indicated that 1,25(OH)2D3 might be useful as a novel HDAC2 activator in the treatment of asthma.

Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 induced HDAC2 expression and reduced NF-κB p65 expression in a rat model of OVA-induced asthma.

Recent evidence indicates that a deficiency of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3) may influence asthma pathogenesis; however, its roles in regulating specific molecular transcription mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the expression and enzyme activity of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and its synergistic effects with dexamethasone (Dx) in the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine secretion in a rat asthma model. Healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control, asthma, 1,25(OH)2D3 pretreatment, 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment, Dx treatment, and Dx and 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Pulmonary inflammation was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge (OVA/OVA). Inflammatory cells and cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and histological changes in lung tissue were examined. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and HDAC2 expression levels were assessed with Western blot analyses and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Enzyme activity measurements and immunohistochemical detection of HDAC2 were also performed. Our data demonstrated that 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced the airway inflammatory response and the level of inflammatory cytokines in BAL. Although NF-κB p65 expression was attenuated in the pretreatment and treatment groups, the expression and enzyme activity of HDAC2 were increased. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 and Dx had synergistic effects on the suppression of total cell infusion, cytokine release, and NF-κB p65 expression, and they also increased HDAC2 expression and activity in OVA/OVA rats. Collectively, our results indicated that 1,25(OH)2D3 might be useful as a novel HDAC2 activator in the treatment of asthma.

Changes in the PD-1 and PD-L1 expressions of splenic dendritic cells in multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome mice and their significance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of surface molecules in splenic dendritic cells (DC) in multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) mice and their effects on the immunosuppression of sepsis and MODS. One hundred thirty C57BL/6 mice were divided into 7 groups: 6, 12, 24, 48 h, 5-7 days, 10-12 days, and the normal control group. The sepsis-MODS mouse model was established by zymson injection into the peritoneal cavity. Histopathological changes in the spleen were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. After enrichment with BDTM IMag, the expressions of PD-1, PD-L1, MHC-II (I-A(b)), and CD86 in splenic DCs were examined by flow cytometry, and their relationship with sepsis development and MODS was analyzed. The histological structures of the spleen were damaged in the 24-, 48-h, and 10-12-day groups. PD-L1 expression increased 6 h after zymosan injection, decreased to normal levels at 24 and 48 h, and increased at 5-7 days, peaking at 10-12 days. The change in PD-1 expression roughly paralleled that of PD-L1. MHC-II and CD86 increased at 6 and 12 h, and dropped to normal levels at 10-12 days. In the early stage of injury, splenic DCs were mainly activated, whereas in the later stage, the expressions of the negative co-stimulatory molecules, PD-L1 and PD- 1, were upregulated, similar to tolerogenic DCs. Splenic DCs might suppress the stimulation of T lymphocytes in MODS mice through the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway, which would induce immunosuppression and the pathogenesis of MODS.

New polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Korean manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) and their application to wild populations.

Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) is a valuable and intensively exploited shellfish species in Korea. Despite its importance, information on its genetic background is scarce. For the genetic characterization of R. philippinarum, expressed sequence tag-derived microsatellite markers were developed using next-generation sequencing. A total of 5879 tandem repeats containing di- to hexanucleotide repeat motifs were obtained from 236,746 reads (mean = 413 bp). Of the 62 loci screened, 24 (38.7%) were successfully amplified, and 10 were polymorphic in 144 individuals from 2 manila clam populations (Incheon and Geoje, Korea). The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 17 in the Incheon population and from 3 to 13 in the Geoje population (overall AR = 7.21). The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were estimated to be 0.402 and 0.555, respectively. Hence, there is less genetic variability in the Geoje population than in the Incheon population, although no significant reductions of genetic diversity were found between the populations (P > 0.05). However, significant genetic differentiation was detected between the populations (FST = 0.064, P < 0.001). Significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and high inbreeding coefficients (mean FIS = 0.22-0.26) were detected in both populations. The 10 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci used in this study will be useful for future genetic mapping studies and for characterizing population structures, monitoring genetic diversity for successful aquaculture management, and developing conservation strategies for manila clam populations in Korea.

Clinical effects and safety review of self-expanding stent surgery for extracranial carotid artery stenosis treatment.

This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects and safety review of self-expanding stent surgery in the treatment of extracranial carotid artery stenosis. Seventy-eight patients with carotid artery stenosis were applied with the self-expanding stent for endovascular interventional therapy. Eighty-one stents were implanted into 80 blood vessels of the 78 patients, in which protective umbrellas were used in 56 cases, and the success rate of stent implantation was 100%. The stenosis degree decreased from the preoperative (86.72 ± 9.5%) to the postoperative (13.43 ± 5.62%) stage, and the blood peak velocity of the stenosed vessels decreased from 189.58 ± 13.5 to 83.73 ± 5.61 cm/s. Transient blood pressure and heart rate decreases occurred in 21 cases, continuously low blood pressure and heart rate decreasing occurred in 29 cases, and acute occlusion of the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery occurred in 1 case, which was resolved through thrombolysis and thrombus breaking in time. Over-perfusion symptoms were observed in 13 cases, although without serious complications such as cerebral hemorrhage. The follow-up period continued for 6-32 months, and ultrasonography revealed that 77 cases had no stent-restenosis, while 1 case had restenosis. The application of self-expanding stents had good clinical effects, with fewer complications and higher safety for the treatment of extracranial carotid artery stenosis.

Isolation and characterization of novel EST-SSRs in the showy dendrobium, Dendrobium nobile (Orchidaceae).

Expressed sequence tag (EST)-derived simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers could enrich the current resource of molecular markers. In this study, microsatellite markers were developed for Dendrobium nobile Lindl. by mining the ESTs. Twenty-eight EST-SSRs amplified 2 to 6 nucleotide repeats with a mean number of 2.82 alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities per locus ranged from 0.158 to 0.579 and 0.422 to 0.752, respectively. These novel EST-SSRs enriched the current resource of molecular markers for the Dendrobium genus and would facilitate further applications in germplasm appraisal, evolution and genetic diversity studies, genetic mapping, and plant breeding of D. nobile and other congeneric species.

Development of microsatellite markers for the kelp grouper Epinephelus bruneus by 454 pyrosequencing and transfer to related species.

The kelp or longtooth grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), which inhabits Eastern Asia, is the most economically important of 11 grouper species that inhabit the Southern Sea near Jeju Island in Korea. This species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources because of a rapid decrease in its resources. We developed microsatellite markers for E. bruneus using the pyrosequencing technique for applications in resource management and aquaculture. In addition, we tested the cross-species transferability of the microsatellite markers in four species belonging to the Epinephelus genus. Among 66,452 simple sequence repeats, 64 loci containing more than eight CA or TG repeats were randomly selected for primer synthesis; 45 primer sets (75.0%) produced polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of 100-300 bp and were selected as candidates. After primary testing with four E. bruneus fish, 28 polymorphic loci were selected as the final microsatellite markers, and 23 sets showing clear amplification of polymorphic loci were used to analyze 71 fish. These loci have allele numbers ranging from 2 to 23. Null alleles were detected at three loci, and three loci showed an excess of homozygotes in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test. Of the three species used for cross-species transfer of these markers, Epinephelus moara showed the highest transferability (92.9%) and polymorphism (67.9%), followed by Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (75.0 and 67.9%, respectively) and Epinephelus septemfasciatus (57.1 and 46.4%, respectively). These results suggested that these microsatellite loci should be valuable tools for population genetic studies of the species Epinephelus.

Genetic characterization of Mytilus coruscus and M. galloprovincialis using microsatellite markers.

Korean (hard-shelled) mussels (Mytilus coruscus) are an economically important endemic marine bivalve mollusk of Korea; yet, the population has rapidly declined because of overharvesting and habitat competition from the invasive Mytilus galloprovincialis species. The population structures of M. coruscus and M. galloprovincialis were analyzed by next-generation sequencing using 5 microsatellite markers specifically developed for M. coruscus. M. galloprovincialis had an average of 5.4 alleles per locus (range = 2-10), with an average allelic richness of 4.9 per locus (range = 2.0-9.3). M. coruscus had an average of 5.7 alleles per locus (range = 2-13), with an average allelic richness of 5.2 per locus (range = 2.0-11.9). Excessive homozygosity was observed at 3 loci, which was assumed to be due to the presence of null alleles at these loci. Pairwise multilocus FST estimates showed that the M. coruscus and M. galloprovincialis populations were clearly separated. Six populations of M. galloprovincialis from the western, eastern, and southern coast of Korea formed 2 separate clusters, indicating that more than 2 populations of M. galloprovincialis have been introduced to the Korean Peninsula. Hybrids between M. coruscus and M. galloprovincialis were not identified, probably because of genetic differences or different habitat preferences. Further genetic information is required to perform selective breeding, population management, and restoration of M. coruscus.

Development of microsatellite markers for a hard-shelled mussel, Mytilus coruscus, and cross-species transfer.

The Korean mussel Mytilus coruscus, an endemic marine bivalve mollusk, is economically important. Its population is currently decreasing due to overexploitation and invasion of a more competitive species, Mytilus galloprovincialis. In this study, microsatellite markers for M. coruscus were developed using a cost-effective pyrosequencing technique. Among the 33,859 dinucleotide microsatellite sequences identified, 176 loci that contained more than 8 CA, CT, or AT repeats were selected for primer synthesis. Sixty-four (36.4%) primer sets were produced from the 100- to 200-bp polymerase chain reaction products obtained from 2 M. coruscus individuals. Twenty of these were chosen to amplify DNA from 82 M. coruscus individuals, and 18 polymorphic loci and 2 monomorphic loci were selected as microsatellite markers. The number of alleles and the allele richness of the polymorphic loci ranged from 2 to 22 and from 2.0 to 19.7 with means of 10.8 and 10.1, respectively. Null alleles were detected for all but three loci, which resulted in an observed heterozygosity lower than the expected heterozygosity and therefore an excess of homozygotes. In a cross-species transfer analysis of these markers using 7 Mytilidae species, the locus Mc65 was amplified from all species tested and was found to be polymorphic in all of them. Among the species, M. galloprovincialis, Lithophaga curta, and Hormomya mutabilis showed the same transferability of 25%, but the five amplified loci were polymorphic only in M. galloprovincialis and H. mutabilis. These microsatellite markers may be useful for future resource management and artificial production of juveniles for aquaculture.

Genetic differentiation of octopuses from different habitats near the Korean Peninsula and eastern China based on analysis of the mDNA cytochrome C oxidase 1 gene.

Distributed along the coastal waters of Korea and China, Octopus minor is found in various habitats, including the mud flats in the southern and western coasts of the Korean Peninsula and the rocky areas around Jeju Island; however, the genetic relationships among the different populations are unknown and have not been studied. We compared 630-nucleotide sequences of the CO1 gene from O. minor specimens collected from five regions around the Korean Peninsula and three regions from eastern China in order to determine population structure and genetic relationships. Based on the sequences at 12 polymorphic sites in this region, 11 haplotypes were identified from 85 specimens. Individuals from Jeju Island had unique haplotypes, including two haplotypes not found in the other populations. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity for all populations ranged from 0.03-0.37 and 0.20-0.64, respectively. Pairwise F(ST) values indicated significant genetic differences in populations from Korea and China. An UPGMA dendrogram showed separation of the eight populations into three clusters; one included only the Jeju population, another included the rest of the Korean populations and some from Dalian, China; a third cluster consisted of two other populations from China. We conclude that there are discrete genetic differences in O. minor from the different habitats, suggesting that the populations should be considered as management units in the ongoing recovery program.

SU-E-T-511: Dose Variations Related to Tumor Size and Location for Pencil Beam and Anisotropic Analytical Algorithms.

PURPOSE: To investigate the tumor geometric relationship to the dose variations of Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA), pencil beam convolution algorithm with/without modified Bath Power Law(PBMPL)/PB in stereotactic body radiation therapy(SBRT) treatment plans of patients presenting with a solitary primary lung cancer. MATERIALS/METHODS: Treatment plans of 14 patients (7 upper lobe, 7 lower lobe) were used for this study. The planning target volume (PTV) size ranges from 3.9c.c. to 156.7c.c. The SBRT treatment plans were composed of 10-12 non- coplanar photon beams as per RTOG guidelines. The prescription dose for this study were (i) 4×12Gy, (ii) 5×10Gy, and (iii) 5×11Gy. The Varian Eclipse treatment planning system Eclipse v. 8.9 (Palo Alto, CA) was used for this study. Four-dimensional CT (4D CT) data were used to define the integral target volume (ITV) on maximum intensity projection. An 5mm circumferential margin was used to create PTV from ITV. Plans were generated with three algorithms. RESULTS: a). For small lesions (PTV occupy less than 1% of the ipsilateral lung volume), the PBMPL plans had overestimated the dose by average 10% compared to AAA. But the PB without any heterogeneity correction agrees well with AAA. b). For big lesions (PTV occupy more than 1% of the ipsilateral lung volume), the PBMPL plans had agreed well with AAA. But the PB without any heterogeneity correction underestimate the dose by average 15% compared to AAA. c). The tumor location (Group1: within 1cm from the lung wall;Group2: 2cm away from the lung wall Group3: in between zone of 1 and 2cm from the lung wall; Group 4:Spread from the lung wall to the 2cm away zone) seems to relate with dose calculation variations among different algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: Prescription adjustment is not necessary for PTV less than 1% of ipsilateral lung volume as the recent suggestion by the quality assurance working group of phase III Rosel study of prescription dose reduction of 10% from 60Gy to 54Gy when utilizing AAA instead of PBC.

Microsatellite analysis as a tool for discriminating an interfamily hybrid between olive flounder and starry flounder.

An interspecific artificial hybrid was produced between two economically important aquaculture flatfish: olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and starry flounder (P. stellatus). This hybrid displays the rapid growth characteristic of the former and tolerance to low temperatures and low salinity of the latter, but the genetics of inheritance in this hybrid have not been elucidated. Polymorphic microsatellite markers developed for P. olivaceus and P. stellatus were tested to determine if these markers can be used for analysis of parentage and genetic inheritance. Multiplex PCR using two primer sets that were specific to each species produced PCR products of different sizes; these could be used for the identification of interspecific hybrids. Among the 192 primers derived from olive flounder, 25.5% of the primer sets successfully amplified genomic DNA from starry flounder, and 23% of the 56 primer sets originating from starry flounder amplified DNA from olive flounder. Analysis of genetic inheritance in the hybrid using seven of the 62 microsatellite markers common to both species demonstrated classic Mendelian inheritance of these markers in the hybrid progeny, with the exception of one locus identified as a null allele in the hybrid. These results demonstrate that cross-specific microsatellite markers can be used tools for parentage analysis of hybrid flatfish, for mapping quantitative trait loci, for marker-assisted selective breeding, and for studies of the evolution of fish.

Comparison of chloral hydrate and midazolam for sedation of neonates for neuroimaging studies.

In a crossover study of seven term neonates who had neuroimaging studies, chloral hydrate (75 mg/kg administered orally) was more efficacious (p<0.05) but similar with regard to toxic effects than midazolam (0.2 mg/kg administered intravenously). Thus newer drugs are not necessarily better, and monitoring is essential even after a single oral sedative dose.