Proposal to add a Note to Rule 8 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to clarify the meaning of the term 'stem'.

According to the Rules of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP) and its appendices, names of higher taxa are formed by the addition of the appropriate suffix to the stem of the name of the type genus, and word stems derived from Latin and/or Greek are combined to compound names by means of an appropriate connecting vowel. The way the word 'stem' is used in the ICNP differs from the meaning of this term in textbooks of Latin and Greek grammar. We therefore propose to add a Note to Rule 8, clarifying that the term 'stem' when used in the ICNP corresponds with that part of the word that does not vary among the forms of the noun in the oblique cases, i.e., cases other than the nominative, and which can be obtained by deleting the ending of the genitive singular.

Weak link or strong foundation? Vulnerability of fine root networks and stems to xylem embolism.

Resolving the position of roots in the whole-plant hierarchy of drought-induced xylem embolism resistance is fundamental for predicting when species become isolated from soil water resources. Published research generally suggests that roots are the most vulnerable organ of the plant vascular system, although estimates vary significantly. However, our knowledge of root embolism excludes the fine roots (< 2 mm diameter) that form the bulk of total absorptive surface area of the root network for water and nutrient uptake. We measured fine root and stem xylem vulnerability in 10 vascular plant species from the major land plant clades (five angiosperms, three conifers, a fern and lycophyte), using standardised in situ methods (Optical Methods and MicroCT). Mean fine root embolism resistance across the network matched or exceeded stems in all study species. In six of these species (one fern, one lycophyte, three conifers and one angiosperm), fine roots were significantly more embolism resistant than stems. No clear relationship was found between root xylem conduit diameter and vulnerability. These results provide insight into the resistance of the plant hydraulic pathway at the site of water and nutrient uptake, and challenge the long-standing assumption that fine roots are more vulnerable than stems.

Effect of tea stems on the quality formation of large-leaf yellow tea: Sensomics and flavoromics approaches.

In this study, the stems (ST) and leaves (LT) isolated from Large-leaf yellow tea (LYT) were used for sensory evaluation and quantitative analysis of flavor metabolites by sensomics and flavoromics. The results showed that the flavors of ST and LT in LYT were significantly different, and ST had stronger roasty and nutty aroma and sweet taste, which was mainly due to the accumulation of higher theanine and soluble monosaccharides in ST, and provided more substrates for the production of more pyrazine by the Maillard reaction; whereas LT contributed to the mellow and thick taste quality of LYT, and the abundance of catechins and caffeine were the main reason. The metabolic patterns of flavor metabolites indicated that the flavor differences between ST and LT were mainly due to biological metabolism in tea plants. This study provides the selection of raw materials for LYT in the future and product development of tea stems.

Histological methods for plant tissues.

Although many of the structures and organelles of vegetative cells are comparable to those of animal tissues, significant differences between the two kingdoms require modifications in histological techniques for both tissue processing steps and histochemical staining techniques. The authors investigated the challenges of working with plant tissues by collecting various flora to represent the four main plant organs: leaf, stem, root, and flower/fruit. Triplicate samples for each specimen were placed into formalin for paraffin embedding, placed into formalin for later frozen sections, and used fresh to undergo immediate frozen sectioning. Frozen sections of plant tissues were more difficult to obtain than formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections, exhibited tissue loss during staining, and were inferior morphologically to FFPE sections. Although, historically, plant tissue fixation and processing has employed several different reagents compared with those used in animal tissue processing and took significantly longer times, the current investigation determined reagents and protocols from a modern histology laboratory which processes mammalian tissues can be applied to plant tissue processing with only slight modifications in respect to reagent timing. Additionally, staining techniques were compared and while it is well known that plant cell walls stain well with safranin O, the current investigation determined the uptake of safranin O can be accelerated by incubating at 60°C.

Outcomes of a hydroxyapatite ceramic-coated femoral stem in primary total hip arthroplasty: a report of excellent survivorship from a single United Kingdom centre.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyapatite (HA) coated femoral stems were introduced to enhance the biological fixation at the implant-bone interface, aiming to increase the longevity and survival of the prostheses. We aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of an HA ceramic (HAC) coated stem in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), assess the stem survival, and clinically evaluate the patients using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and radiological evaluation of stem osseointegration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective evaluation of a retrospective cohort of 385 patients (442 hips) who underwent primary THA between June 2008 and December 2018. The mean age was 63.83 years (range, 30-82 years). During the follow-up duration, 23 patients died, and 36 patients (38 hips) were lost to follow-up. Prospective data collected for 326 patients (381 hips) was used to evaluate stem survival with the Kaplan-Meier method using aseptic loosening or any revision as the endpoint. Clinical evaluation was done using the EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D) scoring system and PROMs using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and Merle D'Aubigne Postel (MDP) score. Radiological assessments were performed using the Engh radiological criteria for stem osteointegration. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 9.39 years (range, 4-14.5 years). The survival of the HAC-coated femoral stem was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 96.7-100%) at 14 years with aseptic loosening as the endpoint, and 98.9% (CI, 96.7-100%) at 14 years with stem revision for any reason as the endpoint. The mean OHS was 44.5 (range, 30-48), and the mean MDP score was 15.87 (range, 10-18). Radiological evaluations showed full osseointegration of all stems. CONCLUSION: This HAC-coated femoral stem has shown excellent survivorship, functional outcomes, and full osseointegration at the final follow-up.

Dietary fiber-rich Lentinula edodes stems influence the structure and in vitro digestibility of low-moisture extruded maize starches.

Low-moisture extrusion (LME) can be used to improve the utilization of dietary fiber-rich Lentinula edodes stems (LES). The incorporation of dietary fiber can affect heat-induced interactions of starch molecules, which are critical for modifying starch characteristics via LME. In this work, a blend of LES and maize starch was extruded into a product at low moisture (30 %, w/v). The structure, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of extruded maize starches were investigated at different LES levels. The results showed that low levels (<7 %) of LES increased the crystallinity of LME-produced starch, while high levels (>7 %) did not. Because of the LES's soluble to insoluble dietary fiber ratios, the increased crystallinity of LES-added starch led to greater molecular ordering and the formation of an elastic gel after LME. At a suitable LES level (~3 %), highly crystallized starches were resistant to enzymolysis and had a high proportion of resistant starch. The obtained findings would contribute to a better understanding of how dietary fiber-rich LES affects starch extrusion and provide an alternative use for boosting the value of LES by-products.

Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer to Improve Yields in System of Rice Intensification (SRI).

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Organic fertilizer is a source of nutrition for plants which is an alternative to inorganic fertilizer. Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) which comes from coconut fiber and banana LOF which comes from banana stems from which the fruit has been removed, so that wasted plant residue can be used as fertilizer. The study aimed to obtain the best type of LOF and concentration in increasing the growth and yield of the Batang Piaman rice variety using the SRI method. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The research was conducted from June to December, 2023 in Padang City, West Sumatra. The method used was an experiment with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in nested with each treatment consisting of 3 groups. The treatment consisted of LOF types at two levels (banana stems and coconut fiber) and LOF concentrations at seven levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mL/L). Observational data were analysed by variance analysis with F test at 5% real level, but if there were differences, it was continued with DMRT further test at 5% real level by STAR IRRI Philippine software (Philippine). <b>Results:</b> The results obtained were that LOF coconut fiber provided better growth components, yield components and physiological components than banana stem LOF with the best concentration, on the provision of LOF coconut fiber 100 mL/L on the number of rice plant tillers and stomatal density and concentration of 200 mL/L on the number of productive tillers. <b>Conclusion:</b> The application of LOF coconut fiber is better for the growth and yield of rice plants of the Batang Piaman variety compared to the administration of LOF banana stems by applying coconut fiber liquid organic fertilizer with a concentration of 100 mL/L, it is recommended to add coconut fiber LOF to rice fields to increase growth and yield.

Evaluating Biocompounds in Discarded Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Leaves and Stems for Sustainable Food Processing Solutions.

The current trend focuses on reducing food waste, with scientific studies exploring the nutritional value of discarded food components to identify potential health benefits. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is highly consumed, but its stems and leaves are often discarded. This work aims to characterize the chemical properties and bioactive compounds in beet stems and leaves and assess their applicability in food products. The stems and leaves were subjected to different drying temperatures (50 to 70 °C) to determine the optimal temperature for preserving their bioactive compounds. They are then nutritionally and physiochemically characterized and incorporated into a food matrix. The optimal drying temperature was 60 °C. The leaves and stems contain approximately 30 and 15 g/100 g of protein, 30 and 32 g/100 g of dietary fiber, 4 and 0.45 g/100 g of lipids, and 24 and 25 g/100 g of ash, respectively. Both provide approximately 50% of the amino acid requirements established by the WHO/FAO/UNU and are rich in iron and potassium. The stems presented 53% more betalainic compounds (0.58 mg/g) and a higher nitrate content (359 mg/kg) than did the leaves, which presented a higher polyphenol content. The incorporation of flour from beet stems and leaves into food products is economical, reduces food waste, and enhances nutrition and health.

Contribution of tea stems to large-leaf yellow tea aroma.

Large-leaf yellow tea (LYT) is processed from both leaves and stems, resulting in a distinctive rice crust-like aroma. Tea stems may contribute differently to the aroma of LYT than leaves. This study aimed to clarify the specific contribution of stems to LYT. The volatile compounds in different components of LYT were extracted and analyzed using a combination of headspace solid-phase microextraction and stir bar sorptive extraction coupled with gas chromatography-olfactory-mass spectrometry. The results revealed high concentrations of compounds with roasty attributes in stems such as 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine (OAV 153-208) and 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine (OAV 111-140). Aroma recombination and addition experiments confirmed that the roasty aroma provided by stems plays a pivotal role in the formation of the distinctive flavor of LYT. This study offers novel insights into the contribution of stems to the aroma of LYT, which can be used for processing and quality enhancement of roasted tea.

Finite element analysis of mechanical stress in a cementless tapered-wedge short stem in the varus position.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the use of tapered-wedge short stems has increased due to their ability to preserve bones and tendons. Surgical techniques occasionally result in a varus position of the stem, which is particularly pronounced in short stems. Although the varus position is not clinically problematic, there are reports of an increased incidence of stress shielding and cortical hypertrophy. Thus, we evaluated and examined the acceptable range of varus angles using finite element analysis. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hip joint who had undergone arthroplasty were selected and classified into three types [champagne-flute (type A), intermediate (type B), and stovepipe (type C)]. Finite element analysis was performed using Mechanical Finder. The model was created using a Taperloc microplasty stem with the varus angle increased by 1° from 0° to 5° from the bone axis and classified into seven zones based on Gruen's zone classification under loading conditions in a one-leg standing position. The volume of interest was set, the mean equivalent stress for each zone was calculated. RESULTS: A significant decrease in stress was observed in zone 2, and increased stress was observed in zones 3 and 4, suggesting the emergence of a distal periosteal reaction, similar to the results of previous studies. In zone 2, there was a significant decrease in stress in all groups at a varus angle ≥ 3°. In zone 3, stress increased from ≥ 3° in type B and ≥ 4° in type C. In zone 4, there was a significant increase in stress at varus angles of ≥ 2° in types A and B and at ≥ 3° in type C. CONCLUSION: In zone 2, the varus angle at which stress shielding above Engh classification grade 3 may appear is expected to be ≥ 3°. Distal cortical hypertrophy may appear in zones 3 and 4; the narrower the medullary cavity shape, the smaller the allowable angle of internal recession, and the wider the medullary cavity shape, the wider the allowable range. Long-term follow-up is required in patients with varus angles > 3°.

Periprosthetic Fractures: A Rising Tide of Hip Arthroplasty Failure Noted in the American Joint Replacement Registry and the Preventative Role of Cemented Stems.

BACKGROUND: This investigation examined cemented femoral component use in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and its impact on the incidence of periprosthetic fractures (PPFx), a common failure mode in THA. The study leverages data from the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) to assess trends in cemented femoral component usage over time, its association with PPFx rates, and compares the survivorship and 90-day complication rates between cemented and cementless femoral component THAs. METHODS: Primary THAs, captured in the AJRR, in patients aged 65 years and older from 2012 to 2021 were analyzed. Variables considered included age, sex, race, region, teaching status, year, Charlson comorbidity index, and institution bed size. Analysis compared fixation types for THA on all-cause linked revision and PPFx. Logistic regression models analyzed the odds ratios for all-cause linked revision and PPFx for any follow-up time as well as for 90-day revision. The models were adjusted for the listed variables. RESULTS: During the study period, the rate of cement utilization as a percentage of primary THAs performed and reported to the AJRR increased from 4.4 to 8.3%. The rate of THA failure from PPFx increased from 11.4 to 33.3%. When both fixation groups were compared in the univariate analysis, there was a statistically significant difference in all demographic variables (P < .001). To account for this, multivariable logistic regression models were applied. In our models, cemented stems showed a 54.4% (odds ratio: 0.456; 95% confidence interval: 0.347 to 0.599; P < .0001) and 65.8% (odds ratio: 0.342; 95% confidence interval: 0.237 to 0.493; P < .0001) lower risk of PPFx linked and PPFx early linked revision, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Periprosthetic fractures are becoming a leading failure mode for THAs in the AJRR. Given cemented fixation's relative resistance to this failure mode compared to cementless fixation, we should consider increasing the utilization of this technique.

[Quality control method for phenolic acid components in abandoned stems and leaves of Artemisia selengensis based on UPLC fingerprint combined with quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS)].

This study established an ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC) fingerprint of abandoned stems and leaves of Artemisia selengensis and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) for five phenolic acid components. Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C_(18) chromatography column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 µm) was used. The gradient elution was carried out with the mobile phase composed of 0.1% phosphoric acid water and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min~(-1) and a column temperature at 30 ℃. The detection wavelength was 330 nm, and the injection volume was 2 µL. Similarity evaluation and cluster analysis were conducted on the fingerprint data, and 15 common components in 13 batches of abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis were identified. The relative correction factors of ferulic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C were calculated using chlorogenic acid as the internal reference. The QAMS for determining five components in the abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis was established. At the same time, the content of these five components was determined using the external standard method(ESM), and the results showed that there were no significant differences in their content determined by the QAMS and the ESM. The results indicated that the content of phenolic acid components in the abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis from different varieties and different origins had obvious differences. In addition, the content of phenolic acid components in the abandoned stems and leaves of lignified A. selengensis was significantly higher than that of non-lignified A. selengensis. In summary, QAMS established in this study can be quickly, accurately, and economically used to determine the content of five phenolic acid components in abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis, laying a foundation for the resource development and utilization of abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis.

Exploring fermentation with lactic acid bacteria as a pretreatment for enhancing antioxidant potential in broccoli stem powders.

Fruit and vegetable industries face a major environmental challenge with food loss and waste. Broccoli stems, comprising 38% of the plant's total weight, are usually discarded by the industry producing fourth-range and ready-to-use products, despite being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and glucosinolates. Addressing the challenge of reducing waste in this sector includes the production of stable and nutrient-concentrated powders, which can be consumed directly or used as ingredients in functional food formulation. This study investigated fermentation with lactic acid bacteria (Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus salivarius) as a pretreatment for enhancing antioxidant and probiotic potential in broccoli stem powders. Results showed maximum counts 24 h after inoculation, and no effect of the previous disruption intensity on microbial growth was observed. Fermenting broccoli stems for 24 h with the three microbial strains led to a significant increase in total phenols and flavonoids but to a general reduction in the samples' capacity to scavenge DPPH and ABTS free radicals. Overall, ground broccoli stems exhibited the most favorable antioxidant properties following the 24 h fermentation step. The subsequent freeze-drying and final grinding had minimal impact on the microbial population but significantly enhanced the extractability of the antioxidant compounds. This study offers a valuable reference for researchers and stakeholders exploring the development of new products and innovations from vegetable waste.

A Study of the UV Spectral Features in Wine and Their Correlation with Phenolic Constituents.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectra of various types and ages of grape wines and the correlation these spectra presented with their phenolic constituents. Firstly, the differences in UV spectra were characterized for different wine samples, depending on their type and age. METHODS: The following methods were used in this study: ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry, Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method, high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Then, it was demonstrated that for identically aged wines, the 280 nm absorbance is proportional to the concentration of phenolic compounds, as determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Next, an investigation was conducted into the absorption coefficients of different phenolic classes commonly found in grapes and wine. Finally, the range in variation of phenolic compounds in various types of grape wines was established. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides a methodological approach to rapidly determine the concentration of phenolic compounds in wines using UV spectroscopy, provided that their age is known. As UV spectrophotometers are available in nearly all laboratories, this may provide a cheaper and faster alternative to current methods, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Does Lack of Initial Collar-Calcar Contact Influence Performance of Collared Cementless Femoral Stems?

Background: Initial stability of cementless stems is important to minimize the risk of subsidence, pain, and periprosthetic fracture after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Collared stems improve initial component stability when contacting the femoral calcar. Direct contact is not always achieved, and collared stem performance has not been studied in this context. We hypothesized that collared stems achieving direct contact would demonstrate reduced subsidence. Methods: A single-surgeon retrospective study of 482 consecutive primary THAs implanted between February 2020 and May 2023 using collared cementless stems was performed. The 2 cohorts included stems with initial collar-calcar contact vs stems without. Subsidence was evaluated by comparing intraoperative fluoroscopy to postoperative 8-week radiographs. Binary logistic regression identified independent risk factors for subsidence. Chi-square tests were used for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Results: Of stems, 63.9% achieved initial collar-calcar contact, while 36.1% did not. The rate (1.3% vs 19.0%; P < .001) and magnitude (0.02 mm, range 0-3 mm vs 0.35 mm, range 0-3 mm; P < .001) of subsidence were significantly higher among stems without initial contact. Stems without initial collar-calcar contact (P < .001) and male gender (P = .007) were independent risk factors for subsidence. Two patients with initial contact had nondisplaced calcar cracks and <3 mm of subsidence at 4 weeks, which healed with protected weight-bearing. Stem survivorship was 100% in both groups, with all achieving osteointegration and none needing revision. Conclusions: Excellent performance of collared cementless stems was observed at 8 weeks after primary THA. Initial collar-calcar contact lowered the risk and magnitude of minor subsidence but did not affect survivorship or fracture risk. Level of Evidence: Level III.

The challenge of estimating global termite methane emissions.

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, more potent than carbon dioxide, and emitted from a variety of natural sources including wetlands, permafrost, mammalian guts and termites. As increases in global temperatures continue to break records, quantifying the magnitudes of key methane sources has never been more pertinent. Over the last 40 years, the contribution of termites to the global methane budget has been subject to much debate. The most recent estimates of termite emissions range between 9 and 15 Tg CH4 year-1, approximately 4% of emissions from natural sources (excluding wetlands). However, we argue that the current approach for estimating termite contributions to the global methane budget is flawed. Key parameters, namely termite methane emissions from soil, deadwood, living tree stems, epigeal mounds and arboreal nests, are largely ignored in global estimates. This omission occurs because data are lacking and research objectives, crucially, neglect variation in termite ecology. Furthermore, inconsistencies in data collection methods prohibit the pooling of data required to compute global estimates. Here, we summarise the advances made over the last 40 years and illustrate how different aspects of termite ecology can influence the termite contribution to global methane emissions. Additionally, we highlight technological advances that may help researchers investigate termite methane emissions on a larger scale. Finally, we consider dynamic feedback mechanisms of climate warming and land-use change on termite methane emissions. We conclude that ultimately the global contribution of termites to atmospheric methane remains unknown and thus present an alternative framework for estimating their emissions. To significantly improve estimates, we outline outstanding questions to guide future research efforts.

Experimental and theoretical insights into Artemisia Stems aqueous extract as a sustainable and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl environment.

The present research demonstrates an innovative investigation of environmentally friendly mild steel (M-steel) corrosion inhibition using the artemisia stems aqueous extract (ASAEx) as an inhibitor in hydrochloric acid 1 M. The standard extraction technique of hydrodistillation was used for producing the aqueous solutions of ASAEx. To assess the ratios of the chemical components, phytochemical screening was used to identify the stems of this plant. We used a variety of methods and techniques in our research on corrosion inhibition, including weight loss measures, surface analysis methods like XPS and SEM/EDS, electrochemical testing like PDP and EIS, as well as computational lead compound evaluation. Maximum inhibitory efficacy was achieved with 400 mg/L ASAEx in 1 M HCl at 303 K, i.e. 90%. The PDP investigation verified the mixed-kind inhibitor status of the ASAEx extract. To describe the surface of M-steel, fitting and synthetic data were used to identify a constant phase element (CPE). SEM surface analysis was also used to detect the ASAEx effect on the surface of M-steel. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis shows the presence of trace molecules of ASAEx on M-steel surface characterizing the bands in Maj-ASAEx (major compound of ASAEx). Density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulations (MDs) were used in computational chemistry to clarify the adsorption mechanism and inhibitory impact.

Collared Cementless Femoral Components Reduce the Revision Rates in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the Direct Anterior Approach: An Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry Study.

BACKGROUND: An increased risk of periprosthetic fracture and aseptic loosening is reported when the direct anterior approach (DAA) is used for total hip arthroplasty (THA), especially with cementless implants. We assessed the rate of revision comparing collared and collarless femoral stems when using the DAA for THA. METHODS: We used data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry for primary THA for osteoarthritis inserted with the DAA between January 2015 and December 2022. There were 48,567 THAs that used the DAA (26,690 collarless cementless, 10,161 collared cementless, and 11,716 cemented). Cumulative percent revision was calculated for all-cause revision, revision for periprosthetic femoral fractures, and aseptic femoral stem loosening. Cox proportional hazard ratios [HRs] were used to compare the revision of collared and collarless cementless stems. We also compared collared cementless stems and cemented stems. RESULTS: A higher rate of all-cause revision within 3 months of surgery was observed with collarless compared to collared cementless implants (HR: 1.99 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.56 to 2.54]; P < .001). Similarly, collarless cementless implants were associated with a greater rate of revision for fracture in the first 6 months (HR: 2.90 [95% CI, 1.89 to 4.45]; P < .001) and after 6 months (HR 10.04 [95% CI 1.38 to 73.21]; P = .02), as well as an increased rate of revision for aseptic loosening after 2 years (HR: 5.76 [95% CI, 1.81 to 18.28], P = .003). Collared cementless and cemented stems performed similarly. CONCLUSION: Collared stems were associated with a reduced rate of all-cause revision for cementless THA performed via the DAA. The reduction in risk may be due to protection from periprosthetic femoral fracture and aseptic loosening.

Fern-like Plants Establishing the Understory of the Late Devonian Xinhang Lycopsid Forest.

Forests appeared during the Middle to Late Devonian, but Devonian forests and their compositions are still rarely known. Xinhang forest was reported as the largest Devonian forest, with lycopsid trees of Guangdedendron micrum Wang et al. A fern-like plant Xinhangia spina Yang and Wang with shoots and anatomy, was previously described from this forest, but its habit and ecology remain unclear. From Xinhang forest, we now report more specimens of fern-like plants including X. spina and some unnamed plants in several beds. Prominent adventitious roots, spines and secondary xylem indicate that the stems of X. spina are largely procumbent to function as anchorage, absorption and support. Other fern-like plants with distinct roots or multiple slender branches also suggest procumbent habits. Xinhang forest is thus reconsidered as multispecific with a canopy of lycopsid trees and understory of diverse fern-like plants, which are adapted to the disturbed coastal environment. The composition of Xinhang forest may indicate a structural transition of the early forests' dominator from fern-like plants to lycopsids.

Outcomes of total hip arthroplasty using collared versus collarless uncemented HA-coated stems: a meta-analysis.

Purpose: to systematically review comparative studies reporting revision rates, clinical outcomes, or radiographic outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using collared versus collarless conventional-length uncemented hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stems. Methods: In adherence with PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was performed on Medline, Embase, and Scopus. Comparative clinical studies were eligible if they reported outcomes of collared versus collarless uncemented HA-coated stems for primary THA. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-texts to determine eligibility; then performed data extraction; and assessed the quality of studies according to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Results: The search returned 972 records, 486 were duplicates, and 479 were excluded after title/abstract/full-text screening. Three further studies were included from the references of eligible studies and from discussions with subject matter experts, resulting in 11 included studies. The JBI checklist indicated six studies scored ≥7 points and four studies ≥4 points. Pooled data revealed collared stems had significantly lower revision rates (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.31-0.64) and subsidence (MD = -1 mm; 95% CI = -1.6--0.3), but no significant difference in intraoperative complication rates (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.67-1.32) in the short term to mid-term. Unpooled data indicated that collared stems provide equivalent survival, equivalent or better outcomes, and equivalent or lower complication rates. Conclusion: In comparative studies, collared stems have lower revision rates than collarless stems, as well as equivalent or better clinical and radiographic outcomes. Differences could be due to a protective effect that the collar offers against subsidence, particularly in undersized or misaligned stems. Further studies are warranted to confirm long-term results and better understand differences between registry data and clinical studies.