The MKK3 MAPK cascade integrates temperature and after-ripening signals to modulate seed germination.

The timing of seed germination is controlled by the combination of internal dormancy and external factors. Temperature is a major environmental factor for seed germination. The permissive temperature range for germination is narrow in dormant seeds and expands during after-ripening (AR) (dormancy release). Quantitative trait loci analyses of preharvest sprouting in cereals have revealed that MKK3, a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade protein, is a negative regulator of grain dormancy. Here, we show that the MAPKKK19/20-MKK3-MPK1/2/7/14 cascade modulates the germination temperature range in Arabidopsis seeds by elevating the germinability of the seeds at sub- and supraoptimal temperatures. The expression of MAPKKK19 and MAPKKK20 is induced around optimal temperature for germination in after-ripened seeds but repressed in dormant seeds. MPK7 activation depends on the expression levels of MAPKKK19/20, with expression occurring under conditions permissive for germination. Abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA) are two major phytohormones which are involved in germination control. Activation of the MKK3 cascade represses ABA biosynthesis enzyme gene expression and induces expression of ABA catabolic enzyme and GA biosynthesis enzyme genes, resulting in expansion of the germinable temperature range. Our data demonstrate that the MKK3 cascade integrates temperature and AR signals to phytohormone metabolism and seed germination.

Seed dormancy 4 like1 of Arabidopsis is a key regulator of phase transition from embryo to vegetative development.

Seed dormancy is an adaptive trait that enables plants to survive adverse conditions and restart growth in a season and location suitable for vegetative and reproductive growth. Control of seed dormancy is also important for crop production and food quality because it can help induce uniform germination and prevent preharvest sprouting. Rice preharvest sprouting quantitative trait locus analysis has identified Seed dormancy 4 (Sdr4) as a positive regulator of dormancy development. Here, we analyzed the loss-of-function mutant of the Arabidopsis ortholog, Sdr4 Like1 (SFL1), and found that the sfl1-1 seeds showed precocious germination at the mid- to late-maturation stage similar to rice sdr4 mutant, but converted to become more dormant than the wild type during maturation drying. Coordinated with the dormancy levels, expression levels of the seed maturation and dormancy master regulator genes, ABI3, FUS3, and DOG1 in sfl1-1 seeds were lower than in wild type at early- and mid-maturation stages, but higher at the late-maturation stage. In addition to the seed dormancy phenotype, sfl1-1 seedlings showed a growth arrest phenotype and heterochronic expression of LAFL (LEC1, ABI3, FUS3, LEC2) and DOG1 in the seedlings. These data suggest that SFL1 is a positive regulator of initiation and termination of the seed dormancy program. We also found genetic interaction between SFL1 and the SFL2, SFL3, and SFL4 paralogs of SFL1, which impacts on the timing of the phase transition from embryo maturation to seedling growth.

Genetic, Epigenetic, and Environmental Control of Seed Dormancy and Germination.

Seed germination is controlled by a combination of the seed dormancy level and environmental conditions such as light, temperature, moisture, and nitrate levels. Seed dormancy is programed genetically, but it is also sensitive to maternal environmental conditions before and after anthesis. Recent developments in molecular genetics and bioinformatics have greatly enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of seed dormancy and germination in model plants and economically important crop species. This chapter focuses on temperature as an environmental factor and discusses the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of dormancy and germination.

Assessment of Dormancy Level and Germination Ability of Seeds with Physiological Dormancy.

Germination test is fundamental and commonly used technique for seed dormancy and germination studies, and proper assessment of dormancy level and germination ability of a given set of seeds is prerequisite for most of the studies. However, germination is very sensitive to imbibition conditions, and dormancy development is also sensitive to growth conditions of the mother plants. In this chapter, we describe tips for plant growth and germination test mainly for physiological and molecular genetic studies with Arabidopsis. This protocol can be applied for other plant species with relatively small seeds and for various studies to analyze the effect of light, phytohormones, and other chemicals in seed germination.

Modified Thoracoplasty for Rib Hump Deformity in Scoliosis Patients: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Razorback deformity with stiff thoracic scoliosis creates a complex three-dimensional deformity. Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and thoracoplasty (TP) can correct rib hump deformity and improve patient satisfaction. However, conventional thoracoplasty (CTP) may impair pulmonary function and increase complications. We present a modified thoracoplasty (MTP) technique for addressing rib hump deformity in stiff thoracic scoliosis patients, emphasizing its clinical efficacy and safety. METHODS: This study included 44 patients with stiff thoracic scoliosis and razorback deformity who underwent surgery between January 2010 and May 2021. Patients were divided into PSF+MTP (n=27) and PSF (n=17) groups. Surgical parameters, complications, radiographic improvements, pulmonary function, and SRS-22 scores were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 months and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups, except for the rib hump height, which was higher in the PSF+MTP group. The PSF+MTP group showed superior correction of the thoracic curve and rib hump height compared to the PSF group, with significant improvements in self-image scores. No significant differences were observed in pulmonary function between the groups. The operative time was longer in the PSF+MTP group, but there were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization costs, or major complications. Regression analysis indicated that the type of surgery, thoracic Cobb angle and preoperative self-image scores were significant predictors of postoperative self-image scores. CONCLUSIONS: MTP provides enhanced correction of thoracic curve and rib hump deformity without significantly increasing pulmonary function impairment or complication rates. It also improves patients' self-image, making it a valuable addition to PSF in treating stiff thoracic scoliosis with rib hump deformity.

A prediction model of rubber content in the dried root of Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin based on near-infrared spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin (TKS) is a highly potential source of natural rubber (NR) due to its wide range of suitable planting areas, strong adaptability, and suitability for mechanized planting and harvesting. However, current methods for detecting NR content are relatively cumbersome, necessitating the development of a rapid detection model. This study used near-infrared spectroscopy technology to establish a rapid detection model for NR content in TKS root segments and powder samples. The K445 strain at different growth stages within a year and 129 TKS samples hybridized with dandelion were used to obtain their near-infrared spectral data. The rubber content in the root of the samples was detected using the alkaline boiling method. The Monte Carlo sampling method (MCS) was used to filter abnormal data from the root segments of TKS and powder samples, respectively. The SPXY algorithm was used to divide the training set and validation set in a 3:1 ratio. The original spectrum was preprocessed using moving window smoothing (MWS), standard normalized variate (SNV), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), and first derivative (FD) algorithms. The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm and the corresponding chemical characteristic bands of NR were used to screen the bands. Partial least squares (PLS), random forest (RF), Lightweight gradient augmentation machine (LightGBM), and convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms were employed to establish a model using the optimal spectral processing method for three different bands: full band, CARS algorithm, and chemical characteristic bands corresponding to NR. The model with the best predictive performance for high rubber content intervals (rubber content > 15%) was identified. RESULT: The results indicated that the optimal rubber content prediction models for TKS root segments and powder samples were MWS-FD CASR-RF and MWS-FD chemical characteristic band RF, respectively. Their respective R P 2 , RMSEP, and RPDP values were 0.951, 0.979, 1.814, 1.133, 4.498, and 6.845. In the high rubber content range, the model based on the LightGBM algorithm had the best prediction performance, with the RMSEP of the root segments and powder samples being 0.752 and 0.918, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This research indicates that dried TKS root powder samples are more appropriate for constructing a rubber content prediction model than segmented samples, and the predictive capability of root powder samples is superior to that of root segmented samples. Especially in the elevated rubber content range, the model formulated using the LightGBM algorithm has superior predictive performance, which could offer a theoretical basis for the rapid detection technology of TKS content in the future.

Modulation of wheat grain dormancy by introducing the recombinant abscisic acid-stimulated abscisic acid biosynthesis gene.

Pre-harvest sprouting of cereals greatly reduces yield and quality of the grains. Abscisic acid (ABA) is an essential phytohormone for the induction and maintenance of seed dormancy. In this study, the ABA responsive promoter-driven ABA biosynthesis gene system was introduced to common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to enhance ABA production in the embryos and pre-harvest sprouting tolerance of the grains. This system consists of a wheat ABA responsive element containing Early-Methionine-labelled (EM) promoter and a sorghum 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (SbNCED) gene which encodes an ABA biosynthesis rate-limiting enzyme. Twenty-three independent single-insertion lines were obtained, from which five homozygous lines showing various SbNCED expression levels were selected. Correlations were observed between SbNCED expression, ABA accumulation in the embryos and enhanced dormancy levels of the grains. The engineered wheat grains exhibited a few day-delay in germination, which should be effective in reducing pre-harvest sprouting damage. However, the increase in ABA levels in the recombinant grains was moderate, which explains why germination was not completely suppressed. Further analysis indicated a concomitant increase in the expression of the ABA catabolic enzyme gene TaABA8'OH1 and in the levels of isoleucine-conjugated jasmonic acid, implying the presence of possible negative feedback regulation in the innate system, which should be overcome for future technology development. These findings advance an understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of hormone metabolism in seeds and facilitate the development of pre-harvest sprouting tolerance in cereal grains.

Comparison of Flexion Relaxation Phenomenon After Single-Level and Multi-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

BACKGROUND: This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the influence of the number of fused segments in cervical paravertebral muscles by comparing the changes of the cervical flexion relaxation phenomenon (FRP) after single-level versus multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). METHODS: A total of 115 patients who had undergone ACDF were retrospectively recruited and divided into a 1-level group (n = 44), a 2-level group (n = 40) and a 3- to 4-level group (n = 31). The flexion relaxation experiment was carried out 3 days preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively by surface electromyography (SEMG). Patients were examined using the neck visual analog scale, cervical Japanese Orthopedic Association score, Neck Disability Index, and C2-C7 range of motion (ROM). RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the time-related changes in flexion relaxation ratio (FRR) among the 3 study groups before and after surgery (F = 85.701; P < .001). Thirty-five patients (79.55%) with 1-level ACDF and 11 patients (27.5%) with 2-level ACDF had FRP were restored to normal at 12 months postoperatively; however, only 1 patient (3.33%) had normalized FRP after 3- to 4-level ACDF. There were significant differences in the time-related changes of the normalized SEMG root mean square values in each phase before and after surgery (P = .018, <.001, <.001, and <.001). A significant correlation was found between the changes in C2-C7 ROM and FRR in the 3 study groups (P = .007 for 1 level, P = .003 for 2 levels, and P = .036 for 3-4 levels). CONCLUSIONS: Single-level ACDF contributes to normalizing the FRP of cervical paravertebral muscles, which is not ideally recovered by 2-level ACDF. In contrast, 3- or 4-level ACDF could not normalize the cervical FRP. Our research supports the passive structure hypothesis.

Mining Aegilops tauschii genetic diversity in the background of bread wheat revealed a novel QTL for seed dormancy.

Due to the low genetic diversity in the current wheat germplasm, gene mining from wild relatives is essential to develop new wheat cultivars that are more resilient to the changing climate. Aegilops tauschii, the D-genome donor of bread wheat, is a great gene source for wheat breeding; however, identifying suitable genes from Ae. tauschii is challenging due to the different morphology and the wide intra-specific variation within the species. In this study, we developed a platform for the systematic evaluation of Ae. tauschii traits in the background of the hexaploid wheat cultivar 'Norin 61' and thus for the identification of QTLs and genes. To validate our platform, we analyzed the seed dormancy trait that confers resistance to preharvest sprouting. We used a multiple synthetic derivative (MSD) population containing a genetic diversity of 43 Ae. tauschii accessions representing the full range of the species. Our results showed that only nine accessions in the population provided seed dormancy, and KU-2039 from Afghanistan had the highest level of seed dormancy. Therefore, 166 backcross inbred lines (BILs) were developed by crossing the synthetic wheat derived from KU-2039 with 'Norin 61' as the recurrent parent. The QTL mapping revealed one novel QTL, Qsd.alrc.5D, associated with dormancy explaining 41.7% of the phenotypic variation and other five unstable QTLs, two of which have already been reported. The Qsd.alrc.5D, identified for the first time within the natural variation of wheat, would be a valuable contribution to breeding after appropriate validation. The proposed platform that used the MSD population derived from the diverse Ae. tauschii gene pool and recombinant inbred lines proved to be a valuable platform for mining new and important QTLs or alleles, such as the novel seed dormancy QTL identified here. Likewise, such a platform harboring genetic diversity from wheat wild relatives could be a useful source for mining agronomically important traits, especially in the era of climate change and the narrow genetic diversity within the current wheat germplasm.

Relationship Between Atypical Symptoms of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and Segments of Spinal Cord Compression: Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) often present with atypical symptoms such as vertigo, headache, palpitations, tinnitus, blurred vision, memory loss, and abdominal discomfort. This study aims to investigate the relationship between atypical symptoms of DCM and the segments of spinal cord compression. METHODS: The 166 DCM patients with atypical symptoms admitted to our institution from 2019 to 2020 were divided into vertigo, headache, blurred vision, tinnitus, and palpitations groups according to their atypical symptoms, while the typical group was 214 DCM patients with typical symptoms only. Differences in segments of compression were compared among the groups. Results of more than 1-year of follow-up were further summarized for nonsurgical and surgical treatment of DCM patients with atypical symptoms. RESULTS: The incidence of vertigo, headache, blurred vision, tinnitus, and palpitations of all DCM patients was 37%, 18%, 15%, 11%, and 11%, respectively. Compared with the typical group, patients in the blurred vision and tinnitus group were older (P < 0.05) and the incidence of spinal cord compression at C3-5 in the vertigo group, C4-5 in the headache group, and C6-7 in the palpitation group was higher (P < 0.05). The scores of vertigo, headache, and palpitations decreased after surgical decompression (P < 0.05), whereas only vertigo and headache scores decreased after nonsurgical treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Atypical symptoms were common in patients with DCM, and the segments of spinal cord compression might be associated with specific atypical symptoms. Surgical treatment is effective in relieving some of the atypical symptoms.

Total and hidden blood loss between open posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion by Wiltse approach.

The purpose of this study was to calculate and compare the volume of hidden blood loss (HBL) and perioperative blood loss between open posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) by Wiltse approach.We retrospectively analyzed 143 patients between March 2017 and December 2017, they were randomly divided into PLIF group and TLIF group. The following information were collected on admission: patient's age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), surgery levels, surgical time, duration time, disorder type, intraoperative bleeding, wound drainage, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, neurological complications, transfusion rate. Preoperative and postoperative hematocrit (Hct) were recorded in order to calculate total blood loss (TBL) according to Gross's formula. To calculate each patient's HBL, chi-square test and Student's t test were used to analyze data.Patients in PLIF had a mean TBL of 1144 ±â€Š356 mL, and the mean HBL was 486 ±â€Š203 mL, 43.9 ±â€Š16.2% of the TBL. While patients in TLIF, the mean TBL was 952 ±â€Š303 mL, and the mean HBL was 421 ±â€Š178 mL, 44.7 ±â€Š17.0% of the TBL. Hence, there was significant difference in TBL and HBL between 2 groups, respectively (P = .000, P = .044). However, there was no difference in the ratio of the HBL between 2 groups (P = .797).The volume of HBL is lower in open TLIF by Wiltse approach than that in PLIF, which may be a large proportion of TBL in posterior lumbar fusion surgery. Comprehensive understanding of HBL can contribute to keep patient safety and better to rehabilitation in perioperative.

Prophylactic Percutaneous Kyphoplasty Treatment for Nonfractured Vertebral Bodies in Thoracolumbar for Osteoporotic Patients.

PURPOSE: The occurrence of new vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) is a common complication after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). Secondary VCFs after PKP occur predominantly in the thoracolumbar segment (T11 to L2). Prophylactic injections of cement into vertebral bodies in order to reduce new VCFs have rarely been reported. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether prophylactically injecting cement into a nonfractured vertebral body at the thoracolumbar level (T11-L2) could reduce the occurrence of new VCFs. METHODS: From July 2011 to July 2018, PKP was performed in 86 consecutive patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) in the thoracolumbar region (T11-L2). All patients selected underwent PKP because of existing OVCFs (nonprophylactic group). Additionally, 78 consecutive patients with fractured vertebrae in the thoracolumbar region (T11-L2) with OVCFs underwent PKP and received prophylactic injections of cement into their nonfractured vertebrae in the thoracolumbar region (T11-L2) (prophylactic group). The visual analog scale (VAS) scores and incidence of new VCFs after PKP were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean VAS scores improved from 8.00 ± 0.79 preoperatively to 1.62 ± 0.56 at the last follow-up in the nonprophylactic group and improved from 8.17 ± 0.84 to 1.76 ± 0.34 in the prophylactic group (P > 0.05). In the nonprophylactic group, 21 of 86 patients (24.4%) developed new VCFs within one year after PKP, of whom 15 patients (71.4%) developed VCFs within 3 months. In the prophylactic group, 8 of 78 patients (10.3%) developed new VCFs within one year, and 6 of these 8 patients (75%) developed new VCFs within 3 months. The incidence of new VCFs was significantly higher in the nonprophylactic group than that in the prophylactic group at one year (P = 0.018), but there were no statistically significant differences at three months (P = 0.847). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic injections of cement into nonfractured (T11-L2) vertebral bodies reduced the incidence of secondary VCFs after PKP in patients with OVCFs, but there was no significant difference in local back pain (VAS) scores between the two groups.

Hidden blood loss and the risk factors after posterior lumbar fusion surgery: A retrospective study.

Hidden blood loss (HBL) plays an important role in perioperative rehabilitation of patients underwent posterior lumbar fusion surgery. This study was to calculate the volume of HBL and evaluate the risk factors among patients after posterior lumbar fusion surgery.A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 143 patients underwent posterior lumbar fusion surgery from March 2017 to December 2017. Recording preoperative and postoperative hematocrit to calculate HBL according to Gross formula and analyzing its related factors including age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), surgery levels, surgical time, surgery types, duration of symptoms, disorder type, specific gravity of urine (SGU), plasma albumin (ALB), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), glucose (GLU), drainage volume, hypertension. Risk factors were further analyzed by multivariate linear regression analysis and t test.Eighty-six males and 57 females, mean age 52.7 ±â€Š11.4 years, mean height 162 ±â€Š7.0, mean weight 61.5 ±â€Š9.4, were included in this study. The HBL was 449 ±â€Š191 mL, with a percentage of 44.2% ±â€Š16.6% in the total perioperative blood loss. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that patients with higher BMI (P = .026), PLIF procedures (P = .040), and more surgical time (P = .018) had a greater amount of HBL. Whereas age (P = 0.713), sex (P = .276), surgery levels (P = .921), duration of symptoms (P = .801), disorder type (P = .511), SGU (P = .183), ALB (P = .478), GFR (P = .139), GLU (P = .423), hypertension (P = .337) were not statistically significant differences with HBL.HBL is a large proportion of total blood loss in patients after posterior lumbar fusion surgery. BMI >24 kg/m, PLIF procedures, and more surgical time are risk factors of HBL. Whereas age, sex, surgery levels, duration of symptoms, disorder type, SGU, ALB, GFR, GLU, hypertension were not associated with HBL.

[Effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty with different phases bone cement for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) with different phases bone cement for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). METHODS: The clinical data of 219 OVCF patients who treated with PKP and met the selection criteria between June 2016 and May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different time of intraoperative injection of bone cement, they were divided into observation group [116 cases, intraoperative injection of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement in low-viscosity wet-sand phase)] and control group (103 cases, intraoperative injection of PMMA bone cement in low-viscosity wire-drawing phase). There was no significance in general date of gender, age, disease duration, body mass index, bone mineral density T value, fracture vertebral body, preoperative fracture severity of the responsible vertebral body, anterior height ratio of the responsible vertebral body, preoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between the two groups ( P>0.05). The VAS score and ODI score were used to evaluate the improvement of patients' symptoms at immediate, 2 days, 3 months after operation and at last follow-up. At 1 day, 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up, X-ray film and CT of spine were reexamined to observe the distribution of bone cement in the vertebral body, bone cement leakage, and other complications. During the follow-up, the refracture rate of the responsible vertebral body and the fracture rate of the adjacent vertebral body were recorded. RESULTS: The injection amount of bone cement in the observation group and control group were (4.53±0.45) mL and (4.49±0.57) mL, respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( t=1.018, P=0.310). Patients in both groups were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 13.3 months). There were 95 cases (81.9%) and 72 cases (69.9%) of the bone cement distribution range more than 49% of the cross-sectional area of the vertebral body in the observation group and the control group, respectively, showing significant difference in the incidence between the two groups ( χ 2=4.334, P=0.037). The VAS score and ODI score of the postoperative time points were significantly improved compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), and there were significant differences among the postoperative time points ( P<0.05). The VAS score and ODI score of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group ( P<0.05) at immediate, 2 days, and 3 months after operation, and there was no significant difference between the two groups at last follow-up ( P>0.05). At 1 day after operation, the cement leakage occurred in 18 cases of the observation group (8 cases of venous leakage, 6 cases of paravertebral leakage, 4 cases of intradiscal leakage) and in 22 cases of the control group (9 cases of venous leakage, 8 cases of paravertebral leakage, 5 cases of intradiscal leakage). There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, 5 cases (4.3%) in the observation group, 12 cases (11.7%) in the control group had responsible vertebral refracture, and 6 cases (5.2%) in the observation group and 14 cases (13.6%) in the control group had adjacent vertebral fracture, the differences were significant ( χ 2=4.105, P=0.043; χ 2=4.661, P=0.031). CONCLUSION: Bone cement injection with wet-sand phase in PKP is beneficial for the bone cement evenly distributed, strengthening the responsible vertebral, relieving the short-term pain after operation, decreasing the rate of responsible vertebral refracture and adjacent vertebral fracture without increasing the incidence of relevant complications and can enhance the effectiveness.

GSK-3 Inhibitor Promotes Neuronal Cell Regeneration and Functional Recovery in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury.

The reparative process following spinal cord injury (SCI) is extremely complicated. Cells in the microenvironment express multiple inhibitory factors that affect axonal regeneration over a prolonged period of time. The axon growth inhibitory factor glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is an important factor during these processes. TDZD-8 (4-benzyl-2-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazolidine-3,5-dione) is the most effective and specific non-ATP-competitive inhibitor of GSK-3. Here, we show that administering TDZD-8 after SCI was associated with significantly inhibited neuronal apoptosis, upregulated GAP-43 expression, increased density of cortical spinal tract fibers around areas of injury, and increased Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores in the lower limbs. These findings support the notion that GSK-3 inhibitors promote neuronal cell regeneration and lower limb functional recovery.

Application research on three-dimensional ultrasonic skeletal imaging mode in detecting fetal upper jaw bone.

OBJECTIVE: To detect three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound appearance of fetal normal and abnormal supermaxilla bone's anatomy using skeletal rendering mode, and to compare the success rate of 3D images in different gestational age groups. METHODS: Using three-dimensional ultrasound skeletal rendering mode of voluson 730 and voluson E8 ultrasound systems, the fetal supermaxilla bones were reconstructed, the supermaxilla bones include two hundred and sixty-one cases with the range from 12 to 40 gestaional weeks that were normal supermaxilla proved by 2D ultrasound exam, three cases that were the specimens of fetal normal supermaxilla, and eight cases that were abnormal supermaxilla. The normal supermaxilla's imaging success rates of different gestational ages were contrasted. RESULTS: The success rate of normal fetal supermaxilla bone's formation and structure with the 3D image was 97.9% during the gestation of 12~15(+6) weeks, 96.0% of 16~21(+6) weeks, 98.4% of 22~27(+6) weeks, 68.6% of 28~35(+6) weeks, 27.5% of 36~40 weeks. Through the X(2) test, there was no significant difference in the success rate of displaying among the gestation of 12~15(+6) weeks, 16~21(+6) weeks and 22~27(+6) weeks. The success rate during the gestation of 36~40 weeks was the lowest among all the gestation. Big anatomic structures of fetal supermaxilla in 3D images can be shown, but detail cannot. The success rate of cleft palate with 3D image was 100% (8 cases). CONCLUSIONS: 3D ultrasound can supply more detailed and comprehensive information of fetal supermaxilla bone. The better fit examine weeks for obtaining 3D images are within 12~35(+6) weeks, the best fit examine weeks are within 16~27(+6) weeks. The function of 3D skeletal rendering mode image can display cleft palate clearly.