Questing behavior of adult Amblyomma americanum (L.) in a laboratory setting

Tick-borne diseases are on the rise globally; however, information is lacking about tick questing behavior. In this laboratory study, we explored tick preferences for stem type (plastic grass, wooden, and metal), questing height, and head orientation. Using 60 Amblyomma americanum adults over three 72-hour replicates, we determined that 21.7% of ticks quested at any given time and that ticks exhibited a strong preference to quest with their heads oriented downwards, irrespective of stem type. Individual ticks tended to quest on only one stem in this study, and a maximum of three. Nonetheless, ticks appeared to prefer questing on wooden and plastic grass stems over metal stems. We did not find an effect of time of day on tick questing rates. Increased understanding of tick questing behavior can improve vector control efforts.

The Wagner Modular (S2) Prosthesis for Proximal Femur Bone Loss ; Prospective Study of 19 Cases

Background: Wagner proximal femur prosthesis is the versatile modular implant. Study Design: Prospective study Setting: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Dow University of Health Sciences / Civil Hospital Karachi, from January 2013 to December 2019. Methodology: Total 19 patients of both genders with proximal femur bone loss due to tumor, implant failure for proximal femur fixation, comminuted intertrochanteric fracture, and failed arthroplasty included in the study. After taking written informed consent, detailed demographics including age, gender, indication of wagner prosthesis, and wagner stem type were recorded. Among all the patients 11 patients received total hip replacement and 8 patients received bipolar. Complications associated with procedure were recorded. Outcomes were assessed by Merle D Aubgine scale. Results: Total 19 patients were included in the study who were operated with wagner prosthesis for proximal femur bone deficit problems. 7 (37%) patients were male and 12 (67%) were female , between age of 16 to 70. 13 (68%) patient have proximal femur problem on right side and 6(32%) patient on left side .10 Patient have proximal femur fixation problems and 9 with proximal femur tumor. Modular wagner prosthesis used in all patients . Per-operative one (5%) patient have perforation of cortex and One (5%)patient posterior hip dislocation on next day . Two (11%) patient had per-operative fracture . Maximum follow-up is from 6.3 years to minimum 6 months. One patient with metastasis died within four weeks of surgery. Outcome measured with modified Merle D Aubgine scale showed no excellent , good in 15(79%) , fair 3 (16%), poor 1(5%). Conclusion: Wagner proximal femur modular implant is a versatile implant for proximal femur fixation failure and after proximal femur resection in tumor patients. It is modular with variable options to make stable hip joint. It is cheap as comparative to proximal femur replacement implant for tumor. Keywords: Implant failure, Proximal femur, Tumor, Wagner implant.

Begonia ’Crested‘: A new variety of Begonia from interspecific hybridization of Begonia sudjanae C.A Janson × Begonia puspitae Ardi

Improvement of leaf shape characters in Begonia can be done through hybridization between two different species of Begonia. This study aims to produce a new variety of Begonia to better improve the quantitative, qualitative characters and increase its genetic diversity. The study was conducted in the green house of Bogor Botanic Gardens. Two native species of Indonesia, Begonia sudjanae C.A Janson as the female parent and Begonia puspitae Ardi as the male parent. The mature F1 seeds were sown and selections were made among the plants produced. Observation results the characteristics of the new variety Begonia Crested as follows: stem type rhizomatous, leaves simple, ovate, peltate with strongly undulate base. Leaves margin is crenate and apex is acuminate. Colour on the upper surface are yellow green group RHS Colour Chart: (YG 144 A) strong yellow green, colour of veins on upper side is (YG 144 D) light yellow green. Inflorescence peduncle with 20 cm long branched symmetrically. The name Begonia Crested as the selected F1 plants are propagated in a vegetative method with leaves cutting, registered on the Center of Plant Variety Protection (PPVTPP) by No. 846/PVHP/2020. This new variety is beautiful and exotic leaves ornamental Begonia which will be developed as commercials ornamental plants.

Migration characteristics of the Corail hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem—a retrospective clinical evaluation and migration measurement with EBRA

Purpose Uncemented stem migration analysis by EBRA-FCA (Einzel-Bild-Roentgen Analyse, Femoral Component Analysis) has been seen to be a good predictive indicator for early implant failure. In this study, we investigated the migration behavior of a cementless press-fit stem after two years follow-up. Stem type and postoperative gap between collar and femur were evaluated as a risk factor. Methods Applying a retrospective study design, we reviewed all consecutive patients who between 2013 and 2017 received a cementless press-fit Corail stem (DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., Warsaw, IN, USA) at our Department. We reviewed medical histories and performed radiological measurements using EBRA-FCA software. Results A total of 109 stems in 105 patients (female: 60; male: 45) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Mean age at surgery was 67.8 (range, 21.6–90.5) years. EBRA migration analysis showed a mean subsidence of 1.8 mm (range, 0.0–12.1) at final follow-up. At 18 months mean subsidence of collared stems was significantly lower than in the collarless group [1.3 mm (range, 0.0–7.6) vs. 3.2 mm (range, 0.5–10.7), p = 0.0104]. Collared stems resting on the femoral cut presented a tendency to less subsidence than did collared stems showing a postoperative gap between collar and femur (1.3 vs. 2.0 mm) without finding statistical significance (p > 0.05). Conclusions Low subsidence and the migration pattern of the cementless press-fit stem may predict a good long-term result. Collared stems investigated in our study provide good stability and are able to prevent significant subsidence. Trial registration number and date of registration: Number: 20181024-1875; Date: 2018-10-24

Morphophysiology of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) in Response to Drought Stress: Paving the Way Forward

The cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is currently the third most important food crop in the world and is becoming increasingly important to the local economies of developing countries. Climate change threatens to drastically reduce potato yields in areas of the world where the growing season is predicted to become hotter and drier. Modern potato is well known as an extremely drought susceptible crop, which has primarily been attributed to its shallow root system. This review addresses this decades old consensus, and highlights other, less well understood, morphophysiological features of potato which likely contribute to drought susceptibility. This review explores the effects of drought on these traits and goes on to discuss phenotypes which may be associated with drought tolerance in potato. Small canopies which increase harvest index and decrease evapotranspiration, open stem-type canopies which increase light penetration, and shallow but densely rooted cultivars, which increase water uptake, have all been associated with drought tolerance in the past, but have largely been ignored. While individual studies on a limited number of cultivars may have examined these phenotypes, they are typically overlooked due to the consensus that root depth is the only significant cause of drought susceptibility in potato. We review this work, particularly with respect to potato morphology, in the context of a changing climate, and highlight the gaps in our understanding of drought tolerance in potato that such work implies.

Taxonomic innovations in South American Selaginella (Selaginellaceae, Lycopodiophyta): description of five new species and an additional range extension

Five Selaginella species (i.e, S. gioiae, S. papillosa, S. pubimarginata, S. rostrata, and S. xanthoneura) from Neotropical rainforests of South America are described and illustrated as new, while S. surucucusensis, originally recorded only from Brazil, is redefined to account for species’ morphological characters throughout its expanded distribution range and also a novel illustration is provided for it. Inferred taxonomic affinities and conservation assessment are offered for species here treated. Selaginella gioiae is native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and S. xanthoneura is so far only known in Colombia, whereas S. surucucusensis is now known to occur in Colombia and Venezuela in the north-central part of South America. These three species are included in the “Selaginella flabellata group” based on their habit, stem shape, rhizophores position, and mega- and microspores color, and ornamentation. Selaginella papillosa, S. pubimarginata, and S. rostrata are native to Venezuela. Selaginella papillosa and S. pubimarginata morphologically belong in the “Selaginella deltoides group” based on their habit, stem type, shape of lateral leaves and their indument type distributed on upper surface of the leaf lamina. On the other hand, S. rostrata is considered to be a member of the “Selaginella microdonta group,” which is centered in the Guiana Highlands, based on its habit, stem type, and leaf size and shape, and for which a key to identify species is provided. Finally, all species threated here are classified in subg. Stachygynandrum based on their heteromorphic leaves, mostly quadrangular strobili, and monomorphic sporophylls shape (except for S. rostrata that has slightly dorsiventral and flattened strobili with somewhat heteromorphic sporophylls).

Canal Flare Index in the Canine Femur Is Influenced by the Measurement Method

Objectives We evaluated whether differences exist among the canal flare index (CFI) values obtained by different calculation methods in the veterinary literature. Study Design The endosteal widths were measured from radiographic images of canine cadaveric femora. Three different formulae were used to calculate the CFI. The CFILT-M was the ratio of endosteal width at the medial aspect of the lesser trochanter (LT) to the midshaft (M), while the CFILT-I was the ratio of LT to the isthmus (I). The CFIPLT-I was the ratio of endosteal width at the proximal aspect of the lesser trochanter (PLT) and the I. The widths at each level and the CFI calculation methods were compared. Using Rashmir–Raven's method, the femora were typed as stovepipe, normal and champagne fluted. The limits of agreement were also evaluated. Results The endosteal width at the proximal aspect of the lesser trochanter was 12% wider than at the medial aspect and 8% wider at the midshaft than at the isthmus. The CFILT-M was less than CFILT-I and CFIPLT-I by 9 and 20%, respectively. By Rashmir–Raven's classification, the CFILT-M method provided 18% stovepipe, 79% normal and 3% champagne fluted femora. The CFILT-I method showed the stovepipe, the normal and the champagne fluted as 6, 82 and 12%, respectively. The CFIPLT-I method classified the femora either normal (55%) or champagne fluted (45%). The comparison of CFILT-M with the other methods using Bland–Altman analysis showed lower mean difference for the CFILT-I than the CFIPLT-I. Conclusion The level of width measurements at proximal femora might have an impact on the CFI values, likewise, preoperative planning procedures and the selection of a stem type in total hip arthroplasty.

Migration pattern of a short uncemented stem with or without collar: a randomised RSA-study with 2 years follow-up

Background: There is an increasing interest in shorter, proximally loading, uncemented femoral stems. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new short stem type, its design based on a well-proven precursor, but with several new design features to facilitate easier insertion and possible preservation of proximal bone stock. It is available with or without a collar. Methods: The study includes 50 patients with primary osteoarthritis, mean age 59 (range 36–75) years, randomised to receive either the collar-fitted or the collarless stem. The patients underwent repeated radiostereometry (RSA) examinations (0, 0.5, 3, 12, 24 months), conventional radiography and filled out both hip-specific (HOOS) and general health (EQ-5D) questionnaires. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the collared and collarless stems regarding migration and clinical outcome. Both stem types exhibit a similar pattern of initial subsidence (collared 0.63 mm vs. collarless 0.75 mm [ p = 0.50]) and retroversion (collared 0.71° vs. collarless 0.97° [ p = 0.36]) up to 3 months followed by stabilisation, in similarity with its precursors, suggesting good osseointegration. No stem has been revised or considered loose. Conclusions: The new design features, including shortening the stem, do not compromise migration pattern or osseointegration, regardless collar or not.

Galant – new sort of tomato for the Far East

Relevance. Tomato is one of the most spreaded vegetable cultures in Khabarovsk Territory. Presence of the favourable weather conditions in the region, high ecological plasticity of tomato sorts promote the tomato cultivation in open and protected ground everywhere and in large areas. The main cause of crop failure or large losses of tomatoes in the Far East is a complex, unpredictable, not meeting anywhere else in Russia the monsoon climate causing a strong waterlogging observed almost every year in July-August, the period of the main tomato harvest forming. Such weather conditions promote the development of main diseases of the solanaceous cultures, and their most aggressive races often appear. Therefore a high natural infectious background and a sharply variable hydrothermal regime are the main limiting factors in the cultivation of tomatoes in the Khabarovsk Territory.Methods. Work on the creation of a new variety with the given parameters was started in 2007 by conducting intervarietal crossings between Volgogradsky 5/95 and Zarya Vostoka varieties, followed by multiple selections against a natural infectious background. The early ripening variety of Zarya Vostoka is a local selection variety, was used in the breeding process as an early maturity donor, and Volgogradsky 5/95, a stem type of plant. The main method of breeding work to create new varieties of tomato was analytical with continuous selection. All the necessary phenological, biometric and phytopathological observations and counts according to methods generally accepted in this culture. The purpose of our research was to create a new strain tomato variety with a short period of vegetation, forming the harvest of fruit before the appearance and spread of the disease and high productive potential.Results. This publication presents the information about the new local tomato sort Galant. This sort was received by inter-sort hybridization between the stem sort Volgogradsky 5/95 and local early ripening sort Zarya Vostoka. The sort was selected as a result long-term selection on the natural infectious background with the assessment by progeny of promising lines for a complex of morpho-biological and economically valuable traits in monsoon climate conditions of Priamurye. The new sort is different from other studied non-district and local sorts by fastripeness, high productivity, resistance to main diseases and also by stem type of plant.

Three-dimensional functional gradients direct stem curling in the resurrection plant Selaginella lepidophylla

Upon hydration and dehydration, the vegetative tissue of Selaginella lepidophylla can reversibly swell and shrink to generate complex morphological transformations. Here, we investigate how structural and compositional properties at tissue and cell wall levels in S. lepidophylla lead to different stem curling profiles between inner and outer stems. Our results show that directional bending in both stem types is associated with cross-sectional gradients of tissue density, cell orientation and secondary cell wall composition between adaxial and abaxial stem sides. In inner stems, longitudinal gradients of cell wall thickness and composition affect tip-to-base tissue swelling and shrinking, allowing for more complex curling as compared to outer stems. Together, these features yield three-dimensional functional gradients that allow the plant to reproducibly deform in predetermined patterns that vary depending on the stem type. This study is the first to demonstrate functional gradients at different hierarchical levels combining to operate in a three-dimensional context.