Regarding loads after spinal fusion, every level should be seen separately: a musculoskeletal analysis.

Introduction: The number of spinal fusion surgeries is steadily increasing and biomechanical consequences are still in debate. The aim of this study is to provide biomechanical insights into the sagittal balance of the spine and to compare spinal load before and after spinal fusion.

Method: The joint reaction forces of 52 patients were analyzed in proximo-distal and antero-posterior direction from the levels T12-L1 to L5-S1 using musculoskeletal simulations.

Radiological outcome of postoperative sagittal balance on standing radiographs in comparison to intraoperative radiographs in prone position when performing lumbar spinal fusion.

Purpose: Aim of this study is to show the outcome of postoperatively measured lumbar lordosis in upright position in comparison to the intraoperatively estimated lumbar lordosis in prone position, as the lumbar lordosis is one of the most important factors for the clinical outcome after spinal fusion.

Materials And Methods: Eighty-two patients, receiving lumbar fusion were included in this retrospective study. Intraoperative radiographs were scanned.

HAX1 deletion impairs BCR internalization and leads to delayed BCR-mediated apoptosis.

Deletion of HAX1 in mice causes a severe reduction in the numbers of lymphocytes in the bone marrow and in the spleen. Additionally, B220(+) B progenitor cells in the bone marrow are reduced, suggesting an important function of HAX1 in B cell development. HAX1 is thought to play a protective role in apoptotic processes; therefore, we investigated the role of HAX1 in bone marrow B progenitor cells and splenic B cells.

An improved method and data analysis for ultrasound acoustic emissions and xylem vulnerability in conifer wood.

The vulnerability of the xylem to cavitation is an important trait in plant drought resistance and has been quantified by several methods. We present a modified method for the simultaneous measurement of cavitations, recorded as ultrasound acoustic emissions (UAEs), and the water potential, measured with a thermocouple psychrometer, in small samples of conifer wood. Analyzing the amplitude of the individual signals showed that a first phase, during which the mean amplitude increased, was followed by a second phase with distinctly lower signal amplitudes.