Three-dimensional distribution of subchondral fracture lines in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of three-dimensional distribution of subchondral fracture lines on the surface of the osteonecrosis femoral head, and to discuss the underlying mechanisms that contribute to its collapse.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed computed tomography (CT) images from 75 patients (comprising a total of 77 femoral heads) diagnosed with Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage IIIA or IIIB femoral head necrosis. The three-dimensional structures of both the femoral head and the subchondral fracture line were reconstructed and subsequently fitted into normal femoral head model.

Efficient production of single cell protein from biogas slurry using screened alkali-salt-tolerant Debaryomyces hansenii.

Production of single cell protein (SCP) by recovering ammonia nitrogen from biogas slurry shows great potential against protein scarcity and unsustainable production of plant and animal proteins. Herein, a high-alkali-salt-tolerant yeast strain, Debaryomyces hansenii JL8-0, was isolated and demonstrated for high-efficient SCP production. This strain grew optimally at pH 8.

Inversely engineered biomimetic flexible network scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration.

Graft-host mechanical mismatch has been a longstanding issue in clinical applications of synthetic scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration. Although numerous efforts have been devoted to resolve this grand challenge, the regenerative performance of existing synthetic scaffolds remains limited by slow tissue growth (comparing to autograft) and mechanical failures. We demonstrate a class of rationally designed flexible network scaffolds that can precisely replicate nonlinear mechanical responses of soft tissues and enhance tissue regeneration via reduced graft-host mechanical mismatch.

Endemic medicinal plant distribution correlated with stable climate, precipitation, and cultural diversity.

Medicinal plants provide crucial ecosystem services, especially in developing countries such as China, which harbors diverse endemic medicinal plant species with substantial cultural and economic value. Accordingly, understanding the patterns and drivers of medicinal plant distribution is critical. However, few studies have investigated the patterns and drivers of endemic medicinal plants distribution in China.

Leaf Venation Architecture in Relation to Leaf Size Across Leaf Habits and Vein Types in Subtropical Woody Plants.

Leaves are enormously diverse in their size and venation architecture, both of which are core determinants of plant adaptation to environments. Leaf size is an important determinant of leaf function and ecological strategy, while leaf venation, the main structure for support and transport, determines the growth, development, and performance of a leaf. The scaling relationship between venation architecture and leaf size has been explored, but the relationship within a community and its potential variations among species with different vein types and leaf habits have not been investigated.

Is it necessary to place screws in the intervening vertebrae in two-level anterior cervical discectomy with fusion and plating?

Objective: The clinical outcomes, radiological parameters, complication rate and the cost of implants in two-level ACDF with and without screws in the intervening segment were compared.

Methods: A retrospective study of 68 patients who underwent 2-level ACDF from January 2014 to June 2016 was performed. The patients were divided into two groups: ACDF with screws in the intervening vertebra and those without screws in the intervening vertebra.

Repair of bone defect of the lateral forefoot by double segment triangular fibula flap with vascular pedicle: A case report.

To expound the clinical effect of a new operation by transplanting double segment triangular fibula flap with vascular pedicle to repair the forefoot with lateral bone defect, and to study how to improve the operation method in the following stage. The inclusion criteria: More than 2 phalangeal and metatarsal bones defects of the lateral forefoot, widespread skin and soft tissue defects on pelma and dorsal foot, and destruction of the anterior aspect of foot arch, which seriously affects the foot function. There was one case of clinical application in November 2014.