Expression profiling genes essential for plant reproduction

Genetic subtraction and expression profiling of wild-type Arabidopsis and a sporophytic mutant lacking an embryo sac identified 1,260 genes expressed in the embryo sac; a total of 527 genes were identified for their expression in ovules of mutants lacking an embryo sac.

Over recent decades alcohol consumption has increased among those who are older than 65 years. Alcohol is more toxic in the ageing organism because of changes in its metabolism, distribution and elimination, which lead to central nervous system effects at lower levels of intake; also, ageing organs such as brain and liver are more sensitive to the toxicity of alcohol. For these reasons, alcohol should be used in moderation, especially among those of older age.

Purpose: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an effective treatment option in early osteoarthritis. However, preoperative planning and surgical execution can be challenging. Computer assisted three-dimensional (3D) planning and patient-specific instruments (PSI) might be helpful tools in achieving successful outcomes. Goal of this study was to assess the accuracy of HTO using PSI. Methods: All medial open wedge PSI-HTO between 2014 and 2016 were reviewed. Using pre-and postoperative radiographs, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) were determined two-dimensionally (2D) to calculate 2D accuracy. Using postoperative CT-data, 3D surface models of the tibias were reconstructed and superimposed with the planning to calculate 3D accuracy. Results: Twenty-three patients could be included. A mean correction of HKA of 9.7°± 2.6°was planned. Postoperative assessment of HKA correction showed a mean correction of 8.9°± 3.2°, resulting in a 2D accuracy for HKA correction of 0.8°± 1.5°. The postoperative PTS changed by 1.7°± 2.2°. 3D accuracy showed average 3D rotational differences of − 0.1°± 2.3°in coronal plane, − 0.2°± 2.3°in transversal plane, and 1.3°± 2.1°in sagittal plane, whereby 3D translational differences were calculated as 0.1 mm ± 1.3 mm in coronal plane, − 0.1 ± 0.6 mm in transversal plane, and − 0.1 ± 0.6 mm in sagittal plane. Conclusion: The use of PSI in HTO results in accurate correction of mechanical leg axis. In contrast to the known problem of unintended PTS changes in conventional HTO, just slight changes of PTS could be observed using PSI. The use of PSI in HTO might be preferable to obtain desired correction of HKA and to maintain PTS.