bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guidance for dysmorphic sacrum fixation with upper sacroiliac screw based on imaging anatomy study: techniques and indications
Authors: Shan Tan , Hanqing Li , Qiuchi Ai , Junchao Xing , Meitao Xu , Tianyong Hou , Shichang Gao
Published: January 2023

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the techniques and indications of upper sacroiliac screw fixation for the dysmorphic sacrum.
Methods: The dysmorphic sacra were selected from 267 three-dimensional pelvic models. The dysmorphic sacra which couldn’t accommodate a 7.3 mm upper trans ilio-sacroiliac screw were classified as the main dysmorphic sacra. Then, the size of the bone corridor, the length of the screw in the corridor, and the orientation of the screw were measured. The insertion point on the sacrum was identified by two bone landmarks.
Results: totally, 30.3% of sacra were identified as the main dysmorphic sacra. The inclinations of the screw oriented from posterior to anterior were (21.80±3.56)° for males and (19.97±3.02)° for females (p<0.001), and from caudal to cranial were (29.97±5.38)° for males and (28.15±6.21)° for females (p=0.047). The min diameters of the corridor were (16.31±2.40) mm for males and (15.07±1.58) mm for females (p<0.001). The lengths of the screw in the Denis Ⅲ zone were (14.41±4.40) mm for males and (14.09±5.04) mm for females (p=0.665), and in the Denis Ⅱ+Ⅲ zones were (36.25±3.40) mm for males and (38.04±4.60) mm for females (p=0.005). The rates of LP-PSIS/LAIIS-PSIS were (0.36±0.04) for males and (0.32±0.03) for females (t=4.943, p<0.001). The lengths of LPM were (8.81±5.88) for males and (-4.13±6.33) for females (t=13.434, p<0.001).
Conclusion: When the sacrum has the features of “sacrum not recessed” and/or “acute alar slope”, the conventional trans ilio-sacroiliac screw couldn’t be placed safely. The inclination oriented from posterior to anterior and from caudal to cranial are approximately 20° and 30°, respectively. The bone insertion point locates in the rear third of the anterior inferior iliac spine to the posterior superior iliac spine. The sacroiliac screw is not recommended to fix the fractures in Denis Ⅲ zone.
Association of image-defined risk factors with clinical features, tumor biology, and outcomes in neuroblastoma: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Yang Dan-dan , Liu Chuan , Jin Gao , Hu Qiao-jun , Liang Yong , Liu Jian
Published: January 2023

Background
Image-defined risk factors (IDRF) in neuroblastoma have been developed to predict tumor resectability and surgical complications; however, the potential prognostic value of IDRF in neuroblastoma has been variably reported. Previous studies did not report the IDRF status separately from the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) stage. Moreover, the association between IDRF and clinical and pathological factors has not been discussed further.
Methods
In this retrospective study, we investigated the clinical and biological features of neuroblastoma at different INRG stages based on IDRF. Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) related to the INRG stage were analyzed using log-rank tests, and the prognostic value of the IDRF number and type was also evaluated.
Results
Among 72 patients, 182 IDRF at diagnosis were found in 79.2%. The distribution of the INRG stages was 10 L1 (13.9.0%), 25 L2 (34.7%), and 37 M/MS (51.4%). Patients with stage M/Ms had a larger tumor volume, a higher percentage of age ≥ 18 months, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, elevated ferritin level, and a higher percentage of COG high-risk compared with stage L1 and L2 patients. EFS and OS were similar for stage L1 and L2 tumors but were significantly poorer for metastatic disease. However, EFS (P = 0.06) and OS (P = 0.07) were similar for IDRF-negative and positive neuroblastomas. Patients with stage M/Ms with IDRF-positive had poorer EFS (P = 0.001) and OS (P < 0.001) compared with patients in stage L2. An IDRF ≥ 4, vascular IDRF, and infiltrative IDRF of the tumor were significant indicators of poor prognosis.
Conclusions
Our study indicates that increasing the INRG stages based on IDRF is associated with various unfavorable clinical features of neuroblastoma. The principal determinant of survival in neuroblastoma is the presence of metastatic disease more than IDRF alone at diagnosis. Both the number and type of IDRF have important clinical significance in the protocol planning of neuroblastoma, rather than just considering the absence or presence of IDRF.
Impact of Perfusion Modalities on Cerebral Hemodynamics, Organ Injury, and Clinical Outcomes in Acyanotic and Cyanotic Congenital Heart Surgery Patients
Authors: Patel Krishna , Lin Tracie K. , Clark Joseph B. , Ceneviva Gary D. , Imundo Jason R. , Spear Debra , Kunselman Allen R. , Thomas Neal J. , Myers John L. , Undar Akif
Published: January 2023

Background: Acyanotic and cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) patients are known to have distinct operative risk profiles. However, little is known about whether pulsatile and non-pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) have differential effects on cerebral hemodynamics or outcomes in these two patient groups.
Methods: 159 pediatric (age <18 years) cardiac surgery patients were randomized to pulsatile or non-pulsatile CPB. Patients were stratified by type of CHD: acyanotic versus cyanotic. Intraoperative cerebral gaseous microemboli counts and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index were assessed. Postoperative organ injury was quantified by Pediatric-Logistic-Organ-Dysfunction (PELOD-2) score at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Additional outcomes included Pediatric Risk-of-Mortality 3 (PRISM 3) score, vasoactive-inotropic score, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care and hospital length-of-stay, and mortality within 180 days.
Results: Regional-cerebral-oxygen-saturation, gaseous microemboli counts, and mean arterial pressure were similar between groups. PELOD-2 scores decreased over time, with similar scores between perfusion modalities in either group. Analysis of additional postoperative outcomes revealed no significant differences between non-pulsatile and pulsatile perfusion in either acyanotic or cyanotic groups.
Conclusions: Despite patients undergoing pulsatile CBP demonstrating a more physiologic pulsatility index in both acyanotic and cyanotic groups, no clinically significant differences in cerebral hemodynamics or clinical outcomes were appreciated.
Trial Registration Number and Registration Date: NCT00862407 (16/03/2009) (first registration date)
Condensed tannins mediate the effect of long-term nitrogen addition on soil nematodes in a boreal spruce forest
Authors: Tonjer Lea-Rebekka , Nybakken Line , Birkemoe Tone , Renčo Marek , Ferdous Zannatul , Asplund Johan
Published: January 2023

Fertilization and combustion have increased nitrogen (N) deposition over the last decades. Most boreal forests are N limited; thus, increased N availability may have considerable implications for boreal forest food web structure and functioning. Soil biota are important drivers of ecosystem processes through their effect on carbon (C) and nutrient cycling. Among these, nematodes are ubiquitous in soil and respond quickly to environmental changes. They are thus useful in determining changes in ecosystem status. Boreal forest plants produce large quantities of condensed tannins (hereafter tannins), and these may decrease following N addition. As defence compounds, tannins may alter soil community structure by reducing microbial activity and deter microfauna. Using nematodes as indicators, we here investigated the linkages between N-induced changes in soil food web and soil tannin concentration. We utilized a fertilization experiment where plots have been fertilized since 2003 at a rate of 150 kg ha− 1 yr− 1 in the form of granulated pellets containing 24.6% N, 2% P, 6% K and trace elements. This have resulted in a shift in the understory, and consequently a decrease in soil tannin concentration. Fertilization led to a less structured nematode community dominated by bacterivores. The abundance of bacterivores relative to fungivores increased, indicating a more bacteria-dominated energy channel. Furthermore, the dominance of bacteria appears to have been inhibited by soil tannin concentrations in the fertilized plots. Overall, our study demonstrate that soil community structure strongly changes upon increased N availability, and lower soil tannin concentrations further facilitate the dominance of bacteria.
Serum TSP-2 levels are elevated in type 2 diabetes mellitus and are independently associated with early diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Lin Zhenzhen , Zhang Yingchao , Liu Zhen , Guo Wanxie , Bi Yanxue , Wu Maolan , Zhang Xinxin , Zhang Didong , Lin Zhuofeng , Lu Xuemian
Published: January 2023

OBJECTIVE Thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) is a multifunctional matricellular glycoprotein correlated with glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Investigation of the association of TSP-2 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the potential diagnostic value of serum TSP-2 for detecting early diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is needed.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for detection serum TSP-2 levels in 494 Chinese T2DM subjects. The protein expression of TSP-2 in the kidney and other tissues were tested by western blotting.
RESULTS of Serum TSP-2 levels in T2DM subjects were significantly higher than in healthy individuals. Serum TSP-2 correlated positively with triglycerides, serum uric acid, creatinine, platelets, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), but negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate, after adjusting for age, sex, and T2DM duration. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between serum TSP-2 and early DKD. Furthermore, the high UACR identified at risk of early DKD increased significantly from 0.78 (95%CI 0.73-0.83) to 0.82 (95%CI 0.77-0.86, p< 0.001) when added to a clinical model consisting of TSP-2 and age. In db/db mice, serum TSP-2 levels were elevated. TSP-2 expression was markedly increased in the kidney tissue compared with that in db/m and m/m mice. Furthermore, serum TSP-2 expression correlated well with UACR in mice.
CONCLUSIONS TSP-2 is a novel glycoprotein associated with early DKD in patients with T2DM. The paradoxical increase of serum TSP-2 in T2DM individuals may be due to a compensatory response to chronic inflammatory and renal vascular endothelial growth, warranting further investigation.
Inframalleolar thrice distal puncture in a single endovascular treatment session for successful revascularization
Authors: Ota Issei , Nomura Tetsuya , Ono Kenshi , Sakaue Yu , Shoji Keisuke , Wada Naotoshi
Published: January 2023

Background: Infrapopliteal arterial diseases are prevalent in critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) populations and are often challenging to treat. In endovascular treatment (EVT) for those complex lesions, establishing retrograde access is an essential option not only for guidewire crossing but also for device delivery. However, there has been no EVT case report requiring inframalleolar thrice distal puncture in a single EVT session so far.
Case presentation: A 60-year-old CLTI patient whose WIfI classification was stage 3 underwent EVT for occluded dorsal artery and posterior tibial artery. Firstly, we conducted successful balloon angioplasty of the posterior tibial artery by establishing a retrograde approach via the lateral plantar artery. To treat the occlusion of dorsal artery, we retrogradely punctured the first dorsal metatarsal artery and retrogradely advanced a guidewire to the dorsal artery occlusion; however, the microcatheter could not follow the guidewire. Therefore, we punctured the occluded dorsal artery and introduced the retrograde guidewire into the puncture needle. After guidewire externalization, we pulled up the retrograde microcatheter into the occlusion of dorsal artery using the “balloon deployment using forcible manner” technique. Thereafter, we were able to advance the antegrade guidewire into the retrograde microcatheter. After guidewire externalization, an antegrade balloon catheter was delivered and inflated for the purpose of dorsal artery dilation and hemostasis at the dorsal artery puncture site. Successively, balloon dilation was performed to hemostat the puncture site of the first dorsal metatarsal artery and complete hemostasis was achieved. Finally, we confirmed good vascular patency and favorable blood flow. After revascularization, transmetatarsal amputation was performed and the wound healed favorably.
Conclusions: We can markedly increase the success rate of revascularization by better utilizing the retrograde approach in EVT for complex chronic total occlusions in infrapopliteal arterial diseases.
Duodenal-jejunal bypass surgery activates eNOS and enhances antioxidant system by activating AMPK pathway to improve oxidative stress diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: yang guangwei , Zhao Xiang , Liu Zitian , Ge Zheng , Yao Lunjin , Cheng Zhiqiang , Wang Xiaoyang , Zhang Xiang , Wang Kexin
Published: January 2023

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious complication of Obesity with type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgery can effectively improve DCM; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Our objective was to investigate the effect and potential mechanisms of duode-nal-jejunal bypass (DJB) on oxidative stress in the heart.
Methods: DJB was performed on DCM rats, and high glucose (HG) and palmitate (PA) were used to simulate DCM in H9C2 cells in vitro. AMPK agonists and inhibitors were used to verify the role of the AMPK pathway. Serum from different groups of rats was used to verify that the im-provement in DCM after DJB surgery was not strictly owing to improvement in blood glucose levels and connect the experiments in vivo and in vitro.
Results: DJB surgery effectively improved oxidative stress and increased expression of the AMPK pathway, p-eNOS/eNOS, NRF2, HO-1, and SOD2 in terms of protein and mRNA in the heart of DCM rats. Compared to H9C2 cells in the HG+PA environment alone, the addition of either AMPK agonists or serum from DJB rats increased the expression of the AMPK pathway, p-eNOS/eNOS, NRF2, HO-1, and SOD2 in terms of protein and mRNA and decreased the content of ROS, but this improvement was almost eliminated by the addition of AMPK inhibitors.
Conclusions: Therefore, DJB surgery can improve oxidative stress in the heart of DCM rats, which may be achieved by activating the AMPK pathway, thereby increasing the phosphorylation level of eNOS, increasing NO and reducing ROS production, and improving the antioxidant system and not solely the improvement of blood glucose.
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency: estimation of prevalence in the Chinese population and analysis of genotype-phenotype association
Authors: Ni Qi , Tang Meiling , Chen Xiang , Lu Yulan , Wu Bingbing , Wang Huijun , Zhou Wenhao , Dong Xinran
Published: January 2023

Background
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency (FBP1D) is a rare inborn error due to mutations in the FBP1 gene. The genetic spectrum of FBP1D in China is unknown, also nonspecific manifestations confuse disease diagnosis.
Materials & Methods
We collected 101 FBP1 variants from our cohort and public resources, and manually curated pathogenicity of these variants. Ninety-seven pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were used in our cohort to estimate Chinese FBP1D prevalence by three methods: 1) carrier frequency, 2) permutation and combination, 3) Bayesian framework. Allele frequencies (AFs) of these variants in our cohort, China Metabolic Analytics Project (ChinaMAP) and gnomAD were compared to reveal the different hotspots in Chinese and other populations. Clinical and genetic information of 122 FBP1D patients from our cohort and published literature were collected to analyze the genotype-phenotypes association. Phenotypes of 68 hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) patients from our previous study were used to compare the phenotypic differences between these two fructose metabolism diseases.
Result
The estimated Chinese FBP1D prevalence was 1/1,310,034. In the Chinese population, c.490G > A and c.355G > A had significantly higher AFs than in the non-Finland European population, and c.841G > A had significantly lower AF value than in the South Asian population (all P values < 0.05). The genotype-phenotype association analyses showed that patients carrying homozygous c.841G > A were more likely to present increased urinary glycerol, carrying two CNVs (especially homozygous exon1 deletion) were often with hepatic steatosis, carrying two missense variants were not likely to present fever, carrying compound heterozygous variants were usually with lethargy, and carrying homozygous variants were usually with ketosis and hepatic steatosis (all P values < 0.05). By comparing to phenotypes of HFI patients, FBP1D patients were more likely to present hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and seizures (all P value < 0.05).
Conclusion
The prevalence of FBP1D in the Chinese population is extremely low. Genetic sequencing could effectively help to diagnose FBP1D.
Associations of Plastic Bottle Exposure with Infant Fecal Microbiota, Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Growth
Authors: Zhao Heather Jianbo , Tilves Curtis , Differding Moira , Zhang Mingyu , Liu Tiange , Benjamin-Neelon Sara , Hoyo Cathrine , Ostbye Truls , Mueller Noel
Published: January 2023

Background
Plastic exposures have been shown to impact the microbiome, metabolism and growth of animals. However, no human studies have examined how plastic exposures are associated with fecal microbiota, microbial metabolites, or growth. Here we examine the association of plastic bottle feeding with infant fecal microbiota, microbial short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites, and anthropometry in the first year of life.
Methods
462 infants from the prospective Nurture Birth Cohort were included to examine frequency of plastic bottle feeding (every feeding vs. less than every feeding) at 3 months with anthropometric outcomes (skinfolds, length-for-age, and weight-for-length) at 1 year. A subset of 64 and 67 infants were included in analyses examining the fecal microbiota and fecal SCFAs, respectively. Microbial taxa were measured by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V4 region and SCFA concentrations were quantified using gas chromatography at 3 and 12 months of age.
Results
After adjustment for potential confounders, less frequent plastic bottle use was associated with lower fecal microbiota alpha Shannon diversity at 3 months (mean difference for plastic bottle used less than every feeding vs. every feeding = -0.53, 95% CI: -0.90, -0.17, p < 0.01) and lower propionic acid concentration at 3 months (mean log + 1 difference for plastic bottle used every feeding vs. less than every feeding = -0.53, 95% CI: -1.00, -0.06, p = 0.03). Furthermore, compared to infants who used plastic bottle at every feeding, infants who were plastic bottle-fed less frequently (1–3 times/day) at 3 months had significantly lower length-for-age z-scores at 12 months (mean difference= -0.40, 95% CI: -0.72, -0.07, p = 0.016).
Conclusion
Plastic bottle exposure may impact early infant gut microbiota and microbial SCFAs, which may in turn affect growth.
Deformation scheme of nonlinear Rosen-Zener tunneling for Bose-Einstein condensates in a triple-well potential
Authors: Cao Hong
Published: January 2023

We investigate Rosen-Zener tunneling for Bose-Einstein condensates in a triple-well potential within
the framework of mean-field treatment. Firstly, we exactly calculate tunneling dynamics for triple-well in the
linear case, where the population evolution of each well is robust, and all atoms are finally trapped in the single
well, that is initially uploaded. In this case, tunneling dynamics are symmetrical when all atoms are populated in the first well and third well. However, as the nonlinear interaction is introduced, tunneling dynamics will be significantly changed. On the one hand, the symmetry will be broken, some atoms will not be confined to the starting well. On the other hand, nonlinear Josephson oscillation will be presented within a fixing interval. When the interaction exceeds this interval, the self-trapping solution emerges.
Serological responses to the BNT-162b2 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination in twin pregnancies- Comparison between immunization before conception and during pregnancy.
Authors: Svirsky Ran , Rabbi Moran Landau , Hamad Ramzia Abu , Sharabi-Nov Adi , Kugler Nadav , Galoyan Narina , Sharon Nataly Zilberman , Meiri Hamutal , Maymon Ron , Zion Osnat Korach-Lev
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Compare the levels of neutralizing Anti-Spike Protein IgG (Anti-S-IgG) during twin pregnancies in women who were immunized by the BNT-62b2-Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19 before conception vs. during pregnancy.

Methods

In this prospective study, three blood samples were collected from 83 pregnant and 200 age-matched non-pregnant women and subjected to Anti-S-IgG immunodiagnostics. Patient’s medical records were collected from the hospital’s electronic database, including vaccination and PCR test results.

Results

Of the 83 women with twin pregnancies, 74 were dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) and 9 were monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA), 49 were vaccinated before conception, 21 were vaccinated during pregnancy, and 13 were non-vaccinated. Nine non-vaccinated women experienced an uneventful pregnancy, one contracted COVID-19 before conception, three became positive during pregnancy, and all three were severely ill and required hospitalization in the 3rd trimester. By contrast, in two (9.5%) of the 21 women who were vaccinated during pregnancy and 7 (14.3%) of the 46 women vaccinated before conception COVID-19 infection during pregnancy caused only mild symptoms. The levels of neutralizing Anti-S-IgG in the 3rd trimester in the women vaccinated before conception were 1,475 Au/mL [IQR 392-3,020] vs. 112 [54–357] (ten-fold lower) in women vaccinated during pregnancy (p < 0.001)). No difference was found between DCDA and MCDA. Third-trimester Anti-S-IgG levels in twin pregnancies were higher compared to non-pregnant women and to gravid women with singletons (according to reported levels). In women vaccinated at 13–16 weeks gestation, neutralizing Anti-S-IgG at 20–22 weeks went up to 372 Au/mL[120–1598], but rapidly dropped to 112[54–357) at 28–30 weeks, (p < 0.001), a faster decline than in women vaccinated before conception, or women with singleton pregnancies, or non-pregnant women (p < 0.001). Infection before conception was associated with having low Anti-S-IgG levels during pregnancy, whereas COVID-19 during pregnancy led to a very high response in the 3rd trimester, as previously reported for singleton pregnancies.

Conclusion

Lower neutralizing Anti-S-IgG levels were observed in women who were vaccinated during pregnancy compared to those who were vaccinated before conception, and they also declined faster. Vaccinated women who came down with COVID-19 had milder symptoms than unvaccinated women. Thus, a full course of vaccination before conception is recommended.
ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) Receipt Release Date: October 4, 2021
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04595214
Monolayer-interface-driven strain-free heteroepitaxy for single-crystal Ag thin films
Authors: Kim Su Jae , Kim Seon Je , Kim Young-Hoon , Park Jongkyoon , Jung Min-Hyoung , Lee Yousil , Cheon Miyeon , Lee Jegon , Seo Yu-Seong , Jeong Hu Young , Choi Woo Seok , Hwang Jungseek , Kim Seungchul , Jeong Se-Young , Kim Young-Min
Published: January 2023

Wafer-scale growth of metallic films into single crystals is challenging owing to the large lattice mismatch and uncontrollable stacking of atoms during deposition. Here, single-crystal Ag(111) films are grown on flat Cu(111) buffer layers using atomic sputtering epitaxy, notwithstanding the large (approximately 13%) Ag/Cu lattice mismatch. Phenomenologically, the mismatch strain is localised to the first Ag monoatomic interface layer, without spreading into adjacent Ag layers. This perfect strain absorber occurs owing to regulated in-plane displacements of Ag atoms at the periodic colocalisation loci of Ag and Cu atoms. This extreme case does not require collective cooperation of dislocated atoms as opposed to the case of strain relaxation, thereby enabling defect-free growth of Ag films. The resulting film surfaces are inherently ultraflat and thus advantageous for perfect reflectors and plasmonic devices.
Gingival crevicular fluid osteocalcin level as a biomarker for periodontitis stage III grade B and C response to periodontal treatment after 6 months follow up of Egyptian population sample- Controlled Clinical trial.
Authors: Bahrawy Mohamed Al , Rauf Sahar Abdel
Published: January 2023

Objectives: Periodontitis is characterized by an increased alveolar bone turnover with dominance of bone resorption over bone formation leading to alveolar bone loss and loss of attachment. Osteocalcin is the major noncollagenous calcium-binding single chain protein of bone and dentin matrix and it is a bone marker whose concentration in circulation has been used as a reflector of bone turnover.The present study was conducted to evaluate osteocalcin levels in healthy and diseased periodontium and to correlate the changes in its levels with the changes in the clinical and radiographic parameters before and after treatment.
Materials & Methods: Double blind clinical randomized trial, 40 patients divided into 3 groups; 15 patients diagnosed as periodontitis stage III grade B, 15 patients diagnosed as periodontitis stage III grade C, 10 healthy cases as control. Clinical parameters namely plaque index (PI), Gingival index (GI), Pocket depth (PD), Clinical attachment loss (CAL), radiographic examination, beside gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples collection for Osteocalcin level, tested at 3 time points 1 before and 2 after periodontal treatment, which included phase I therapy, and respective periodontal surgery accompanied by systemic antibiotics protocol.
Results: revealed a positive correlation in the changes of osteocalcin levels in relation to probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index and gingival index and a negative correlation with the changes in bone density although these correlations were insignificant.
Conclusions: Osteocalcin in gingival crevicular fluid as marker for diagnosis , prognosis, and follow up of the periodontitis infection activity, As a second conclusion cumulative non surgical, surgical and systemic antibiotic medication have high ability in the control of periodontal infection which could be measured clinically and radiographically.
Clinical relevance: Osteocalcin would be suitable for diagnosis and follow up of the disease, but not suitable for the prognosis of periodontal disease infection.
A data-driven high-precision modeling method of machine tool spatial error under the influence of Abbe error
Authors: Zhang Lin , jiang zhigang , Chen Guohua , Zhu Shuo , Hu yongwen
Published: January 2023

Due to the complex mechanism of the influence of Abbe error on spatial accuracy, the Abbe error accumulated in the traditional spatial accuracy model is hard to be identified and cannot be eliminated, which affects the modeling accuracy and restricts the effect of accuracy improvement. This paper presents a data-driven spatial accuracy modeling method for machine tool under the influence of Abbe error, using a three-axis coupling measurement optical path to directly measure the comprehensive spatial accuracy data of machine tool containing Abbe error. In addition, in order to effectively identify the Abbe error in the comprehensive spatial accuracy, the Abbe error quantization function is established to eliminate the Abbe error in the spatial accuracy data of machine tool by analyzing its formation mechanism in the measurement process. Further, aiming at the problem of small data samples after eliminating Abbe error, the data samples are extended based on the degradation mechanism of machine tool spatial accuracy at different coordinate positions, and a high-precision spatial error model for machine tool is given. Finally, the experiment is conducted on a three-axis CNC machine tool with the model accuracy of over 95%, and the example application verification shows that the developed model scheme is feasible and effective.
Easy-to-build rhizobox method to support wheat root research and breeding for future production systems
Authors: Rambla Charlotte , Kang Yichen , Ober Eric S. , Hickey Lee T , Alahmad Samir , Voss-Fels Kai Peter , Watt Michelle , Wasson Anton , Dinglasan Eric , Meer Sarah Van Der
Published: January 2023

Aims
Rhizoboxes allow non-invasive phenotyping of root systems and are often used as an alternative to evaluation in the field which typically requires excavation, a laborious endeavour. Semi-automated rhizobox methods can be used to screen large numbers of plants, but these platforms can be expensive due to the cost of customised components, assembly, and maintenance, which limits the accessibility for many root researchers. To widen access to the rhizobox method—for example for preliminary screening of germplasm for root system architecture traits—we present a method to build a simple, low-cost rhizobox method using widely available materials, which should allow any research group to conduct root experiments and phenotype root system architecture in their own laboratories and greenhouses.
Methods
The detailed construction of 80 wooden rhizoboxes is described (each 40 cm width x 90 cm height x 6 cm depth; total cost 1,786 AUD, or 22 AUD or [$15 USD] per rhizobox). Using a panel of 20 spring wheat lines, including parental lines and derived intro-selection lines selected for divergent seedling root traits (seminal root angle and root biomass), genotypic variation in root biomass distribution were examined in the upper (0–30 cm), middle (30–60 cm) and lower sections (60–90 cm) of the rhizobox. At the conclusion of the experiment, rhizobox covers were removed and the exposed roots were imaged prior to destructive root washing. Root morphological traits were extracted from the images using RhizoVision Explorer (Seethepalli and York 2020).
Results
There were significant genotypic differences in total root biomass in the upper and middle sections of the rhizobox, but differences were not detected in the deepest section. Compared with the recurrent elite parent Borlaug100, some of the intro-selection lines showed greater biomass (or less), depending on the status of the root biomass QTL on chromosome 5B. Genotypes also differed in shoot biomass and tiller number. The donor lines for high and low root biomass showed corresponding differences in shoot biomass. Additional root parameters such as total root length and branching frequency were obtained through image analysis and genotypic effects were detected at different depths.
Conclusions
The rhizobox set up is easy-to-build-and-implement for phenotyping the root distribution of wheat. This will support root research and breeding efforts to identify and utilise sources of genetic variation for target root traits that are needed to develop future wheat cultivars with improved resource use efficiency and yield stability.
Outlier Backdoor Attack Prevention Through Energy-Based Learning
Authors: Gao Xiangyu , Qiu Meikang
Published: January 2023

The improvement of data collection and data storage tech- niques enables it quite easier to obtain large amount of data. Accord- ingly, multiple big-data oriented machine learning become quite popular in terms of decision making. However, the quality of machine learning tools’ output is highly dependent on the cleanness of the input data. As for backdoor attackers, they have strong motivation to pollute the data set to negatively influence the final output. In response to this concern, this paper proposes to leverage energy-based learning to prevent back- door attacks. Specifically, our algorithm cleans the data set iteratively to rule out several possible polluted points before running the machine learning model. The experiments take linear regression as the example and show that out algorithm is fast to implement and can improve the accuracy of final output by 60% on average.
Local Administration of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Using a Hydrogel Carrier for Robust Bone Regeneration in a Large Animal Model of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Authors: Kim Harry , Ma Chi , Park Minsung , Monte Felipe , Gokani Vishal , Aruwajoye Olumide , Ren Yinshi , Liu Xiaohua
Published: January 2023

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is juvenile idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) that has no effective clinical resolutions. Previously, local injection of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) for ONFH treatment showed a heterogeneous bone repair and a high incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) due to the BMP2 leakage. Here, we developed a BMP2-hydrogel treatment via a transphyseal bone wash and subsequential injection of BMP2-loaded hydrogel. In vivo studies showed that a hydrogel of gelatin-heparin-tyramine retained the BMP2 for four weeks. The injection of the hydrogel can efficiently prevent leakage. With the bone wash, the injected hydrogel had a broad distribution in the head. In vivo studies on pigs revealed that the BMP2-hydrogel treatment produced a homogeneous bone regeneration without HO. It preserved the subchondral contour and restored the subchondral endochondral ossification, although it increased growth plate fusions. In summary, the study demonstrated a promising BMP2-hydrogel treatment for ONFH treatment, especially for teenagers.
Validation of a Performance Based Rapid Seismic Assessment Methodology (PERA2019) based on Actual Earthquake Damages
Authors: Aydogdu Hasan Huseyin , Ilki Alper
Published: January 2023

Most of the buildings in Turkey constructed before 1999 Kocaeli and Duzce Earthquakes do not have sufficient seismic resistance due to construction errors and do not satisfy the recent Turkish Building Earthquake Code (2018) or its preceding versions. In Istanbul, the ratio of buildings constructed before 2000 is nearly 70% in building stock. Clearly, seismic safety assessment of huge number of buildings is not practically possible by code-based detailed assessment approaches, which generally assess the seismic performance of buildings in terms of pass or fail, rather than rank and classify/prioritize these buildings considering their seismic safety. Moreover, the probability of a catastrophic earthquake that could hit Istanbul is high. Therefore, to minimize casualties and economic losses, it is important to determine the most vulnerable existing buildings effectively in terms of cost and duration. Accordingly, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has started to evaluate the seismic safety of existing reinforced concrete buildings using the PERA2019 method considering the actual structural data collected on site. The buildings are then divided into 5 seismic risk classes from low-risk to very highrisk according to the computed seismic safety ratio. In this study, the reliability of the PERA2019 is evaluated by considering the predicted risk classes of another large group of actual buildings that have been subjected to actual earthquakes and experienced earthquakeinduced damages in different extents. The comparative evaluation of actual seismic damages and predictions of PERA2019 showed clearly that the methodology has a sound ability to estimate the structural seismic performance of the investigated buildings.
Recovery of amylolytic enzymes from triticale malt (X. Triticosecale Wittmack) using two-phase aqueous systems
Authors: Girón-Orozco Diego , Mariezcurrena-Berasain María Dolores , Aguilar Oscar , Ramírez-Dávila José Francisco , Heredia-Olea Erick
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Triticale malt has shown higher amylolytic activity than other cereal malts, a characteristic of great importance for the brewing and starch industry. The scope of this work was to obtain concentrated enzymatic aqueous extracts containing β-amylase, α-amylase, and amyloglucosidase from triticale malts of Bicentenario and Siglo-XXI varieties, using aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) for enzymes recovery.
Methodology: The malts produced had 5 days of germination and were dried at 50°C. The extracts were prepared by mixing ground malt with deionized water (1:10), stirred at 180 rpm, testing three stirring times (30, 120, and 270 min) and two temperatures (30 and 40°C) (12 treatments). The extracts were centrifugated, freeze-dried and purified, varying the concentrations of alcohol and Na3C6H5O7. Enzyme quantification was performed using: BETAMYL-3® (β-amylase); AOAC 2002.0I, AACC22-02.0I (α-amylase), and McCleary et al., (1991) (amyloglucosidase).
Results: In relation to the malt, an increase in extract enzyme quantification was achieved, mainly α-amylase for Siglo-XXI malt, initially with 99.56 CU/g to 1,268.89 CU/mL (507.5 CU/g dry matter) in 30 min/30°C extract. For the same treatment, the best ATPS for enzymatic recovery was 30% alcohol/18% Na3C6H5O7, α-amylase predominantly at the inferior phase 1,514.03 CU/mL (605.6 CU/g dry matter) and β-amylase 51.43 BU/mL (10.2 BU/g dry matter) at the upper phase.
Conclusion: Aqueous amylase extraction from triticale Siglo-XXI malt in 30 min/30°C conditions is a suitable option for production of β-amylase and α-amylase in combination with the use of ethanol and Na3C6H5O7 ATPS to recovery amylolytic enzymes.
Molecular characterization of haemosporidian and haemogregarine diversity in southwestern Iberian amphibians and reptiles
Authors: Parejo-Pulido Daniel , Mora-Rubio Carlos , Marzal Alfonso , Magallanes Sergio
Published: January 2023

The knowledge of the diversity and geographic distribution of parasite species is the first step towards understanding processes of global epidemiology and species conservation. Despite recent increases in research on reptiles and amphibians haemosporidian and haemogregarine parasites, we still know little about their diversity and parasite-host interactions, especially in the Iberian Peninsula, where a few studies have been conducted. In this study, the haemosporidian and hemogregarine diversity and phylogenetic relationships of southwestern Iberian amphibians and reptiles were assessed using PCR approaches on 145 blood samples. The amphibians did not present any of both groups of parasites studied. Regarding the reptile species, six Hepatozoon and one Haemocystidum haplotypes were found infecting four different species, revealing new host records for these parasites. Among them, we found one new isolate Haemocystidium haplotype and three new isolates and a previously reported Hepatozoon haplotype from a north African snake. This finding suggests that some Hepatozoon parasites may not be host-specific and have large geographic ranges even crossing geographical barriers. These results increased the geographic distribution and the number of known host species of some reptile apicomplexan parasites, highlighting the great unexplored diversity of them in this region.
The problems, their groups and metaproperties
Authors: Lee June
Published: January 2023

This study starts with the definition of problem; the problem is the difference between the current state and the target state. Based on the definition, three problem-solving approaches are made geometrically, i.e., current to target, target to current and mutual approach of current and target states. Further study is done on the approach from current to target states, and it is found that five problem groups exist. Most problems in the world fall into one of five problem groups, and the problems in each group follow identical problem-solving principles of the group. The authors suggest that these groups and problem-solving principles are the meta-properties of problems which overlook most of the problems in the world.
Summary-data based mendelian randomization identifies gene expression regulatory polymorphisms associated with bovine paratuberculosis by modulation of the nuclear factor Kappa β (NF-κß)-mediated inflammatory response
Authors: Badia-Bringué Gerard , Canive Maria , Fernández Nora , Lavín José Luis , Casais Rosa , Blanco-Vázquez Cristina , Vázquez Patricia , Fernández Almudena , Bilbao Jose Ramón , Garrido Joseba M. , Juste Ramón A. , González-Recio Oscar , Alonso-Hearn Marta
Published: January 2023

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified host genetic variants associated with paratuberculosis (PTB) susceptibility. Most of the GWAS-identified SNPs are in non-coding regions. Connecting these non-coding variants and downstream affected genes is a challenge and, up to date, only a few functional mutations or expression quantitative loci (cis-eQTLs) associated with PTB susceptibility have been identified. In the current study, the associations between imputed whole-genome sequence genotypes and whole RNA-Sequencing data from peripheral blood (PB) and ileocecal valve (ICV) samples of Spanish Holstein cows (N= 16) were analyzed with TensorQTL. This approach allowed the identification of 88 and 37 cis-eQTLs regulating the expression levels of 90 and 37 genes in PB and ICV samples, respectively (FDR ≤ 0.05). Next, we applied summary-based data Mendelian randomization (SMR) to integrate the cis-eQTL dataset with GWAS data obtained from a cohort of 813 culled cattle that were classified according to the presence or absence of PTB-associated histopathological lesions in gut tissues. After multiple testing corrections (False discovery rate, FDR ≤ 0.05), we identified two novel cis-eQTLs affecting the expression of the early growth response factor 4(EGR4) and the bovine neuroblastoma breakpoint family member 6-like protein isoform 2 (MGC134040) that showed pleiotropic associations with the presence of multifocal and diffuse lesions in gut tissues; P = 0.002 and P = 0.017, respectively. While EGR4acts as a brake on T-cell proliferation and cytokine production through interaction with the nuclear factor Kappa β (NF-κß), MGC134040 is a target gene of NF-κß. Although no other genes were pleiotropically associated with PTB susceptibility after correction for multiple testing, several genes involved in splicing, innate immune response, apoptosis, blood coagulation, and regulation of epithelial cell adhesion were significantly associated with the presence of multifocal and diffuse lesions (nominal P-value ≤ 0.05). Our findings provide a better understanding of the genetic factors influencing PTB outcomes, confirm that the multifocal lesions are localized/confined lesions that have different underlying host genetics than the diffuse lesions, and highlight regulatory SNPs and regulated-gene targets to design future functional studies.
Water uptake of Haloxylon ammodendron in desert regions of Iran
Authors: Rahimabadi Pouyan Dehghan , Faghihi Vahideh , Azarnivand Hossein , Fasihi Javad , Malekian Arash , Yadollahzadeh Behzad
Published: January 2023

The complex relationships in the functioning of desert ecosystems and their environmental conditions can be expressed by the patterns of plant water use. In these areas, the water use sources of plants are a useful tool for resource management. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and track the available water resources and water use patterns. In this study, we investigated water use pattern of Haloxylon ammodendron growing in Semnan province, a semi-arid area of IRAN, using the stable isotope method. We used a simple, home-made Cryogenic Vacuum Distillation (CVD) system to direct extract the water in soil samples and different plant components before isotope analysis by mass spectrometer. The contribution of each possible water source of the plant xylem water was estimated using the IsoSource mixing model. The patterns in δ18O values in plant xylem water indicates the ability of H. ammodendron to use groundwater as the most important water resources in wet season to maintain its life. The results showed that there is a significant correlation between the isotope values with sand particles in the soil layers (P < 0.05). The results of this research can be of great help in strategic planting of H. ammodendron to prevent damages to groundwater resources and maintaining the long-term sustainability of groundwater.
Effect Of Shocks on Indian Stock Market
Authors: b Ashok , Vishwanath Akshay , Santosh Anadhu
Published: January 2023

The impact of major macro and micro economic factors (also known as shocks) on the Nifty 50 Index are studied. Various factors from interest rates, economic fallout and most recent events such as the covid pandemic and the Russian Ukraine war are considered. Results of this study reveal only the immediate impact on the benchmark index rather than the long-term effect.
Diet change and sustainability in Indigenous areas: Characteristics, drivers, and impacts of diet change in Gunayala, Panama
Authors: Lam Rodolfo Dam , Huynh Lam Thi Mai , Gasparatos Alexandros
Published: January 2023

Many Indigenous communities around the world have been experiencing rapid and profound diet changes. This Case Report uses a Sustainability Science lens to understand the characteristics of diet change in Indigenous Gunas communities of Panama, as well as its drivers and sustainability impacts. We observe the rapid westernization of diets mainly driven by modernization and development processes. However, this diet change has a series of intersecting sustainability impacts related to food security, health, and socio-cultural and environmental change. It is necessary to understand the intersection of these phenomena when designing programmes and interventions seeking to prevent or mitigate negative diet changes in Gunayala, and Indigenous contexts more broadly.
Quality of fish product fortified with guava peel powder as preserved in a prefabricated solar cooler **
Authors: Biswas Olipriya , Nanda Subhransu Mohan
Published: January 2023

In this work, guava (Psidium guajava L.) peel powder's antioxidant capacity and functional value in fish nuggets kept in a solar cooler at 5°C were examined. Guava powder peel was incorporated to fish nuggets at two distinct levels, 1.0%, and 1.5%, and the effect was compared to the control. High dietary fibre (56.93%), phenolics (43.99 mg GAE/g), and strong radical scavenging and reducing properties are observed in Guava powder. The addition of guava peel powder increased the emulsion stability and cooking yield and decreased the pH of emulsion. The incorporation of guava peel powder did not affect the amount of protein and ash content, but it increased the moisture content of fish nuggets. None of the textural qualities differed considerably except for springiness value. Guava peel powder was reported to prevent lipid peroxidation in fish nuggets during storage as determined by the TBARS level. The addition of guava peel powder decreased the growth of microbes due to its antimicrobial properties. Flavor and juiciness increased by the addition of guava peel powder in fish nuggets and can be employed as an antioxidant dietary fibre source in muscle foods.