Mid Values Research Articles

Biometric Steganography Using Mid Position Value Technique

Abstract: Biometric data, is prone to attacks and threats from cyber criminals to conduct identity theft, and its economic value makes it a product that can be traded in underground marketplaces such as the dark web. Securing it is the need of the hour. Sensitive data is subsequently in danger throughout a biometric identification system, and therefore the security measures implemented to guard this data must cover all contingencies. A steganographic approach is proposed as a solution to this. Biometrics are hidden inside other biometrics for safe storage and secure transmission. Steganography is a process of hiding data in a transmission medium. The main objectives while hiding data are its undetectability, robustness against image processing and other attacks, which steganography can easily achieve. This project focuses on a process of hiding an image in another image by using mid position value(mpv) technique. Here we have to choose the secret biometric on which Arnold transform will be applied resulting in a scrambled version of the secret biometric. This will be embedded into the cover image resulting in a stego image. Lastly, the hidden secret biometric will be decoded from this stego image, which will first result in a scrambled secret biometric. Inverse Arnold Transform will be applied on this to finally result in the decoded secret biometric.

Differential echocardiographic profiles in immunoglobulin light chain and transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: insights from speckle tracking analysis

Abstract Background Amyloid cardiomyopathy is mainly caused by two main subtypes of amyloidosis; immunoglobulin light chains cardiomyopathy (AL-CM) and transthyretin cardiomyopathy (TTR-CM). Purposes The aim of the present study was to elucidate the differences in echocardiographic findings between AL-CM and TTR-CM using speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods The study included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis through cardiac biopsy and who underwent transthoracic echocardiography between March 2013 and October 2022. The relative apical sparing index (RASI) was calculated using speckle tracking echocardiography: mean apical strain value/(mean basal strain value + mean mid strain value). Results The final study population consisted of 50 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis diagnosed pathologically (AL-CM: 21 patients, TTR-CM: 29 patients). Mean age was 72 ± 11 years, 70% being male. AL-CM exhibited a lower left ventricular mass index compared to TTR-CM (124.5 ± 48.9 vs. 152.2 ± 39.2 g/m2, P = 0.001). In 35 patients available with longitudinal strain analysis, no significant difference was observed in left ventricular global longitudinal strain between the two subgroups (-9.9 ± 4.8 vs. -9.3 ± 2.4% , P = 0.63). However, RASI was significantly lower in AL-CM compared to TTR-CM as shown in Figure (0.92 ± 0.29 vs. 1.46 ± 0.53, P = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis shows a RASI cut-off value of <1.0 proved useful in differentiating the diagnosis of AL-CM from TTR-CM (sensitivity: 81%, specificity: 70%, AUC:0.82), and RASI <1.0 remained a significant association with the diagnosis of AL-CM, even after adjusted by conventional echocardiographic variables. Conclusion Apical sparing phenomenon was more remarkable in TTR-CM compared with AL-CM, although global longitudinal strain was comparable between the two groups. RASI was useful for the discrimination of cardiac amyloidosis subtypes.

Requirements on construction methods for MID values should be fulfilled for at least one method.

Requirements on construction methods for MID values should be fulfilled for at least one method.

Numerical study of Carreau fuzzy nanofluid across a stretching cylinder using a modified version of Buongiorno's nanofluid model

The principal intention of the currently analysis is to investigate the impacts of the naturally convective nanofluid using a model of Carreau fluid with engine oil (CnH2n+2)as the base fluid and Manganese Zinc Ferrite (MnZnFe2O4)as the nanoparticle, the fluid flowing through a stretched cylinder in a fuzzy ambient. It examines the impact of assorted parameters, Weissenberg number(We), Prandtl numeral(Pr), Schmidt numeral (Sc), and curvature (k)with magnetic field(B) and nanoparticle parameter, in order to manipulate an analogous conversion, the regulating equations of velocity, energy, and concentration profiles permute from a set of partial differential equations stand to ordinary differential equations. The present analysis focuses on the no slip assumption, which gives rise to a nonlinear Dirichlet boundary condition in axial velocity. The bvp5c approach was utilized to solve the resulting series of equations by the MATLAB. This is a highly effective approach with minimal computing expenditure. The volume quantity of nanoparticles in MnZnFe2O4 is considered an uncertain parameter respect to TFNs (triangular fuzzy numbers) ranging [0, 0.5, 0.1]. Triangular membership function (TMF) is used to study the uncertainty variability while α − cut controls the TFNs. Fuzzy linear regression analysis makes use of TFNs to determine the middle (crisp), left, and right values of the fuzzy velocity profile. In comparison to the crisp velocity profile (mid value), the study's result and the fuzzy velocity profile have the maximum rate of flow. Tables and graphs are used to illustrate the outputs.

Comparative study of arthrocentesis with concentric-needle cannula with classic concentric needle: A randomized single-blind controlled clinical trial

This study aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of two distinct single-puncture techniques in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis for managing disk displacement without reduction (DDwoR).Sixty patients with DDwoR were randomly and blindly assigned to two treatment groups (n = 30 each): group 1 — TMJ arthrocentesis with the classic concentric needle; and group 2 — TMJ arthrocentesis with the concentric needle-cannula system. The following variables were recorded and compared across the groups: patient's pain perception (visual analog scale — VAS, 0–10); maximal interincisal distance (MID, mm); facial edema (FE, presence or absence); and operation duration (OP, minutes).Patients in group 2 presented significantly lower values of VAS score and presence of FE (p < 0.05) when examining the data at 24 and 48 h after the arthrocentesis. They also showed an increase in MID values (p = 0.024) after 6 months. With regard to OP, no significant difference was observed between the groups.Performing a single-puncture TMJ arthrocentesis using a concentric needle-cannula system significantly reduced the patients’ pain perception, and mitigated the presence of facial edema during the immediate postoperative period (at 24 and 48 h). Furthermore, it resulted in a notable increase in the MID after 6 months.

Protective Effect of Royal Jelly on Some Hematologic Parameters Against Sodium Arsenite Toxicity: A Study in Rats

This study examined the effect of royal jelly on some hematological values against sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)-induced toxicity in rats. Royal jelly is a known functional bee product; therefore, its potential to protect against these effects is of great importance. In this study, the effects of royal jelly on hematologic changes were investigated. In the study, 35 healthy Wistar albino male rats weighing 250–300 g and 12–13 weeks old were used. Rats were divided into different groups by gavage daily for 14 days. WBC, LYM, MID, GRA, RBC, HGB, MCHC, MCH, MCV, HCT, PLT, MPV, and PDW values were measured in blood samples. When the measured values were analyzed, the MID, RBC, MCHC, MCH, MCV, and PDV values did not show statistical significance in all experimental groups (P&gt;0.005). However, significant decreases in %LYM, %MID, HCT, and PLT values and increases in WBC, GRA, and %GRA counts were observed in all groups (P &lt; 0.005). This review shows that royal jelly has a potential effect on the hematological and immune systems against toxicity caused by harmful heavy metals such as arsenic. In particular, further research is required to identify the most effective dosage of royal jelly. The results highlight the protective potential of royal jelly against toxicity, which requires further investigation.

Anchor-based minimal important difference values are often sensitive to the distribution of the change score

PurposeAnchor-based studies are today the most popular approach to determine a minimal important difference value for an outcome variable. However, a variety of construction methods for such values do exist. This constitutes a challenge to the field. In order to distinguish between more or less adequate construction methods, meaningful minimal requirements can be helpful. For example, minimal important difference values should not reflect the intervention(s) the patients are exposed to in the study used for construction, as they should later allow to compare interventions. This requires that they are not sensitive to the distribution of the change score observed. This study aims at investigating to which degree established construction methods fulfil this minimal requirement.MethodsSix constructions methods were considered, covering very popular and recently suggested methods. The sensitivity of MID values to the distribution of the change score was investigated in a simulation study for these six construction methods.ResultsFive out of six construction methods turned out to yield MID values which are sensitive to the distribution of the change score to a degree that questions their usefulness. Insensitivity can be obtained by using construction methods based solely on an estimate of the conditional distribution of the anchor variable given the change score.ConclusionIn future the computation of MID values should be based on construction methods avoiding sensitivity to the distribution of the change score.

The benefits of performing temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis with catheters and a vacuum pump: A randomized control trial

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two different techniques of double puncture arthrocentesis with and without the addition of catheters and a vacuum pump for management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR). A total of 48 patients with DDWOR were randomly and blindly allocated into two treatment groups (N = 24): Group 1, TMJ arthrocentesis with the addition of catheters and a vacuum pump to the second needle; Group 2, TMJ arthrocentesis without any addition device. The following variables were registered and compared between groups: patient's pain perception (visual analogue scale [VAS; 0–10]); maximal interincisal distance [MID; mm]; joint effusion (JE, presence or absence); facial edema (FE; presence or absence); and the operation duration (OP; minutes). Patients in Group 1 presented with significantly lower VAS scores (p < 0.001) and presence of FE (p = 0.03) in the post-operative period, also an increase in MID values (p = 0.026), and a reduction in JE (p = 0.022) after 3 months. Besides that, in this group, the procedure was performed significantly faster (p < 0.001). Performing arthrocentesis with the addition of a vacuum pump makes the procedure faster and yields better results in terms of pain, facial swelling, mouth opening and joint effusion.

Diagnostic accuracy of apical sparing pattern in transthyretin-derived cardiac amyloidosis assessed by two-dimensional strain echocardiography

Abstract Background Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a rapidly progressive disease that portends poor prognosis. Recently, transthyretin-derived CA (ATTR-CA) has attracted attention due to the emergence of specific drugs, and its simple and accurate diagnosis is required. Apical sparing pattern of regional longitudinal strain (LS) distribution has been known as specific echocardiographic finding for CA. However, its diagnostic significance is unclear when limited to ATTR-CA. Aims This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of apical sparing pattern to distinguish ATTR-CA from other left ventricular hypertrophic diseases. Methods This was a retrospective study evaluating 32 patients underwent endomyocardial biopsy for differentiation of left ventricular hypertrophy from November 2018 to August 2022. Based on clinical data, patients were classified into 9 patients in ATTR-CA, 14 patients in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and 9 patients in hypertensive heart disease (HHD). In addition to routine echocardiographic findings, left ventricular LS analysis was performed. Relative regional strain ratio (RRSR) as an index of apical sparing pattern was measured as the average of apical LS divided by the sum of the average of mid and basal LS values. Results RRSR in ATTR-CA group was significantly higher than in HCM and HHD groups (0.96 vs. 0.68 vs. 0.72, P=0.004) (Table). In the receiver-operating characteristic analysis of RRSR for differentiating ATTR-CA from HCM and HHD, the optimal cut-off value of RRSR for the diagnosis of ATTR-CA was 0.93 (sensitivity 67%, specificity 96%, area under the curve 0.84) (Figure). Conclusions Apical sparing pattern may have acceptable accuracy in diagnosing ATTR-CA versus other left ventricular hypertrophic diseases, but the relatively low sensitivity may be a clinical limitation.Table:Echocardiographic dataFigure

Genetic variation and heterosis of the interspecific abalone hybrid of Haliotis rubra and H. laevigata

The interspecific abalone hybrid of Haliotis rubra x H. laevigata is an important commercial species for abalone aquaculture in Australia. A selective breeding program is in operation to genetically improve hybrid performance for total weight, meat yield, and appearance traits (epipodium pattern and foot colour). This study provides estimates of heterosis for these traits and genetic parameters for the two parental species and their hybrid populations, measured using 73,107 individuals collected over 14 generations. Measurements were made at 1.5 and 2.5 years for total weight, meat yield and appearance traits. Genetic variation was significant for all evaluated traits and was predominantly due to additive genetic variation. The heritability (h2) estimates of total weight at 2.5 years for H. rubra and H. laevigata was 0.54 ± 0.03 and 0.45 ± 0.02, respectively, but higher in the hybrid population (0.57 ± 0.01). For other traits the h2 estimates of hybrid populations were within the range of those for pure species. The range of h2 (with SE) at 2.5 years for meat yield, epipodium pattern and foot colour were 0.27 (0.06) to 0.78 (0.04), 0.35 (0.05) to 0.62 (0.03), and 0.18 (0.03) to 0.30 (0.02), respectively. Heterosis was present for all traits except foot colour. Effects were strongest for total weight, with a 67% gain over the mid parent value, and less for meat yield, epipodium pattern, and foot colour with gains of 6%, 9% and 6% over mid parent value, respectively. Genetic correlations between pure species performance and hybrid performance for total weight were 0.45 (0.17) for H. rubra and 0.75 (0.06) for H. laevigata and ranged from 0.27 to 0.85 for other traits. These correlations were a basis for decisions about the commercial breeding strategy. The strategy adopted is a form of reciprocal recurrent selection which uses a hybrid progeny test. Selection is based on estimation of additive hybrid effects and measurements are made on both hybrid and pure species which are treated as separate and correlated traits.

Predicting, Validation of Frequency of Transgressive Recombinant Inbred Lines and Minimum Population Size Required to Recover them in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Background: Identification of transgressive recombinant inbred lines (RILs) that can be use as pure-line cultivars is the prime objective of a breeder in self-pollinated crops including groundnut.&#x0D; Aim: Thus, identification of such promising segregating generations assumes importance. This can be achieved by predicting the transgressive RILs that could be derived from advanced generations of segregating population.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In our study we predicted and validated transgressive RILs derived from cross TMV 2 × GPBD 4 for five quantitative traits based on estimates of mid parental value [m], additive genetic effects [a] and additive genetic variance [σ2A].&#x0D; Results: the frequency of transgressive RILs was higher for all the five traits. Primary branches per plant had highest frequency of predicted transgressive RILs with minimum population size of 6.95. Narrow difference between the predicted and realised frequency of RILs was seen.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our results indicate that this approach could be the efficient in selecting the best breeding population out of many number of crosses made.

Actual and standard crop coefficients for semi-natural and planted grasslands and grasses: a review aimed at supporting water management to improve production and ecosystem services

AbstractNatural and planted grasslands play a very important role in agriculture as source of various ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity, and are responsible for a large fraction of agricultural water use in rainfed and irrigated fields. It is, therefore, relevant to precisely know their water use and vegetation requirements with consideration of relevant climate, from extremely cold, dry, with long winter seasons, to tropical humid and hot climates, thus with a large variability of vegetation. Semi-natural grasslands are basically used for grazing and mainly refer to highland pastures and meadows, steppes, savannas, pampas, and mixed forest systems. The FAO method to compute crop (vegetation) evapotranspiration (ETc) through the product of a crop coefficient (Kc) by the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is adopted. The selected papers were those where actual ETc (ETc act) was derived from field observations and ETo was computed with the FAO56 definition, or with another method that could be referred to the former. Field derived ETc act methods included soil water balance, Bowen ratio and eddy covariance measurements, as well as remote sensing vegetation indices or surface energy balance models, thus reviewed Kc act (ETc act/ETo) values were obtained from field data. These Kc act refer to initial, mid-season and end season (Kc act ini, Kc act mid, Kc act end) when reported values were daily or monthly; otherwise, only average values (Kc act avg) were collected. For cases relative to cold or freezing winters, data refer to the warm season only. For grasses cut for hay, Kc act ini, Kc act mid, and Kc act end refer to a cut cycle. Kc act values rarely exceeded 1.25, thus indicating that field measurements reported did respect the available energy for evaporation. Overall, Kc act mid for semi-natural grasslands in cold climates were lower than those in hot climates except when available water was high, with Kc act mid for meadows and mountain pastures generally high. Steppes have Kc act mid values lower than savannas. Grasses commonly planted for hay and for landscape generally showed high Kc act mid values, while a larger variability was observed with grasses for grazing. The collected Kc act values were used to define standard Kc values for all grassland and grasses. Nevertheless, the tabulated Kc act are indicative values of Kc to be used for actual water management purposes and/or irrigation scheduling of planted grasslands. It is expected that a better knowledge of the standard and/or indicative Kc values for a wide variety of grasslands and grasses will support better management aimed to improve grass productivity and ecosystem services, including biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

PO-03-009 3830 LEAD TIP POSITION ON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC OUTCOMES IN LEFT BUNDLE BRANCH AREA PACING

Prior studies have evaluated the impact of lead tip distance from the LV blood pool on pacing parameters during left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP). Few studies to date have evaluated lead tip angulation within the interventricular septum (IVS) in relation to pacing morphology on surface 12-lead ECG. To establish the observed lead tip trajectories within the interventricular septum encountered during LBBAP. Patients who underwent LBBAP implantation between 02/2019-07/2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) of the chest or thorax post-implantation for any indication were included for analysis. Lead distance from the mitral annulus, lead tip distance from LV blood pool (DEBP), lead tip angle of incidence (AOI), and post-implantation electrocardiographic and pacing parameters were analyzed (Figure 1a). 38 pts were identified, out of whom 37 pts had CT images available for analysis. In the 20 pts with contrast enhanced imaging, DEBP was 2.1±1.8mm. Average observed AOI was 10.9±20.6 degrees in the axial plane (long axis; Figure 1b) and 12.4±22.2 degrees in the saggital plane (short axis; Figure 1c). Lead impedance at time of implant did not correlate strongly with axial or sagittal angle of incidence (R2=0.01 and 0.03 respectively) or with distance from LV endocardial blood pool (R2=0.04). The most commonly encountered lead insertion locations included the mid-septal (22, 59.5%), basal septal (4, 10.8%), and mid antero-septal (3, 8.1%) positions (Figure 1d). Average lead tip distance from the AV annulus was 36.6±8.2mm. Mean paced QRSd for the basal, mid, and apical cohorts were 122.5±8.1ms, 118.5±10.7ms, and 120±15.9ms, respectively. Left ventricular activation time in lead V6 numerically decreased for more apical positions, with basal, mid and apical values of 84.4±11.9ms, 73.9±10.6ms, and 69.5±6.0ms, respectively. Lead threshold, impedance, and sensed R waves were stable at time of 2 year follow-up. No analyzed patients underwent lead revision. Multiple lead tip orientations are observed in relation to the IVS during successful LBBAP. More apical lead tip positioning may result in numerically lower LVAT values, despite similar overall QRS duration.

Distribution of humpback whales along the coast of Ecuador and management implications

As part of a long-term population study of humpback whales breeding on the coast of Ecuador (2°S, 81°W), four sites on the central coast were surveyed: Puerto Cayo, Puerto López, La Plata Island and Salinas. The spatial, temporal and age class distributions of 322 groups positioned during the period of 1996-2003 were analysed regarding their distance from the shore and water depth with two statistical methods: one-way ANOVA and linear modelling. The average sighting distance from shore varied between 5.31km in Salinas and 10.16km in Puerto Cayo with mid values in Puerto López and La Plata Island. Average water depth was similar in Puerto López, La Plata Island and Salinas (36-39m) but lower in Puerto Cayo (19.43m). Differences were highly significant in both cases (p&lt;0.01). A progressive but not significant increase in the average distance from shore was found (6.2km in June to 7.17km in September). Sighting depth was constant between June and August (average 35-36m) but decreased significantly in September to 27m (p&lt;0.01). This difference was attributed to the presence of mother-calf pairs in shallower water by the end of the season. Age class analyses using ANOVA showed highly significant differences between groups of adults, and adults with subadults with respect to singleton subadults, and groups containing a mother-calf pair for both distance from shore and depth (p&lt;0.01); however, linear modelling analyses showed only depth was significant (p=0.026). This suggests that depth is a more important determinant of differences in distribution between these age classes than proximity to shore. The sightings distribution showed segregation of both mother-calf pairs (towards shallow waters) and of singleton subadults (towards the boundaries of the surveyed area). Since only eight sightings (2.5%) were in waters deeper than 60m, we propose that depth is a major feature determining humpback whale distribution in these waters. Implications of this coastal distribution are discussed, particularly with respect to bycatch in fishing gear and whalewatching. A review of recent southeast Pacific sightings showed that humpback whales are also abundant in coastal waters to the southwest of Ecuador (3°S) and confirmed that they are scarce offshore. However, whales are more widely distributed in the north of Peru (4°-6°S) where they make the transition between deeper oceanic and shallower coastal waters when arriving at and leaving the breeding area.

Predicting the Frequency of Transgressive RILs and Minimum Population Size Required to Recover Them in Dolichos Bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet

Background: Allocation of resources only to a few promising segregating populations that are likely to result in high frequency of transgressive recombinant inbred lines (RILs) for use as pure-line cultivars would help enhance efficiency of breeding self-pollinated crops including dolichos bean. The use of an objective criterion to identify promising segregating populations is therefore assumes importance. The prediction of frequency of transgressive RILs that could be derived from advanced generations of segregating populations of crosses is one such criterion. Methods: We predicted the frequency of RILs that transgressed the better parent (HA 5) from two reciprocal crosses derived from two elite but genetically diverse parents (HA 4 and HA 5) for four quantitative traits based on estimates of mid parental value [m], additive genetic effects [a] and additive genetic variance [σ2A]. Result: The frequency of transgressive RILs predicted from H 5 × HA 4 was higher than those predicted from H 4 × HA 5 for primary branches plant-1, pods plant-1 and grain weight plant-1, while it was comparable between the crosses for pod weight plant-1. The required minimum population size was relatively smaller to recover the transgressive RILs from the cross which was predicted to result in higher frequency of RILs than that was predicted to result in lower frequency of RILs.

Adsorption of Sr on electrochemical deconsolidation products of matrix graphite

With the development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR), the disposal of its spent fuel elements will become an important factor that affects its industrialization. As one of alternative routes for head-end process of HTGR spent fuels’ reprocessing, electrochemical deconsolidation method separates TRISO fuel particles from matrix graphite (MG) and produces electrochemical deconsolidation product (EDP) with larger surface area than MG and abundant functional groups. In this paper, the chemical composition and structure of EDPs obtained in HNO3 with concentrations of 4%, 34% and 68% were studied, and the application of EDPs on strontium ions (Sr2+) adsorption was investigated. The results showed that EDP-4% with more carbonyl groups on the surface possessed the largest Sr2+ capacity of 44.8 mg/g at pH 5, while EDP-34% containing more hydroxyl and epoxy groups had the smallest capacity of 9.6 mg/g. The capacity for EDP-68% lay in the mid value of 19.5 mg/g. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and adsorption experiments jointly evidenced that the type and amount of functional groups both significantly impacted the Sr2+ adsorption. The proposed adsorption mechanism provides theoretical foundation to evaluate the distribution of 90Sr during HTGR spent fuels’ electrochemical deconsolidating.

Alternative stable ecological states observed after a biological invasion

Although biological invasions play an important role in ecosystem change worldwide, little is known about how invasions are influenced by local abiotic stressors. Broadly, abiotic stressors can cause large-scale community changes in an ecosystem that influence its resilience. The possibility for these stressors to increase as global changes intensify highlights the pressing need to understand and characterize the effects that abiotic drivers may have on the dynamics and composition of a community. Here, we analyzed 26 years of weekly abundance data using the theory of regime shifts to understand how the structure of a resident community of dung beetles (composed of dweller and tunneler functional groups) responds to climatic changes in the presence of the invasive tunneler Digitonthophagus gazella. Although the community showed an initial dominance by the invader that decreased over time, the theory of regime shifts reveals the possibility of an ecological transition driven by climate factors (summarized here in a climatic index that combines minimum temperature and relative humidity). Mid and low values of the driver led to the existence of two alternative stable states for the community structure (i.e. dominance of either dwellers or tunnelers for similar values of the climatic driver), whereas large values of the driver led to the single dominance by tunnelers. We also quantified the stability of these states against climatic changes (resilience), which provides insight on the conditions under which the success of an invasion and/or the recovery of the previous status quo for the ecosystem are expected. Our approach can help understand the role of climatic changes in community responses, and improve our capacity to deal with regime shifts caused by the introduction of exotic species in new ecosystems.

Pathological Thresholds of Segmental Femoral Torsion in Patients With Patellar Dislocation: Influence on Patellofemoral Malalignment.

Femoral torsion can be evaluated from different femoral segments. The pathological thresholds for femoral torsion of different segments and the influence of segmental femoral torsion on patellofemoral alignment remain unknown. To compare femoral torsion between patients with recurrent patellar dislocation and healthy individuals, to determine the statistical physiological range and pathological thresholds of femoral torsion in different segments, and to investigate the influence of femoral torsion on patellofemoral malalignment. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with patellar dislocation who received surgical treatment in our department between 2019 and 2020. Healthy participants were recruited as the control group. The control patients were asymptomatic and had no history of lower extremity disorders. The differences in femoral torsion between the study and control groups were compared. The diagnostic capacity of femoral torsion in different segments and their correlation with patellar tilt were investigated. The mean value and 95% CI of femoral torsion in different segments were established using data from healthy volunteers. A total of 60 patients with patellar dislocation and 100 healthy volunteers were included in this study. The total, mid, and distal femoral torsion values differed significantly between the study and control groups (P < .01). Total femoral torsion had the highest diagnostic value (area under the receiver operating curve = 0.733). Total torsion (r = 0.432; P < .001), mid torsion (r = 0.242; P = .002), and distal torsion (r = 0.324; P < .001) showed significant correlations with patellar tilt. The pathological thresholds of excessive femoral torsion of the total, proximal, mid, and distal femoral segments were 24.73°, 46.68°, -6.55°, and 14.92°, respectively. Patients with patellar dislocation had greater femoral torsion than healthy individuals in multiple femoral segments. Excessive mid, distal, and total torsion was associated with more significant patellar tilt.

Highly Photostable and pH−Sensitive Nanosensors

Determination of pH values has a vital influence in many chemical and biological processes. To accurately determine pH values, we fabricated a highly photostable ratiometric fluorescent pH−sensitive nanosensor by staining the core of mesoporous silica nanoparticle with a rhodol dye and chemically labelling its outer shell with a rhodamine derivative dye. The two dyes possess opposite pH−responding directions, which increases the band of the signal change. There is a nine−fold change in fluorescence intensity ratios when the solution pH changes from 3.0 and 9.0. Meanwhile, the nanosensors displayed yellowish emission in low pH value, orange emission in mid pH value, and reddish emission in high pH value, which can be readily inspected by bare eyes. Last but not least, excellent photostability and reversibility features make the nanosensors useful for the continuous measuring of pH with high accuracy.

Association Between Maternal Weight Gain in Different Periods of Pregnancy and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) remains an important cause of maternal deaths. Little is known about the associations of specific periods of gestational weight gain (GWG) with the category of VTE, pulmonary embolism (PE), or deep venous thrombosis (DVT) with or without PE.MethodsIn a retrospective case–control study conducted in Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital from January 1, 2017 to September 30, 2021, cases of VTE within pregnancy or the first 6 postnatal weeks were identified. Controls without VTE were randomly selected from women giving birth on the same day as the cases, with 10 controls matched to each case. Total GWG and rates of early, mid, and late GWG values were standardized into z-scores, stratified by pre-pregnant body mass index (BMI). The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated through multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsThere were 196 cases (14.4 per 10,000) of VTE within pregnancy or the first 6 postnatal weeks were identified. Higher total weight gain was associated with increased risks of PE (aOR, 13.22; 95% CI, 2.03–85.99) and VTE (OR, 10.49; 95% CI, 1.82–60.45) among women with underweight. In addition, higher total weight gain was associated with increased risk of PE (aOR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.14–3.72) among women with healthy weight. Similarly, rate of higher early weight gain was associated with significantly increased risk for PE (aOR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.05–4.42) among women with healthy BMI. The lower rate of late weight gain was associated with increased risks of PE (aOR, 7.30; 95% CI, 1.14–46.55) and VTE (OR, 7.54; 95% CI, 1.20–47.57) among women with underweight. No significant associations between maternal rate of mid GWG and increased risk for any category of VTE, PE, or DVT with or without PE were present, regardless of maternal pre-pregnant BMI.ConclusionThe GWG associations with the category of VTE, PE, or DVT with or without PE differ at different periods of pregnancy. In order to effectively improve maternal and child outcomes, intensive weight management that continues through pregnancy may be indispensable.