RUST Score Research Articles

Intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures in the semi-extended position using suprapatellar approach: A case series in Hong Kong

Introduction The objective of this case series is to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with tibial shaft fractures treated by suprapatellar nailing at a 2-year follow-up and to review available literature concerning this approach. Method and material This is a retrospective single-centre case series to evaluate patients' post-operative status at 2-year intervals. Fifteen (15) patients underwent intramedullary nailing with a supra-patella approach during the year 2019–2020 and consented to participate in this case series. Patients were regularly followed up in the outpatient clinic and evaluated in terms of range of movement, walking status and radiologically with RUST score and tibia alignment. Their functional outcome was assessed by a questionnaire including OKS, VAS, and Kujula scores. Results At post-op 2 years intervals, all patients had radiologically healed fractures as evidenced by RUST score and tibia alignment within five degrees in the coronal and sagittal plane, the functional outcome of the suprapatellar approach was satisfactory in the visual analogue scale and various knee scores. All patients achieved a full range of movement and could walk unaided. Discussion Technical tricks and tips for the suprapatellar approach are discussed. Literature review showed satisfactory outcomes for intramedullary nailing for tibial shaft fracture in different parts of the world. Compared with the infra-patellar approach, the suprapatellar approach is superior in fracture alignment but has no significant difference in terms of pain, disability and range of movement. Potential risk of suprapatellar approach is discussed including possible cartilage damage and intra-articular sepsis. Conclusion There is a good clinical outcome of the suprapatellar approach to tibial nail radiologically and functionally. Results are in line with the literature review, which also showed that compared with the infra-patellar approach, the suprapatellar approach is associated with better alignment and less knee pain but no significant difference in range of movement and disability.

Application of the Modified RUST Score in Tibial Bone Transport and Factors Associated with Docking Site Complications.

Reconstruction of segmental bone defects with bone transport is a well-established treatment. Mechanical complications at the docking site after frame removal are common. These complications include malunion, non-union, axial deviation and refracture. A simple tool to assess the healing of the docking site is currently lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of the modified RUST (mRUST) score in the setting of bone transport and to identify factors associated with an increased risk of docking site complications. This retrospective study was conducted at a single tertiary centre in South Africa, included 24 patients with a tibial bone defect treated with bone transport and a circular frame between 2014 and 2023. Demographic data, clinical and bone transport characteristics were recorded. Mechanical complications, such as fracture, non-union, any angulation >5°, shortening >5 mm, or any other complication requiring reoperation, were recorded. The mRUST was adapted as a ratio for the purpose of this study to overcome the common occurrence of cortices being obscured by the frame. The mRUST ratio was applied before and after frame removal for each patient by three appraisers. Comparison between the groups with and without complications was performed regarding bone transport characteristics, docking site configuration and mRUST ratio. The correlation of the score between radiographs before and after frame removal was assessed. The inter-rater reliability of the mRUST was analysed using Fleiss Kappa statistics for each cortex individually and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the mRUST ratio. In this study, 20 men and 4 women with a median age of 26 years were included. The overall rate of mechanical complications after frame removal was 21.7%. Complications were all related to the docking site, with two angulations, two fractures and one non-union. Demographics, bone transport characteristics and mRUST ratio before and after frame removal were similar between the two groups. Regarding the configuration of the docking site, an angle of 45° or more between the bone surfaces was associated with the occurrence of mechanical complications (p < 0.001). The correlation of the mean mRUST ratio before and after frame removal showed a moderate relationship, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.50 (p-value 0.13). The inter-rater reliability of the mRUST was "fair" (kappa 0.21-0.40) for the scoring of individual cortices, except for one score which was "slight" (kappa 0.00-0.20). The ICC of the mRUST ratio was 0.662 on radiographs with the frame, and 0.759 after frame removal. This study did not find the mRUST or mRUST ratio useful in assessing the healing of the docking site to decide on the best time to remove the frame. However, a notable finding was that the shape and orientation of the bone ends meeting at the docking site might well be relevant to decrease complication rates. If the angle between the bony surfaces is 45° or more, it may be associated with an increased risk of complications. It may be worthwhile considering reshaping these bone ends at the time of debridement or formal docking procedure to be more collinear, in order to reduce the potential for mechanical complications such as non-union, axial deviation or refracture at the docking site. Kummer A, Nieuwoudt L, Marais LC. Application of the Modified RUST Score in Tibial Bone Transport and Factors Associated with Docking Site Complications. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2024;19(2):73-81.

Evaluation of genetic variation and host resistance to wheat stem rust pathogen (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties grown in Türkiye.

Wheat stem rust, which is caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), is a highly destructive disease that affects wheat crops on a global scale. In this study, the reactions of 150 bread wheat varieties were evaluated for natural Pgt infection at the adult-plant stage in the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 growing seasons, and they were analyzed using specific molecular markers to detect stem rust resistance genes (Sr22, Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, Sr31, Sr38, Sr50, and Sr57). Based on phenotypic data, the majority of the varieties (62%) were resistant or moderately resistant to natural Pgt infection. According to molecular results, it was identified that Sr57 was present in 103 varieties, Sr50 in nine varieties, Sr25 in six varieties, and Sr22, Sr31, and Sr38 in one variety each. Additionally, their combinations Sr25 + Sr50, Sr31 + Sr57, Sr38 + Sr50, and Sr38 + Sr57 were detected in these varieties. On the other hand, Sr24 and Sr26 were not identified. In addition, many varieties had low stem rust scores, including a large minority that lacked Sr57. These varieties must have useful resistance to stem rust and could be the basis for selecting greater, possibly durable resistance.

Effectiveness of Mechanical Treatments (Periosteal Stripping VS Non-Periosteal Stripping) on Fracture Healing: In Vivo Study

Background: Periosteal stripping (PS) is a controversial technique in fracture management, with studies reporting both positive and negative effects on bone healing. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PS and non-periosteal stripping (NPS) on fracture healing in the Sprague Dawley rat model. Methods: This study is an in vivo experimental research. Male Sprague Dawley rats (8-10 weeks old) were divided into four groups (n=10 per group): Group I: NPS, evaluation day 14; Group II: PS, evaluation day 14; Group III: NPS, evaluation day 28 and Group IV: PS, evaluation day 28. A standard fracture was created in the tibia, and PS or NPS was performed. Radiographic evaluation was performed on days 14 and 28, with the RUST score (Radiographic Union Score for Tibia) used to assess fracture healing. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The RUST score showed better fracture healing in the NPS group compared to PS on day 28 (p&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference on day 14 (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: NPS was more effective in accelerating fracture healing in Sprague Dawley rats than PS, especially in the later stages of healing. These findings provide further evidence of the potential adverse effects of PS and highlight the importance of considering time in assessing its efficacy.

BACTERIAL CULTURES AND OUTCOME OF INTRAMEDULLARY INTERLOCKING NAIL IN OPEN DIAPHYSEAL FRACTURES OF TIBIAL

Background: The tibial shaft is one of the most common open long bone fractures; treatment improperly can lead to many serious complications and frequently cause permanent sequelae. Infection is one of the most common and disastrous complications of an open fracture. Therefore, determining the role of qualitative bacterial cultures in implementing the most effective antibiotics for opening tibial fractures and managing promptly and with precision is extremely important to avoid these complications and restore the patient's rehabilitation. Due to the paucity of articles exclusively dealing with this topic, we conducted a study to determine bacterial cultures and the functional outcome of intramedullary interlocking nailing in these patients. Objectives: This study assessed Bacterial cultures and the outcome of intramedullary interlocking nails in open diaphyseal fractures of the tibial. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 32 patients with open diaphyseal fractures of tibial who were initially treated with thorough wound debridement and lavage, followed by surgical treatment with intramedullary interlocking nails. The qualitative method of antibiotic disc diffusion in agar (Kirby Bauer) is often applied to determine the susceptibility of bacteria to different antibiotics. All 32 patients were followed up, which was conducted using clinical criteria, and a radiographic was assessed using the RUST score. Results: In our study, the injury surgery interval was 14.54±6.304 hours. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epiderdimis were common bacteria in open tibial fractures. The mean union time was 15.43±3.726 weeks, which was assessed by RUST score and clinical criteria. The functional outcome with Ketenjian and Shelton Criteria was excellent results in 28 (87.5%) cases and good outcomes in 4 (12.5%) cases. Conclusion: Using the intramedullary interlocking nail in open diaphyseal fractures of the tibial is an excellent procedure that leads to good results with reduced hospital stay, good range of motion, and low infection rate, leading to better union.

Far cortical locking constructs for fixation of distal femur fractures in an Asian population: A prospective observational study

BackgroundThe stiffness of locked plates suppresses healing process, prompting the introduction of far cortical locking to address this issue. This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of far cortical locking constructs in treating distal femoral fractures in an Asian population. MethodsThis multicenter prospective observational study was conducted at four university hospitals between February 2018 and February 2021. Demographic data, the presence of metaphyseal comminution, and surgical fixation details were recorded. Clinical outcomes, including single-leg standing, EQ-5D, and EQ-VAS scores, and radiologic outcomes, including the RUST score of each cortex, were evaluated and compared according to the presence of metaphyseal comminution. ResultsThere were 37 patients (14 men and 23 women) with a mean age of 67.3 ± 11.8 years. Twenty-two patients had metaphyseal comminution (59%), and 15 presented simple fractures in metaphyseal areas. Four patients (13%) could stand on one leg > 10s at 6 weeks, and 24 patients (92%) at 1 year. EQ-5D increased from 0.022 ± 0.388 to 0.692 ± 0.347, and the mean EQ-VAS 51.1 ± 13.1 to 74.1 ± 24.1 between discharge (n = 37) and post-operative 1 year (n = 33), respectively. RUST score presented increment for time, from 6.2 ± 1.8 at 6 week to 11.6 ± 1.1 at 1 year. Radiological healing demonstrated rapid increase from week 6 (16/28, 43%) to month 3 (27/31, 87%), with no obvious increase was observed in 6 months (23/26, 89%) or 12 months (25/28, 89%). Simple metaphyseal fractures presented significantly higher RUST scores at 6 weeks and 3 months, but there was no difference in RUST scores at 6 months or 1 year according to metaphyseal comminution. ConclusionsPlate constructs with far cortical locking screws provided safe and effective fixation for distal femoral fractures, with consistent radiological and clinical results, regardless of metaphyseal comminution.

Prediction of Nonunion in the Diaphyseal Segment of Long Bones in Adults Using the RUST Score and Modified RUST Score

Prediction of Nonunion in the Diaphyseal Segment of Long Bones in Adults Using the RUST Score and Modified RUST Score

FATORES DE RISCO PARA NÃO-UNIÃO DA FRATURA DE TÍBIA TRATADA COM HASTE INTRAMEDULAR

ABSTRACT Objective: Identify the predictors associated with delayed union at 6 months and non-union at 12 months in tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing (IMN). Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study included a cohort of 218 patients who sustained tibial shaft fractures and received IMN between January 2015 and March 2022. We gathered data on a range of risk factors, including patient demographics, trauma intensity, associated injuries, fracture characteristics, soft tissue injuries, comorbidities, addictions, and treatment-specific factors. We employed logistic bivariate regression analysis to explore the factors predictive of delayed union and non-union. Results: At the 6-month follow-up, the incidence of delayed union was 28.9%. Predictors for delayed union included flap coverage, high-energy trauma, open fractures, the use of external fixation as a staged treatment, the percentage of cortical contact in simple type fractures, RUST score, and postoperative infection. After 12 months, the non-union rate was 15.6%. Conclusion: the main predictors for non-union after IMN of tibial shaft fractures are related to the trauma energy. Furthermore, the initial treatment involving external fixation and postoperative infection also correlated with non-union. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective Longitudinal Study.

Response of Thirteen Winter Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Cultivars to Severe Stripe Rust (Puccinia Striiformis f. Sp. Tritici) Attack

Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici has become an increasing threat for wheat crops worldwide. In Romania, stripe rust showed in 2023 increased adaptation to higher temperatures and different virulence at various sites. We analyzed the response to this new stripe rust variant of twelve winter wheat cultivars released by the National Agricultural Research &amp; Development Institute Fundulea - Romania and one historical check, at six locations that reported higher attacks in 2023. Cultivars showed significantly different disease scores, ranging from resistant to very susceptible. Four of the five resistant cultivars were related and probably carry the same resistance gene(s) and only one had a different genealogy. All the other eight cultivars were medium-susceptible and susceptible. This underlines the need for more diversity of resistance to stripe rust in the breeding program. Resistance gene Yr18, present in two of the tested cultivars did not offer a sufficient protection against stripe rust. Average grain yield was significantly correlated with stripe rust scores averaged over the six sites (r=-0.85). However, cultivars with similar disease scores had different yields, as illustrated by large deviations from the regression of yields on stripe rust scores. These deviations might reflect differences in yielding potential and/or in tolerance to the disease. Cumulating these traits with genetic resistance deserves attention in breeding programs.

Does Far Cortical Locking Improve Fracture Healing in Distal Femur Fractures: A Randomised, Controlled, Prospective Multicentre Study.

(1) Background: Bone healing is influenced by various mechanical factors, such as stability, interfragmentary motion, strain rate, and direction of loading. Far cortical locking (FCL) is a novel screw design that promotes bone healing through controlled fracture motion. (2) Methods: This study compared the outcome of distal femur fractures treated with FCL or SL (standard locking) screws and an NCB plate in a randomised controlled prospective multicentre trial. The radiographic union scale (RUST) and healing time was used to quantify bone healing on follow-up imaging. (3) Results: The study included 21 patients with distal femur fractures, 7 treated with SL and 14 treated with FCL screws. The mean working length for patients with SL screws was 6.1, whereas for FCL screws, it was 3.9. The mean RUST score at 6 months post fracture was 8.0 for patients with SL plates and 7.3 for patients with FCL plates (p value > 0.05). The mean healing time was 6.5 months for patients with SL plates and 9.9 months for patients with FCL plates (p value < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Fractures fixed with SL plates had longer working lengths and faster healing times when compared to FCL constructs, suggesting that an adequate working length is important for fracture healing regardless of screw choice.

Exploring the trait‐yield association patterns in different oat mega‐environments of Canada

AbstractThis article presents a graphical method to visually analyze the trait–yield association (TYA) patterns based on data from multi‐location, multi‐year crop variety trials, exemplified using oat data from trials conducted across Canada from 2017 to 2022. Each year a new set of 60–66 oat (Avena sativa L.) breeding lines were tested in replicated yield trials at 9–11 locations, and data for yield, key agronomic and quality traits, and crown rust scores were collected at all or some of the locations. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between yield and each trait for each trial. The correlation coefficients from different locations and years were arranged in a TYA × trial (TYT) two‐way table. This table was subjected to singular value decomposition, and the resulting first two principal components were used to generate a TYT biplot. The TYT biplot revealed three oat mega‐environments (MEs) in Canada, consistent with the conclusion from previous ME analyses, indicating that each ME had its characteristic TYA patterns. It was found that yield was consistently and positively correlated with crown rust (Puccinia coronata var. avenae) resistance, test weight, kernel weight, and groat content in ME1 (the crown rust‐prone regions of Ontario); yield was correlated positively with plant height but negatively with oil content in ME2 (the northern regions of eastern Canada). Interestingly, crown rust resistance was found to contribute negatively to yield in ME2. No strong and consistent TYAs were found in ME3 (the Canadian prairies). Different types of TYAs have different uses in genotypic selection.

Reactions of provitamin-A-enriched maize to foliar diseases under field conditions in Nigeria

Maize is a major staple food in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Vitamin A deficiency index is high in Africa and could be reduced through the consumption of provitamin-A-enriched maize. However, foliar diseases such as maize streak virus, northern corn leaf blight and common rust constrain maize production in SSA. The cultivation of host-resistant varieties is the most effective approach to mitigate their effects. Therefore, maize synthetics improved for PVA carotenoids, their selection cycles and crosses as well as a commercial disease-resistant check were assessed for resistance to maize streak virus, northern corn leaf blight and common rust at hotspots in Nigeria. The foliar diseases’ effects on the agronomic performance and carotenoid content of the maize genotypes were assessed. The Genotypes differed for most agronomic traits and foliar disease resistance. Stepwise regression revealed that, although the agronomic traits determined 93% of the grain yield, each foliar disease had effect on the yield. A unit increase in maize streak virus score increased plant aspect and husk cover scores by 0.6 and 0.4, respectively, whereas an increase in common rust score decreased plant height by 16.2 cm and increased plant aspect score by 0.7. Maize streak virus and common rust decreased genotypic variability for lutein by 36.7 and 18.7%, respectively, while northern corn leaf blight decreased genotypic variability for provitamin A by 27.1%. Most of the genotypes exhibited moderate susceptibility to northern corn leaf blight. However, three selection cycles and three crosses exhibited high tolerance to maize streak virus and moderate tolerance to common rust, thus can serve as sources of PVA-enriched, maize streak virus and common rust tolerant lines.

A single stage management procedure of gustilo type-III open tibial fractures by Ilizarov with secondary clouser and flap transplantation: an article

Introduction: The management of Gustilo-Anderson type-Ⅲ open tibial fracture is complex due to neurovascular damage and soft tissue loss. Combined orthopedics, plastic and vascular surgery provides better result for reconstructing the injuries of limb. The prevalence of tibial shaft fractures is estimated about 67%.1,2 Tibial shaft fractures are approximately 15% of all adult fracture and open tibial fractures are about 23.5%.1 Rigid fixation and good soft tissue coverage are essential for management of the fracture. Ilizarov external fixator, provide multi-disciplinary management of type Ⅲ open tibial fractures with sever contamination and comminution. Purpose of the study: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Ilizarov external fixator with or without fascio-cutaneous flap transplantation in the management of Gustilo-Anderson type-Ⅲ open tibial fracture. Methodology: In the period of 2020 -2021, we manage 5 cases of Gustilo- type-Ⅲ open tibial fracture by Ilizarov. 2 patients were type-ⅢA and 3 type-ⅢB with severely contaminated and comminution. No neurovascular damage. All are male, age 30 -65 years and caused by RTA. There was 1 diabetic and 1 hypertensive patient. Surgical toileting, debridement and posterior slab apply as immediate management. All patients managed by Ilizarov on 5th and 7th day with secondary closure of type-ⅢA and vascularized fascio-cutaneous flap with skin grafting in type-ⅢB cases by orthopedic and flap surgeon. Summary: Full weight bearing was allowed on 3rd Soft tissue was healed within 3-6 weeks. In 1 case found skin infection, treated by antibiotic and dressing, also 1 case occurred flap edge necrosis, managed by debridement and 2nd time skin graft. Bone union time was 5-6 months, RUST scores 10. According to ASAMI score all were excellent results. Conclusion: RTA is the main cause of type Ⅲ open tibial fractures. Combined multi-disciplinary managements by Ilizarov provide excellent outcomes, early mobilization and infection control. It is a single stage definite management, which reduce treatment cost, patient`s mortality and morbidity.

Molecular studies of rust on European aspen suggest an autochthonous relationship shaped by genotype.

Forests are at increasing risk from pathogen outbreak. Climate change for example enhance the risk of local disease outbreaks, and naturalization of exotic pathogens may follow human activities, warranting robust pest surveillance routines to support forest management. Melampsora pinitorqua (pine twisting rust) is of concern in Swedish forestry, and here we evaluate the use of visible rust scores (VRS) on its obligate summer host, European aspen (Populus tremula) as a tool for quantification of the pathogen. With use of species-specific primers, we could detect the native rust, but we failed to detect two exotic rusts (M. medusae and M. larici-populina). We found that aspen genotype determined the presence of fungal genetic markers (amplifying the ITS2 region of the fungal rDNA sequence) as well as DNA sequences specific to M. pinitorqua. We correlated VRS with the amount of fungal DNA in the same leaf, and we related the findings to aspen genotype-specific parameters such as the ability to synthesize and store leaf condensed tannins (CT). At the genotype level both positive and negative relationships were observed between CTs, fungal markers, and rust infestations. However, at the population level, foliar CT concentrations correlated negatively with general fungal- and rust-specific marker abundances. Our results, therefore, do not support the use of VRS to assess Melampsora infestation in Aspen. They do, however, suggest that the relationship between European aspen and rust infestation may be characterized as autochthonous in northern Sweden.

The effect of red yeast rice on delayed union fracture in animal model: a molecular study of IL-6, BMP-2, VEGF, BALP, and N-Mid-OC in fracture healing

Background As serious fracture complications, delayed union and non-union are parts of complications from fracture healing. Growth factors such as BMP-2, VEGF, proinflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and bone formation BALP, N-Mid-OC are important regulators of the fracture healing process. Red yeast rice (RYR), produced by fermenting Monascus purpureus rice, monacolin K, which is the main ingredient in RYR, was found to play a major role in the anti-inflammatory process and increasing the proliferation of osteoblast in osteoporosis cases. This study aims to examine the effect of RYR in the fracture healing process in delayed union rats through molecular studies of levels of IL-6, BMP- 2, VEGF, BALP, and N-Mid-OC. Methods This study was experimental research that used male rats (Rattus novergicus) which were divided into a control and 3 treatment groups using a random sampling method. Group 1 was given orally 25 mg/kg, Group 2 was 50 mg/kg, Group 3 was 100 mg/kg, and the control group was given a placebo. The rats were then subjected to a delayed union fracture model. Observations were made for two periods on the 14th and 28th days. Results There were no significant differences in serology examination between days 0 and 14 between groups. However, there were significant differences between groups on day 28. IL-6, BMP-2, VEGF, BALP, and N-Mid-OC on day 28 between groups (p&lt;0.001). The group with 100 mg/kg RYR extract was found to be the most influencing serology marker level. RYR 100 mg/kg significantly decreased IL-6, and increased BMP-2, VEGF, BALP, and N-Mid-Osteocalcin, thus enhancing the fracture healing process in the delayed union rats model. Conclusion A red yeast rice dose of 100 mg/KgBW significantly reduced IL-6, increased BMP-2, VEGF, BALP, N-Mid-OC, and RUST Score so as to improve the fracture healing process in delayed union rats.

Prospective study on functional and radiological outcome of suprapatellar approach for intramedullary nailing using semi extended knee position in tibial shaft fractures

Fractures of the tibia are one of the most common orthopedic injuries occurring most often in younger patients. Tibial fractures are frequently associated with high energy trauma mechanisms. Intramedullary nailing is one amongst the preferred treatment modalities for mid shaft tibial fractures. Standard Tibial nailing entry portals used are the infrapatellar and parapatellar approaches. Suprapatellar tibial nailing is a recent advance in the surgical technique for treatment of tibial shaft fractures. This method has shown reduced operative and fluoroscopy time and lesser pain incidence in previous studies. The semi extended position of the knee also allows for countering the deforming effect of the musculature pull of the quadriceps mechanism and also easier fluoroscopy imaging. The suprapatellar technique decreases the risk of perforation of posterior cortex by placing the starting point in line with the medullary canal. This technique also helps to reduce Varus and Valgus deformity by using the femoral trochlear groove as a guide to the starting point which maintains the mechanical axis of the lower extremity.Objectives of the study: To assess Functional outcomes of suprapatellar approach in mid shaft tibial fractures by Lower extremity functional score (LEFS).To assess Radiological outcomes of suprapatellar approach in mid shaft tibial fractures by the Radiological Union in Tibia Score (RUST).Study design: Prospective interventional studyStudy period: October 2019 to May 2021Source of data: Patients admitted with closed mid shaft tibial fractures as an inpatient in the Department of Orthopaedics, Victoria hospital and Bowring and Lady Curzon hospitals attached to BMCRI were included in the study satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteriaMethodology: 20 patients with closed or open (type 1 and 2) mid shaft tibial fractures were treated using the suprapatellar approach. Functional outcome was measured using the Lower extremity functional score and radiological outcome was measured using the Radiological union in tibia score at immediate and last follow up intervals.Results: Our study group comprised of 20 patients between the ages 20 to 60 years. LEFS showed a statistically significant improvement from 23.35 at 6 weeks to 69.25 at 12 months. In our study analysis out of 20 patients, 11 patients had excellent LEFS score, 7 patients had good LEFS score and 2 patients had fair LEFS score. Also in our study 100% patients achieved union by 20 weeks with a mean RUST score of 7.4 at 6 weeks compared to a mean RUST score of 14.15 at 12 months.Conclusion: Suprapatellar nailing has shown shorter fluoroscopy less manoeuvrability and operative time, excellent to fair functional outcome of lower limb and reduced incidence of valgus and varus malalignment postoperatively. Suprapatellar nailing is a promising technique of tibial fracture fixation with satisfactory radiological and functional outcomes postoperatively.

Phenomic data-facilitated rust and senescence prediction in maize using machine learning algorithms

Current methods in measuring maize (Zea mays L.) southern rust (Puccinia polyspora Underw.) and subsequent crop senescence require expert observation and are resource-intensive and prone to subjectivity. In this study, unoccupied aerial system (UAS) field-based high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) was employed to collect high-resolution aerial imagery of elite maize hybrids planted in the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons, with 13 UAS flights obtained from 2020 and 17 from 2021. In total, 36 vegetation indices (VIs) were extracted from mosaicked aerial images that served as temporal phenomic predictors for southern rust scored in the field and senescence as scored using UAS-acquired mosaic images. Temporal best linear unbiased predictors (TBLUPs) were calculated using a nested model that treated hybrid performance as nested within flights in terms of rust and senescence. All eight machine learning regressions tested (ridge, lasso, elastic net, random forest, support vector machine with radial and linear kernels, partial least squares, and k-nearest neighbors) outperformed a general linear model with both higher prediction accuracies (92–98%) and lower root mean squared error (RMSE) for rust and senescence scores (linear model RMSE ranged from 65.8 to 2396.5 across all traits, machine learning regressions RMSE ranged from 0.3 to 17.0). UAS-acquired VIs enabled the discovery of novel early quantitative phenotypic indicators of maize senescence and southern rust before being detectable by expert annotation and revealed positive correlations between grain filling time and yield (0.22 and 0.44 in 2020 and 2021), with practical implications for precision agricultural practices.

Predicting yellow rust in wheat breeding trials by proximal phenotyping and machine learning

BackgroundHigh-throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) methods have the potential to speed up the crop breeding process through the development of cost-effective, rapid and scalable phenotyping methods amenable to automation. Crop disease resistance breeding stands to benefit from successful implementation of HTPP methods, as bypassing the bottleneck posed by traditional visual phenotyping of disease, enables the screening of larger and more diverse populations for novel sources of resistance. The aim of this study was to use HTPP data obtained through proximal phenotyping to predict yellow rust scores in a large winter wheat field trial.ResultsThe results show that 40–42 spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) derived from spectroradiometer data are sufficient to predict yellow rust scores using Random Forest (RF) modelling. The SVIs were selected through RF-based recursive feature elimination (RFE), and the predicted scores in the resulting models had a prediction accuracy of rs = 0.50–0.61 when measuring the correlation between predicted and observed scores. Some of the most important spectral features for prediction were the Plant Senescence Reflectance Index (PSRI), Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), Red-Green Pigment Index (RGI), and Greenness Index (GI).ConclusionsThe proposed HTPP method of combining SVI data from spectral sensors in RF models, has the potential to be deployed in wheat breeding trials to score yellow rust.

Performance of marker-assisted backcross bread-wheat (Triticum aestivum) variety Unnat PBW 343 under diverse environments

The field studies were carried out to evaluate the performance of newly developed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety Unnat PBW 343 through marker-assisted backcross breeding under different sowing environments. Theexperiment was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during rabi 2014–15 to 2016–17 in splitplot design replicated thrice with two main plot treatments [timely sown conditions–1st week of November and late sown conditions–1st week of December] and five wheat genotypes (Unnat PBW 343, PBW 343, HD 2967, PBW 621 and WH 1105) including one developed through marker-assisted backcross breeding. Based on the pooled analysis, timely sown crop recorded significantly higher grain yield (23.8%) than late sown crop. Lowest yellow rust score was recorded in Unnat PBW 343 over all the check varieties. Among wheat varieties, mean grain yield of Unnat PBW 343 was the highest and statistically at par with PBW 621 and WH 1105 in different years and showed ignificantimprovement over check varieties PBW 343 and HD 2967. So, Unnat PBW 343 found to be resistant to yellow rustand can be sown under timely sown conditions in northwestern Indian conditions.

Prophylactic use of antibiotic-coated intramedullary nails in the treatment of open fractures of the tibia: A clinical observational assessment

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic-coated intramedullary locking nail in the open tibia fractures. Materials and Methods: It was a one-year clinical observational research at the Department of Orthopaedics, BIMS Medical college, Belagavi, which was conducted in a clinical setting. An interlocking tibia nail was used to treat 70 patients. Those with open fractures of the gustillo type 1, 2, and 3A, 3B were included in this research. There were excellent, good, fair and bad grades for RUST Scores and clinical evaluation scores. Result: Of the 70 patients, 44.28 percent belonged to 30-40 years age group, 28.57 percent were in the age group 40-50, and 20 percent were above 50. Males (72.86%) outnumbered females. The most prevalent cause of injury was a car collision, accounting for 55 (78.57%) of cases. 92.86 percent of patients had a femur fracture. Wounds healed in less than 6 weeks in 50% of patients, 6-8 weeks in 31.43%, 8-10 weeks in 10%. At six months, 40 patients (57.14%) had RUST score 9, 15 patients (21.43%) had RUSH score 11, and 6 patients (8.57%) had RUSH score 6. Out of 70 patients, 8 (11.14%) had great outcomes, 15 (21.43%) good, 41 (58.57%) fair, and only 6 (8.57%) had bad outcomes. Conclusion: Implant-related infection is a major stumbling block in the surgical treatment of tibia shaft fracture, according to the present study. Local administration of antibiotics might minimize the risk of infection.