The Concentration of Benzo[a]pyrene in Food Cooked by Air Fryer and Oven: A Comparison Study.

The air fryer utilizes heated air rather than hot oil to achieve frying, eliminating the need for cooking oil, rendering it a healthier cooking method than traditional frying and baking. However, there is limited evidence supporting that the air fryer could effectively reduce the level of food-derived carcinogen. In this study, we compared the concentration of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a typical carcinogen, in beef patties cooked using an air fryer and an oven, under different cooking conditions, including temperatures (140 °C, 160 °C, 180 °C, and 200 °C), times (9, 14, and 19 min), and oil added or not. The adjusted linear regression analysis revealed that the BaP concentration in beef cooked in the air fryer was 22.667 (95% CI: 15.984, 29.349) ng/kg lower than that in beef cooked in the oven. Regarding the air fryer, the BaP concentration in beef cooked without oil brushing was below the detection limit, and it was significantly lower than in beef cooked with oil brushing (p < 0.001). Therefore, cooking beef in the air fryer can effectively reduce BaP concentration, particularly due to the advantage of oil-free cooking, suggesting that the air fryer represents a superior option for individuals preparing meat at high temperatures.

Regulation of secondary growth by poplar BLADE-ON-PETIOLE genes in Arabidopsis.

BLADE-ON-PETIOLE (BOP) genes are essential regulators of vegetative and reproductive development in land plants. First characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), members of this clade function as transcriptional co-activators by recruiting TGACG-motif binding (TGA) basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors. Highly expressed at organ boundaries, these genes are also expressed in vascular tissue and contribute to lignin biosynthesis during secondary growth. How these genes function in trees, which undergo extensive secondary growth to produce wood, remains unclear. Here, we investigate the functional conservation of BOP orthologs in Populus trichocarpa (poplar), a widely-used model for tree development. Within the poplar genome, we identified two BOP-like genes, PtrBPL1 and PtrBPL2, with abundant transcripts in stems. To assess their functions, we used heterologous assays in Arabidopsis plants. The promoters of PtrBPL1 and PtrBPL2, fused with a ß-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene showed activity at organ boundaries and in secondary xylem and phloem. When introduced into Arabidopsis plants, PtrBPL1 and PtrBPL2 complemented leaf and flower patterning defects in bop1 bop2 mutants. Notably, Arabidopsis plants overexpressing PtrBPL1 and PtrBPL2 showed defects in stem elongation and the lignification of secondary tissues in the hypocotyl and stem. Finally, PtrBPL1 and PtrBPL2 formed complexes with TGA bZIP proteins in yeast. Collectively, our findings suggest that PtrBPL1 and PtrBPL2 are orthologs of Arabidopsis BOP1 and BOP2, potentially contributing to secondary growth regulation in poplar trees. This work provides a foundation for functional studies in trees.

Case Report: Differential lung ventilation with jet ventilation via a bronchial blocker for a patient with a large thoracogastric airway fistula after esophagectomy.

Background: A thoracogastric airway fistula (TGAF) is a rare and potentially fatal complication of esophagectomy for esophageal and cardia carcinomas. Isolation of the fistula and pulmonary separation is necessary during the surgical repair of a tracheal fistula. However, currently, the reported airway management techniques are not suitable for patients with a large TGAF. This case study presents an alternative technique for performing differential lung ventilation in a patient with a thoracogastric airway fistula. Case presentation: A 70-year-old man was diagnosed with a thoracogastric airway fistula situated above the carina after esophagectomy, and a thoracoscope-assisted repair of the fistula and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap transplantation were scheduled. The patient could not tolerate one-lung ventilation and the complex intubating operation due to aspiration pneumonia and the size (3.5 cm × 1.7 cm) of the fistula. We, therefore, performed differential lung ventilation in which an extended 6.5#single-lumen endotracheal tube was inserted into the left main bronchus and a 9Fr bronchial blocker was placed in the right main bronchus by using the video-flexible intubation scope. The right lung was selectively inflated with jet ventilation, while positive pressure ventilation was maintained through the left endotracheal tube. The value of SPO2 remained above 95% throughout the operation. Conclusion: For patients with a large thoracogastric airway fistula, differential lung ventilation of a combination of positive pressure ventilation and jet ventilation is useful. Inserting an extended single-lumen endotracheal tube into the left main bronchus and a bronchial blocker into the right main bronchus could be another way of providing differential ventilation for patients with a large thoracogastric airway fistula.

Floral organ abscission in Arabidopsis requires the combined activities of three TALE homeodomain transcription factors.

Floral organ abscission is a separation process in which sepals, petals, and stamens detach from the plant at abscission zones. Here, we investigated the collective role of three amino-acid-loop-extension (TALE) homeobox genes ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA HOMEOBOX GENE1 (ATH1), KNAT6 (for KNOTTED LIKE from Arabidopsis thaliana) and KNAT2, which form a module that patterns boundaries under the regulation of BLADE-ON-PETIOLE 1 and 2 (BOP1/2) co-activators. These TALE homeodomain transcription factors were shown to maintain boundaries in the flower, functioning as a unit to coordinate the growth, patterning, and activity of abscission zones. Together with BOP1 and BOP2, ATH1 and its partners KNAT6 and KNAT2 collectively contribute to the differentiation of lignified and separation layers of the abscission zone. The genetic interactions of BOP1/2 and ATH1 with INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA) were also explored. We showed that BOP1/2 co-activators and ATH1 converge with the IDA signalling pathway to promote KNAT6 and KNAT2 expression in the abscission zone and cell separation. ATH1 acts as a central regulator in floral organ abscission as it controls the expression of other TALE genes in abscission zone cells.

A self-healing superamphiphobic coating for efficient corrosion protection of magnesium alloy.

Magnesium alloys have many excellent properties, but the poor corrosion resistance seriously hinders their widespread applications. Here, we report a self-healing superamphiphobic coating for efficient corrosion protection of magnesium alloy by the combination of a compact self-healing epoxy resin (SHEP) coating and a porous superamphiphobic coating. The coating shows (i) excellent superamphiphobicity with high contact angle, low sliding angle and robust impact/bounce behavior, (ii) excellent anti-corrosion performance as demonstrated by the potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and (iii) excellent self-healing performance as proved by the scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This is owing to synergistic effect of the bi-layer structure. Furthermore, the healed coating retained excellent anti-corrosion performance according to the immersion test and neutral salt spray test. This is because the SHEP layer can effectively drive repair of microstructure of the superamphiphobic layer, and then recover of superamphiphobicity. Therefore, the contact area and contact time of corrosive solutions with the pristine and healed coatings are limited, which efficiently prevents diffusion of corrosive substances such as water, chloride ions and oxygen. The self-healing superamphiphobic coating may find applications in protection of various metal alloys.

A separator based on natural illite/smectite clay for highly stable lithium-sulfur batteries.

In spite of high theoretical specific capacity and specific energy of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, the poor cycle stability caused by polysulfides shuttle severely hinders their real-world applications. Here, a natural clay mineral (illite/smectite, ISC) and carbon black (C) coated Celgard@2400 (ISC/C@Celgard) separator is reported. The separator shows super-electrolyte-philicity and good mechanical stability. The low-cost and eco-friendly ISC with abundant -OH groups can quickly trap a lot of polysulfides by Li-O and Li-S bonding with polysulfides. The ISC/C layer with uniform nanopores can also inhibit polysulfides shuttle by physical shield. Moreover, good electrical conductivity of the ISC/C layer can reactivate the adsorbed polysulfides and thus enhance S utilization. So, the separator endows the Li-S battery with very high initial reversible capacity (1322 mA h g-1) at 0.1 C and excellent cycle stability with low capacity decay rate (0.054% per cycle) during 500 cycles at 1.0 C. Furthermore, a very high areal capacity (5.9 mAh cm-2) is achieved for the battery composed of the separator and the self-supporting high S loading (8.9 mg cm-2) CNT/S cathode at 0.32 mA cm-2. This study opens the possibility of developing advanced separators using natural clay minerals for highly stable Li-S batteries.

Perioperative anaesthesia and coagulation management of haemophilia patients receiving total hip and knee replacement arthroplasty: Experience from a case series.

PURPOSE: To report 13 consecutive cases of successful triad of anaesthesia, blood and coagulation management (ABC protocol) in haemophilic total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and its feasibility and safety on haemophilic TJA. METHODS: All the clinical data of 13 consecutive cases were descend from electronic medical record. Patients who suffered from haemophilia A, undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with ABC protocol at the academic hospital from December 2014 to November 2018 were included, and demographic, perioperative characteristics according to the classified method were further analysed. RESULTS: All 13 haemophilic patients had undergone successful surgery with ABC protocol. No massive blood loss was observed in perioperative period. The mean external blood loss was 876.92 ± 592.86 mL. The mean change in haemoglobin was 5.42 ± 2.43 g dL-1 at 5 days post-operatively. The mean allogeneic transfusion volume was 1.23 ± 1.35 units, and the mean volume of autotransfusion was 237.5 ± 76.93 mL. The average clotting factor consumption for per operated joint was 458.26 ± 226.45 IU kg-1 in all cases. No severe perioperative complications were occurred. CONCLUSION: ABC-related series of measures were appropriate management mode for patients received THA and/or TKA with mild or moderate haemophilia. However, more robust evidence came from larger samples is needed.

Inflammation Intensity-Dependent Expression of Osteoinductive Wnt Proteins Is Critical for Ectopic New Bone Formation in Ankylosing Spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying inflammation-related ectopic new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: Spinal tissues and sera were collected from patients with AS and healthy volunteers and examined for the expression of Wnt proteins. An in vitro cell culture system mimicking the local inflammatory microenvironment of bone-forming sites was established to study the relationship between inflammation and Wnt expression, the regulatory mechanism of inflammation-induced Wnt expression, and the role of Wnt signaling in new bone formation. Modified collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and proteoglycan-induced spondylitis (PGIS) animal models were used to confirm the key findings in vivo. RESULTS: The levels of osteoinductive Wnt proteins were increased in sera and spinal ligament tissues from patients with AS. Constitutive low-intensity tumor necrosis factor (TNF) stimulation, but not short-term or high-intensity TNF stimulation, induced persistent expression of osteoinductive Wnt proteins and subsequent bone formation through NF-κB (p65) and JNK/activator protein 1 (c-Jun) signaling pathways. Furthermore, inhibition of either the Wnt/ß-catenin or Wnt/protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) pathway significantly suppressed new bone formation. The increased expression of Wnt proteins was confirmed in both the modified CIA and PGIS models. A kyphotic and ankylosing phenotype of the spine was seen during long-term observation in the modified CIA model. Inhibition of either the Wnt/ß-catenin or Wnt/PKCδ signaling pathway significantly reduced the incidence and severity of this phenotype. CONCLUSION: Inflammation intensity-dependent expression of osteoinductive Wnt proteins is a key link between inflammation and ectopic new bone formation in AS. Activation of both the canonical Wnt/ß-catenin and noncanonical Wnt/PKCδ pathways is required for inflammation-induced new bone formation.

A Review of Auxin Response Factors (ARFs) in Plants.

Auxin is a key regulator of virtually every aspect of plant growth and development from embryogenesis to senescence. Previous studies have indicated that auxin regulates these processes by controlling gene expression via a family of functionally distinct DNA-binding auxin response factors (ARFs). ARFs are likely components that confer specificity to auxin response through selection of target genes as transcription factors. They bind to auxin response DNA elements (AuxRE) in the promoters of auxin-regulated genes and either activate or repress transcription of these genes depending on a specific domain in the middle of the protein. Genetic studies have implicated various ARFs in distinct developmental processes through loss-of-function mutant analysis. Recent advances have provided information on the regulation of ARF gene expression, the role of ARFs in growth and developmental processes, protein-protein interactions of ARFs and target genes regulated by ARFs in plants. In particular, protein interaction and structural studies of ARF proteins have yielded novel insights into the molecular basis of auxin-regulated transcription. These results provide the foundation for predicting the contributions of ARF genes to the biology of other plants.

Comparison of Smith-Petersen osteotomy and pedicle subtraction osteotomy for the correction of thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety outcomes of Smith-Petersen osteotomy (SPO) and pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Both SPO and PSO are used to correct thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity due to AS. Evidence is insufficient to determine which has better efficacy and safety outcomes. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed. Studies concentrating on treating thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity due to AS with SPO and/or PSO were included. Efficacy was determined with radiographical outcomes, including sagittal vertical axis and lumbar lordosis. Safety was determined with complication rates. The data were analyzed with Review Manager and R software. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included. Among them, 5 were comparative studies and were used for a meta-analysis. All 23 studies were pooled to evaluate the radiographical correction and incidence of complications. The meta-analysis of the 5 comparative studies showed no significant difference between groups in either correction of sagittal vertical axis and lumbar lordosis or incidence of complications. The pooled data also showed similar radiological correction and complication rates between SPO and PSO. SPO was found to have potential risk of aortic rupture and slightly higher risk of permanent neurological deficit without statistical significance, whereas PSO was shown longer operative time and more blood loss. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that both SPO and PSO are effective in correcting thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity in AS and have similar risk of most complications. Aortic rupture and related death during correction is reported in SPO and should be taken into consideration for decision making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Genome-wide identification, isolation and expression analysis of auxin response factor (ARF) gene family in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis).

Auxin response factors (ARFs) are an important family of proteins in auxin-mediated response, with key roles in various physiological and biochemical processes. To date, a genome-wide overview of the ARF gene family in citrus was not available. A systematic analysis of this gene family in citrus was begun by carrying out a genome-wide search for the homologs of ARFs. A total of 19 nonredundant ARF genes (CiARF) were found and validated from the sweet orange. A comprehensive overview of the CiARFs was undertaken, including the gene structures, phylogenetic analysis, chromosome locations, conserved motifs of proteins, and cis-elements in promoters of CiARF. Furthermore, expression profiling using real-time PCR revealed many CiARF genes, albeit with different patterns depending on types of tissues and/or developmental stages. Comprehensive expression analysis of these genes was also performed under two hormone treatments using real-time PCR. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and N-1-napthylphthalamic acid (NPA) treatment experiments revealed differential up-regulation and down-regulation, respectively, of the 19 citrus ARF genes in the callus of sweet orange. Our comprehensive analysis of ARF genes further elucidates the roles of CiARF family members during citrus growth and development process.

[Radiological factors influencing pulmonary function test in severe spinal deformity].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pulmonary dysfunction patterns in severe spinal deformity and to identify radiological factors affecting the pulmonary function. METHODS: From September 2009 to December 2014, a total of 66 patients were involved in this Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University. Preoperative pulmonary function testing (PFTs) and radiographic examination were performed on all of the involved patients. Correlation analysis and subsequent stepwise multiple regression analysis were carried out to assess the associations between radiographic measurements of deformity and the results of pulmonary function testing. RESULTS: Fifty-seven out of 66 patients had impaired pulmonary dysfunction, and more than half of were ≤59% predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Most of the patients with severe spinal deformity demonstrated a restrictive pattern of pulmonary function. The magnitude of the major curve, the number of involved thoracic vertebrae had significant effect on pulmonary function. While these 2 factors were associated with an increased risk of pulmonary impairment, they explained only 46.2%-55.1% of the observed variability in vital capacity, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in one second. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PFTs are clinically impaired in 86% of patients with severe spinal deformity, and more than half of that were moderate and severe pulmonary dysfunction. The magnitude of the major curve and the number of involved thoracic vertebrae are the main risk factors influencing the pulmonary dysfunction.

Main thoracic curve adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: association of higher rod stiffness and concave-side pedicle screw density with improvement in sagittal thoracic kyphosis restoration.

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rod stiffness and implant density on coronal and sagittal plane correction in patients with main thoracic curve adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective study of 77 consecutive cases involving 56 female and 21 male patients with Lenke Type 1 main thoracic curve AIS who underwent single-stage posterior correction and instrumented spinal fusion with pedicle screw fixation between July 2009 and July 2012. The patients' mean age at surgery was 15.79 ± 3.21 years. All patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. Radiological parameters in the coronal and sagittal planes, including Cobb angle of the major curve, side-bending Cobb angle of the major curve, thoracic kyphosis (TK), correction rates, and screw density, were measured and analyzed. Screw densities (calculated as number of screws per fusion segment × 2) of < 0.60 and ≥ 0.60 were defined as low and high density, respectively. Titanium rods of 5.5 mm and 6.35 mm diameter were defined as low and high stiffness, respectively. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the type of rod and density of screw placement that had been used: Group A, low-stiffness rod with low density of screw placement; Group B, low-stiffness rod with high density of screw placement; Group C, high-stiffness rod with low density of screw placement; Group D, high-stiffness rod with high density of screw placement. RESULTS: The mean coronal correction rate of the major curve, for all 77 patients, was (81.45% ± 7.51%), and no significant difference was found among the 4 groups (p > 0.05). Regarding sagittal plane correction, Group A showed a significant decrease in TK after surgery (p < 0.05), while Group D showed a significant increase (p < 0.05); Group B and C showed no significant postoperative changes in TK (p > 0.05). The TK restoration rate was highest in Group D and lowest in Group A (A, -39.32% ± 7.65%; B, -0.37% ± 8.25%; C, -4.04% ± 6.77%; D, 37.59% ± 8.53%). Screw density on the concave side was significantly higher than that on the convex side in all the groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For flexible main thoracic curve AIS, both rods with high stiffness and those with low stiffness combined with high or low screw density could provide effective correction in the coronal plane; rods with high stiffness along with high screw density on the concave side could provide better outcome with respect to sagittal TK restoration.

Pelvic retroversion is the key protective mechanism of L4-5 degenerative spondylolisthesis.

PURPOSE: To explore the role of spinopelvic sagittal alignment in the pathological mechanism of degenerative spondlylolisthesis (DS) development. METHOD: A total of 52 asymptomatic volunteers, 32 single segment L4-5 DS and 29 lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) without spondylolisthesis patients were enrolled. All subjects had standard lumbar spine X-ray films with standard position along with lumbar spine magnetic resonance image. Comparative analysis of sagittal parameters and disc degeneration grades among asymptomatic volunteers and patients with the two disorders were performed. RESULTS: Compared to normal population (NP) and LSS, DS showed significantly greater pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL), while LSS showed significantly smaller PT and PT/SS. DS showed significantly greater L5 slope than NP and LSS. In both Great-PI group and Small-PI group, all above differences between DS and LSS remained. LSS showed significantly higher degenerative grade of each adjacent disc than DS. Population with adjacent segment degeneration showed higher incidence of pelvic retroversion (PT/SS ≥1), and LSS showed greater proportion of adjacent segment degeneration than DS. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar spine morphology of great LL determined by great PI is a risk factor of L4-5 DS. L5 slope is a parameter that can be used to predict the risk of L4-5 DS. Pelvic retroversion is the key protective mechanism from DS. Adjacent segment degeneration is a driving factor of pelvic retroversion for compensation of lumbar sagittal malalignment.

An analysis of spinopelvic sagittal alignment after lumbar lordosis reconstruction for degenerative spinal diseases: how much balance can be obtained?

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective and radiological study of degenerative spinal diseases. OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes in spinopelvic sagittal alignment after lumbar instrumentation and fusion of degenerative spinal diseases. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Efforts have been paid to clarify the ideal postoperative sagittal profile for degenerative spinal diseases. However, little has been published about the actual changes of sagittal alignment after lumbar lordosis reconstruction. METHODS: Radiographical analysis of 83 patients with spinal degeneration was performed by measuring sagittal parameters before and after operations. Comparative studies of sagittal parameters between short (1 level) and long (≥ 2 level) instrumentation and fusion were performed. Different variances (Δ) of these sagittal parameters before and after operations were calculated and compared. Correlative study and linear regression were performed to establish the relationship between variances. RESULTS: No significant changes were shown in the short-fusion group postoperatively. In the long-fusion group, postoperative lumbar lordosis (LL) and sacral slope (SS) were significantly increased; pelvic tilt (PT), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis, and PT/SS were significantly decreased. Different variances of ΔLL, ΔSS, ΔPT, ΔSVA, Δ(pelvic incidence - LL), and ΔPT/SS were significantly greater in the long-fusion group than the short-fusion group. Close correlations were mainly shown among ΔLL, ΔPT, and ΔSVA. Linear regression equations could be developed (ΔPT = -0.185 × ΔLL - 7.299 and ΔSVA = -0.152ΔLL - 1.145). CONCLUSION: In degenerative spinal diseases, long instrumentation and fusion (≥ 2 levels) provides more efficient LL reconstruction. PT, SS, and SVA improve corresponding to LL in a linear regression model. Linear regression equations could be developed and used to predict PT and SVA change after long instrumentation and fusion for LL reconstruction.

Genome-wide classification and evolutionary and expression analyses of citrus MYB transcription factor families in sweet orange.

MYB family genes are widely distributed in plants and comprise one of the largest transcription factors involved in various developmental processes and defense responses of plants. To date, few MYB genes and little expression profiling have been reported for citrus. Here, we describe and classify 177 members of the sweet orange MYB gene (CsMYB) family in terms of their genomic gene structures and similarity to their putative Arabidopsis orthologs. According to these analyses, these CsMYBs were categorized into four groups (4R-MYB, 3R-MYB, 2R-MYB and 1R-MYB). Gene structure analysis revealed that 1R-MYB genes possess relatively more introns as compared with 2R-MYB genes. Investigation of their chromosomal localizations revealed that these CsMYBs are distributed across nine chromosomes. Sweet orange includes a relatively small number of MYB genes compared with the 198 members in Arabidopsis, presumably due to a paralog reduction related to repetitive sequence insertion into promoter and non-coding transcribed region of the genes. Comparative studies of CsMYBs and Arabidopsis showed that CsMYBs had fewer gene duplication events. Expression analysis revealed that the MYB gene family has a wide expression profile in sweet orange development and plays important roles in development and stress responses. In addition, 337 new putative microsatellites with flanking sequences sufficient for primer design were also identified from the 177 CsMYBs. These results provide a useful reference for the selection of candidate MYB genes for cloning and further functional analysis forcitrus.