Reliability and Validity of the OrthoMechanics Sequential Analyzer

poster abstractPurpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of newly developed software in the assessment of orthodontic tooth movement three dimensionally. Methods: The sample consisted of pre- and post- treatment computed tomography scans and plaster dental models of 20 orthodontic subjects treated with a hyrax expander as a part of their comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Dental arch measurements, including arch widths, tooth inclinations and angulations, were measured on the scans using InvivoDental 3D imaging software version 5.1. The plaster dental models were laser scanned, superimposed, and measurements were obtained digitally using the new software. Agreement between the digital models and the CT measurements was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), paired t-tests, and Bland-Altman plots. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: High agreement (ICC > 0.9), a non-significant paired t-test, and no indication of agreement discrepancies were observed for most of the measured parameters. Conclusions: The new software program offers a valid and reliable tool concerning dental arch measurements obtained from 3D laser scanned models. It could be considered a possible practical method that helps the orthodontist evaluate the treatment progress in a non-invasive manner and without unnecessary radiation exposure. Funding: Indiana University Purdue University - Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research & the Funding Opportunities for Research Commercialization and Economics Success (FORCES)

Phylogenetic analyses of peanut resistance gene candidates and screening of different genotypes for polymorphic markers

AbstractThe nucleotide-binding-site-leucine-rich-repeat (NBS–LRR)-encoding gene family has attracted much research interest because approximately 75% of the plant disease resistance genes that have been cloned to date are from this gene family. Here, we describe a collection of peanut NBS–LRR resistance gene candidates (RGCs) isolated from peanut (Arachis) species by mining Gene Bank data base. NBS–LRR sequences assembled into TIR-NBS-LRR (75.4%) and non-TIR-NBS-LRR (24.6%) subfamilies. Total of 20 distinct clades were identified and showed a high level of sequence divergence within TIR-NBS and non-TIR-NBS subfamilies. Thirty-four primer pairs were designed from these RGC sequences and used for screening different genotypes belonging to wild and cultivated peanuts. Therefore, peanut RGC identified in this study will provide useful tools for developing DNA markers and cloning the genes for resistance to different pathogens in peanut

Role of Iron Chelators, Hydroxyurea, and Splenectomy on Serum Total Antioxidant Capacity in β-Thalassemia

BACKGROUND: Iron overload is the main cause of oxidative stress in beta-thalassemia (βT) by the increased production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Antioxidants counteract the toxic effects of oxidative stress. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the possible impact of splenectomy, iron chelators, and hydroxyurea (hydra) on serum level of TAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty children and adolescents with βT were studied in comparison to 25 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects. Complete medical history, clinical examination, and laboratory assessment of serum TAC, ferritin, hepcidin, and hemoglobin (Hb) were carried out. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups; thalassemia major (TM), thalassemia intermedia (TI), and controls as regard age and sex. β-TM patients had significantly higher serum ferritin, serum hepcidin, and serum TAC (p < 0.000, 0.002, and 0.000, respectively) than controls. β-TI patients had significantly higher serum ferritin and serum TAC (p < 0.000) than controls. Serum TAC was lower in children with splenectomy, but this difference was not statistically significant. In addition, we observed no statistically significant difference in serum TAC of patients under different (deferasirox or deferiprone) medication. Serum TAC concentration was significantly higher in patients taking hydroxyurea (hydra) (p < 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed an increased level of serum TAC in patients with β-T in comparison with controls. Serum TAC was also increased in those taking hydroxyurea, however, it was low in βT patients under regular chelation therapy, while splenectomy had no significant effect on serum TAC

Copeptin as a Biomarker of Atherosclerosis in Type 1 Diabetic Patients

AIM: To evaluate copeptin as an early marker of atherosclerosis in adolescent type 1 diabetics. METHODS: Sixty-two type 1 diabetic patients and 50 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Serum copeptin, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, oxidised low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, carotid intimal medial thickness (cIMT), aortic intimal medial thickness (aIMT) and resistivity index were assessed for all participant in the study. RESULTS: HbA1, albumin/creatinine ratio, lipid profile, OxlDL, copeptin, cIMT and aIMT were significantly higher in diabetic patients. Copeptin was higher in patients with positive cIMT and aIMT. Copeptin correlated with cIMT and aIMT. Stepwise multiple regression analysis found that copeptin correlated with aIMT. ROC curve showed that copeptin had 100 % specificity with aIMT and cIMT and 95.2 and 60,7 sensitivity with aIMT and cIMT respectively. CONCLUSION: Copeptin can be used as a marker for early detection of atherosclerosis of type 1 diabetic patients

The impact of utilizing ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete in beam-column joints with different patterns of transverse reinforcement

This research studies and assesses the possibility of employing ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) in exterior beam-column joints (BCJs). Eight specimens with various concrete material characteristics and steel reinforcing details are cast and examined under repeated loads. Normal concrete with seismic reinforcing details is used as a control specimen. For certain specimens, UHPC, UHPFRC with 1% steel fiber, and UHPFRC with 2% steel fiber are poured into all BCJs, and others are poured into the critical zone only. The consequences of removing stirrups from the joint were studied. All specimens' crack patterns, hysteresis and envelope curves, ductility factor, stiffness degradation?, and energy dissipation are assessed and corresponded to the control sample. The results demonstrate that UHPFRC strengthened the joint, prevented crack development and extension and the shear failure in the joint, and formed the plastic hinge in the beams. UHPFRC outperforms normal concrete with seismic reinforcing details and UHPC without steel fiber in bearing capacity, ductility, stiffness, and energy dissipation. UHPFRC with 1% steel fiber enhanced joint behavior, while UHPFRC with 2% steel fiber was better. Casting the whole sample with UHPFRC achieved very little improvement. The presence of stirrups in the UHPFRC beam-column joint has little effect on its properties. It is more economical to cast UHPFRC in the joint zone only and reduce or eliminate these stirrups in the case of UHPFRC

Assessment of Ceruloplasmin, Hemopexin, and Haptoglobin in Asthmatic Children

BACKGROUND: Ceruloplasmin (Cp), haptoglobin, and hemopexin play a role in iron homeostasis and may function to modulate the systemic inflammatory response and be involved in tissue repair. We hypothesized that these proteins could be biological markers for bronchial asthma that reflect the involvement of iron oxidative stress in asthma pathogenesis. AIM: Evaluation of serum levels of proteins involved in iron homeostasis (Cp, hemopexin, and haptoglobin) in asthmatic children and their correlation to pulmonary functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty moderate to severe persistent asthmatic children aged 6–13 years were included (30 during attacks and 30 in-between attacks). Thirty healthy matched controls were also recruited. All children were subjected to history taking, clinical evaluation and assessment of complete blood picture, serum levels of Cp, haptoglobin, hemopexin, and total IgE. Pulmonary function tests were assessed for all patients. RESULTS: Serum Cp and haptoglobin were significantly elevated in asthmatic children between attacks (448.04 ± 386.79), (993.33 ± 554.56) compared to controls (168.42 ± 13.46), (473.33 ± 350.3), (p = 0.0002, p < 0.0001) and to asthmatics during exacerbations (288.8 ± 219.6), (620 ± 467.86), (p = 0.014, p = 0.006). Serum hemopexin was significantly higher in asthmatics between attacks (509.33 ± 341.51) compared to controls (296.67 ± 158.38) (p < 0.003) but no significant difference compared to acute exacerbations (477.33 ± 396.6). No significant correlations were found between any of the assessed protein levels and pulmonary functions. Hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher among stable asthmatics compared to acute exacerbation and control groups. CONCLUSION: Cp, haptoglobin, and hemopexin can be used as a panel of non-invasive biomarkers that reflect the involvement of iron oxidative stress in asthma pathogenesis

Multi-parametric arterial spin labelling and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiation of grade II and grade III gliomas

Purpose: To assess arterial spin labelling (ASL) perfusion and diffusion MR imaging (DWI) in the differentiation of grade II from grade III gliomas. Material and methods: A prospective cohort study was done on 36 patients (20 male and 16 female) with diffuse gliomas, who underwent ASL and DWI. Diffuse gliomas were classified into grade II and grade III. Calculation of tumoural blood flow (TBF) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the tumoral and peritumoural regions was made. The ROC curve was drawn to differentiate grade II from grade III gliomas. Results: There was a significant difference in TBF of tumoural and peritumoural regions of grade II and III gliomas (p = 0.02 and p =0.001, respectively). Selection of 26.1 and 14.8 ml/100 g/min as the cut-off for TBF of tumoural and peritumoural regions differentiated between both groups with area under curve (AUC) of 0.69 and 0.957, and accuracy of 77.8% and 88.9%, respectively. There was small but significant difference in the ADC of tumoural and peritumoural regions between grade II and III gliomas (p = 0.02 for both). The selection of 1.06 and 1.36 × 10-3 mm2/s as the cut-off of ADC of tumoural and peritumoural regions was made, to differentiate grade II from III with AUC of 0.701 and 0.748, and accuracy of 80.6% and 80.6%, respectively. Combined TBF and ADC of tumoural regions revealed an AUC of 0.808 and accuracy of 72.7%. Combined TBF and ADC for peritumoural regions revealed an AUC of 0.96 and accuracy of 94.4%. Conclusion: TBF and ADC of tumoural and peritumoural regions are accurate non-invasive methods of differentiation of grade II from grade III gliomas

Investigating the quality and efficiency of biosolid produced in qatar as a fertilizer in tomato production

This study evaluated biosolid quality over time and the efficiency of using amounts (5 and 7 kg/m2) of municipal class A biosolids in Qatar to fertilize tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). Random samples were subjected to physical and chemical analysis, which revealed excellent particle uniformity and stability with minor odor defects. The analysis confirmed the product was nutrientrich while pollutant levels were below the international standards. The nominated rates were used to fertilize tomato plants in pots grown in a greenhouse for four months with a control treatment of manure and Peat-Moss, before measuring the plant biological characteristics. Plants were examined via chemical analysis of nutrients and pollutants both for the whole plant and for stems, fruits, and leaves. Results indicated that both experimental treatments enhanced plant growth and development as compared to the control treatment. However, the chemical analyses also revealed levels of zinc, copper, and manganese in the plant fruits that were well in excess of the maximum acceptable levels, as defined by international health organizations. This study found that while the application of class A biosolids as organic fertilizer for tomato plants greatly enhanced the overall plant growth, the plant fruits contained toxic levels of trace heavy metals.This research was funded by Qatar University Student Grant, grant number QUST-1-ESC-2019-2. The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the author(s)

Salt tolerance of selected halophytes at the two initial growth stages for future management options

Scarcity of water and the small area of the agricultural land are considered as the crucial environmental issues challenged the Arabian Gulf countries. In this study, experiments were conducted to identify the salt tolerance during the germination and the seedling stages of some native halophytes in the State of Qatar. Seeds of eight native species (Salsola setifera, Halopeplis perfoliata, Caroxylon imbricatum, Suaeda aegyptiaca, Acacia tortilis, Limonium axillare, Tetraena qatarensis and Aeluropus lagopoides) were investigated. Except for Tetraena qatarensis, Acacia tortilis and Suaeda aegyptiaca, all achieved ≥ 30% of seed germination at a concentration of 200 mM NaCl. Around 30% of Salsola setifera seeds were able to germinate in a salt concentration of 400 mM. Germination recovery of seeds that have been treated with 800 mM NaCl for 3 weeks was the greatest for Halopeplis perfoliata (94%) and the lowest for Aeluropus lagopoides (22%). Five halophytes were investigated for seedling growth under saline irrigation ranged from 0 to 600 mM NaCl. No significant differences obtained in growth biomass of seedlings of each of Caroxylon imbricatum, Suaeda aegyptiaca and Tetraena qatarensis between saline and non-saline treatments.Open access funding provided by the Qatar National Library