In living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT), the right lobe graft is commonly utilized to prevent small-for-size syndrome, despite the considerable donor morbidity. Conversely, the feasibility of the left lobe graft and the right posterior section graft in smaller-sized recipients is now commonly employed with comparable outcomes to right lobe grafts. The efficacy of the right anterior section graft has rarely been reported.A 56-year-old man, a heavy alcoholic beverage drinker for 20 years, presented in the emergency department with massive ascites and lethargy. He was previously admitted twice due to bleeding esophageal varices.He was diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy coma due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The Child–Turcotte–Pugh score was 11 (class C), and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score was 21.62.A LDTL was offered to the patient as the best treatment option available. The patient's 26-year-old son was found to be the only donor-compatible candidate for the LDTL.Preoperatively, the right lobe of the donor occupied 76.2% of the total liver volume exposing the donor to a small residual liver volume. The right posterior section and left lobe volumes were insufficient, providing a graft-to-recipient weight ratio of 0.42% and 0.38%, respectively. However, the right anterior section could fulfill an acceptable GRWR of 0.83%. Thus, a living donor right anterior sectionectomy was performed.Clinical signs and symptoms and liver function improved following anterior section graft transplantation without complications.The procurement of anterior section graft is technically feasible in selected patients, especially in high-volume liver centers. Over the past decades, the revolution of surgical techniques and growing experience in liver transplantation have resulted in good and promising long-term survival. Although it has been widely accepted, LDTL continues to be a challenge due to its intrinsic risks. First, the healthy donor is subject to the inherent risk of the procedure itself, as well as the risk of having a small remnant liver volume after the surgery. Second, there is a potential for the occurrence of small-for-size graft syndrome (SFSS) in the recipient. Thus, to ensure the donor's safety and an excellent outcome in the recipient, proper selection and determination of the graft size are of paramount importance.Since its introduction in 1994,,8 The left lobe graft is usually utilized in selected small-size recipients with comparable outcomes to the right lobe graft. Moreover, the feasibility of right posterior section as an alternative option to overcome the disproportionate size of the lobes of the liver has also been utilized with promising results.,11 Until recently however, Suh et al  first described their experienced in utilizing the anterior section graft when both left lobe graft and right posterior lobe graft of the donor were insufficient to satisfy the metabolic demand of the recipient, and that the procurement of the right lobe graft could compromise safety of the donor. Thus, faced with this unavoidable scenario, we believe that an innovative selection of the right anterior section graft to balance the risk to the donor and recipient could represent a possible approach. Herein, we describe our first successful LDTL using right anterior section graft in a patient with end-stage liver disease secondary to severe alcoholic liver cirrhosis.In the adult-to-adult LDTL, the use of the right lobe graft usually provides an adequate liver volume to overcome the SFSS, but it is frequently associated with considerable morbidity to the donor.2A 56-year-old man, a heavy alcoholic beverage drinker for 20 years, was diagnosed with alcoholic liver cirrhosis for almost 3 years. He was previously admitted twice on May 2016 and November 2016, for bleeding esophageal varices. On March 23, 2018, he presented a hepatic encephalopathy coma with massive ascites and was treated accordingly. Thus, an LDTL was offered to the patient as the best treatment option available.Preoperatively, his body weight was 78.8 kg with a body mass index (BMI) of 27.6. The Child–Turcotte–Pugh score was 11 (class C), and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 21.62.3. The right lobe had a total volume of 960 cm3, which occupied 76.2% of the total liver volume. The estimated residual liver volume was 23.8% and the graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GWRW) was 1.21%. The liver fibrosis scan was essentially normal. The right anterior section was considered the graft of choice with an estimated liver volume of 655 mL, an estimated GWRW of 0.83%, and adequate remnant volume of 605 mL. Table The patient's 26-year-old son was found to be the only donor-compatible candidate for the LDTL. Preoperative evaluation included multidetector computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and liver fibrosis scan. The segmental branches of the portal vein and hepatic artery were normal Fig. A, B. In 2.1A right subcostal incision with extension to the upper midline was made to access the abdomen. The ligamentum teres, falciform, coronary, and right triangular ligament were divided. Cholecystectomy was then performed. Hilar dissection was initiated posterolaterally to identify and isolate the right hepatic artery (RHA), right portal vein (RPV), and right hepatic duct (RHD). Likewise, the anterior and posterior branches of the RHA and RPV were identified and isolated. The right anterior portal vein (RAPV) and right anterior hepatic artery (RAHA) were temporarily clamped to make a demarcation line on the liver for parenchymal dissection. Intraoperative ultrasonography was also used to precisely confirm the location of the RHV and middle hepatic vein (MHV). The liver transection was performed using the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA). The RHV tributaries from segment V and VIII were carefully ligated and divided for recipient graft reconstruction. The intrahepatic course of the MHV was followed up to its confluence with the left hepatic vein. The right anterior hepatic duct (RAHD) was isolated using the Glissonian pedicle approach, and was sharply transected leaving behind approximately a 3-mm hepatic duct stump for subsequent duct-to-duct reconstruction Fig. A, B. The2.2The right anterior section graft was flushed with a histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate solution. A vascular interposition graft was used to reconstruct the tributaries of the RHV from segments V and VIII Fig. A, B. The2.3A total hepatectomy with venacaval preservation was performed. A meticulous high hilar dissection was suitably performed. The stump of the MHV was made available for graft reconstruction. A venotomy was created from the orifice of the MHV to the inferior vena cava to enlarge the opening to ensure adequate venous outflow.Next, we performed hepatic venous outflow reconstruction between the enlarged orifice of the MHV stump and the vena cava of the recipient and the conjoined MHV and interposition graft of the donor Fig. D. The RPThe total duration of surgery was 378 minutes with a total blood loss of 4100 mL. A volume of 1400 mL of ascites was noted intraoperatively with a grossly cirrhotic liver weighing 981 g. The right anterior section graft had an actual weight of 612 g, and the actual GRWR was 0.78. There was a 7% overestimation of the preoperative GWRW (0.83) compared with the actual GWRW (0.78) value.2.4The donor was discharged on the 7th day after surgery. There was no report of postoperative complications such as bleeding, bile leakage, or hepatic insufficiency. Although there was a small focal liver congestion on segment IV observed on the CT scan on the 7th postoperative day. Liver functions were within normal limits. Figure Most importantly, the recipient had an unremarkable hospital stay. Liver function returned to normal levels at 2 weeks posttransplantation Fig. C, D. The3–15 Moreover, the right posterior graft and the left lobe graft had a GWRW of <0.8% which could otherwise increase the risk of SFSS after liver transplantation.An accurate preoperative estimate of the liver volume is an integral part in the selection of appropriate graft to optimize the patient's outcome following LDTL. As part of our protocol, we obtained a multidetector CT volumetric study to accurately estimate the graft volume for liver transplantation. A GWRW of >0.8% and residual volume of >35% are the minimum criteria for LDTL at our center. Thus, in the case presented, the preoperative evaluation had identified that the donor right anterior section was the only graft that satisfied the required criteria. The right lobe graft had a GWRW of 1.21%, but had a residual volume of 23.81% that could significantly increase the risk of hepatic insufficiency postoperatively of the donor.,18 Also, the residual liver volume was adequate to ensure the safety of the donor. As reported by Leelaudomlipi et al, the right anterior segment has an average volume ratio of 37%, whereas volumes of the left lateral section, left medial section, caudate lobe, and right posterior section were 17%, 14%, 2%, and 30%, respectively. Thus, the right anterior section could be a promising alternative option in selected patients with a disproportionate distribution of liver mass.Nevertheless, we had successfully performed the living-donor right anterior section graft with a GWRW of 0.83% and a residual liver volume ratio 48.01%. The graft size was sufficient to sustain the metabolic demands of the recipient postoperatively.–22 which could possibly cause small-for-size syndrome. As a result, there were no signs of liver congestion based on the CT scan findings following the liver transplantation.Furthermore, in the performance of graft reconstruction, an interposition graft was utilized to drain the large (>5 mm diameter) tributaries of the RHV of segments V and VIII. The venous outflow of segments V and VIII were maximized by the MHV and the interposition graft, preventing the occurrence of liver congestion,,25 thus, its feasibility should be restricted to certain favorable anatomical variations. As described by Hwang et al, intrahepatic second-branches of the RHA, RPV, and RHD are contraindications for procurement of right posterior sector graft due to the complexity of the reconstruction. Conversely, Sugawara et al reported that anatomical variations can be carefully managed, and that there are no exclusion criteria for the procurement of right posterior graft. The same is true for right anterior section graft procurement. However, as this was our first experience of right anterior sector graft in an LDTL, we believe that anatomical variations should be restrictions to right anterior sectionectomy to ensure the patient's safety. Special anatomical variants, such as an independent posterior branch of the portal vein, hepatic artery, or bile duct would be more suitable when using the anterior section. Moreover, particular attention to the arterial supply to segment IV should be emphasized because of the considerable incidence of segment IV hepatic artery arising from the RHA. Nevertheless, our case was shown to have an independent posterior branch of the right hepatic duct and segment IV hepatic artery from the left hepatic artery. This anatomical variant is favorable for right anterior sectionectomy.Moreover, preoperative evaluation of the biliary and vascular anatomy is of equal importance for the determination of graft volume. In particular, it should be emphasized that the right anterior section has a more complex anatomy,–31 However, we carefully evaluated the venous outflow in segment IV in this case and it was found to be left hepatic vein dominant. As a result, only focal segment IV congestion was noted postoperatively.Another important issue of concern in the procurement of the anterior sector graft is the hepatic vein drainage of segment IV. Inevitable segment IV congestion will occur if the dominant hepatic vein drainage stems from the MHV.In summary, this case shows that procurement of right anterior section graft is technically feasible in a properly selected patient. However, it should be emphasized that only volumetric analysis when using the anterior section should be avoided and proper preoperative evaluation of the biliary and vascular anatomy should always be considered. More importantly, the procedure should be performed in high volume liver centers with considerable experience in LDTL. This approach, however, should be reevaluated with regard to safety and feasibility based on a large number of patients with long-term follow-up data.Conceptualization: Jonathan Geograpo Navarro, Gi Hong Choi.Data curation: Jonathan Geograpo Navarro, Gi Hong Choi, Myoung Soo Kim, Yoon Bin Jung, Jae Geun Lee.Methodology: Jonathan Geograpo Navarro.Project administration: Gi Hong Choi.Supervision: Gi Hong Choi, Myoung Soo Kim.Validation: Gi Hong Choi, Myoung Soo Kim, Yoon Bin Jung, Jae Geun Lee.Visualization: Gi Hong Choi, Jae Geun Lee.Writing – original draft: Jonathan Geograpo Navarro.Writing – review and editing: Jonathan Geograpo Navarro, Gi Hong Choi, Myoung Soo Kim, Yoon Bin Jung, Jae Geun Lee.Jonathan Geograpo Navarro orcid: 0000-0001-5435-2333.


The purpose of this study was to compare the stability of medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) with and without different graft materials. Good clinical and radiological outcomes have been demonstrated when either using or not using graft materials during MOWHTO. Variations in the biomechanical properties of different graft types, regarding the stability they provide a MOWHTO, have not been previously investigated.A 10 mm biplanar MOWHTO was performed on 15 artificial sawbone tibiae, which were fixed using the Activmotion 2 plate. Five bones had OSferion60 wedges (synthetic group), five had allograft bone wedges , and five had no wedges (control group) inserted into the osteotomy gap. Static compression was applied axially to each specimen until failure of the osteotomy. Ultimate load, horizontal and vertical displacements were measured and used to calculate construct stiffness and valgus malrotation of the tibial head.− 1), but the lowest stiffness at the lateral side (1.59 kN·mm-1). The allograft group showed high stiffness on the medial side of the tibial head (7.54 kN·mm− 1) as well as the highest stiffness on the lateral side (2.18 kN·mm− 1).The synthetic group failed at 6.3 kN, followed by the allograft group (6 kN), and the control group (4.5 kN). The most valgus malrotation of the tibial head was observed in the allograft group (2.6°). The synthetic group showed the highest stiffness at the medial side of the tibial head (9.54 kN·mmThe use of graft materials in MOWHTO results in superior material properties compared to the use of no graft. The static strength of MOWHTO is highest when synthetic grafts are inserted into the osteotomy gap. Allograft wedges provide higher mechanical strength to a MOWHTO than when no graft used. In comparison to the synthetic grafts, allograft wedges result in the stiffness of the osteotomy being more similar at the medial and lateral cortices. It was hypothesised that: 1) both graft types would provide greater static strength to a MOWHTO compared to when no graft was used, and 2) there would be a difference between the two graft types.,Fifteen medium-size 4th generation analogue composite tibiae  were used. These sawbone models have been validated and shown to have similar biomechanical properties to natural human bone while having significantly lower inter-specimen variability in comparison to cadaveric specimens  positioned antero-medially on the tibial head. Each osteotomy was performed in the same way, using the biplanar technique, with the plate being fixed according to the standard technique of the implant, as has been done in previous research  of each specimen (at each of the sensor positions) was calculated using the ratio of the measured force and displacement at the point of failure. Prior to calculating stiffness, any negative displacement values were multiplied by − 1 in order to make them positive so that only the absolute values were used, since the direction of each displacement is irrelevant for this calculation. Additionally, valgus malrotation of the tibial head in the frontal plane was calculated using the following formula from a previous study by our group , “dL” is LSZ displacement (mm), “dM” is MSZ displacement (mm), and “D” is the distance between the two sensor positions. The value α was then converted from radians to degrees by multiplying α by 180°/3.14 rad.The data from one specimen in the allograft group and one specimen in the synthetic group were not included in the final analysis due to the specimens accidentally being loaded prior to testing, resulting in the specimens failing abnormally early during their tests. Four specimens in the allograft group, four in the synthetic group, and five in the control group were analysed. All specimens, except for two in the allograft group, experienced an intra-operative lateral hinge fracture.During testing, despite intra-operative hinge fractures occurring in most cases, all specimens failed in similar fashion due to a fracture of the lateral cortex of the tibial head Fig. . Prior tFigure Figure ,,,,,The key finding of this study is that a MOWHTO with a void filler is able to withstand more vertical compressive force than a MOWHTO without any filler, suggesting that more stability and mechanical strength is given to the knee when the gap is filled. This may have important implications for post-operative rehabilitation programmes that encourage early full weight-bearing. Although early full weight-bearing after surgery has shown promising results in tibial osteotomies with  it is logical to expect that longer tests will result in larger displacement values across each of the sensors. This does, however, show that the tibial head rotates and moves more in multiple directions as higher forces are applied to it. This may suggest that providing as much stability as possible to an osteotomy could be important in the early stages of the healing process, particularly if a patient is fully weight-bearing.Displacement values at all sensor positions, with the exception of sensor LSY on the lateral side of the anterior proximal tibial head, showed the overall lowest displacement in the control group and the overall highest displacement in the synthetic group. This is likely due to the differences in the mean length of time-to-failure between groups. Due to the displacement controlled nature of the test protocol , followed by the allograft group (7.54 kN·mm− 1) and the control group (3.37 kN·mm− 1). At point LSZ, stiffness values were lower than at point MSZ in all groups, with the highest value being recorded in the allograft group (2.18 kN·mm− 1) followed by the control group (1.67 kN·mm− 1) and the synthetic group (1.59 kN·mm− 1). This large difference within the synthetic and allograft groups between the two opposite cortices of the tibial head is likely to be due to the volume of the graft being much larger medially than laterally, in order to fit the shape of the osteotomy wedge. The synthetic group showed the highest stiffness medially but the lowest stiffness laterally, suggesting that this type of graft offers the least support to the lateral cortex, the weakest point of a MOWHTO (Maas et al.,,,Regarding the mean stiffness of specimens, the highest values were recorded on the medial side in each of the groups, which is to be expected due to the extra support provided by the size 2 Activmotion fixation plate. Highest stiffness at point MSZ was seen in the synthetic group (9.54 kN·mm,,,The allograft group showed the highest lateral stiffness and high medial stiffness. This suggests that this graft type provides more rigidity to the construct than an osteotomy with no graft, and that the stiffness is more evenly distributed than when synthetic grafts are used. It is possible that this finding could be attributed to the difference in shape of the two graft types. The allograft wedges spanned the height, width, and depth in the sagittal plane of the osteotomy gap, whereas the synthetic grafts did not fully span the width of the opening see Fig. . Despite,,,,One limitation of this study was that it was conducted in-vitro, and without the presence of soft tissue elements, however the artificial sawbone tibiae that were used have been shown to be biomechanically similar to human bone (Heiner, ,,,Finally, although intra-operative lateral hinge fractures were a confounding variable in the present study, it is not expected that this had a significant effect on the results regarding the load at failure or construct stiffness. This is due to the fact that the hinge was compressed together prior to, and during testing, meaning that no excess movement of lateral part of the construct could occur. Additionally, all specimens that suffered an intra-operative hinge fracture still failed during testing due to further fractures of the lateral cortex Fig. . These fConclusions drawn from the present study should only be used as a general indication of graft performance.The use of graft materials as void fillers in the gap of a MOWHTO provides greater stability and strength to the construct, compared to when the gap is left unfilled. During testing, all specimens failed due to a fracture of the lateral cortex of the tibial head. Synthetic OSferion60 wedges provide the greatest strength to a MOWHTO. Allograft HTO wedges provide superior mechanical strength and stiffness compared to MOWHTO without graft materials.


The following scientists assisted the journal by reviewing manuscripts during the period November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018.We gratefully acknowledge their critical evaluation and assistance in selecting articles for publication.


The original spreader graft described by Sheen was dissecting a sub perichondrial flap along the anterior edge of the septum and inserting the grafts in place and occasionally, fixing them with a mattress suture. Although it has been done usually with mattress suture, it has some disadvantages as the instability of the graft while it is being fixated and others. We present a different fixation method with a simple running suture instead. His resolution was the spreader grafts, a couple of stick-like grafts placed along the dorsal edge of the septal cartilage. He dissected a subperichondrial flap along the anterior edge of the septum and inserted the grafts in place and occasionally, fixing them with a mattress suture.Sheen described the spreader grafts in 19844 The most frequent problems related, especially if the grafts are not fixated, are graft displacement, shearing, asymmetry,3 increased time,5 or to drop the graft into the mucoperichondrial flap.6 So authors have reported different fixation methods, for example, suturing the grafts as a saddle bag,2 with cyanoacrylate,7 modifications to the mattress suture,8 fibrin sealant,9 tight submucoperichondrial pockets,10 modified speculums,11 transcutaneous sutures,5 or barbed sutures.12Although open rhinoplasty became the first option for many surgeons, the fixation with a mattress suture has become usual. But fixation has been recognized in many publications as difficult or complex.k. Then a couple of horizontal mattress sutures are placed, so the previous complications mentioned before are not so common. But we find it difficult to perform it because of the lack of short straight needles in hospitals, movement of the grafts while passing the needle, lack of symmetry, or displacement of the spreader graft alignment or instability.Usually, spreader grafts are obtained after septum mucoperichondrial dissection, and then fixed temporarily by using 27–30 gauge needles We did all the rhinoplasties with an open technique, in primary or secondary cases during a 5-year period 2013–2018). Using 4-0 nylon (or an absorbable one) with a short, round, curved needle, we start with a simple suture embracing both grafts and septum in the most caudal portion of the septum; sometimes it can be done with 5-0. Then without cutting the tail (it will be used at the end), continue as a simple running suture directed cephalically along the dorsum. The needle penetrates the septum a millimeter away of the spreader width so each time it runs embraces both spreader graft and septum while accomplishing these objectives: fixation, alignment, symmetry, and stability. Sometimes while doing initial passes, one or both of the grafts displaces downwards or upwards; you just pass the next throw below, and when you put tension on the suture it will be aligned with the most dorsal border of the septum. When you reach the end , you can lock the suture, or more frequently, comeback caudally the running suture but this time including a bite of the upper lateral cartilages adhering them to the spreader grafts and septum. Beware this time not to put the suture below the spreader graft as in the beginning, but to take all 5 cartilages at the same level so the spreader graft effect  is not lost , which we find secure, fast, and easy to perform.


From the 13C CP/MAS NMR (Cross Polarizatio/Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectra, all the modified starches had extra peaks at 38.5 ppm and 172.8 ppm. After esterification treatment, the resistant starch (RS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) content of starch samples increased dramatically. The higher content of RS and lower enzymatic hydrolysis rate of the malate starch could be used to produce low-calorie foods and have potential health benefits.Resistant starch has gradually become a popular food component due to its beneficial physiological effects and heat resistance during processing. In this study, the structure, reaction mechanism, and digestibility of wrinkled pea starch with malic acid and heat–moisture treatment (HMT) are investigated. The degree of substitution (DS) of malate starch, HMT-malate starch, and malate-HMT starch was 0.164, 0.280, and 0.146, respectively. Malate starch remained in its complete particle form and pronounced birefringence was displayed. However, the malate-HMT starch sample was almost completely broken into pieces and lost the polarized cross. All modified starch samples had a decreased swelling power and a new peak at 1731–1741 cm Starch is the main glycemic carbohydrate material in cereal- and tuber-based food products . AccordiRecently, many researchers have supported numerous methods to prepare RS from different sources. They mainly include physical ,7, chemiPea is an important source of starch and is grown worldwide as one of the oldest domesticated food crops. China is the second largest producer of peas in the world (1.6 million tonnes (MT)) followed by Russia (1.4 MT), USA India (600 kilotonnes (KT)), and USA (7.4 KT). China’s pea production is second only to Canada (3.4 MT) . DependiAspergillus niger  were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Chemical Co. . Glucose oxidase–peroxidase (GOPOD) assay kit was obtained from Megazyme International Ireland Ltd. . Chemicals and solvents were of an analytical grade.Wrinkled pea (a wild variety cultivated in China) was obtained from Dingxi Gansu Province. Pancreatin from porcine pancreas  and amyloglucosidase from Starch was extracted from wrinkled pea seeds by the method of Beta et al. . The obtw/w) to produce a 25% suspension by weight, and the pH was adjusted to 3 with 10 mol/L NaOH. The mixture was dried at 45 °C to the moisture content of 5–10% (w/w) after the starch suspension was thoroughly infiltrated for 24 h at room temperature. The mixture was then finely ground and put into a hydrothermal synthesis reactor  for 6 h at 140 °C. The unreacted malic acid was removed by washing several times. The obtained starch was dried at 40 °C and powdered. The sample was denoted as malate starch. Malate starch was prepared according to the method of Klaushofer et al.  with sliMalate starch (20 g dry weight) was weighed into hydrothermal synthesis reactors. Starch moisture content was brought to 25% by adding the appropriate amount of distilled water. The hydrothermal reactors were sealed and then placed in a forced-air oven at 120 °C for 12 h. Then, starches were washed once with deionized water and dried in an oven at 40 °C, ground, and passed through a 100-mesh screen. The sample was denoted as malate-HMT starch. Similarly, the native starch was brought to 25% moisture content at 120 °C for 12 h to produce HMT starch, and then the sample was reacted with malic acid according to the above method and was denoted as HMT-malate starch.Starch samples were covered with 20 nm of gold under vacuum by double-sided adhesive tape fastened to a round aluminum stub. Starch granules were observed and photographed at 1500× magnification with a scanning electron microscope .v/v), and the images were taken at 500× magnification.Birefringence of starch granules was viewed with an optical microscope . Each sample was disseminated in solution  was included as an indicator. The suspension was modified to be a reddish solution, and then 25 mL of NaOH (0.45 mol/L) was placed into the flask by stirring for 60 min. After that, the starch solution was titrated with a 0.2 mol/L standard HCl solution. The native starch was utilized as the control. The DS was determined with the following Equation: 0 is the consumed volume of hydrochloric acid standard solution of the blank, V1 is the consumed volume of hydrochloric acid standard solution of the starch sample, A is the mass fraction of malate substituents (%), c is the standard molarity of the HCl solution, W is the weight of starch, M is the molecular weight of 2-hydroxy-succinyl (117), and 162 is the relative molecular mass of glucosyl.The DS of starch samples was established using a titration technique . The staw/v) was heated in a shaking water bath at 65, 80, and 95 °C, respectively, for 30 min, and then quickly chilled to room temperature. After centrifugation at 4000 r/min for 15 min, the supernatant was dried at 105 °C for 2 h and the remainder was weighed. The weight of the dried supernatant divided by the weight of the dry starch was the solubility (%). The weight of the remainder divided by the weight of the dry starch was the swelling power (g/g).The starch slurry  using the method of Ye et al. [2 rotor closed with a Kel-F cap and were spun at a rate of 8 kHz. The adoption time was 17 min and the delay time was 2 s. The spectral width was 295.8 ppm. Samples were analyzed at ambient temperature. Solid-state e et al.  with somg, 10 min), the glucose amount was established utilizing a GOPOD assay kit. The RDS, SDS, and RS amounts were acquired by utilizing the following formulae:Digestion properties were examined utilizing the technique of Englyst et al.  with altp value of <0.05 were established as being statistically significant. Mean values were obtained from triplicate experiments. The variations among the mean values of multiple groups were evaluated by SPSS 17.0 and Origin 8.0 software for one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Duncan’s multiple-range tests. ANOVA data with a Birefringence is a symbol of the average radial orientation of helical structures . At the Swelling power and solubility properties of the native and modified samples are shown in −1 appeared in all modified samples, but it was not observed in their control. The band at 1731–1741 cm−1 was associated with the stretching of the C=O bond from the ester group. This suggested the successful esterification of starch with malic acid. Compared with the native starch, the malic acid-treated pea starch showed a decrease in the intensity of peaks at 1630–1650 cm−1 (aromatic ring stretch), which was related to the transformation of the C–O bond.FTIR spectroscopy can reflect changes in the chemical structure of starch molecules. The FTIR spectra of native pea starch and modified starch samples were shown in 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra of the native wrinkled pea starch and modified starch samples are shown in 1 usually appear at 94–105 ppm; the resonances of C2, C3, and C5 overlap at 68–78 ppm; and peaks at 80–84 ppm and 58–65 ppm are linked to C4 and C6 sites, respectively [2, C3, and C5 sites had the similar chemical environment in soiled 13C NMR spectra, so they were covered by a broad signal peak [13C NMR spectrum compared with the native pea starch. The peaks at 35–50 ppm were correlated to the hybridized carbon atom units (–(CH2–CH)n) in the polymers [8 sites, and resonance at 172.8 ppm was associated with C7 and C10 sites. Since the carbon atom on the ester group and the carboxyl group were bonded to the oxygen atom in the form of a double bond, the two resonance peaks were not distinguishable from the 13C NMR spectrum. In addition, the C9 site had a similar chemical environment to the C2, C3, and C5 sites, so they were covered by a broad signal peak.The ectively . The C2,nal peak ,36. Frompolymers . Carbon polymers . This su1 chemical shifts of the malate starch moved downfield by 1.4 ppm, while the chemical shifts of the other carbons also had a little change . This could not enable the definition of which hydroxyl group of the carbon atom had the esterification reaction. It is well known that dehydration of hydroxyl groups at C1 and C4 of the glucose rings generally forms glycosidic bonds. Therefore, the esterification reaction was difficult to induce in the C1 site. However, the C1 chemical shift of the malate starch was bigger than for the other carbon atoms. This may be due to the steric hindrance caused by esterification groups. Kapelko-Zeberska et al. [13C NMR spectra compared to malate starch. From the results of FTIR spectroscopy and the 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra, Compared with the native starch, the Ca et al.  investiga et al. . It was The contents of RDS, SDS, and RS of the starch samples before and after cooking are shown in 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra analysis showed the formation of new peaks that indicated that the esterification of starch and malic acid was carried out. The 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra showed that the hydroxyl groups participated in the reaction and predicted the reaction progress of starch and malic acid. Each of the outcomes suggested that HMT applied before the esterification reaction raised the availability of the starch granules and made it simpler for malic acid to infiltrate the starch granules. This caused the RS and SDS content of the starch samples to increase dramatically in comparison with the native starch, and also reduced enzyme sensitivity. Based on the heat-resistant stability of the resistant starch and the uniform and delicate appearance, it is expected that the resistant starch can be well applied in the field of food processing.This study showed that malic acid and heat–moisture treatment can be used to decrease the enzyme susceptibility and digestion properties of wrinkled pea starch. Malate starches can still maintain particle integrity. The application of heat–moisture treatment prior to the esterification reaction could help to improve the degree of substitution of the starch products. Both FTIR spectroscopy and the


The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical translatability of a novel abbreviated quantitative UTE MRI paradigm for monitoring graft remodeling after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.Existing ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance imaging (UTE MRI) methods require prohibitively long acquisition times (~ 20–40 min) to quantitatively assess the clinically relevant fast decay T2* for fast decay component (fbw) of ACL graft in regions of interest drawn by a radiologist.Eight patients who had Graftlink™ hamstring autograft reconstruction were recruited for this prospective study. A 3D double-echo UTE sequence at 3.0 Tesla was performed at 3- and 6-months post-surgery. An abbreviated UTE MRI paradigm was established based on numerical simulations and in vivo validation from healthy knees. This proposed approach was used to assess the Tfbw over a range of clinically relevant values for ACL grafts. A decrease in P = 0.10). Increases in fbw from 3- to 6-months were observed in the tibial intra-bone graft . Lower P < 0.05) was observed at 3-months when comparing the intra-bone graft to the graft/bone interface in the femoral tunnel. The same comparisons at the 6-months also yielded relatively lower P < 0.05).Compared to the conventional bi-exponential model, the abbreviated UTE MRI paradigm achieved low relative estimation bias for fbw of the ACL graft were observed.The proposed abbreviated 3D UTE MRI paradigm is capable of assessing the ACL graft remodeling process in a clinically translatable acquisition time. Longitudinal changes in  ACL e tunnel . Althouge tunnel . The grae tunnel . Due to e tunnel –11. In t2*  component represents water tightly bound to the highly organized collagen structures, while the slow decay long T2*  component represents free tissue water [2* component in ACL graft potentially reflects the underlying process of collagen remodeling during graft healing.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables non-invasive evaluation of ACL grafts with high tissue contrast, and has been widely used for detecting impingement and graft tears after ACL reconstruction . Howeverue water , 19. The2* analysis, changes in the fast decay T2* component were linked to collagen disorganization and disruption of the structural integrity, while the slow decay long T2* component does not consistently correlate with clinical outcome [2* method involves the sampling of the entire T2* decay profile with TEs ranging from several 10’s μs to ~ 20 ms [In previous studies of human Achilles tendon and cortical bone with UTE-based bicomponent T outcome , 20, 21. ~ 20 ms , which r ~ 20 ms , 22, 23 2* ; prior surgery (besides ACL reconstruction) to either knee; insufficient ACL in the contralateral knee. An additional 5 healthy subjects were recruited for validation and test-retest study. Images of healthy ACL and patellar tendon were acquired to assess the proposed abbreviated quantitative UTE paradigm.2* for the slow decay component (fbw). Estimation bias of fbw from this abbreviated model was corrected accordingly based on pre-calculated formulas from numerical simulations.MRI of the ACL graft was performed on a 3 T mMR PET/MRI  with a 12-channel knee coil. All patients were imaged at 3- and 6-months post-surgery. In addition to conventional T1- and T2-weighted anatomical images, abbreviated UTE images were obtained. Instead of acquiring a complete set of 3D UTE images with large TE coverage for complete bi-exponential analysis, a reduced set of images with minimal TR were acquired to provide sufficient TE coverage to resolve fast decay k-space sampling strategy was used. To reduce TE, half Fourier readout was adopted at the first echo, and full Fourier readout was adopted at the second echo. Other imaging parameters were: FOV of 160 × 160 × 80 mm3; slab-selective excitation; voxel size of 1 × 1 × 1 mm3 with 80 views along kz direction; TR of 13 ms; flip angle of 15°; acquisition time of 2.5 mins. Three healthy subjects were recruited to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the abbreviated acquisition protocol. Subjects were scanned, removed from the MRI, and re-scanned ~ 30 min later. In addition, two healthy subjects were recruited to compare the abbreviated acquisition protocol with a full multi-echo UTE acquisition. This consisted of 5 sets of UTE images with TE1/TE2 of 0.1/4.0, 0.27/7.0, 0.5/10.0, 1.0/14.0 and 2.0/20.0 ms. All other parameters were the same except for a TR of 25 ms. A multi-echo gradient echo variable-TE (vTE) sequence [2* in the two healthy subjects. The sequence parameters for vTE were: 3D-acquisition; FOV of 160 × 105 × 108 mm3; matrix of 128 × 84 × 36; slice oversampling of 22.2%; TR of 40 ms; flip angle of 20°; receiver bandwidth of 640 Hz/Px. The total acquisition time was ~ 3 min for TEs of 0.88, 3.24, 5.37, 7.5, 10, 13 and 19 ms.Our abbreviated UTE images composed of three sets of 3D double-echo UTE images with TE1/TE2 of 0.1/4.0 ms, 0.27/5.0 ms, and 0.5/6.0 ms. A center-out 3D radial projection sequence  was used2* component has a T2* value of ~ 20 ms [2* component and modeled by a single compartment mono-exponential decay function with a constant baseline. This leads to signification reduction of the total acquisition time to a level well-tolerated by ACL reconstruction patients (~ 10 min). However, this simplified model may lead to substantial parameter estimation bias. The estimation bias of fbw will be corrected by utilizing results from numerical simulations. To differentiate the result from conventional bi-exponential fitting, apparent fast decay short T2*  were used to describe the baseline-corrected mono-exponential T2* decay of the MRI signal:In ACL patients, the data acquired at the three TE1s  were fit with a baseline-corrected mono-exponential model. The constant baseline was estimated as the average signal from data acquired at the three TE2 s . Since the long T ~ 20 ms , 21, itsfbw, app using simulated T2* decay profiles from the standard bi-exponential model:Numerical simulations and in vivo data from healthy knees were conducted to assess and correct the estimation bias of S0 is the initial signal; fbw is the true bound water fraction; fbw varied between 0.25–0.95. Meanwhile, Where nd 25 ms , 21.www.ismrm.org/mri_unbound) courtesy of Nick Zwart. Based on UTE data of a spherical phantom acquired at the same scanner, the adaptive gradient-delay compensation algorithm was utilized to calibrate the sample shift along the readout-direction at both echoes [k-space data, reconstructed spatial UTE images acquired by different receiving channels were sum-of-squares combined.Scanner raw k-space data for control subjects and ACL patients were imported into Matlab  for image reconstruction and processing. All UTE images were reconstructed using a modified package from the MRI UNBOUND repository  [0 field were determined by estimating the line of best fit through the centroid of each slice of the ROI in the x-y plane and calculating the angle between that line and B0. The fbw, app were estimated by averaging the signal within each ROI and fitting with the proposed method. For ACL reconstruction patients, fbw were calculated for each ROI after bias correction assuming fbw estimated with the two sets of ROIs and the Dice similarity coefficient between the two sets of ROIs were determined [Regional graft healing was assessed by manual placement of regions-of-interest (ROIs) along the ACL graft by an experienced musculoskeletal fellowship trained radiologist with 10 years of experience. The grafts were separated into three regions; femoral bone tunnel, intra-articular, and tibial bone tunnel. For each bone tunnel segment, the graft itself (intra-bone graft) and the interface between the graft and bone tunnel surface (graft/bone interface) were evaluated. The graft/bone interfaces were assessed by growing the intra-bone graft ROIs by 2 mm , 26 and  effect) –30, the termined .P > 0.05). Two-tailed, paired t-tests were used for within subject comparisons of the fbw and relative angle with respect to B0 at 3- and 6-months post-ACL reconstruction surgery and between the 5 ROIs. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Parameters were tested for normality using the Lilliefors test; all parameters were normally distributed  values for ACL graft , and for large values of fbw (up to 10% underestimation for fbw of 0.95). The estimation bias for fbw, app was smooth over the range of simulated values that are clinically relevant for ACL grafts; largest estimation bias occurred for large values of fbw of 0.75). As shown in Fig. fbw range (0.25–0.75). Over the simulation range of fbw (0.25–0.75), with fbw, app respectively.The estimation bias of mentclass2pt{minimfbw was reduced to ±0.01 and ± 0.07% respectively for fbw values of 0.75–0.95, 0.25–0.75, and 0.25–0.95, respectively. The corresponding average fbw relative estimation error after bias correction was ±1.4%, ±11.3, and ± 8.5% for simulated fbw values of 0.75–0.95, 0.25–0.75, and 0.25–0.95, respectively. For true fbw values of 0.75–0.95, 0.25–0.75, and 0.25–0.95, respectively. The corresponding average fbw relative estimation error after bias correction was ±1.7%, ±6.8, and ± 5.1% for simulated fbw values of 0.75–0.95, 0.25–0.75, and 0.25–0.95, respectively. fbwfbw values showed only limited sensitivity to the exact value of fbw values. For low fbw values, it is necessary to have a separate gradient echo MRI acquisition for accurate quantification of The formulas for bias correction were derived from polynomial fitting (fourth order) of the estimation error for simulated data with a fixed mentclass2pt{minimmentclass2pt{minimfbw in both ACL and patellar tendon. The estimation bias in healthy ACL is larger than the predicted bias in ACL grafts because of the large contribution (~ 60%) from slow decay fbw in ACL measurement were reduced from 24 and 7% to 13% and − 6%, respectively, when a vTE-estimated fbw in patellar tendon were reduced from 9% and − 7 to 4% and − 2%, respectively, when a vTE-estimated Figure fbw (> 75%), estimation bias for fbw, app is relatively small (~ 1–6%) after bias correction adopting a fixed fbw (< 75%), the relative bias can be high (from ±23 to ±9% for fbw) after bias correction with a fixed The simulation and healthy knee results demonstrated that for high kz direction. Nevertheless, the UTE images exhibited high contrast between different tissues, allowing for accurate delineation of the ACL graft, as shown in a sagittal and axial view of ACL graft . Meanwhile, almost no change in fbw  was observed. A greater angle between the intra-articular graft and B0 was observed at the 6-month time point .The average fbw at the 3-month timepoint were 1.78 ± 0.37 ms and 90% ± 9%, respectively. The corresponding values in the tibial intra-bone graft were 1.43 ± 0.18 ms and 87% ± 5%, respectively. The values at the 6-month time point were 1.92 ± 0.46 ms and 93% ± 8%, respectively for the femoral intra-bone graft, and 1.61 ± 0.20 ms and 91% ± 4%, respectively for the tibial intra-bone graft. Significant increases in fbw from the 3- to 6-month time point were observed in the tibial intra-bone graft . Non-significant increases were observed in the femoral intra-bone graft . No differences in the relative angle of the intra-bone grafts and B0 were observed between the two time points .In the femoral intra-bone graft, the average fbw at the 3-month time point were 1.69 ± 0.29 ms and 91% ± 6%, respectively. The corresponding values were 1.60 ± 0.25 ms and 89% ± 3%, respectively at the tibial graft/bone interface. The values at the 6-month time point were 1.83 ± 0.38 ms and 94% ± 6%, respectively at the femoral graft/bone interface, and 1.64 ± 0.21 ms and 91% ± 2%, respectively at the tibial graft/bone interface. Slight, but not significant, increases in P = 0.37; tibial graft/bone interface: 0.04 ± 0.16 ms, P = 0.48). Additionally, non-significant increases in fbw were observed .At the femoral graft/bone interface, the average fbw was non-significantly higher  and P < 0.05) at the 3-month time point. The same comparisons at the 6-month time point also yielded significantly lower P < 0.05) and no difference in fbw . In the tibial tunnel, no significant differences were observed at the 3-month time point  or the 6-month time point .When comparing the intra-bone graft to the graft/bone interface in the femoral tunnel, 2/T2*) of collagen bound tissue water. To alleviate the time burden of conventional bi-exponential UTE, we proposed a simplified, abbreviated 3D UTE paradigm with bias correction to monitor the T2* dynamics of fast decay component after ACL reconstruction surgery. The feasibility and accuracy of the proposed paradigm was quantitatively assessed by numerical simulations and in vivo data of healthy knees. With less than 8 mins of total MRI acquisition time, a decrease of ACL graft healing involves dramatic changes to tissue macrostructure and organization, which can affect the transverse relaxation time , some minor streaking artifacts at the first echo (TE1) can be seen. This was caused by a lower sampling density at TE1  compared to TE2 (full Fourier). This effect was minimized in our analysis by performing ROI instead of voxel-wise T2* quantification. To further reduce the acquisition time, fat suppression was not utilized. This can potentially lead to increased UTE imaging artifacts due to the chemical shift of lipids. With a readout bandwidth of 560 Hz/pixel, the shift is less than one pixel and no noticeable chemical shift artifacts in UTE images were observed. To reduce potential confounds from high intensity lipid signal and for better delineation of the ACL graft, spectral selective lipid suppression techniques can be utilized in future studies [fbw quantification using the abbreviated UTE paradigm is better for lower fbw, which is the case for ACL grafts. Large estimation bias in low fbw range was thought to be due to the violation of the underlying assumption for the baseline-corrected mono-exponential model that the fbw within a clinically feasible acquisition time of less than 8 min after adopting a similar bias correction approach that was implemented in our recent publication [fbw estimation especially for tissues with long fbw, bias correction with accurate slow decay component  , even atan 1 ms) –43, sincan 1 ms) . Additioan 1 ms) . Hence, f. A previous study suggested that grafts inside of the bone tunnel also undergo a remodeling process [fbw from 3- to 6-months after surgery. This change differed from our observations in the intra-articular graft and may suggest that the intra-bone graft undergoes a different remodeling process. Currently, there is no supporting histological studies exploring the intra-bone graft healing. We speculate that the observed higher fbw values at intra-bone graft may be caused by the accumulation of the inflammatory cells produced by bone marrow surrounding intra-bone graft, which might be more prominent in intra-bone graft than intra-articular graft. Hence, our results may provide new insight into intra-bone graft healing but further studies with more subjects and more time points are required to better elucidate this healing process.We hypothesize that the establishment of fibro-osseous connections at the graft/bone interface may restrict the collagen bound water and our results showed an increase of  process . Althoug2* value [2* is measured in these tissues to consider the orientation of the tissue with respect to B0. In this study, because subjects were all imaged with a standard knee coil, setup and positioning of the knee was relatively consistent. No differences in orientation of the femoral and tibial intra-bone grafts between the two time points were observed, suggesting that any measured changes in these regions were not affected by the magic angle effect. Conversely, the intra-articular graft was closer to the magic angle at the 6-month time point (~ 35°) than at the 3-month time point (~ 32°), causing the measured Tendons and ligaments are known to experience orientation dependent changes to their T2* value –30. As s2* component for native ACL. Further optimization on the number of acquisitions and TE values are needed to increase the robustness of the proposed method for ACL grafts.One of the limitations of our study is the lack of histological confirmation of graft healing. However, obtaining histological specimen or performing arthroscopy at multiple timepoints in noncomplicated patients is impractical, and the surgeons performed systematic clinical assessments during the entire recovery period. We are also limited by the small number of patients in this preliminary study, which provides low statistical power for he observed changes. Some of the longitudinal changes as observed in this study were on the scale of measurement uncertainties and may not reflect potential physiological changes. In addition, the time points of our longitudinal analysis might be insufficient to capture dramatic changes from ligamentization in humans. An earlier first timepoint around 1 month after surgery may detect the inflammatory phase and show a more dramatic change to the fast decay  surgery , 43 and 2* component of the ACL grafts, potentially due to graft healing processes such as ligamentization and tendon-to-bone healing. This method has the potential for wide-spread adoption of quantitative UTE for routine clinical evaluation of the short T2* component of various connective tissues.This preliminary study has demonstrated the feasibility of applying the proposed abbreviated UTE MRI paradigm to quantitatively evaluate the fast decay


ADAMTS4) may involve in the pathogenesis of some diseases. However, it is not clear whether they are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A hospital‐based case‐control study, including 862 cases with HCC and 1120 controls, was conducted to assess the effects of 258 SNPs in the coding regions of ADAMTS4 on HCC risk and prognosis. We found that six SNPs in ADAMTS4 were differential distribution between cases and controls via the primary screening analyses; however, only rs538321148 and rs1014509103 polymorphisms were further identified to modify the risk of HCC . Significant interaction between these two SNPs and two known causes of hepatitis B virus and aflatoxin B1 were also observed. Furthermore, rs538321148 and rs1014509103 polymorphisms were associated not only with clinicopathological features of tumor such as tumor stage and grade, microvessel density, and vessel metastasis, but with poor overall survival. Additionally, these SNPs significantly downregulated ADATMS4 expression in tumor tissues. These data suggest that SNPs in the coding region of ADAMTS4, such as rs538321148 and rs1014509103, may be potential biomarkers for predicting HCC risk and prognosis.Previous studies have shown that single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 4 ( This relatively large‐size retrospective study was conducted to investigate the association between ADAMTS4 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Both rs538321148 and rs1014509103 polymorphisms were identified to increase HCC risk and change tumor outcome, and they may be potential biomarkers for predicting HCC risk and prognosis. This gene is located on chromosome 1q23.3 and consists of 9 exons (PubMed).ADAMTS4 to the secretory pathway), a pro‐domain (maintaining ADAMTS4's enzyme latency), a metalloproteinase domain (binding zincs and having aggrecanase activity), a disintegrin‐like domain, a thrombospondin type 1 repeat domain, a cysteine‐rich domain, and a spacer region in C‐terminal.ADAMTS4 acts as an aggrecanase and involves in the degradation of aggrecan and brevican, which is responsible for collagen maturation, matrix degradation, organogenesis, and blood coagulation.ADAMTS4 may be associated with the pathogenesis of some tumors such as lung cancer,ADAMTS4 gene and HCC risk and prognosis remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigated whether 258 SNPs in the coding region of this gene are correlated with the risk and prognosis of HCC. Additionally, we also analyzed the potential effects of positive SNPs on ADAMTS4 expression.A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 4  and corresponding clinicopathological data  were collected.A hospital‐based case‐control study was conducted in Guangxi Region, a high‐incidence area of HCC in China, according to our previously described criteria.In this study, individuals with positive hepatitis B surface antigen or anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) were considered as HBV or HCV infectors respectively. The exposure levels of AFB1 were evaluated using serum AFB1‐albumin adducts (se‐AAA) described in our previously published methods.2.2ADAMTS4 may involve in HCC tumorigenesishttp://sift.bii.a-star.edu.sg) for SNPs in the coding region of ADAMTS4 and the criteria of SIFT score less than 0.05, a total of 258 SNPs were selected for initial screening analyses in the first stage and six SNPs  were further validated in the second stage. More detailed information was available in the Supporting Information.Because epidemiological evidence has shown that the dysregulation of 2.3ADAMTS4 mRNA and protein were tested by TaqMan‐PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques (described in the Supporting Information) respectively.The levels of 2.4t test, or ANOVA test. To decrease false‐positive report probability in the multiple test,ADAMTS4 were screened and validated using non‐conditional regression based on the additive model according to the correlation matrix‐based method (CMBM).ADAMTS4 SNPs. Based on this method, P‐value < 1.94 × 10−4 was regarded as significant threshold for the main effects of SNPs in this study. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariate conditional logistic regression model (including known causes of Guangxiese HCC). The effects of ADAMTS4 SNPs on the OS of HCC were elucidated by Kaplan‐Meier survival model and the Cox multivariate regression model. Spearman's correlation analyses were used to test the association between ADATMS4 SNPs and the amount of ADAMTS4 protein. More detailed statistical analyses information was available in the Supporting Information.All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS version 18 (SPSS Institute). The distribute difference between the groups was tested by chi‐square test, 33.1Table 3.2ADAMTS4 SNPs among control individuals was the Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium. Results in the screening stage showed that six SNPs  were significantly associated with HCC risk . Totally, these individuals having risk‐allele haplotypes of rs538321148 or rs1014509103 (Haplotype‐P), compared to those without risk‐allele haplotypes (Haplotype‐N), featured higher HCC risk   for AFB1 interacting with ADAMTS4 haplotypes]. To further identify their interactive value, we finished multiplicatively interactive analyses using multivariable logistic regression model  on the basis of stepwise forward selection with a likelihood ratio test (Table ADAMTS4 SNPs and causes (including HBV and AFB1 status).Given that aforementioned HBV infection and AFB1 exposure are two major causes for Guangxiese HCC,es Table . Results3.4ADAMTS4 SNPs on OS of patients with HCC, we first analyzed the association between ADAMTS4 rs538321148 and rs1014509103 polymorphisms and clinicopathological features of HCC using non‐conditional regression models , 2.04 (1.56‐2.66) for rs538321148‐TT, 2.81 (2.23‐3.54) for rs1014509103‐AA, and 5.64 (4.30‐7.39) for Haplotype with both rs538321148‐TT and rs1014509103‐AA respectively]  . Interestingly, the interactions between ADAMTS4 genotypes and environmental factors HBV and AFB1 were also found for HCC risk. These results may indicate that the potential of ADAMTS4 SNPs as biomarkers for the risk of HCC.Through a hospital‐based case‐control study, we explored the linkage between In Guangxi area, HCC is frequent and one of the most common malignant types; the most important causes of which are AFB1 exposure and HBV infection.ADAMTS4 , a major member of ADAMTS family genes, is an important aggrecanase involving in collagen maturation, matrix degradation, organogenesis, and blood coagulation.ADAMTS4 expression and function may involve in the process of some tumors, including head and neck cancer, melanoma, choriocarcinoma, and Ewing's sarcoma.ADAMTS4 mRNA in primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with and without metastasis by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction technique and found that higher expression was in the metastatic tumor tissues. LeeADAMTS4 involves in the process of choriocarcinoma and Ewing's sarcoma. Rao et alADAMTS4 in the melanoma growth and angiogenesis. They observed that both ADAMTS4 full‐length and N‐terminal autocatalytic fragment (NTAF) can promote angiogenesis and tumor growth in mice; whereas their mutant types or C‐terminal fragment displayed converse role. Of particular concerns are the coexistence of proteolytic fragments which contain only C‐terminal ancillary domains), the full‐length fragments, and NTAFs in the culture cells and tissues samples with melanoma.ADAMTS4 by genetic factors such as mutant microRNA‐1268a increase the risk of HCC. Together, the collected data imply that ADAMTS4 may play some vital roles in the procession of carcinogenesis, and thus deserve to be further evaluated.Human ADAMTS4 have been identified and the part of them may involve in human diseases such as lumbar disc degeneratio.P = 1.66 × 10−2). However, Canbek et alADAMTS4 gene were selected initially for the first‐stage screening analyses, mainly because of their implied effects on the structure and function of ADAMTS4 protein by SIFT method (http://sift.bii.a-star.edu.sg). Of these SNPs analyzed, only rs538321148  and rs1014509103 (Thr493 to Iso493) polymorphism were found to link with increasing HCC risk through the screening‐ and validation‐stage analyses. Moreover, they were also observed to significantly interact with HBV infection and AFB1 exposure during HCC carcinogenesis. These data indicate that rs538321148 and rs1014509103 polymorphisms may act as potential susceptibility factors for cancer risk, and the possibility of the genetic SNPs in ADAMTS4 influencing HCC risk should therefore not be ignored.More than 3200 SNPs in the ADAMTS4 SNPs modifying HCC risk, we examined the expression of ADAMTS4 mRNA and protein and the pathological characteristics of HCC. Our results showed that ADAMTS4 rs538321148 and rs1014509103 polymorphisms were linked with the upregulation of ADAMTS4 expression, increasing tumor MVD and metastasis risk, and tumor dedifferentiation and progression. Several recent in vitro and in vivo studiesADAMTS4 expression promotes tumor progression and angiogenesis by modifying pVEGFR2. The OS analyses further proved that these two SNPs were significantly relevant to poor survival of patients with HCC, emphasizing the potential values of ADAMTS4 rs538321148 and rs1014509103 polymorphisms in predicting HCC prognosis. Collectively, these findings imply that ADAMTS4 SNPs could affect the expression and function of ADAMTS4 and ultimately increase HCC risk and shorten the prognosis of patients with this cancer.To explore possible pathogenesis of ADAMTS4 were also elucidated for HCC risk.The major strongpoints of this study were the retrospective two‐stage design, relatively large‐size samples, and SNPs screening strategy on the basis of SIFT method. The potential effects of known confounders  for Guangxiese HCC were controlled using an individually matched case‐control design. In addition, the most two causes of HCC among Guangxi population, also HBV infection and AFB1, were included in the current study and their interaction with SNPs in the ADAMTS4 haplotypes. Third, although SNPs in the coding region of ADAMTS4 were analyzed in this study, SNPs in the 5′ near region, 5′‐UTR, 3′‐UTR, and 3′ near region of this gene may change the expression of ADAMTS4 and affect HCC carcinogenesis. Fourth, some SNPs in the coding region of ADAMTS4  may play potential role in the procession of HCC carcinogenesis although they were excluded in the current study according to screening power. Fifth, although the effects of ADAMTS4 SNPs on OS status were investigated among these patients with HCC, their effects on tumor occurrence‐free survival were not estimated. Additionally, more analyses for SNPs modifying ADAMTS4 functions are not done, except for ADAMTS4 expression based on tissular samples with HCC. Therefore, more functional and mechanical analyses deserve further elucidation on the basis of a larger sample size, more SNPs, and the combination of SNPs and liver carcinogenesis.However, there were several disadvantages to limit our study. First, the hospital‐based design may result in the selective bias of study subjects. Second, the gene‐environmental interactions may be underestimated because of the relatively small sample sizes of some subgroups and low frequency of risk alleles and genotypes, especially some 5ADAMTS4 SNPs and HCC risk and prognosis among Guangxi Population from a high incidence area of HCC. Some evidence was found to suggest that ADAMTS4 rs538321148 and rs1014509103 polymorphisms may increase HCC risk and modify the prognosis of patients with HCC. Following confirmation in a large sample size , these findings may be used to identify susceptible individuals at high risk of HCC, especially those with positive HBV infection and AFB1 exposure.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore correlation between None declared. Click here for additional data file.


IT), elastic index (ηIT), Vickers hardness (HV), and fracture toughness (KIC) were identified by the Instrumented Indentation Testing (IIT). All data were statistically analyzed by a one-way ANOVA and a Tukey multiple comparison test at α = 0.05. Only the tetragonal phase of zirconia for all materials tested was identified after Raman analysis. However, statistically significant differences were found among the surface roughness parameters, HV and KIC, while no differences were allocated for HΜ, EIT, and ηΙΤ. Although the materials tested shared a similar microstructure, significant differences in surface roughness parameters HV and KIC were identified and, thus, differences in their clinical performance were anticipated.The purpose of this study was to characterize the surface roughness, the microstructure, and mechanical properties of four prefabricated zirconia pediatric crowns. Ten prefabricated crowns from four different manufacturers (Cheng Crowns Zirconia), (EZCrowns), (NuSmile ZR), and (Zirconia Pediatric Crowns) were included in this study. The surface roughness parameters  of all samples were studied by optical profilometry and then the microstructure was studied by Raman spectroscopy. Then, all samples were embedded in epoxy resin and after metallographic polishing, the Martens hardness (HM), indentation modulus (E Early Childhood Caries (ECC) represents the most prevalent childhood chronic disease ,2 and isPediatric crowns should be able to withstand masticatory forces, show biocompatibility, facilitate oral hygiene , presentHowever, the implementation of prefabricated zirconia crowns is not free of limitations and drawbacks. The latter might require a greater amount of tooth reduction ,18, wherTherefore, the aim of this study was to compare the surface roughness, microstructure, and mechanical properties of zirconia-made pediatric crowns from four different manufacturers. The null hypothesis set was that all materials share equal surface roughness characteristic, microstructure, and mechanical properties.Forty prefabricated molar crowns from four different manufacturers were included in this study. The brand names, the manufacturer, and the code of materials tested are presented in The surface analyses were done with optical profilometry. The surface roughness of each group  was examined at 5 regions per specimen with an optical interferometric profiler  operated under the following conditions: Mirau 20-times objective lens, vertical scanning mode, 15-μm vertical scan length, 231.1 × 303.8 μm analysis area and tilt corrections with 0.1-nm (z-axis) and 0.2-μm (x-axis and y-axis) resolutions. The surface roughness parameters measured were the amplitude parameters Sa (arithmetic mean deviation), Sq (root mean square roughness), and Sz (the maximum height of the surface), and two functional parameters Sc (core void volume) and Sv (surface void volume). The former indicated the volume  that the surface would support for 10%–80% of the bearing ratio and the latter from 80% to 100% of the bearing ratio.−1.After optical profilometry, one Raman spectrum was acquired from the occlusal region of all tested crowns. The crowns were placed on the stage of a microscope  and the region of interest were determined by employing optical lens at 10× nominal magnification. The Raman probe was attached to the microscope employing a special device . The spectra were acquired with EZ Raman-I,  equipped with a Laser  operating at 450 mW output power, emitted wavelength 785 nm, and nominal resolution 4.5–6.5 cmAll crowns were embedded in the epoxy resin and subjected to metallographic grinding under continuous water cooling, until the circumferential of cervical region was exposed completely. Then, the samples were polished with 6, 3, and 1 μm diamond pastes . Both grinding and polishing were carried out in a grinding/polishing machine . Then, the mechanical properties of all groups were identified by employing instrumented indentation testing (IIT), according to ISO 14577-2002 .IT), elastic index (ηIT), Vickers Hardness (HV), and fracture toughness (KIC). The first three properties were determined according the formulas provided by the ISO 14577-2002. HV and KIC were determined by measuring the diagonal of impression and the cracks, with the coupled optical measuring microscope at 20× nominal magnification. The optical microscope was mounted in a displacement unit designed to allow lenses and loading unit to exchange positions, and thus, specimen did not need to be relocated for optical measurements. HV was calculated directly by the software, while KIC was calculated according to the Lankford formula [The mechanical properties tested were Martens Hardness (HM), indentation modulus (E formula :HV is Vickers Hardness (GPa), E stands for Young’s modulus (GPa), a is the half diagonal length of the indentation (m), and c is the crack length from the center of the indentation to the crack tip (m). IT, ηIT, HV and KIC) were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA, by employing the brand as the discriminating variable. The significant differences among groups were identified by the Tukey multiple comparison test at α = 0.05. The normality and homoscedasticity of all data were initially checked by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and the equal test variance, respectively. The results of surface roughness parameters  and the mechanical properties  of the tested materials. Significant differences were allocated only for HV and KIC with NUS and ZNP showing significantly lower HV compared to the other two materials and EZC demonstrating significantly lower KIC, compared to the rest of the materials.In Based on the results of this study the null hypothesis was rejected, as significant differences were identified among zirconia crowns in surface roughness parameters and the tested mechanical properties.Contrary to Ra, which is measured over a line, Sa is a two dimensional measurement and thus the results of surface roughness parameters are not directly comparable with previously published data, especially among surfaces with varying textures such as zirconia crowns with oriented parallel striations. ,28. All 2O3). The stabilization of (t) phase at room temperatures, combines an array of favorable mechanical properties with a bending strength above 1000 MPa and a fracture toughness of about 6 MPa m1/2 [Zirconia appears in three different crystallographic structures—the cubic (c), the tetragonal (t), and the monoclinic phase (m). Although the (t) phase is stable above 1170 °C, it can be stabilized at room temperature by the addition of 2~3% mole Yttrium oxide  was found to almost half the nominal value of zirconia (210 GPa) [IC. Vickers Hardness were found to be close to previously published data 1367–1368 [No statistically significant differences were identified among the tested materials after IIT, denoting that all materials shared equal HM, elastic modulus, and elastic index. There is no data for HM in dental literature and thus no comparison could be made with previously published data. On the contrary, the elastic modulus (E210 GPa) . This in210 GPa) . Therefo210 GPa) . However367–1368  for Y-TZIC with indentation methods has a long record with different approaches and mathematical formulas. Although these formulas are divided on the basis of the Palmqvist or median cracks, a recent study has pointed out that the Lankford formula which is used in both crack systems, yield values that are quite similar to the values for Y-TZP zirconia found in literature, which was the rational for selecting the Lankford formula in this study. [IC might be more prone to cracking and chipping, especially at the thinner cervical regions of prefabricate zirconia crowns. In a recent study, crowns made of zirconia were found to be more prone to fracture, compared to those made by metallic alloys [IC might be more vulnerable to crack initiation and propagation under in-service conditions.The most important clinical implication of HV is the wear imposed on the antagonist teeth as it is considered that higher hardness of restorative materials results in more enamel wear . The clis study. . Fracturc alloys . TherefoIC, and thus differences in their clinical performance are anticipated.Raman, Vickers, and fracture toughness results showed that pediatric zirconia crowns are made of Y-TZP zirconia. However, that prefabricated zirconia crowns showed significant differences in surface roughness parameters, HV and K


Today we publish issue 770 of our dear cutting-edge journal ZooKeys! It has been exactly ten years since the launch of the journal on 4 July 2008 that emanated from a delightful breakfast at the Entomological Society of America meeting in December 2007 in San Diego, California, when our Managing Editor and founder of Pensoft, Lyubomir Penev, proposed the idea to Terry Erwin, our Editor-in-Chief. The journal’s tenth birthday is a great occasion to trace back its development and achievements since then, which has exceeded far beyond that initial breakfast dream of two colleagues enjoying the southern California sun.ZooKeys was the first of Pensoft’s open-access journals, set up to accelerate research and free information exchange in taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography and evolution of animals. Starting as a taxonomic journal, it quickly expanded to other zoology-related sciences, such as ecology, molecular biology, genomics, evolutionary biology, palaeontology, behavioural science, bioinformatics etc. Later, ZooKeys was followed by the journals PhytoKeys and MycoKeys in the field of plant and fungal systematics, which are now also amongst the most popular titles in their respective domains. The journal has been thriving since its inception and is currently considered as one of the most prolific and liked Open Access journals in zoology. ZooKeys started with merely 32 published papers in 2008 and just in a few years time became a mega-journal, publishing 466 papers in 2011. The number has been increasing since reaching its maximum in 2016–581  from altogether 131 countries. The highest numbers come first from China, then United States of America, followed by Brazil, Italy, Germany and Canada in that order. The Impact Factor of ZooKeys continues to grow, starting at 0.517 and currently it is 1.079.Altogether, 8977 new species-group, 650 new genus-group and 45 new family-group taxa have been published in the journal since its launch Table , Fig. 2 Pensoft has been heavily investing in the technological advancement of its journals. A list of the most significant technologies implemented by its flagship ZooKeys in the recent years to facilitate editors, reviewers and authors is available in Table Illacmetobini and the first known amphibious centipede Scolopendracataracta.Over the past ten years, ZooKeys published a variety of papers on systematic zoology, including several world records, such as the deepest cave-dwelling centipede, the tiniest free-living insect and the smallest land snail. The journal also served as a platform for many of the world’s first-of-a-kind, like the first insect description solely from photographs, the first study supported by crowd-funding in Japan, the first-of-a-kind footage of shrimp filter-feeding at depth of a 4826 m in the Mariana Trench, the first amphibious centipede and the second fossil beetle found on Antarctica. While ZooKeys is regularly featured in the annual “Top 10 species” by the International Institute for Species Exploration, in 2017, there were two species published in the journal, which appeared on the list: the world’s second leggiest millipede – the 414-legged The ten most viewed ZooKeys articles can be seen in Table Thanks to the collaboration between Pensoft and Altmetric, it is possible to track the popularity of each article published in ZooKeys within the public domain Fig. . ProvidePageBreakhttps://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.646.11411). While as many as 964 tweets have been registered , a total of 124 international news outlets  ran the story, including The Washington Post, FOX News, CNN, BBC News, The Independent, The Huffington Post, Ria.RU (RIA Novosti), Gazeta.ru, Wired , Le Figaro, Die Welt, Spiegel, National Geographic Australia, The Japan Times and The Hindustan Times.The description of a species of moth named after then US President-elect Donald Trump is an excellent example for a study with remarkable popularity across platforms  to trigger further discussion and engagement over the social media platform.Table Neopalpadonaldtrumpi to the scientific records, was interviewed on BBC Radio 5. A podcast with Alice Laciny, the lead author of the study describing the exploding ant Colobopsisexplodens, where she explains the curious behaviour of the new species and in the background, the ant is seen to actually defend itself against a larger offender, was made available on BBC News.Apart from their remarkable findings, some of our authors have also been given a place in the spotlight by the news media. A Skype interview with Dr Chris Hamilton – the discoverer of the Johnny Cash tarantula – was aired live on Sky News, while Dr Vazrick Nazari, who added the name New species described in ZooKeys enjoy the attention of their celebrity namesakes, as well. Earlier this year, shortly after a water beetle discovered in Borneo was named after the famous actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio, the insect appeared on his profile photo on Facebook – an act, which was itself reported by several news outlets, including the Daily Mail, W Magazine and La Republica.The success of ZooKeys would not be possible without the help of our authors, reviewers, subject editors, and readers, to whome we are very very thankful!


The influence of the starch amount on composite characteristics was studied. Four mixtures were considered with different S/BP mass ratios . The physical properties of these materials were studied in terms of porosity, apparent and absolute densities, thermal conductivity, and hygric properties. The influence of humidity content on acoustical properties was studied as a function of frequency. Test results show a real impact of both starch and humidity contents on the hygrothermal and acoustical properties of the studied material due to the porosity. The composite with the lowest amount of starch (S/BP = 0.1) seems to be the optimal composition in terms of the hygrothermal and acoustical behaviors.This article deals with the elaboration and the characterization of an innovative 100% plant-based green composite made solely of beet pulp (BP) and potato starch (S). Using this type of material in insulation applications seems a good solution to reduce the CO Therefore, it has become crucial to turn to renewable energy and resources as well as eco-friendly and sustainable materials especially in building applications in order to reduce both environmental impacts and primary energy use. The recent use of bio-based composites in construction appears to be an innovative solution while maintaining high indoor comfort [The building sector is responsible for approximately 50% of the total energy consumption and 11% of CO comfort ,4,5,6.−1·K−1 to 0.1 W·m−1·K−1. It is also classified as an excellent humidity regulator. The moisture buffering value (MBV) measured ranges from 2.6 g·m−2 % RH−1 to 2.7 g·m−2·% RH−1. The impacts of both particle size and starch content were also studied [−11 kg·m−1·s−1·Pa−1).Several studies have been already published on the use of crop by-products for buildings such as wheat straw, which was used in sustainable building . Hemp co studied . The wat studied  is quiteThe porosity of several bio-based composites as well as the influence of both porosity and water content on the composite properties was investigated ,8,13. ThMany studies have investigated the acoustical performance of hemp–starch composites ,15,16,17Beta vulgaris) is widely grown in France (33.8 million tons in 2016) and used in sugar factory to produce the white sugar [absρ = 1073.4 kg·m−3), it is lighter than hemp shiv (absρ = 1443 kg·m−3) [Sugar beet  ,22,23. I kg·m−3) . Monreal kg·m−3)  studied α 1–4 glycosidic bonds and amylopectin (branched chain) where the glucose chains are branched onto α 1–6 positions [Starch is a polysaccharide that is converted to sugar as a result of hydrolysis and contains two polymers with different primary structure, Amylose (linear chain) where glucose units are joined by ositions . Starch ositions ,28,29. Iositions ,31. It cositions . The preThe 8–10 mm diameter extruded BP pellets (18% humidity)  were proPotato starch was purchased from Roquette, Lestrem, France. Potato starch a has a hStarch and sugar beet pulps are hydrophilic materials, due to their great ability to store water molecules in their structures. This imposes a competition between these two components to absorb water from the mixture resulting in a binder with undissolved starch grains and a mixture of wet pulps. Several studies have proposed to prepare the binder separately, with optimum dynamic viscosity and surface tension ,17. In tFour formulations with four different S/BP mass ratios  were prepared to study the influence of starch amount on the composite behavior .−3 g. The absolute density was calculated using Equation (1):absρ is the absolute density (kg·m−3), cycρ is the density of cyclohexane (kg·m−3), M1 is the dry mass of aggregates, M2 is mass of the pycnometer filled with cyclohexane and saturated aggregates, and M3 is the mass of pycnometer and cyclohexane.The absolute density of S-BP composite was determined using the pycnometer method ,8. The pPrecautions were taken to avoid the residual moisture accumulation in the reflux system. Each measurement was performed at least three times to be considered representative.The porosity and pore structure of the composite was measured using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) using a 140 series Pascal Thermo Scientific Porosimeter  ,34. The α. This device consists of a cylindrical tube with two quarter inch BK type 4187 microphones, a BK 2706 power amplifier and an OROS analyzer . For the sound absorption measurements, two tubes of varied sizes were used to change the frequency ranges  (tube with two fixed microphones) was used to measure the sound absorption coefficient y ranges .The Kundt tube is able to measure the acoustic absorption as well as the surface impedance according to the NF EN ISO 10534-2 standard . The devThe thermal conductivity of S-BP composite was measured using ISOMET 2114 Applied Precision  . The heaeffλ was determined as a function of the thermal conductivities of the solid phase and the air, using Equation (2), where n is the total porosity, aλ is the air thermal conductivity, and sλ is the solid phase thermal conductivity.Regarding the theoretical thermal conductivity for the agro-materials solid phase, it was evaluated at 20 °C using the representation of Collet  and RahiThe heat capacity of the S-BP composite was measured using a C80 Calvet calorimeter from Setaram Instrumentation (FRANCE). In the calorimetric detector, the sample and the cell reference were completely surrounded by an array of thermocouple detectors for the heat transfer measurements including radiation, convection, and conduction.vδ (kg·m−1·s−1·Pa−1) represents the capacity of water vapor to pass through the material under steam flow pressure. The measurement was carried out according to the NF EN ISO 12571, using the dry cup method [μ and vδ are respectively given in Equations (3) and (4), where G is the mass rate (kg·s−1), ΔvP is the vapor pressure gradient, e is the thickness of the sample, A is the exposed surface area (m2), and aδ is the air water vapor permeability.Water vapor permeability p method . The samThe sorption isotherm tests were carried out in accordance with NF EN ISO standard 12572 (2001) . They alFour cylindrical samples of 10 cm diameter and 4 cm thickness per mixture were prepared . They weR2) was calculated. The mean deviation E and root mean square error (RMSE) were also evaluated. These criteria allowed judge the quality of the adjustment of experimental results with respect to the model. They are respectively defined in Equations (5) and (6).em is the experimental measure, pm is the value computed using the model and N is the total number of experimental values. The adjustment between experimental and analytical values is considered correct when the mean relative deviation does not exceed 10%. The adjustment quality is inversely proportional to E and RMSE values.Experimental data were correlated with the least squares method. To estimate the variability attributed to each model, the correlation coefficient  and low (33%) values for 8 h and 16 h, respectively [ectively ,10,12,42MBV was calculated using Equation (7):A (m2) is the sample area that is in contact with air. highRH and lowRH respectively represents high relative humidity (75% RH) and low relative humidity (33% RH), and Δm represents the mass change during the adsorption/desorption phase (g).Four 10 cm diameter and 4 cm thick cylindrical samples were tested for each formula. The edges and back-sides of the samples were sealed with duct tape to obtain a one-dimensional moisture flow. The samples were stabilized at 23 °C and 50% RH in a climatic chamber and weighed until they reached equilibrium. During the periodic exposure, the samples were weighed five times during adsorption phase and twice during desorption phase. When the mass variation between three consecutive days became below 5%, the experiment was stopped and the −3 to 360 kg·m−3. It should be noted that the average apparent density of beet pulp–cement concrete is between 570 and 770 kg·m−3 [0 kg·m−3 . The appabsρ = 1222 kg·m−3). The total porosity was between 70.60% and 79.75% and the decrease in the S/BP ratio increased the total porosity. The hemp–starch composite shows a higher porosity than the beet–starch composite. It can be explained by the fact that the hemp shiv size is greater than that of the beet pulp [The density and porosity results are shown in eet pulp . The infeet pulp  and Boureet pulp . The pre−3) and a porosity (89.3%) smaller than those  of the large particles [−3 and 89%, respectively) whatever the composition. However, the absolute density increases slightly with the hemp/starch ratio (H/S) and the proportion of 0–20 mm hemp [Bourdot et al. studied the density and porosity of hemp particles of two different sizes 0–5 mm and 0–20 mm, the results showed that the small particles have a density  in which the composite was stabilized at a constant temperature of 23 °C. It is noticeable that the sound absorption coefficient decreased for the frequency range of 1000–4000 Hz when the relative humidity increased from 10% to 75%. This is because the moisture content in the composite increases due to the increased relative humidity in the climatic chamber; the water molecules clog the micropores, resulting in a reduced porosity, thus reducing the ability of the composite to absorb or dampen the incident sound signals with small wavelength (high frequencies). For medium frequencies, the composite subjected to 50% RH showed a better acoustic performance, which means that the S-BP pulp composite works better at ambient conditions than in other conditions. At low frequencies, the acoustic behavior of the composite was reversed, the sound absorption coefficient increased with the relative humidity. This suggests that at a high humidity (75% RH) the binder existing in the macro pores is plasticized and able to dampen sound waves with long wavelength (low frequencies).The apparent histogram in λ increased linearly from 0.069 W·m−1·K−1 to 0.075 W·m−1·K−1 when the S/BP mass ratio increased from 0.1 to 0.4. The increase of the starch amount in S-BP composite decreases the composite porosity by filling the micropores, therefore the thermal conductivity increases. The thermal conductivity λ can be expressed as a function of the S/BP mass ratio according to Equation (9).The thermal properties of S-BP composites for different S/BP mass ratios are shown in a is a physical quantity that characterizes the ability of a continuous material to transmit a temperature signal from one point to another point of the material. It is calculated using Equation (10), where appρ is the apparent density (kg·m−3) and pC is the heat capacity (J·K−1·kg−1).The thermal diffusivity −1·m−2·s−1/2) b represents the ability of the composite to exchange thermal energy with its environment. It is given by Equation (11):The thermal effusivity . Increasing the binder content in the composite promotes the thermal effusivity and decreases the thermal diffusivity. Thus, the starch content increases the composite ability to store heat.−1·K−1 and 0.100 W·m−1·K−1) [The thermal conductivity of S-BP composite is comparable to that of hemp–starch composite (between 0.063 W·mm−1·K−1) ,8. Howevm−1·K−1) ,12. Thusm−1·K−1) .λs in agro-composites with a two phase model from the thermal conductivities measured by the Isomet method and the absolute densities and total porosities measured by the cyclohexane method. The results are shown in −1·K−1 and 0.30 W·m−1·K−1 whereas that of the beet pulp was 0.3151 W·m−1·K−1 which is greater than that of the starch gel (sλ = 0.2314 W·m−1·K−1). Therefore, the increase of the composite thermal conductivity is due to the increase in the starch amount and the decrease of the composite porosity results from the filling of the macro pores.The self-consistent scheme was applied to estimate the beet pulp and solid thermal conductivities −12 kg·m−1·s−1·Pa−1) is lower than that of hemp–starch composites (1.7–6.2 × 10−11 kg·m−1·s−1·Pa−1) [−11 kg·m−1·s−1·Pa−1) [The water vapor permeability results are shown in −1·Pa−1)  and Typhu of S-BP composites during variations of relative humidity between 33% and 75% at 23 °C, where wm is the absorbed or released water mass and m0 is the initial mass of the sample. This figure also shows the ability of the composite to absorb moisture at 75% RH and to release moisture at 33% RH. For the last three cycles, the mass variation of the samples appears to have the stabilized condition.−2 % RH−1) according to the classification proposed by Rode [−2 % RH−1, which are comparable with the MBV values of hemp–starch composites [The results presented in  by Rode . The sammposites .−2 % RH−1. These results apply to the uncoated S-BP composites and are expected to decrease when the coatings are used in order to enhance the durability of the composites.It can be observed that the variation in MBV as a function of the S/BP mass ratio is linear and can be presented by Equation (12). The hygrothermal and acoustical properties of S–BP composites were analyzed in this paper. Four formulations were studied with different S/BP mass ratios  to investigate the influence of the starch amount and the porosity on composite characterizations. The sound absorption coefficient of the composite varied depending on the humidity amount and the porosity. The better acoustical performance was obtained under ambient conditions (50% RH and 23 °C) and with a lower starch amount (S/BP = 0.1).The thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and effusivity results showed that the S-BP composite can be used as a good thermal insulator. This composite showed the same thermal conductivity of several insulating materials . The incThe results showed that the water vapor permeability depends on the porosity and the sorption isotherm is independent of the S/BP mass ratio.−2 % RH−1 to 2.8 g·m−2 % RH−1 when the mass ratio S/BP increased from 0.1 to 0.4, thus indicating that the S-BP composite can be an excellent moisture regulator when it is uncoated.The MBV values increased linearly from 2.6 g·m