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Explosions, once limited to military and accidental contexts, now occur frequently due to advances in warfare, local disputes, and global conflicts. Recent incidents, like urban bombings, emphasize the urgent need for infrastructure to withstand explosions. Slabs, critical in architectural frameworks, are vulnerable to
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Explosions, once limited to military and accidental contexts, now occur frequently due to advances in warfare, local disputes, and global conflicts. Recent incidents, like urban bombings, emphasize the urgent need for infrastructure to withstand explosions. Slabs, critical in architectural frameworks, are vulnerable to explosive forces due to their slimness, making them prime targets for sabotage. Scholars have explored various strategies to fortify slabs, including the use of advanced materials like CFRP laminates/strips, steel sheets and ultra-high-strength concrete, along with reinforcement techniques such as two-mesh and diagonal reinforcements. A novel approach introduced in current research involves integrating vertical short bars, or studs, to enhance slab resilience against touch-off explosions. The aim of this research endeavor is to assess the impact of studs and their utilization in bolstering the anti-contact-blast capabilities of a concrete slab. To achieve this goal, a specialized framework within the ABAQUS/Explicit 2020 software is employed for comprehensive analysis. Initially, a conventionally reinforced slab devoid of studs serves as the benchmark model for numerical validation, facilitating a comparative assessment of its anti-contact-blast effectiveness against the findings outlined by Zhao and colleagues in 2019. Following successful validation, six additional distinct slab models are formulated utilizing sophisticated software, incorporating studs of varying heights, namely, 15 mm and 10 mm. Each configuration encompasses three distinct welding scenarios: (i) integration with upper-layer bars, (ii) attachment to bottom-layer bars, and (iii) connection to both upper- and bottom-layer bars. The comparative merits of the slabs are evaluated and deliberated upon through the examination of diverse response parameters. The research revealed that the incorporation of studs within slabs yielded notable enhancements in blast resistance. Specifically, taller studs demonstrated exceptional resilience against deformation, cracking, and perforation, while also diminishing plastic damage energy. Particularly noteworthy was the superior performance observed in slabs with studs welded to both upper and lower layers of re-bars. This highlights the critical significance of both the integration of studs and their precise positioning in fortifying structural integrity against blast-induced loadings.
Full article
Black carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) is widely recognized for its bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. The black carrot of Cuevas Bajas (Málaga) is a local variety characterized by a black/purple core, which differs from other black carrot varieties.
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Black carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) is widely recognized for its bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. The black carrot of Cuevas Bajas (Málaga) is a local variety characterized by a black/purple core, which differs from other black carrot varieties. Therefore, this autochthonous variety was characterized according to the root size and the harvesting season by means of a study of its antioxidant capacity analyzed by three methods, its total carotenoids content, and its sugars and phenolic compounds profile by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). A total of 20 polyphenolic compounds were quantified in 144 samples analyzed. The anthocyanidins group was observed to be the most abundant, followed by the hydroxycinnamic acids group. Moreover, pelargonidin 3-sambubioside was observed in black carrot for the first time. The medium-sized carrots presented the highest content of phenolic compounds, largely due to their significantly higher anthocyanidins content. Comparatively, the small carrots showed a higher content of simple sugars than the large ones. Regarding the influence of season, significantly higher quantities of glucose and fructose were observed in the late-season carrots, while sucrose was the main sugar in early-season samples. No significant differences were observed in the total carotenoid content of black carrot.
Full article
A 1D model describing the dynamics of an injection moulding machine and the injection process is presented. The model describes an injection cylinder actuated by a dual-pump electro–hydraulic speed-variable drive and the filling, holding and cooling phases of the injection moulding process utilising
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A 1D model describing the dynamics of an injection moulding machine and the injection process is presented. The model describes an injection cylinder actuated by a dual-pump electro–hydraulic speed-variable drive and the filling, holding and cooling phases of the injection moulding process utilising amorphous polymers. The model is suggested as the foundation for the design of model-based pressure controllers of, e.g., the nozzle pressure. The focus is on using material, mould and machine properties to construct the model, making it possible to analyse and design the dynamic system prior to manufacturing hardware or conducting experiments. Both the presented model and the developed controller show good agreement with experimental results. The proposed method is general in nature and enables the design, analysis and evaluation of the machine, material and mould dynamics for controller design based solely on the physical properties of the system.
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Household food insecurity is not necessarily equally experienced by all household members, with mothers often changing their intake first when food resources are limited. The purpose of this study was to understand the association between maternal mental health and intrahousehold differences in food
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Household food insecurity is not necessarily equally experienced by all household members, with mothers often changing their intake first when food resources are limited. The purpose of this study was to understand the association between maternal mental health and intrahousehold differences in food security statuses. A cross-sectional survey was administered to Virginia mothers with low income (August–October 2021), assessing validated measures of food security, mental and physical health and related factors. Participants (n = 570) were grouped according to the food security status of adults and children within the household. Linear regression was used to assess the outcomes of interest by group and controlled for key demographic variables. Mothers in households with any food insecurity reported worse overall mental health and used 3–4 more food coping strategies than households experiencing food security (p < 0.05). Only mothers in households where adults experienced food insecurity reported significantly greater anxiety and depressive symptoms (61.5 and 58.1, respectively) compared to households experiencing food security (55.7 and 52.4, p < 0.001). While any experience of household food insecurity is associated with worse maternal mental health, there were differences by the within-household food security status. Future research should explore screening measures that capture specific household members’ food security to connect households with available resources.
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Ultrasound (US)-assisted soaking combined with fortification with red grape skin (GS) phenolics was applied on two Phaseolus varieties, namely White Kidney Bean (WKB) and Cranberry Bean (CB), before heat treatment. The aims were to investigate: (a) the effect of US application on the
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Ultrasound (US)-assisted soaking combined with fortification with red grape skin (GS) phenolics was applied on two Phaseolus varieties, namely White Kidney Bean (WKB) and Cranberry Bean (CB), before heat treatment. The aims were to investigate: (a) the effect of US application on the kinetic of hydration; (b) the extent of absorption of different phenolic classes of GS into the beans and the resulting effect on antioxidant activity; (c) the effects of heat treatment on the phenolic fraction and antioxidant activity of GS extract- and water-soaked beans. US fastened the soaking step of both WKB and CB beans, which showed the sigmoidal and the downward concave shape hydration curves, respectively. Anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanol and phenolic acids levels increased with GS soaking, but US application was effective only for increasing the level of flavonols, while it favored the loss of endogenous phenolic acids and it did not affect the uptake of anthocyanins and flavanols. Heat treatment decreased the levels of most of phenolic compounds, but increased the levels of monomeric flavanols. Overall, the antioxidant activity was 40% higher in WKB and 53% higher in CB upon GS-fortification than in the control beans, despite the effects of heating. This fortification strategy could be applied for value addition of varieties low in phenolics or as a pre-treatment before intensive processing.
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This study investigates the surface topography of microfinishing abrasive films and their machining capability on the Nimonic 80A superalloy, a high-performance nickel-based alloy commonly used in aerospace and gas turbine engine applications. Surface analysis was conducted on three abrasive films with nominal grain
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This study investigates the surface topography of microfinishing abrasive films and their machining capability on the Nimonic 80A superalloy, a high-performance nickel-based alloy commonly used in aerospace and gas turbine engine applications. Surface analysis was conducted on three abrasive films with nominal grain sizes of 30, 15, and 9 μm, exploring wear patterns, contact frequency, and distribution. To assess the distribution of grain apexes, Voronoi cells were employed. Results revealed distinct wear mechanisms, including torn abrasive grains and cracked bond surfaces, highlighting the importance of efficient chip removal mechanisms in microfinishing processes. Larger grain sizes exhibited fewer contacts with the workpiece but provided more storage space for machining products, while smaller grain sizes facilitated smoother surface finishes. The research demonstrated the effectiveness of microfinishing abrasive films in reducing surface irregularities. Additionally, surface analysis of worn abrasive tools provided insights into wear mechanisms and chip formation, with the segmentation of microchips contributing to efficient chip removal. These findings underscore the significance of selecting appropriate abrasive films and implementing effective chip removal mechanisms to optimize microfinishing processes and improve surface finishing quality in advanced material machining applications. It is worth emphasizing that no prior research has investigated the microfinishing of components crafted from Nimonic 80A utilizing abrasive films, rendering this study truly unique in its contribution to the field.
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This study investigated the immediate effects of auditory feedback training on gait performance and kinematics in 19 healthy young adults, focusing on bilateral changes, despite unilateral training. Baseline and post-training kinematic measurements, as well as the feedback training were performed on a treadmill
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This study investigated the immediate effects of auditory feedback training on gait performance and kinematics in 19 healthy young adults, focusing on bilateral changes, despite unilateral training. Baseline and post-training kinematic measurements, as well as the feedback training were performed on a treadmill with a constant velocity. Significant improvements were seen in step length (trained: 590.7 mm to 611.1 mm, 95%CI [7.609, 24.373]; untrained: 591.1 mm to 628.7 mm, 95%CI [10.698, 30.835]), toe clearance (trained: 13.9 mm to 16.5 mm, 95%CI [1.284, 3.503]; untrained: 11.8 mm to 13.7 mm, 95%CI [1.763, 3.612]), ankle dorsiflexion angle at terminal stance (trained: 8.3 deg to 10.5 deg, 95%CI [1.092, 3.319]; untrained: 9.2 deg to 12.0 deg, 95%CI [1.676, 3.573]), hip flexion angular velocity, (trained: −126.5 deg/s to −131.0 deg/s, 95%CI [−9.054, −2.623]; untrained: −130.2 deg/s to −135.3 deg/s, 95%CI [−10.536, −1.675]), ankle angular velocity at terminal stance (trained: −344.7 deg/s to −359.1 deg/s, 95%CI [−47.540, −14.924]; untrained: −340.3 deg/s to −376.9 deg/s, 95%CI [−37.280, −13.166s]), and gastrocnemius EMG activity (trained: 0.60 to 0.66, 95%CI [0.014, 0.258]; untrained: 0.55 to 0.65, 95%CI [0.049, 0.214]). These findings demonstrate the efficacy of auditory feedback training in enhancing key gait parameters, highlighting the bilateral benefits from unilateral training.
Full article
Granitic rocks forming in the syn- to post-orogenic stages can trace the compositional and structural complexity of the crust beneath an orogenic belt. The Qinling orogenic belt undertook multiple stages of tectonics and magmatism, resulting in the multifaceted evolution and compositional diversity of
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Granitic rocks forming in the syn- to post-orogenic stages can trace the compositional and structural complexity of the crust beneath an orogenic belt. The Qinling orogenic belt undertook multiple stages of tectonics and magmatism, resulting in the multifaceted evolution and compositional diversity of the crust. In the present study, the Guangtoushan and Miba plutons in South Qinling were chosen to reveal the crustal heterogeneity in study area via isotopic geochemistry and zircon geochronology. The Guangtoushan pluton was emplaced between ~215 Ma and ~202 Ma and the Miba pluton formed at ~213 Ma, as constrained by zircon U-Pb isotopic dating. Granitic rocks of the Miba pluton are characterized by amphibole bearing and homogeneous composition, with relatively depleted Sr-Nd isotopic compositions (initial 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.7060 to 0.7084 and initial εNd values of −5.4 to −9.5) and high Pb isotopic values. The Guangtoushan pluton contains muscovite and complex inherited zircon grains and has variable Sr-Nd isotopic composition (initial 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.7050 to 0.7091 and initial εNd values of −4.5 to −12.9) and low Pb isotopic values. Felsic magmas of the Guangtoushan pluton should be derived mainly from meta-sedimentary rocks beneath South Qinling, while the Miba pluton originated primarily from partial melting of meta-igneous rocks. The compositional diversity recorded in the Early Mesozoic plutons was caused by the heterogeneous crust, and partial melting was induced by heating of the up-welling asthenosphere in a post-collision setting.
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Sherri Huang, Ashley Perry, Carlos Sanchez Parra, Adriana Gonzalez Torriente, Haider Ghumman, Shaun Charkowick, Joshua Colon, McKenzi Heide, Michael Jaglal, Rahul Mhaskar and Juan Felipe Rico
J. Clin. Med.2024, 13(10), 2974; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102974 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Background/Objectives: The hypercoagulable state associated with COVID-19 infection is associated with adverse outcomes and mortality. Studies have also demonstrated high rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) events among patients with sepsis. We aimed to evaluate how the increase in thrombotic events in critically ill
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Background/Objectives: The hypercoagulable state associated with COVID-19 infection is associated with adverse outcomes and mortality. Studies have also demonstrated high rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) events among patients with sepsis. We aimed to evaluate how the increase in thrombotic events in critically ill patients with COVID-19 infection compares to that of critically ill patients with non-COVID-19 sepsis. Methods: A chart review was performed of patients 18 years or older admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Tampa General Hospital between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 diagnosed with COVID-19 or sepsis secondary to other pathogens. Non-COVID-19 sepsis patients and COVID-19 patients were propensity-matched 3:1 on the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Multivariate analyses adjusting for confounding were conducted to report odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of predictors for thrombotic events and overall mortality. Results: After propensity score matching, 492 sepsis patients and 164 COVID-19 patients were included in the analysis. COVID-19 patients were significantly older (p = 0.021) and showed higher BMI (p < 0.001) than sepsis patients. COVID-19 patients did not show significantly higher odds of thrombosis after adjustment for confounders (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.42–1.72), but had significantly lower odds of mortality than sepsis patients (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.16–0.66). Conclusions: Our results suggest that further study is required to lower the rate of VTE in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 sepsis patients admitted to the ICU; it is also reasonable to consider similar thromboembolism practices between these two patient groups.
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Granulation is an important class of production processes in food, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries. In urea fertilizer manufacturing, fluidized beds are often used for the granulation system. However, the granulation processes release ammonia to the environment. Ammonia gas can contribute to eutrophication,
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Granulation is an important class of production processes in food, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries. In urea fertilizer manufacturing, fluidized beds are often used for the granulation system. However, the granulation processes release ammonia to the environment. Ammonia gas can contribute to eutrophication, which is an oversupply of nitrogen and acidification to the ecosystems. Eutrophication may cause major disruptions of aquatic ecosystems. It is estimated that global ammonia emissions from urea fertilizer processes are approximately at 10 to 12 Tg N/year, which represents 23% of overall ammonia released globally. Therefore, accurate modeling of the ammonia emission by the urea fertilizer fluidized bed granulation system is important. It allows for the system to be operated efficiently and within sustainable condition. This research attempts to optimize the model of the system using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The model takes pressure (Mpa), binder feed rate (rpm) and inlet temperature (°C) as the manipulated variables. The PSO searches for the model’s optimal coefficients. The accuracy of the model is measured using mean square error (MSE) between the model’s simulated value and the actual data of ammonia released which is collected from an experiment. The proposed method reduces the MSE to 0.09727, indicating that the model can accurately simulate the actual system.
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Sulfide ore dust is at risk of explosion. To analyze the concentration distribution of sulfide ore dust in the ore loading, transporting, and unloading operations, the migration and dispersion processes of sulfide ore dust were simulated by using FLUENT software and taking the
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Sulfide ore dust is at risk of explosion. To analyze the concentration distribution of sulfide ore dust in the ore loading, transporting, and unloading operations, the migration and dispersion processes of sulfide ore dust were simulated by using FLUENT software and taking the dust generation rate, roadway air velocity, and dust source position as variables. The concentration of sulfide ore dust was analyzed from the four-dimensional perspective of time and space. The results show that the maximum concentration of sulfide ore dust is determined by the dust generation rate. The roadway air velocity exhibits dual effects on the migration and deposition of sulfide ore dust. The ore loading position significantly impacts the distribution of sulfide ore dust, manifesting in varying degrees of superposition effects. Based on the results, this paper proposes a comprehensive dust reduction measure in the form of water curtain and dynamic ventilation, effectively minimizing the concentration of sulfide mine dust within the roadway.
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Strong soil erosion and increasing human activities have made Loess Plateau areas ecologically fragile regions. Constructing the ecological security pattern (ESP) is imperative to maintain their ecosystem functions and sustainable development. However, it is still challenging to establish the ESP in such an
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Strong soil erosion and increasing human activities have made Loess Plateau areas ecologically fragile regions. Constructing the ecological security pattern (ESP) is imperative to maintain their ecosystem functions and sustainable development. However, it is still challenging to establish the ESP in such an unstable and scattered ecological environment. In this study, we take Shanxi Province, which suffers severe ecological problems in Loess Plateau areas, as an example to construct the ESP in a pattern of “source-resistance-corridor”. The proposed methods include the following steps: (1) potential ecological sources are selected with important ecosystem functions based on contributions of soil and water conservation, habitat quality, and carbon storage; (2) ecological sources are determined by considering core areas at the landscape scale based on morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) along with stability based on dynamic assessment on previous sources; (3) the comprehensive resistance surface is constructed by multiple resistance factors and remotely sensed nighttime light data; (4) ecological corridors are simulated and extracted based on circuit theory. As a result, the proposed ESP in our study area mainly includes 13,592 km2 of ecological sources, 8519.64 km of ecological corridors, and 277 ecological nodes. Meanwhile, an ecological framework of “two axes, three belts, and three zones” was proposed based on the optimization and reorganization of ecological components within the ESP. Our research lays a methodological and practical foundation for regional ESP construction and sustainable development in Loess Plateau areas.
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Accurate short-term electrical load forecasting is crucial for the stable operation of power systems. Given the nonlinear, periodic, and rapidly changing characteristics of short-term power load forecasts, this paper introduces a novel forecasting method employing an Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) enhanced by an
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Accurate short-term electrical load forecasting is crucial for the stable operation of power systems. Given the nonlinear, periodic, and rapidly changing characteristics of short-term power load forecasts, this paper introduces a novel forecasting method employing an Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) enhanced by an improved Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm (Local escape Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm, LDMOA). This method addresses the significant prediction errors of conventional ELM models and enhances prediction accuracy. The enhancements to the Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm include three key modifications: initially, a dynamic backward learning strategy is integrated at the early stages of the algorithm to augment its global search capabilities. Subsequently, a cosine algorithm is employed to locate new food sources, thereby expanding the search scope and avoiding local optima. Lastly, a “madness factor” is added when identifying new sleeping burrows to further widen the search area and effectively circumvent local optima. Comparative analyses using benchmark functions demonstrate the improved algorithm’s superior convergence and stability. In this study, the LDMOA algorithm optimizes the weights and thresholds of the ELM to establish the LDMOA-ELM prediction model. Experimental forecasts utilizing data from China’s 2016 “The Electrician Mathematical Contest in Modeling” demonstrate that the LDMOA-ELM model significantly outperforms the original ELM model in terms of prediction error and accuracy.
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Oier Montalbán-Vadillo, Esteban Pérez-Pevida, Iratxe Viteri-Agustín, David Chávarri-Prado, Alejandro Estrada-Martínez, Markel Diéguez-Pereira, Fernando Sánchez-Lasheras and Aritza Brizuela-Velasco
J. Clin. Med.2024, 13(10), 2973; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102973 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Background: Although xenografts have shown successful results in GBR procedures due to their osteoconductive properties, many authors have opted to add co-adjuvant drugs to favor osteogenesis and differentiate cells into an osteoblastic lineage. Metformin has been shown to have bone-protective properties, regulating osteoclast
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Background: Although xenografts have shown successful results in GBR procedures due to their osteoconductive properties, many authors have opted to add co-adjuvant drugs to favor osteogenesis and differentiate cells into an osteoblastic lineage. Metformin has been shown to have bone-protective properties, regulating osteoclast differentiation, as well as the ability to promote osteoblast mineralization and differentiation. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the local application of a 1% metformin solution on bone neoformation in the treatment of an experimental bone defect in a guided bone regeneration animal model with a particulated bovine hydroxyapatite xenograft with hyaluronate. Methods: With this purpose in mind, two critical defects with 8 mm diameter and 0.5 mm depth were created in eight male New Zealand rabbit calvarias. Titanium cylinders were fixed in each defect and filled with particulate hydroxyapatite of bovine origin and sodium hyaluronate, with sterile injectable saline added to the control group and sterile 1% metformin solution added to the test group. At 6 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and samples were obtained and prepared for histomorphometric analysis. Results: A higher percentage of new bone formation was observed in the metformin samples than in the control samples, both in the region closest to the animal’s calvaria and in the most distal region analyzed. A higher average bone–biomaterial contact percentage was observed in the samples, with metformin in both the proximal and distal regions. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean value in either region in both parameters. Conclusion: The local application of a 1% metformin solution in an animal model of guided bone regeneration with particulate bovine hydroxyapatite and hyaluronate resulted in greater bone neoformation and xenograft osseointegration than in the control group.
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Jakub Danielewicz, Monika Grzanka, Łukasz Sobiech, Ewa Jajor, Joanna Horoszkiewicz, Marek Korbas, Andrzej Blecharczyk, Kinga Stuper-Szablewska and Kinga Matysiak
Molecules2024, 29(10), 2376; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102376 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Currently, researchers are looking for ways to replace synthetic pesticides with substances of natural origin. Essential oils are produced by plants, among other things, to protect against pathogens, which is why there is interest in their use as fungicides. This experiment assessed the
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Currently, researchers are looking for ways to replace synthetic pesticides with substances of natural origin. Essential oils are produced by plants, among other things, to protect against pathogens, which is why there is interest in their use as fungicides. This experiment assessed the composition of essential oils from a commercial source, their impact on the development of mycelium of pathogens of the Fusarium genus, and the possibility of using them as a pre-sowing treatment. Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were inoculated with a suspension of mycelium and spores of fungi of the Fusarium genus and then soaked in solutions containing oils of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The obtained results indicate that thyme essential oil had the strongest effect on limiting the development of Fusarium pathogens and seedling infection, but at the same time it had an adverse effect on the level of germination and seedling development of the tested plants. The remaining essential oils influenced the mentioned parameters to varying degrees. Selected essential oils can be an alternative to synthetic fungicides, but they must be selected appropriately.
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The rice–crayfish rotation system (RCR), originating in the Jianghan Plain, is developing rapidly in various regions of China and has been characterized by unbalanced regional development, which has also led to widespread concerns and discussion on its environmental impacts and sustainability. This study
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The rice–crayfish rotation system (RCR), originating in the Jianghan Plain, is developing rapidly in various regions of China and has been characterized by unbalanced regional development, which has also led to widespread concerns and discussion on its environmental impacts and sustainability. This study selects representative RCR production areas in the Jianghan Plain, including Jianli, Qianjiang, Shishou, Shayang, Gong’an and Honghu, to analyze resource inputs, resource utilization efficiency, environmental impacts and sustainability by employing the emergy analysis method. Our analysis of Jianli, Honghu, Qianjiang, Gong’an, Shishou and Shayang reports total emergy inputs ranging from 6.46 × 1016 to 8.25 × 1016, with renewable rates between 78.38% and 84.34%. Shishou leads in the unit emergy value (5.58 × 10−1) and the emergy yield ratio (5.30). The sustainability evaluation finds that the environmental loading ratio is from 0.19 to 0.28 and the emergy index for sustainable development varies between 1.27 and 3.00. This analysis indicates that the southern regions have higher inputs and efficiency, with southeastern areas showing lower environmental impact and higher sustainability. We also underscore the impact of non-renewable resources on environmental outcomes and sustainability, suggesting tailored development strategies for the rice–crayfish rotation system’s optimization and sustainable growth.
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Bone Strain Index (BSI), based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is a densitometric index of bone strength of the femur and lumbar spine. Higher BSI values indicate a higher strain applied to bone, predisposing to higher fracture risk. This retrospective, multicentric study on
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Bone Strain Index (BSI), based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is a densitometric index of bone strength of the femur and lumbar spine. Higher BSI values indicate a higher strain applied to bone, predisposing to higher fracture risk. This retrospective, multicentric study on Italian women reports the BSI normative age-specific reference curves. A cohort of Caucasian Italian women aged 20 to 90 years was selected from three different clinical centres. Bone mineral density (BMD) and BSI measurements were obtained for the lumbar spine vertebrae (L1–L4) and for the femur (neck, trochanter and intertrochanter) using Hologic densitometers scans. The data were compared with BMD normative values provided by the densitometer manufacturer. Then, the age-specific BSI curve for the femur and lumbar spine was generated. No significant difference was found between the BMD of the subjects in this study and BMD reference data provided by Hologic (p = 0.68 for femur and p = 0.90 for lumbar spine). Spine BSI values (L1–L4) increase by 84% between 20 and 90 years of age. The mean BSI of the total femur increases about 38% in the same age range. The BSI age-specific reference curve could help clinicians improve osteoporosis patient management, allowing an appropriate patient classification according to the bone resistance to the applied loads and fragility fracture risk assessment.
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Corbin J. Eule, Junxiao Hu, Dale Hedges, Alkesh Jani, Thomas Pshak, Brandon J. Manley, Alejandro Sanchez, Robert Dreicer, Zin W. Myint, Yousef Zakharia and Elaine T. Lam
Cancers2024, 16(10), 1920; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101920 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Background: Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) are at an increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but molecular alterations in RCC specimens arising from ACKD and overall survival (OS) in affected patients are not well defined. Patients and Methods: Using
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Background: Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) are at an increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but molecular alterations in RCC specimens arising from ACKD and overall survival (OS) in affected patients are not well defined. Patients and Methods: Using the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN) Total Cancer Care® protocol, 296 consented adult patients with RCC and somatic tumor whole exome sequencing were included. Patients with ACKD were defined as those with serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL prior to RCC diagnosis. Results: Of 296 patients with RCC, 61 met the criteria for ACKD. The most common somatic mutations in the overall cohort were in VHL (126, 42.6%), PBRM1 (102, 34.5%), and SETD2 (54, 18.2%). BAP1 had a decreased mutational frequency in RCC specimens from patients without ACKD as compared to those with ACKD (10.6% versus 1.6%), but this was not statistically significant in univariable (OR 0.14, p = 0.056) or multivariable (OR 0.15, p = 0.067) analysis. Median OS was not reached in either cohort. Conclusions: Using the clinicogenomic ORIEN database, our study found lower rates of BAP1 mutations in RCC specimens from patients with ACKD, which may reflect a BAP1-independent mutational driver of RCC in patients with ACKD.
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Altering the content of an alloying element in alloy materials will inevitably affect the content of other elements, while the effect is frequently disregarded, leading to subsequent negligence of the common influence on the physical properties of alloys. Therefore, the correlation between alloying
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Altering the content of an alloying element in alloy materials will inevitably affect the content of other elements, while the effect is frequently disregarded, leading to subsequent negligence of the common influence on the physical properties of alloys. Therefore, the correlation between alloying elements and physical properties has not been adequately addressed in the existing studies. In response to this problem, the present study focuses on the Al10Ti15Nix1Crx2Cox3 alloys and investigates the competitive interplay among Ni, Cr, and Co elements in the formation of physical properties through a single-element (SE) analysis and a multi-element (ME) analysis based on the first principles calculations and the partial least squares (PLS) regression. The values of C11 and C44 generally increase with the incorporation of Ni or Cr content in light of SE analysis, which is contrary to the inclination of ME analysis in predicting the impact of Ni and Cr elements, and the Ni element demonstrates a pronounced negative competitive ability. The overall competitive relationship among the three alloying elements suggests that increasing the content of Ni and Cr does not contribute to enhancing the elastic constants of alloys, and the phenomenon is also observed in the analysis of elastic moduli. The reason is that the SE analysis fails to account for the aforementioned common influence of multiple alloying elements on the physical properties of alloys. Therefore, the integration of SE analysis and ME analysis is more advantageous in elucidating the hidden competitive mechanism among multiple alloying elements, and offering a more robust theoretical framework for the design of alloy materials.
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The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, together with the limited access of many patients to conventional antidiabetic drugs and the side effects resulting from their use, are the reason for the ever-increasing need for new agents. One of the most important strategies used
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The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, together with the limited access of many patients to conventional antidiabetic drugs and the side effects resulting from their use, are the reason for the ever-increasing need for new agents. One of the most important strategies used in the therapy of this disease is to reduce the postprandial blood glucose level by inhibiting the carbohydrate-degrading enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The purpose of the present study was to provide in vitro evidence for the potential hypoglycemic effect of leaf and inflorescence aqueous extracts of Bulgarian endemic species Betonica bulgarica Degen and Neič. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of principal phenolic acids and flavonoids were performed using HPLC with a dual absorbance detector. The plant extracts were able to retard the enzymatic breakdown of starch to glucose with 50% inhibiting concentrations of 1.86 mg/mL and 1.54 mg/mL respectively for leaf and flower extract. Some of the plant constituents are proven inhibitors of α-amylase and/or α-glucosidase, but their adsorption on starch seems to be one additional mechanism for the inhibition of glucose release. Combination index analysis carried out with binary mixtures of acarbose and plant extracts showed a tendency toward synergism with an increase in concentrations and level of inhibition.
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This research delves into a case study of a photovoltaic (PV) energy community, leveraging empirical data to explore the integration of renewable energy sources and storage solutions. By evaluating energy generation and consumption patterns within real-world energy communities (a nominal generation capacity of
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This research delves into a case study of a photovoltaic (PV) energy community, leveraging empirical data to explore the integration of renewable energy sources and storage solutions. By evaluating energy generation and consumption patterns within real-world energy communities (a nominal generation capacity of 33 kWn) in Gipuzkoa, Spain, from May 2022 to May 2023, this study comprehensively examines operational dynamics and performance metrics. This study highlights the critical role of energy consumption patterns in facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources and underscores the importance of proactive strategies to manage demand fluctuations effectively. Against the backdrop of rising energy costs and environmental concerns, renewable energies and storage solutions emerge as compelling alternatives, offering financial feasibility and environmental benefits within energy communities. This study emphasizes the necessity of research and development efforts to develop efficient energy storage technologies and the importance of economic incentives and collaborative initiatives to drive investments in renewable energy infrastructure. The analyzed results provide valuable insights into operational dynamics and performance metrics, further advancing our understanding of their transformative potential in achieving a sustainable energy future. Specifically, our study suggests that storage capacity should ideally support an average annual capacity of 23%, with fluctuations observed where this capacity may double or reduce to a minimum in certain months. Given the current market conditions, our findings indicate the necessity of significant public subsidies, amounting to no less than 67%, to facilitate the installation of storage infrastructure, especially in cases where initial investments are not covered by the energy community.
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Hypertension stands as the leading global cause of mortality, affecting one billion individuals and serving as a crucial risk indicator for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Elevated salt intake triggers inflammation and hypertension by activating antigen-presenting cells (APCs). We found that one of the
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Hypertension stands as the leading global cause of mortality, affecting one billion individuals and serving as a crucial risk indicator for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Elevated salt intake triggers inflammation and hypertension by activating antigen-presenting cells (APCs). We found that one of the primary reasons behind this pro-inflammatory response is the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), responsible for transporting sodium ions into APCs and the activation of NADPH oxidase, leading to increased oxidative stress. Oxidative stress increases lipid peroxidation and the formation of pro-inflammatory isolevuglandins (IsoLG). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, and MALAT1, broadly expressed across cell types, including blood vessels and inflammatory cells, is also associated with inflammation regulation. In hypertension, the decreased transcriptional activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2 or Nfe2l2) correlates with heightened oxidative stress in APCs and impaired control of various antioxidant genes. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), an intracellular inhibitor of Nrf2, exhibits elevated levels of hypertension. Sodium, through an increase in Sp1 transcription factor binding at its promoter, upregulates MALAT1 expression. Silencing MALAT1 inhibits sodium-induced Keap1 upregulation, facilitating the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and subsequent antioxidant gene transcription. Thus, MALAT1, acting via the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, modulates antioxidant defense in hypertension. This review explores the potential role of the lncRNA MALAT1 in controlling the Keap1-Nrf2-antioxidant defense pathway in salt-induced hypertension. The inhibition of MALAT1 holds therapeutic potential for the progression of salt-induced hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
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This review focuses on the emerging field of flow virometry, the study and characterization of individual viral particles using flow cytometry instruments and protocols optimized for the detection of nanoscale events. Flow virometry faces considerable technical challenges including minimal light scattering by small
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This review focuses on the emerging field of flow virometry, the study and characterization of individual viral particles using flow cytometry instruments and protocols optimized for the detection of nanoscale events. Flow virometry faces considerable technical challenges including minimal light scattering by small viruses that complicates detection, coincidental detection of multiple small particles due to their high concentrations, and challenges with sample preparation including the inability to easily “wash” samples to remove unbound fluorescent antibodies. We will discuss how the field has overcome these challenges to reveal novel insights into viral biology.
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