Volume Changes Research Articles

Short-term impact of kampo goreisan in patients with congestive heart failure refractory to tolvaptan-incorporated medical therapy.

We often encounter patients with congestive heart failure refractory to conventional diuretics therapy. Kampo goreisan (Tsumura &Co. Tokyo, Japan) is receiving great concern in mediating body water balance, particularly for such a cohort. However, its detailed biological mechanism remains uncertain. Patients who received goreisan to treat congestive heart failure refractory to tolvaptan-incorporated medical therapy were prospectively included and observed for one week during the therapeutic period. The change in urine biomarkers during the first 24h was assessed as a primary concern. Baseline factors associated with an increase in urine volume during the first 24h were investigated as a secondary concern. A total of 18 patients were included. Median age was 81 (77, 86) and 12 (67%) were men. During the first 24h after the initiation of goreisan, urine cyclic AMP tended to decrease, urine aquaporin-2 decreased significantly, urine osmolality decreased significantly, and urine volume tended to increase. Baseline higher common logarithm of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide was associated with any increases in urine volume during the first 24h with an odds ratio of 73.2 (95% confidence interval 1.04-5149, p = 0.048). Baseline plasma B-type natriuretic peptide level had a positive correlation with a change in urine volume between baseline and day 1 (r = 0.533, p = 0.026). Goreisan may increase urine volume even in patients with congestive heart failure refractory to tolvaptan-incorporated medical therapy by modulating aquaporin-2 systems in the collecting duct, particularly in individuals with advanced heart failure accompanying significant congestion. Goreisan may have a regulatory effect on body fluid, rather than just forcing aquaresis.

Extracellular Volume and Fibrosis Volume of Left Ventricular Myocardium Assessed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Patients with a History of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) enables the assessment of tissue characteristics of the myocardium. Changes in the extracellular volume (ECV) and fibrosis volume (FV) of the myocardium are sensitive and early pathogenetic markers and have prognostic significance. The aim of the study was to assess ECV and FV of left ventricular myocardium in T1 mapping sequence in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, considering vaccination status against COVID-19. The study group consisted of 97 patients (52.54 ± 8.31years, 53% women and 47% men). The participants were divided into three subgroups: A) patients with a history of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, unvaccinated against COVID-19 (n = 39), B) patients with a history of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a full vaccination schedule against COVID-19 (n = 22), and C) persons without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection constituting the control subgroup (C, n = 36). All patients underwent 1.5T cardiac magnetic resonance. In subgroup A compared to subgroups B and C, both the ECV whole myocardium and ECV segments 2, 5-6, 8, and 10-11 were statistically significantly higher. In addition, the ECV segment 16 was statistically significantly higher in subgroup A than in subgroup C. Also, the FV whole myocardium was statistically significantly higher in subgroup A in comparison to subgroups B and C. There were no significant differences in ECV and FV between subgroups B and C. In summary, unvaccinated against COVID-19 patients with a history of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection have higher myocardial ECV and FV values in the T1 mapping sequence, compared to those without COVID-19 and those suffering from COVID-19, previously vaccinated with the full vaccination schedule.

Three dimensional assessment of the changes of the upper airway volume after mini-screw assisted rapid palatal expansion: prospective clinical study

Three dimensional assessment of the changes of the upper airway volume after mini-screw assisted rapid palatal expansion: prospective clinical study

Prognostic Significance of Right Atrial Volume and Interval Changes in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a severe condition characterized by a poor prognosis, rapid deterioration, and high mortality in the absence of lung transplantation. However, non-invasive prognostic markers in assessing IPAH remain uncertain. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of chest CT and alterations in heart contours on chest radiography (CXR) in predicting adverse outcomes in IPAH patients. A retrospective study analyzed medical records of IPAH patients who underwent right heart catheterization and chest CT at a tertiary center between 2001 and 2023. Clinical, hemodynamic, and CT findings, and changes (Δ) in heart contours on CXR were assessed. Adverse events were defined as IPAH-related death or lung transplantation. Cox regression models evaluated the predictive power of these parameters. In 80 patients with IPAH (mean age 42.6 years; 75% females), the 3- and 5-year survival rates were 65.8% and 55.1%, respectively. Adverse events were associated with a history of cardiac arrest (Hazard ratio [HR], 11.67, p=0.02), mean pulmonary artery pressure (HR, 1.04, p=0.001), creatinine (HR, 4.12, p<0.001), 6-min walk distance (HR, 0.997, p=0.03), CT-derived right atrial (RA) volume index (HR, 1.01, p=0.02), and ΔRA contour on CXR (HR, 1.27, p<0.001). Combined clinical, CT, and CXR findings showed a 3-year event-free survival predictive accuracy of 82.2% (95% CI, 69.8-94.7), outperforming clinical factors alone. Rapid increases in RA contour on CXR and CT-derived RA volume index were associated with adverse outcomes in IPAH. Assessing these parameters may be helpful in identifying patients who require proactive treatments.

Facile one-pot synthesis of Bi2S3 nanorod @ N, S co-doped carbon composite for high performance lithium ion batteries

Bismuth sulfide is favoured in lithium ion batteries due to its high specific capacity of 625 mAh/g. However, the Bi2S3 anode faces severe volume expansion problems during the lithium intercalation process, resulting in continuous electrode fragmentation and rapid degradation of lithium storage performance. In this study, Bi2S3 nanorod@N, S co-doped carbon composite prepared by a simple sintering method was used as the anode material for lithium ion batteries. 1D Bi2S3 nanorods with a length of 1 μm and a diameter of 50 nm were loaded in situ on 2D N, S co-doped carbon nanosheets. This unique structure can not only alleviate the volume change of bismuth sulfide, but also effectively shorten the diffusion distance of lithium ions, thereby improving the cycling stability and rate capability at the same time. The discharge capacity of Bi2S3@N, SC remained at 583.4 mAh g –1 after 400 cycles at 0.5 A g–1. Even at a high current density of 2 A/g, the discharge capacity of Bi2S3@N, SC still reached 374.3 mAh g –1. This simple method also can be extended to the preparation of other metal sulfide composites.

Utility of icobrain for brain volumetry in multiple sclerosis clinical practice

BackgroundFew studies on multiple sclerosis (MS) have explored the variability of percentage brain volume change (PBVC) measurements obtained from different clinical MRIs. In a retrospective multicentre cohort study, we quantified the variability of annualised PBVC in clinical MRIs. MethodsClinical MRIs of relapse-onset MS patients were assessed by icobrain. Volumetric data were analysed on same-scanner and different-scanner MRI pairs if they passed quality control criteria. Alignment similarity between two images had to be comparable to same-scanner scan-rescan images. ResultsOf 6826 MRIs, 85% had appropriate volumetric sequences and 4446 serial MRI pairs were analysed. 3334 (75%) MRI pairs from 1207 patients met the inclusions. The PBVC of included MRI pairs showed variance of 0.78% for same-scanner pairs and 0.80% for different-scanner pairs. Further selection of included MRI pairs with the best variance resulted in 1885 (42%) MRI pairs with PBVC variance of 0.34%. Excluded MRI pairs with poor alignment similarity had variances of 2.97% for same-scanner pairs and 20.79% for different-scanner pairs. ConclusionIcobrain should be utilised for PBVC determination only on selected MRIs with the best alignment similarity. Applying strict selection criteria for the included MRI pairs and longitudinal imaging on the same scanner remain mandatory to reduce PBVC variability.

Associations Between Paramagnetic Rim Lesion Evolution and Clinical and Radiologic Disease Progression in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis.

Recent technological advances have enabled visualizing in vivo a subset of chronic active brain lesions in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), referred to as "paramagnetic rim lesions" (PRLs), with iron-sensitive MRI. PRLs predict future clinical disease progression, making them a promising clinical and translational imaging marker. However, it is unknown how disease progression is modified by PRL evolution (PRL disappearance, new PRL appearance). This is key to understanding MS pathophysiology and may help inform selection of sensitive endpoints for clinical trials targeting chronic active inflammation. To this end, we assessed the longitudinal associations between PRL disappearance and new PRL appearance and clinical disability progression and brain atrophy. PwMS and healthy controls (HCs) were included from a larger prospective, longitudinal cohort study at the University at Buffalo if they had available 3T MRI and clinical visits at baseline and follow-up timepoints. PwMS with sufficient clinical data for confirmed disability progression (CDP) analysis were included in a Disability Progression Cohort, and pwMS and HCs with brain volumetry data at baseline and follow-up were included in MS and HC Brain Atrophy cohorts. PRLs were assessed at baseline and follow-up and assigned as disappearing, newly appearing, or persisting at follow-up. Linear models were fit to compare annualized PRL disappearance rates or new PRL appearance (yes/no) with annualized rates of CDP and progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) or with annualized rates of brain atrophy, adjusting for covariates including baseline PRL number and follow-up time. Statistical analyses were corrected for false discovery rate (FDR; i.e., q-value). In total, 160 pwMS (73.8% female; mean baseline age 46.6 ± 11.4 years; mean baseline disease duration 13.8 ± 10.6 years; median follow-up time 5.6 [interquartile range 5.2-7.8] years; 26.9% progressive MS) and 27 HCs (74.1% female; mean baseline age 43.9 ± 13.6 years; median follow-up time 5.4 [5.2-5.6] years) were enrolled. Greater PRL disappearance rates were associated with reduced rates of CDP (β mean = -0.262, 95% CI -0.475 to -0.049, q = 0.028) and PIRA (β mean = -0.283, 95% CI -0.492 to -0.073, q = 0.036), and new PRL appearance was associated with increased rates of PIRA (β mean = 0.223, 95% CI 0.049-0.398, q = 0.036). By contrast, no associations between new PRL appearance or PRL disappearance and brain volume changes survived FDR correction (q > 0.05). Our results show that resolution of existing PRLs and lack of new PRLs are associated with improved clinical outcomes. These findings further motivate the need for novel therapies targeting microglia-mediated brain inflammation and adoption of clinical strategies to prevent appearance of new PRL.

Achilles Tendon Mechanical But Not Morphological Properties Change with Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy

ABSTRACT Purpose Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is associated with altered tendon’s morphological and mechanical properties, yet it is unclear whether these properties are reversed upon mechanical loading to promote tendon healing. This study aims to determine the extent to which pathological tendon’s morphological and mechanical properties adapt throughout a 12-week eccentric rehabilitation protocol. Methods Forty participants with midportion AT were recruited and participated in a 12-week eccentric rehabilitation program. Function and symptoms were recorded through the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) and hopping. The tendon’s morphological (i.e. volume, midportion cross-sectional area (CSA) and anteroposterior (AP) diameter) and mechanical (i.e. stiffness, Young’s modulus, and tendon non-uniform displacement) properties were measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks of the intervention. Results Significant functional improvements were observed, with VISA-A scores and hopping results showing marked improvements (p &lt; 0.001). Morphologically, no significant changes in volume, midportion CSA, or AP diameter were found, although a trend toward decreased CSA between 30-70% of tendon length was noted. Mechanically, significant increases in Achilles tendon stiffness (p = 0.001) and Young’s modulus (p &lt; 0.001) were observed over the course of the rehabilitation program. No differences in tendon non-uniform displacement were found following a 12-week rehabilitation program. Conclusions These findings suggest that tendon adaptation in response to mechanical loading primarily involves changes in mechanical properties rather than morphology, highlighting the complexity and variability in tendon adaptation. Clinically, these mechanical properties could be considered in the load progression throughout rehabilitation as potentially higher strains will be induced when clinical improvements precede mechanical adaptations.

Advanced Electrode Materials for Low‐Temperature Na Storage

AbstractSodium‐ion batteries have drawn worldwide attention as ideal candidates for the upcoming generation of large‐scale electrical energy storage devices due to the low cost and abundance of sodium. Due to its unique electrochemical and chemical properties, sodium‐ion batteries hold the promise of breaking geographical and environmental constraints, achieving efficient sodium storage under low‐temperature conditions. However, low‐temperature sodium‐ion batteries, especially for their electrode materials, still face numerous challenges, such as the sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics, poor material stability, significant volume changes leading to the pulverization of materials and the rapid degradation of battery performance. Here, it is focused on the modification methods for electrode materials, the research progress on cathode and anode materials of low‐temperature sodium‐ion batteries is summarized systematically and the other components of the electrodes are discussed briefly, and the shortcomings of the current research and possible future research directions are discussed thoroughly.

Engineering Triple-Phase Interfaces with Hierarchical Carbon Nanocages for High-Areal-Capacity All-Solid-State Li-S Batteries.

All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) have garnered widespread attention due to their advantages of high energy density and enhanced safety. However, the typical composite structure composed of solid-state electrolyte (SE), discrete conducting carbon black, and microsized sulfur (μ-S) with long-range Li+/e- conducting path and huge volume changes, suffers from sluggish charge transport and severe electrochemical-mechanical failure. In this work, a unique hierarchical carbon nanocage (hCNC) is applied as a continuous conducting network where nanosized sulfur are confined. Due to the synergistic effects of multi-dimensional (particle, interface, and electrode) structural engineering, this new sulfur-carbon composite cathode (S@hCNC39) can achieve uniform distribution of sulfur and carbon, and efficiently constructs triple-phase interfaces, showing enhanced charge-carrier transport and improved electrochemical-mechanical stability. Remarkable cycling performance of 89% after 300 cycles at 0.2C at 30°C is realized in ASSLSBs assembled with S@hCNC39. Notably, ASSLSBs achieve an ultrahigh areal capacity of 9.95 mAh cm-2 with stable cycling at 60°C with high sulfur contents of 40% and high sulfur loadings of 6mg cm-2. These results provide critical insights into the design of rational sulfur-carbon composites and offer a viable approach to enhance the overall performance of ASSLSBs.

Systemic immune-related spleen radiomics predict progression-free survival in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer underwent definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Systemic immunity is essential for driving therapeutically induced antitumor immune responses, and the spleen may reflect alterations in systemic immunity. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of contrast-enhanced CT-based spleen radiomics for progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) who underwent definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT). Additionally, we investigated the role of spleen radiomics features and changes in spleen volume in assessing systemic immunity. This retrospective study included 257 patients with LACC who underwent dCRT. The patients were randomly divided into training and validation groups in a 7:3 ratio. Radiomic features were extracted from CT images obtained before and after dCRT. Radiomic scores (Radscore) were calculated using features selected through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression. The percentage change in spleen volume was determined from measurements taken before and after treatment. Independent prognostic factors for PFS were identified through multivariate Cox regression analyses. Model performance was evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the C-index. The Radscore cut-off value, determined from the ROC curve, was used to stratify patients into high- and low-risk survival groups. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze differences in hematological parameters between different survival risk groups and between different spleen volume change groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between spleen volume change and hematological parameters. Independent prognostic factors included FIGO stage, pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (pre-NLR), spleen volume change, and Radscore. The radiomics-combined model demonstrated the best predictive performance for PFS in both the training group (AUC: 0.923, C-index: 0.884) and the validation group (AUC: 0.895, C-index: 0.834). Compared to the low-risk group, the high-risk group had higher pre-NLR (p = 0.0054) and post-NLR (p = 0.038). Additionally, compared to the decreased spleen volume group, the increased spleen volume group had lower post-NLR (p = 0.0059) and post-treatment platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.001). Spleen radiomics combined with clinical features can effectively predict PFS in patients with LACC after dCRT. Furthermore, spleen radiomics features and changes in spleen volume can reflect alterations in systemic immunity.

Grid-Like Structured Sb@DNC Anode by Self-Sacrificial Etching for Fast and Durable Sodium Storage.

Alloying-type materials are promising anodes for sodium storage due to high specific capacities and appropriate redox potentials, but their practical application is impeded by rapid capacity decay from volume change during sodium ion insertion/extraction. Hence, a dual-type N-doped carbon-confined antimony (Sb) nanoparticle (Sb@DNC, where DNC contains an outer N-doped carbon armor and an inner N-doped grid-like carbon skeleton) anode material is fabricated via a self-sacrificial etching strategy to address this challenge. Specifically, the dual-type N-doped carbon matrix can prevent the agglomeration and precipitation of Sb particles, increase a large number of reactive active sites, alleviate severe volume expansion/contraction, and construct a highly interconnected electron/ion transport network. Benefiting from the exquisite structure, the Sb@DNC electrode exhibits excellent cycling stability (2400 cycles at 1.0 A g-1) and astonishing high-rate performance (331.0 mAh g-1 at 10.0 A g-1). Additionally, the state-of-the-art in/ex situ technologies reveals the sodium storage mechanism of the "battery-capacitance dual-mode" and the origin of the ability to withstand continuous volumetric strain for the Sb@DNC electrode. Finally, the derived sodium-ion full cell presents outstanding practical potential. This work emphasizes the great significance of rational structural engineering strategies in the field of alloy-type anode materials for high-performance sodium-ion batteries.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer surgeries in a Canadian population.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted breast cancer (BC) surgeries. Most studies showing reduced BC surgical volumes during the pandemic are from single institutions, few have described volume changes in different types of surgical procedures. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on BC surgery volumes and types at a population level. Patients diagnosed with BC between January 1, 2018, and June 25, 2022, in Ontario, Canada, were analysed from population-based datasets. Time periods were defined as pre-pandemic (Jan 2018-Mar 2020), immediate pandemic (Mar-Jun 2020), and peri-pandemic (Jun 2020-Jun 2022). Weekly BC surgery volume and type (lumpectomy, mastectomy, or mastectomy with immediate reconstruction) were evaluated using segmented negative binomial regression models. Among 44 226 patients, 50 440 surgeries were performed. Weekly BC surgeries decreased by 16.9% during the immediate pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels (180.5 vs. 217.1; p = 0.03). Surgical volumes recovered to pre-pandemic levels by June 2021. Mastectomies represented a higher proportion of BC surgeries during the pandemic (31.1% pre, 36.3% immediate, 32.4% peri-pandemic; p < 0.01). The proportion of mastectomies with immediate reconstruction remained stable during the immediate pandemic but increased in the peri-pandemic (20.1% vs. 17%; p < 0.01). There was a significant reduction in all BC surgeries during the pandemic. Mastectomies accounted for a higher proportion of BC surgeries in the pandemic period however access to reconstruction was maintained. Surgical volumes recovered within a year despite ongoing pandemic hospitalizations. Future studies are needed to explore the pandemic's long-term impact on BC care.

Topographic and quantitative correlation of structure and function using deep learning in subclinical biomarkers of intermediate age-related macular degeneration.

To examine the morphological impact of deep learning (DL)-quantified biomarkers on point-wise sensitivity (PWS) using microperimetry (MP) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in intermediate AMD (iAMD). Patients with iAMD were examined by OCT (Spectralis). DL-based algorithms quantified ellipsoid zone (EZ)-thickness, hyperreflective foci (HRF) and drusen volume. Outer nuclear layer (ONL)-thickness and subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) were quantified by human experts. All patients completed four MP examinations using an identical custom 45 stimuli grid on MP-3 (NIDEK) and MAIA (CenterVue). MP stimuli were co-registered with corresponding OCT using image registration algorithms. Multivariable mixed-effect models were calculated. 3.600 PWS from 20 eyes of 20 patients were analyzed. Decreased EZthickness, decreased ONLthickness, increased HRF and increased drusen volume had a significant negative effect on PWS (all p < 0.001) with significant interaction with eccentricity (p < 0.001). Mean PWS was 26.25 ± 3.43dB on MP3 and 22.63 ± 3.69dB on MAIA. Univariate analyses revealed a negative association of PWS and SDD (p < 0.001). Subclinical changes in EZintegrity, HRF and drusen volume are quantifiable structural biomarkers associated with reduced retinal function. Topographic co-registration between structure on OCT volumes and sensitivity in MP broadens the understanding of pathognomonic biomarkers with potential for evaluation of quantifiable functional endpoints.

Improved management of Italian ryegrass (Lolium perenne spp. multiflorum) with mixtures of tiafenacil and ACCase or glutamine synthetase inhibitors

Abstract Herbicide-resistant Italian ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. spp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot] is a significant problem in multiple cropping systems because of its rapid growth, open pollination, prolific seed production, and multiple cases of resistance worldwide, except to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors. This research evaluated tiafenacil, a new PPO inhibitor, in mixtures with glutamine synthetase or acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting herbicides to manage resistant L. multiflorum populations. Tiafenacil efficacy against L. multiflorum was growth stage-dependent, with increased efficacy at earlier stages in greenhouse studies. The LD90 was 41.06 g ai ha-1 at BBCH23, and increased to 9.0-fold at BBCH33. Field studies indicated that changes in carrier volume did not affect tiafenacil’s efficacy; the highest tested rate of tiafenacil (75 g ai ha-1) reduced L. multiflorum inflorescence weight by 50-90%. Mixtures of tiafenacil and glufosinate (1,150 g ai ha-1) improved L. multiflorum control (+24-43%) and reduced inflorescence weight (+15-34%), particularly at the highest tested rates (50 and 75 g ai ha-1), suggesting synergistic effects based on Colby’s test. Tiafenacil with ACCase inhibitors improved L. multiflorum control (+19-49%) and inflorescence weight reduction (+8-13%). These mixtures exhibited an additive effect when combined with fluazifop and a synergistic effect with clethodim. Herbicide mixtures and application strategies are critical to effective L. multiflorum management. Tiafenacil, especially when used with glufosinate or ACCase inhibitors, offers an effective solution to L. multiflorum management and is a strategic tool against herbicide resistance, as resistance to PPO inhibitors has not evolved. Further research should assess practices to ensure the long-term viability of these mixtures for resistance management.

Initial Desorption Characteristics of Gas in Tectonic Coal Under Vibration and Its Impact on Coal and Gas Outbursts

The rapid desorption of gas in coal is an important cause of gas over-limit and outbursts. In order to explain the causes of coal and gas outbursts induced by vibration, this paper studies the gas desorption experiments of tectonic coal with different particle sizes and different adsorption equilibrium pressures under 0~50 Hz vibration. High-pressure mercury intrusion experiments were used to measure the changes in pore volume and specific surface area of tectonic coal before and after vibration, revealing the control of pore structure changes on the initial desorption capacity of gas. Additionally, from the perspective of energy transformation during coal and gas outbursts, the effect of vibration on the process of coal and gas outbursts in tectonic coal was analyzed. The results showed that tectonic coal has strong initial desorption capacity, desorbing 29.58% to 54.51% of the ultimate desorption volume within 10 min. Vibration with frequencies of 0~50 Hz increased both the gas desorption ratios and desorption volume as the frequency increased. The initial desorption rate also increased with the vibration frequency, and vibration can enhance the initial desorption capacity of tectonic coal and delay the attenuation of desorption rate. Vibration affected the changes in the initial gas desorption rate and desorption rate attenuation coefficient by increasing the pore volume and specific surface area, with the changes in macropores and mesopores primarily affecting the initial desorption rate and 0~10 min desorption ratios, while the changes in micropores and minipores mainly influenced the attenuation rate of the desorption rate. Vibration increased the free gas expansion energy of tectonic coal as the frequency increased. During the incubation and triggering processes of coal and gas outbursts, vibration has been observed to accelerate the fragmentation and destabilisation of the coal body, while simultaneously increasing the gas expansion energy to a point where it reaches the threshold energy necessary for coal transportation, thus inducing and triggering the coal and gas protrusion. The study results elucidate, from an energy perspective, the underlying mechanisms that facilitate the occurrence of coal and gas outbursts, providing theoretical guidance for coal and gas outburst prevention and mine safety production.

Understanding pillar chemistry in potassium-containing polyanion materials for long-lasting sodium-ion batteries.

K-containing polyanion compounds hold great potential as anodes for sodium-ion batteries considering their large ion transport channels and stable open frameworks; however, sodium storage behavior has rarely been studied, and the mechanism remains unclear. Here, using a noninterference KTiOPO4 thin-film model, the Na+ storage mechanism is comprehensively revealed by in situ/operando spectroscopy, aberration-corrected electron microscopy and density functional theory calculations. We find that incomplete K+/Na+ ion exchange occurs and eventually 0.15 K+ remains as a pillar to stabilize the tunnel structure. The pillar effect substantially maintains the volume change within 3.9%, much smaller than that of K+(Na+) insertion into KTiOPO4(NaTiOPO4) (9.5%; 5%), thus enabling 10,000 cycles. The powder electrode demonstrates comparable capacity and can work efficiently at commercial-level areal capacity of 2.47 mAh cm-2. The quasi-solid-state pouch cell with high safety under extreme abuse also manifests long-term cycling stability. This pillar chemistry will inspire alkali metal ion storage in hosts containing heterogeneous cations.

The Investigation of Fe─F Bond Chemistry on Structural Stability for Highly Durable Layered Na2FePO4F Cathode

AbstractLayered iron (Fe) ‐based fluorophosphates, Na2FePO4F (NFPF) stands for a cost‐effective and voltage‐advantageous cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, the lack of stability imposes constraints on its development and the decay mechanism remains shrouded in ambiguity. Herein, this work proposes the breakup of Fe─F bond in octahedral dimer accountable for the dissolution of redox centers and the formation of electrochemically inert phase, ultimately leading to the deterioration of electrochemical stability. To verify and address this, Boron (B) atoms situated in interstitial positions of PO4 tetrahedra appearing trigonal BO3 can be specifically targeted to enhance bond covalency and tailor electronic rearrangements at Fe─F bonds, thus stabilizing the octahedral dimer structure. This also facilitates rapid Na+ diffusion dynamics and accelerated electronic conductivity. As expected, NFPF‐B exhibits an ultra‐high discharge specific capacity (118.34 mAh g−1 at 0.1C) and excellent long‐term durability (capacity retention of 91.9% after 1000 cycles). The stability of the octahedra dimer is underscored by minimal volume change (2.9%) within the two‐stage biphase reaction of sodium storage mechanism. This work elucidates the enduring degradation mechanism of NFPF from octahedral dimers and offer theoretical guidance for Fe‐based cathode materials with prolonged stability.

Radio-pathomic estimates of cellular growth kinetics predict survival in recurrent glioblastoma.

Aim: A radio-pathomic machine learning (ML) model has been developed to estimate tumor cell density, cytoplasm density (Cyt) and extracellular fluid density (ECF) from multimodal MR images and autopsy pathology. In this multicenter study, we implemented this model to test its ability to predict survival in patients with recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) treated with chemotherapy.Methods: Pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted, FLAIR and ADC images were used to generate radio-pathomic maps for 51 patients with longitudinal pre- and post-treatment scans. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to test the influence of contrast-enhancing tumor volume, total cellularity, mean Cyt and mean ECF at baseline, immediately post-treatment and the pre- and post-treatment rate of change in volume and cellularity on overall survival (OS).Results: Smaller Cyt and larger ECF after treatment were significant predictors of OS, independent of tumor volume and other clinical prognostic factors (HR=3.23×10-6, p<0.001 and HR=2.39×105, p<0.001, respectively). Both post-treatment volumetric growth rate and the rate of change in cellularity were significantly correlated with OS (HR=1.17, p=0.003 and HR=1.14, p=0.01, respectively).Conclusion: Changes in histological characteristics estimated from a radio-pathomic ML model are a promising tool for evaluating treatment response and predicting outcome in rGBM.

High‐performance engineered geopolymer composites: A sustainable approach using recycled brick waste

AbstractThis study examines the viability of using construction waste, specifically recycled brick waste powder (RBWP), as an alternative conventional industrial byproduct (fly ash) in the manufacturing of engineered geopolymer composites (EGC). The EGC mixtures are made with 40 μm diameter and 12 mm length polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber. RBWP replaces class‐F fly ash in EGC by 0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. This study produces six distinct EGC mixtures in total. The flexural strength, abrasion resistance, sorptivity, and water absorption of the EGC are investigated. Microstructural characterization is carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the results, when fly ash is replaced by 40% and 100%, respectively, adding RBWP to the EGC mixes significantly improves flexural strength by 39% and midspan deflection by 169%. Nevertheless, abrasion resistance significantly improves when fly ash is completely replaced with RBWP, even though sorptivity and water absorption increase by about 128% and 240%, respectively. The volume change is reduced by 25.4% when RBWP is used. Furthermore, the SEM study shows that the RBWP undergoes active geopolymerization in the EGC mixes.