Decrease In Fraction Research Articles

Trabecular Bone Ontogeny of the Human Distal Tibia.

There is an increasing understanding of how trabecular bone adapts to biomechanical changes during ontogeny. However, limited research exists regarding the distal tibia, which is important in weight-bearing locomotion as part of the ankle joint. This study aims to document the ontogenetic trabecular patterns of the distal tibia, in addition to changes in its structural heterogeneity. Thirty-eight distal tibiae, ranging in age from 28 intrauterine weeks to 8 postnatal years, from the Scheuer juvenile skeletal collection were examined. Trabecular bone was analyzed using a quantitative volume of interest approach and qualitative whole bone mapping following microcomputed tomography. Fetal and perinatal tibia lack mature organization and are associated with high bone volume fraction. During the first year of life, there is a decrease in bone volume fraction and an indication of early re-organization of trabecular struts in the distal tibia. After one year of age, the distal tibia exhibits increased trabecular structural heterogeneity. The trabecular architecture of the fetal and perinatal distal tibia lacks mature organization and instead reflects ossification patterns. At these stages, there is a rapid accumulation of bone mass associated with gestational overproduction, hypothesized to be in preparation for subsequent postnatal changes. During the first year of life there is a decrease in volume fraction, associated with constructive regression. It is postulated this is related to changing biomechanical forces associated with the bipedal gait, in addition to growth demands. After one year of age, the distal tibia exhibits structural heterogeneity with trabecular adaption to accommodate specific bipedal stresses.

Transthoracic Echocardiography findings in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis in Kurdistan region

Background and objectives: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affecting axial and non-axial joints leads to a loss of mobility and function over time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cardiac involvement using transthoracic echocardiography. Methods: A case-control research study took place at Rizgary Teaching Hospital Rheumatology Department between January 2022 and March 2023. Inclusion criteria involved those patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis based on the Assessment of Spondylarthritis International Society criteria for axial spondylarthritis. Transthoracic echocardiography (vivid machine) had been performed for all the participants and parameters such as right and left ventricle dimension, aortic root dimension, left atrium dimension, interventricular septum thickness in diastole and ejection fraction had been documented. Results: This study revealed that transthoracic echocardiography findings of patients with ankylosing spondylitis with diastolic dysfunction in 12%, mitral regurgitation in 8%, mitral prolapse in 10% and 2% of each of anteroseptal hypokinesia, dilated aortic root and aortic regurgitation. The study demonstrated a significant increase in right ventricular, aortic, and left atrium dimensions in patients with ankylosing spondylitis with a p value of 0.0001, 0.001 and 0.001 respectively. In terms of ejection fraction; this study showed a significant decrease in ejection fraction in cases of ankylosing spondylitis with a mean of 64.3% with a p value of 0.004. Conclusion: Tricuspid regurgitation and a drop in ejection fraction are the two significant findings among patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Clinical significance of myocardial deformation of a left ventricle in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Purpose: to evaluate the clinical significance of left ventricular myocardial deformation indicators, their relationship with the degree of heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Materials and methods. 61 patients with primary genetically confirmed asymmetric HCM aged 7 to 17 years underwent a comprehensive clinical and echocardiography. Echocardiography determined indicators of left ventricular systolic function: ejection and shortening fractions, global longitudinal, circular and radial myocardial deformations and deformations rates. The assessment of myocardial hypertrophy of left ventricular segments was performed taking into account absolute values in systole and diastole depending on age, recalculated per standard deviation units in the population (Z-score factor). Results. A more pronounced degree of heart failure, a decrease in ejection and shortening fractions, and indicators of left ventricular myocardial deformation were established in all children with non-obstructive and obstructive forms of HCM and an extreme degree of myocardial hypertrophy, in contrast to the non-obstructive form of the disease with a less pronounced degree of hypertrophy. An earlier decrease in myocardial deformation indices was revealed in comparison with ejection and shortening fractions, longitudinal deformation and its speed in comparison with radial and circular, their speeds. Conclusions. 1. In children with HCM and extreme degrees of left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, compared with mild and moderate hypertrophy, a more pronounced degree of heart failure is observed, which is accompanied by a decrease in left ventricular systolic function. Among them, a decrease in myocardial deformation rates and their velocities is more sensitive compared to left ventricular ejection fractions and shortening. 2. Reduction of left ventricular myocardial deformation in children with HCM depends on the degree of hypertrophy. The earliest, manifesting itself even with a mild degree of hypertrophy, is a decrease in longitudinal deformation and its speed compared to circular and radial deformations and their speeds. 3. Determining the indicators of left ventricular myocardial deformation in children with HCM in comparison with the degree of myocardial hypertrophy is of great clinical importance in assessing the systolic function of the left ventricle to optimize administration tactics and timely treatment of the disease.

Effects of carbon dioxide addition on soot dynamics in ethylene/air inverse diffusion flames: An experimental and computational analysis

The effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) addition to ethylene (C2H4)/air inverse diffusion flames (IDFs) to the air stream on soot formation characteristics are investigated with the addition ratio of 0-13.64%. The planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) and planar laser-induced incandescence (PLII) techniques, in conjunction with CoFlame and Chemkin code simulations were utilized to assess the distributions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Soot Volume Fraction (SVF). The findings indicate that increasing CO2 addition results in a gradual decrease in the mole fraction of hydroxyl (OH) radicals and flame temperature, accompanied by a reduction of approximately 15% in the reaction zone height in experimental observations and 19% in simulations. The inhibition of soot formation is evident through a consistent decline in the normalized total SVF, a decrease in the peak volume fraction of radial soot distribution, and reduced total SVFs observed across different flame sections at varying heights. In the meanwhile, increasing the CO2 doping ratio significantly reduces the peak signal intensity of PAHs, particularly affecting high molecular weight PAHs (A3-A4, A2-A3) with reductions of up to 75.5%. Furthermore, reductions are noted in the rates of soot inception and subsequent surface growth, accompanied by an upward displacement of the initial inception and growth location. The condensation of PAHs controls the soot surface growth. The thermal and chemical effects of CO2 were differentiated by employing the virtual substance FCO2. The results suggest that the thermal effect of CO2 lowers flame temperature, reduces combustion intensity, and consequently inhibits soot nucleation. The chemical effect of CO2 competes for H radicals through the reverse reaction of CO+OH <=> CO2+H. This process suppresses the formation and growth of PAHs, consequently leading to a reduction in soot production.

Glycation modification of protein hydrolysate from channel catfish (Ictalurus Punetaus) viscera to mitigate undesirable flavor: Unraveling structure and flavor characteristics

To investigate the impacts of glycation modification on the structure and flavor of fish viscera-derived protein hydrolysates, channel catfish viscera was utilized and hydrolyzed by Flavourzyme, followed by glycation with glucosamine, xylose, ribose and glucose, respectively. The structural characteristics, taste and odor of glycated products were evaluated. The results revealed that glycation led to an increase in peptides (<1 kDa) and a decrease in peptide fraction (>5 kDa). UV and fluorescence spectra indicated a gradual rise in absorbance and fluorescence intensity. Glucosamine-induced glycation significantly mitigated bitterness, while enhancing saltiness and umami. GC–MS/MS analysis revealed that glycation led to reduced undesirable odor, and formation of aromatic compounds. LC-MS/MS identified Arg and Lys as the main modification sites. Interestingly, aldehydes were found to modify peptides via carbonyl-amine reaction, leading to decreased fishy odor. The present study contributes to flavor improvement of fish viscera-derived peptides through glycation and high-value utilization of fish viscera.

Soot formation in laminar ammonia-ethylene counterflow diffusion flames: Isolation of chemical, thermal, and dilution effects

This numerical study investigates the effect of ammonia (NH3) addition on soot formation in laminar ethylene counterflow diffusion flames (CDFs). A chemically inert species is used to isolate the chemical effect, while the thermal and dilution effects are isolated using the formation rate fitting method. The KM2-NH3 mechanism is constructed, demonstrating good applicability for modeling NH3-C2H4 CDFs. As the NH3 addition ratio (XNH3) increases, the peak temperature, benzene (A1) mole fraction, and soot volume fraction (SVF) decrease. The chemical effect of NH3 addition promotes temperature though R1: H + O2 = O + OH and R1927: NH2 + NH = N2H2 + H. It also promotes A1 formation by boosting R298: 2C2H3 → A1, etc., and converts C4H6-13 to produce C3H3. However, it suppresses soot formation through surface growth SR42: open(se) + C2H2 → H(se) + 2C(B) + H. The dilution effect on suppressing A1 formation is stronger than the thermal effect. The thermal effect dominates the suppression of soot formation, and the chemical effect is stronger than the dilution effect at low XNH3, while the opposite is true at high XNH3.

Outcomes of a multidisciplinary approach to management of mavacamten in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Traditional treatments for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) include β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and disopyramide. Mavacamten, a novel cardiac myosin inhibitor, is a promising oHCM therapy but has practical challenges limiting its use. This descriptive study aimed to describe a clinic workflow for mavacamten management in a real-world setting, addressing challenges such as cost, drug interactions, and monitoring requirements. The focus was on reducing patient-level costs while ensuring feasibility and efficiency. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 34 patients with oHCM for whom mavacamten was considered between May 2022 and May 2023. The clinic workflow involved cardiologist assessment, pharmacist evaluation of drug interactions, enrollment in the mavacamten risk evaluation and mitigation strategy program, cost reduction measures, and initiation of monitoring through scheduled echocardiograms. Of the 34 patients, 21 (62%) were initiated on mavacamten and followed for up to 1 year on therapy. The median time from referral to prior authorization approval and first fill was 5 and 22 days, respectively. Patients demonstrated high adherence (99.1%) as measured by the proportion of days covered. Echocardiogram follow-up showed improvements in left ventricular outflow tract parameters with no patients having a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction to less than 50%. The described workflow effectively addressed challenges associated with mavacamten management, emphasizing roles for clinic personnel, cost reduction strategies, and structured patient monitoring. While the workflow's specifics may need adaptation in different settings, this report provides valuable insights for clinics implementing structured mavacamten management approaches.

Mechanism of jianxin granules in the treatment of heart failure based on proteomics and metabolomics

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) is associated with high mortality and rehospitalization rates, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Jianxin (JX) granules, a Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation, have been patented for the treatment of HF. However, the specific therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of JX granules have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed at investigating the effects and mechanism of JX granules in the treatment of HF based on proteomics and metabolomic profiling.MethodsHF model was established in rats by ligation of left coronary artery. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into three groups: the model group, the JX granules group, and Sacubitril/Valsartan (S/V) group. Four weeks after treatment, left ventricular (LV) function was evaluated via echocardiography. LV fibrosis and apoptosis were examined through histological analyses, while mitochondrial morphology was assessed using transmission electron microscopy. Quantitative assessment of oxidative stress was also conducted. Proteomics was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins and potential pathways. Metabolomics was utilized to elucidate the variations in metabolism. Then western blotting and in vitro analyses were performed.ResultsA rat model of HF was established, evidenced by a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (SV), and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), alongside diminished adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, elevated oxidative stress, augmented apoptosis, and disrupted pyruvate metabolism. Treatment with JX granules ameliorated these effects, improving systolic function, reducing ventricular chamber size, and increasing LVEF, SV, and LVFS, as assessed by echocardiography. Additionally, JX granules attenuated cardiac fibrosis and improved mitochondrial structure, as evidenced by less vacuolation and clearer mitochondrial cristae, when compared to the model group. The treatment also regulated apoptosis-related protein expression, partially reversing the increase in cleaved Caspase-9, cleaved Caspase-3, and Bax and the suppression of Bcl-2 observed in the heart failure rats. All of these effects were similar to S/V. Proteomic and metabolomic analyses identified key differential genes, such as triosephosphate isomerase 1 (TPI1), lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB), pyruvate kinase M (PKM), protein kinase B (Akt), Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Beta (PDHB) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), as well as vital pathways including carbon metabolism, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, pyruvate metabolism, and HIF-1α signaling pathway. Moreover, JX granules mitigated oxidative stress, inhibited apoptosis, and activated Akt in H9c2 cells exposed to angiotensin II, which could be reversed by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002.ConclusionJX granules improve HF in parallel to the efficacy of S/V, at least in part, through enhancing pyruvate metabolism, inhibiting oxidative stress and activating PI3K/Akt pathway.

Quantification of physical aging using two MDSC methods and its effect on initial properties of epoxy films

In this work, the effect of aging times and temperatures on the generation of physical aging (P.A) is investigated, as well as its impact on the physico-chemical and mechanical properties of a model epoxy resin. The DGEBA/Jeffamine D230 system was tested with different amounts of P.A generated by applying steps of varying aging times and temperatures during the cooling. The quantification of P.A is carried out through modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) using two methods, based on the heat flow or the non-reversing heat flow. The results show that the P.A values obtained with the first method are lower than those obtained by the second method. The theorical model of Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts, used to describe the kinetic behavior of P.A process, showed that the second method underestimates the relaxation time. If no chemical change was observed between systems with and without P.A, the thermo-mechanical analysis showed that physical aging induces a storage modulus increase together with a free volume fraction decrease.

Friction drag reduction of Taylor–Couette flow over air-filled microgrooves

Reducing drag under high turbulence is a critical but challenging issue that has engendered great concern. This study utilizes hydrophilic tips in superhydrophobic (SHP) grooves to enhance the stability of plastron, which results in a considerable drag reduction ( $DR$ ) up to 62 %, at Reynolds number ( $Re$ ) reaching $2.79 \times 10^{4}$ . The effect of the spacing width $w$ of the microgrooves on both $DR$ and flow structures is investigated. Experimental results demonstrate that $DR$ increases as either microgroove spacing $w$ or $Re$ increases. The velocity fields obtained using particle image velocimetry indicate that the air-filled SHP grooves induce a considerable wall slip. This slip significantly weakens the intensity of Taylor rolls, reduces local momentum transport, and consequently lowers drag. This phenomenon becomes more pronounced with increasing $w$ . Furthermore, to quantify the multiscale relationship between global response and geometrical as well as driving parameters, $DR\sim (w, \phi _s, Re)$ , a theoretical model is established based on angular momentum defect theory and magnitude estimate. It is demonstrated that a decrease in the surface solid fraction can reduce wall shear, and an increase in the groove width can weaken turbulence kinetic energy production, rendering enhanced slip and drag reduction. This research has implications for designing and optimizing turbulent-drag-reducing surfaces in various engineering applications, such as transportation and marine engineering.

Effect of δ-Ferrite Formation and Self-Tempering Behavior on Mechanical Properties of Type 410 Martensitic Stainless Steel Fabricated via Laser Powder Bed Fusion.

This study explores the formation of δ-ferrite and its self-tempering behavior in the microstructure of Type 410 martensitic stainless steel produced via laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). The study investigates the correlation between varying energy densities applied during the L-PBF process and the resultant mechanical properties of the as-built specimens. A microstructural analysis shows that with an increase in energy density, the δ-ferrite fraction decreases, while the martensite content increases, leading to changes in tensile strength and elongation. Higher energy densities reduce tensile strength but significantly enhance ductility. The self-tempering effect of martensite in reheated zones, caused by the complex thermal cycling during the L-PBF process, plays a critical role in determining mechanical behavior. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the additive manufacturing of martensitic stainless steels to achieve the desired mechanical properties.

Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio as Predictor of Prognosis In Patient with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction that Treated With Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor: A Prospective Cohort Study in Aceh,

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) and inflammation are related. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE-I) and Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNI) can reduce inflammation by lowering neutrophil counts. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple marker of inflammation. There is a lack of studies showing that NLR can predict prognosis in patients with HFrEF, and further investigation is needed.Objectives: Investigating whether NLR could be a prognostic indicator for mortality and rehospitalization in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction receiving treatment with ACE-I or ARNI.Methods: A prospective observational cohort study with double-blind methods was conducted at Zainal Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Two groups, ACE-I and ARNI, each comprised 40 participants. Initially, blood sampling was performed to determine NLR. Participants were observed weekly for three months for prognosis outcomes (death and rehospitalization). After three months, the remaining participants were invited for re-evaluation of the NLR.Results: This study found that pre-treatment NLR had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.454 (95% CI: 1.266-1.670, p &lt; 0.001). The risk ratio of abnormal pre-treatment NLR for rehospitalization was 6.56 in the ACE-I group and 8.33 in the ARNI group. Nevertheless, both ACE-I (p = 0.014) and ARNI (p = 0.032) decreased NLR levels.Conclusions: High NLR could be as a predictor of prognosis in patients with heart failure with a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction that treated with ACE-I or ARNI, also ACE-I and ARNI could reduce NLR levels.

Abstract 4135861: Lipoprotein(a) and Its Impact on Left Ventricular Remodeling Over a Decade: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Background: Lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, as well as heart failure and myocardial fibrosis. However, the link between Lp(a) and cardiac remodeling as a pathway to adverse cardiac outcomes remains unknown. Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between Lp(a) levels and longitudinal changes in the left ventricular (LV) remodeling over a decade among individuals without a previous history of cardiovascular disease. Methods: 2,366 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants who underwent cardiac MRI at Visit 1 (2000-02) and Visit 5 (2010-12) and had available Lp(a) at baseline were examined. Lp(a) was analyzed as a continuous and a categorical variable based on quartiles (Q1[&lt;7.6 mg/dL], Q2[7.6-16.7 mg/dL], Q3[16.8-38.8 mg/dL], Q4[&gt;38.8 mg/dL]). Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine the association of Lp(a) with changes in cardiac MRI measures of LV remodeling ( Table ). Results: Participants had a mean age 60±9 years and 53% were women. Over 10-year follow-up, LV indexed volumes decreased, while LV indexed mass and mass to volume ratio increased across all the Lp(a) quartiles. However, LV ejection fraction only decreased in the third and fourth Lp(a) quartiles. Lp(a) examined as a continuous variable was associated with an increase in LV end-systolic indexed volume (per log-unit Lp[a]; β 0.32 mL/m 2 ; P = 0.01), LV indexed mass (per log-unit Lp[a]; β 0.38 g/m 2 ; P = 0.02), and a decrease in LV ejection fraction (per log-unit Lp[a]; β -0.29 %; P = 0.02) over 10 years after adjusting for sociodemographic and traditional cardiovascular risk factors ( Table ). Similarly, the fourth Lp(a) quartile was associated with an increase in LV end-systolic indexed volume (β 1.07 mL/m 2 ; P = 0.01), LV indexed mass (β 1.17 g/m 2 ; P = 0.02) and a decrease in LV ejection fraction (β -1.01 %; P = 0.01) compared to the first Lp(a) quartile after controlling for risk factors. The observed associations remained significant after further adjusting for aortic valve calcium score at Visit 1 ( Table - Model 3), and baseline coronary artery calcium score and interim myocardial infarction ( Table - Model 4). Conclusions: In a multi-ethnic cohort of participants free of cardiovascular disease at baseline, higher Lp(a) levels were independently associated with an increase in LV end-systolic volume and LV mass as well as a decrease in LV ejection fraction over the span of a decade.

Abstract 4134594: More than One Way to Catch a Fish: Micra Extraction Case Series

Description of Cases: Case 1: A 72 year old male with atrial fibrillation (AF) and tachy-brady syndrome underwent Micra implantation. On post-procedure day 2, pacing thresholds were unacceptably elevated. A new Micra device was deployed; subsequently, a microsnare was placed through the Micra delivery catheter and the docking button of the old Micra was successfully snared (Figure A). The old Micra was then captured over the delivery catheter and removed from the body. Case 2: A 76 year old male underwent Micra implantation and AV node ablation for AF with persistent tachycardia. One month later, he presented with heart failure and interval decrease in ejection fraction from 66% to 33%. After biventricular leads were implanted, an Agilis catheter was advanced towards the Micra. The docking button was successfully snared with a gooseneck snare (Figure B), and the Micra was extracted with gentle traction. Case 3: A 76 year old male with complete heart block and longstanding persistent AF received a Micra. Nine months later, he presented with heart failure and interval decrease in ejection fraction from 55% to 25%. A defibrillator lead was implanted but no suitable CS branch was identified. The Aveir retrieval catheter was advanced and the Micra docking button was captured with the triloop snare (Figure C). The protective sleeve was advanced over the Micra and it was successfully removed. Subsequently, a left bundle area lead was placed. Discussion: Although uncommon, extraction of the tined leadless pacemaker (Micra) may be indicated at times. As rates of implantation continue to increase, establishing uniform procedures for extraction becomes increasingly important. These three cases highlight unique options for Micra extraction, and the feasibility of each approach. However, a dedicated tool and protocol would be ideal for patient safety and consistency. No complications occurred with the above cases.

Abstract 4129440: Ventricular Stunning Following Direct Current Cardioversion: A Case Report

Background: Ventricular stunning refers to a transient mechanical dysfunction of the myocardium, typically manifesting in response to ischemic insults, reperfusion injury, inflammatory states, or neurohormonal overload. Here, we present an unusual case of ventricular stunning precipitated by direct current electrical cardioversion (DEC). Case Report: A 73-year-old man with a history of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease was admitted to a Veterans Affairs hospital for heart failure exacerbation. His hospitalization was complicated by recurrent episodes of symptomatic AF with ventricular rates in the 120-150’s. This was initially managed with intravenous amiodarone and eventually DEC. He continued to experience symptomatic episodes of AF. Later in the hospitalization a repeat DEC with a single 200 joule shock was performed with restoration of sinus rhythm. Several hours afterwards he was found to be unresponsive and hypotensive. Cool extremities and rising serum lactate raised suspicion for cardiogenic shock resulting in transfer to the intensive care unit where vasopressor and inotropic support were initiated. Echocardiogram revealed a precipitous decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction from 25% to 5%. Serum troponin concentrations were unchanged from prior and ECGs demonstrated rate-controlled AF. Clinical Decision Making: This case highlights an episode of unexpected decrease in cardiac output following an otherwise routine repeat DEC for recurrent AF requiring escalation to mechanical circulatory support. His decompensation worsened, necessitating transfer to the local university center for placement of catheter-based miniaturized ventricular assist device (Impella 5’5). Over the subsequent days, with supportive care, his left ventricular ejection fraction recovered to baseline, and mechanical and inotropic support were withdrawn. Conclusion: Ventricular stunning, leading to cardiogenic shock, is a rare and incompletely understood complication of DEC. It warrants consideration when monitoring patients after cardioversion. Implementing vigilant observation protocols post-DEC to detect ventricular stunning and predisposing risk factors could significantly enhance clinical management strategies.

Appraisal of Heavy Metal Risk Hazards of Eisenia fetida-Mediated Steel Slag Vermicompost on Oryza sativa L.: Insights from Agro-Scale Inspection and Machine Learning Analytics

The steel industry drives world economic growth, yet it generates heavy metal-rich steel slag, which jeopardizes the environment. The utilization of vermi-technology is essential for the sustainable transformation of toxic steel waste slag (SW) into organic amendments, although field-scale use of vermiprocessed SW remains unexplored. To bridge the gap, this study evaluated the efficacy of vermiprocessed SW as an organic supplement for rice field cultivation, focusing on heavy metal (HM) bioavailability, human health risk, and yield in comparison to raw slag and NPK fertilizer. The results indicated a considerable decrease in the bioavailable fraction of heavy metals in T4 (1:1 SW vermicompost 50% + 50% fertilizer). In treatments, T9 (100% SW) and T10 (50% SW + 50% fertilizer) (FIAM) free ion activity modeling confirmed grain absorption of HMs, and the FIAM HQ values indicated the health risk for the direct application of steel slag waste on the field. The risk factor evaluation of HMs’ presence in treatments T9 and T10 established the possible cancer risk for living beings. Similarly, machine learning models like SOBOL sensitivity analysis and artificial neural networks revealed potential threats associated with HMs on different treatments, respectively. The correlation coefficient revealed the negative effects of bioavailable HMs on various soil microbial and enzymatic properties. Moreover, the abundant yield of rice was attributed to the combination treatment (1:1 50% + NPK 50%), which paved the way for an alternative agronomic approach based on the utilization of vermicomposted steel waste slag.

Aromatase inhibitors, bone microstructure, and estimated bone strength in postmenopausal women with breast cancer: a 5-year prospective study.

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the standard treatment for early breast cancer (EBC) and are typical causative agents of cancer treatment-induced bone loss. However, the effects of long-term treatment with these drugs on bone microstructure remain unclear. This prospective, single-arm observational study included postmenopausal, non-osteoporotic women with hormone receptor-positive EBC. Patients who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b) or procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide levels were compared at baseline and at 60months after commencing AI treatment. Fifteen women were included in the study, with a median age of 58years and a quartile range of 56.5-62.5years. At 60months, HR-pQCT revealed that the cortical area and thickness decreased with increased cortical porosity in the cortical bone. In addition, the number of trabeculae decreased and trabecular separation increased trabecular bones decreases, and trabecular bone separation opens, resulting in a decrease in the trabecular bone volume fraction. Total bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular volumetric BMD, and cortical volumetric BMD, and estimated bone strength significantly decreased. DXA BMD values significantly decreased in the total hip and femoral neck but not the lumbar spine. TRACP-5b values after 5years of AI treatment showed a significant negative correlation with the rate of change in the total volumetric BMD in the distal tibia. Postmenopausal women who received AIs for 5years for EBC experienced significant deterioration in the bone microstructure, BMD, and estimated bone strength.

Effect of different running protocols on bone morphology and microarchitecture of the forelimbs in a male Wistar rat model.

It is accepted that the metabolic response of bone tissue depends on the intensity of the mechanical loads, but also on the type and frequency of stress applied to it. Physical exercise such as running involves stresses which, under certain conditions, have been shown to have the best osteogenic effects. However, at high intensity, it can be deleterious for bone tissue. Consequently, there is no clear consensus as to which running modality would have the best osteogenic effects. Our objective was to compare the effects of three running modalities on morphological and micro-architectural parameters on forelimb bones. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: high intensity interval training (HIIT), continuous running, combined running ((alternating HIIT and continuous modalities) and sedentary (control). The morphometry, trabecular microarchitecture and cortical porosity of the ulna, radius and humerus were analyzed using micro-tomography. All three running modalities resulted in bone adaptation, with an increase in the diaphyseal diameter of all three bones. The combined running protocol had positive effects on the trabecular thickness in the distal ulna. The HIIT protocol resulted in an increase in both medio-lateral diameter and cortical bone area over total area (Ct.Ar/Tt.Ar) at the ulnar shaft compared with sedentary condition. Moreover, the HIIT protocol decreased the mean surface area of the medulla (Ma.Ar) according to sedentary condition at the ulnar shaft. This study has shown that HIIT resulted in a decrease in trabecular bone fraction in favor of cortical bone area at the ulna.

Extension of the multilevel radiative transfer code PyRaTE to model linear polarization of molecular lines

Linear polarization of spectral lines, commonly known as the Goldreich-Kylafis effect within the star formation community, is one of the most underutilized techniques for probing magnetic fields in the dense and cold interstellar medium. In this study, we implement linear polarization of molecular spectral lines into the multilevel, non-local thermodynamic equilibrium radiative transfer code PyRaTE Different modes of polarized radiation are treated individually, with separate optical depths computed for each polarization direction. Our implementation is valid in the so-called strong magnetic field limit and is exact for either a system satisfying the large-velocity-gradient approximation, and/or for any system with a uniform magnetic field. We benchmark our implementation against analytical results and provide tests for various limiting cases. In agreement with previous theoretical results, we find that in the multilevel case the amount of fractional polarization decreases when compared to the two-level approximation, but this result is subject to the relative importance between radiative and collisional processes. Finally, we post-process an axially symmetric, nonideal magnetohydrodynamic chemo-dynamical simulation of a collapsing prestellar core and provide theoretical predictions regarding the shape (as a function of velocity) of the polarization fraction of $ CO $ during the early stages in the evolution of molecular clouds.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE COMPOSITION OF THE COMBED GRAIN HEAP ON THE PRELIMINARY SEPARATION OF FREE GRAIN

BACKGROUND: The article provides an analysis of the state of the problem of harvesting grain by the method of combing plants on the root. Attention is focused on the potential economic efficiency of the method and on the scientific and technological problems hindering its widespread implementation. In particular, in order to reduce the degree of crushing of free grain, it is necessary to pre-separate it and prevent it from entering the threshing device. It is proposed to remove grain directly on the lattice bottom of the inclined chamber of the combine. The scientific hypothesis of the study suggests that in order to improve separation, it is advisable to pre-remove a significant part of light impurities from the pile directly in the body of the combing adapter. AIM: The aim is to evaluate the efficiency of separation of free grain by removing a significant part of light impurities from the combed pile before it enters the inclined chamber. METHODS: To confirm the hypothesis, an experiment was conducted in which a combed grain pile of wheat of the «Moskovskaya 56» variety of different component composition was fed to a lattice surface equipped with a scraper conveyor. The weight content of the grain varied from 70 to 100%. The experiment took into account the proportion of free grain that passed through the holes of the grate at its length of 920 mm and the width of the holes of 12 mm. It ranged from 65 to 81% as the content of free grain in the pile increased. RESULTS: According to the research results, it was found that the passage of free grain through the openings of the lattice bottom varies between 65-80%. At the same time, a decrease in the mass fraction of free grain in the pile reduces its passage through the openings of the lattice surface by 15%. CONCLUSION: Preliminary removal of light impurities from the combed grain pile, comparable in size to free grain, can be carried out by using an inertial separation system. Reducing the proportion of light impurities in the pile entering the combine cleaning system makes it possible to significantly increase the efficiency of its operation.