Density Loss Research Articles

Percutaneous unilateral vertebro-stentoplasty for painful osteoporotic compression fracture of lumbar vertebra

Osteoporosis is one of the common diseases in the elderly population which can cause compression fracture of the vertebral body due to loss of microarchitecture, loss of density, and deterioration of bone tissue leading to chronic pain, kyphotic deformity of the vertebra, and neurological complications. We report the case of a 68-year-old female, who presented to us with severe midback region pain for one year, which was increased over two months along with numbness in the right leg and difficulty in walking. The radiological investigation and magnetic resonance imaging spine revealed chronic compression fracture with the reduction in height of the L1 vertebra, which is seen with anterior wedging. The patient underwent vertebro-stentoplasty (VS) with bone cement, polymethyl-methacrylate. The patient was discharged well on third day of surgery. The VS for compression fracture of the lumbar vertebra demonstrated better results with improvement in pain and radiological finding in our patient.

In silico Analysis of Berberine as a Potential Therapeutic Approach for Various Signalling Pathways Linked to Androgenetic Alopecia

Background: Alopecia is defined by a loss of hair density and is often considered a symptom of multiple illnesses, such as infection and inflammation. Objective: The molecular mechanisms underlying the hair-promoting effects include inhibition of 5α-reductase activity, reducing the binding affinity of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to androgen receptors, and decreasing/down-regulating TGF-β2 activity, which have a suggestive role in androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride and minoxidil are the approved non-surgical treatment alternatives for hair loss, but they cause side effects in patients. Therefore, bioactive phytoconstituents with multiple targets can be used to find novel, secure, and efficacious hair-promoting medicinal products. Methods: This study has carried out the in silico evaluation of berberine using various software. To find possible interactions between the 5α-reductase enzyme and Transforming Growth Factor-- beta 2 (TGF-β2), a critical protein involved in the human hair development cycle, computer-aided drug discovery was employed. Results: According to in silico studies, berberine has been found to bind well to the 4K7a and 6M2N binding sites. The drug has been found to adhere to Lipinski's rule of five, and its pharmacokinetic characteristics were noteworthy. Drug-likeness and Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) properties showed appreciable results. Furthermore, berberine showed docking scores of -8.4 (5α-reductase) and -7.1 (TGF-β2), which were significantly better than minoxidil (-4.8, -3.2). In general, the drug exhibited improved binding interactions, and the possible toxicity investigations provided very little basis for risk prediction. Conclusion: The current protocol has offered experimental support for berberine's possible therapeutic use in reducing male pattern baldness. Therefore, it can be a possible target for the therapy of androgenetic alopecia through the regulation of TGF-β2 and 5α-reductase activity.

Potential association of rheumatic diseases with bone mineral density and fractures: a bi-directional mendelian randomization study

BackgroundPrevious studies have implicated rheumatoid arthritis as an independent risk factor for bone density loss. However, whether there is a causal relationship between rheumatic diseases and bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures is still controversial. We employed a bidirectional Mendelian analysis to explore the causal relationship between rheumatic diseases and BMD or fractures.MethodsThe rheumatic diseases instrumental variables (IVs) were obtained from a large Genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis dataset of European descent. Analyses were performed for the three rheumatic diseases: ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (n = 22,647 cases, 99,962 single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 58,284 cases, 13,108,512 SNPs), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 14,267 cases, 7,071,163 SNPs). Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were carried out by using R language TwoSampleMR version 0.5.7. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods were used to analyze the causal relationship between rheumatic diseases and BMD or fracture.ResultsThe MR results revealed that there was absence of evidence for causal effect of AS on BMD or fracture. However, there is a positive causal relationship of RA with fracture of femur (95% CI = 1.0001 to 1.077, p = 0.046), and RA and fracture of forearm (95% CI = 1.015 to 1.064, p = 0.001). SLE had positive causal links for fracture of forearm (95% CI = 1.004 to 1.051, p = 0.020). Additionally, increasing in heel bone mineral density (Heel-BMD) and total bone mineral density (Total-BMD) can lead to a reduced risk of AS without heterogeneity or pleiotropic effects. The results were stable and reliable. There was absence of evidence for causal effect of fracture on RA (95% CI = 0.929 to 1.106, p = 0.759), and fracture on SLE (95% CI = 0.793 to 1.589, p = 0.516).ConclusionsRA and SLE are risk factors for fractures. On the other hand, BMD increasing can reduce risk of AS. Our results indicate that rheumatic diseases may lead to an increased risk of fractures, while increased BMD may lead to a reduced risk of rheumatic diseases. These findings provide insight into the risk of BMD and AS, identifying a potential predictor of AS risk as a reduction in BMD.

Al-doped Li4SiO4 for cyclic solar energy storage and CO2 capture: An experimental and DFT study

The substantial consumption of fossil fuels gives rise to excessive carbon dioxide emissions, and mitigating them has emerged as a pressing global priority. The use of renewable energy and carbon capture, utilization, and storage are recognized as two major approaches for carbon neutrality. Li4SiO4 materials exhibit promising prospects in both thermochemical heat storage for solar energy power and cyclic high-temperature CO2 capture. The reactivity between Li4SiO4 and CO2 plays the vital role in its energy storage and CO2 capture performance. Herein, we prepare Al-doped Li4SiO4 materials through an impregnated suspension technique, simultaneously achieving high contact areas and lattice defects to enhance both fast chemisorption and ion diffusion processes. The results show that Al-doped Li4SiO4 exhibits high average energy density of 56677.08 kJ/kmol within 30 cycles. Additionally, the granulated Al-doped Li4SiO4-based pellets, produced via the freeze-drying technique, exhibit negligible energy density loss rate of less than 9 % and acceptable mechanical strength. Furthermore, the CO2 sorption performance also reaches a high value of 0.27 g/g. The reaction mechanism between Li4SiO4 and CO2 has been investigated at both macroscopic and microscopic levels through kinetic analysis and DFT calculations. The simulated Al-doped Li4SiO4/CO2 sorption system possesses increased adsorption energy level from −0.81 eV for the undoped one to −0.95 eV, thereby leading to the improved CO2 sorption. In general, Al-doped Li4SiO4 materials demonstrate great potential for applications in thermochemical heat storage and CO2 capture.

Review of the Water-Energy-Carbon Nexus in Small and Medium Drinking Water Systems: Challenges and Opportunities

Water is a critical resource for human life and plays a vital role in energy production. Energy is equally essential in water supplies but generates carbon emissions to the atmosphere depending on the energy source. Appraising water, energy, and carbon nexus is essential for promoting sustainable drinking water systems (DWSs) in the case of small- and medium-sized utilities, representing a significant portion of the water supply in many countries. Smaller utilities face unique challenges, such as insufficient funding, aging infrastructure, and higher operational costs. This paper examines over 100 studies to identify and comprehensively understand how source type and location, raw water quality, water consumption patterns, system size, land use, population density, topography, infrastructure age, and system losses and maintenance impact energy consumption in small and medium DWSs. The review also identified more than 40 indicators related to energy and carbon from the literature, providing advanced information in this area. Findings suggest a gap in understanding how energy and carbon indicators relate to the utility's operational performance. By analyzing the challenges and opportunities smaller utilities face in optimizing water, energy, and carbon nexus, this paper highlights the necessity of shifting towards cleaner energy sources to mitigate the environmental impacts. It also emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic approach that integrates technological advancements, regulatory guidelines, and active community engagement to achieve decarbonization in DWSs. The present study aims to inform policymakers, water management professionals, and broader stakeholders about the essential components of sustainable and resilient small and medium DWSs

P-308 Relugolix combination therapy vs relugolix monotherapy with transition to relugolix combination therapy for the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain: implications for cumulative benefit/risk profile

Abstract Study question How does the benefit/risk profile compare in women with endometriosis-associated pain who initiated relugolix combination therapy (Relugolix-CT) vs relugolix monotherapy with transition to Relugolix-CT? Summary answer Initiation with Relugolix-CT showed a more favourable benefit/risk profile than relugolix monotherapy: similar efficacy, lower rate of vasomotor symptoms and clinically significant bone loss. What is known already Treatment of endometriosis with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist monotherapy may be associated with vasomotor symptoms (e.g. hot flushes) and bone mineral density (BMD) loss. Relugolix-CT (relugolix 40 mg, estradiol 1 mg, norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg) was developed to minimise these hypoestrogenic adverse effects. In the pivotal SPIRIT 1 and 2 studies and long-term extension (LTE), once-daily Relugolix-CT demonstrated improved dysmenorrhoea early in treatment that was sustained for the duration of therapy over 104 weeks, with BMD loss <1%. This analysis evaluates the benefit of initiation with Relugolix-CT vs relugolix monotherapy and transition to Relugolix-CT on the 104-week benefit/risk profile. Study design, size, duration In the 24-week SPIRIT 1 and 2 studies, premenopausal women with endometriosis and moderate-to-severe pain at baseline were randomised 1:1:1 to placebo, Relugolix-CT, or delayed Relugolix-CT (relugolix 40 mg monotherapy then Relugolix-CT; 12 weeks each). Study completers were eligible to enrol in the open-label, 80-week LTE study where all women received once-daily Relugolix-CT. Efficacy and safety data over 104 weeks from the SPIRIT studies were assessed in this ad hoc analysis. Participants/materials, setting, methods Efficacy and safety were analysed as cumulative proportions, evaluating time to benefit and time to harm. Time to benefit was defined as median time to minimal-to-no dysmenorrhoea (Numerical Rating Scale score ≤1), time to harm as time to first vasomotor symptoms (hyperhidrosis, feeling hot, hot flush, night sweats and flushing), and time to lumbar spine BMD loss from baseline to > 3% among those meeting protocol-specified BMD criteria. Median time was not estimable for safety. Main results and the role of chance In total, 1251 women were treated in the SPIRIT 1 and 2 studies. Of 418 and 417 women in the Relugolix-CT and delayed Relugolix-CT groups, time to minimal-to-no dysmenorrhoea was 8 weeks in 56.3% and 75.7% of women, respectively, increasing to 82.5% and 86.4% at Week 24, 94.5% and 95.9% at Week 52, and 95.3% and 95.9% at Week 104. In both groups, median time to minimal/no dysmenorrhea-associated pain occurred within two menstrual cycles. Cumulative proportion of patients with first vasomotor symptoms in the Relugolix-CT and delayed Relugolix-CT groups was 4.1% and 16.8%, respectively, at Week 4, 13.5% and 35.3% at Week 24, 16.4% and 38.3% at Week 52, and 16.8% and 38.8% at Week 104. Cumulative proportion of patients with first BMD loss >3% in the Relugolix-CT and delayed Relugolix-CT groups was 1.1% and 5.9%, respectively, at Week 12, 10.2% and 23.5% at Week 24, 15.5% and 29.4% at Week 52, and 21.5% and 32.1% at Week 104. Given similar time to pain improvement with higher risk of vasomotor symptoms or clinically significant BMD loss with delayed Relugolix-CT treatment, these findings support the benefit of initiation of Relugolix-CT to mitigate hypoestrogenic adverse events. Limitations, reasons for caution The 80-week, open-label SPIRIT LTE did not have a control group. This evaluation was an ad hoc investigation of SPIRIT data and was not part of the prespecified statistical analysis plan. Comparisons between groups were qualitative, and no statistical inferences were generated. Wider implications of the findings Although Relugolix-CT and relugolix monotherapy showed similar efficacy benefit, monotherapy was associated with a higher risk of vasomotor symptoms and clinically significant BMD loss. The more favourable Relugolix-CT benefit/risk profile vs monotherapy helps fulfil an unmet need for long-term, effective, and well-tolerated hormonal treatment of symptoms of endometriosis. Trial registration number SPIRIT 1 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03204318; EudraCT: 2017–001588–19); SPIRIT 2 (NCT03204331; 2017–001632–19); SPIRIT LTE (NCT03654274; 2017-004066-10)

Hydrological Response of Bamboo Plantations on Soil–Water Dynamics in Humid and Semi-Arid Coastal Region of Kenya

Soils and water are major resources that drive a country’s economy, and therefore should be conserved and utilized sustainably. However, in Kenya, these two resources are facing huge depletion and degradation due to anthropogenic factors and climate change. Bamboo species, especially on large plantations, can significantly alter ecological, hydrological, and biogeochemical processes in the long term. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different species of bamboo and tree plantations on important soil–water processes like infiltration, bulk density, runoff, and soil loss in Kenya. The research was conducted at two sites (Gede in Arabuko Sokoke forest and at Baolala, in Kilifi County) managed by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI). The Arabuko Sokoke forest has a hot–humid coastal climate, while Baolala is a hot semi-arid area with little precipitation. The study involved measurement of soil–water infiltration rates using infiltrometers, installing runoff plots to quantify surface runoff and sediment loss, and analyzing soil properties like bulk density for growing periods for different bamboo and tree species. At the Gede forest site, the 30-year-old Thyrsostachys siamensis and Bambusa bambos plantations recorded the highest infiltration rates. Mature bamboo plantations of T. siamensis and B. bambos recorded higher infiltration rates compared to mature plantations of E. camaldulensis and G. arborea. It was observed that the bamboo plantations manifested lower soil bulk density compared to bare land, which recorded the highest bulk density. At Boalala, infiltration rates were significantly higher in the bamboo species compared to grassland and bare land. The painted bamboo (B. vulgaris vittata) had a slightly higher water infiltration rate compared to B. vulgaris. Runoff and erosion patterns reinforced the benefits of more mature bamboo plantations as well. There was a significant correlation between amount of runoff and collected soil loss through erosion. The data showed reductions in surface runoff volumes and sediment loss as the bamboo plantations aged compared to younger species. Therefore, by enhancing infiltration and reducing runoff and erosion, well-managed bamboo plantations can protect valuable soil resources, improve water recharge, and support sustainable land use over the long term. In conclusion, this study showed the strong potential of bamboo as a soil and water conservation tool in Kenya.

Pelvic Bone Marrow Sparing Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Reduces the Bone Mineral Density Loss of Patients With Cervical Cancer

PurposeTo test the efficacy and feasibility of pelvic bone marrow sparing intensity modulated radiotherapy (PBMS-IMRT) in reducing bone density loss for patients with cervical cancer undergoing pelvic radiotherapy (RT). Methods and MaterialsNon-surgical cervical cancer patients with Stage Ib2–IIIc cancer were randomly allocated into the PBMS group or the control group. The PBMS group additionally received PBM dose constraint. Computed tomography (CT) imaging sets were acquired at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment. Radiation dose and Hounsfield unit (HU) were registered. Bone density loss rates and fracture events at different follow-up time points were recorded. ResultsData from 90 patients in the PBMS group and 86 patients in the control group were used for statistical analysis, which included 30 and 26 patients with extended-field RT (EFR), respectively. The median follow-up for all patients was 12 months. Compared to baseline, the bone density of all bones at the last follow-up had decreased by 43% and 53% in the PBMS and control groups, respectively, with the most significant decline at 1 month after treatment. Although patients without extended-field radiation received minimal irradiation in the upper lumbar spine, a 22.33% decrease in bone density was detected. In the group of patients with EFR, the decrease was 51.18% (P < 0.01). Lumbar or pelvic fracture incidence rates of patients in the PBMS and control groups were 7.8% and 12.79%, respectively. Among the dosimetric parameters, mean dose had the strongest correlation with bone density loss. ConclusionIn patients undergoing pelvic RT, the loss of bone density can begin to appear early after RT, and it can occur either inside or outside of the irradiation field. Results of this study showed that PBMS-IMRT reduced bone mineral density loss compared with IMRT alone.

A cost-free approach to evaluating vertebral body bone density and height loss in lung transplant recipients using routine chest CT

BackgroundTo assess changes in bone density and vertebral body height of patients undergoing lung transplant surgery using computed tomography (CT). MethodsThis institutional review board (IRB) approved retrospective observational study enrolled patients with a history of lung transplant who had at least two chest CT scans. Vertebral body bone density (superior, middle, and inferior sections) and height (anterior, middle, and posterior sections) were measured at T1-T12 at baseline and follow up CT scans. Changes in the mean bone density, mean vertebral height, vertebral compression ratio (VBCR), percentage of anterior height compression (PAHC), and percentage of middle height compression (PMHC) were calculated and analyzed. ResultsA total of 93 participants with mean age of 58 ± 12.3 years were enrolled. The most common underlying disease that led to lung transplants was interstitial lung diseases (57 %). The inter-scan interval was 34.06 ± 24.8 months. There were significant changes (p-value < 0.05) in bone density at all levels from T3 to T12, with the greatest decline at the T10 level from 163.06 HU to 141.84 HU (p-value < 0.05). The average VBCR decreased from 96.91 to 96.15 (p-value < 0.05). ConclusionRoutine chest CT scans demonstrate a gradual decrease in vertebral body bone density over time in lung transplant recipients, along with evident anatomic changes such as vertebral body bone compression. This study shows that utilizing routine chest CT for lung transplant recipients can be regarded as a cost-free tool for assessing the vertebral body bone changes in these patients and potentially aiding in the prevention of complications related to osteoporosis.

Optical-Electrical Coordinately Modulated Memristor Based on 2D Ferroelectric RP Perovskite for Artificial Vision Applications.

Traditional artificial vision systems built using separate sensing, computing, and storage units have problems with high power consumption and latency caused by frequent data transmission between functional units. An effective approach is to transfer some memory and computing tasks to the sensor, enabling the simultaneous perception-storage-processing of light signals. Here, an optical-electrical coordinately modulated memristor is proposed, which controls the conductivity by means of polarization of the 2D ferroelectric Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite film at room temperature. The residual polarization shows no significant decay after 109-cycle polarization reversals, indicating that the device has high durability. By adjusting the pulse parameters, the device can simulate the bio-synaptic long/short-term plasticity, which enables the control of conductivity with a high linearity of ≈0.997. Based on the device, a two-layer feedforward neural network is built to recognize handwritten digits, and the recognition accuracy is as high as 97.150%. Meanwhile, building optical-electrical reserve pool system can improve 14.550% for face recognition accuracy, further demonstrating its potential for the field of neural morphological visual systems, with high density and low energy loss.

Genetic Predictors of Bone Density Loss After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Genetic Predictors of Bone Density Loss After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Qifu-yin activates the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling and ameliorates synaptic injury and oxidative stress in APP/PS1 mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe traditional medicinal formulation, Qifu-yin (QFY), has been widely prescribed for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment in China, yet the comprehensive mechanisms through which QFY mitigates AD pathology remain to be fully delineated. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to explore the therapeutic implications of QFY on the synaptic injury and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice, with a concerted effort to elucidate the molecular mechanisms related to synaptic preservation and memory improvement. Materials and methodsThe components of QFY were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The neuroprotective effects of QFY was evaluated using six-month-old male APP/PS1 mice. Subsequent to a 15 days of QFY regimen, spatial memory was assessed utilizing the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation was detected via immunostaining, while the quantification of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 was achieved through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to investigate the synaptic structure and mitochondrial morphology. Golgi staining was applied to examine dendritic spine density. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and 4-hydroxy-nonenal (4-HNE) assays were employed to assess oxidative stress. The expression profiles of Aβ metabolism-associated enzymes and the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway were determined by Western blot. ResultsA total of 20 principal compounds in QFY were identified. QFY mitigated memory deficits of APP/PS1 mice, including reducing escape latency and search distance and increasing the time and distance spent in the target quadrant. In addition, QFY increased platform crossings of APP/PS1 mice in the probe trial of MWM tests. TEM analysis showed that QFY increased synapse number in the CA1 region of APP/PS1 mice. Further studies indicated that QFY elevated the expression levels of Post synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin, and mitigated the loss of dendritic spine density in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. QFY has been shown to ameliorated the structural abnormalities of mitochondria, including mitochondrial dissolution and degradation, up-regulate ATP synthesis and membrane potential in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, QFY activated the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice, which might contribute to the neuroprotective effects of QFY. ConclusionQFY activates the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling, and protects against synaptic and mitochondrial dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice, proposing a potential alternative therapeutic strategy for AD management.

Sex-Specific Effects of THRβ Signaling on Metabolic Responses to High Fat Diet in Mice.

Thyroid hormone (TH) plays a crucial role in regulating the functions of both bone and adipose tissue. Given that TH exerts its cholesterol-lowering effects in hepatic tissue through the TH receptor-β (TRβ), we hypothesized that TRβ agonist therapy using MGL3196 (MGL) would be effective in treating increased adiposity and bone loss in response to a 12-week high-fat diet (HFD) in adult C57BL/6J mice. Transcriptional and serum profiling revealed that HFD-induced leptin promoted weight gain in both males and females, but MGL only suppressed leptin induction and weight gain in males. In vitro studies suggest that estrogen suppresses MGL activity in adipocytes, indicating that estrogen might interfere with MGL-TRβ function. Compared to systemic adiposity, HFD reduced bone mass in male but not female mice. Paradoxically, MGL treatment reversed macroscopic bone mineral density loss in appendicular bones, but micro-CT revealed that MGL exacerbated HFD-induced trabecular bone loss, and reduced bone strength. In studies on the mechanisms for HFD effects on bone, we found that HFD induced Rankl expression in male femurs that was blocked by MGL. By ex vivo assays, we found that RANKL indirectly represses osteoblast lineage allocation of osteoprogenitors by induction of inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, and CCL2. Finally, we found that MGL functions in both systemic adiposity and bone by nongenomic TRβ signaling, as HFD-mediated phenotypes were not rescued in TRβ147F knockout mice with normal genomic but defective nongenomic TRβ signaling. Our findings demonstrate that the negative effects of HFD on body fat and bone phenotypes are impacted by MGL in a gender-specific manner.

Jellyfish-Inspired Self-Healing Luminescent Elastomers Based on Borate Nanoassemblies for Dual-Model Encryption.

Responsive luminescent materials that reversibly react to external stimuli have emerged as prospective platforms for information encryption applications. Despite brilliant achievements, the existing fluorescent materials usually have low information density and experience inevitable information loss when subjected to mechanical damage. Here, inspired by the hierarchical nanostructure of fluorescent proteins in jellyfish, we propose a self-healable, photoresponsive luminescent elastomer based on dynamic interface-anchored borate nanoassemblies for smart dual-model encryption. The rigid cyclodextrin molecule restricts the movement of the guest fluorescent molecules, enabling long room-temperature phosphorescence (0.37 s) and excitation wavelength-responsive fluorescence. The building of reversible interfacial bonding between nanoassemblies and polymer matrix together with their nanoconfinement effect endows the nanocomposites with excellent mechanical performances (tensile strength of 15.8 MPa) and superior mechanical and functional recovery capacities after damage. Such supramolecular nanoassemblies with dynamic nanoconfinement and interfaces enable simultaneous material functionalization and self-healing, paving the way for the development of advanced functional materials.

The Fluorescent Cell Line SW620-GFP Is a Valuable Model to Monitor Magnetic Hyperthermia.

In this work, the cell line SW620-GFP has been used in a complete magnetic hyperthermia assay, from the preparation of the ferrofluid with folate-coated iron oxide nanoparticles to in vivo experiments. The physical and chemical characterization of the nanoparticles evidenced their superparamagnetic behaviour, an average diameter of 12 ± 4 nm, a 2 nm coat thickness, and a high-power loss density. The main innovation of the work is the exclusive capability of viable SW620-GFP cells to emit fluorescence, enabling fast analysis of both, cell viability in vitro with an epifluorescence microscope and tumour size and shape in vivo in a non-invasive manner using the iBox technology. Moreover, with this imaging technique, it was possible to demonstrate the successful tumour size reduction in mice applying magnetic hyperthermia three times a week over 3 weeks.

Changes in Physical and Water Sorption Characteristics of Three Solid Woods after One-Sided Surface Charring.

One-sided surface charring of wood is a modification process used to lower moisture absorption and improve the resistance to biological degradation for durable surface exterior claddings. Cupressus lusitanica, Gmelina arborea, and Tectona grandis wood samples from fast-growth plantation were charred with a hot plate using three temperatures (300, 350, and 400 °C ± 3 °C) for 10 min. Wood density, surface quality (color and presence of splits), and sorption characteristics (wetting rate and water uptake) were evaluated. Results show that samples charred at 300 °C presented a lower loss of density and thickness than samples charred at 400 °C. Changes in the chemical structure of the wood as a result of the high temperatures caused a decrease of all color parameters (L*, a*, and b*). These values decreased in the samples charred at 400 °C for the three species. Also, the presence of cracks and splits on the surface, or in some cases the presence of detachments from the charring surface, was mostly observed in the samples charred at 350 and 400 °C. One-sided surface charring reduced the liquid water sorption of wood samples in comparison with that of reference samples, especially for C. lusitanica and T. grandis. G. arborea, due to the composition of its anatomical structure and its initial density, chars faster than the other species, causing a greater loss of density, wetting rate values like those of the reference wood, and higher values of water uptake.

Lower in vivo locus coeruleus integrity is associated with lower cortical thickness in older individuals with elevated Alzheimer’s pathology: a cohort study

BackgroundAutopsy work indicates that the widely-projecting noradrenergic pontine locus coeruleus (LC) is among the earliest regions to accumulate hyperphosphorylated tau, a neuropathological Alzheimer’s disease (AD) hallmark. This early tau deposition is accompanied by a reduced density of LC projections and a reduction of norepinephrine’s neuroprotective effects, potentially compromising the neuronal integrity of LC’s cortical targets. Previous studies suggest that lower magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived LC integrity may signal cortical tissue degeneration in cognitively healthy, older individuals. However, whether these observations are driven by underlying AD pathology remains unknown. To that end, we examined potential effect modifications by cortical beta-amyloid and tau pathology on the association between in vivo LC integrity, as quantified by LC MRI signal intensity, and cortical neurodegeneration, as indexed by cortical thickness.MethodsA total of 165 older individuals (74.24 ± 9.72 years, ~ 60% female, 10% cognitively impaired) underwent whole-brain and dedicated LC 3T-MRI, Pittsburgh Compound-B (PiB, beta-amyloid) and Flortaucipir (FTP, tau) positron emission tomography. Linear regression analyses with bootstrapped standard errors (n = 2000) assessed associations between bilateral cortical thickness and i) LC MRI signal intensity and, ii) LC MRI signal intensity interacted with cortical FTP or PiB (i.e., EC FTP, IT FTP, neocortical PiB) in the entire sample and a low beta-amyloid subsample.ResultsAcross the entire sample, we found a direct effect, where lower LC MRI signal intensity was associated with lower mediolateral temporal cortical thickness. Evaluation of potential effect modifications by FTP or PiB revealed that lower LC MRI signal intensity was related to lower cortical thickness, particularly in individuals with elevated (EC, IT) FTP or (neocortical) PiB. The latter result was present starting from subthreshold PiB values. In low PiB individuals, lower LC MRI signal intensity was related to lower EC cortical thickness in the context of elevated EC FTP.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that LC-related cortical neurodegeneration patterns in older individuals correspond to regions representing early Braak stages and may reflect a combination of LC projection density loss and emergence of cortical AD pathology. This provides a novel understanding that LC-related cortical neurodegeneration may signal downstream consequences of AD-related pathology, rather than being exclusively a result of aging.

Realization of an ultra-thin absorber based on magnetic metamaterial working at L-band

In this paper, at the L-band, we design and verify an ultra-thin easy-realized absorber (LUTA) based on metasurface and magnetic material. The absorptivity achieves over 90% at 1–2.51 GHz (86.04% fractional bandwidth), covering the whole L-band (1–2 GHz) and the partial S-band (2–4 GHz). The total thickness of the LUTA is as low as 3.7 mm, corresponding to 0.012λ0 at the lowest operating frequency, which greatly breaks through the Rozanov limit. The excellent performance is achieved through analyzing the transmission line model of a basic absorber and then designing the metasurface layer with required impedance characteristics to make the impedance of the LUTA match with the air at the designed frequency band. The simulated absorption, power loss density, and the surface current distributions of the LUTA verify the design method, while the measured results demonstrate that the LUTA has the superiority of easy-fabrication, polarization independent, wide angle incidence, and high absorption at the whole L-band. The LUTA has great application potentials in the fields of L-band electromagnetic stealth and radar cross section reduction.

Transmissible long-term neuroprotective and pro-cognitive effects of 1-42 beta-amyloid with A2T icelandic mutation in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

The amyloid cascade hypothesis assumes that the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is driven by a self-perpetuating cycle, in which β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation leads to Tau pathology and neuronal damages. A particular mutation (A673T) of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) was identified among Icelandic population. It provides a protective effect against Alzheimer- and age-related cognitive decline. This APP mutation leads to the reduced production of Aβ with A2T (position in peptide sequence) change (Aβice). In addition, Aβice has the capacity to form protective heterodimers in association with wild-type Aβ. Despite the emerging interest in Aβice during the last decade, the impact of Aβice on events associated with the amyloid cascade has never been reported. First, the effects of Aβice were evaluated in vitro by electrophysiology on hippocampal slices and by studying synapse morphology in cortical neurons. We showed that Aβice protects against endogenous Aβ-mediated synaptotoxicity. Second, as several studies have outlined that a single intracerebral administration of Aβ can worsen Aβ deposition and cognitive functions several months after the inoculation, we evaluated in vivo the long-term effects of a single inoculation of Aβice or Aβ-wild-type (Aβwt) in the hippocampus of transgenic mice (APPswe/PS1dE9) over-expressing Aβ1-42 peptide. Interestingly, we found that the single intra-hippocampal inoculation of Aβice to mice rescued synaptic density and spatial memory losses four months post-inoculation, compared with Aβwt inoculation. Although Aβ load was not modulated by Aβice infusion, the amount of Tau-positive neuritic plaques was significantly reduced. Finally, a lower phagocytosis by microglia of post-synaptic compounds was detected in Aβice-inoculated animals, which can partly explain the increased density of synapses in the Aβice animals. Thus, a single event as Aβice inoculation can improve the fate of AD-associated pathology and phenotype in mice several months after the event. These results open unexpected fields to develop innovative therapeutic strategies against AD.

Durability and kinetic effects of CO2-rich oxidizing streams on LSCF-based solid oxide fuel cells

In the SOS–CO2 cycle, a novel hybrid cycle for blue power production, the solid oxide fuel cell's (SOFC) cathode is supplied with a CO2-rich oxidizing stream (e.g., 21 % O2 79 % CO2 vol.). The durability of state-of-the-art anode-supported SOFCs (25 cm2, SolydEra) with LSCF-GDC/LSC (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ-Gd0.1Ce0.9O3+δ/La0.6Sr0.4CoO3+δ) cathodes was tested at atmospheric pressure for 1090 h with 7 % humidified H2 and reformate, at 700 °C and 0.85 V. The SOFC performance was investigated with periodic I/V curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The results highlighted a 24 % power density loss when air was replaced with the O2/CO2 mixture (672 mW/cm2 in air vs. 508 mW/cm2 in O2/CO2 with humidified H2). A stable power output was observed, and complete reversibility was found when the air supply was restored. A distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis of the EIS spectra allowed to extract an anodic rate equation for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and evaluate the frequency region affected by cathodic CO2. The kinetic effect of CO2 was also studied via EIS on symmetric button cells at varying O2 and CO2 amounts, and a power-law rate equation was derived. The results verify the feasibility of the SOS–CO2 cycle feed conditions at 700 °C and atmospheric pressure.