Mass Enhancement Research Articles

Benchmarking data-driven inversion methods for the estimation of local CO2 emissions from synthetic satellite images of XCO2 and NO2

Abstract. The largest anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) come from local sources, such as cities and power plants. The upcoming Copernicus CO2 Monitoring (CO2M) mission will provide satellite images of the CO2 and NO2 plumes associated with these sources at a resolution of 2 km × 2 km and with a swath of 250 km. These images could be exploited using atmospheric-plume inversion methods to estimate local CO2 emissions at the time of the satellite overpass and their corresponding uncertainties. To support the development of the operational processing of satellite imagery of the column-averaged CO2 dry-air mole fraction (XCO2) and tropospheric-column NO2, this study evaluates data-driven inversion methods, i.e., computationally light inversion methods that directly process information from satellite images, local winds, and meteorological data, without resorting to computationally expensive dynamical atmospheric transport models. We designed an objective benchmarking exercise to analyze and compare the performance of five different data-driven inversion methods: two implementations with different complexities for the cross-sectional flux approach (CSF and LCSF), as well as one implementation each for the integrated mass enhancement (IME), divergence (Div), and Gaussian plume (GP) model inversion approaches. This exercise is based on pseudo-data experiments with simulations of synthetic true emissions, meteorological and concentration fields, and CO2M observations across a domain of 750 km × 650 km, centered on eastern Germany, over 1 year. The performance of the methods is quantified in terms of the accuracy of single-image emission estimates (from individual images) or annual-average emission estimates (from the full series of images), as well as in terms of the number of instant estimates for the city of Berlin and 15 power plants within this domain. Several ensembles of estimations are conducted using different scenarios for the available synthetic datasets. These ensembles are used to analyze the sensitivity of performance to (1) data loss due to cloud cover, (2) uncertainty in the wind, or (3) the added value of simultaneous NO2 images. The GP and LCSF methods generate the most accurate estimates from individual images. The deviations between the emission estimates and the true emissions from these two methods have similar interquartile ranges (IQRs), ranging from ∼ 20 % to ∼ 60 % depending on the scenario. When taking cloud cover into account, these methods produce 274 and 318 instant estimates, respectively, from the ∼ 500 daily images, which cover significant portions of the plumes from the sources. Filtering the results based on the associated uncertainty estimates can improve the statistics of the IME and CSF methods but does so at the cost of a large decrease in the number of estimates. Due to a reliable estimation of uncertainty and, thus, a suitable selection of estimates, the CSF method achieves similar, if not better, accuracy statistics for instant estimates compared to the GP and LCSF methods after filtering. In general, the performance of retrieving single-image estimates improves when, in addition to XCO2 data, collocated NO2 data are used to characterize the structure of plumes. With respect to the estimates of annual emissions, the root mean square errors (RMSEs) for the most realistic benchmarking scenario are 20 % (GP), 27 % (CSF), 31 % (LCSF), 55 % (IME), and 79 % (Div). This study suggests that the Gaussian plume and/or cross-sectional approaches are currently the most efficient tools for providing estimates of CO2 emissions from satellite images, and their relatively light computational cost will enable the analysis of the massive amount of data to be provided by future satellite XCO2 imagery missions.

Dislocation‐Induced Local and Global Photoconductivity Enhancement and Mechanisms in Iron‐Doped SrTiO3

AbstractDislocations have a tremendous potential to alter band structure and transport properties. However, their impact on the optoelectronic properties of metal oxides is not thoroughly studied. This is mostly due to the early work on classical semiconductors, where dislocations are found to have detrimental effects. In this study, a simple method is developed to introduce a high density of dislocations over a large macroscopic volume of Fe‐doped SrTiO3 single crystals. As a result, the photoconductivity revealed by static and dynamic measurements increases by at least one order of magnitude. A detailed analysis based on photo‐Hall, spectral photoresponsivity, time‐resolved photocurrent, and conductive AFM, focusing on the quantum paraelectric state of SrTiO3, is presented to shed light on the possible mechanisms behind higher generated photocurrent. These findings indicate that the increased photoconductivity results from a higher charge carrier generation rate due to new energy states induced by dislocations, possibly accompanied by an enhancement of electron effective mass.

Nrf2/NRF1 signaling activation and crosstalk amplify mitochondrial biogenesis in the treatment of triptolide-induced cardiotoxicity using calycosin

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates both oxidative stress and mitochondrial biogenesis. Our previous study reported the cardioprotection of calycosin against triptolide toxicity through promoting mitochondrial biogenesis by activating nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), a coregulatory effect contributed by Nrf2 was not fully elucidated. This work aimed at investigating the involvement of Nrf2 in mitochondrial protection and elucidating Nrf2/NRF1 signaling crosstalk on amplifying the detoxification of calycosin. Results indicated that calycosin inhibited cardiomyocytes apoptosis and F-actin depolymerization following triptolide exposure. Cardiac contraction was improved by calycosin through increasing both fractional shortening (FS%) and ejection fraction (EF%). This enhanced contractile capacity of heart was benefited from mitochondrial protection reflected by ultrastructure improvement, augment in mitochondrial mass and ATP production. NRF1 overexpression in cardiomyocytes increased mitochondrial mass and DNA copy number, whereas NRF1 knockdown mitigated calycosin-mediated enhancement in mitochondrial mass. For nuclear Nrf2, it was upregulated by calycosin in a way of disrupting Nrf2-Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1) interaction, followed by inhibiting ubiquitination and degradation. The involvement of Nrf2 in mitochondrial protection was validated by the results that both Nrf2 knockdown and Nrf2 inhibitor blocked the calycosin effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration. In the case of calycosin treatment, its effect on NRF1 and Nrf2 upregulations were respectively blocked by PGCα/Nrf2 and NRF1 knockdown, indicative of the mutual regulation between Nrf2 and NRF1. Accordingly, calycosin activated Nrf2/NRF1 and the signaling crosstalk, leading to mitochondrial biogenesis amplification, which would become a novel mechanism of calycosin against triptolide-induced cardiotoxicity.

Comparing Point Source CO2 Emission Rate Estimates From Near‐Simultaneous OCO‐3 and EMIT Observations

AbstractCarbon dioxide () emissions from combustion sources are uncertain in many places across the globe. Here, we estimate emission rates from a small number of collocated observations from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory‐3 (OCO‐3) and the Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT), both onboard the International Space Station (ISS). These near‐simultaneous measurements allow for an unprecedented comparison of two unique space‐based sensors over both isolated coal‐fired power plants and multi‐source scenes in China. We estimate emission rates using integrated mass enhancement and a Gaussian plume model. Where validation data is available, 15 of the 19 estimated emission rates have errors less than 37%. For the multi‐source scenes, EMIT can estimate emissions from individual facilities but its aggregate emissions are 42% lower than OCO‐3, likely because it cannot detect small sources or diffuse emissions. OCO‐3, with its excellent precision, may better constrain emissions over the entire scene.

Diagnostic Efficacy of Multimodal Ultrasound for Mass and Non-Mass Enhancements in Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis and Breast Cancer

PurposeIdiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) poses diagnostic challenges due to its diverse clinical and radiological presentations, often mimicking malignancies. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of multimodal ultrasound for mass and non-mass enhancements in Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) of IGM and breast cancer. MethodsA retrospective analysis involved patients confirmed histopathologically with IGM and BC. All patients underwent conventional ultrasound (C-US), ultrasound elastography (UE), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and DCE-MR examinations. Blind experienced radiologists assessed imaging findings. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for mass and non-mass enhancements. ResultsFor mass enhancements (ME), multimodal ultrasound demonstrated strong efficacy (AUC = 0.8651, 95% CI: 0.7431 to 0.9871), exhibiting high sensitivity (83.3%) and specificity (92.4%) in differentiating IGM from breast cancer. However, for non-mass enhancements (NME), multimodal ultrasound showed limited accuracy (AUC = 0.6306) with lower sensitivity (65.6%) and specificity (81.2%) in distinguishing between IGM and breast cancer. ConclusionMultimodal ultrasound displayed good diagnostic efficacy for mass enhancements in DCE-MRI for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis and breast cancer, while for non-mass enhancement patterns, DCE-MRI remains the most valuable radiological modality for comprehensively assessing this condition's complexities.

Influence of Thermal Wall and Velocity Slips on Non-Darcy MHD Boundary Layer Flow of a Nanofluid over a Non-linear Stretching Sheet

Abstract This study investigates the characteristics of magnetohydrodynamic nanofluid flowing via a non-linearly stretched surface within a porous media along with thermal and velocity slips. The similarity transformation is implemented to derive non-dimensional ordinary differential equations from partial differential equations. The finite difference Keller box implicit method yields the numerical solutions. Notably, our findings reveal the intricate influence of several factors, such as velocity slip factor, permeability parameter, thermophoresis parameter, thermal slip factor, Brownian parameter, magnetic parameter and stretching factor on temperature, concentration and velocity, also unveiling nuanced insights into the enhancement of mass and heat transfer attributes. The finding shows that the concentration and temperature of the nanofluid are enhanced and reduced respectively on increasing the thermal slip factor. Further, both mass and heat transfer rates decrease with increasing thermal slip, while the influence of skin friction coefficient is negligible. Further, Both concentration as well as temperature increase on enhancing velocity slip parameter, but opposite behaviour has been observed for the velocity profile. Further, for the higher value of velocity slip, the skin friction coefficient and the rate of heat transfer are increased. While, the mass transfer rate decreases. Furthermore, As the permeability increases, temperature and velocity profiles both indicate an upward trend, which is an acceptable result because more permeability propels more flow and low permeability induces weak flow in the system. The achieved results are depicted graphically.

Inter-reader agreement of the BI-RADS CEM lexicon.

The purpose of this study was to assess the inter-reader agreement of the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) lexicon. In this IRB-approved, single-center, retrospective study, three breast radiologists, each with different levels of experience, reviewed 462 lesions in 421 routine clinical CEM according to the fifth edition of the BI-RADS lexicon for mammography and to the first version of the BI-RADS lexicon for CEM. Readers were blinded to patient outcomes and evaluated breast and lesion features on low-energy (LE) images (breast density, type of lesion, associated architectural distortion), lesion features on recombined (RC) images (type of enhancement, characteristic of mass enhancement, non-mass enhancement or enhancing asymmetry), and provided a final BI-RADS assessment. The inter-reader agreement was calculated for each evaluated feature using Fleiss' kappa coefficient. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. The inter-reader agreement was moderate to substantial for breast density (ĸ = 0.569), type of lesion on LE images (ĸ = 0.654), and type of enhancement (ĸ = 0.664). There was a moderate to substantial agreement on CEM mass enhancement descriptors. The agreement was fair to moderate for non-mass enhancement and enhancing asymmetry descriptors. Inter-reader agreement for LE and LE with RC BI-RADS assessment was moderate (ĸ = 0.421) and fair (ĸ = 0.364). Diagnostic performance was good and comparable for all readers. Inter-reader agreement of the CEM lexicon was moderate to substantial for most features. There was a low agreement for some RC descriptors, such as non-mass enhancement and enhancing asymmetry, and BI-RADS assessment, but this did not impact the diagnostic performance. Question Data on the reproducibility and inter-reader agreement for the first version of the BI-RADS lexicon dedicated to CEM are missing. Finding The inter-reader agreement for the lexicon was overall substantial to moderate, but it was lower for the descriptors for non-mass enhancement and enhancing asymmetry. Clinical relevance A common lexicon simplifies communication between specialists in clinical practice. The good inter-reader agreement confirms the effectiveness of the CEM-BIRADS in ensuring consistent communication. Detailed definitions of some descriptors (non-mass, enhancing asymmetry) are needed to ensure higher agreements.

Dietary supplement consumption and associated factors among Algerian population residing in Tebessa: Cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of dietary supplement consumption among Algerians in Tebessa. Materials and methodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional survey carried out over two months. The study included 216 Algerian men and women selected via simple random sampling. Approximately half of the participants were under 27 years old, with a mean age of 30 years. Variables assessed included the use of dietary supplements, reasons for consumption, frequency of use, types of supplements used, sources of purchase, and sources of advice regarding consumption. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney test and Chi2 test, respectively. Logistic regression was employed to examine associations between dietary supplement consumption and explanatory variables, including socioeconomic factors. ResultsThe prevalence of dietary supplement use was 88.4%. The most common reasons cited for consumption were muscle mass enhancement and fatigue reduction. Vitamins were the most frequently used supplements, followed by trace elements. Consumption patterns were significantly associated with socioeconomic factors. ConclusionsA large part of the population has consumed food supplements for different reasons. This consumption could be beneficial for their health. Therefore, information-based on scientific evidence is important to prevent inappropriate use of dietary supplements by consumers. This study could serve as the foundation for a nationwide multicenter study to gain a better understanding of dietary supplement use among Algerians.

Investigating the spatiotemporal distribution of fine particulate matter sources during persistent cold air pools in Salt Lake County

Persistent cold air pools (PCAP), also referred to colloquially as inversions, are responsible for some of the greatest enhancements in air pollution in Utah’s Wasatch Front. PCAPs, which can last for a period of days or weeks, trap warm air beneath a layer of colder air, which results in the accumulation of particulates during the inversion. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) sampling occurred in seven field sites across Salt Lake County (SLCo) during Wintertime (November–April). Concentrations of the organic mass of PM2.5 increased during inversion events (μinv = 4.0 μg/m3) when compared to the wintertime baseline (μbaseline = 3.5 μg/m3). However, organic mass enhancements during PCAPs were most pronounced at lowest-altitude field sites situated near potential PM2.5 sources. Four sources of organic carbon were identified, comprised of industrial, abrasive, wood burning, and onroad sources. During PCAP events, PM2.5 species profiles exhibited greater spatial heterogeneity, due to lower wind speeds and caps on vertical mixing (Coefficient of Determinationinv = 0.51, Coefficient of Determinationbaseline = 0.43). These results indicate both elevation and local source emissions may be of increased importance in understanding PM2.5 concentrations during PCAP events.

Reversible esterification process in Casson nanofluids: A numerical analysis of non-newtonian hydromagnetic flow

A computational mechanism has been formulated to scientifically analyze the phenomenon of combined convection in the occurrence of magnetohydrodynamic flow behavior of Casson nanofluid. This study emphasizes the trajectory of the nanofluid along a stretching sheet with nonlinear permeability, while considering additional physical effects such as reversible chemical reaction, thermal radiation, energy source/sink, suction and viscous dissipation. In this study, we have additionally integrated the nanofluid paradigm proposed by Buongiorno, which encompasses the repercussion of thermophoresis along with Brownian motion. The utilization of appropriate similarity renovations serves the purpose of recasting the dominant multivariate differential equations to a collection of nonlinear differential equations in single variable. The Runge–Kutta shooting mechanism is implemented for the intention of numerically determining the unknown boundary conditions. The solution to the dominant equations was obtained by employing the fourth-order Runge–Kutta technique and to ensure the dependability of the outcomes, the bvp4c method was employed. The graphical and tabulated observations are presented herein to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the underlying physical characteristics inherent in the problem at hand. The utilization of the Casson parameter has been found to be advantageous in the reduction of shear stress rate, along with the enhancement of mass and energy transfer rates. Additionally, the application of suction has been observed to be beneficial in the enhancement of Sherwood number and energy transfer rate. Within the scope of the context of the esterification process, the purpose of this proposal is to evaluate the impact that numerous arithmetical values exert on the temperature field, the velocity profile and the volumetric concentration. An in-depth graphical analysis that takes into account the relevant physical consequences is used to evaluate the most important factors that relate to the physical quantities that describe the contours of temperature, velocity and concentration. In addition to being accompanied by their respective explanations, the tabular portrayal of the local Sherwood number, shear stress rate along with local Nusselt number all feature in this paper. There is a clear distinction that can be made between irreversible and reversible flows in the evaluation of the local Sherwood number, rate of shear stress and local Nusselt number. This differentiation is brought about by taking into analysis thermophoresis parameter, Brownian motion parameter and suction parameter. The results that were produced from the theoretical simulations have significant repercussions for a variety of fields that are related to energy engineering. The findings derived from the analysis indicate a negative correlation between the Brownian motion parameter and both irreversible and reversible flow in terms of rate of energy transfer and shear stress rate. It is imperative to highlight that reversible flow holds greater significance in comparison to irreversible flow.

New horizon of the combined BCG vaccine with probiotic and liraglutide in augmenting beta cell survival via suppression of TXNIP/NLRP3 pyroptosis signaling in Streptozocin–Induced diabetes mellitestype-1 in rats

BackgroundAn ideal anti-diabetic type-1 pharmacotherapy should combine abrogation of beta cell pyroptosis with enhancement of beta cell mass. ObjectivesThe study investigated the potential synergism from combining the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine with liraglutide (LIR) and probiotics in mitigating Streptozocin (STZ)-induced Type1diabetes mellitus in albino rats via suppression of TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling. Methods: Induction of diabetes was performed by two I.V. injections of 50 mg/kg of STZ in male Wistar rats. Forty-eight rats were randomly allocated into six groups: Normal control group; STZ -diabetic group; BCG group; BCG + LIR group; BCG + probiotic group; BCG + LIR + probiotic group. The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks of treatment. ResultsThe STZ-diabetic group exhibited significant elevation of fasting blood sugar and HbA1c with remarkably decreased serum insulin along with a considerable increase in pancreatic proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, NLRP3, IL-1β, and NFκB) and apoptotic markers (ASK-1, IAPP, TXNIP, and Caspase-3) with prominently compromised oxidative scavenging capacity in addition to structural alteration in the pancreatic histoarchitecture with decreased insulin immunostaining. Conversely, diabetic-treated groups, especially the BCG + LIR + probiotic group, were superior in amelioration of STZ-induced pyroptosis of pancreatic islets evidenced by a significant decline in inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers with a remarkable upgrade in redox balance, Furthermore, the mitigation in the altered histopathological picture of the pancreas with enhanced insulin immunostaining has been was mirrored on the significant improvement of glucose homeostasis parameters. ConclusionsNoteworthy, BCG combination with liraglutide and probiotic might be a promising repurposed therapeutic modality in the management of type-1 diabetes mellites via targeting pancreatic TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Shubnikov–de Haas effect in the Falicov–Kimball model: strong correlation meets quantum oscillation

Abstract We present a comprehensive investigation of quantum oscillations (QOs) in the strongly-correlated Falicov-Kimball model (FKM). The FKM is a particularly suitable platform for probing the non-Fermi liquid state devoid of quasiparticles, affording exact Monte Carlo simulation across all parameter spaces.
In the high-correlation regime, we report the presence of prominent QOs in magnetoresistance and electron density at low temperatures within the phase separation state. The frequency behavior of these oscillations uncovers a transition in the Fermi surface as electron density diminishes, switching from hole-like to electron-like. Both types of Fermi surfaces are found to conform to the Onsager relation, establishing a connection between QOs frequency and Fermi surface area.
Upon exploring the temperature dependence of QOs amplitude, we discern a strong alignment with the Lifshitz-Kosevich (LK) theory, provided the effective mass is suitably renormalized. Notwithstanding, the substantial enhancement of the overall effective mass results in a notable suppression of the QOs amplitude within the examined temperature scope, a finding inconsistent with Fermi liquid predictions. For the most part, the effective mass diminishes as the temperature increases, but an unusual increase is observed at the proximity of the second-order phase transition instigated by thermal effects.
As the transition ensues, the regular QOs disappear, replaced by irregular ones in the non-Fermi liquid state under a high magnetic field.
We also uncover significant QOs in the insulating charge density wave state under weak interactions ($0 < U < 1$), a phenomenon we elucidate through analytical calculations.
Our findings shed light on the critical role of quasiparticles in the manifestation of QOs, enabling further understanding of their function in this context.

Biofilm-camouflaged Prussian blue synergistic mitochondrial mass enhancement for Alzheimer's disease based on Cu2+ chelation and photothermal therapy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases characterized by cognitive and memory impairment. Metal ion imbalance and Mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to abnormal aggregation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ), are key factors in the pathogenesis of AD. Therefore, we designed a composite nanometer system of red blood cell (RBC) membranes-encapsulated Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB/RBC). Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) can chelate Cu2+ and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The RBC membranes are a kind of natural long-lasting circulating carrier. At the same time, through NIR irradiation, the excellent photothermal ability of PBNPs can also temporarily open the blood-brain barrier (BBB), enhance the transmission efficiency of PB/RBC across the BBB, and depolymerize the formed Aβ deposits, thereby achieving the optimal therapeutic effect. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that PB/RBC could inhibit Cu2+-induced Aβ monomers aggregation, eliminate the deposition of Aβ plaques, improve the quality of mitochondria, restore the phagocytic function of microglia, alleviate neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice, and repair memory damage. In conclusion, our biofilm-camouflaged nano-delivery system provides significant neuroprotection by inhibiting Cu2+-induced Aβ monomers aggregation, photothermally depolymerizing Aβ fibrils and reducing the level of ROS, thus effectively ameliorating and treating AD.

Enhanced continuous atmospheric water harvesting with scalable hygroscopic gel driven by natural sunlight and wind

Sorption-based atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH) has received unprecedented attention as a future water and energy platform. However, the water productivity of SAWH systems is still constrained by the slow sorption kinetics at material and component levels and inefficient condensation. Here, we report a facile method to prepare hygroscopic interconnected porous gel (HIPG) with fast sorption-desorption kinetics, high scalability and stability, and strong adhesion property for highly efficient SAWH. We further design a solar-wind coupling driven SAWH device with collaborative heat and mass enhancement achieving continuous water production. Concentrated sunlight contributes to enhancing the desorption and condensation synergistically, and natural wind is introduced to drive the device operation and improve the sorption kinetics. The device demonstrated record high working performance of 14.9 Lwater m−2 day−1 and thermal efficiency of 25.7% in indoor experiments and 3.5–8.9 Lwater m−2 day−1 in outdoor experiments by solar concentration without any other energy consumption. This work provides an up-and-coming pathway to realize highly efficient and sustainable clean water supply for off-grid and arid regions.

Tumor enhancement and shrinkage pattern in dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for predicting pathologic complete response after human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy in breast cancer.

Targeted therapy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer has increased the rates of pathological complete response (pCR) and breast preservation surgery and improved the overall disease-free survival rate. This study aimed to determine whether tumor enhancement and shrinkage patterns in dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) can predict the efficacy of targeted therapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and differentiate pCR from non-pCR. The data of 64 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who received targeted therapy prior to surgery were retrospectively collected. All patients had complete postoperative pathological data. The pretreatment evaluation of the tumor enhancement pattern and the shrinkage pattern after two treatment cycles were assessed. The difference in the enhancement and shrinkage patterns between the pCR and non-pCR groups was evaluated via the χ2 test. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the value of enhancement and shrinkage patterns for predicting pCR in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. There were statistically significant differences in tumor size, estrogen receptor (ER) status, lymph node metastasis, enhancement pattern, and shrinkage pattern between the pCR and non-pCR cases. Patients with a tumor size ≤20 mm were likely to achieve pCR. ER status, lymph node metastasis, and enhancement and shrinkage patterns each had good precision for predicting pCR, and the combination of enhancement and shrinkage patterns had the highest prediction accuracy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that only enhancement pattern had a significant predictive value. Among patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, those with tumor size ≤20 mm, ER-negative status, no lymph node metastases, and mass enhancement and concentric shrinkage patterns are more likely to achieve pCR. Mass enhancement combined with concentric shrinkage had the highest accuracy in predicting pCR, indicating that preoperative imaging may be useful for guiding clinical decisions regarding targeted treatments.

Computed tomographic characteristics of testicular teratoma in a cat.

A 5-year-old intact male mixed-breed cat weighing 4.5kg was referred to our hospital with a left testicular mass. CT revealed mild heterogeneous contrast enhancement and calcification in the testicular mass. A well-defined, contrast-enhancing, multiloculated mass with fluid-filled areas was extended from the testicular mass in the scrotum to the caudal aspect of the left kidney. The abdominal mass extended to the right crus of the diaphragm, and the gastrointestinal tract was compressed dorsally. Histopathology was consistent with teratoma. Characteristic CT findings in a feline testicular teratoma may include calcification and cystic areas.

Enhancing Laying Hens' Performance, Egg Quality, Shelf Life during Storage, and Blood Biochemistry with Spirulina platensis Supplementation.

Enhancing the sustainability of chicken farming involves improving health and productivity and product qualities. This study explores the influence of Spirulina platensis (SP) supplementation on the productivity, egg quality, shelf life during storage, and blood biochemistry of laying hens. A total of 192 thirty-nine-week-old White Leghorn hens were randomly divided into 4 dietary groups: a control group and 3 treatment groups receiving 2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg, or 10 g/kg of SP, respectively. The study was conducted for six weeks with measuring feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg quality, shelf life, and blood biochemistry. The results demonstrated significant enhancements in egg weight (p < 0.05) and egg mass (p < 0.05) in the treatment of SP groups. The SP treated hens showed significant improvements in yolk color (p < 0.05) and Haugh unit scores (p < 0.05). The SP supplementation showed a hepatoprotective effect, as indicated by significant reduction in Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.05) levels; however, increases in total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were observed. Furthermore, the egg quality of stored eggs for 21 days linearly increased with increments in the SP levels. In conclusion, it can be speculated that adding SP at 2.5 g/kg and 5 g/kg can significantly improve the productivity of laying hens, eggs' quality, shelf life, and blood biochemistry, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and efficient chicken production.

A LDH-Derived Metal Sulfide Nanosheet-Functionalized Bioactive Glass Scaffold for Vascularized Osteogenesis and Periprosthetic Infection Prevention/Treatment.

Periprosthetic infection and prosthetic loosing stand out as prevalent yet formidable complications following orthopedic implant surgeries. Synchronously addressing the two complications is long-time challenging. Herein, a bioactive glass scaffold (BGS) functionalized with MgCuFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH)-derived sulfide nanosheets (BGS/MCFS) is developed for vascularized osteogenesis and periprosthetic infection prevention/treatment. Apart from the antibacterial cations inhibiting bacterial energy and material metabolism, the exceptional near-infrared-II (NIR-II) photothermal performance empowers BGS/MCFS to eliminate periprosthetic infections, outperforming previously reported functionalized BGS. The rough surface topography and the presence of multi-bioactive metal ions bestow BGS/MCFS with exceptional osteogenic and angiogenic properties, with 8.5-fold and 2.3-fold enhancement in bone mass and neovascularization compared with BGS. Transcriptome sequencing highlights the involvement of the TGF-β signaling pathway in these processes, while single-cell sequencing reveals a significant increase in osteoblasts and endothelial cells around BGS/MCFS compared to BGS.

Carrier density crossover and quasiparticle mass enhancement in a doped 5d Mott insulator

Carrier density crossover and quasiparticle mass enhancement in a doped 5d Mott insulator

Effect of high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation on knee osteoarthritis in older adults with sarcopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background & AimsSkeletal muscle is an important contributor to joint health. Previous studies have shown that age-related muscle mass and strength loss are closely associated with the development of knee osteoarthritis. The objective of this study is to investigate whether a high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation can alleviate knee osteoarthritis by improving muscle mass and strength. MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included participants aged 50–70 years diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia was conducted in China from February 2022 to September 2022 (ChiCTR2200056415). Participants were randomized to receive a 12-week high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation or a placebo twice daily, with one serving each after breakfast and lunch, respectively. The primary outcome analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis was difference in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) from baseline to week 12 between the two groups. The secondary outcomes included changes in muscle mass, strength, symptom and imaging of knee osteoarthritis, body composition, biochemical parameters, and health quality scores. ResultsAfter 12 weeks, a total of 124 participants (38.7% male) completed the trial and were included in the final analysis. Over the 12-week follow-up, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the SPPB total score (1.03, 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.38, P < 0.0001) compared with the placebo group. Grip strength (2.83 kg, 95% CI, 2.13–3.53, P < 0.0001) and skeletal muscle mass index (0.66 kg/m2, 95% CI, 0.45–0.86, P < 0.0001) were also significantly increased in the experimental group compared with the placebo group. The mean change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index total score was −3.95 points (95% CI, −5.02 to −2.89, P < 0.0001) in the experimental group and 0.23 points (95% CI, −0.17 to 0.63, P = 0.253) in the placebo group. Additionally, within the experimental group, nine participants experienced an improvement in osteophyte magnetic resonance imaging results, while no improvement was observed in the placebo group. The experimental group also exhibited significant improvements in health quality compared with the placebo group as assessed by Short Form 36, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Scale, and the Chalder Fatigue Scale. No serious adverse event was reported during the trial. ConclusionOral supplementation with high levels of plant protein/peptides can alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis in elderly individuals with minor and mild knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia. The improvement may be attributed to the enhancement of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance.