Density Loss Research Articles

Tuning the electronic structure and SMSI by integrating trimetallic sites with defective ceria for the CO2 reduction reaction

Heterogeneous catalysts have emerged as a potential key for closing the carbon cycle by converting carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into value-added chemicals. In this work, we report a highly active and stable ceria (CeO 2 )-based electronically tuned trimetallic catalyst for CO 2 to CO conversion. A unique distribution of electron density between the defective ceria support and the trimetallic nanoparticles (of Ni, Cu, Zn) was established by creating the strong metal support interaction (SMSI) between them. The catalyst showed CO productivity of 49,279 mmol g −1 h −1 at 650 °C. CO selectivity up to 99% and excellent stability (rate remained unchanged even after 100 h) stemmed from the synergistic interactions among Ni-Cu-Zn sites and their SMSI with the defective ceria support. High-energy-resolution fluorescence-detection X-ray absorption spectroscopy (HERFD-XAS) confirmed this SMSI, further corroborated by in situ electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The in situ studies (HERFD-XAS & EELS) indicated the key role of oxygen vacancies of defective CeO 2 during catalysis. The in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging under catalytic conditions visualized the movement and growth of active trimetallic sites, which completely stopped once SMSI was established. In situ FTIR (supported by DFT) provided a molecular-level understanding of the formation of various reaction intermediates and their conversion into products, which followed a complex coupling of direct dissociation and redox pathway assisted by hydrogen, simultaneously on different active sites. Thus, sophisticated manipulation of electronic properties of trimetallic sites and defect dynamics significantly enhanced catalytic performance during CO 2 to CO conversion.

Nrf2 Activation as a Therapeutic Target for Flavonoids in Aging-Related Osteoporosis

Biological aging is a substantial change that leads to different diseases, including osteoporosis (OP), a condition involved in loss of bone density, deterioration of bone structure, and increased fracture risk. In old people, there is a natural decline in bone mineral density (BMD), exacerbated by hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, and it continues in the early postmenopausal years. During this transition time, hormonal alterations are linked to elevated oxidative stress (OS) and decreased antioxidant defenses, leading to a significant increase in OP. Aging is significantly associated with an abnormal ratio of oxidant/antioxidant and modified nuclear factor erythroid-derived two related factor2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) pathway. OS adversely affects bone health by promoting osteoclastic (bone resorbing) activity and impairing osteoblastic (bone-forming cells). Nrf2 is critical in controlling OS and various cellular processes. The expression of Nrf2 is linked to multiple age-related diseases, including OP, and Nrf2 deficiency leads to unbalanced bone formation/resorption and a consequent decline in bone mass. Various drugs are available for treating OP; however, long-term uses of these medicines are implicated in diverse illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular, and stroke. At the same time, multiple categories of natural products, in particular flavonoids, were proposed as safe alternatives with antioxidant activity and substantial anti-osteoporotic effects.

Osteoporosis' effects on dental implants osseointegration and survival rate: a systematic review of clinical studies.

The goal of this systematic review was to critically appraise the existing evidence evaluating osteoporosis' effects on dental implant osseointegration and survival rate. A search was conducted in two databases, PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus, until October 2024, using the keywords 'osteoporosis,' 'osteopenia,' 'osseointegration,' and 'dental implants'. The inclusion criteria were clinical studies that evaluated the implant placement, complications, and osseointegration results in patients with osteoporosis; literature reviews and clinical studies addressing the outcome were considered; and articles written in English and published since 2000. Descriptive data analysis included author, year of publication, study design, number of patients, osteoporosis assessment, follow-up, and main findings. JBI quality assessment was performed. 24 articles were included with a total of 2,102 patients; 5954 dental implants were considered and evaluated. Most studies evaluated bone density for osteoporosis by dual-energy x-ray technology. The follow-up ranged from 1 month to 25 years. Four studies evaluated implants with over 10 years of follow-up. All studies' survival rate was higher than 90%, even for osteoporotic patients. Most studies indicated no differences between osteoporotic and healthy patients regarding marginal bone loss (MBL), bone-to-implant contact, cytokine levels, and mineral bone density. A prospective cohort study found a small MBL (-0.34 mm) in osteoporotic female patients, but there was insufficient evidence to prove any causal relationship between MBL and osteoporosis. Another study showed no clinical differences between implants placed in osteoporotic and healthy individuals. In contrast, other studies showed lower stability scores for implants placed in osteoporotic sites and a higher risk of failure for implant placement. Osteoporosis status was not a risk factor for dental implant failure, which was also confirmed by histological studies. Three studies had a medium risk of bias and 21 a low risk. Osteoporosis is not a contraindication for dental implant placement. Osseointegration in patients with osteoporosis is feasible; however, planning must be cautious and personalized for the installation of dental implants.

Exploring the relationship between periodontal diseases and osteoporosis: Potential role of butyrate.

Osteoporosis, a condition marked by the loss of bone density and mass, affects individuals of all ages. However, it becomes more prevalent and severe with aging, increasing the risk of fractures and other health complications. Recent research has highlighted a link between osteoporosis and periodontitis, a chronic gum disease, as both conditions involve excessive bone loss that can lead to significant oral health problems if untreated. The growing interest in strategies to prevent bone loss has brought attention to butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria during fiber fermentation. Butyrate has demonstrated protective effects against systemic bone loss, particularly in the context of osteoporosis. Notably, oral bacteria also produce butyrate, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic tool for preventing periodontal bone loss. Given the connection between systemic and oral health, understanding the role of butyrate in bone metabolism could offer new avenues for treating osteoporosis and periodontitis. This review will explore the biological mechanisms through which butyrate influences bone health, aiming to highlight its potential therapeutic applications in preventing bone loss across these conditions.

One-step fabrication of high energy storage polymer films with a wide bandgap and high melting temperature induced by the fluorine effect for high temperature capacitor applications with ultra-high efficiency.

The development of polymer dielectrics with both high energy density and low energy loss is a formidable challenge in the area of high-temperature dielectric energy storage. To address this challenge, a class of polymers (Parylene F) are designed by alternating fluorinated aromatic rings and vinyl groups in the polymer chain to confine the conjugating sequence and broaden the bandgap with the fluorine effect. The target films with desired thickness, ultra-high purity, and a wide bandgap are facilely fabricated by a one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique from monomers. The symmetric and bulky aromatic structures exhibit high crystalline performance and excellent stability at high temperature. The presence of strongly electronegative fluorine atoms effectively enhances bandgap and electron trapping capability, which effectively reduces the conduction loss as well as the possibility of breakdown at high temperatures. CVD technology avoids the post-processing film-forming process, ensuring the fabrication of thin films with high quality. These benefits allow Parylene F films to effectively store electrical energy at temperature up to 150 °C, exhibiting a record discharged energy density of 2.92 J cm-3 at charge-discharge efficiency exceeding 90%. This work provides a new idea for the design and synthesis of all-organic polymer dielectric films for high temperature applications.

BDNF augmentation reverses cranial radiation therapy-induced cognitive decline and neurodegenerative consequences

Cranial radiation therapy (RT) for brain cancers is often associated with the development of radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction (RICD). RICD significantly impacts the quality of life for cancer survivors, highlighting an unmet medical need. Previous human studies revealed a marked reduction in plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) post-chronic chemotherapy, linking this decline to a substantial cognitive dysfunction among cancer survivors. Moreover, riluzole (RZ)-mediated increased BDNF in vivo in the chemotherapy-exposed mice reversed cognitive decline. RZ is an FDA-approved medication for ALS known to increase BDNF in vivo. In an effort to mitigate the detrimental effects of RT-induced BDNF decline in RICD, we tested the efficacy of RZ in a cranially irradiated (9 Gy) adult mouse model. Notably, RT-exposed mice exhibited significantly reduced hippocampal BDNF, accompanied by increased neuroinflammation, loss of neuronal plasticity-related immediate early gene product, cFos, and synaptic density. Spatial transcriptomic profiling comparing the RT + Vehicle with the RT + RZ group showed gene expression signatures of neuroprotection of hippocampal excitatory neurons post-RZ. RT-exposed mice performed poorly on learning and memory, and memory consolidation tasks. However, irradiated mice receiving RZ (13 mg/kg, drinking water) for 6–7 weeks showed a significant improvement in cognitive function compared to RT-exposed mice receiving vehicle. Dual-immunofluorescence staining, spatial transcriptomics, and biochemical assessment of RZ-treated irradiated brains demonstrated preservation of synaptic integrity and mature neuronal plasticity but not neurogenesis and reduced neuroinflammation concurrent with elevated BDNF levels and transcripts compared to vehicle-treated irradiated brains. In summary, oral administration of RZ represents a viable and translationally feasible neuroprotective approach against RICD.

Osteoporosis: Causes, Mechanisms, Treatment and Prevention: Role of Dietary Compounds.

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that is characterized by a loss of bone density, which mainly affects the microstructure of the bones due to a decrease in bone mass, thereby making them more fragile and susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis is currently considered one of the pandemics of the 21st century, affecting around 200 million people. Its most serious consequence is an increased risk of bone fractures, thus making osteoporosis a major cause of disability and even premature death in the elderly. In this review, we discuss its causes, the biochemical mechanisms of bone regeneration, risk factors, pharmacological treatments, prevention and the effects of diet, focusing in this case on compounds present in a diet that could have palliative and preventive effects and could be used as concomitant treatments to drugs, which are and should always be the first option. It should be noted as a concluding remark that non-pharmacological treatments such as diet and exercise have, or should have, a relevant role in supporting pharmacology, which is the recommended prescription today, but we cannot ignore that they can have a great relevance in the treatment of this disease.

3D Ordered Macroporous Mn, Zr-Doped CaCO3 Nanomaterials for Stable Thermochemical Energy Storage.

Developing high-performance Ca-based materials that can work for long-term heat transfer and storage in concentrated solar power plants is crucial to achieve the large-scale conversion of solar photon fluxes to dispatchable electricity. This work demonstrates that a series of Mn, Zr co-doped CaCO3 nanomaterials with the 3D ordered macroporous (3DOM) skeletons are successfully prepared by a novel strategy of templated metal salt co-precipitation. The characterization results indicate that a majority of Zr and Mn are atomically dispersed into the highly-crystallized CaCO3 framework, whereas a minor amount of Mn is present in the form of CaMnO3 nanoparticles (NPs). The optimal 3DOM material made by templating with PS microspheres with a diameter of ≈350nm, 3DOM-Ca80Mn10Zr10, shows a solar light absorptance of ≈74.1% and an initial energy storage density of 1706.4 kJkg-1. Importantly, it gives an impressive energy storage density loss of <6.0% and maintains above 1600kJ kg-1 after 125 cycles. The density functional theory calculations reveal that the co-doping of Mn and Zr into the CaO crystal lattice offers a strong affinity to [Ca4O4] clusters, as a result, the anti-sintering of CaO NPs is significantly enhanced under high temperature.

Understanding Bone Density Loss in Eating Disorders: Contributions of Weight Suppression and Speed of Weight Loss

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED), are associated with bone density loss. Weight suppression (WS) and weight loss speed (WLS) are two critical weight-related factors that may influence bone health, yet their relationship with bone density remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the associations between WS, WLS, and bone density in individuals with EDs, focusing on total body and spinal bone density. Methods: We examined 270 individuals with EDs (AN: n = 187, BN: n = 57, BED: n = 26) at the onset of inpatient treatment. WS and WLS were calculated from weight history, and bone density was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Regression analyses were performed separately for each diagnosis. Results: In AN, both WS and WLS were significant predictors of total (p = 0.001) and spinal (p = 0.007) bone density. WS and WLS independently predicted total bone density, with WS significantly predicting spinal bone density. In BN and BED, only WLS showed significant associations with bone density. Minimum weight was a key predictor of bone density in AN, underscoring the importance of avoiding extremely low body weight. Conclusions: WS and WLS significantly affect bone density in AN, with WLS also predicting bone density in BN and BED. These findings highlight the need to monitor weight-related factors across ED populations. In AN, avoiding extremely low body weight is crucial for preserving bone health, while in BN and BED, managing WLS is key to mitigating bone density loss.

Enhancing Wheat Spike Counting and Disease Detection Using a Probability Density Attention Mechanism in Deep Learning Models for Precision Agriculture.

This study aims to improve the precision of wheat spike counting and disease detection, exploring the application of deep learning in the agricultural sector. Addressing the shortcomings of traditional detection methods, we propose an advanced feature extraction strategy and a model based on the probability density attention mechanism, designed to more effectively handle feature extraction in complex backgrounds and dense areas. Through comparative experiments with various advanced models, we comprehensively evaluate the performance of our model. In the disease detection task, our model performs excellently, achieving a precision of 0.93, a recall of 0.89, an accuracy of 0.91, and an mAP of 0.90. By introducing the density loss function, we are able to effectively improve the detection accuracy when dealing with high-density regions. In the wheat spike counting task, the model similarly demonstrates a strong performance, with a precision of 0.91, a recall of 0.88, an accuracy of 0.90, and an mAP of 0.90, further validating its effectiveness. Furthermore, this paper also conducts ablation experiments on different loss functions. The results of this research provide a new method for wheat spike counting and disease detection, fully reflecting the application value of deep learning in precision agriculture. By combining the probability density attention mechanism and the density loss function, the proposed model significantly improves the detection accuracy and efficiency, offering important references for future related research.

Enhance Photo-Stability of Up-Scalable Organic Solar Cells: Suppressing Radical Generation in Polymer Donors.

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single-junction organic solar cells (OSCs) has been promoted above 20%. Device up-scaling draws more and more research attentions. Besides the high PCE for devices with up-scalable fabrication methods and conditions, achieving high stability simultaneously is essential for pushing industrialization of this technology. Here, the stability of the state-of-the-art OSCs blade-coated in air with non-halogenated solvents in a wide thickness range is thoroughly investigated. The losses in short-circuit current density under photo-thermal stress strongly depend on processing conditions. Devices with less crystalline phases in unit thickness show faster generation of trap states and hence strongly reduced charge collection efficiency. Through in-depth photo-chemical, photo-physical, and morphological characterizations during ageing, faster generation of radicals in PM6 for active layers with more amorphous structures is identified as the cause for device degradation. Increasing the crystallinity of active layer films for suppressing radical generation in polymer donors is critical to enhance the photo-thermal stability of devices processed in air with a wide thickness range.

Gut microbiome and bone health: update on mechanisms, clinical correlations, and possible treatment strategies.

The intestinal microbiome is increasingly regarded as a relevant modulator of the pathophysiology of several age-related conditions, including frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive decline. Aging is in fact associated with alteration of the equilibrium between symbiotic bacteria and opportunistic pathogens, leading to dysbiosis. The microbiome is able to regulate intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation, has a central role in intestinal amino acid metabolism, and produces a large number of metabolites and byproducts, with either beneficial or detrimental consequences for the host physiology. Recent evidence, from both preclinical animal models and clinical studies, suggests that these microbiome-centered pathways could contribute to bone homeostasis, regulating the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast function. In this systematic review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms involved in the gut-bone axis, with a particular focus on microbiome function and microbiome-derived mediators including short-chain fatty acids. We also review the current evidence linking gut microbiota dysbiosis with osteopenia and osteoporosis, and the results of the intervention studies on pre-, pro-, or post-biotics targeting bone mineral density loss in both animal models and human beings, indicating knowledge gaps and highlighting possible avenues for future research.

Comparative evaluation of trabecular bone density in Hounsfield units in the lumbar native CT cross-section for osteoporosis diagnosis and fracture risk determination by different examiners

An increasing loss of bone mineral density (BMD) in the axial skeleton leads to osteoporosis and fractures, with an increase found in the thoracic and thoracolumbar regions. The extent to which an examiner-independent assessment of the extent of osteoporosis and fracture risk determination is possible by determining the trabecular density in Hounsfield units (HU) in the spine should be examined. The next question was whether quantitative BMD values can be calculated from the HU values. 225 patients (pt.) with an average age of 64.9 ± 13.1 years and abody-mass-index (BMI) of 26.8 ± 6.8 kg/m2, of which 37were men and 188 were women, were examined to determine whether they had osteoporosis. The BMD was determined in mg/cm3 using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in the lumbar region. After anonymization by three experienced radiologists, an additional measurement of the trabecular bone density in HU, was carried out in the same vertebral bodies (atotal of 675 vertebral bodies), each using aregion of interest (ROI) positioned in the midvertebral cancellous space in the sagittal reformed CT image. In additional lateral X‑rays of the thoracic and lumbar spine, vertebral fractures were detected and graded. Sacral insufficiency fractures that occurred at the same time were also recorded. The median BMD was 73.2 (57.05-104.17) mg/cm3 and the median HU was 89.93 (67.90-126.95). With acorrelation of 0.988 (p < 0.001), quantitative values in mg/cm3 can be calculated using the following formula: Xq = 12.1 + 0.68 × HU. With HU values less than 69.84 and aBMD of the lumbar spine below 59.54 mg/cm3, there was asignificantly increased number of OVF. At least one OVF was found in 137/225 pt. In 17/137 pt., sacral fractures were also found; these patients showed the significantly lowest values with amedian BMD of 41.81 (16.2-53.7) mg/cm3. Comparable HU values were determined independently of the examiners (p > 0.05). The trabecular density measurements in HU values can be converted into quantitative BMD values in mg/cm3, which enables agood assessment of osteoporosis and fracture risk. Taking the results obtained into account, an opportunistic evaluation using HU values in native CT alone seems quite possible. Experienced examiners have arrived at comparable results.

Synapse loss in early‐ and late‐onset Alzheimer’s Disease assessed by 18F‐SynVest‐1

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to investigate the loss of synaptic density in early‐onset and late‐onset Alzheimer’s Disease.MethodOne hundred and eighty‐two participants underwent synaptic density PET with 18F‐SynVesT‐1. Including 23 early‐onset Alzheimer‘s Disease (EOAD), 58 late‐onset Alzheimer’s Disease (LOAD), 16 EOnonAD, 28 LOnonAD, 31 younger normal control (age &lt; 65) and 26 older normal control (age ⩾ 65). We analyzed the synaptic density loss in EOAD and LOAD relative to their control group respectively. Associations between age and synaptic loss were evaluated in different groups.ResultEOAD and LOAD groups both displayed significant synaptic density across most areas of cerebrum cortex. Relative to LOAD group, EOAD group showed severer synaptic loss in Lateral Parietal lobe. In EOAD group, synaptic density in occipital lobe had positive association with age. While, in LOAD group, synaptic density in most areas of the cerebrum cortex had a negative association with age.ConclusionOur study suggested that the areas of synaptic loss were different between EOAD and LOAD.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Hip Osteoporosis: A Narrative Review.

Osteoporosis and osteopenia can affect patients undergoing arthroplasty of the hip, which is typically recommended for patients with severe osteoarthritis or elderly patients with a femoral neck fracture. Preoperative screening for this type of bone loss could be helpful to patients and prevent poor outcomes due to the rate of underdiagnosis of osteoporosis, which can reach 73% in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. Complications associated with low bone mineral density include periprosthetic fractures as well as an increased revision rate. Although the benefit of antiresorptive medications postoperatively has been demonstrated, when administered preoperatively, worse outcomes were reported compared to its non-usage. Surgical management is as important as pre-medication. According to general recommendations, cemented implants provide greater benefit in osteoporotic patients. However, when using cementless implants, ribbed stems, straight tapered stems, stems with medial calcar contact, and titanium-composed stems can be used to prevent periprosthetic loss of bone mineral density; however, they should not be placed in a varus position. These stems can also be coated with zoledronate and other products.

Role of the heterogenous structure of ZnO/MnFeO3 in enhancing Bi-functional electrocatalyst for alkaline water electrolysis

Abstract An electrocatalyst, Zn-doped 3D porous MnFeO3, is developed and investigated for its efficacy in alkaline water electrolysis. The electrocatalyst is synthesized through a sol–gel method and characterized comprehensively. Incorporating zinc (Zn) doping enhances the electrocatalytic activity of the MnFeO3 structure, rendering it suitable for bifunctional performance in alkaline water electrolysis. The Zn-doped 3D porous MnFeO3 was studied electrochemically, and the results showed that it has a very low overpotential of 460 mV for OER and 441 mV for HER in order to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm−2, conducted in a 1 M KOH medium. The catalyst’s porous 3D structure offers a large surface area, enhancing its ability to interact with the electrolyte and promote H2 and O2 gas evolution. The Zn-doped 3D porous MnFeO3 exhibits improved stability for 24 h, with only a 17% loss in current density at 10 mA cm−2. The electrochemical performance of the Zn-doped 3D porous MnFeO3 electrocatalyst is evaluated through various electrochemical techniques, highlighting its promising potential for practical applications in alkaline water electrolysis systems.

Linking White Matter Hyperintensities to Regional Cortical Thinning, Amyloid Deposition, and Synaptic Density Loss in Alzheimer's Disease

Linking White Matter Hyperintensities to Regional Cortical Thinning, Amyloid Deposition, and Synaptic Density Loss in Alzheimer's Disease

HR-pQCT measurements of changes in periarticular bone density and microarchitecture one year after acute knee injury and after reconstructive surgery.

ACL injuries commonly lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), but the underlying mechanism is not well-understood. One theorized mechanism is pathological bone remodelling following an ACL tear, for which high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is uniquely positioned to investigate in vivo in humans. In this study, we longitudinally investigate the one-year changes in periarticular bone density and microarchitecture in the human knee following an ACL tear and reconstructive surgery using data sampled from an on-going observational cohort study. We reduce the number of individual microarchitectural parameters using factor analysis and model one-year changes with mixed-effects models, adjusting for the effects of age, sex, meniscus status, and the baseline microarchitectural state. We find significant evidence of persistent bone density losses one year after both injury and surgery. We also observe significant increases in trabecular separation post-injury, indicating significant structural degradation, and significant increases in subchondral bone plate density post-surgery, a sign of early stiffening. Finally, we observe minimal significant contrasts for the effects of age, sex, and meniscus status, while we observe that the state of the microarchitecture at baseline has significant and varied effects on the subsequent changes, suggesting that the influence of PTOA risk factors on post-injury and post-surgery bone changes may be mediated through the state of the periarticular microarchitecture at injury and/or at surgery. In summary, we found that degradation of periarticular bone microarchitecture was observed post-injury, densification of the subchondral bone plate was observed post-surgery, and the state of the bone microarchitecture at baseline may mediate the influence of PTOA risk factors on post-injury microarchitectural adaptations.

Age- and Sex-Related Volumetric Density Differences in Trabecular and Cortical Bone of the Proximal Femur in Healthy Population.

There are age- and sex-related increases in the prevalence of osteoporosis. Bone densitometry based on dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for the assessment of bone mineral density (BMD). Three-dimensional (3D) analysis of the proximal femur (3D-DXA) allows discrimination between cortical and trabecular compartments, and it has shown a good correlation with computed tomography. We aimed to assess age- and sex-related volumetric density differences in trabecular and cortical bone using 3D-DXA and determine the reference intervals for integral volumetric (v)BMD within the Argentine population. Healthy female and male adult subjects (N=1,354) from Argentina were included. Hip BMD was measured using DXA, and 3D analysis was performed using 3D-Shaper software. The integral vBMD, cortical surface BMD, and trabecular vBMD (trab vBMD) were measured. The study population included 73.9% women (N=1,001) and 26.13% men (N=353). We found a significant decrease in integral vBMD between 20 and 90 years in both sexes (women, -23.1%; men, -16.6%). Bone loss indicated in the integral vBMD results was mainly due to a decrease in trabecular bone in both sexes (women, -33.4%; men, -27.7%). The age-related loss of cortical bone density was less and was limited to the female population, without no age-related differences in men. Moreover, 3D-DXA allowed us to propose reference intervals for integral vBMD. We found age- and sex-related bone loss between 20 and 90 years in an Argentine cohort via integral vBMD measurements using 3D-DXA, mainly due to decreases in trabecular bone in both sexes. The age-related loss of cortical bone density was less and was limited to the female population.

Laboratory Comparative Evaluation of Fat'ha Formation Clays and Commercial Bentonite for Producing Drilling Mud Fluids Suitable for Oil Field of Iraq Conditions

This research focuses on the properties of the claystone for the Fatha Formation and their suitability to use as raw materials in the manufacturing of Drilling mud. Clay samples from the Fatha Formation were gathered from four sites: clay deposits on both banks of Mosul Governorate, Hamrin Anticline in Salah Addin Governorate, and the Dibbs Clay in Kirkuk Governorate. These samples were processed, crushed, and sieved to a particle size of less than 75 microns to ascertain the characteristics of such clay samples even if they might be utilized as locally available substitutes for making drilling mud in various water conditions. All clay sample properties were measured viscosity, density, pH, and fluid loss. The results showed, that when polymers and chemical activators are added in multi-concentration, This could enhance the rheological properties of the clays. Accordingly, the study found that polymers like carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-LV) could be used as additives to increase viscosity and reduce fluid loss in the drilling fluids. However, The properties of the prepared drilling fluid from the studied Fath Formation clay can be improved by chemical additives as well as polymer.