In-silico study of the impact of system design parameters on microcalcification detection in wide-angle digital breast tomosynthesis.

Purpose: Accurate detection of microcalcifications ( µ Calcs ) is crucial for the early detection of breast cancer. Some clinical studies have indicated that digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems with a wide angular range have inferior µ Calc detectability compared with those with a narrow angular range. This study aims to (1) provide guidance for optimizing wide-angle (WA) DBT for improving µ Calcs detectability and (2) prioritize key optimization factors. Approach: An in-silico DBT pipeline was constructed to evaluate µ Calc detectability of a WA DBT system under various imaging conditions: focal spot motion (FSM), angular dose distribution (ADS), detector pixel pitch, and detector electronic noise (EN). Images were simulated using a digital anthropomorphic breast phantom inserted with 120 µ m µ Calc clusters. Evaluation metrics included the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the filtered channel observer and the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) of multiple-reader multiple-case analysis. Results: Results showed that FSM degraded µ Calcs sharpness and decreased the SNR and AUC by 5.2% and 1.8%, respectively. Non-uniform ADS increased the SNR by 62.8% and the AUC by 10.2% for filtered backprojection reconstruction with a typical clinical filter setting. When EN decreased from 2000 to 200 electrons, the SNR and AUC increased by 21.6% and 5.0%, respectively. Decreasing the detector pixel pitch from 85 to 50 µ m improved the SNR and AUC by 55.6% and 7.5%, respectively. The combined improvement of a 50 µ m pixel pitch and EN200 was 89.2% in the SNR and 12.8% in the AUC. Conclusions: Based on the magnitude of impact, the priority for enhancing µ Calc detectability in WA DBT is as follows: (1) utilizing detectors with a small pixel pitch and low EN level, (2) allocating a higher dose to central projections, and (3) reducing FSM. The results from this study can potentially provide guidance for DBT system optimization in the future.

Investigation of spatiotemporal distribution and formation mechanisms of ozone pollution in eastern Chinese cities applying convolutional neural network.

Severe ground-level ozone (O3) pollution over major Chinese cities has become one of the most challenging problems, which have deleterious effects on human health and the sustainability of society. This study explored the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of ground-level O3 and its precursors based on conventional pollutant and meteorological monitoring data in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2021. Then, a high-performance convolutional neural network (CNN) model was established by expanding the moment and the concentration variations to general factors. Finally, the response mechanism of O3 to the variation with crucial influencing factors is explored by controlling variables and interpolating target variables. The results indicated that the annual average MDA8-90th concentrations in Zhejiang Province are higher in the northern and lower in the southern. When the wind direction (WD) ranges from east to southwest and the wind speed (WS) ranges between 2 and 3 m/sec, higher O3 concentration prone to occur. At different temperatures (T), the O3 concentration showed a trend of first increasing and subsequently decreasing with increasing NO2 concentration, peaks at the NO2 concentration around 0.02 mg/m3. The sensitivity of NO2 to O3 formation is not easily affected by temperature, barometric pressure and dew point temperature. Additionally, there is a minimum [Formula: see text] at each temperature when the NO2 concentration is 0.03 mg/m3, and this minimum [Formula: see text] decreases with increasing temperature. The study explores the response mechanism of O3 with the change of driving variables, which can provide a scientific foundation and methodological support for the targeted management of O3 pollution.

Combustion aerosols and suspended dust with controlled processes in Lhasa: Elemental analysis and size distribution characteristics.

To explore air contamination resulting from special biomass combustion and suspended dust in Lhasa, the present study focused on the size distribution and chemical characteristics of particulate matter (PM) emission resulting from 7 types of non-fossil pollution sources. We investigated the concentration and size distribution of trace elements from 7 pollution sources collected in Lhasa. Combining Lhasa's atmospheric particulate matter data, enrichment factors (EFs) have been calculated to examine the potential impact of those pollution sources on the atmosphere quality of Lhasa. The highest mass concentration of total elements of biomass combustion appeared at PM0.4, and the second highest concentration existed in the size fraction 0.4-1 µm; the higher proportion (12 %) of toxic metals was produced by biomass combustion. The elemental composition of suspended dust and atmospheric particulate matter was close (except for As and Cd); the highest concentration of elements was all noted in PM2.5-10 (PM3-10). Potassium was found to be one of the main biomass markers. The proportion of Cu in suspended dust is significantly lower than that of atmospheric particulate matter (0.53 % and 3.75 %), which indicates that there are other anthropogenic sources. The EFs analysis showed that the Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb produced by biomass combustion were highly enriched (EFs > 100) in all particle sizes. The EFs of most trace elements increased with decreasing particle size, indicating the greater influence of humanfactors on smaller particles.

Development of a coupled model to simulate and assess arsenic contamination and impact factors in the Jinsha River Basin, China.

With the increasing severity of arsenic (As) pollution, quantifying the environmental behavior of pollutant based on numerical model has become an important approach to determine the potential impacts and finalize the precise control strategies. Taking the industrial-intensive Jinsha River Basin as typical area, a two-dimensional hydrodynamic water quality model coupled with Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was developed to accurately simulate the watershed-scale distribution and transport of As in the terrestrial and aquatic environment at high spatial and temporal resolution. The effects of hydro-climate change, hydropower station construction and non-point source emissions on As were quantified based on the coupled model. The result indicated that higher As concentration areas mainly centralized in urban districts and concentration slowly decreased from upstream to downstream. Due to the enhanced rainfall, the As concentration was significantly higher during the rainy season than the dry season. Hydro-climate change and the construction of hydropower station not only affected the dissolved As concentration, but also affected the adsorption and desorption of As in sediment. Furthermore, As concentration increased with the input of non-point source pollution, with the maximum increase about 30%, resulting that non-point sources contributed important pollutant impacts to waterways. The coupled model used in pollutant behavior analysis is general with high potential application to predict and mitigate water pollution.

Environmental sympatry through time: spatio-temporal distribution and conservation status of two sympatric anuran species (Leptodactylidae) in South America / Simpatría ambiental a través del tiempo: distribución espacio-temporal y estado de conservación de dos especies de anuros simpátricos (Leptodactylidae) en América del Sur

Abstract Introduction: Leptodactylus latinasus and Physalaemus cuqui are sympatric anuran species with similar environmental requirements and contrasting reproductive modes. Climatic configuration determines distribution patterns and promotes sympatry of environmental niches, but specificity/selectivity determines the success of reproductive modes. Species distribution models (SDM) are a valuable tool to predict spatio-temporal distributions based on the extrapolation of environmental predictors. Objectives: To determine the spatio-temporal distribution of environmental niches and assess whether the protected areas of the World Database of Protected Areas (WDPA) allow the conservation of these species in the current scenario and future. Methods: We applied different algorithms to predict the distribution and spatio-temporal overlap of environmental niches of L. latinasus and P. cuqui within South America in the last glacial maximum (LGM), middle-Holocene, current and future scenarios. We assess the conservation status of both species with the WDPA conservation units. Results: All applied algorithms showed high performance for both species (TSS = 0.87, AUC = 0.95). The L. latinasus predictions showed wide environmental niches from LGM to the current scenario (49 % stable niches, 37 % gained niches, and 13 % lost niches), suggesting historical fidelity to stable climatic-environmental regions. In the current-future transition, L. latinasus would increase the number of stable (70 %) and lost (20 %) niches, suggesting fidelity to lowland regions and a possible trend toward microendemism. P. cuqui loses environmental niches from the LGM to the current scenario (25 %) and in the current-future transition (63 %), increasing the environmental sympathy between both species; 31 % spatial overlap in the current scenario and 70 % in the future. Conclusion: Extreme drought events and rainfall variations, derived from climate change, suggest the loss of environmental niches for these species that are not currently threatened but are not adequately protected by conservation units. The loss of environmental niches increases spatial sympatry which represents a new challenge for anurans and the conservation of their populations.

Resumen Introducción: Leptodactylus latinasus y Physalaemus cuqui son especies de anuros simpátricos con requerimientos ambientales similares y modos reproductivos contrastantes. La configuración climática determina los patrones de distribución y promueve la simpatría de los nichos ambientales, pero la especificidad/selectividad determina el éxito de los modos reproductivos. Los modelos de distribución de especies (MDE) son una herramienta valiosa para predecir distribuciones espacio-temporales basadas en la extrapolación de predictores ambientales. Objetivos: Determinar la distribución espacio-temporal de los nichos ambientales y evaluar si las áreas protegidas de la base de Datos Mundial de Áreas Protegidas (DMAP) permiten la conservación de estas especies en el escenario actual y futuro. Métodos: Aplicamos diferentes algoritmos para predecir la distribución y superposición espacio-temporal de nichos ambientales de L. latinasus y P. cuqui dentro de América del Sur en el último máximo glacial (UGM), Holoceno medio, actual y futuro. Evaluamos el estado de conservación de ambas especies con las unidades de conservación de la DMAP. Resultados: Todos los algoritmos aplicados mostraron un alto rendimiento para ambas especies (TSS = 0.87, AUC = 0.95). Las predicciones de L. latinasus mostraron amplios nichos ambientales desde LGM hasta el escenario actual (49 % de nichos estables, 37 % de nichos ganados y 13 % de nichos perdidos), sugiriendo fidelidad histórica por regiones climático-ambientales estables. En la transición actual-futura L. latinasus incrementaría la cantidad de nichos estables (70 %) y perdidos (20 %), sugiriendo fidelidad por regiones de tierras bajas y la posible tendencia hacia el microendemismo. P. cuqui pierde nichos ambientales desde el LGM al escenario actual (25 %) y en la transición actual-futura (63 %), incrementando la simpatría ambiental entre ambas especies; 31 % de superposición espacial en el escenario actual y 70 % en el futuro. Conclusión: Los eventos de sequía extrema y las variaciones de precipitaciones, derivados del cambio climático, sugieren la pérdida de nichos ambientales para estas especies, actualmente no se encuentran amenazadas, pero no están adecuadamente protegidas por las unidades de conservación. La pérdida de nichos ambientales aumenta la simpatría espacial que representa un nuevo desafío para estos anuros y la conservación de sus poblaciones.

Intrinsic dynamics of emulsions: Experiments in microgravity on the International Space Station.

HYPOTHESIS: In order to understand the basic mechanisms affecting emulsion stability, the intrinsic dynamics of the drop population must be investigated. We hypothesize that transient ballistic motion can serve as a marker of interactions between drops. In 1G conditions, buoyancy-induced drop motion obscures these interactions. The microgravity condition onboard the International Space Station enable this investigation. EXPERIMENTS: We performed Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy (DWS) experiments in the ESA Soft Matter Dynamics (SMD) facility. We used Monte Carlo simulations of photon trajectory to support data analysis. The analysis framework was validated by ground-based characterizations of the initial drop size distribution (DSD) and the properties of the oil/water interface in the presence of surfactant. FINDINGS: We characterized the drop size distribution and found to be bi-disperse. Drop dynamics shows transient ballistic features at early times, reaching a stationary regime of primarily diffusion-dominated motion. This suggests different ageing mechanisms: immediately after emulsification, the main mechanism is coalescence or aggregation between small drops. However at later times, ageing proceeds via coalescence or aggregation of small with large drops in some emulsions. Our results elucidate new processes relevant to emulsion stability with potential impact on industrial processes on Earth, as well as enabling technologies for space exploration.

Force Analysis Using Self-Expandable Valve Fluoroscopic Imaging: a way Through Artificial Intelligence.

This study aimed to develop a force analysis model correlating fluoroscopic images of self-expandable valves with stress distribution. For this purpose, a nonmetallic measuring device designed to apply diverse forces at specific positions on a valve stent while simultaneously measuring force magnitude was manufactured, obtaining 465 sets of fluorescent films under different force conditions, resulting in 5580 images and their corresponding force tables. Using the XrayGLM, a mechanical analysis model based on valve fluorescence images was trained. The accuracy of the image force analysis using this model was approximately 70% (50-88.3%), with a relative accuracy of 93.3% (75-100%). This confirms that fluoroscopic images of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) valve stents contain a wealth of mechanical information, and machine learning can be used to train models to recognize the relationship between stent images and force distribution, enhancing the understanding of TAVR complications.

Insights into the Enantiomeric Uptake, Translocation, and Distribution of Triazole Chiral Pesticide Mefentrifluconazole in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The uptake, translocation, and accumulation of mefentrifluconazole (MFZ), an innovative chiral triazole fungicide, in plants at the enantiomeric level are still unclear. Herein, we investigated the patterns and mechanisms of enantiomeric uptake, bioaccumulation, and translocation through several experiments. Rac-MFZ shows the strongest uptake and bioaccumulation capacity in wheat compared with its enantiomers, while S-(+)-MFZ has the highest translocation potential. Molecular docking provided evidence of the stronger translocation ability of S-(+)-MFZ than R-(-)-MFZ. Split-root experiments showed that MFZ and its enantiomers could undergo long-distance transport within the wheat. Active transport or facilitated and simple diffusion may be involved in the wheat uptake of MFZ. The limited acropetal translocation capability of MFZ may be attributed to the dominant uptake pathway of apoplastic. The concentrations of Rac-MFZ in different subcellular fractions varied greatly. In summary, this study provides novel insights for further understanding the behaviors of MFZ and its enantiomers in plants.

The Effects of using PEEK Coping and Different Restorative Materials on the Stress Distribution in Tooth and Implant- supported Prostheses under Static Loading: 3D FEA.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the influence of utilizing Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) coping and three different dental restorative materials in the success of tooth and implant-supported fixed partial dentures (TISFPD) in the maxillary posterior region, under static loading by 3-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis (3D FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six 3D FEA models were designed assuming the extraction of maxillary first and second molars. Bone, implant, abutment, PEEK coping, second premolar, periodontal ligament (PDL) and six 3-unit TISFPD with different restorative materials [Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM), PEEK-Composite (PC), Monolithic Zirconia (MZ)] were modeled. Then, PEEK copings were modeled to be cemented onto the implants as a double-crown system for the first three groups (PFMPEEK, PCPEEK and MZPEEK) whereas, the next three groups (PFM, PC, MZ) excluded a PEEK coping in their designs. The prostheses were loaded twice, vertically and obliquely. From the determined points, 250 N for vertical loading (0o to the long axis) and 200 N for the oblique loading (30o to the long axis) were applied. Von Mises tension, maximum and minimum principal tension value criterias were analyzed. RESULTS: Regardless of the material used for suprastructure, the maximum average stress was reduced by using PEEK coping. Considering the maximum stress distribution, PC appeared to have the highest stresses on the cortical bone, implant and screw. Additionally, the von Mises stresses formed in the PDL for each model were lower when PEEK coping was included in the design of the TISFPD, reducing the risk of intrusion. CONCLUSIONS: The stress distribution was positively affected by the PEEK coping in TISFPD design, reducing bone resorption and failure. This elastic material used generated lower stresses in the bone and implant, while no significant effect was found on stresses around natural teeth.

Countrywide screening supports model-based predictions of the distribution of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Ukraine.

The chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a widespread fungus causing amphibian declines across the globe. Although data on Bd occurrence in Eastern Europe are scarce, a recent species distribution model (SDM) for Bd reported that western and north-western parts of Ukraine are highly suitable to the pathogen. We verified the SDM-predicted range of Bd in Ukraine by sampling amphibians across the country and screening for Bd using qPCR. A total of 446 amphibian samples (tissue and skin swabs) from 11 species were collected from 36 localities. We obtained qPCR-positive results for 33 samples including waterfrogs (Pelophylax esculentus complex) and fire- and yellow-bellied toads (Bombina spp.) from 8 localities. We found that Bd-positive localities had significantly higher predicted Bd habitat suitability than sites that were pathogen-free. Amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of samples with the highest Bd load revealed matches with ITS haplotypes of the globally distributed BdGPL strain, and a single case of the BdASIA-2/BdBRAZIL haplotype. We found that Bd was non-randomly distributed across Ukraine, with infections present in the western and north-central forested peripheries of the country with a relatively cool, moist climate. On the other hand, our results suggest that Bd is absent or present in low abundance in the more continental central, southern and eastern regions of Ukraine, corroborating the model-predicted distribution of chytrid fungus. These areas could potentially serve as climatic refugia for Bd-susceptible amphibian hosts.

Ecological integration of Vespa velutina Lepeletier, 1836 in South Korea: a comprehensive study of co-occurrence and interaction patterns with native social wasps.

BACKGROUND: The spread of Vespa velutina Lepeletier, 1836 (Asian hornet) in South Korea poses a threat to biodiversity and agriculture. Traditional species interaction models often fail to capture the complexity of invasive species dynamics. This study used association rule learning (ARL) and clustering analyses to explore the interactions of V. velutina with native Vespidae species in South Korea, with the aim of uncovering patterns of coexistence and competition. RESULTS: Over 4 years (2020-2023), 304 traps were strategically placed across South Korea to collect data on Vespidae species. Our findings showed that Vespula flaviceps, Vespa crabro, and Vespula koreensis were the most frequently encountered species. V. velutina was also widespread, suggesting its successful integration into local ecosystems. The ARL analysis, using the 'apriori' algorithm, identified significant co-occurrence patterns and potential interactions. The rules generated indicated both competitive and coexistent relationships with varying levels of association strength across different regions. Clustering analyses, including hierarchical and k-means clustering, grouped species based on their occurrence similarities. The distinct clusters formed in the analysis highlighted the unique ecological roles and interactions of V. velutina and other Vespidae species in South Korean ecosystems. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the successful establishment of V. velutina in diverse South Korean ecosystems and highlights its complex interactions with native species. These findings support the need for nuanced management strategies that consider the intricate ecological relationships of V. velutina. This approach is crucial for the effective management of invasive species and ecosystem conservation. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Mesoscale eddies exert inverse latitudinal effects on global industrial squid fisheries.

Squid species, as a burgeoning global food source, has garnered significant concerns due to expanding fisheries and little regulation. Elucidating the dynamics of squid fisheries and their biophysical coupling mechanisms is crucial for predicting spatiotemporal variations in squid fisheries and their sustainable management. Mesoscale eddies are discrete rotating oceanographic features that dominate local environmental variations and have been shown to modulate top predators. However, given controls of both predators and environmental factors, it remains unknown how eddies impact mid-trophic level species such as squids. Using satellite-based global squid fishery datasets, we showed an inverse latitudinal pattern of eddy-induced squid fisheries, where fishing activities are aggregated in (repelled from) cyclonic (anticyclonic) eddy cores in tropical waters and anticyclonic (cyclonic) eddy cores in temperate waters, and this pattern can be significantly enhanced with increasing eddy amplitude. Regarding solely the satellite-based global squid fisheries, eddy-induced environmental variations may generate a trade-off between food intake and energy expenditure, causing these oceanic squids to prefer cool cyclonic eddies in hot but food-limited waters, and warm anticyclonic eddies in nutritious but heat-limited waters. Given that eddy activity is projected to continuously enhance under global warming, our finding of eddy-driven bottom-up control for squid fisheries highlights an increasingly important hotspot for squid stock predictions and ecosystem-based ocean management in a changing climate.

Spatial distribution pattern of mustelids in the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Evolutionary theory predicts that the species of an evolutionarily successful taxon would not overlap in spatial distribution. To test the prediction, we document our research on the spatial associations of mustelids, an evolutionarily successful group of order Carnivore, using infrared camera trap data on species distribution collected from the national nature reserves (NNRs) of Liancheng, Wolong, Tangjiahe and Heizhugou in China in 2017-2021. Data showed seven mustelid species occurring in the study area, including Arctonyx collaris, Meles leucurus, Martes foina, Martes flavigula, Mustela altaica, Mustela nivalis and Mustela sibirica. Following Ricklef's definition of biological community, we identified five networks of species associations. The mustelids occurred in the networks. Species from the same genus, such as M. foina and M. flavigula, stayed in different networks to avoid competition owing to similar feeding habits or habitat preferences. Species with different feeding habits or habitat preferences either occurred in different networks, such as M. altaica and M. flavigula, or coexisted in the same networks but avoided direct spatial associations, such as M. foina and A. collaris. Asymmetrical associations were found between different genera, such as M. foina and M. altaica, or between different subfamilies, such as M. flavigula and A. collaris. These associations may be attributed to interspecific killing or seed dispersal. However, these associations accounted for only a small proportion and would not impact the species diversity of Mustelidae. It is thus concluded that the prediction is supported by our research findings and that spatial avoidance may be the biogeographic strategy of maintaining the species diversity of the family. We also found that the well protection of the mustelids may benefit the overall biodiversity conservation in Heizhugou, an NNR that has experienced severe deforestation.

Physical activities aid in tumor prevention: A finite element study of bio-heat transfer in healthy and malignant breast tissues.

The objective of the present research is to explore the temperature diffusion in healthy and cancerous tissues, with a specific focus on how physical activity impacts on the weakening of breast tumors. Previous research lacked numerical analysis regarding the effectiveness of physical activity in tumor prevention or attenuation, prompting an investigation into the mechanism behind physical activity and tumor prevention from a bio-heat transfer perspective. The study employs a realistic model of human breasts and tumors in COMSOL Multiphysics® to analyze temperature distribution by utilizing Penne's bio-heat equation. The research examines their influence on tissue temperature by varying tumor diameter (10-20 mm) and exercise intensities (such as walking speeds and other activities like carpentry, swimming, and marathon running). Results demonstrate that cancerous tissues generate notably more heat than normal tissues at rest and during physical activity. Smaller tumors exhibit higher temperatures during exercise, emphasizing the significance of tumor size in treatment effectiveness. Tumor temperatures range between 40 and 43.2 °C, while healthy tissue temperatures remain below 41 °C during physical activity. High-intensity exercises, particularly swimming, walking at 1.8 m/s, and marathon running, display a therapeutic effect on tumors, increasing effectiveness with intensity. The temperatures of healthy and malignant tissues rise noticeably due to constant metabolic heat and decreased blood flow. The study also identifies the optimal duration of high-intensity exercise, recommending at least 20 min for optimal therapeutic outcomes. The outcomes of this research would help individuals, doctors, and cancer researchers understand and weaken malignant tissues.

Analysis of THM formation potential in drinking water networks: Effects of network age, health risks, and seasonal variations in northwest of Iran.

Various factors influence the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water. Therefore, it is crucial to study the formation of DBPs and identify the associated influencing agents in water distribution networks (WDNs) to effectively prevent and control the health risks posed by DBPs. This research aimed to examine THM concentrations in the WDNs of Maragheh, Iran, focusing on seasonal variations. It also compared THM levels between new and old WDNs and assessed the health risks associated with exposure to THMs through various exposure routes. The mean concentrations of Chloroform, BDCM, DBCM, and Bromoform were 44.28 ± 18.25, 12.66 ± 5.19, 3.16 ± 0.89, and 0.302 ± 0.89 µg/L, respectively. Therefore, Chloroform was the predominant compound among the THM species, accounting for over 72 % of the total THMs (TTHMs). The average TTHMs concentration in summer (69.89 µg/L) was significantly higher than in winter (50.97 µg/L) (p < 0.05). Except for Bromoform, concentrations of other THM species in the new WDNs were considerably lower than in the old WDN (p < 0.05). The mean lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) rates for oral and dermal exposure routes to THMs were negligible and within acceptable risk levels. However, the LTCR mean values for inhalation exposure routes to THMs in winter and summer were within low (1 × 10-6 ≤ LTCR <5.1 × 10-5) and high acceptable risk levels (5.1 × 10-5 ≤ LTCR <10-4), respectively. Inhalation exposure presented the highest cancer risk among the various exposure routes. The hazard index values for oral and dermal contact with THMs were less than 1. Finally, sensitivity analysis revealed that the ingestion rate and exposure duration of THMs had the most significant positive effect on chronic daily intake (CDI) values and cancer risk. However, further comprehensive investigations are needed to develop effective solutions for reducing and controlling the precursors of DBP formation, as well as identifying suitable alternative disinfection compounds that minimize by-product formation.

Plant resistance and predators influence the density dependence of herbivore survival and distribution of herbivory.

Plant resistance and predators can influence density-dependent survivorship and growth of herbivores, and their damage to plants. Although the independent effects of plant resistance and predators on herbivores and herbivory are well known, little is known about their interactive and density-dependent effects on herbivores and the amount and distribution of damage on plants. These relationships are important for understanding how herbivore and plant populations influence each other. We used a laboratory density-manipulation experiment to determine how plant resistance (three treatments: jasmonate-insensitive, unmanipulated wild type, and jasmonate-sprayed wild-type plants) and predation (two treatments: predator or no predator) affect the survivorship and growth of an herbivore, as well as per capita damage and the distribution of damage on plants. We found evidence that the density dependence of herbivore survivorship was influenced by predators and an interactive effect of plant resistance and predation. Herbivore growth was reduced by higher plant resistance but was not density-dependent nor affected by predation. Per capita plant damage was reduced by plant resistance, predation, and herbivore density. The within-plant distribution of damage became more even with increasing herbivore density but was not affected by predation or the independent effect of plant resistance. The distribution of damage was also affected by an interaction between plant resistance and herbivore density; damage became less aggregated with density across all plant resistance treatments, but the decrease was strongest for the jasmonate-insensitive plants. These results show that predators influence herbivore density dependence, and that plant resistance can affect the impact of predators on herbivores. Though plant resistance, predation, and herbivore density all reduced per capita herbivore damage to plants, only herbivore density and plant resistance affected the distribution of damage. Distributions of herbivory can influence plant success; documenting patterns of herbivory is an under-appreciated avenue for integrating effects of plant resistance, predators, and herbivore density on plant-herbivore interactions.

Red blood cell distribution width to albumin ratio associates with prevalence and long-term diabetes mellitus prognosis: an overview of NHANES 1999-2020 data.

Background: Erythrocyte dysfunction is a characteristic of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, erythrocyte-associated biomarkers do not adequately explain the high prevalence of DM. Here, we describe red blood cell distribution width to albumin ratio (RAR) as a novel inflammatory biomarker for evaluating an association with DM prevalence and prognosis of all-cause mortality. Methods: Data analyzed in this study were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2020. A total of 40,558 participants (non-DM and DM) were enrolled in the study; RAR quartiles were calibrated at Q1 [2.02,2.82] mL/g, Q2 (2.82,3.05] mL/g, Q3 (3.05,3.38] mL/g, and Q4 (3.38,12.08] mL/g. A total of 8,482 DM patients were followed (for a median of 84 months), of whom 2,411 died and 6,071 survived. The prevalence and prognosis associated with RAR and DM were analyzed; age and sex were stratified to analyze the prevalence of RAR in DM and the sensitivity of long-term prognosis. Results: Among non-DM (n=30,404) and DM (n=10,154) volunteers, DM prevalence in RAR quartiles was 8.23%, 15.20%, 23.92%, and 36.39%. The multivariable odds ratio (OR) was significant for RAR regarding DM, at 1.68 (95% CI 1.42, 1.98). Considering Q1 as a foundation, the Q4 OR was 2.57 (95% CI 2.11, 3.13). The percentages of DM morbidity varied across RAR quartiles for dead (n=2,411) and surviving (n=6,071) DM patients. Specifically, RAR quartile mortality ratios were 20.31%, 24.24%, 22.65%, and 29.99% (P<0.0001). The multivariable hazard ratio (HR) for RAR was 1.80 (95% CI 1.57, 2.05). Considering Q1 as a foundation, the Q4 HR was 2.59 (95% CI 2.18, 3.09) after adjusting for confounding factors. Sensitivity analysis revealed the HR of male DM patients to be 2.27 (95% CI 1.95, 2.64), higher than females 1.56 (95% CI 1.31, 1.85). DM patients who were 60 years of age or younger had a higher HR of 2.08 (95% CI1.61, 2.70) as compared to those older than 60 years, who had an HR of 1.69 (95% CI 1.47, 1.94). The HR of RAR in DM patients was optimized by a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model; 3.22 was determined to be the inflection point of an inverse L-curve. DM patients with a RAR >3.22 mL/g suffered shorter survival and higher mortality as compared to those with RAR ≤3.22 mL/g. OR and HR RAR values were much higher than those of regular red blood cell distribution width. Conclusions: The predictive value of RAR is more accurate than that of RDW for projecting DM prevalence, while RAR, a DM risk factor, has long-term prognostic power for the condition. Survival time was found to be reduced as RAR increased for those aged ≤60 years among female DM patients.

Screening, epidemic trends and drug sensitivity analysis of nontuberculous mycobacteria in a local area of China.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the isolation rate, prevalence trends, species distribution, and drug sensitivity of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in Anhui Province, providing a reference for diagnosis and treatment strategies. METHODS: Specimens from suspected mycobacterial infection patients at Anhui Chest Hospital (including outpatients and inpatients) from January 2021 to December 2023 were cultured. Identified NTM strains were analyzed for species distribution and drug sensitivity. RESULTS: Of 10,519 mycobacteria strains cultured, 1,589 were NTM (15.11%). The top four species were Mycobacterium intracellulare (75.36%), Mycobacterium abscessus (11.78%), Mycobacterium kansasii (7.09%), and Mycobacterium avium (2.85%). NTM strains showed high sensitivity to amikacin and clarithromycin (≥90%) and significant sensitivity to rifabutin, moxifloxacin, and rifampicin (89.03%-79.61%). They exhibited high resistance to imipenem/cilastatin, sulfamethoxazole, minocycline, and doxycycline (≥95%). CONCLUSION: NTM isolation rates in Anhui have remained stable, with the predominant species being M. intracellulare, M. kansasii, M. abscessus, and M. avium. NTM strains are highly sensitive to amikacin, clarithromycin, rifabutin, moxifloxacin, and rifampicin. These findings can guide diagnosis, treatment strategies, and drug selection for NTM disease in Anhui Province.

A Statistical Route to Robust SERS Quantitation Beyond the Single-Molecule Level.

Single-molecule surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SM-SERS) holds great potential to revolutionize ultratrace quantitative analysis. However, achieving quantitative SM-SERS is challenging because of strong intensity fluctuation and blinking characteristics. In this study, we reveal the relation P = 1 - e-α between the statistical SERS probability P and the microscopic average molecule number α in SERS spectra, which lays the physical foundation for a statistical route to implement SM-SERS quantitation. Utilizing SERS probability calibration, we achieve quantitative SERS analysis with batch-to-batch robustness, extremely wide detection range of concentration covering 9 orders of magnitude, and ultralow detection limit far below the single-molecule level. These results indicate the physical feasibility of robust SERS quantitation through statistical route and certainly open a new avenue for implementing SERS as a practical analysis tool in various application scenarios.

Effects of sitting position on ventilation distribution determined by electrical impedance tomography in ventilated ARDS patients.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the improvements in pulmonary ventilation following a sitting position in ventilated ARDS patients using electrical impedance tomography. METHODOLOGY: A total of 17 patients with ARDS under mechanical ventilation participated in this study, including 8 with moderate ARDS and 9 with severe ARDS. Each patient was initially placed in the supine position (S1), transitioned to sitting position (SP) for 30 min, and then returned to the supine position (S2). Patients were monitored for each period, with parameters recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome included the spatial distribution parameters of EIT, regional of interest (ROI), end-expiratory lung impedance (ΔEELI), and parameters of respiratory mechanics. RESULTS: Compared to S1, the SP significantly altered the distribution in ROI1 (11.29 ± 4.70 vs 14.88 ± 5.00 %, p = 0.003) and ROI2 (35.59 ± 8.99 vs 44.65 ± 6.97 %, p ＜ 0.001), showing reductions, while ROI3 (39.71 ± 11.49 vs 33.06 ± 6.34 %, p = 0.009), ROI4 (13.35 ± 8.76 vs 7.24 ± 5.23 %, p ＜ 0.001), along with peak inspiratory pressure (29.24 ± 3.96 vs 27.71 ± 4.00 cmH2O, p = 0.036), showed increases. ΔEELI decreased significantly ventrally (168.3 (40.33 - 189.5), p ＜ 0.0001) and increased significantly dorsally (461.7 (297.5 - 683.7), p ＜ 0.0001). The PaO2/FiO2 ratio saw significant improvement in S2 compared to S1 after 30 min in the seated position (108 (73 - 130) vs 96 (57 - 129) mmHg, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The sitting position is associated with enhanced compliance, improved oxygenation, and more homogenous ventilation in patients with ventilated ARDS compared to the supine position. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is important to know the impact of postural changes on patient pulmonary ventilation in order to standardize safe practices in critically ill patients. It may be helpful in the management among ventilated patients.