Search

Most existing analytical and numerical models to quantify wave energy attenuation attributed to saltmarshes are based on the definition of a drag coefficient that varies with vegetation and wave characteristics and requires calibration, i.e., a case-specific variable. With the aim of determining a new variable to estimate wave energy attenuation without the use of calibration coefficients, wave attenuation caused by different saltmarsh species and the relationship with the ecosystem standing biomass are experimentally studied. Samples of four real saltmarshes with contrasting morphological and biomechanical properties, namely, Spartina sp., Salicornia sp., Halimione sp. and Juncus sp., are collected in the field and placed in a wave flume for testing under different regular and random wave conditions. Two meadow densities are considered, in addition to zero-density cases. Thus, wave damping coefficients are obtained in vegetated cases, β, and bare soil cases, βB, and wave damping produced solely by the meadow standing biomass, βSB, is determined. The obtained wave damping coefficients are related to a new variable, the hydraulic standing biomass (HSB), which is defined as a function of the meadow mean height and standing biomass and incident flow characteristics. Linear fitting relationships between the wave damping coefficient and HSB are obtained, allowing β and βSB estimation without the need for calibration. Therefore, the use of these new relationships facilitates direct quantification of wave energy attenuation due to saltmarshes based on incident wave conditions, mean plant height and meadow standing biomass, variables that can be obtained from aerial images or remote sensing data, extending the applicability of the approach. Another key aspect is that this approach does not depend on any calibration coefficient and can be directly applied with knowledge of the abovementioned characteristics. This may represent a paradigm shift in the estimation of wave energy attenuation attributed to saltmarshes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the development of multiple novel therapies, there has been major progress in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer over the last two decades; however, the disease remains invariably fatal. Androgens and the androgen receptor (AR) play a critical role in prostate carcinogenesis, and targeting the AR signaling axis with abiraterone, enzalutamide, darolutamide, and apalutamide has improved outcomes for men with this lethal disease. Targeting the AR and elucidating mechanisms of resistance to these agents remain central to drug development efforts. This review provides an overview of the evolution and current approaches for targeting the AR in advanced prostate cancer. It describes the biology of AR signaling, explores AR-targeting resistance mechanisms, and discusses future perspectives and promising novel therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several numerical tools have been developed to quantify the wave height decay through vegetation, such as saltmarshes. Among them, one of the most widely used is SWAN (Simulating Waves Nearshore), where Suzuki et al. (2012) implemented and validated Mendez and Losada (2004) formulation. The reliability of this approach is based on a good estimation of plant traits and the suitable choice of the bulk drag coefficient C ˜ D , which is usually used as a calibration coefficient. Recently, Maza et al. (2022) described a new predictive approach to quantify wave attenuation by saltmarshes without the need for calibration coefficients. They estimate the wave damping coefficient (β) as a function of the Hydraulic Standing Biomass (HSB), a parameter defined as a function of the standing biomass, the mean height of the meadow and the wave incident conditions. In this work, Maza et al. (2022) formulation is implemented in SWAN, and validation with laboratory and field data is carried out for six saltmarsh species, showing the good performance of SWAN without calibration. Additionally, the model is extended for including standing biomass and plant height spatial variation to consider the natural variability of the vegetation characteristics along a transect from the lower-marsh to the upper-marsh. Finally, it is shown that the new implementation presents significant advantages in the modeling of wave height evolution along different saltmarsh fields when compared with the standard drag-based approach applied by using existing empirical formulations. • New numerical implementation in SWAN for quantifying wave height attenuation by saltmarshes based on standing biomass. • The new predictive tool has been validated for six saltmarsh species with different geometrical and biomechanical properties. • The spatial variability in vegetation traits along the saltmarsh field is considered in model validation. • The new numerical implementation does not rely on the definition of any calibration coefficient. • The comparison between drag approach and the new presented approach highlights the advantages of using the new approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of vegetation patchiness on solitary wave propagation, attenuation and wave-induced forces is studied both experimentally and numerically. Vegetation patchiness is simulated with rigid cylinder configurations built by one, eight and four patches tested under emergent, near emergent and submerged conditions. These configurations are parameterized by means of a new parameter (equivalent length, Le ), which is used to relate cylinders distribution with wave attenuation capacity. This new parameter allows comparing results for the three patches configurations. Larger attenuation rates are found for higher wave heights and shorter wave periods. The influence of water depth is also considered by means of the submergence ratio ( SR ) in order to account for the percentage of water column affected by vegetation. Higher attenuation rates are obtained for emergent conditions. High correlations are found between wave attenuation and a new set of parameters, the depth wave number ( kLe × SR ), that accounts for submergence conditions and field characteristics and a new Reynolds number ( R e s L e ), that is calculated considering the field vegetation dimensions affecting the flow. Experimental results are extended using IHFOAM, a three dimensional Navier-Stokes equations solver, to analyze wave forces on individual cylinders and wave propagation patterns showing the variability of forces magnitude and direction associated to vegetation patchiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Repetitive hammer use has been associated with strain and musculoskeletal injuries. This study investigated if using a shock-control hammer reduces forearm muscle strain by observing adverse physiological responses (i.e. inflammation and localized edema) after use. Methods Three matched framing hammers were studied, including a wood-handle, steel-handle, and shock-control hammer. Fifty volunteers were randomly assigned to use one of these hammers at a fatiguing pace of one strike every second, to seat 20 nails in a wood beam. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to scan the forearm muscles for inflammation before the task, immediately after hammering, and one to two days after. Electromyogram signals were measured to estimate grip exertions and localized muscle fatigue. High-speed video was used to calculate the energy of nail strikes. Findings While estimated grip force was similar across the three hammers, the shock-control hammer had 40% greater kinetic energy upon impact and markedly less proximal extensor muscle edema than the wood-handle and steel-handle hammers, immediately after use (p < .05). Interpretation Less edema observed for the shock-control hammer suggests that isolating handle shock can mitigate strain in proximal forearm extensor muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on energy conservation a new analytical formulation for the evaluation of wave damping under the combined effect of waves and both following and opposing currents is presented. The formulation obtained for regular and random waves allows the derivation of analytical expressions for the vegetation drag coefficient as a function of wave damping parameters. These parameters are calibrated using a unique experimental set obtained in a large-scale wave basin considering the interaction of waves and currents with real vegetation representative of salt marshes, namely Spartina anglica and Puccinellia maritime. Comparisons show the quality of the analytical formulation under different hydrodynamic conditions, vegetation species and various Reynolds numbers formulated in terms of plant characteristics such as the deflected plant length accounting for the flow-induced bending of the vegetation. The new formulation can be useful to be implemented in phase averaged and phase resolving numerical models of wave propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three dimensional numerical approach based on IHFOAM to study the interaction of tsunami waves with mangrove forest is presented. As a first approximation, the problem is modelled by means of solitary waves impinging on emergent rigid cylinders. Two different conceptual approaches are implemented into IHFOAM. Solving the URANS equations provides a direct simulation of the flow field considering the actual geometry of the array of cylinders. A modified version of the volume-average URANS equations by introducing a drag force to model the momentum damping created by the cylinders is used in the second approach. Both the direct and macroscopic simulations are validated against laboratory experiments for wave damping with very high agreement. A large set of numerical experiments to analyse flow parameters and uniform and random cylinder array distributions are analysed and use to compare pros and cons of the different approaches. Large differences are found in the forces exerted on the vegetation for uniform and random distributions. Generalizations obtained from uniform arrangements could lead to underestimation of wave-exerted forces, especially for low dense configurations. Wave forces calculated with the macroscopic approach by means of the drag coefficient yields clear underestimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work presents a new model for wave and submerged vegetation which couples the flow motion with the plant deformation. The IH-2VOF model is extended to solve the Reynolds Average Navier–Stokes equations including the presence of a vegetation field by means of a drag force. Turbulence is modeled using a k–ε equation which takes into account the effect of vegetation by an approximation of dispersive fluxes using the drag force produce by the plant. The plant motion is solved accounting for inertia, damping, restoring, gravitational, Froude–Krylov and hydrodynamic mass forces. The resulting model is validated with small and large-scale experiments with a high degree of accuracy for both no swaying and swaying plants. Two new formulations of the drag coefficient are provided extending the range of applicability of existing formulae to lower Reynolds number. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Estradiol has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in several neurodegenerative conditions, including cerebral ischemia. The presence of this hormone prior to ischemia attenuates the damage associated with such events in a rodent model (middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)), although its therapeutic value when administered post-ischemia has not been assessed. Hence, we evaluated the effects of estradiol treatment after permanent MCAO (pMCAO) was induced in rats, studying the PI3K/AKT/GSK3/β-catenin survival pathway and the activation of SAPK-JNK in two brain areas differently affected by pMCAO: the cortex and hippocampus. In addition, we analyzed the effect of estradiol on the glial response to injury. Methods: Male rats were subjected to pMCAO and estradiol (0.04 mg/kg) was administered 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery. The animals were sacrificed 6 h after the last treatment, and brain damage was evaluated by immunohistochemical quantification of ‘reactive gliosis’ using antibodies against GFAP and Iba1. In addition, Akt, phospho-AktSer473, phospho-AktThr308, GSK3, phospho-GSK3Ser21/9, β-catenin, SAPK-JNK, and pSAPK-JNKThr183/Tyr185 levels were determined in western blots of the ipsilateral cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and regional differences in neuronal phospho-Akt expression were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results: The increases in the percentage of GFAP- (5.25-fold) and Iba1- (1.8-fold) labeled cells in the cortex and hippocampus indicate that pMCAO induced ‘reactive gliosis’. This effect was prevented by post-ischemic estradiol treatment; diminished the number of these cells to those comparable with control animals. pMCAO downregulated the PI3K/AkT/GSK3/β-catenin survival pathway to different extents in the cortex and hippocampus, the activity of which was restored by estradiol treatment more efficiently in the cerebral cortex (the most affected region) than in the hippocampus. No changes in the phosphorylation of SAPK-JNK were observed 54 h after inducing pMCAO, whereas pMCAO did significantly decrease the phospho-AktSer473 in neurons, an effect that was reversed by estradiol. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that post-pMCAO estradiol treatment attenuates ischemic injury in both neurons and glia, events in which the PI3K/AKT/GSK3/β-catenin pathway is at least partly involved. These findings indicate that estradiol is a potentially useful treatment to enhance recovery after human ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: It has been suggested that isoflavones protect the cardiovascular system, in part by improving lipid profile. The purpose of the present research was to examine the effect of a 12-week soy isoflavone supplementation on lipoprotein status and platelet thromboxane A2 receptor density. Methods: Twenty-nine healthy postmenopausal women were invited to take part in a randomised study to receive either 100mg/day isoflavone supplement (n =15) or identical placebo capsules (n =14). Blood samples obtained at baseline and after 12 weeks were analysed for isoflavones, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, estradiol, testosterone, gonadotrophins, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and platelet thromboxane A2 receptor density. Blood pressure measurements, body mass index, subcutaneous fat at entrance and at the end of treatment were also registered. Changes in variables between groups were compared by ANOVA for repeated measures. Results: Blood pressure, body mass index, subcutaneous fat, insulin, serum lipoprotein, sex hormones and SHBG did not differ among groups. However, platelet thromboxane A2 receptor density declined significantly (from 181.9±30.9 to 115.2±16.2fmol/108 platelets) in the experimental group, remaining mostly unchanged in the placebo group (176.3±27.3 to 170.4±28.2fmol/108 platelets). The dissociation constant (K d) values were unchanged. The change in platelet thromboxane A2 receptors correlated negatively with isoflavones serum concentration (r =−0.59, p <0.001). Conclusions: In this study we demonstrated that the beneficial effects of isoflavones in menopausal women could be more related to platelet function than to improving classical cardiovascular risk factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although mangroves reduce the daily risk of flood for millions of people, it is still difficult to estimate the protection they provide for variable wave conditions and forest characteristics. This aspect is crucial for the promotion of conservation and restoration of mangrove forests and for the estimation of how the coastal protection service they provide will evolve over time. This paper presents evidence and a new method for the estimation of the relationship between mangrove forest age and wave attenuation. The forest under analysis is characterised by the age of the Rhizophora mangrove trees, where consideration is given to the differences in the maturity of its individual trees and the density of the forest. Environmental conditions are defined by water levels and incoming wave height and period. A set of empirical and analytical relations expressing wave attenuation as a function of the submerged solid volume fraction (SVF) are presented. Changes is tree morphology and forest characteristics with forest age, as well as the contribution of the tree canopy, are taken into account. Results indicate that, after restoration, it may take only 5 years to obtain a forest's maximum coastal protection capacity. Additionally, such capacity appears to be maintained throughout the forest's lifetime with minor variations, provided the forest is not affected by any conditions altering its health, such as extreme wave events or anthropogenic action that may modify its habitat. Our findings present a new approach to quantifying the protection provided by mangroves without requiring any calibration. These findings can also assist in planning mangrove restoration and assessing associated benefits by providing the incorporation of nature-based solutions or ecosystem-based adaptation into coastal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND. Clinical trials have suggested antitumor activity from PARP inhibition beyond homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). RNASEH2B loss is unrelated to HRD and preclinically sensitizes to PARP inhibition. The current study reports on RNASEH2B protein loss in advanced prostate cancer and its association with RB1 protein loss, clinical outcome, and clonal dynamics during treatment with PARP inhibition in a prospective clinical trial. METHODS. Whole tumor biopsies from multiple cohorts of patients with advanced prostate cancer were interrogated using whole-exome sequencing (WES), RNA-Seq (bulk and single nucleus), and IHC for RNASEH2B and RB1. Biopsies from patients treated with olaparib in the TOPARP-A and TOPARP-B clinical trials were used to evaluate RNASEH2B clonal selection during olaparib treatment. RESULTS. Shallow codeletion of RNASEH2B and adjacent RB1 -- colocated at chromosome 13q14 -- was common, deep codeletion infrequent, and gene loss associated with lower mRNA expression. In castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) biopsies, RNASEH2B and RB1 mRNA expression correlated, but single nucleus RNA-Seq indicated discordant loss of expression. IHC studies showed that loss of the 2 proteins often occurred independently, arguably due to stochastic second allele loss. Pre- and posttreatment metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) biopsy studies from BRCA1/2 WT tumors, treated on the TOPARP phase II trial, indicated that olaparib eradicated RNASEH2B-loss tumor subclones. CONCLUSION. PARP inhibition may benefit men suffering from mCRPC by eradicating tumor subclones with RNASEH2B loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol ingestion may promote lipid peroxidation, and the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in liver lipids may be essential for the generation of liver damage through this mechanism. The aim of this study is to examine fatty acid composition of liver lipids in chronic alcoholics with and without histological liver damage. A percutaneous liver biopsy was performed to 28 patients hospitalized for treatment of their alcoholism. Liver total lipids were extracted from a portion of the tissue sample and fatty acid composition was measured by gas chromatography. Another piece of the sample was sent for histological study. Six patients had histological cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis in their biopsies, the rest of the patients had minimal changes. Patients with liver damage had higher levels of oleic acid and total monoenoic fatty acids, a higher 18:1/18:0 ratio, lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, a lower 20:4/18:2 ratio, and a lower peroxidability index in liver total lipids, than patients without liver damage. Alcoholic patients with asymptomatic liver damage have less unsaturated fatty acids in liver total lipids than their counterparts with normal livers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an innovative vertical breakwater cross-section integrating an overtopping wave energy converter, named OBREC-V, and the analysis of its hydraulic performance and stability response to hydraulic loading. The structure is composed of a vertically-faced caisson with a sloping ramp on the top, a reservoir and a set-back crown-wall. The analysis of the structure is carried out by performing numerical simulations based on the Volume-Averaged Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (VARANS) equations. The numerical simulations are performed to compare the performance of a traditional and innovative vertical caissons under the action of irregular waves, in terms of wave reflection, overtopping and wave acting forces. Results show that the reflection coefficients are lower than those computed in front of the traditional breakwater, with a reduction of up to the 40%. New formulations are proposed to better estimate the reflection coefficient and the wave overtopping at the rear side of the structure taking into account the non-conventional geometry of the device. The analysis of the forces indicate that the non-conventional geometry of the innovative OBREC-caisson increases the overall stability of the structure. The values of the safety factor against sliding, C s , on innovative caissons are similar or greater than those calculated on the traditional vertical structure for almost all the tests. The downward force on the ramp and reservoir and the time lag between the vertical and horizontal forces, lead to a significant reduction of the maximum destabilizing forces F s in the innovative breakwater, whose values range between 60 and 80% of the ones computed on the traditional structure. The obtained results show the co-benefits, in terms of functionality and hydraulic stability, that an OBREC-V entails with respect to a traditional vertical breakwater. • The hydraulic performance and stability analysis of a non-conventional caisson integrating an overtopping WEC is studied by performing numerical simulations based on VARANS equations. • The OBREC-V entails a set of benefits that must be considered in a decision-making process when designing a new vertical breakwater. • These benefits include not only the energy production of the WEC, but also the decreased wave reflection and greater hydraulic stability compared to a traditional design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Realistic experimental representation of mangroves. • Long mangrove forest. • Effect of seaward slope in fringe mangrove forest. • Effect of flume bottom and walls friction. • New method for direct measurement of forces. • Realistic assessment of mangrove attenuation capacity. • Realistic assessment of forces on mangroves. • Implications on predictive models: formulation, calibration and validation. With the aim of better understand and parameterize the physical processes involved in flow-mangrove interaction, wave attenuation and drag forces along a 1:6 scale fringe Rhizophora mangrove forest are studied experimentally. The 26 m long forest is composed by 135 models built reproducing mature Rhizophora mangrove trees with 24 prop roots. Hydrodynamic conditions are scaled using Froude similarity based on values collected in nature. Regular and random waves are tested and three water depths are considered to account for the influence of variable mangroves frontal area along the vertical. Wave decay analysis highlights the importance of considering the effect of flume bottom and walls friction. Neglecting this additional damping can result in a high overestimation of the mangrove dissipation capacity. It is proven that water depth, and the associated mangroves frontal area, and wave height are the dominant variables driving wave attenuation for short waves. The slope seaward the forest induces wave shoaling leading to an increase of wave steepness. Accordingly, the exerted forces on the mangroves also increase along the first 3–4 m of the forest. Smaller forces are recorded further into the forest where wave decay formulations fit well to the recorded wave heights. In general, analytical drag forces obtained by using mangrove trees induced damping coefficients compare well to the forces measured within the forest. However, analytical drag forces can lead to overestimations of up to double in some cases. This aspect is very important when experimental results are used to feed numerical or analytical models based on the introduction of a drag force in the momentum equation. These models should be calibrated using, whenever possible, direct force measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents the stability analysis of a non-conventional breakwater cross-section integrating an overtopping wave energy converter, named OBREC. The device consists of a traditional rubble-mound breakwater in which the upper part of the armour layer is replaced by a smooth ramp and a reservoir. The analysis of the structure is carried out by combining model scale experiments and numerical simulations based on the Volume-Averaged Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (VARANS) equations. The numerical analysis is used to complete and extend the results of the physical model test campaign, providing a deeper understanding of the pressure distribution and resultant force behaviour in locations where laboratory measurements were difficult to obtain or not available. Results show that the maximum vertical and horizontal total forces on the device are not simultaneous. At the time instant of the maximum total horizontal force, the vertical force is zero or directed downward, due to the significant positive contribution of the force acting on the sloping ramp. Additional numerical simulations show the influence of the submerged ramp length on the forces acting on the structure using the global and local stability analysis. The presence of the shaft contributes positively to the global stability against the sliding failure mode by reducing the uplift force exerted on the horizontal base. Moreover, the stability analysis shows that the critical conditions for the global failure modes occur at different time instants. Highlights • The stability analysis of a non-conventional breakwater integrating an overtopping wave energy converter is studied. • A combination of model scale experiments and numerical simulation based on the Volume-Averaged Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (VARANS) equations is carried out. • Detailed analysis of pressure distribution and wave loads on a non-conventional breakwater is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B7-H3 is overexpressed by the majority of advanced prostate cancers, with its expression associating with alterations of DNA damage repair genes, such as BRCA2 and ATM , but not MMR protein loss. B7-H3 expression is a therapeutic vulnerability for a B7-H3–targeting antibody-drug conjugate with a topoisomerase-1 payload. B7-H3 is a cell surface immunomodulatory glycoprotein overexpressed in prostate cancers (PCs). Understanding its longitudinal expression at emergence of castration resistance and association with tumour genomics are critical to the development of and patient selection for B7-H3 targeted therapies. To characterise B7-H3 expression in same-patient hormone-sensitive (HSPC) and castration-resistant (CRPC) PC biopsies, associating this with PC genomics, and to evaluate the antitumour activity of an anti–B7-H3 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in human CRPC in vitro and in vivo. We performed immunohistochemistry and next-generation sequencing on a cohort of 98 clinically annotated CRPC biopsies, including 72 patients who also had HSPC biopsies for analyses. We analysed two CRPC transcriptome and exome datasets, and PC scRNASeq datasets. PC organoids (patient-derived xenograft [PDX]-derived organoids [PDX-Os]) were derived from PDXs generated from human CRPC biopsies. We evaluated B7-H3 mRNA expression in relation to a panel of 770 immune-related genes, compared B7-H3 protein expression between same-patient HSPC and CRPC biopsies, determined associations with PC genomic alterations, and evaluated the antitumour activity of DS-7300a, a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor payload anti–B7-H3 ADC, in human PC cell lines, organoids (PDX-Os), and xenografts (PDXs) of different histologies, B7-H3 expressions, and genomics. B7-H3 was among the most highly expressed immunomodulatory genes in CRPCs. Most CRPCs (93%) expressed B7-H3, and in patients who developed CRPC, B7-H3 expression was frequently expressed at the time of HSPC diagnosis (97%). Conversion from B7-H3 positive to negative, or vice versa, during progression from HSPC to CRPC was uncommon. CRPC with neuroendocrine features were more likely to be B7-H3 negative (28%) than adenocarcinomas. B7-H3 is overexpressed in tumours with defective DNA repair gene (ATM and BRCA2) alterations and is associated with ERG expression, androgen receptor (AR) expression, and AR activity signature. DS7300a had antitumour activity against B7-H3 expressing human PC models including cell lines, PDX-Os, and PDXs of adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine histology. The frequent overexpression of B7-H3 in CRPC compared with normal tissue and other B7 family members implicates it as a highly relevant therapeutic target in these diseases. Mechanisms driving differences in B7-H3 expression across genomic subsets warrant investigation for understanding the role of B7-H3 in cancer growth and for the clinical development of B7-H3 targeted therapies. B7-H3, a protein expressed on the surface of the most lethal prostate cancers, in particular those with specific mutations, can be targeted using drugs that bind B7-H3. These findings are relevant for the development of such drugs and for deciding which patients to treat with these new drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Investigate the laboratory, imaging and procedural factors that are associated with a tumour-positive and/or NGS-feasible CT-guided sclerotic bone lesion biopsy result in cancer patients.Methods: In total, 113 CT-guided bone biopsies performed in cancer patients by an interventional radiologist in one institution were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-five sclerotic bone biopsies were eventually included and routine blood parameters and tumour marker levels were recorded. Non-contrast (NC) biopsy CTs (65), contrast-enhanced CTs (24), and PET/CTs (22) performed within four weeks of biopsy were reviewed; lesion location, diameter, lesion-to-cortex distance, and NC-CT appearance (dense-sclerosis versus mild-sclerosis) were noted. Mean NC-CT, CE-CT HU, and PET SUVmax were derived from biopsy tract and lesion segmentations. Needle diameter, tract length, and number of samples were noted. Comparisons between tumour-positive/negative and next-generation sequencing (NGS)-feasible/non-feasible biopsies determined significant (p < 0.05) laboratory, imaging, and procedural parameter differences.Results: Seventy-four percent of biopsies were tumour-positive. NGS was feasible in 22/30 prostate cancer patients (73%). Neither laboratory blood parameters, PET/CT availability, size, nor lesion-to-cortex distance affected diagnostic yield or NGS feasibility (p > 0.298). Eighty-seven percent of mildly sclerotic bone (mean 244 HU) biopsies were positive compared with 56% in dense sclerosis (622 HU, p = 0.005) and NC-CT lesion HU was significantly lower in positive biopsies (p = 0.003). A 610 HU threshold yielded 89% PPV for tumour-positive biopsies and a 370 HU threshold 94% PPV for NGS-feasible biopsies. FDG-PET and procedural parameters were non-significant factors (each p > 0.055).Conclusion: In cancer patients with sclerotic bone disease, targeting areas of predominantly mild sclerosis in lower CT-attenuation lesions can improve tumour tissue yield and NGS feasibility.Key Points: • Areas of predominantly mild sclerosis should be preferred to areas of predominantly dense sclerosis for CT-guided bone biopsies in cancer patients. • Among sclerotic bone lesions in prostate cancer patients, lesions with a mean HU below 370 should be preferred as biopsy targets to improve NGS feasibility. • Laboratory parameters and procedure related factors may have little implications for CT-guided sclerotic bone biopsy success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate whether multiparametric bone MRI (mpBMRI) utilising a combination of DWI signal, ADC and relative fat-fraction (rFF) can identify bone metastases, which provide high diagnostic biopsy yield and next-generation genomic sequencing (NGS) feasibility. Methods: A total of 150 CT-guided bone biopsies performed by interventional radiologists (3/2013 to 2/2021) at our centre were reviewed. In 43 patients, contemporaneous DWI and rFF images, calculated from 2-point T1w Dixon MRI, were available. For each biopsied lesion, a region of interest (ROI) was delineated on ADC and rFF images and the following MRI parameters were recorded: visual classification of DWI signal intensity (SI), mean, median, 10th and 90th centile ADC and rFF values. Non-parametric tests were used to compare values between tumour positive/negative biopsies and feasible/non-feasible NGS, with p-values < 0.05 deemed significant. Results: The mpBMRI combination high DWI signal, mean ADC < 1100 µm2/s and mean rFF < 20% identified tumour-positive biopsies with 82% sensitivity, 80% specificity, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 93% (p = 0.001) and NGS feasibility with 91% sensitivity, 78% specificity and 91% PPV (p < 0.001). The single MRI parameters DWI signal, ADC and rFF failed to distinguish between tumour-positive and tumour-negative biopsies (each p > 0.082). In NGS feasible biopsies, mean and 90th centile rFF were significantly smaller (each p < 0.041). Single ADC parameters did not show significant difference regarding NGS feasibility (each p > 0.292). Conclusions: MpBMRI utilising the combination of DWI signal, ADC and rFF can identify active bone metastases, which provide biopsy tissue with high diagnostic yield and NGS feasibility. Key Points: • Multiparametric bone MRI with diffusion-weighted and relative fat-fraction images helps to identify active bone metastases suitable for CT-guided biopsy. • Target lesions for CT-guided bone biopsies in cancer patients can be chosen with greater confidence. • CT-guided bone biopsy success rates, especially yielding sufficient viable tissue for advanced molecular tissue analyses, can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-analytical solutions are proposed to investigate the effects of a submerged/suspended circular patch on water waves scattering. The patch is simplified to periodic cylindrical lattices with a strong contrast between the cylinder spacing and the typical wavelength. The homogenization theory is employed to derive the effective equations on the macro-scale (wavelength), in which the constitutive coefficients are obtained by numerically solving the micro-scale (cylinder spacing) problem in a unit cell. To simulate the turbulence in the circular cylinder patch, a bulk eddy viscosity model is applied through balancing the time-averaged energy over a wave period. Eigenfunction expansions method is used to solve the macro-scale problem, where a complex frequency dispersion relation is solved by the multiple successive approximation technique. Comparisons between the laboratory measurements and the waves/submerged circular patch model results show acceptable agreements for small amplitude waves. The waves/suspended circular patch model is not checked experimentally due to the lack of data. However, this suspended patch model is shown to reproduce the results of wave/emergent circle forest problem. A comprehensive comparison between the submerged, suspended and emergent circular patches on wave scattering is also presented. • Semi-analytical solutions are presented for water waves scattering by a submerged/suspended circular patch as the main creatively work of this study. • The present solutions have been checked with laboratory measurements and other solutions from previous studies. • The solutions are simple and allow straightforward numerical implementations. No additional fitting coefficient is needed in the model computation. • A comprehensive analysis on wave scattering by different forms of circular patches has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Solitary wave evolution over a shelf including porous damping is investigated using Volume-Averaged Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations. Porous media induced damping is determined based on empirical formulations for relevant parameters, and numerical results are compared with experimental information available in the literature. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of wave damping on soliton disintegration and evolution along the step for both breaking and non-breaking solitary waves. The influence of several parameters such as geometrical configuration (step height and still water level), porous media properties (porosity and nominal diameter) or solitary wave characteristics (wave height) is analyzed. Numerical simulations show the porous bed induced wave damping is able to modify wave evolution along the step. Step height is observed as a relevant parameter to influence wave evolution. Depth ratio upstream and downstream of the edge appears to be the more relevant parameter in the transmission and reflection coefficients than porosity or the ratio of wave height–water depth. Porous step also modifies the fission and the solitary wave disintegration process although the number of solitons is observed to be the same in both porous and impermeable steps. In the absence of breaking, porous bed triggers a faster fission of the incident wave into a second and a third soliton, and the leading and the second soliton reduces their amplitude while propagating. This decrement is observed to increase with porosity. Moreover, the second soliton is released before on an impermeable step. Breaking process is observed to dominate over the wave dissipation at the porous bottom. Fission is first produced on a porous bed revealing a clear influence of the bottom characteristics on the soliton generation. The amplitude of the second and third solitons is very similar in both impermeable and porous steps but they evolved differently due to the effect of bed damping. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bridge pier scour poses major concerns for public safety and riverine communities because of its ability to undermine pier foundations. A new collar design is introduced as an improvement on the existing Flat Plate Collar (FPC). Uniquely, the three-dimensional collar is specifically designed to contain the horseshoe vortex and guide it safely downstream, while protecting the riverbed around the pier base from the passing accelerated flow. Large shear stresses are thereby prevented from contacting the riverbed, and thus scour is considerably reduced. The collar design was achieved in an iterative hybrid manner through the use of OpenFOAM (CFD) software and by employing experimental tests. Collar designs were tested numerically and adjusted until an improved shape was reached. Then, a physical model of the new collar and an FPC were constructed and tested experimentally. The collar is demonstrated to reduce scour, more than that of an FPC; however further revisions are required for it to be an effective scour solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N ε -carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) is measured in food, but there is a controversy concerning the most convenient yet reliable method(s) for this task. This work compares three different ELISA assays and HPLC-ESI-ITMS/MS for the analysis of CML in several food items. The four methods showed the same decreasing order of CML concentration: beef, bacon > chicken > fish > dairy products > grain products > fruits/vegetables. HPLC-ESI-ITMS/MS results highly correlated with those obtained by ELISA performed with monoclonal CML-antibody (β = 0.98, p < 0.0001) whereas My Bio Source® kit results were not correlated with those provided by Lamider®. Small differences of CML concentrations in food items prepared by different culinary treatment were clearly distinguished by HPLC-ESI-ITMS/MS, but could not always be detected by ELISA. This work demonstrates a reasonable relationship between CM determined by ELISA and HPLC-ESI-ITMS/MS and therefore supports the implementation of ELISA in food CML/AGEs screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine if irisin plasma levels are associated with regular physical activity, body composition and metabolic parameters in women subjected to calorie restriction.Subjects and Methods: We studied 42 women aged 34 ± 13 years with a body mass index of 27.7 ± 1.8 kg/m2, who were subjected to a calorie restriction for three months. At baseline and at the end of the study, weight, waist and hip circumference, laboratory parameters, body composition by DEXA, resting and activity energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and 72 hours actigraphy were measured. Fasting serum irisin was quantified using an ELISA kit.Results: After the intervention period, participants lost 1.5 (0.4-3.4) kg and irisin levels did not change. Irisin baseline levels were positively but weakly correlated with the level of physical activity. This association was lost at the end of the intervention. No association was found between irisin levels and body composition or insulin sensitivity or their changes after calorie restriction. No association between serum irisin levels and PGC-1αexpression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum irisin was observed.Conclusions: Fasting serum irisin was weakly associated with usual physical activity and did not change after calorie restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model is proposed to study transient long waves propagating through coastal vegetation. The coastal forest is modeled by an array of rigid and vertically surface-piercing cylinders. The homogenization method, i.e. multi-scale perturbation theory, is applied to separate two contrasting physical length scales: the scale characterizing transient waves and the scale representing the diameter of and the spacing among cylinders. Fourier transform is employed so that the free surface elevation and velocity field are solved in the frequency domain. For each harmonic, the flow motion within a unit cell, consisting of one or more cylinders, is obtained by solving the micro-scale boundary-value problem, which is driven by the macro-scale (wavelength scale) pressure gradients. The cell-averaged equations governing the macro-scale wave amplitude spectrum are derived with the consideration of the effects of the cell problem solution. Similar to [1], the macro-scale wave amplitude spectrum is solved numerically with the boundary integral equation method, where a vegetated area is composed of multiple patches of arbitrary shape. Each forest patch can be divided into subzones according to different properties, such as planting pattern and vegetation size. Each subzone is considered as a homogeneous forest region with a constant bulk eddy viscosity determined by the empirical formula suggested in [13]. Once the solutions for wave amplitude spectrum are obtained, the free surface elevation can then be computed from the inverse Fourier transform. A computing program is developed based on the present numerical model. To check the present approach, we investigate several different forest configurations. However, we focus on incident waves with a soliton-like shape. We first re-examine the forest belt case. The numerical model is then checked by available theoretical results along with experimental measurements for two special forest configurations. For a single circular forest, the numerical results compare almost perfectly with the analytical solutions. The comparison with experimental data also shows very good agreements. The effects of different wave parameters on damping rate are discussed. The numerical model is further compared with the experiments for a forest region consisting of multiple circular patches. Good agreements are also observed between the simulated free surface elevations and the experimental measurements. The effectiveness of these two forest configurations on wave attenuation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-amplitude water waves propagating through a heterogeneous coastal forest of arbitrary shape is studied. Following the theoretical approach introduced by Liu et al. [10], the forest is modeled by an array of rigid and vertical cylinders. Assuming that the wavelength is much larger than the cylinder diameter and the cylinder spacing, a multi-scale perturbation theory of homogenization ([15]) is applied to separate the micro-scale flow problem within a unit cell, containing one or more cylinders, from the macro-scale wave dynamics. The complex coefficients in the derived macro-scale governing equations are computed from the solutions of micro-scale problem, in which the macro-scale pressure gradients are the driven force. The boundary integral equation method is employed to solve the macro-scale wave dynamic problem where the forest has an arbitrary shape and is composed of multiple forest patches. Each forest patch can be divided into subzones according to different forest properties, such as the porosity and cylinder diameter. Each subzone is considered as a homogeneous forest region with a constant bulk eddy viscosity, which is determined by invoking the balance of the time-averaged dissipation rate and the rate of work done by wave forces. A computing program has been developed based on the present approach. The numerical model is checked with existing theoretical works and laboratory experiments. The numerical solutions compare almost perfectly with the semi-analytical solutions for a single circular forest reported in Liu et al. [10]. The numerical model is then applied to cases where the forest region is made of multiple circular patches. Experimental data for these cases ([12,14]) is used to validate the numerical results. The comparison between model predictions and the experimental data is in reasonable agreement. The effectiveness of these two special forest configurations on wave attenuation is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 70-year old woman who was taken to the hospital of Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo in Spain because of diabetes and hypertension. Multiple filling defects in the common bile duct of the patient were found using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Five days after the ERCP, yellowish macules on her loins appeared. A surgical intervention was performed which was effective in curing the patient's disease.

In this paper the semi-analytical theory of water wave propagation through vegetation developed by Mei, Chan and Liu (2014) is extended to examine the cases where the vegetated area has a finite extent. A mathematical model for small-amplitude periodic waves propagating through a lattice-like array of vertical cylinders within a finite region is developed. Assuming periodic lattice configuration and strong contrast between the cylinder spacing and the typical wavelength, the multi-scale perturbation theory of homogenization ( Mei and Vernescu, 2010 ) is employed to derive the effective equations governing the macro-scale wave dynamics and the boundary-value problem of micro-scale flows within a unit cell. The constitutive coefficients in the macro-scale effective equations are computed from the solution of the micro-scale boundary-value problem, which is driven by the macro-scale pressure gradients. Furthermore, a bulk eddy viscosity is determined by balancing the time-averaged rate of dissipation and the rate of work done by wave forces on the forest, integrated over the entire forest. The wave forces are modeled by the Morison-type formula ( Morison et al., 1950 ), in which the drag coefficient formula is constructed based on experimental data by Hu, Suzuki, Zitman, Uittewaal and Stive (2014) . The theory was checked with the experimental data from Hu et al. (2014) for wave decay through a forest strip, in which waves are of normal incidence. The agreement between the theory and experiment is very good. To further check the theory, a new set of experiments for periodic waves propagating through a circular shape forest was conducted. The Reynolds numbers for these experiments are in the same range as those of Hu et al. (2014) . Because of the circular shape, analytical solutions of the macro-scale problem can be obtained. Again, good agreement between the theory and experimental data is observed. No additional fitting coefficient is needed in the theory/experiment comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As public access to longitudinal developmental datasets like the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development StudySM (ABCD Study®) increases, so too does the need for resources to benchmark time-dependent effects. Scan-to-scan changes observed with repeated imaging may reflect development but may also reflect practice effects, day-to-day variability in psychological states, and/or measurement noise. Resources that allow disentangling these time-dependent effects will be useful in quantifying actual developmental change. We present an accelerated adult equivalent of the ABCD Study dataset (a-ABCD) using an identical imaging protocol to acquire magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) structural, diffusion-weighted, resting-state and task-based data from eight adults scanned five times over five weeks. We report on the task-based imaging data (n = 7). In-scanner stop-signal (SST), monetary incentive delay (MID), and emotional n -back (EN-back) task behavioral performance did not change across sessions. Post-scan recognition memory for emotional n -back stimuli, however, did improve as participants became more familiar with the stimuli. Functional MRI analyses revealed that patterns of task-based activation reflecting inhibitory control in the SST, reward success in the MID task, and working memory in the EN-back task were more similar within individuals across repeated scan sessions than between individuals. Within-subject, activity was more consistent across sessions during the EN-back task than in the SST and MID task, demonstrating differences in fMRI data reliability as a function of task. The a-ABCD dataset provides a unique testbed for characterizing the reliability of brain function, structure, and behavior across imaging modalities in adulthood and benchmarking neurodevelopmental change observed in the open-access ABCD Study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Over the last decades, population densities in coastal areas have strongly increased. At the same time, many intertidal coastal ecosystems that provide valuable services in terms of coastal protection have greatly degraded. As a result, coastal defense has become increasingly dependent on man-made engineering solutions. Ongoing climate change processes such as sea-level rise and increased storminess, require a rethinking of current coastal defense practices including the development of innovative and cost-effective ways to protect coastlines. Integrating intertidal coastal ecosystems within coastal defense schemes offers a promising way forward. In this perspective, we specifically aim to (1) provide insight in the conditions under which ecosystems may be valuable for coastal protection, (2) discuss which might be the most promising intertidal ecosystems for this task and (3) identify knowledge gaps that currently hamper application and hence need attention from the scientific community. Ecosystems can contribute most to coastal protection by wave attenuation in areas with relatively small tidal amplitudes, and/or where intertidal areas are wide. The main knowledge gap hampering application of intertidal ecosystems within coastal defense schemes is lack in ability to account quantitatively for long-term ecosystem dynamics. Such knowledge is essential, as this will determine both the predictability and reliability of their coastal defense function. Solutions integrating intertidal ecosystems in coastal defense schemes offer promising opportunities in some situations, but require better mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics in space and time to enable successful large-scale application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The contribution of seagrasses to coastal protection is examined through the review of the most relevant existing knowledge. Seagrasses are the largest submerged aquatic vegetation ecosystem protected in Europe and it is worth examining their contribution to coastal protection. The review performed highlights incident energy flux, density, standing biomass and plant stiffness as the main physical and biological factors influencing the efficiency of the protection provided by seagrasses. The main conclusion achieved is that seagrass meadows cannot protect shorelines in every location and/or scenario. The optimal conditions for enhancing the protection supplied might be achieved in shallow waters and low wave energy environments, with high interaction surface, at the vertical and horizontal dimension, between water flow and seagrasses. Likewise, the most favorable protection might be provided by large, long living and slow growing seagrass species, with biomass being largely independent of seasonal fluctuations and with the maximum standing biomass reached under the highest hydrodynamic forcings. It is shown that seawater warming, increasing storms and sea level rise, together with the increasing population and anthropogenic threats in the coastal area may lead to rates of change too fast to allow seagrasses to adapt and keep their coastal defense service. Finally, to amend the decline of seagrasses and consequent coastal protection loss, different artificial and natural adaptation measures are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To describe clinical features and presentation of infectious scleritis resulting from herpes viruses. Design: Retrospective case series. Participants: Thirty-five patients out of 500 with scleritis. Methods: We reviewed the electronic health records of 500 patients with scleritis, 35 of whom were diagnosed with herpes virus infection, seen at 2 tertiary referral centers. We studied the clinical features and ocular complications of this subset of patient with scleritis. Main Outcome Measures: Correlation between classification, severity, and symptoms (i.e., pain) and diagnosis of herpetic-associated scleritis. Vision loss, presence of associated uveitis, keratitis, glaucoma, or systemic disease were documented over the follow-up period. Other outcome measures included epidemiologic data: age, gender, laterality, visual acuity, duration of symptoms, and underlying systemic or ocular diseases. Results: Of 500 patients with scleritis, 47 (9.4%) had an underlying infectious cause. Thirty-five (74.4%) of these were diagnosed with herpes virus infection, 5 (10.6%) with tuberculosis, and the remaining 7 (14.8%) with other infectious disease. Patients with herpes-associated scleritis were analyzed as a group and then compared with those with idiopathic scleritis. Most patients with herpetic scleritis presented with acute (85.7%) and unilateral (80%) scleral inflammation. Pain was moderate or severe in 68.6% of the patients. The most common type of scleritis was diffuse anterior in 80% (n = 28), followed by nodular anterior 11.4% (n = 4), and necrotizing in 8.6% (n = 3). Necrotizing anterior scleritis was more commonly seen in patients with herpetic scleritis versus patients with idiopathic disease (8.6% vs 1.2%; P<0.05). Unilaterality was also more common in herpetic scleritis (80%) than in idiopathic disease (56.7%; P<0.05). Vision loss was significantly greater in herpetic than idiopathic scleritis (34.3% vs 11.5%; P<0.001). Conclusions: The association between scleritis and infectious disease may be higher than previously reported by other series. Herpes viruses account for 7% of all scleritis cases and its diagnosis may be challenging when there is not a classically diagnostic clinical picture. We present the observed clinical features of herpetic scleritis and describe the clinical differences at presentation between patients with idiopathic scleritis and those with herpes infection. Financial Disclosure(s): The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) may produce mild to severe myopathy. However, it is unclear if sarcopenia (decreased muscle mass and functional capacity) is also accentuated by the drugs. In a cross-sectional design, functional capacity (timed up and go, quadriceps- and hand grip strength) and lean body mass were compared between 71 low-dose statin users (<20 mg/day) and 57 age- and BMI-matched control subjects (all apparently healthy elderly women aged 74.6±5.3 years). Possible confounding factors were assessed by questionnaires. A fasted blood sample was taken to measure serum creatine kinase levels to search for muscle damage. Statin users had higher functional capacity than controls (quadriceps strength 25.3±7.5 kg vs. 20.5±6.3 kg in controls, P<0.001; timed up and go 9.7±2.1 s vs. 10.8±2.6 s in controls, P=0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors, this effect was not created by statin intake but by a difference in socioeconomic status between the two groups. Hand grip strength (20.6±4.3 kg vs. 19.9±3.8 kg, P=0.47) and lean body mass (36.3±4.1 kg vs. 35.6±4.6 kg, P=0.19) did not differ between statin users and controls. Muscle mass and functional capacity were not affected by statin intake but by socioeconomic status in elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a young man diagnosed with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans lung metastases seven years after primary tumor resection. Notably, no previous local recurrences had been observed. A multimodal approach was used for the management of this patient: surgery, radiotherapy and targeted therapy with Imatinib. The patient is alive with stable disease after thirty months of the metastases diagnoses. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans metastasizes very rarely, and when it does, it is usually either after local recurrence or whenever fibrosarcomatous transformation is found in the histopathological analysis, which confers an increased risk of local recurrence and metastases. This is the second report of a metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans occurring in a patient with no previous local recurrence or histological fibrosarcomatous features, emphasizing the rarity of the disease presentation and the importance of targeted therapy in improving patient quality of life and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]