Search Results (1,200)

Underwater laser cutting is a promising remote segmentation method for highly activated reactor internals because it enables non-contact cutting while maintaining water shielding. Although previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of thick-section underwater laser cutting, process monitoring remains challenging because bubbles, optical scattering, local gas-cavity behavior, water cooling, and complex melt ejection can alter the relationship between the cutting state and externally measured signals. Therefore, the monitoring characteristics of different sensing modalities during underwater thick-section cutting need to be clarified. This study synchronized a camera, a broadband photodiode, and a triaxial accelerometer during underwater laser cutting of 100 mm thick STS 304 stainless steel. Camera observations were used as the reference for identifying process states. During partial penetration, a broad lateral plume developed, followed by transient lower-lateral ejection and pronounced downward discharge at full penetration. The photodiode mean decreased by 88.8% and 93.0% from partial to full penetration in Experiments 1 and 3, respectively, and remained low afterward. Accelerometer responses around full penetration were less consistent, whereas in Experiment 2, late-stage abnormal behavior was accompanied by a 128.8% increase in the mean PSD in the 75–245 Hz band. These results indicate distinct monitoring characteristics of the three sensing modalities. Full article

This study determined the level at which corn stover (CS) could be progressively replaced with condensed tannin-containing woody biomass (CTWB) from Quercus rugosa without compromising dietary acceptance, growth, energy utilization, or reproductive development in prospective breeding ram lambs. In Experiment 1, eight intact Rambouillet ram lambs (5 months old; 40.7 ± 0.2 kg initial body weight) were simultaneously offered diets containing 0–80% CTWB (CTWB-0–CTWB-80), equivalent to 0.00–20.96 g condensed tannins (CT)/kg dry matter (DM), in an 8-d preference trial. In Experiment 2, 36 intact Rambouillet ram lambs (6 months old; 49.97 ± 0.79 kg initial body weight) were assigned for 70 d to diets containing 0–60% CTWB and a calculated CT contribution from CTWB of 0.00–15.72 g/kg DM (n = 9/treatment). In the preference trial, CTWB-20 reduced CS from 80 to 60% without affecting the proportion of diet consumed or relative palatability index compared with CTWB-0, whereas inclusions ≥40% reduced both responses (p = 0.0143 and p = 0.0146, respectively). In the growth trial, CTWB-20, corresponding to 5.24 g CT/kg DM from CTWB, maintained growth performance comparable with CTWB-0 and produced a greater overall growth response than CTWB-60, reflected by greater final body weight (63.95 vs. 57.87 kg; p = 0.016), average daily gain (0.202 vs. 0.126 kg/d), cumulative body weight change (14.19 vs. 8.93 kg; p = 0.019), and gain-to-feed ratio (0.094 vs. 0.058; p = 0.011). Dry matter intake (DMI) remained similar (p = 0.278). As CTWB increased, expected DMI increased (p < 0.0001), the observed-to-expected DMI ratio decreased (p = 0.003), and the observed-to-expected net energy for maintenance (NE_m) and gain (NE_g) ratios increased (p ≤ 0.045), although observed NE_m and NE_g concentrations remained unchanged (p = 0.146). Rib fat thickness was maintained with CTWB-20 but decreased with CTWB-40 and CTWB-60 (p = 0.004), whereas longissimus muscle area, scrotal circumference, and sperm motility remained similar (p ≥ 0.157). Additionally, CTWB-20 was associated with greater sperm viability (p = 0.032), while all CTWB levels were associated with fewer morphologically abnormal sperm (p = 0.005). Finally, treatment did not affect income over feed cost or cost of gain (p = 0.217 and p = 0.735, respectively), indicating that partial replacement with CTWB did not adversely affect economic efficiency. Overall, 20% CTWB reduced CS from 60 to 40% and provided a favorable balance among dietary acceptance, growth, semen characteristics, and economic efficiency. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary tea polyphenols (TPs) supplementation on growth performance and meat quality. A total of 120 pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) aged 150 days with similar body weights (74.29 ± 0.55 kg), comprising equal numbers of females and castrated males, were randomly assigned to two treatments, each with three pens of 20 pigs: The Control group received a basal diet, and the TP group received the basal diet supplemented with 2000 mg/kg tea extract containing 15% TP. A 7-day adaptation preceded the 60-day feeding period. At the end of the experiment, the final bodyweight of the pigs was measured and six pigs per treatment were selected for sampling. The results showed that: (1) growth performance did not differ significantly, although feed-to-gain ratio and average daily feed intake were numerically lower in the TP group; (2) carcass weight, backfat thickness, and muscle alanine increased, whereas longissimus dorsi lightness and yellowness decreased (p < 0.05); (3) serum total superoxide dismutase and hepatic catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities increased (p < 0.05); (4) Chao1 richness and Shannon diversity were unchanged, and genus-level PCoA showed partial but non-significant separation of the colonic microbial communities (R = 0.1685, p = 0.090). Nevertheless, TP supplementation selectively altered specific bacterial taxa, with lower relative abundances of Pseudomonadota, Escherichia–Shigella, and Ligilactobacillus and higher relative abundances of Solobacterium, norank_f__p-2534-18B5_gut_group, and [Ruminococcus]_gauvreauii_group; and (5) Catenisphaera was positively correlated with serum total superoxide dismutase activity (p < 0.01), whereas the TP-enriched norank_f__p-2534-18B5_gut_group was positively correlated with muscle alanine content (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates concurrent antioxidant, meat-quality, and microbial responses to a TP-containing diet, supporting mechanistic research on a potential gut–liver–muscle association and refinement of supplementation strategies that balance antioxidant benefits with carcass fat deposition. Full article

Schizochytrium oil (SO) is rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but its ruminal effects in sheep remain unclear. Twenty Hu lambs were fed CK or SO diets for 84 d. The CK diet contained 4% palm oil, 31.43% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and 5.58% ether extract (EE). The SO diet contained 3% palm oil and 1% SO, with similar NDF (31.76%) and EE (5.45%). Blood samples were collected one day before slaughter, before the morning feed replenishment, whereas rumen contents and epithelial tissue were collected after slaughter following a 16-h fast. Rumen microbiota, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), epithelial morphology (n = 10/group), RNA-seq (n = 4/group), and serum metabolomics (n = 5/group) were analyzed. The results showed that the rumen microbial community structure did not differ between the two groups (PERMANOVA, R² = 0.101, p > 0.05), but SO selectively altered the relative abundance of seven genera (FDR < 0.05), including higher Fibrobacter and lower Methanosphaera. These changes were accompanied by higher acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, and total VFA concentrations and a lower acetate/propionate ratio (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed that rumen papilla length and total epithelial thickness were higher in the SO group than in the CK group (2286.49 vs. 1764.30 μm and 114.52 vs. 80.07 μm, respectively; p < 0.05). Rumen epithelial RNA-seq showed enrichment of pathways related to VFA metabolism, energy metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism in the SO group (FDR < 0.01). Serum metabolomics showed higher levels of DHA and several DHA-containing lipids in the SO group (FDR < 0.05). Overall, partial replacement of palm oil with 1% SO selectively altered selected rumen genera and increased ruminal propionate concentration, accompanied by changes in rumen epithelial morphology and metabolism and increased serum DHA-related lipids. These findings support the potential of SO as a dietary DHA source for Hu lambs and provide evidence for its effects on the rumen and serum DHA-related lipid profile. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric ocular surface disease associated with ocular rosacea, chronic blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction may result in significant corneal morbidity. In refractory cases, the limitations of conventional therapy have stimulated interest in adjunctive treatment modalities, including intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Methods: We report the case of a 10-year-old female patient with cutaneous rosacea, recurrent chalazia and chronic blepharitis who was referred for specialized ocular surface evaluation due to persistent ocular surface disease despite previous treatment. Results: At presentation, slit-lamp examination revealed diffuse keratitis, eyelid telangiectasia, inferior corneal neovascularization and corneal scarring. Despite the severity of ocular surface findings, no significant ocular complaints were documented and the OSDI-12 score was low. Ocular surface analysis demonstrated reduced non-invasive tear break-up time, incomplete blink rate, reduced lipid layer thickness and decreased tear meniscus height. Following optimization of conventional therapy, IPL treatment and adjunctive warming massage mask therapy, early improvement was observed in several ocular surface parameters, together with reduction of eyelid inflammation, improvement of keratitis and partial regression of corneal neovascularization. Subsequent longitudinal measurements showed variability. Conclusions: Pediatric ocular surface disease may present with severe objective findings despite minimal subjective symptoms, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Careful evaluation is therefore essential in children with recurrent chalazia and chronic blepharitis. A multimodal therapeutic approach was associated with clinical and objective improvement in this patient; however, the contribution of individual treatment components cannot be established from a single case. Full article

Background: Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is an established calcium modification strategy for severely calcified coronary lesions. The Shunmei ShockFast™ IVL system is a novel device that appeared safe and feasible in an initial clinical experience. However, its calcium fracture typology, depth distribution, and quantitative stent optimization characteristics have not been characterized by serial optical coherence tomography (OCT). Objectives: To provide the first dedicated serial OCT sub-study of calcium modification patterns and stent optimization metrics achieved with the ShockFast™ IVL system in a cohort of patients with severely calcified de novo coronary lesions. Methods: This is a prospective, single-center OCT imaging sub-study nested within the Cardio-FR registry (NCT04185285). We included 14 patients with OCT assessment performed at three mandatory time points—baseline (before any device delivery), post-IVL, and post-stenting–who underwent PCI with the ShockFast™ IVL system between June 2025 and April 2026. The primary endpoint was OCT-confirmed calcium fracture rate following IVL treatment. Secondary endpoints included calcium fractures ≥2 and type, post-lesion-preparation lumen gain, minimum stent area (MSA), stent expansion (SE), malapposition, and edge dissection rates. Exploratory correlative analyses between baseline calcium morphology and post-IVL stent optimization outcomes were performed. Results: Median baseline OCT MLA was 2.22 mm² (IQR 1.4–3.61). Calcium fractures were identified in 10 of 14 lesions (71%, 95% CI 45–88%) following a lesion-preparation strategy incorporating ShockFast™ IVL, with ≥2 fractures in 43%. Fractures were classified as partial-thickness (non-transmural) in 30% and full-thickness (transmural) in 70% of cases. Median post-lesion-preparation lumen gain was 0.53 mm² (IQR 0.3–0.84). Median final MSA was 4.77 mm² (IQR 3.59–5.34) and median SE was 89.5% (IQR 85–94), with SE >80% achieved in 100% of lesions. No major malapposition or medial edge dissections were recorded. Conclusions: Applied as the central calcium-modification component of a comprehensive lesion-preparation strategy, the ShockFast™ IVL system was associated with OCT-confirmed calcium fractures in the majority of the lesions, with favorable stent expansion and optimization metrics in the absence of major malapposition or edge dissections. These findings provide the first dedicated serial OCT sub-study of calcium modification mediated by a lesion-preparation strategy incorporating ShockFast™ IVL, consistent with feasibility as a novel IVL platform suitable for further investigation in adequately powered comparative studies. Full article

Background/Objective: Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears represent a distinct, highly prevalent clinical entity governed by a multifactorial continuum of intrinsic senescence and extrinsic biomechanical overload, rather than an oversimplified acute traumatic versus degenerative dichotomy. While conservative management centered on kinesiotherapy is primary, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Microcurrent Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (MENS) are widely utilized as adjunctive electrophysical modalities. However, empirical trials directly comparing their long-term therapeutic longevity and structural stability remain scarce. This prospective, randomized, participant- and outcome assessor-blinded clinical trial evaluated the 12-month effectiveness of combining structured kinesiotherapy with either TENS or MENS in patients with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Methods: Of 47 candidates screened via standardized physical provocation tests and musculoskeletal ultrasound, 5 were excluded prior to treatment allocation. Exactly 42 eligible patients (n = 42; 22 males, 20 females; mean age: 46.71 ± 12.24 years) were formally enrolled and randomized (1:1) to receive 15 supervised sessions of either conventional sensory TENS (n = 21; 100 Hz, 10–15 mA) or subsensory MENS (n = 21; 50 Hz, 100 μA) alongside an identical kinesiotherapy program. Longitudinal evaluations were conducted at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment, achieving a 100% participant retention rate (n = 42). Clinical outcomes comprised the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, and the EuroQoL 5-Dimension Questionnaire (EQ-5D). Structural tear dimensions were monitored via serial ultrasonography. Longitudinal data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA)with Bonferroni adjustment applied for post hoc pairwise comparisons for normally distributed metrics and the Friedman and Mann–Whitney U tests for non-parametric variables, assessing both within-group trajectories and between-group interaction effects across time. Results: Baseline demographic, occupational, and clinical characteristics showed no significant differences between cohorts (p > 0.05). At the 3-month post-treatment mark, both groups exhibited equivalent, statistically significant within-group improvements across all clinical scores (p < 0.01). However, longitudinal trajectories diverged significantly thereafter. Between-group comparative analyses established that the MENS cohort achieved statistically and clinically superior outcomes over the TENS cohort at both 6 and 12 months. Specifically, at the 12-month primary endpoint, between-group comparisons favored MENS for SPADI Pain (mean difference: 14.39 ± 3.51, 95% CI: 7.28 to 21.50, p < 0.001), SPADI Disability (mean difference: 13.56 ± 2.89, 95% CI: 7.71 to 19.42, p < 0.001), NRS pain (mean difference: 2.33 ± 0.32, p < 0.001), and EQ-5D health status (p < 0.001), substantially exceeding established Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) benchmarks. Musculoskeletal ultrasound demonstrated post-intervention stabilization of tear progression in the MENS cohort (0.02 mm secondary depth increase between months 3 and 12), whereas the TENS arm exhibited progressive expansion (0.45 mm increase), presenting a classic clinicoradiological paradox against functional recovery. Conclusions: Both TENS and MENS serve as effective adjunctive modalities for acute symptom alleviation when paired with kinesiotherapy. However, based on robust between-group comparisons, subsensory MENS provides significantly superior long-term clinical durability, tear containment, and functional stability over a 12-month timeline, making it the preferred adjunctive electrophysical intervention for sustained conservative management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Transperineal MRI-fusion prostate biopsy under local anaesthesia is increasingly performed in the outpatient setting, which places greater weight on procedural tolerability. Psychological and anatomical determinants of pain have rarely been compared within a single model, and MRI-derived perineal anatomical parameters have not been evaluated. We aimed to identify factors associated with procedural pain and to determine at which step pain peaks. Methods: In this prospective, pre-registered, single-centre cohort study (OSF: osf.io/pbacu), 182 consecutive men referred for transperineal MRI–ultrasound fusion biopsy under local anaesthesia were assessed for eligibility, and 177 constituted the Full Analysis Set. State anxiety was measured with the STAI-S before and after biopsy. Pain was rated on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS 0–10) by a nurse not involved in the procedure at four predefined steps: probe insertion, skin infiltration, periprostatic nerve block and core sampling. Midline perineal tissue thickness (MPT) and levator ani thickness were measured on pre-biopsy T2-weighted MRI by a radiologist blinded to outcomes. The primary outcome was the maximum NRS score; ten candidate predictors were entered simultaneously into a multivariable linear regression model. Results: Clinically significant pain (maximum NRS score ≥ 4) was reported by 157 of 177 men (88.7%). Pain differed markedly across steps (F(2.68, 472.39) = 230.51, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.567) and peaked at the periprostatic nerve block (5.88 ± 2.03), exceeding core sampling by 2.62 points (95% CI 1.85–3.40). In multivariable analysis (R² = 0.192), pre-biopsy anxiety was the strongest independent predictor (standardised β = 0.30, partial R² = 0.094, p < 0.001), followed by prostate volume (β = 0.19, p = 0.014); MPT showed only an exploratory, borderline association (β = 0.17, p = 0.052). Core number, body mass index and levator ani thickness were not associated with pain. Conclusions: Most men undergoing transperineal MRI-fusion biopsy experience clinically significant pain, peaking at administration of the periprostatic block rather than at core sampling. Pre-procedural anxiety and prostate volume, both available beforehand, support simple risk stratification, while the block itself is the most logical target for analgesic improvement. Full article

During the inflammatory phase, the persistent macrophage-mediated inflammatory response, followed by excessive fibroblast activation in the proliferative phase, impairs the repair of deep partial-thickness burn wounds and contributes to scar formation. Hence, precise spatiotemporal regulation of both macrophages and fibroblasts is of paramount importance. In this study, we developed a structurally biomimetic bilayer hydrogel system designed to promote scar-minimizing burn wound healing by sequentially targeting macrophages in the inflammatory phase and modulating fibroblast behavior in the proliferative phase. This biomimetic bilayer hydrogel (designated BHM@VP@PPs) consists of a lower layer (LHM) loaded with PBA-PEI@siRNA (TNF-α) nanocomplexes (LHM@PPs) and an upper layer (HHM) encapsulating the small-molecule YAP inhibitor verteporfin (HHM@VP). By varying the HM polymer concentration and crosslinking density, the bilayer hydrogel was designed to provide degradation-dependent, stage-matched release of siRNA and VP. During the inflammatory phase, released siRNA silenced TNF-α via blockade of its mRNA expression, thereby attenuating local inflammation and accelerating the transition to the proliferative phase. Upon degradation of the lower layer, the upper layer subsequently released VP, which suppressed excessive fibroblast activation through YAP-related signaling pathways during the proliferative phase, thus favoring scar-minimizing healing. Moreover, VP-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) generated abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS), effectively eradicating bacteria and preventing infection. Collectively, this bilayer hydrogel system synergistically facilitates scar-minimizing repair of deep second-degree burn wounds, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for clinical translation. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms are recalcitrant to conventional antibiotic therapy due to their extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, in which Psl polysaccharide serves as the primary structural scaffold. PslG glycoside hydrolase can degrade Psl and trigger biofilm dispersal, yet the dynamic glycan release profile and metabolic consequences remain poorly characterized. Mature P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms were treated with PslG (1–1000 nM) for 0–30 min. Biomass was quantified by crystal violet staining. Matrix glycan composition and untargeted metabolomics was performed using LC-MS/MS. Three-dimensional architecture was visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) with SYTO 9/PI and HHA-FITC staining. PslG induced near-complete loss of Psl-specific fluorescence within 30 min. Counterintuitively, biofilm thickness decreased from 10.8 μm at baseline to approximately 3.0 μm at 5–10 min and partially recovered to 7.2 μm at 30 min, remaining below baseline; the recovery of thickness is progressively due to matrix swelling and bacterial vertical redistribution. PI staining revealed no membrane damage, confirming non-lethal dispersal. Glycomically, galactose, xylose and metabolic intermediates (glucose-6-phosphate) were enriched. Metabolomics revealed significant activation of pentose and glucuronate interconversions, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis. The Psl cleavage mediated by PslG may trigger bacterial dispersal with vertical expansion and metabolic reprogramming toward a planktonic lifestyle. These findings provide mechanistic insights for designing Psl-targeted anti-biofilm therapeutics. Full article

Overweight and obese individuals often exhibit lower mortality rates or better prognoses than lean or normal-weight individuals with stroke and other diseases, a phenomenon called the “obesity paradox”. Carotid atherosclerosis is a major cause of ischemic stroke, and body weight serves as a reliable surrogate for adiposity in adult mice. Phenotypic and genetic connections of carotid atherosclerosis with body weight were evaluated in 299 F2 mice (154 females, 145 males) derived from BALB/cJ and LP/J Apoe knockout (Apoe^-/-) mice. F2 mice were fed a Western diet for 12 weeks. Atherosclerotic lesion sizes in left carotid arteries, body weight, coat color, plasma lipids, glucose, small dense LDL ApoB, and malondialdehyde were measured, and 11,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were genotyped. Carotid lesion sizes were inversely correlated with body weight in both sexes. Genome-wide scans identified two significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for carotid atherosclerosis on chromosomes (Chr) 6 and 15 in an additive sex model, and five QTLs on Chr 6, 7, 12, 13, and 15 in an interactive sex model. Adjusting for body weight variation downgraded Chr 15 QTL (Cath5) in both models, whereas other QTLs upgraded in the additive sex model and downgraded in the interactive sex model. Human syntenic region of Cath5 associated with carotid intima-medial thickness (cIMT) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). These findings indicate that the obesity paradox in carotid atherosclerosis is partially driven by shared genetic components that exert opposing effects on adiposity and plaque development and act through sex-independent mechanisms. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to compare medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle thickness and shear wave elastography-derived stiffness between children with obesity and healthy-weight controls and to examine associations with metabolic risk parameters. Methods: This cross-sectional study with prospective data collection included 92 children and adolescents, comprising 56 participants with obesity and 36 healthy-weight controls. Anthropometric, laboratory, and metabolic parameters were recorded. MG thickness and stiffness were assessed using standardized ultrasonography and shear wave elastography (SWE) protocols. Between-group comparisons were performed using the independent-samples t test or Mann–Whitney U test, as appropriate. Associations with metabolic parameters were evaluated using Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis, followed by partial correlation analysis adjusted for age, sex, and pubertal stage. Results: Children with obesity had lower MG stiffness than healthy-weight controls (16.80 ± 3.31 vs. 20.26 ± 3.02 kPa; p < 0.001) and greater MG thickness (2.37 ± 0.40 vs. 1.84 ± 0.38 cm; p = 0.023). After adjustment for age, sex, and pubertal stage, lower MG stiffness remained associated with higher BMI z-score (rp = −0.345, p = 0.001), waist circumference z-score (rp = −0.400, p < 0.001), WHtR z-score (rp = −0.359, p = 0.001), fasting insulin (rp = −0.296, p = 0.005), and HOMA-IR (rp = −0.315, p = 0.003). Conclusions: These findings indicate that SWE may add information to conventional ultrasonography when evaluating obesity-related alterations in skeletal muscle mechanical properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skin aging is accompanied by increased protein glycation in the skin, suggesting a potential link between dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and skin aging. European bilberry extract (EBE), rich in anthocyanins, has shown potential in reducing AGEs; however, its protective effects against AGE-induced skin aging and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between roasted high-AGE diet exposure and skin aging, and to evaluate the protective effects of EBE and its potential mechanisms. Methods: A long-term roasted high-AGE diet exposure model was established in rats using a roasted high-AGE diet. Rats received EBE (100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle by oral gavage for 16 months. AGE levels were quantified by UHPLC-MS/MS. Skin aging phenotypes were assessed by histomorphometry and senescence-related biomarkers. Lipidomics analysis was performed to evaluate alterations in skin lipid profiles and the effects of EBE. Results: In rats, high-AGE feeding increased circulating and skin-deposited AGEs, reduced epidermal and stratum corneum thickness, and elevated senescence markers. Lipidomics revealed significant lipid remodeling, including decreased unsaturated fatty acids and glycerolipids; these lipid alterations were consistent with changes in lipid pathways related to barrier integrity, energy storage, and inflammatory signaling. EBE supplementation reduced systemic and cutaneous AGE accumulation, improved skin structure, attenuated senescence, and partially restored lipid homeostasis, including lipids associated with barrier function, energy storage, and inflammation. Conclusions: A roasted high-AGE diet is associated with and may accelerate skin aging, accompanied by lipid metabolism disruption and activation of inflammation-related pathways. EBE alleviates roasted high-AGE diet-induced skin aging and barrier-related molecule disruption, along with restoring lipid homeostasis and suppressing pro-inflammatory responses. Full article

Endotoxemia is a major contributor to gastrointestinal hypomotility and postoperative ileus in horses. This study investigated whether oral mosapride retained prokinetic activity during acute lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia. Seven healthy adult horses were enrolled in a randomized, blinded, three-period crossover trial and received LPS alone, mosapride alone (MOSA), or LPS plus mosapride (LPS + MOSA), with a 14-day washout interval between periods. Mosapride was administered orally at 2 mg/kg, whereas endotoxemia was induced by an intravenous infusion of Escherichia coli O55:B5 LPS (0.03 µg/kg) over 30 min. Clinical variables, hematologic parameters, abdominal auscultation, and transabdominal ultrasonography were assessed from baseline to 6 h. LPS induced tachycardia, hyperthermia, leukocyte alterations, marked gastrointestinal hypomotility, gastric distension, and increased intestinal wall thickness. Mosapride alone increased gastrointestinal motility without clinically relevant abnormalities. During endotoxemia, mosapride partially restored gastrointestinal motility, reduced intestinal wall thickening and gastric distension, and was associated with a less pronounced hematologic inflammatory response than LPS alone. These findings indicate that oral mosapride retains clinically relevant prokinetic activity during acute experimental endotoxemia and support further investigation of its use as an adjunctive treatment for inflammation-associated gastrointestinal hypomotility in horses. Full article

CO₂-enhanced oil recovery (CO₂-EOR) leads to a progressive increase in the CO₂ content of produced fluid, exposing pipelines to a harsh acidic corrosive environment. In the present study, the typical CO₂-EOR process flow was classified, and the corrosion behavior of 20# steel and 316L stainless steel was simulated under operating conditions involving different CO₂ partial pressures (0.5 and 1 MPa) and temperatures (25 and 45 °C). The inhibition performance of an imidazoline corrosion inhibitor and a tung oil-rosin-modified imidazoline corrosion inhibitor under CO₂-EOR operating conditions was compared, and commonly used corrosion monitoring methods were also evaluated. The results showed that, with increasing CO₂ partial pressure and temperature, the corrosion rate of 20# steel increased continuously, the corrosion products became denser, and localized pitting corrosion occurred, indicating a transition from moderate to severe corrosion. Although the corrosion rate of 316L stainless steel also increased continuously, its growth rate remained relatively low, and the material consistently remained within the mild-corrosion range. After the addition of a conventional imidazoline corrosion inhibitor, the corrosion rate decreased to 0.0832 mm/a, with an inhibition efficiency of 69%. By contrast, application of the tung oil-rosin modified imidazoline corrosion inhibitor reduced the corrosion rate to 0.0301 mm/a, and the inhibition efficiency reached 89%. Considering safety and economic factors comprehensively, pipeline materials were optimally selected as follows: 20# steel was selected for gathering pipelines extending from the Christmas tree to the oil–gas separator at the station, supported by corrosion inhibitor injection and a corrosion-monitoring system; 316L stainless steel was adopted for pipelines between the oil–gas separator and the dehydration equipment; 20# steel was used for pipelines between the oil–gas separator and the oil–water treatment station; and 20# steel was selected for the system after natural gas dehydration, while low-temperature-resistant steel should be considered when the temperature is below −20 °C. Corrosion monitoring should preferably involve combined methods: the coupon method for straight pipe sections and the ultrasonic fixed-point thickness measurement method for elbow sections. Full article