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Raluca Şomoghi, Sonia Mihai, George-Mihail Teodorescu, Zina Vuluga, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Bogdan Trică, Daniel Mihai Stănescu Vătău, Florin Oancea and Cătălin Marian Stănciulescu
Epoxy resin was conjugated with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and different types of ZnO nanoparticles (commercial ZnO and modified ZnO-ODTES) to obtain HNT-ZnO/epoxy resin composites. These ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were utilized with the intention to enhance the interfacial bonding between the epoxy resin
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Epoxy resin was conjugated with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and different types of ZnO nanoparticles (commercial ZnO and modified ZnO-ODTES) to obtain HNT-ZnO/epoxy resin composites. These ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were utilized with the intention to enhance the interfacial bonding between the epoxy resin and the reinforcing agent (HNT). The properties of resulted epoxy resin composites were characterized by various methods such as FTIR-ATR, TGA, DSC, TEM-EDX, and Nanoindentation analyses. The thermal properties of the epoxy resin composites were enhanced to a greater extent by the addition of HNT-ZnO nanofillers. DSC testing proved that the modification in the glass transition temperature can be due to the physical bonding between the epoxy resin and filler (HNT and/or ZnO). It was seen that the epoxy resin modified with HNT and ZnO-ODTES has the highest resistance to scratching by having a good elastic recovery as well as high values for surface hardness (~187.6 MPa) and reduced modulus (2980 MPa). These findings can pave the way for the developing of ZnO-based marine coatings with improved properties.
Full article
The unfolded protein response is an intricate system of sensor proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that recognizes misfolded proteins and transmits information via transcription factors to either regain proteostasis or, depending on the severity, to induce apoptosis. The main transmembrane sensor is
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The unfolded protein response is an intricate system of sensor proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that recognizes misfolded proteins and transmits information via transcription factors to either regain proteostasis or, depending on the severity, to induce apoptosis. The main transmembrane sensor is IRE1α, which contains cytoplasmic kinase and RNase domains relevant for its activation and the mRNA splicing of the transcription factor XBP1. Mast cell leukemia (MCL) is a severe form of systemic mastocytosis. The inhibition of IRE1α in the MCL cell line HMC-1.2 has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, motivating us to elucidate the IRE1α interactors/regulators in HMC-1.2 cells. Therefore, the TurboID proximity labeling technique combined with MS analysis was applied. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the majority of the enriched proteins are involved in vesicle-mediated transport, protein stabilization, and ubiquitin-dependent ER-associated protein degradation pathways. In particular, the AAA ATPase VCP and the oncoprotein MTDH as IRE1α-interacting proteins caught our interest for further analyses. The pharmacological inhibition of VCP activity resulted in the increased stability of IRE1α and MTDH as well as the activation of IRE1α. The interaction of VCP with both IRE1α and MTDH was dependent on ubiquitination. Moreover, MTDH stability was reduced in IRE1α-knockout cells. Hence, pharmacological manipulation of IRE1α–MTDH–VCP complex(es) might enable the treatment of MCL.
Full article
This study explores the impact of defecation frequency on the gut microbiome structure by analyzing fecal samples from individuals categorized by defecation frequency: infrequent (1–3 times/week, n = 4), mid-frequent (4–6 times/week, n = 7), and frequent (daily, n = 9). Utilizing 16S
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This study explores the impact of defecation frequency on the gut microbiome structure by analyzing fecal samples from individuals categorized by defecation frequency: infrequent (1–3 times/week, n = 4), mid-frequent (4–6 times/week, n = 7), and frequent (daily, n = 9). Utilizing 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing and LC-MS/MS metabolome profiling, significant differences in microbial diversity and community structures among the groups were observed. The infrequent group showed higher microbial diversity, with community structures significantly varying with defecation frequency, a pattern consistent across all sampling time points. The Ruminococcus genus was predominant in the infrequent group, but decreased with more frequent defecation, while the Bacteroides genus was more common in the frequent group, decreasing as defecation frequency lessened. The infrequent group demonstrated enriched biosynthesis genes for aromatic amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), in contrast to the frequent group, which had a higher prevalence of genes for BCAA catabolism. Metabolome analysis revealed higher levels of metabolites derived from aromatic amino acids and BCAA metabolism in the infrequent group, and lower levels of BCAA-derived metabolites in the frequent group, consistent with their predicted metagenomic functions. These findings underscore the importance of considering stool consistency/frequency in understanding the factors influencing the gut microbiome.
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(1) Background: We assessed the test–re-test repeatability of radiomics in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCPRC) bone disease on whole-body diffusion-weighted (DWI) and T1-weighted Dixon MRI. (2) Methods: In 10 mCRPC patients, 1.5 T MRI, including DWI and T1-weighted gradient-echo Dixon sequences, was performed
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(1) Background: We assessed the test–re-test repeatability of radiomics in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCPRC) bone disease on whole-body diffusion-weighted (DWI) and T1-weighted Dixon MRI. (2) Methods: In 10 mCRPC patients, 1.5 T MRI, including DWI and T1-weighted gradient-echo Dixon sequences, was performed twice on the same day. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and relative fat-fraction-percentage (rFF%) maps were calculated. Per study, up to 10 target bone metastases were manually delineated on DWI and Dixon images. All 106 radiomic features included in the Pyradiomics toolbox were derived for each target volume from the ADC and rFF% maps. To account for inter- and intra-patient measurement repeatability, the log-transformed individual target measurements were fitted to a hierarchical model, represented as a Bayesian network. Repeatability measurements, including the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), were derived. Feature ICCs were compared with mean ADC and rFF ICCs. (3) Results: A total of 65 DWI and 47 rFF% targets were analysed. There was no significant bias for any features. Pairwise correlation revealed fifteen ADC and fourteen rFF% feature sub-groups, without specific patterns between feature classes. The median intra-patient ICC was generally higher than the inter-patient ICC. Features that describe extremes in voxel values (minimum, maximum, range, skewness, and kurtosis) showed generally lower ICCs. Several mostly shape-based texture features were identified, which showed high inter- and intra-patient ICCs when compared with the mean ADC or mean rFF%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Pyradiomics texture features of mCRPC bone metastases varied greatly in inter- and intra-patient repeatability. Several features demonstrated good repeatability, allowing for further exploration as diagnostic parameters in mCRPC bone disease.
Full article
Olfactory receptors (ORs) represent one of the largest yet least investigated families of G protein-coupled receptors in mammals. While initially believed to be functionally restricted to the detection and integration of odors at the olfactory epithelium, accumulating evidence points to a critical role
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Olfactory receptors (ORs) represent one of the largest yet least investigated families of G protein-coupled receptors in mammals. While initially believed to be functionally restricted to the detection and integration of odors at the olfactory epithelium, accumulating evidence points to a critical role for ectopically expressed ORs in the regulation of cellular homeostasis in extranasal tissues. This review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on the expression and physiological functions of ectopic ORs in the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and primary metabolic organs and emphasizes how altered ectopic OR signaling in those tissues may impact cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic health.
Full article
The kale crop is an important bulk vegetable, and automatic segmentation to recognize kale is fundamental for effective field management. However, complex backgrounds and texture-rich edge details make fine segmentation of kale difficult. To this end, we constructed a kale dataset in a
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The kale crop is an important bulk vegetable, and automatic segmentation to recognize kale is fundamental for effective field management. However, complex backgrounds and texture-rich edge details make fine segmentation of kale difficult. To this end, we constructed a kale dataset in a real field scenario and proposed an UperNet semantic segmentation model with a Swin transformer as the backbone network and improved the model according to the growth characteristics of kale. Firstly, a channel attention module (CAM) is introduced into the Swin transformer module to improve the representation ability of the network and enhance the extraction of kale outer leaf and leaf bulb information; secondly, the extraction accuracy of kale target edges is improved in the decoding part by designing an attention refinement module (ARM); lastly, the uneven distribution of classes is solved by modifying the optimizer and loss function to solve the class distribution problem. The experimental results show that the improved model in this paper has excellent performance in feature extraction, and the average intersection and merger ratio (mIOU) of the improved kale segmentation can be up to 91.2%, and the average pixel accuracy (mPA) can be up to 95.2%, which is 2.1 percentage points and 4.7 percentage points higher than the original UperNet model, respectively, and it effectively improves the segmentation recognition of kale.
Full article
Chylothorax is a rare condition where the extravasated chyle accumulates into the pleural space. It is most commonly associated with malignancies, infective or inflammatory disorders and iatrogenic causes. Extremely rarely, it could occur spontaneously. We present the case of a healthy 40-year-old woman
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Chylothorax is a rare condition where the extravasated chyle accumulates into the pleural space. It is most commonly associated with malignancies, infective or inflammatory disorders and iatrogenic causes. Extremely rarely, it could occur spontaneously. We present the case of a healthy 40-year-old woman who presented with acute right shoulder and neck pain associated with shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. This was preceded by a yoga class two weeks prior. Chest imaging showed right pleural effusion, and tapping revealed a milky fluid which was confirmed to be chylothorax. Conservative management failed and the patient was successfully treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic drainage, thoracic duct ligation and mechanical pleurodesis. Chylothorax association with yoga is not reported in the literature.
Full article
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, and inflammatory autoimmune condition characterized by synovitis, pannus formation (with adjacent bone erosion), and joint destruction. In the perpetuation of RA, fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), macrophages, B cells, and CD4+ T-cells—specifically Th1 and Th17 cells—play crucial
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, and inflammatory autoimmune condition characterized by synovitis, pannus formation (with adjacent bone erosion), and joint destruction. In the perpetuation of RA, fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), macrophages, B cells, and CD4+ T-cells—specifically Th1 and Th17 cells—play crucial roles. Additionally, dendritic cells, neutrophils, mast cells, and monocytes contribute to the disease progression. Monocytes, circulating cells primarily derived from the bone marrow, participate in RA pathogenesis. Notably, CCR2 interacts with CCL2, and CX3CR1 (expressed by monocytes) cooperates with CX3CL1 (produced by FLSs), facilitating the migration involved in RA. Canonical “classical” monocytes predominantly acquire the phenotype of an “intermediate” subset, which differentially expresses proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF) and surface markers (CD14, CD16, HLA-DR, TLRs, and β1- and β2-integrins). However, classical monocytes have greater potential to differentiate into osteoclasts, which contribute to bone resorption in the inflammatory milieu; in RA, Th17 cells stimulate FLSs to produce RANKL, triggering osteoclastogenesis. This review aims to explore the monocyte heterogeneity, plasticity, antigenic expression, and their differentiation into macrophages and osteoclasts. Additionally, we investigate the monocyte migration into the synovium and the role of their cytokines in RA.
Full article
Calf diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) poses an enormous economic challenge in the cattle industry. Fimbriae and enterotoxin are crucial virulence factors and vaccine targets of ETEC. Since these proteins have complicated components with large molecular masses, the development of vaccines
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Calf diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) poses an enormous economic challenge in the cattle industry. Fimbriae and enterotoxin are crucial virulence factors and vaccine targets of ETEC. Since these proteins have complicated components with large molecular masses, the development of vaccines by directly expressing these potential targets is cumbersome Therefore, this study aimed to develop a multiepitope fusion antigen designated as MEFA by integrating major epitopes of FanC and Fim41a subunits and a toxoid epitope of STa into the F17G framework. The 3D modeling predicted that the MEFA protein displayed the epitopes from these four antigens on its surface, demonstrating the desired structural characteristics. Then, the MEFA protein was subsequently expressed and purified for mouse immunization. Following that, our homemade ELISA showed that the mouse antiserum had a consistent increase in polyclonal antibody levels with the highest titer of 1:217 to MEFA. Furthermore, the western blot assay demonstrated that this anti-MEFA serum could react with all four antigens. Further, this antiserum exhibited inhibition on ETEC adhesion to HCT-8 cells with inhibitory rates of 92.8%, 84.3%, and 87.9% against F17+, F5+, and F41+ ETEC strains, respectively. Additionally, the stimulatory effect of STa toxin on HCT-8 cells was decreased by approximately 75.3% by anti-MEFA serum. This study demonstrates that the MEFA protein would be an antigen candidate for novel subunit vaccines for preventing ETEC-induced diarrhea in cattle.
Full article
The main objective of the present study was to develop a concise predictive model to determine the likelihood of winning in female rink hockey based on various situational variables. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the individual impact of each predictor on match
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The main objective of the present study was to develop a concise predictive model to determine the likelihood of winning in female rink hockey based on various situational variables. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the individual impact of each predictor on match outcomes. The analysis encompassed a dataset of 840 matches during five consecutive seasons (from 2018–2019 to 2022–2023) in the Spanish first division (OkLiga). Employing the comprehensive method of all possible regressions, the most effective predictive logistic model for match outcomes was identified. This entire model featured five categorical predictor variables (match location, team level, opponent level, scoring first, and match status at halftime) and one binary outcome variable (match outcome). Subsequently, the final model, which exhibited a sensitivity and specificity surpassing 80% for a cut-off point of 0.439, emerged. This model was applied to predict winning a match in 18 frequent situations determined from a two-step cluster analysis. Within this predictive framework, match status at halftime emerged as the most influential predictor impacting the match outcome, followed by opponent level, team level, and match location. The implications of our findings extend to rink hockey coaches and practitioners. Recognizing the significant impact of situational variables on match outcomes empowers them to customize game plans and design more specific strategies, thereby enhancing game understanding and elevating the overall performance.
Full article
Photoelectrocatalytic approaches show promise for contaminate removal in wastewater through redox reactions. However, the direct treatment of very low concentration heavy metals is a challenging task. Copper bismuth oxide is considered as a potential photocathode material due to its appropriate bandgap width and
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Photoelectrocatalytic approaches show promise for contaminate removal in wastewater through redox reactions. However, the direct treatment of very low concentration heavy metals is a challenging task. Copper bismuth oxide is considered as a potential photocathode material due to its appropriate bandgap width and excellent light absorption properties. In this work, we utilize copper bismuth oxide photoelectrodes with micrometer-scale pores to achieve the efficient and complete reduction of micromolar-level hexavalent chromium(VI) in wastewater. In a continuous 180 min experiment, the reduction rate of 5 µM hexavalent chromium reached 97%, which is an order lower than the drinking standard. Such a process was facilitated by the unique hierarchical microstructure of the oxide thin film and the porous morphology. On the other hand, the structural evolution during the operation was analyzed. A surface passivation was observed, suggesting the possible long-term practical application of this material. This study serves as an important reference for the application of photoelectrocatalysis in addressing Cr(VI) pollution in wastewater, with implications for improving water quality and environmental protection.
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There are established reference ranges for many laboratory values during pregnancy. Fewer studies exist regarding the expected white blood cell (WBC) count after delivery. The aim of this study was to determine appropriate postpartum leukocytosis in a diverse patient cohort. Patients who delivered
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There are established reference ranges for many laboratory values during pregnancy. Fewer studies exist regarding the expected white blood cell (WBC) count after delivery. The aim of this study was to determine appropriate postpartum leukocytosis in a diverse patient cohort. Patients who delivered a live fetus at 37 weeks or later were retrospectively identified. Complete blood counts collected on hospital admission and postpartum day one were used to quantify the change in WBC count associated with delivery. A total of 2245 patients were included; of these patients, 1476 delivered vaginally and 769 delivered via cesarean section. The average change in WBC count was 2.99 × 103/mm3. A WBC count of 20.19 × 103/mm3 defined the 95th percentile. The average rise in WBC count was 3.31 × 103/mm3 after vaginal delivery and 2.34 × 103/mm3 after cesarean section (p < 0.001). Patients with chorioamnionitis or endometritis had an average postpartum WBC rise of 7.38 × 103/mm3 compared to 2.99 × 103/mm3 in controls (p < 0.001). There was no difference in WBC count rise with comorbid asthma, diabetes, or chronic hypertension. A greater WBC count rise was found in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension. This study provides reference values for the average rise in WBC count after delivery and the 95th percentile postpartum WBC count in a diverse, medically complex patient population with and without delivery complications. Our findings further highlight maternal medical comorbidities that may contribute to the degree of postpartum leukocytosis.
Full article
A series of new granular carbonaceous adsorbents was prepared via single-stage physical and chemical activation of walnut shells. Their suitability for removing various types of organic pollutants (represented by dyes, surfactants and water-soluble polymers) from the liquid phase was assessed. The activation of
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A series of new granular carbonaceous adsorbents was prepared via single-stage physical and chemical activation of walnut shells. Their suitability for removing various types of organic pollutants (represented by dyes, surfactants and water-soluble polymers) from the liquid phase was assessed. The activation of the precursor was carried out with CO2 and H3PO4 using conventional heating. Activated biocarbons were characterized in terms of chemical composition, acidic–basic nature of the surface, textural and electrokinetic properties as well as thermal stability. Depending on the type of activating agent used during the activation procedure, the obtained biocarbons differed in terms of specific surface area (from 401 to 1361 m2/g) and the type of porous structure produced (microporosity contribution in the range of 45–75%). Adsorption tests proved that the effectiveness of removing organic pollutants from the liquid phase depended to a large extent on the type of prepared adsorbent as well as the chemical nature and the molecular size of the adsorbate used. The chemically activated sample showed greater removal efficiency in relation to all tested pollutants. Its maximum adsorption capacity for methylene blue, poly(acrylic acid), poly(ethylene glycol) and Triton X-100 reached the levels of 247.1, 680.9, 38.5 and 61.8 mg/g, respectively.
Full article
DNA damage is fundamental to tumorigenesis, and the inability to repair DNA damage is a hallmark of many human cancers. DNA is repaired via the DNA damage repair (DDR) apparatus, which includes five major pathways. DDR deficiencies in cancers give rise to potential
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DNA damage is fundamental to tumorigenesis, and the inability to repair DNA damage is a hallmark of many human cancers. DNA is repaired via the DNA damage repair (DDR) apparatus, which includes five major pathways. DDR deficiencies in cancers give rise to potential therapeutic targets, as cancers harboring DDR deficiencies become increasingly dependent on alternative DDR pathways for survival. In this review, we summarize the DDR apparatus, and examine the current state of research efforts focused on identifying vulnerabilities in DDR pathways that can be therapeutically exploited in pediatric extracranial solid tumors. We assess the potential for synergistic combinations of different DDR inhibitors as well as combinations of DDR inhibitors with chemotherapy. Lastly, we discuss the immunomodulatory implications of targeting DDR pathways and the potential for using DDR inhibitors to enhance tumor immunogenicity, with the goal of improving the response to immune checkpoint blockade in pediatric solid tumors. We review the ongoing and future research into DDR in pediatric tumors and the subsequent pediatric clinical trials that will be critical to further elucidate the efficacy of the approaches targeting DDR.
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This paper presents the development and validation of a cost-efficient and uncomplicated real-time localization system (RTLS) for use in mobile robotics, specifically within indoor and storage environments. By harnessing ultrasonic waves to measure distances from three beacons, the system provides stable and reliable
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This paper presents the development and validation of a cost-efficient and uncomplicated real-time localization system (RTLS) for use in mobile robotics, specifically within indoor and storage environments. By harnessing ultrasonic waves to measure distances from three beacons, the system provides stable and reliable localization. This method utilizes the time-of-flight (TOF) principle, allowing for accurate distance calculations with simple microcontrollers. The system is designed to update the robot’s position at a frequency of at least 10 times per second, ensuring smooth navigation. Our trilateration-based approach allows for the precise determination of the robot’s position with a notable standard deviation accuracy of up to 15 mm. The aim was to design a simple yet sufficiently accurate system and verify its precision through experimental measurements. The experimental results demonstrate the system’s efficacy and lay a solid foundation for advancing this technology. Furthermore, the cost for the components required to build this indoor localization system (ILS) with three beacons and one tag is remarkably low, under EUR 80.
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by
Satish Vishwanathaiah, Nassreen H. Albar, Fatemah Tawfeg Abkar Alraghi, Noor Eissa Mousa Jaferi, Ishraq Abdullah Mohammed Tumayhi, Suman Panda, Fatima Ali Hassan Khormi, Atlal Hassan Hussain Jaafari, Zahra Ahmed Ibrahim Abiri and Prabhadevi C. Maganur
Background: The dreaded sensation of pain in the dental chair has a significant impact on children’s behavior. This study aimed to compare and contrast the perception of pain and patient behavior between the use of INJEX and the conventional syringe needle technique during
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Background: The dreaded sensation of pain in the dental chair has a significant impact on children’s behavior. This study aimed to compare and contrast the perception of pain and patient behavior between the use of INJEX and the conventional syringe needle technique during pulpotomy among children. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was designed and conducted among pediatric dentistry patients aged 6–12 years old. Fifty-eight children were divided into two groups, conventional syringe needle and INJEX, using simple randomization method applying the sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelope method of allocation concealment. Anesthesia was administered to the groups as local infiltration by a single operator following routine behavior guidance techniques. After 3 min, pulpotomy was performed using the standard protocol. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale and Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBS) were used to assess the intensity of pain, while the Frankl behavior rating scale (FBRS) was used to assess the children’s behavior. Results: During anesthesia, most of the participants in the INJEX group (median = 3) had higher FBRS scores compared with the conventional syringe needle group (median = 2), and the difference was very highly significant (p-value < 0.001). Analyzing the FLACC scores during local anesthesia administration revealed a high statistical significance (p-value < 0.01) across the two groups. A very high statistically significant difference (p-values < 0.001) with higher WBS scores for pain intensity was seen in the group using conventional syringe needles. Conclusions: INJEX administration significantly reduced the intensity of pain experienced by the children and helped maintain a positive attitude among them during pulpotomy. It provided a positive and comfortable experience for both the child and the practitioner. Therefore, it can serve as an excellent alternative to conventional needle anesthesia.
Full article
Overlap syndrome (OVS) is a distinct clinical entity that seems to result in potential cardiovascular consequences. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for OVS in OSA patients and analyze clinical and PSG characteristics associated with OVS. In this cross-sectional study,
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Overlap syndrome (OVS) is a distinct clinical entity that seems to result in potential cardiovascular consequences. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for OVS in OSA patients and analyze clinical and PSG characteristics associated with OVS. In this cross-sectional study, 2616 patients evaluated for OSA underwent type-1 polysomnography (PSG). They were grouped as pure OSA (AHI > 15/h) and OVS patients. Demographics, PSG data, pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gases (ABGs) were compared between groups after adjustments for confounders. OSA was diagnosed in 2108 out of 2616 patients. Of those, 398 (19%) had OVS. Independent predictors of OVS were older age [OR: 5.386 (4.153–6.987)], current/former smoking [OR: 11.577 (7.232–18.532)], BMI [OR: 2.901 (2.082–4.044)] and ABG measurements [PaCO2 ≥ 45 OR: 4.648 (3.078–7.019), PO2 [OR: 0.934 (0.920–0.949)], HCO3− [OR: 1.196 (1.133–1.263), all p < 0.001]. OVS was also associated with prevalent hypertension [OR: 1.345 (1.030–1.758), p = 0.03] and cardiovascular disease [OR: 1.617 (1.229–2.126), p < 0.001], depressive symptoms [OR: 1.741 (1.230–2.465), p = 0.002] and nocturia [OR: 1.944 (1.378–2.742), p < 0.001], as well as with indices of OSA severity. Disturbances in sleep architecture were more prominent in OVS expressed by lower %N3 and REM% and higher arousal index. Our data suggest that OVS is prevalent among OSA patients, with distinct clinical and PSG characteristics. These characteristics could be utilized as predictive factors for early identification and further evaluation of these patients towards desirable patient-reported outcomes.
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The chiral aziridine-containing vicinal iminophenol tridentate ligands (named salazins) are a class of readily prepared chiral ligands from enantiopure aziridines and salicylaldehydes. Their scandium and yttrium triflate complexes show excellent reactivity and enantioselectivities in the catalytic asymmetric aldol condensation of electron-deficient aromatic aldehydes
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The chiral aziridine-containing vicinal iminophenol tridentate ligands (named salazins) are a class of readily prepared chiral ligands from enantiopure aziridines and salicylaldehydes. Their scandium and yttrium triflate complexes show excellent reactivity and enantioselectivities in the catalytic asymmetric aldol condensation of electron-deficient aromatic aldehydes and ketones, including acetone and cycloalkanones. The stereoselectivity is rationalized to the strong π–stacking interaction between aromatic aldehydes and the vicinal iminophenol group in the chiral ligands.
Full article
In the context of growing demand for road infrastructure expansion, sustainability is of key importance. Enhancing road construction technology ensures efficient, durable transportation infrastructure, vital for economic growth. Responsible road construction, especially in areas of historical and environmental significance, is essential. Preserving ecosystems
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In the context of growing demand for road infrastructure expansion, sustainability is of key importance. Enhancing road construction technology ensures efficient, durable transportation infrastructure, vital for economic growth. Responsible road construction, especially in areas of historical and environmental significance, is essential. Preserving ecosystems and local heritage in road planning protects valuable areas and supports regional sustainability. Rural roads, often in forested areas, should maintain natural aesthetics. Economic challenges require flexible, efficient roads. Many existing unpaved roads, especially in rural and forest environments, fail to meet increasing traffic and load of heavy agricultural and maintenance vehicles. Soil stabilization methods, discussed in various publications, offer sustainable solutions. Research on ecofriendly binding additives provides the opportunity to reduce cement consumption and CO2 emissions. Such innovations enhance road efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and benefit the environment. Investing in modern road technologies mitigates climate change effects by reducing emissions and protecting ecosystems. Our research indicates that soil stabilization technologies significantly improve road strength and durability. Additives can increase compressive strength by over 50% with minimal cement content. Continued research into road quality and durability is vital for sustainable transport infrastructure development. The results presented in this paper were obtained after two periods of solidification: after 7 and 30 days, with three types of ads (ion-exchangeable, chemical, and polymeric) to cement. In all tests, compaction strength improved by at least 35% in samples with the lowest cement content.
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The interfacial bonding capacity between cement emulsified asphalt composite binder (CEACB) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) plays a critical role in improving the pavement performance of cold recycled asphalt emulsion mixtures (CRAEMs). This study aims to investigate the formation and development of the
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The interfacial bonding capacity between cement emulsified asphalt composite binder (CEACB) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) plays a critical role in improving the pavement performance of cold recycled asphalt emulsion mixtures (CRAEMs). This study aims to investigate the formation and development of the interfacial bonding capacity between CEACB and RAP. First, the dynamic wettability and the spreading behaviors of CEACB on RAP surfaces were explored according to the surface free energy theory. Second, digital image processing (DIP) technology was employed to recognize interfacial failure patterns. Lastly, the influence of internal and external factors on the interfacial bonding capacity between CEACB and RAP during the curing process was analyzed via grey relational analysis (GRA). The results indicate that a moderate cement content with a mass ratio of asphalt to cement equivalent to 1.0 can significantly enhance the wettability of CEACB on RAP surfaces. By appropriately prolonging the curing time and controlling the curing temperature, it is possible to increase the bonding strength between CEACB and RAP. Additionally, a strong correlation exists between initial wettability and ultimate bonding capacity during the bonding strength curing process. The good wettability that developed in the initial stage of interfacial strength formation relates to the decreased spalling rate of CEACB on the RAP surface. This study is not only devoted to understanding the mechanisms that can enhance CRAEM performance but also provides important guidance for practical engineering applications of cold recycled asphalt pavements.
Full article
This brief report aimed to show the utility of photon-counting technology alongside standard cranial imaging protocols for visualizing shunt valves in a patient’s cranial computed tomography scan. Photon-counting CT scans with cranial protocols were retrospectively surveyed and four types of shunt valves were
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This brief report aimed to show the utility of photon-counting technology alongside standard cranial imaging protocols for visualizing shunt valves in a patient’s cranial computed tomography scan. Photon-counting CT scans with cranial protocols were retrospectively surveyed and four types of shunt valves were encountered: proGAV 2.0®, M.blue®, Codman Certas®, and proSA®. These scans were compared with those obtained from non-photon-counting scanners at different time points for the same patients. The analysis of these findings demonstrated the usefulness of photon-counting technology for the clear and precise visualization of shunt valves without any additional radiation or special reconstruction patterns. The enhanced utility of photon-counting is highlighted by providing superior spatial resolution compared to other CT detectors. This technology facilitates a more accurate characterization of shunt valves and may support the detection of subtle abnormalities and a precise assessment of shunt valves.
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(This article belongs to the Section Neuroimaging)
Implant-supported-screw-retained prostheses are highly popular. Some of the most frequent complications are connected with the mechanical properties of the fixing elements. These include abutment screw loosening or even screw fracture. Using an intermediate abutment can offer several advantages. However, few studies detail how
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Implant-supported-screw-retained prostheses are highly popular. Some of the most frequent complications are connected with the mechanical properties of the fixing elements. These include abutment screw loosening or even screw fracture. Using an intermediate abutment can offer several advantages. However, few studies detail how this affects the mechanical behavior of dental restorations. This study focuses on understanding the mechanical behavior of implant-supported restorations with a transepithelial component compared to direct implant-supported restoration. It was carried out using the finite element method (FEM) and was experimentally validated. The results showed that in the case of transepithelial-supported restoration, the prosthetic screw mounted over the transepithelial component suffered higher stress than the one screwed directly into the implant. After applying a cyclic fatigue load, it was experimentally proven that, in the transepithelial-supported restorations, the fuse changed from being the screw that went into the implant to being the upper one. In conclusion, we can state that the use of an intermediate abutment in dental restoration not only provides better protection for the rest of the dental restoration but also allows for easier repair in the event of a fracture. This can potentially lead to more efficient procedures and improved patient outcomes.
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The HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein forms the outer shell of the viral core that is released into the cytoplasm upon infection. CA binds various cellular proteins, including CPSF6, that direct HIV-1 integration into speckle-associated domains in host chromatin. Upon HIV-1 infection, CPSF6 forms
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The HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein forms the outer shell of the viral core that is released into the cytoplasm upon infection. CA binds various cellular proteins, including CPSF6, that direct HIV-1 integration into speckle-associated domains in host chromatin. Upon HIV-1 infection, CPSF6 forms puncta in the nucleus. Here, we characterised these CPSF6 puncta further in HeLa cells, T-cells and macrophages and confirmed that integration and reverse transcription are not required for puncta formation. Indeed, we found that puncta formed very rapidly after infection, correlating with the time that CA entered the nucleus. In aphidicolin-treated HeLa cells and macrophages, puncta were detected for the length of the experiment, suggesting that puncta are only lost upon cell division. CA still co-localised with CPSF6 puncta at the latest time points, considerably after the peak of reverse transcription and integration. Intriguingly, the number of puncta induced in macrophages did not correlate with the MOI or the total number of nuclear speckles present in each cell, suggesting that CA/CPSF6 is only directed to a few nuclear speckles. Furthermore, we found that CPSF6 already co-localised with nuclear speckles in uninfected T-cells, suggesting that HIV-1 promotes a natural behaviour of CPSF6.
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