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Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Glass fiber-reinforced composite cylinders, capable of withstanding internal pressure generated during service, are increasingly utilized as insulators in high voltage...
Glass fiber-reinforced composite cylinders, capable of withstanding internal pressure generated during service, are increasingly utilized as insulators in high voltage circuit breakers. Different testing procedures have been suggested by various standards to assess the pressure resistance of these components. Due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the split-disk testing method is the most widely used for evaluating the hoop strength of pressure cylinders during the development and verification phases. However, the method presents several aspects, such as those related to the influence of specimen geometry and friction, which require further examination since they may impact the outcome of the experimental tests. The investigation, carried out by a combination of experimental testing and finite element analyses, shows that the friction between the specimen and the semi-disks has a noteworthy effect on the hoop load applied to the specimen. Almost constant load distributions along the hoop direction, representative of the real operating conditions in a pressurized cylinder, can be achieved via proper lubrication of the contact surfaces. Furthermore, FE analyses demonstrate that the notch geometry suggested by specific standards (short notch) is not capable of inducing a uniform strain distribution in the notched region. A different notch geometry (long notch) is proposed in the study to attain a more uniform strain field over the reduced area region. The experimental results indicate that the strength measured on the short notch specimens is higher than that determined on the long notch specimens, thus confirming the significant influence of strain distribution on the strength properties measured with the split-disk method.
PubMed: 38894005
DOI: 10.3390/ma17112741 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Surface treatment of implants facilitates osseointegration, with nanostructured surfaces exhibiting accelerated peri-implant bone regeneration. This study compared...
Surface treatment of implants facilitates osseointegration, with nanostructured surfaces exhibiting accelerated peri-implant bone regeneration. This study compared bone-to-implant contact (BIC) in implants with hydroxyapatite (HA), sand-blasted and acid-etched (SLA), and SLA with calcium (Ca)-coated (XPEED) surfaces. Seventy-five disk-shaped grade 4 Ti specimens divided into three groups were prepared, with 16 implants per group tested in New Zealand white rabbits. Surface characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), digital microscopy, and a contact angle analyzer. Cell viability, proliferation, and adhesion were assessed using MC3T3-E1 cells. Apatite formation was evaluated using modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF) incubation. After 4 weeks of healing, the outcomes reviewed were BIC, bone area (BA), removal torque tests, and histomorphometric evaluation. A microstructure analysis revealed irregular pores across all groups, with the XPEED group exhibiting a nanostructured Ca-coated surface. Surface characterization showed a crystalline CaTiO layer on XPEED surfaces, with evenly distributed Ca penetrating the implants. All surfaces provided excellent environments for cell growth. The XPEED and SLA groups showed significantly higher cell density and viability with superior osseointegration than HA ( < 0.05); XPEED exhibited the highest absorbance values. Thus, XPEED surface treatment improved implant performance, biocompatibility, stability, and osseointegration.
PubMed: 38893971
DOI: 10.3390/ma17112707 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The main motivation for this research was to improve the properties of geopolymers by reinforcement using synthetic and natural fibers, and to gain new knowledge...
The main motivation for this research was to improve the properties of geopolymers by reinforcement using synthetic and natural fibers, and to gain new knowledge regarding how the nature and/or the quantity of reinforcement fibers influences the properties of the final geopolymers. The main objective was to investigate the effects of different types of reinforcement fibers on the properties of the geopolymers. These reinforcement fibers were mainly environmentally friendly materials that can be used as alternatives to ordinary Portland cement. The authors used fly ash and river sand as the raw materials for the matrix, and added carbon fibers (CF), flax fibers (FF), or a hybrid of both (CFM) as reinforcements. The samples were prepared by mixing, casting, and curing, and then subjected to various tests. The main research methods used were compressive strength (CS), flexural strength (FS), water absorption (WA), abrasion resistance (Böhme's disk method), microstructure analysis (SEM), chemical composition (XRF), and crystal structure analysis (XRD). The results showed that the addition of fibers partially improved the mechanical properties of the geopolymers, as well as reducing microcracks. The CF-reinforced geopolymers exhibited the highest compressive strength, while the FF-reinforced geopolymers showed the lowest water absorption. The authors, based on previous research, also discussed the factors that influence fiber-matrix adhesion, and the optimal fiber content for geopolymers.
PubMed: 38893897
DOI: 10.3390/ma17112633 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024This report investigates late-stage internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with the aim of establishing a more effective and personalized...
This report investigates late-stage internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with the aim of establishing a more effective and personalized treatment protocol to improve patients' quality of life (QoL). A consensus was reached among maxillofacial surgeons specializing in LSID, based on a literature research and collective expert experience following the Delphi method. Consensus was considered to be achieved when a response received at least 80% of votes. Four expert groups were established, respectively, focusing on diagnosis, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), open surgery and joint replacement. A comprehensive approach to late-stage ID of the TMJ requires a consensus report. This underscores the need for a personalized treatment plan, considering the variability in clinical presentations and progression of this pathology. Our recommendations aim to optimize clinical outcomes and enhance patient QoL.
PubMed: 38893029
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113319 -
Cells May 2024has been implicated in various gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia. This study aimed to compare the anti- activity and gastroprotective effects... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
has been implicated in various gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia. This study aimed to compare the anti- activity and gastroprotective effects of three typical herbal formulas used for gastrointestinal disorders in Korea: Shihosogan-tang (ST), Yijung-tang (YT), and Pyeongwi-san (PS). Firstly, we assessed the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as the antioxidative capacity. Additionally, we evaluated the antibacterial effect on using an ammonia assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, and the disk agar diffusion method. Furthermore, we examined alterations in the gene expression of tight junction proteins, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cellular vacuolation using an AGS cell model infected with . While ST exhibited a higher total phenolic content, superior free radical scavenging, and inhibition of compared to YT and PS, YT more evidently inhibited gastric cellular morphological changes such as vacuolation. All formulations significantly ameliorated changes in inflammatory and gastric inflammation-related genes and cellular morphological alterations induced by infection. Overall, the present in vitro study suggests that all three herbal formulas possess potential for ameliorating gastrointestinal disorders, with ST relatively excelling in inhibiting infection and inflammation, while YT potentially shows greater efficacy in directly protecting the gastric mucosa.
Topics: Helicobacter pylori; Dyspepsia; Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Helicobacter Infections; Antioxidants; Flavonoids; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Gastric Mucosa; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38891033
DOI: 10.3390/cells13110901 -
European Spine Journal : Official... Jun 2024
Answer to the Letter to the Editor of Y.-G. Bao, et al. concerning "Causal associations between gut microbiota with intervertebral disk degeneration, low back pain, and sciatica: a Mendelian randomization study" by Fang M, et al. (Eur Spine J [2024]; doi: 10.1007/s00586-024-08131-x).
PubMed: 38888801
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08370-y -
Operative Neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.) Jun 2024Endoscopic lumbar diskectomy (ED) is a minimally invasive option for addressing lumbar disk herniations. With the introduction of value-based care systems, assessing the...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Endoscopic lumbar diskectomy (ED) is a minimally invasive option for addressing lumbar disk herniations. With the introduction of value-based care systems, assessing the true cost of certain procedures is critical when creating reimbursement models and comparing procedures. Here, we compared the costs of performing a microdiskectomy (MD) and ED using time-driven activity-based costing.
METHODS
Total cost for the intraoperative episode was calculated using time-driven activity-based costing methodology. Individual costs were obtained by direct observation and electronic medical records and through querying multiple departments (business operations, sterile processing, plant operations, and pharmacy). Timestamps for all involved personnel and material resources were documented. A retrospective analysis was performed on 202 patients who underwent lumbar diskectomy through either MD (n = 167) or ED (n = 35) from 2018 to 2022. Personnel cost was calculated by multiplying the cost per unit time for each personnel type by the length of time spent in the operating room. Supply cost was calculated by aggregating the cost of all individual supplies, from medications to consumables to surgical trays, used during the case. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed comparing the costs between these procedures.
RESULTS
The average intraoperative cost per case for ED and MD was $3915 ± $1025 and $3162 ± $954, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that ED had higher total cost (β-coefficient: $912 ± $281, P = <.01) and supply cost (β-coefficient: $474 ± $155, P = <.01) than MD. When accounting for surgeon as a covariate, however, total cost (P = .478) and supply cost (P = .468) differences between ED and MD were negligible.
CONCLUSION
ED has shown to be a better value option in addressing lumbar disk herniations, mostly because of advantages in perioperative care. Here, we show that when correcting for surgeon-level effects, the cost between the two procedures is statistically insignificant, reaffirming the value provided by ED.
PubMed: 38888329
DOI: 10.1227/ons.0000000000001204 -
Veterinary Microbiology Jun 2024In April 2020, two cows in Japan, developed reproductive disorders accompanied by vaginitis with purulent discharge within 3 days of artificial insemination (AI) with...
In April 2020, two cows in Japan, developed reproductive disorders accompanied by vaginitis with purulent discharge within 3 days of artificial insemination (AI) with the same lot of frozen semen. Histophilus somni was isolated from the vaginal swabs of both cows as well as from the same lot of frozen semen used for the AI. This incident marks the first reported case of H. somni infection in cattle through AI. The major outer membrane protein gene sequences and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles of the isolates were identical. Moreover, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of 12 frozen semen straws against an H. somni isolate using a disk diffusion test. These straws were sourced from five AI centers and included the same lot of semen used for the AI. Although the composition of semen diluents from individual AI centers is not publicly available, both the same lot of frozen semen used in the AI and other lots produced by the same manufacturer showed lower antimicrobial activity than semen from other manufacturers. These results strongly suggest that the two vaginitis were caused by AI using H. somni-contaminated frozen semen because of insufficient antimicrobial activity to inhibit bacterial growth. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the six antimicrobials recommended for addition to frozen semen in isolates were below the recommended concentrations, suggesting that proper addition could have prevented this incident. This highlights the importance of conducting periodical checks on the antibacterial activity of frozen semen to prevent the transmission of pathogens via AI.
PubMed: 38885549
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110147 -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2024Here were described the main three methods being used for analysis of antibiotic susceptibility or resistance of Streptococcus suis clinical isolates to antimicrobial...
Here were described the main three methods being used for analysis of antibiotic susceptibility or resistance of Streptococcus suis clinical isolates to antimicrobial agents: the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion, the epsilometer test (E test), and the broth microdilution test. In each case, procedures, results, and interpretation are described, as well as their advantages or limitations when proceeds.
Topics: Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Streptococcus suis; Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Tests
PubMed: 38884910
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3898-9_5 -
Visual Field Prognosis From Macula and Circumpapillary Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.Translational Vision Science &... Jun 2024To explore the structural-functional loss relationship from optic-nerve-head- and macula-centred spectral-domain (SD) Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images in the...
PURPOSE
To explore the structural-functional loss relationship from optic-nerve-head- and macula-centred spectral-domain (SD) Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images in the full spectrum of glaucoma patients using deep-learning methods.
METHODS
A cohort comprising 5238 unique eyes classified as suspects or diagnosed with glaucoma was considered. All patients underwent ophthalmologic examination consisting of standard automated perimetry (SAP), macular OCT, and peri-papillary OCT on the same day. Deep learning models were trained to estimate G-pattern visual field (VF) mean deviation (MD) and cluster MD using retinal thickness maps from seven layers: retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL), inner nuclear layer and outer plexiform layer (INL + OPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), photoreceptors and retinal pigmented epithelium (PR + RPE), choriocapillaris and choroidal stroma (CC + CS), total retinal thickness (RT).
RESULTS
The best performance on MD prediction is achieved by RNFL, GCL + IPL and RT layers, with R2 scores of 0.37, 0.33, and 0.31, respectively. Combining macular and peri-papillary scans outperforms single modality prediction, achieving an R2 value of 0.48. Cluster MD predictions show promising results, notably in central clusters, reaching an R2 of 0.56.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of multiple modalities, such as optic-nerve-head circular B-scans and retinal thickness maps from macular SD-OCT images, improves the performance of MD and cluster MD prediction. Our proposed model demonstrates the highest level of accuracy in predicting MD in the early-to-mid stages of glaucoma.
TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE
Objective measures recorded with SD-OCT can optimize the number of visual field tests and improve individualized glaucoma care by adjusting VF testing frequency based on deep-learning estimates of functional damage.
Topics: Tomography, Optical Coherence; Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Visual Fields; Macula Lutea; Prognosis; Deep Learning; Aged; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Glaucoma; Nerve Fibers; Visual Field Tests; Optic Disk
PubMed: 38884547
DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.6.10