Search Results (9,506)

The application of nanomaterials as modifiers in the field of asphalt is increasingly widespread, and this paper aims to systematically review research on the impact of nanomaterials on asphalt viscosity. The results find that nanomaterials tend to increase asphalt’s viscosity, enhancing its resistance to high-temperature rutting and low-temperature cracking. Zero-dimension nanomaterials firmly adhere to the asphalt surface, augmenting non-bonding interactions through van der Waals forces and engaging in chemical reactions to form a spatial network structure. One-dimensional nanomaterials interact with non-polar asphalt molecules, forming bonds between tube walls, thereby enhancing adhesion, stability, and resistance to cyclic loading. Meanwhile, these bundled materials act as reinforcement to transmit stress, preventing or delaying crack propagation. Two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as graphene and graphene oxide, participate in chemical interactions, forming hydrogen bonds and aromatic deposits with asphalt molecules, affecting asphalt’s surface roughness and aggregate movement, which exhibit strong adsorption capacity and increase the viscosity of asphalt. Polymers reduce thermal movement and compact asphalt structures, absorbing light components and promoting the formation of a cross-linked network, thus enhancing high-temperature deformation resistance. However, challenges such as poor compatibility and dispersion, high production costs, and environmental and health concerns currently hinder the widespread application of nanomaterial-modified asphalt. Consequently, addressing these issues through comprehensive economic and ecological evaluations is crucial before large-scale practical implementation. Full article

The reactions of the angular ligand 4,4′-oxybis(N-(pyridin-3-yl)benzamide) (L¹) and 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (1,4-H₂NDC) with divalent metal salts yielded three distinct coordination polymers (CPs): {[Zn₂(L¹)(1,4-NDC)₂]·MeOH}_n, 1, {[Cu(L¹)(1,4-NDC)(H₂O)]·3H₂O}_n, 2, and {[Cd(L¹)(1,4-NDC)]·2H₂O}_n, 3. Complex 1 features a 2-fold interpenetrated 3D framework with the (4¹²·6³)-pcu topology, while complex 2 reveals a 1D triple-strained helical chain and complex 3 displays a 3-fold interpenetrated 3D framework with (6⁶)-dia topology. Additionally, the reactions of the flexible ligand N,N′-bis(3-methylpyridyl) adipoamide (L²) afforded {[Co₄(L²)_0.5(1,4-NDC)₃(H₂O)₃(µ₃-OH)₂]·EtOH·2H₂O}_n, 4, {[Zn₂(L²)(1,4-NDC)₂]·2CH₃OH}_n, 5, and [Cd(L²)(adipic)(H₂O)]_n (H₂adipic = adipic acid), 6, exhibiting a self-catenated 3D framework with the (4²⁰·6⁸)-8T32 topology, a 2D layer with the (4¹³·6²) − (4,4)IIb topology, and a 2D layer with the (4⁴·6²)-sql topology, respectively. The structural diversity observed in complexes 1–6 highlights the pivotal influence of the metal center on the degree of entanglement in CPs within mixed-ligand systems. The thermal stability and luminescent properties of complexes 1–3, 4, and 6 are also discussed. Full article

Reliable microstructure characterization is essential for establishing process–microstructure–property links and effective quality control. Traditional manual microstructure analysis often struggles with objectivity, reproducibility, and scalability, particularly in complex materials. Machine learning methods offer a promising alternative but are hindered by the challenge of assigning an accurate and consistent ground truth, especially for complex microstructures. This paper introduces a methodology that uses correlative microscopy—combining light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)—to create objective, reproducible pixel-by-pixel annotations for ML training. In a semi-automated manner, EBSD-based annotations are employed to generate an objective ground truth mask for training a semantic segmentation model for quantifying simple light optical micrographs. The training masks are directly derived from raw EBSD data using modern deep learning methods. By using EBSD-based annotations, which incorporate crystallographic and misorientation data, the correctness and objectivity of the training mask creation can be assured. The final approach is capable of reproducibly and objectively differentiating bainite and martensite in optical micrographs of complex quenched steels. Through the reduction in the microstructural evaluation to light optical micrographs as the simplest and most widely used method, this way of quantifying microstructures is characterized by high efficiency as well as good scalability. Full article

Background: Despite clinical interventional studies on the influence of diet on periodontal inflammatory parameters, there has been no practice-based cross-sectional study from a German population to date that has conducted both a comprehensive dental and periodontal examination and a thorough validated assessment of dietary behavior. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study was to evaluate, in a proof of concept, whether there is a correlation between the overall periodontal inflammatory surface area (PISA), periodontal clinical parameters (pocket probing depths (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), furcation involvement (FI), tooth mobility (TM)), and the dietary behavior of patients with periodontal disease when utilizing a practice-based research network. The primary outcome was the correlation between the periodontal inflammatory surface (PISA) and the dietary assessment data. Materials and Methods: The practice-based research network, consisting of eight Master’s graduates, recruited patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and performed a periodontal examination together with the assessment of dietary behavior using a digital version of the validated retrospective dietary recall (DEGS/RKI). Statistical analyses included linear regression models adjusted for age and smoking and unpaired t-tests, conducted using STATA 17.0 with a significance level of 5%. In addition, the data obtained were classified according to the currently recommended amounts of daily intake. Results: A total of 1283 teeth were analyzed, with 60.25% (773 teeth) requiring treatment. The average PISA was 753.16 mm² (SD ± 535.75 mm). Based on dietary guidelines, the studied population consumed excessive amounts of extrinsic sugars and fats, while their fiber and legume intake was insufficient. The intake of certain nutrients, including water-soluble fibers, specific fatty acids, vitamins (D, B1, B2, B6, and B12), iron, and zinc, was associated with reduced PISA, PPD, CAL, and BOP. Conclusion: Within the limits of the current study, including its cross-sectional design and cohort size, the outcomes demonstrated the influence of nutrition on periodontal health. Full article

The widespread use of IoT devices has led to the generation of a huge amount of data and driven the need for analytical solutions in many areas of human activities, such as the field of smart agriculture. Continuous monitoring of crop growth stages enables timely interventions, such as control of weeds and plant diseases, as well as pest control, ensuring optimal development. Decision-making systems in smart agriculture involve image analysis with the potential to increase productivity, efficiency and sustainability. By applying Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), state recognition and classification can be performed based on images from specific locations. Thus, we have developed a solution for early problem detection and resource management optimization. The main concept of the proposed solution relies on a direct connection between Cloud and Edge devices, which is achieved through Fog computing. The goal of our work is creation of a deep learning model for image classification that can be optimized and adapted for implementation on devices with limited hardware resources at the level of Fog computing. This could increase the importance of image processing in the reduction of agricultural operating costs and manual labor. As a result of the off-load data processing at Edge and Fog devices, the system responsiveness can be improved, the costs associated with data transmission and storage can be reduced, and the overall system reliability and security can be increased. The proposed solution can choose classification algorithms to find a trade-off between size and accuracy of the model optimized for devices with limited hardware resources. After testing our model for tomato disease classification compiled for execution on FPGA, it was found that the decrease in test accuracy is as small as 0.83% (from 96.29% to 95.46%). Full article

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation, namely NETosis, is implicated in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)-related thrombosis in various autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and APS. Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection is closely associated with SLE and APS and causes various clinical manifestations such as blood disorders, joint pain, fever, pregnancy complications, and thrombosis. Additionally, B19V may trigger the production of autoantibodies, including those against nuclear and phospholipid components. Thus, exploring the connection between B19V, NETosis, and thrombosis is highly relevant. An in vitro NETosis model using differentiated HL-60 neutrophil-like cells (dHL-60) was employed to investigate the effect of B19V-VP1u IgG on NETs formation. A venous stenosis mouse model was used to test how B19V-VP1u IgG-mediated NETs affect thrombosis in vivo. The NETosis was observed in the dHL-60 cells treated with rabbit anti-B19V-VP1u IgG and was inhibited in the presence of either 8-Br-cAMP or CGS216800 but not GSK484. Significantly elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and citrullinated histone (Cit-H3) levels were detected in the dHL60 treated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), human aPLs IgG and rabbit anti-B19V-VP1u IgG, respectively. Accordingly, a significantly larger thrombus was observed in a venous stenosis-induced thrombosis mouse model treated with PMA, human aPLs IgG, rabbit anti-B19V-VP1u IgG, and human anti-B19V-VP1u IgG, respectively, along with significantly increased amounts of Cit-H3-, MPO- and CRAMP-positive infiltrated neutrophils in the thrombin sections. This research highlights that anti-B19V-VP1u antibodies may enhance the formation of NETosis and thrombosis and implies that managing and treating B19V infection could lower the risk of thrombosis. Full article

Two-dimensional (2D) polarized heterostructures with internal electric fields are potential photocatalysts for high catalytic performance. The Blue P/SiS van der Waals heterostructures were formed from monolayer Blue P and polar monolayer SiS with different stacking interfaces, including Si-P and P-S interfaces. The structural, electronic, optical and photocatalytic properties of the Blue P/SiS heterostructures were studied via first-principle calculations. The results showed that the Si-P-2 or P-S-4 stacking order contributes to the most stable heterostructure with the Si-P or P-S interface. The direction of the internal electric field is from the $\left(001\right)$ surface toward the $\left(00\overline{1}\right)$ surface, which is helpful for separating photo-generated electron–hole pairs. The bandgap and electrostatic potential differences in the Si-P-2(P-S-4) heterostructures are 1.74 eV (2.30 eV) and 0.287 eV (0.181 eV), respectively. Moreover, the Si-P-2(P-S-4) heterostructures possess suitable band alignment and wide ultraviolet and visible light spectrum regions. All results suggest that 2D polarized Blue P/SiS heterostructures are potential novel photocatalysts for water splitting under a wide ultraviolet and visible light spectrum region. Full article

Engineering plastics, such as polyoxymethylene (POM), are high-performance thermoplastics designed to withstand high temperature or mechanical stress and are used in electronic equipment, the automotive industry, construction, or specific household utensils. POM is immiscible with other plastics but due to a low volume of production, no methods were developed to separate it from the residual plastic waste stream. Therefore, POM recycling is minimal despite its high market value. This paper provides a proof of concept for tracer-based sorting (TBS) as a potential solution for increasing the separation efficiency of low-volume, high-quality polymers. For this purpose, yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) and cerium (IV) oxide (CeO₂) have been embedded into the POM matrix. Mechanical tests of samples at varying concentrations (0.1 to 1000 ppm) of both tracers were conducted, followed by an analysis of detectability and dispersibility using a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (p-XRF), subsequently optimizing detection time and tracer concentration. Finally, an experimental scenario was developed to test the fate and potential recovery of the tracer material after the thermal treatment of plastics. A low detectable concentration, short measurement time, low influence on mechanical parameters of the compound, and low loss ratio after simulated recycling prove Y₂O₃ to be a suitable tracer for the industrial implementation of TBS. Full article

(1) Background: The successful treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) relies on detecting causative pathogens to administer targeted antibiotic therapy. In addition to standard microbiological cultivation of pathogens from tissue obtained during heart valve surgery, the potential of molecular biological methods was evaluated. (2) Methods: A retrospective study was performed on heart valve tissue from 207 patients who underwent heart valve surgery for IE. FISHseq (fluorescence in situ hybridization combined with 16S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing) was performed in addition to conventional culture-based microbiological diagnostics. The diagnostic performance of FISHseq was compared with the conventional methods and evaluated in the clinical context. (3) Results: Overall, FISHseq provided a significantly higher rate of specific pathogen detection than conventional valve culture (68.1% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001). By complementing the findings from blood culture and valve culture, FISHseq was able to provide a new microbiological diagnosis in 10% of cases, confirm the cultural findings in 24.2% of cases and provide greater diagnostic accuracy in 27.5% of cases. FISHseq could identify a pathogen in blood-culture-negative IE in 46.2% of cases, while valve culture provided only 13.5% positive results (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates that using FISHseq as an additional molecular biological technique for diagnostics in IE adds substantial diagnostic value, with potential implications for the treatment of IE. It provides pathogen detection, especially in cases where conventional microbiological cultivation is negative or inconclusive. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite the growing popularity of training with a controlled form of vascular occlusion, known as blood flow restriction (BFR) training, in the rehabilitation of orthopedic patients and sports medicine, there remains ample space for understanding the basis of its mechanism. The pilot study assessed the effect of BFR during a low-load resistance training unit on knee flexor muscle fatigue, intending to decide whether a larger trial is needed and feasible. Methods: The study used a prospective, randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Fifteen male healthy recreational athletes were randomly assigned to three equal groups: BFR Group, Placebo Group, and Control Group. The primary outcome was the change in the surface electromyography-based (sEMG-based) muscle fatigue index, which was determined by comparing the results obtained before and after the intervention. The intervention was the application of BFR during low-load resistance training for knee flexors. The occurrence of any adverse events was documented. Results: In all groups, the sEMG-based fatigue index for semitendinosus and biceps femoris muscles decreased after low-load resistance training, with the largest decrease in the BFR group. Although not statistically significant, BFR showed moderate and large effect sizes for the fatigue index of semitendinosus and biceps femoris, respectively. No adverse events were noted. Conclusions: The pilot study suggested that BFR during a low-load resistance training unit might affect knee flexor muscle fatigue, supporting the development of a larger randomized clinical trial. Full article

The clinical outcome of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is poor despite the approval of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy to improve overall survival after cystectomy. MIBC subtypes, immune, transcriptome, metabolomic signatures, and mutation burden have the potential to predict treatment response but none have been incorporated into clinical practice, as tumor heterogeneity and lineage plasticity influence their efficacy. Using the PRISMA statement, we conducted a systematic review of the literature, involving 135 studies published within the last five years, to identify studies reporting on the prognostic value of protein-based biomarkers for response to neoadjuvant therapy in patients with MIBC. The studies were grouped based on biomarkers related to molecular subtypes, cancer stem cell, actin-cytoskeleton, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. These studies show the potential of protein-based biomarkers, especially in the spatial context, to reduce the influence of tumor heterogeneity on a biomarker’s prognostic capability. Nevertheless, currently, there is little consensus on the methodology, reagents, and the scoring systems to allow reliable assessment of the biomarkers of interest. Furthermore, the small sample size of several studies necessitates the validation of potential prognostic biomarkers in larger multicenter cohorts before their use for individualizing neoadjuvant therapy regimens for patients with MIBC. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exploring and establishing a consensus on palatal surgery, the outcomes and follow-up after the palatal surgery, the complications of palatal surgery, and the post-operative management after palatal surgery for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among sleep surgeons is critical in the surgical management of patients with such conditions. Methods: Using the Delphi method, a set of statements was developed based on the literature and circulated among a panel of eight European experts. Responses included agreeing and disagreeing with each statement, and the comments were used to assess the level of consensus and to develop a revised version. The new version with the level of consensus and anonymized comments was sent to each panel member as the second round. This was repeated over a total of five rounds. Results: The final set included a total of 111 statements, 27 of which were stand-alone questions and 21 of which contained 84 sub-statements. Of the 34 statements regarding palatal surgery, consensus was achieved among all eight, seven, and six panelists for 50%, 35.3%, and 5.9% of the questions, respectively. Of the 43 statements regarding the outcomes and follow-up after the palatal surgery, consensus was achieved among all eight, seven, and six panelists for 53.5%, 23.3%, and 4.7% of the questions, respectively. Of the 24 statements regarding complications after the palatal surgery, consensus was achieved among all eight, seven, and six panelists for 91.7%, 0%, and 4.2% of the questions, respectively. Of the 10 statements regarding post-operative management after palatal surgery, consensus was achieved among all eight, seven, and six panelists for 10%, 30%, and 30% of the papers, respectively. Conclusions: This consensus provides an overview of the work of European sleep surgeons to develop a set of statements on palatal surgery for the treatment of snoring and OSA, the outcomes and follow-up, the complications, and the post-operative management of palatal surgery. We believe that this will be helpful in everyday practice. It also indicates key areas for further studies in sleep surgery. Full article

The Caf1/CNOT7 nuclease is a catalytic component of the Ccr4-Not deadenylase complex, which is a key regulator of post-transcriptional gene regulation. In addition to providing catalytic activity, Caf1/CNOT7 and its paralogue Caf1/CNOT8 also contribute a structural function by mediating interactions between the large, non-catalytic subunit CNOT1, which forms the backbone of the Ccr4-Not complex and the second nuclease subunit Ccr4 (CNOT6/CNOT6L). To facilitate investigations into the role of Caf1/CNOT7 in gene regulation, we aimed to discover and develop non-nucleoside inhibitors of the enzyme. Here, we disclose that the tri-substituted 2-pyridone compound 5-(5-bromo-2-hydroxy-benzoyl)-1-(4-chloro-2-methoxy-5-methyl-phenyl)-2-oxo-pyridine-3-carbonitrile is an inhibitor of the Caf1/CNOT7 nuclease. Using a fluorescence-based nuclease assay, the activity of 16 structural analogues was determined, which predominantly explored substituents on the 1-phenyl group. While no compound with higher potency was identified among this set of structural analogues, the lowest potency was observed with the analogue lacking substituents on the 1-phenyl group. This indicates that substituents on the 1-phenyl group contribute significantly to binding. To identify possible binding modes of the inhibitors, molecular docking was carried out. This analysis suggested that the binding modes of the five most potent inhibitors may display similar conformations upon binding active site residues. Possible interactions include π-π interactions with His225, hydrogen bonding with the backbone of Phe43 and Van der Waals interactions with His225, Leu209, Leu112 and Leu115. Full article

Casein is among the most abundant proteins in milk and has high nutritional value. Casein’s interactions with polysaccharides, polyphenols, and metal ions are important for regulating the functional properties and textural quality of dairy foods. To improve the functional properties of casein-based foods, a deep understanding of the interaction mechanisms and the influencing factors between casein and other food components is required. This review started by elucidating the interaction mechanism of casein with polysaccharides, polyphenols, and metal ions. Thermodynamic incompatibility and attraction are the fundamental factors in determining the interaction types between casein and polysaccharides, which leads to different phase behaviors and microstructural types in casein-based foods. Additionally, the interaction of casein with polyphenols primarily occurs through non-covalent (hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals forces, and ionic bonding) or covalent interaction (primarily based on the oxidation of proteins or polyphenols by enzymatic or non-enzymatic (alkaline or free radical grafting) approaches). Moreover, the selectivity of casein to specific metal ions is also introduced. Factors affecting the binding of casein to the above three components, such as temperature, pH, the mixing ratio, and the fine structure of these components, are also summarized to provide a good foundation for casein-based food applications. Full article

Background: Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder leading to frequent bleeding in several organs. As HHT diagnosis is demanding and depends on clinical criteria, liquid biopsy would be beneficial. Exosomes from biofluids are nano-sized vesicles for intercellular communication. Their cargo and characteristics represent biomarkers for many diseases. Here, exosomes of HHT patients were examined regarding their biosignature. Methods: Exosomes were isolated from the plasma of 20 HHT patients and 17 healthy donors (HDs). The total exosomal protein was quantified, and specific proteins were analyzed using Western blot and antibody arrays. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) co-incubated with exosomes were functionally examined via immunofluorescence, proliferation, and scratch assay. Results: The levels of the angiogenesis-regulating protein Thrombospondin-1 were significantly higher in HHT compared to HD exosomes. Among HHT, but not HD exosomes, a negative correlation between total exosomal protein and soluble Endoglin (sENG) levels was found. Other exosomal proteins (ALK1, ALK5) and the particle concentration significantly correlated with disease severity parameters (total consultations/interventions, epistaxis severity score) in HHT patients. Functionally, HUVECs were able to internalize both HD and HHT exosomes, inducing a similar change in the F-Actin structure and a reduction in migration and proliferation. Conclusions: This study provided first insights into the protein cargo and function of HHT-derived exosomes. The data indicate changes in sENG secretion via exosomes and reveal exosomal Thrombospondin-1 as a potential biomarker for HHT. Several exosomal characteristics were pointed out as potential liquid biomarkers for disease severity, revealing a possible new way of diagnosis and prognosis of HHT. Full article