Search Results (230)

Pro-regenerative corneal implants are being developed to improve corneal healing for companion animals in clinical practice. This pilot study evaluated early corneal tissue and nerve regeneration using biosynthetic collagen-analog hydrogels (CAH) in liquid and solid forms. Their efficacy was compared to each other and to allografts on nine white New Zealand rabbits, divided in three groups of three. Each rabbit cornea underwent keratectomy followed by grafting with either a control allograft cornea, liquid injectable, or solid CAH implant. Corneal healing was assessed over 16 weeks using clinical exams, esthesiometry, in vivo confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography. One rabbit per group was euthanized at 3, 10, and 16 weeks for histopathological analysis. Both liquid and solid implants enabled corneal re-epithelialization and regeneration of stromal tissue and corneal nerves. Esthesiometric values indicated faster nerve regeneration in rabbits grafted with biosynthetic implants compared to allografts (p < 0.005). By 16 weeks, regenerated neocorneas achieved transparency comparable to allografts. Solid and liquid CAH implants supported complete corneal tissue and nerve regeneration in the studied rabbits. These results suggest that with further research and development, the current gold standard for corneal transplantation could be replaced by high-performing, easily produced biosynthetic alternatives. Full article

To address the engineering challenges associated with Guilin red clay, such as its potentially low strength and unfavorable mechanical behavior, this study investigated the effectiveness of lignin and lime as modifiers. Consolidation undrained triaxial tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to evaluate the strength characteristics and microstructural changes in modified clay specimens with varying dosages. The results demonstrate distinct strengthening mechanisms: Lignin exhibits an optimal dosage (6%), significantly increasing cohesion and internal friction angle through physical reinforcement (“soil fiber” formation), but higher dosages (8%) lead to particle separation and strength reduction. In contrast, lime provides continuous and substantial strength enhancement with increasing dosage (up to 8%), primarily through chemical reactions producing cementitious compounds (e.g., C-S-H, C-A-H) that densify the structure. Consequently, lime-modified clay shows significantly higher cohesion and internal friction angle compared to lignin-modified clay at equivalent or higher dosages, with corresponding stress–strain curves shifting from enhanced (strain-hardening) to softening behavior. These findings provide practical insights into red clay improvement in geotechnical engineering applications. Full article

This case report describes a novel intronic mutation, CYP21A2:c.738+75C>T (rs1463196531), identified in a 4-year-old male with congenital adrenal insufficiency, and expands the known mutation spectrum associated with this condition. The patient, born full-term to unrelated parents, presented with adrenal failure within the first month of life, characterized by acute adrenal crisis symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, hypotension, and electrolyte imbalances. Hormonal evaluations confirmed primary adrenocortical insufficiency, necessitating ongoing hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone therapy. Using family trio-based amplicon sequencing of the CYP21A2 gene, we identified compound heterozygosity consisting of a full gene deletion and a novel pathogenic intronic mutation. Additionally, analysis of WGS data was performed to rule out pathogenic variants in genes that might lead to a similar phenotype, thereby eliminating the possibility of other genes contributing to the proband’s disease. This case demonstrates the potential of using amplicon sequencing in molecular genetic diagnostic testing to detect rare intronic variants in the CYP21A2 gene in cases of early-onset adrenal failure. It also contributes to a better understanding of the genetic basis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), which remains a significant autosomal recessive disorder affecting cortisol and aldosterone production, with an incidence of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 15,000 globally. Full article

In this work, we have used both plain titania nanotubes, TNTs, and their reduced black analogues, bTNTs, that bear metallic conductivity (prepared by solid state reaction of TNTs with CaH₂ at 500 °C for 2 h), as catalyst supports for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Ir was subsequently been deposited on them by the galvanic replacement of electrodeposited Ni by Ir(IV) chloro-complexes; this was followed by Ir electrochemical anodization to IrO₂. By carrying out the preparation of the TNTs in either two or one anodization steps, we were able to produce close-packed or open-structure nanotubes, respectively. In the former case, larger than 100 nm Ir aggregates were finally formed on the top face of the nanotubes (leading to partial or full surface coverage); in the latter case, Ir nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm were obtained, with some of them located inside the pores of the nanotubes, which retained a porous surface structure. The electrocatalytic activity of IrO₂ supported on open-structure bTNTs towards OER is superior to that supported on close-packed bTNTs and TNTs, and its performance is comparable or better than that of similar electrodes reported in the literature (overpotential of η = 240 mV at 10 mA cm⁻²; current density of 70 mA cm⁻² and mass specific current density of 258 mA mg_Ir⁻¹ at η = 300 mV). Furthermore, these electrodes demonstrated good medium-term stability, maintaining stable performance for 72 h at 10 mA cm⁻² in acid. Full article

A novel bioactive glass–ceramic was developed using biogenic hydroxyapatite (BHA) synthesized from Rapana venosa (Black Sea) shells and monocalcium phosphate monohydrate [Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O] via solid-state synthesis. The prepared batches were obtained by combining BHA with SiO₂, B₂O₃, and Na₂O, melted at 1200 °C and melt-quenched in water to form glass–ceramic materials. Dense biogenic hydroxyapatite-based ceramics were successfully sintered at 1200 °C (2 h hold) using a 25 mass % sintering additive composed of 35 mass % B₂O₃, 45 mass % SiO₂, 10 mass % Al₂O₃, and 10 mass % Na₂O. Structural characterization was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The resulting materials consisted of a well-defined crystalline hydroxyapatite phase [Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂] alongside an amorphous phase. In samples with increased SiO₂ and reduced B₂O₃ content (composition 3), a finely dispersed Na₃Ca₆(PO₄)₅ crystalline phase appeared, with a reduced presence of hydroxyapatite. Bioactivity was assessed in simulated body fluid (SBF) after 10 and 20 days of immersion, confirming the material’s ability to support apatite layer formation. The main structural units SiO₄, PO₄, and BO₃ are interconnected through Si–O–Si, B–O–B, P–O–P, and mixed Si–O–Al linkages, contributing to both structural stability and bioactivity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) face significant risks of impaired growth and metabolic disturbances despite standard glucocorticoid therapy. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate growth outcomes, nutritional status, and associated factors among children with CAH treated in a Vietnamese tertiary pediatric center. Methods: We assessed 201 children aged 1.1–16.5 years in a tertiary pediatric center in Vietnam for anthropometric parameters, biochemical markers (calcium, phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D), and clinical features. Growth status was evaluated using WHO standards, and bone age was assessed radiographically. Statistical analyses explored associations between growth outcomes and clinical, biochemical, and treatment-related factors. Results: Stunting was present in 16.4% of children, while 53.3% were overweight or obese. Bone age advancement occurred in 51.7% of cases. Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency was detected in 85.6% of patients, and hypocalcemia was present in 85.1%. Overweight/obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and bone age advancement were associated with older age, prolonged corticosteroid therapy, higher androgen levels, and clinical features of treatment imbalance (e.g., Cushingoid appearance, hyperpigmentation). Female sex was significantly associated with higher rates of stunting. Conclusions: Growth impairment, nutritional deficiencies, and skeletal maturation disturbances are prevalent among children with CAH in Vietnam. Early identification of risk factors and the implementation of tailored management strategies that address both endocrine and nutritional health are crucial for optimizing long-term outcomes. Full article

Phosphorus (P) and silicon (Si) could profoundly affect the net primary productivity (ANPP) of grassland ecosystems. However, how ecosystem biomass will respond to different Si addition, especially under a concurrent increase in P fertilization, remains limited. With persistent demand for grassland utilization, there is a need to enhance and sustain the productivity of grasslands on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Three P addition rates (0, 400, 800, and 1200 kg Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) without Si and with Si (14.36 kg H₄SiO₄ ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) were applied to alpine grassland on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau to evaluate the responses of aboveground biomass and the underlying mechanisms linking to structural carbon composition and physiological traits of grasses and forbs. Our results show that the application of Si significantly reduced the lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and total phenol contents of both grasses and forbs. Additionally, the addition of P, Si, and phosphorus and silicon (PSi) co-application significantly increased the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and light use efficiency (LUE) of grasses and forbs. Moreover, Si promoted the absorption of N and P by plants, resulting in significant changes in the Si:C, Si:P, and Si:N ratios and increasing the aboveground biomass. Our findings suggest that Si can replace structural carbohydrates and regulate the absorption and utilization of N and P to optimize the photosynthetic process of leaves, thereby achieving greater biomass. In summary, Si supplementation improves ecosystem stability in alpine meadows by optimizing plant functions and increasing biomass accumulation. Full article

The uranium tailings mineral body is large and loose, and this could lead to radioactive contamination. Nuclides and heavy metals released from uranium tailings can be reduced through reinforcement treatment. The current study investigated the effect of CaCl₂ solutions with the same volume and different mass fractions on uranium tailing reinforcement under the premise of fixing the dosage of metakaolin, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate, and the water reducer. It was found that, when 20.0% CaCl₂ was injected, the hydration reaction occurred more efficiently, and a more uniform gel polymer was produced. The degree of polymerization was higher, as well as the degree of aggregation near macropores. A large number of closed mesopores formed on the solidified surface. The pore structure of the solidified body was significantly improved; uranium ore particles had smaller gaps between them; the solidified body was better compacted; the leaching rates of uranium and its heavy metal ions were significantly reduced; and the compressive strength of the solidified body improved. In the triaxial test, the solidified body had a strength increase of 4.7 times. In addition to SEM, XPS, and XRD, the solidified samples were analyzed. In uranium slag solidified bodies, C-S-H and C-A-H gels and C-A-S-H and N-A-S-H polymers were formed. The gel polymers were wrapped around the uranium tailing particles, resulting in an 82.6% reduction in uranium leaching and a 57.2% reduction in radon exhalation. Full article

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy is a re-emerging therapy for the treatment of cancer, and the development of new neutron-reactive nuclei carriers with enhanced efficiency is of great importance. In this work we propose three new boron-based solid compounds, of formulas [Ca(H₂O)₆](C₁₄H₈O₆B)₂ (CaSB), [Cu(C₁₄H₈O₆B)] (CuSB), and [Li(C₁₄H₈O₆B)(H₂O)] (LiSB), usable as nanoparticles for the carriage of the ¹⁰B isotope. The copper atom in CuSB was introduced because it is known that its presence magnifies the effect of the radiation on cells. Furthermore, the lithium atom in LiSB also allows us to include the ⁶Li isotope, which can take part in the nuclear reactions, enhancing the efficiency of the anti-cancer treatment. The compounds were characterized with single-crystal X-ray diffraction to compare the densities of the reactive isotopes in the materials, a key parameter related to the efficiency of the materials. In this work, we used a computational method to calculate the dose absorbed by a tumor mass treated with nanoparticles of the compounds in order to select the most efficient one for the therapy. The results reported in this work are encouraging. Full article

As the most promising new reflective display technology, electrowetting displays (EWDs) have the advantages of a simple structure, fast response, high contrast, and rich colors. However, due to the hysteresis effect, the grayscales of EWDs cannot be accurately controlled, which seriously restricts the industrialization process of this technology. In this paper, the oil movement process in an EWD pixel cell was simulated, and the influence of oil viscosity on the hysteresis effect was studied based on the proposed simulation model. Firstly, the cause of the hysteresis effect was analyzed through the hysteresis curve of an EWD. Then, based on the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation environment, the oil movement process in an EWD pixel cell was simulated by coupling the phase field of laminar two-phase flow and electrostatic field. Finally, based on the simulation model, the influence of oil viscosity on the hysteresis effect in an EWD pixel cell was studied. We observed that the maximum hysteresis difference in the hysteresis effect increased with the increase in oil viscosity and decreased with the decrease in oil viscosity. The oil viscosity had little effect on the maximum aperture ratio of EWD. The pixel-on response time and pixel-off response time increased with the increase in oil viscosity. Full article

The conversion of waste biomass into biochar through inert pyrolysis represents a promising strategy for carbon sequestration. However, biochar production is often accompanied by the release of small molecular chemical substances during pyrolysis, and the resulting biochar is susceptible to environmental degradation. To enhance the carbon retention rate of biochar during pyrolysis and its stability in the environment, this study explored the incorporation of various metal soluble salts (CaCl₂, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, MgCl₂, FeCl₃) and clay minerals (quartz, goethite, bentonite, albite) with two types of waste biomass (phragmites and goldenrod) for pre-treatment to enhance both carbon retention and stability in the resulting biochar. Furthermore, to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of minerals on biochar structural formation, the three primary components of raw biomass—hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin—were individually mixed with the minerals at a ratio of 1:5 (mineral/biomass, w/w) to produce biochars for a comparative analysis. The experimental results demonstrated that metal soluble salts, particularly Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, exhibited a superior performance in enhancing biochar’s carbon retention compared to clay minerals. Specifically, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ treatment resulted in a remarkable 15% increase in the carbon retention rate. Through K₂Cr₂O₇ oxidation simulating soil aging conditions, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂-treated biochar showed approximately 12% greater stability than the untreated samples. This enhanced stability was primarily attributed to the formation of stable chemical bonds (C–O–P and P–O), which facilitated the preservation of aromatic carbon structures and small molecular compounds including sugars, alcohols, and ethers. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ significantly influenced the pyrolysis process by increasing the activation energy from 85.9 kJ mol⁻¹ to 156.5 kJ mol⁻¹ and introducing greater reaction complexity. During the initial pyrolysis stage (<300 °C), Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ catalyzed depolymerization, ring-opening, and C–C bond cleavage in hemicellulose, enhanced cellulose depolymerization, and side-chain cleavage in lignin phenylpropanes. In the intermediate temperature range (300–400 °C), Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ facilitated carboxylate nucleophilic addition reactions and promoted cyclization to form aromatic carbon structures. The innovative aspect of this work is that minerals can increase both the yield and carbon retention rate of biochar. Furthermore, it reveals the mechanisms underlying the improvements in pyrolysis, providing a scientific basis and theoretical foundation for better displaying the carbon sequestration potential of biochar in future applications. Full article

The article presents methods for processing low-grade phosphate raw materials from the Chilisay deposit using a circulation method to produce mineral fertilizers and feed monocalcium phosphate. A study was conducted on the process of obtaining high-quality monocalcium phosphate, and optimal parameters for the decomposition of low-grade phosphate raw materials were determined. Based on the research, it was established that for the decomposition of phosphate raw materials, phosphoric acid with a concentration of 36–42% P₂O₅ should be used; the recycle phosphoric acid rate should be 540–560% of the stoichiometric amount required for the formation of monocalcium phosphate (MCP); the decomposition temperature should be 95–100 °C; the decomposition duration should be 40–50 min; the filtration temperature of the insoluble residue should be 85–90 °C; the crystallization temperature of MCP should be 40–45 °C; and the crystallization duration should be 85–90 min. For the sulfation of the mother solution and the production of recycle phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid with a concentration of 86–93% H₂SO₄ should be used; the sulfuric acid rate should be 95–100% of the stoichiometric amount required for the decomposition of dissolved Ca(H₂PO₄)₂. After drying the wet residue, monocalcium phosphate was obtained with the following composition: P₂O₅—55%, Ca—18.01%, H₂O—4.0%, F—0.01%, As—0.004%, Pb—0.002%. The obtained monocalcium phosphate is used in agriculture as a mineral fertilizer and feed monocalcium phosphate. Full article

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites are widely utilized across industries, particularly in structural components exposed to hygrothermal environments characterized by elevated temperature and moisture. Such conditions can significantly degrade the mechanical properties and structural integrity of GFRP composites. Therefore, it is essential to utilize effective methods for assessing their hygrothermal aging. Traditional approaches to hygrothermal aging evaluation are hindered by several limitations, including time intensity, high costs, labor demands, and constraints on specimen size due to laboratory space. This study addresses these challenges by introducing a facile and efficient alternative that evaluates GFRP degradation under hygrothermal conditions through surface wettability analysis. Herein, a glass fiber-reinforced benzoxazine (BZ) composite was fabricated using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) method and was aged in a controlled humidity and temperature chamber for up to 5 weeks. When analyzing the wettability characteristics of the composite, notable changes in the contact angle (CA) and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) were 21.77% and 90.90%, respectively. Impact droplet dynamics further demonstrated reduced wetting length and faster droplet equilibrium times with the prolonged aging duration, indicating a progressive decline in surface characteristics. These changes correlated with reductions in flexural strength, highlighting the surface’s heightened sensitivity to environmental degradation compared with internal structural integrity. This study emphasizes the critical role of surface characterization in predicting the overall integrity of GFRP composites. Full article

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) represents a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis in the adrenal glands. Over 90% of CAH cases result from a deficiency of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase (21OHD). The clinical spectrum of 21OHD ranges from the severe, life-threatening salt-wasting classic form, often presenting with prenatal virilization in females, to the non-classic (milder) form, which lacks glucocorticoid deficiency. Females with the non-classic form may experience symptoms of hyperandrogenism or infertility later in life, while males with non-classic CAH are often undiagnosed due to the subtler presentation. The coexistence of genetic anomalies and CAH is rarely reported in the literature, particularly in cases involving Triple X syndrome—a condition typically associated with a mild and frequently underdiagnosed clinical course. Case presentation: Here, we present a unique case of a 38-year-old woman with a history of premature ovarian failure and subsequent clinical features of hyperandrogenism. Further investigation revealed a novel association between partial 21OHD and a Triple X karyotype—an association not previously documented in the literature. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential for coexisting rare genetic conditions and underscores the critical importance of thorough and meticulous clinical evaluation. Full article