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19 pages, 4705 KiB  
Article
An Improved Thermodynamic Energy Equation for Stress–Dilatancy Behavior in Granular Soils
by Ching S. Chang and Jason Chao
Geotechnics 2025, 5(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/geotechnics5030043 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 272
Abstract
This study proposes an advanced thermodynamic energy equation to accurately simulate the stress–dilatancy relationship in granular soils for both uncrushed and crushed sands. Traditional energy formulations primarily consider dissipation energy and often neglect the role of free energy. Recent developments have introduced free [...] Read more.
This study proposes an advanced thermodynamic energy equation to accurately simulate the stress–dilatancy relationship in granular soils for both uncrushed and crushed sands. Traditional energy formulations primarily consider dissipation energy and often neglect the role of free energy. Recent developments have introduced free energy components to account for plastic energy contributions from dilation and particle crushing. However, significant discrepancies between theoretical predictions and experimental observations remain, largely due to the omission of complex mechanisms such as contact network rearrangement, force-chain buckling, grain rolling, rotation without slip, and particle crushing. To address these gaps, the proposed model incorporates dual exponential decay functions into the free energy framework. Rather than explicitly modeling each mechanism, this formulation aims to phenomenologically capture the interplay between fundamentally opposing thermodynamic forces arising from complex mechanisms during granular microstructure evolution. The model’s applicability is validated using the experimental results from both uncrushed silica sand and crushed calcareous sand. Through extensive comparison with over 100 drained triaxial tests on various sands, the proposed model shows substantial improvement in reproducing stress–dilatancy behavior. The average discrepancy between predicted and measured ηD relationships is reduced to below 15%, compared to over 60% using conventional models. This enhanced energy equation provides a robust and practical tool for predicting granular soil behavior, supporting a wide range of geotechnical engineering applications. Full article
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12 pages, 3961 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Ti65(AlCrNbV)35 Medium-Entropy Alloys via Microstructure Modification Through Minor B Doping
by Po-Sung Chen, Bao-Teng Kuo, Pei-Hua Tsai, Jason Shian-Ching Jang, Chih-Yen Chen and I-Yu Tsao
Materials 2025, 18(10), 2219; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18102219 - 11 May 2025
Viewed by 415
Abstract
Because of their low density and excellent material properties, lightweight Ti-rich medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) have great potential for application in the aerospace and automotive industries. This study investigated the effects of B doping on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a (Ti65 [...] Read more.
Because of their low density and excellent material properties, lightweight Ti-rich medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) have great potential for application in the aerospace and automotive industries. This study investigated the effects of B doping on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a (Ti65(AlCrNbV)35)100−xBx alloy series. The mechanical properties of the alloys were then enhanced through thermomechanical treatment, and the strengthening mechanism was explored by characterizing the alloys’ microstructure and mechanical properties. X-ray diffraction revealed that the (Ti65(AlCrNbV)35)100−xBx alloys retained their body-centered cubic structure. However, the addition of B resulted in a rightward shift in the diffraction peaks due to B having a smaller atomic radius compared with the other constituent elements. Weak diffraction peaks corresponding to TiB were discovered in the diffraction patterns for the alloys with 0.4 or 0.6% B content (named B0.4 and B0.6, respectively). The hardness of the homogenized alloys was increased from 321 Hv for the base alloy (B0) to 378 Hv for B0.6. In tensile testing, the homogenized alloy with 0.2% B content (B0.2) exhibited a yield strength of 1054 MPa and 21% elongation, which represented 17% greater strength compared with B0. Conversely, the mechanical properties of B0.4 and B0.6 were poorer due to precipitation at grain boundaries. After thermomechanical treatment, the alloys’ strength and hardness increased with increasing B content despite various heat treatment conditions. The recrystallization behavior of the alloys tended to be delayed by B doping, resulting in an increase in the recrystallization temperature. After recrystallization at 900 °C, the elongation of B0, B0.1, and B0.2 exceeded 20%. Of the (Ti65(AlCrNbV)35)100−xBx alloys in the series, B0.2 presents the optimal combination of favorable yield strength and ductility (1275 MPa and 10%, respectively). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
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11 pages, 1210 KiB  
Article
The Use of an Integrated Digital Tool to Improve the Efficiency of Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards—A Prospective Trial in Taiwan
by Linda Chia-Fang Chang, Hsuan-Chih Kuo, Hung-Ming Wang, Yung-Chia Kuo, Ching-Ting Wang, Li-Chin Chen and Jason Chia-Hsun Hsieh
Cancers 2025, 17(3), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030444 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1421
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study assessed the impact of the navify Tumor Board digital tool on multidisciplinary team tumor boards’ (MDTs) efficiency, comparing its streamlined workflow and preparation to conventional, time-consuming methods. METHODS: This prospective observational study (January–June 2021) compared MDT phase durations (preparation, discussion, [...] Read more.
PURPOSE: This study assessed the impact of the navify Tumor Board digital tool on multidisciplinary team tumor boards’ (MDTs) efficiency, comparing its streamlined workflow and preparation to conventional, time-consuming methods. METHODS: This prospective observational study (January–June 2021) compared MDT phase durations (preparation, discussion, follow-up) using the navify Tumor Board platform versus conventional methods for integrated patient data management and decision-making. RESULTS: The navify Tumor Board significantly improved MDT efficiency across all phases compared to conventional methods. In the preparation phase, it reduced the time needed for cancer staging imaging checks and sending meeting materials by 8.62% (p < 0.001). During the discussion phase, it decreased the time required for presenting patient history, reviewing pathology/immunohistochemistry results, and gathering expert opinions, leading to a 21.26% overall reduction in discussion time (p < 0.001). For post-discussion follow-up, it saved 76.54% of the time required recording MDT comments (p < 0.001) and 33.43% of the time needed to schedule second discussions (p = 0.011). Overall, the Navify Tumor Board reduced the total MDT process time by 35.37% (p < 0.001), demonstrating its potential to streamline multidisciplinary cancer care decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the navify Tumor Board tool can significantly improve the efficiency of MDT workflows in Taiwan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Application of Bioinformatics in Cancers)
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16 pages, 4118 KiB  
Review
A Review of Particle Packing Models and Their Applications to Characterize Properties of Sand-Silt Mixtures
by Ching S. Chang and Jason Chao
Geotechnics 2024, 4(4), 1124-1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/geotechnics4040057 - 1 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1908
Abstract
This paper reviews particle packing models and explores their application in geotechnical engineering, specifically for sand-silt mixtures. The review covers key models, including limiting case, linear, and non-linear packing models, focusing on their mathematical structures, physical principles, assumptions, and limitations through the concept [...] Read more.
This paper reviews particle packing models and explores their application in geotechnical engineering, specifically for sand-silt mixtures. The review covers key models, including limiting case, linear, and non-linear packing models, focusing on their mathematical structures, physical principles, assumptions, and limitations through the concept of excess free volume. The application of particle packing models in geotechnical engineering is explored in characterizing the properties of sand-silt mixtures, offering insights into maximum, minimum, and critical void ratios and inter-granular void ratio, and the prediction of mechanical properties. Full article
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17 pages, 7308 KiB  
Article
Molecular and Clinical Features of Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma: A Single-Institution Case Series
by Ashwathy Balachandran Pillai, Mahmoud Yousef, Abdelrahman Yousef, Kristin D. Alfaro-Munoz, Brandon G. Smaglo, Jason Willis, Robert A. Wolff, Shubham Pant, Mark W. Hurd, Anirban Maitra, Huamin Wang, Matthew Harold G. Katz, Laura R. Prakash, Ching-Wei D. Tzeng, Rebecca Snyder, Luca F. Castelnovo, Anthony Chen, Andrey Kravets, Kseniia Kudriavtseva, Artem Tarasov, Kirill Kryukov, Haoqiang Ying, John Paul Shen and Dan Zhaoadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Cancers 2024, 16(19), 3421; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16193421 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2744
Abstract
Objectives: Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) accounts for about 1% of pancreatic cancers. The molecular and clinical features of ACC are less characterized than those of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and molecular features of ACC patients who underwent [...] Read more.
Objectives: Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) accounts for about 1% of pancreatic cancers. The molecular and clinical features of ACC are less characterized than those of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and molecular features of ACC patients who underwent germline and/or somatic molecular testing at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2008 to 2022 and two cases from 2023–2024 who underwent RNA and TME analysis by Boston Gene. Patient information was extracted from our institutional database with the approval of the Institutional Review Board. Results: We identified 16 patients with available molecular testing results. Fourteen patients had metastatic disease, one had borderline resectable disease, and one had localized resectable disease at diagnosis. Fifteen patients were wild type for KRAS (one patient had unknown KRAS status). Somatic/germline mutations of DNA damage repair genes (BRCA1/2, PALB2, and ATM) were present in 5 of 12 patients tested for these genes. One patient was found to have RET fusion and responded favorably to selpercatinib for over 42 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 24 months for patients with metastatic disease. One of the additional two cases who underwent BostonGene testing was found to have NTRK1 fusion. RNA and TME analysis by Boston Gene of the two cases reported immune desert features and relatively lower RNA levels of CEACAM5, CD47, CD74, and MMP1 and higher RNA levels of CDH6 compared with PDAC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proteomic and Genomic Profiling of Pancreatic Cancer)
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17 pages, 3251 KiB  
Article
Circulating Interleukins as Biomarkers in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study Compared to Normal Individuals
by Wei-Wen Lim, Jason H. Leung, Chen Xie, Angelina W. T. Cheng, Liping Su, Luh-Nah Lum, Aishah Toh, Siew-Ching Kong, Angela M. Takano, Derek J. Hausenloy and Yang C. Chua
Diseases 2024, 12(9), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12090221 - 18 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2136
Abstract
Identifying biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can improve diagnosis and patient stratification. We evaluated plasmas and sera for interleukins (IL)-11, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and IL-33 as biomarkers in primary NSCLC patients undergoing surgical treatment against normal volunteers. Exhaled-breath condensates (EBCs), a [...] Read more.
Identifying biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can improve diagnosis and patient stratification. We evaluated plasmas and sera for interleukins (IL)-11, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and IL-33 as biomarkers in primary NSCLC patients undergoing surgical treatment against normal volunteers. Exhaled-breath condensates (EBCs), a potential source without invasive procedures, were explored in normal individuals. Due to separate recruitment criteria and intrinsic cohort differences, the NSCLC and control cohorts were not well matched for age (median age: 65 vs. 40 years; p < 0.0001) and smoking status (p = 0.0058). Interleukins were first assessed through conventional ELISA. IL-11 was elevated in NSCLC plasma compared to controls (49.71 ± 16.90 vs. 27.67 ± 14.06 pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.0001) but undetectable in sera and EBCs by conventional ELISA. Therefore, high-sensitivity PCR-based IL-11 ELISA was repeated, albeit with concentration discrepancies. IL11 gene and protein upregulation by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively, were validated in NSCLC tumors. The lack of detection sensitivity across IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and IL-33 suggests the need for further, precise assays. Surprisingly, biomarker concentrations can be dissimilar across paired plasmas and sera. Our results identified a need to optimize detection limits for biomarker detection and caution against over-reliance on just one form of blood sample for biomarker assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
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19 pages, 3578 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Pollution Status in Brunei River Using Water Quality Indices, Brunei Darussalam
by Oluwakemisola Onifade, Norazanita Shamsuddin, Jason Lee Zse Jin, Daphne Teck Ching Lai and Stefan Herwig Gödeke
Water 2024, 16(17), 2439; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16172439 - 29 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3116
Abstract
The Water Quality Index (WQI) is a tool designed to provide a singular figure representing the overall water quality status of a water body. This study applies Malaysia WQI, National Sanitation Foundation WQI (NSFWQI) and statistical analysis to investigate the impact of diverse [...] Read more.
The Water Quality Index (WQI) is a tool designed to provide a singular figure representing the overall water quality status of a water body. This study applies Malaysia WQI, National Sanitation Foundation WQI (NSFWQI) and statistical analysis to investigate the impact of diverse pollution sources on the Brunei River’s water quality, a critical aquatic ecosystem affected by the rapid escalation of urbanization, industrial activities, and agricultural runoff. Principal component analysis (PCA), expert judgement, and correlation analysis were used to propose parameters for developing Brunei River’s WQI. Eight monitoring stations were selected to analyze 16 water quality parameters (pH, water temperature (T), dissolved oxygen (DO), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), chemical oxygen demand (COD), the five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), ammoniacal-nitrogen (NH3-N), fecal coliform (FC), total coliform (TC), phosphate and nitrate (NO3) in this study. The results showed that NSFWQI classified the Brunei River as moderately polluted, while Malaysia (WQI) status was classified as slightly polluted except for Station Q around the quarry area. Statistical analysis revealed that the primary pollution sources are anthropogenic activities such as quarrying, domestic waste, and agricultural and urban runoff. Other specific areas of concern with low WQI and significant pollution levels are situated at Kampong Ayer Stations (N and J) due to proximal anthropogenic activities. The proposed water quality parameters for developing Brunei River’s WQI are pH, DO, EC, FC, NO3, BOD5, T, TSS, turbidity and phosphate. This study addresses the current pollution status of the Brunei River and sets a precedent for future research emphasizing collaborative data-driven strategies for water quality management. Full article
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16 pages, 4686 KiB  
Article
Ambient Particulate Matter Induces In Vitro Toxicity to Intestinal Epithelial Cells without Exacerbating Acute Colitis Induced by Dextran Sodium Sulfate or 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid
by Candace Chang, Allen Louie, Yi Zhou, Rajat Gupta, Fengting Liang, Georgina Xanthou, Jason Ereso, Carolina Koletic, Julianne Ching Yang, Farzaneh Sedighian, Venu Lagishetty, Nerea Arias-Jayo, Abdulmalik Altuwayjiri, Ramin Tohidi, Mohamad Navab, Srinivasa Tadiparthi Reddy, Constantinos Sioutas, Tzung Hsiai, Jesus A. Araujo and Jonathan P. Jacobs
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7184; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137184 - 29 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1986
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immunologically complex disorder involving genetic, microbial, and environmental risk factors. Its global burden has continued to rise since industrialization, with epidemiological studies suggesting that ambient particulate matter (PM) in air pollution could be a contributing factor. Prior [...] Read more.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immunologically complex disorder involving genetic, microbial, and environmental risk factors. Its global burden has continued to rise since industrialization, with epidemiological studies suggesting that ambient particulate matter (PM) in air pollution could be a contributing factor. Prior animal studies have shown that oral PM10 exposure promotes intestinal inflammation in a genetic IBD model and that PM2.5 inhalation exposure can increase intestinal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. PM10 and PM2.5 include ultrafine particles (UFP), which have an aerodynamic diameter of <0.10 μm and biophysical and biochemical properties that promote toxicity. UFP inhalation, however, has not been previously studied in the context of murine models of IBD. Here, we demonstrated that ambient PM is toxic to cultured Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells and examined whether UFP inhalation affected acute colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to filtered air (FA) or various types of ambient PM reaerosolized in the ultrafine size range at ~300 μg/m3, 6 h/day, 3–5 days/week, starting 7–10 days before disease induction. No differences in weight change, clinical disease activity, or histology were observed between the PM and FA-exposed groups. In conclusion, UFP inhalation exposure did not exacerbate intestinal inflammation in acute, chemically-induced colitis models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Focus on Molecular Research)
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11 pages, 5295 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Strength and Ductility Synergy of Lightweight Ti-Rich Medium-Entropy Alloys through Ni Microalloying
by Po-Sung Chen, Jun-Rong Liu, Pei-Hua Tsai, Yu-Chin Liao, Jason Shian-Ching Jang, Hsin-Jay Wu, Shou-Yi Chang, Chih-Yen Chen and I-Yu Tsao
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2900; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122900 - 13 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1226
Abstract
Medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) have attracted considerable attention in recent decades due to their exceptional material properties and design flexibility. In this study, lightweight and non-equiatomic MEAs with low density (~5 g/cm3), high strength (yield strength: 1200 MPa), and high ductility (plastic [...] Read more.
Medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) have attracted considerable attention in recent decades due to their exceptional material properties and design flexibility. In this study, lightweight and non-equiatomic MEAs with low density (~5 g/cm3), high strength (yield strength: 1200 MPa), and high ductility (plastic deformation: ≧10%) were explored. We fine-tuned a previously developed Ti-rich MEA by microalloying it with small amounts of Ni (reducing the atomic radius and increasing the elastic modulus) through solid solution strengthening to achieve a series of MEAs with enhanced mechanical properties. Among the prepared MEAs, Ti65Ni1 and Ti65Ni3 exhibited optimal properties in terms of the balance between strength and ductility. Furthermore, the Ti65Ni3 MEA was subjected to thermo-mechanical treatment (TMT) followed by cold rolling 70% (CR70) and cold rolling 85% (CR85). Subsequently, the processed samples were rapidly annealed at 743 °C, 770 °C, 817 °C, and 889 °C at a heating rate of 15 °C/s. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the MEA could retain its single-body-centered cubic solid solution structure after TMT. Additionally, the tensile testing results revealed that increasing the annealing temperature led to a decrease in yield strength and an increase in ductility. Notably, the Ti65Ni3 MEA sample that was subjected to CR70 and CR85 processing and annealed for 30 s exhibited high yield strength (>1250 MPa) and ductility (>13%). In particular, the Ti65Ni3 MEA subjected to CR85 exhibited a specific yield strength of 264 MPa·cm3/g, specific tensile strength of 300 MPa·cm3/g, and ductility of >13%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in High-Entropy Alloys (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 8693 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of P-Type Sn-Substituted Higher Manganese Silicides
by Ming-Xun Jiang, Sang-Ren Yang, I-Yu Tsao, Bayu Satriya Wardhana, Shih-Feng Hsueh, Jason Shian-Ching Jang, Cheng-Lun Hsin and Sheng-Wei Lee
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(6), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14060494 - 9 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1407
Abstract
This study introduces Sn-substituted higher manganese silicides (MnSi1.75, HMS) synthesized via an arc-melting process followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The influences of Sn concentrations on the thermoelectric performance of Mn(Si1−xSnx)1.75 (x = 0, 0.001, 0.005, [...] Read more.
This study introduces Sn-substituted higher manganese silicides (MnSi1.75, HMS) synthesized via an arc-melting process followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The influences of Sn concentrations on the thermoelectric performance of Mn(Si1−xSnx)1.75 (x = 0, 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.015) are systematically investigated. Our findings reveal that metallic Sn precipitates within the Mn(Si1−xSnx)1.75 matrix at x ≥ 0.005, with a determined solubility limit of approximately x = 0.001. In addition, substituting Si with Sn effectively reduces the lattice thermal conductivity of HMS by introducing point defect scattering. In contrast to the undoped HMS, the lattice thermal conductivity decreases to a minimum value of 2.0 W/mK at 750 K for the Mn(Si0.999Sn0.001)1.75 sample, marking a substantial 47.4% reduction. Consequently, a figure of merit (ZT) value of ~0.31 is attained at 750 K. This considerable enhancement in ZT is primarily attributed to the suppressed lattice thermal conductivity resulting from Sn substitution. Full article
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13 pages, 736 KiB  
Review
Circulating Tumour Cells in the Prediction of Bone Metastasis
by Siu-Wai Choi, Aria Kaiyuan Sun, Jason Pui-Yin Cheung and Jemmi Ching-Ying Ho
Cancers 2024, 16(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16020252 - 5 Jan 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2477
Abstract
Bone is the most common organ for the development of metastases in many primary tumours, including those of the breast, prostate and lung. In most cases, bone metastasis is incurable, and treatment is predominantly palliative. Much research has focused on the role of [...] Read more.
Bone is the most common organ for the development of metastases in many primary tumours, including those of the breast, prostate and lung. In most cases, bone metastasis is incurable, and treatment is predominantly palliative. Much research has focused on the role of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) in the mechanism of metastasis to the bone, and methods have been developed to isolate and count CTCs from peripheral blood. Several methods are currently being used in the study of CTCs, but only one, the CellSearchTM system has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for clinical use. This review summarises the advantages and disadvantages, and outlines which clinical studies have used these methods. Studies have found that CTC numbers are predictive of bone metastasis in breast, prostate and lung cancer. Further work is required to incorporate information on CTCs into current staging systems to guide treatment in the prevention of tumour progression into bone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Metastasis)
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23 pages, 4090 KiB  
Article
Adapting a Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Patients with Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis by Hong Kong Physiotherapists
by Fadi M. Al Zoubi, Arnold Y. L. Wong, Gladys L. Y. Cheing, Jason P. Y. Cheung, Siu Ngor Fu, Helen H. L. Tsang, Rainbow K. Y. Law, Billy Chun Lung So, Raymond Tsang, Sharon Tsang, Chunyi Wen, Michael Wong, Yim Ching Yau and André E. Bussières
Healthcare 2023, 11(22), 2964; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11222964 - 15 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3172
Abstract
Knee and hip osteoarthritis are common disabling conditions globally. Although numerous international clinical practice guidelines exist to guide physiotherapy management, not all recommendations issued from these guidelines can be translated to other contexts without considering the cultural acceptability and clinical implementability of targeted [...] Read more.
Knee and hip osteoarthritis are common disabling conditions globally. Although numerous international clinical practice guidelines exist to guide physiotherapy management, not all recommendations issued from these guidelines can be translated to other contexts without considering the cultural acceptability and clinical implementability of targeted countries. Because the ADAPTE framework provides a robust methodology to adapt guidelines to the local context, this study used its methodology to adapt high-quality guideline recommendations to promote optimal physiotherapy care for knee and hip osteoarthritis in Hong Kong. The ADAPTE framework was used and modified to complete the adaptation process. International clinical practice guidelines were identified from eight guideline clearinghouses and six electronic databases. Two independent reviewers critically appraised the eligible guidelines using the AGREE II tool. We extracted and tabulated recommendations from high-quality guidelines. A voting-based consensus among interdisciplinary experts was conducted to decide on suitable recommendations for the Hong Kong context and whether there was a need to modify them. Pertinent recommendations were then translated into the traditional Chinese language. Our team members suggested modifying four tools and adding one to explore the patient’s feedback on the recommendations, to the ADAPTE framework. The adaptation was performed on three high-quality guidelines. We adapted 28 and 20 recommendations for treating knee and hip osteoarthritis, respectively. We recommend a multimodal treatment for managing knee and hip osteoarthritis. Land- and aquatic-based exercises, patient education, and self-management were strongly recommended for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Land- and aquatic-based exercises were strongly recommended for patients with hip osteoarthritis. This is the first adaptation study in Hong Kong. It provides guidance to local physiotherapists on managing patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis. Future studies should test the effectiveness of implementing this adapted guideline to improve local physiotherapy care in Hong Kong. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety)
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13 pages, 7868 KiB  
Article
Development and Fabrication of Biocompatible Ti-Based Bulk Metallic Glass Matrix Composites for Additive Manufacturing
by Po-Sung Chen, Pei-Hua Tsai, Tsung-Hsiung Li, Jason Shian-Ching Jang, Jacob Chih-Ching Huang, Che-Hsin Lin, Cheng-Tang Pan and Hsuan-Kai Lin
Materials 2023, 16(17), 5935; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175935 - 30 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1574
Abstract
Ti-based metallic glasses have a high potential for implant applications. The feasibility of a new biocompatible Ti-based bulk metallic glass composite for selective laser melting (SLM) had been examined. Therefore, it is necessary to design a high-glass-forming-ability Ti-based metallic glass (∆Tx = [...] Read more.
Ti-based metallic glasses have a high potential for implant applications. The feasibility of a new biocompatible Ti-based bulk metallic glass composite for selective laser melting (SLM) had been examined. Therefore, it is necessary to design a high-glass-forming-ability Ti-based metallic glass (∆Tx = 81 K, γ = 0.427, γm = 0.763), to fabricate a partial glass-formable spherical powder (the volume fraction of the amorphous phase in the atomized Ti-based powders being 73% [size < 25 μm], 61% [25–37 μm], and 50% [37–44 μm]), and establish an SLM parameter (a scan rate of 600 mm/s, a power of 120 W, and an overlap of 10%). The Ti42Zr35Si5Co12.5Sn2.5Ta3 bulk metallic glass composite was successfully fabricated through SLM. This study demonstrates that the TiZrSiCoSnTa system constitutes a promising basis for the additive manufacturing process in terms of preparing biocompatible metallic glass composites into complicated graded foam shapes. Full article
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13 pages, 2716 KiB  
Article
The Role of FAS Receptor Methylation in Osteosarcoma Metastasis
by Jiayi M. Sun, Wing-Yuk Chow, Gufeng Xu, M. John Hicks, Manjula Nakka, Jianhe Shen, Patrick Kwok Shing Ng, Aaron M. Taylor, Alexander Yu, Jason E. Farrar, Donald A. Barkauskas, Richard Gorlick, Jaime M. Guidry Auvil, Daniela Gerhard, Paul Meltzer, Rudy Guerra, Tsz-Kwong Man, Ching C. Lau and on behalf of the TARGET Osteosarcoma Consortium
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 12155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512155 - 29 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2002
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumor with an annual incidence of about 400 cases in the United States. Osteosarcoma primarily metastasizes to the lungs, where FAS ligand (FASL) is constitutively expressed. The interaction of FASL and its cell surface receptor, [...] Read more.
Osteosarcoma is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumor with an annual incidence of about 400 cases in the United States. Osteosarcoma primarily metastasizes to the lungs, where FAS ligand (FASL) is constitutively expressed. The interaction of FASL and its cell surface receptor, FAS, triggers apoptosis in normal cells; however, this function is altered in cancer cells. DNA methylation has previously been explored as a mechanism for altering FAS expression, but no variability was identified in the CpG island (CGI) overlapping the promoter. Analysis of an expanded region, including CGI shores and shelves, revealed high variability in the methylation of certain CpG sites that correlated significantly with FAS mRNA expression in a negative manner. Bisulfite sequencing revealed additional CpG sites, which were highly methylated in the metastatic LM7 cell line but unmethylated in its parental non-metastatic SaOS-2 cell line. Treatment with the demethylating agent, 5-azacytidine, resulted in a loss of methylation in CpG sites located within the FAS promoter and restored FAS protein expression in LM7 cells, resulting in reduced migration. Orthotopic implantation of 5-azacytidine treated LM7 cells into severe combined immunodeficient mice led to decreased lung metastases. These results suggest that DNA methylation of CGI shore sites may regulate FAS expression and constitute a potential target for osteosarcoma therapy, utilizing demethylating agents currently approved for the treatment of other cancers. Full article
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13 pages, 1644 KiB  
Article
A Comprehensive Phylogenetic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2: Utilizing a Novel and Convenient In-House RT-PCR Method for Characterization without Virus Culture and BSL-3 Facilities
by Yen-Ju Chen, Jason C. Huang, Ching-Ping Yang, Kuo-Feng Hsu and Hsin-Fu Liu
Viruses 2023, 15(7), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15071562 - 16 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1906
Abstract
We developed a convenient method for amplifying the complete SARS-CoV-2 sequence using in-house RT-PCR without virus culture. Forty-one stored throat swabs and blood specimens were collected from eight SARS-CoV-2 infections at multiple time points. Total RNA was extracted using the QIAamp viral RNA [...] Read more.
We developed a convenient method for amplifying the complete SARS-CoV-2 sequence using in-house RT-PCR without virus culture. Forty-one stored throat swabs and blood specimens were collected from eight SARS-CoV-2 infections at multiple time points. Total RNA was extracted using the QIAamp viral RNA mini kit and pooled for higher RNA levels. Only those positive specimens by commercial real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) were selected and amplified by in-house RT-PCR for complete sequences, followed by sequencing. Phylogenetic trees and exploratory analyses were performed using MEGA 11 and Simplot 3.5.1 software. Swab samples had significantly higher total RNA concentrations than plasma (p < 0.01). Positive results were found mainly in swabs, but one was found in plasma. Successful gene amplification depended on Ct values (Ct < 38). A non-synonymous substitution was found in ORF1ab/Nsp3 (at NC045512.2 position 6312, C to A) and most spike protein mutations occurred in the S1 subunit (residues 14–685). The proposed method is time-saving and reliable for rapid genomic analysis. Increasing sample volume and pooling them for RNA extraction increases RNA concentration without culture. Combining nucleotide sequences from specific variable regions of the genome is more efficient than conventional methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2)
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