Search Results (345)

Purpose: The posterior tibial plateau offset (PTPO) is a parameter of sagittal plane bony tibia morphology with high variability and clinical relevance, particularly in cases involving stemmed tibial implants, where posterior tibial cortex interference may occur. However, its change during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and its relationship to tibial component positioning remain unknown. Methods: Pre- and postoperative sagittal radiographs of 98 patients undergoing primary, mechanically aligned TKA using a single implant system were retrospectively analyzed. PTPO was measured as the distance between the tibial anatomical axis and the center of the tibial plateau or tibial component. Tibial component placement (TCP) was assessed anteriorly and posteriorly and categorized as anatomical (0–1 mm), mild (1–3 mm), or moderate (>3 mm) underhang (TCU) or overhang (TCO). Pre- and postoperative changes in PTPO were analyzed, preoperative PTPO was compared across TCP categories. Correlations with absolute anterior and posterior deviation from anatomical component placements were calculated. Results: PTPO showed high preoperative variability (mean 6.89 ± 3.69 mm) and was significantly reduced after TKA (5.89 ± 3.44 mm; mean change −1.06 ± 3.44 mm; p < 0.001). Higher preoperative PTPO was associated with anterior (p = 0.01) and posterior TCU (p = 0.02). PTPO showed a moderate correlation with anterior (r = 0.53, p < 0.01) and a strong correlation with posterior implant deviation (r = 0.68, p < 0.01). Conclusions: PTPO shows high variability among patients undergoing TKA, is significantly altered through surgery and correlates with tibial component malposition, particularly TCU. Surgeons should consider PTPO during preoperative planning to optimize tibial component positioning and reduce the risk of implant-to-bone conflict, especially when using stemmed implants. In patients with a high preoperative PTPO, accuracy-enhancing techniques such as computer navigation or robotic assistance may be considered. Full article

To investigate the influence of bioturbating organisms on the migration and degradation of chlorophenols in freshwater sediments, simulated experimental systems were established, with tubificid worms employed as the model bioturbator and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) as a representative chlorophenol contaminant. The results showed that tubificid worms significantly promoted the removal of TCP in sediments, with this effect mainly concentrated in the surface sediment layer (0–2 cm) and limited impact on deeper sediment layers (2–6 cm). The removal efficiency was higher in the low-concentration TCP group than in the high-concentration group. TCP in the overlying water was predominantly in the dissolved phase, and the presence of tubificid worms reduced the TCP concentration in the aqueous phase, resulting in a greater amount of removal. The bioturbation of tubificid worms altered the physicochemical characteristics of the system, increasing the turbidity of the overlying water, decreasing its pH, elevating the redox potential across different sediment depths, and improving the organic matter conditions. Tubificid worms also modified the bacterial community structure in both the overlying water and the sediment. The core mechanism by which tubificid worms accelerate TCP removal is through promoting the migration of TCP from the sediment to the overlying water, while concurrently regulating the bacterial community structure in the overlying water to enhance the degradation capacity of chlorophenols in this layer. This highlights the important role of bioturbators in aquatic ecosystems, and ignoring their presence may lead to an erroneous underestimation of the system’s self-purification capacity. Full article

Nanostructured calcium phosphate-based (CaP) biocomposites have proven to be ideal candidates for the creation of multifunctional systems with applications in biomedicine. This review presents a critical and integrative overview of recent advances in the synthesis of CaP nanocomposites with applications in bone tissue regeneration. An analysis of calcium phosphate-based nanocomposites is thus provided by correlating their composition, synthesis routes and biological properties, guiding the rational development of next-generation biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. The first section presents calcium phosphates, such as hydroxyapatite (HAp) or β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), used in the preparation of nanocomposite materials. Next, the main biocomposite materials are analyzed as a result of the functionalization of calcium phosphates by metal ion substitutions or by the addition of polymers, bioglass or metal additives. Thus, biomaterials with excellent properties in applications such as tissue engineering have been obtained. The synergistic effect of materials in the composition of biocomposites favored the improvement of properties such as bioactivity, mechanical strength, antimicrobial activity, structure and porosity. Beyond classical osteoconductivity, CaP-based nanocomposites demonstrate a broad spectrum of biological activities like immunomodulatory effects, pro-healing signaling, anti-inflammatory pathways, antibacterial and antifungal mechanisms, and capabilities for precise drug delivery or theranostic applications. Full article

This study reports a field-validated expert system for 230 kA aluminum reduction cells at Chalco Guizhou Branch, achieving sustained energy savings of 137 kWh/t (annual comprehensive benefits of 333,714 CNY/cell) over six consecutive months. Addressing “black-box” AI limitations, the system employs hybrid knowledge representation (production rules, frame-based structures, certainty factors) within an XAI framework. The four-layer architecture integrates OPC UA/Modbus TCP protocols for real-time data acquisition and interpretable diagnosis. Field trials demonstrated 94.2% diagnostic accuracy, significantly outperforming manual diagnosis (87.6%, p < 0.001) while achieving comparable performance to LSTM deep learning (93.8%, p = 0.42), with 15× faster inference speed (3.5 s vs. 52 s). Industrial implementation increased current efficiency by 0.7%, reduced DC power consumption by 137 kW·h/t, and decreased anode effect frequency by 32.5%. The system’s explicit reasoning capability provides transparent diagnostic explanations, bridging the gap between data-driven AI and domain expertise for trustworthy intelligent diagnostics in energy-intensive industrial processes. Full article

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a key bioceramic for biomedical applications, but conventional pressureless sintering (PS) requires high temperatures that can promote phase degradation. Here, we compare PS (1100 °C/180 min) and cold sintering process (CSP) (150 °C/450 MPa/30 min) for pure HAp and an HAp composite containing 4 wt.% niobium–phosphate bioglass (BG), using a 2 M H₃PO₄ transient liquid (10 wt.%). CSP increased relative density from 73.10% to 79.92% for HAp and from 68.43% to 83.54% for HAp/BG, representing up to a 22.1% gain compared with PS. One-way ANOVA confirmed a significant effect of processing route/composition on relative density (F(3,24) = 919.69, p < 0.05), and Tukey HSD indicated that all groups differed statistically. SEM revealed a markedly more consolidated and homogeneous microstructure for CSP, particularly for HAp/BG, consistent with enhanced dissolution–reprecipitation and pore filling. XRD showed that PS at 1100 °C led to partial HAp degradation with β-TCP formation, whereas CSP preserved the HAp phase with broader peaks, smaller crystallite size, and higher specific surface area. These results demonstrate CSP as an efficient low-temperature alternative for densifying HAp-based bioceramics, with BG addition further improving consolidation. Full article

This study aimed to quantify horizontal and vertical bone gain using superimposition of preoperative and postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in severe alveolar ridge defects treated with a modified guided bone regeneration (GBR) technique based on customized titanium occlusive barriers with a window design, combined with autologous blood clot and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). In this prospective case series, 13 patients (28 defects) were treated. Customized titanium barriers were digitally designed based on CBCT data and manufactured by laser sintering. The barriers were fixed over the defects and filled with a mixture of an autologous blood clot and β-TCP, providing an osteoconductive scaffold within a stable regenerative compartment. A standardized window-based follow-up protocol was applied during healing, including irrigation and controlled deepithelialization. Primary outcomes were horizontal and vertical bone gain, assessed by pre- and postoperative CBCT superimposition. Histological evaluation was performed at the time of implant placement. After 8 months, significant bone gain was observed, with a mean horizontal gain of 4.50 ± 2.02 mm and a mean vertical gain of 4.40 ± 2.82 mm (p < 0.0001), confirmed by linear mixed-effects models and patient-level sensitivity analyses (p < 0.001). Histological analysis revealed well-vascularized newly formed bone with active osteoblasts and no inflammatory response. Keratinized gingiva formation was observed at all sites. One minor complication (mild screw loosening) was recorded and successfully resolved. This study is presented as a prospective case series; therefore, the results should be interpreted as exploratory evidence and do not allow direct comparisons or conclusions regarding equivalence or superiority over other GBR techniques. The present report specifically evaluates the regenerative phase prior to functional loading; therefore, although implants were placed according to protocol, implant survival and long-term functional outcomes were not assessed and cannot be inferred from these data. Within the limitations of this prospective case series, customized titanium occlusive barriers with a window design demonstrated promising results for horizontal and vertical bone augmentation and keratinized gingiva formation, without the need for autologous bone grafts or primary wound closure. Full article

Phosphorus (P) is a vital macronutrient involved in key biochemical processes that support plant growth; however, its low bioavailability in agricultural soils remains a major constraint on crop productivity. This limitation is commonly addressed through the application of chemical P fertilisers produced by acidulation of phosphate rock (PR), a process that is costly, energy-intensive, and environmentally hazardous. This study evaluated the P-solubilising potential of culture filtrates from three fungal strains (Aspergillus flavus JKJ7, Talaromyces purpureogenus JKJ12, and Trichoderma koningiopsis JKJ18) grown in National Botanical Research Institute’s Phosphate (NBRIP) liquid medium supplemented with tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and compared their TCP solubilisation efficiency with that of pure acids (citric and sulfuric acid). All three fungal strains solubilised TCP in NBRIP medium, with A. flavus JKJ7 producing the highest concentration of soluble P (259.81 mg L⁻¹), followed by T. koningiopsis JKJ18 (166.41 mg L⁻¹) and T. purpureogenus JKJ12 (47.07 mg L⁻¹). Soluble P concentrations were inversely correlated with pH and positively correlated with titratable organic acidity (TOA). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified citric, succinic, tartaric, and gluconic acids as the dominant organic acids associated with P solubilisation. In pure acid treatments, sulfuric acid exhibited concentration-dependent increases in soluble P, whereas citric acid showed reduced solubilisation efficiency at higher concentrations. Although fungal culture filtrates achieved lower maximum TCP solubilisation than strong mineral acids, their higher TOA contributed to improved stabilisation of soluble P by limiting calcium-mediated reprecipitation. These findings demonstrate that crude fungal organic acid mixtures can complement or partially substitute inorganic acids for mobilising P from low-reactivity PR, offering a potentially cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative for P fertiliser production. This study supports the development of biologically derived P inputs aligned with circular bioeconomy and sustainable agriculture goals. Full article

Dental erosion has emerged as a significant modern oral health problem, characterized by the chemical dissolution of tooth structure resulting from frequent exposure to intrinsic or extrinsic acids. With a high global prevalence ranging from 30% to 50% in children and 20% to 40% in adults, its management is a clinical priority to prevent long-term complications like dentine hypersensitivity and functional impairment. This review outlines the multifactorial etiology of erosion, encompassing dietary acids, gastroesophageal reflux, and reduced salivary flow. The historical context of oral care is explored, leading to a discussion on contemporary management strategies centered on remineralization. Fluoride ions play a crucial role by inhibiting demineralization, facilitating the formation of acid-resistant fluorapatite, and exerting antibacterial effects. A major focus is placed on advanced biomimetic, calcium phosphate-based topical agents such as Casein Phosphopeptide–Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP), functionalized Tricalcium Phosphate (fTCP), and Hydroxyapatite (HAP), which effectively replenish lost minerals. The review further explores innovative methods, such as laser-assisted and electrically enhanced remineralization. Finally, it outlines next-generation regenerative strategies, including self-assembling peptides (P11-4), stem cell therapies, 3D bioprinting, and gene-editing (CRISPR) technologies, which aim to biologically regenerate lost enamel and dentine. The field is rapidly evolving from a preventive to a restorative paradigm, with future directions focusing on biologically based, minimally invasive therapies to fully restore tooth structure and function. Full article

Cutin matrices and wax mixtures are major components of lipophilic cuticles, shielding plant tissues from stressful environments. Identifying the key regulators governing biosynthesis of cutin and cuticular wax in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) could contribute to wheat breeding for stress resistance. In this study, we reported that the wheat class I TCP transcription factor TaTCP15 positively regulates cutin and cuticular wax biosynthesis. The CYP86A family cytochrome P450 enzymes, TaCYP86A2 and TaCYP86A4, were characterized as essential components of wheat cutin biosynthetic machinery. Wheat transcription factor TaSHN1 targets TaCYP86A2, TaCYP86A4, and wax biosynthesis gene TaECR and recruits the mediator subunit TaCDK8 to activate these genes’ transcription. Furthermore, we demonstrated that TaSHN1 gene transcription is directly activated by the transcription factor TaTCP15. Expression of TaSHN1, TaCYP86A2, TaCYP86A4, and TaECR genes, as well as cutin and wax accumulation, was attenuated by silencing of the TaTCP15 gene. Collectively, these findings suggest that wheat class I TCP transcription factor TaTCP15 positively regulates cutin and cuticular wax biosynthesis, probably via directly targeting the TaSHN1 gene and upregulating TaCYP86A2, TaCYP86A4, and TaECR expression, providing valuable information for developing wheat plants with improved cuticle-associated traits. Full article

There is an urgent need to develop sustainable approaches for the remediation of contaminated soil as well as to promote sustainable practices for waste management. Here, we provide the first evaluation of the performance of two types of iron nanoparticles (NA and NH) obtained from olive mill wastewater for the remediation of an acidic multi-contaminated soil, including metal(loid)s, PCBs, and a flame retardant (TCPP). Their efficiency was then compared against that of a commercial nanoscale zero-valent iron (NS) through a one-month microcosm experiment employing two doses of each nanomaterial. The impact of the treatments on key soil physicochemical properties, metal(loid) availability, PCB and TCPP concentrations, and soil phytotoxicity was assessed. All treatments reduced soil acidity. Regarding organic contaminants, bioremediation of TCPP was enhanced by all nanomaterials, particularly NH, whereas NA was the only treatment that significantly reduced PCB concentration under the tested conditions. NS achieved the highest rates of metal(loid) immobilization (63–100%); NH was most beneficial for soil fertility and immobilized As, Ni, and Pb (100, 38, and 53%, respectively), whereas NA was only effective for Pb (21–49%). The low dose of both NA and NH improved the germination index (66 and 61%, respectively), reducing soil phytotoxicity. These results highlight the potential of valorizing olive mill wastewater for soil remediation, thereby contributing to the principles of the Circular Economy. Full article

Canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWD) effectively eradicates cholesteatoma and chronic otitis media but frequently results in a problematic open mastoid cavity. Mastoid obliteration aims to reduce cavity-related morbidity. Bioceramic materials, including hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and bioactive glass (BAG), have been increasingly adopted because of their osteoconductive, biocompatible, and antimicrobial properties. This systematic review evaluates the clinical outcomes and complications of bioceramic mastoid obliteration following CWD. A systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 2005 and 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Clinical studies reporting outcomes of bioceramic mastoid obliteration after CWD were included. Thirteen clinical studies were included. HA-, TCP-, and BAG-based materials demonstrated high obliteration success rates (>90% in most series). BAG S53P4 was consistently associated with low infection rates and favorable epithelialization, whereas earlier HA cement formulations were occasionally associated with revision-requiring complications. Bioceramic scaffolds represent safe and effective materials for mastoid obliteration after CWD. BAG offers additional antibacterial advantages, while HA provides predictable volume stability. Further prospective and comparative studies are required to establish material superiority and long-term outcomes. Full article

Bone graft substitutes are extensively investigated for addressing critical-size bone defects; however, their efficacy is limited by inadequate bone regeneration and subpar handling properties. Herein, we compared the bone regenerative capacity of CaO–SiO₂–P₂O₅–B₂O₃-based bioactive glass (BGS-7) macrobeads with that of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) beads and evaluated their performance when incorporated into hydrogels to improve their handling properties. BGS-7 macrobeads were fabricated via alginate crosslinking and heat treatment, and their physicochemical properties and microstructures were characterized. In a rabbit calvarial defect model, BGS-7 macrobeads, heat-treated at 600 and 800 °C, exhibited superior bone bridging and degradation than size-matched β-TCP macrobeads. To further evaluate their regenerative potential, critical-size defects (6 mm diameter × 10 mm depth) were created in the rabbit femoral condyle. To enhance clinical applicability, BGS-7 beads were incorporated into cellulose-based hydrogels and implanted into the defects. Radiographic and histomorphometric analyses demonstrated that bone formation and stable fixation achieved with hydrogel formulations containing BGS-7 microbeads and Laponite were more pronounced than those with BGS-7 beads alone. The findings suggest that BGS-7 macrobeads, particularly when combined with microbead- and Laponite-containing hydrogels, represent a promising bone graft substitute with improved regenerative and handling properties compared with using BGS-7 beads alone. Full article

Given the potential hazards of enrofloxacin (ENR) residues to human health, establishing an accurate, rapid, and stable detection method is of importance. To enable the direct detection of ENR, an electrochemical sensor was constructed in this study. N- and S-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with peroxidase-like activity were prepared using DL-malic acid, L-alanine, and L-cysteine as precursors and compounded with a tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) and Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O to make novel N/S CQDs@Fe-TCPP composite carbon-based nanozymes to construct an electrochemical sensor, and the electrochemical behavior was investigated. Under optimal experimental conditions, the sensor exhibited a linear current response to ENR concentrations in the range of 1–1300 nM (I (μA) = 0.0106c (nM) + 2.9861, R² = 0.9962), with a calculated detection limit of 0.872 nM (S/N = 3). The recovery rate of this sensor in actual milk samples ranged from 99.02% to 100.9%. The reproducibility experiments demonstrated the high precision of the method, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.27%. Stability testing revealed a peak current retention rate of 93.51% on day 21, indicating excellent system stability. These findings indicate that the sensor shows great capability for ENR detection in food products. Full article

Vascularization is one of the key components of tissue engineering and must accompany the ingrowth of new tissues to establish an environment conducive to repair and regeneration of damaged tissue. The overarching objective of this study was to investigate whether the hyper-crosslinked carbohydrate polymer (HCCP) could promote the establishment of new vasculature compared to hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate (HA/β-TCP), which is widely used in orthopedic procedures. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 12) were implanted subcutaneously with HCCP or HA/β-TCP and evaluated histologically for the ingrowth of new vasculature at 3, 14, and 28 days post-implantation. HCCP showed significantly greater levels of vascularization when compared to HA/β-TCP at all time points evaluated (p < 0.05). HA/β-TCP showed transient inflammation at 14 days post-implantation, whereas minimal immune activities were noted in HCCP. These findings suggest that HCCP promotes the establishment of new vasculature without a significant immune response. Full article

The oxidation of chlorophenolic compounds is essential for converting these persistent and toxic pollutants into less harmful products, thereby reducing their environmental and health impacts. In this study, a p-coumaric acid ester derivative was employed as the starting material to synthesize the corresponding phthalonitrile precursor (EnCA-CN), followed by the preparation of non-peripherally substituted Co(II) and Cu(II) phthalocyanine complexes (EnCA-Copc and EnCA-CuPc). These complexes were subsequently characterized using a range of spectroscopic techniques and designed to engage in π–π interactions with graphitic carbon nitride to form efficient photocatalytic materials. The structures of the two effective catalysts were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, and XRD analyses, after which their photocatalytic performance and recyclability in the degradation of 2-chlorophenol, 2,3-dichlorophenol, and 2,3,6-trimethylphenol were evaluated. The optimum catalyst loading for the MPc/g-C₃N₄ composites was determined to be 0.5 g/L, yielding the highest photocatalytic efficiency. The EnCA-CoPc/g-C₃N₄ catalyst achieved 90.8% product selectivity and 82.6% conversion in the oxidation of 2-chlorophenol, whereas the EnCA-CuPc/g-C₃N₄ catalyst exhibited approximately 80.0% pollutant removal. The degradation efficiencies followed the order 2-CP > 2,3-DCP > 2,3,6-TCP, with benzoquinone derivatives identified as the major oxidation products. In recyclability tests, both catalysts retained more than 50% of their activity after five cycles; EnCA-CoPc/g-C₃N₄ maintained 68% conversion in the 5th cycle, while EnCA-CuPc/g-C₃N₄ retained 60% conversion in the 4th cycle. Full article