Search Results (1,855)

Background: Joint inflammation is significantly connected with progressive joint deterioration, potentially increasing the incidence of persistent major clinical challenges and global disability. Nutrient-based preventive strategies have been explored to investigate the interventive efficacy of the proposed prescribed formula for joint inflammation. However, the synergistic ameliorative effects of the nutritional formula should be evaluated to investigate its impact on joint inflammation. Methods: A prescribed formula including turmeric (T), N-acetylglucosamine (G), enzymatically hydrolyzed bone powder (E), and undenatured type II collagen (U) was comprehensively evaluated for its synergistic effects on joint inflammation and the underlying mechanisms. A rat model established using the Hulth method was used to evaluate the interventive effects in vivo. Moreover, in vitro analysis using the murine chondrogenic cell line ATDC5 was performed to validate the intervention and its mechanism of action. Results: The prescribed formula was shown to synergistically reduce levels of inflammation-related cytokines, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance bone metabolism to promote joint regeneration. Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) analysis revealed restoration of joint architecture and ameliorated physiological status upon formula intervention. In vitro analysis further validated the synergistic alleviation of inflammation and oxidation, as well as reductions in MMP13 and CTX-1 levels, which implies that modulating bone metabolism alleviates the deterioration and inflammation of joint architecture. Conclusions: The synergistic formula in this study achieves synchronous modulation of several core pathological pathways, yielding synergistic modulation of joint inflammation. Nutrient-based interventions or preventive strategies show promising effects against joint inflammation and progressive mechanistic deterioration. Full article

To investigate the effect of different grouting pressures on the reinforcement of fractured sandy mudstone, grouting tests, mechanical experiments, CT scanning, and SEM analysis were conducted on fractured rock samples. Based on CT data, the precise internal structure of the grouted rock samples was obtained. High-fidelity numerical models were constructed in ABAQUS through image processing and mesh mapping techniques and then imported into ANSYS for uniaxial compression simulation. The results showed that under grouting pressures of 1 MPa, 3 MPa, and 5 MPa, the compressive strengths of the samples were 10.08 MPa, 12.39 MPa, and 13.28 MPa, corresponding to increases of 22.9% and 7.2%, respectively. The elastic moduli were 1.16 GPa, 1.52 GPa, and 1.63 GPa, with increases of 31% and 7.2%, respectively. The toughness index and brittleness index exhibited opposite trends: the toughness index increased from 1.6555 to 1.7135 and then to 1.7648 (rises of 3.5% and 2.9%), while the brittleness index decreased from 1.5255 to 1.4020 and then to 1.3075 (reductions of 8.1% and 6.7%). The ductility index rose from 1.8760 to 2.0972 and then to 2.2637 (increases of 11.8% and 7.9%). The failure mode of the grouted rock samples shifted from brittle to ductile behavior, with the most pronounced overall mechanical improvement observed at 3 MPa grouting pressure. SEM analysis indicated that as the grouting pressure increased, the dominant crack type changed from large cracks to micro-cracks. At 3 MPa, the grout fully penetrated micro-pores and enhanced the sample’s integrity, whereas at 5 MPa, excessive grouting pressure induced damage to the rock matrix itself. Fracture simulations further demonstrated that as the grouting pressure increased from 1 MPa to 3 MPa and above, the failure mode shifted from being controlled by pre-existing fractures to a holistic rupture involving both the grout and the rock matrix, leading to significantly improved structural integrity. This study establishes an integrated numerical simulation approach of “CT scanning—in situ modeling—mechanical analysis”, providing a scientific basis for optimizing grouting parameters. Full article

Low-maturity shale is a prime target for in situ conversion (ICP), yet heating window selection remains largely empirical because pore evolution and hydrocarbon generation are rarely quantified in tandem. Nenjiang Formation shale from the Songliao Basin (TOC = 8.91%; R_o,max = 0.54%) was subjected to closed-system pyrolysis at 300–500 °C (20 °C h⁻¹; 72 h per step). Released oil and gas and residual chloroform-extractable bitumen (“A”) were quantified, and pore evolution was characterized using 2D low-field NMR, SEM, micro-CT, and low-pressure N₂ adsorption. Fractal dimensions (D_s and D_p) were derived from Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) fitting. Oil yield and bitumen “A” increased sharply above 350 °C and peaked at 375 °C, whereas gas generation accelerated above 400 °C and continued to increase to 500 °C. NMR indicates a temperature-dependent shift in retained hydrocarbons toward weaker confinement and higher mobility, with enhanced expulsion/mobility signals near 375 °C. At 375 °C, BJH pore volume and average pore diameter reached maxima (0.0675 cm³ g⁻¹ and 15.36 nm), while D_s and D_p reached minima (2.343 and 2.444). The coincidence of peak oil expulsion with minimum fractal complexity suggests that FHH-based fractal indices provide a quantitative metric for comparing ICP heating windows in low-maturity shale. Full article

The lemur tree frog (Agalychnis lemur), a critically endangered species, can benefit from ex situ conservation programs; however, managing amphibians under human care presents challenges, including the provision of appropriate nutrition. House crickets (Acheta domesticus), a common feeder insect, have an inverse calcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P; 0.15:1) and low calcium content (<0.3%). While gut-loading crickets with an 8% calcium diet can improve their calcium concentrations, no study has assessed the effects of dietary calcium on bone development in Agalychnis spp. Moreover, no study has examined how diet impacts the gut–skin axis and skin microbiome of these frogs. This study examined how crickets gut-loaded with either a 1.3% or 8% calcium diet affected lemur tree frog bone density and skin microbiome. We hypothesized that frogs consuming the 8% calcium diet would exhibit significantly higher Hounsfield units (HU; bone density) over time, as measured by micro-computed tomography (mCT), and that dietary calcium concentration would have no effect on skin bacterial and fungi microbiomes. Eleven juvenile lemur tree frogs underwent mCT scans at baseline and 90 and 180 days. Total body volume of interest analysis showed a significant increase in HU in the 8% calcium group compared to the 1.3% group (F = 9.9, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference noted in the alpha or beta diversities for the bacterial and fungal microbiomes between dietary groups. This study provides the first evidence of dietary calcium’s impact on bone density in lemur tree frogs, offering valuable insights for improving ex situ management of this species. Full article

Background: Traditional high-speed mechanical osteotomes cause substantial thermal and mechanical trauma, impairing bone healing. Erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) lasers, with water-mediated non-contact ablation, offer precise osteotomy potential with minimal collateral damage. This study demonstrated the feasibility of Er:YAG laser use for complex osteotomies and elucidated its multi-scale biological impacts on bone. Methods: A custom Er:YAG laser performed Z/arc-shaped osteotomies on fresh ovine bone (oscillating saw as control); paired rat tibial osteotomies; and compared laser vs. saw resection. Osteotomy surfaces were characterized by SEM/micro-CT; histological staining quantified thermal/mechanical damage. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) adhesion, viability, and infiltration on cut surfaces were evaluated via LSCM. Result: In the ex vivo ovine model, the Er:YAG laser enabled precise execution of complex osteotomies (Z-shaped and arc-shaped), producing significantly narrower gaps than the oscillating saw (1.14 mm vs. 2.70 mm, p < 0.001) with high geometric fidelity and smooth surfaces free of burrs, micro-cracks, or debris. In the in vivo rat model, laser ablation simultaneously minimized both thermal and mechanical damage at the osteotomy interface: it reduced the thermal damage depth (154 vs. 592 µm, p < 0.001) and empty lacunae rate (16.8% vs. 41.8%, p < 0.001) while completely avoiding the mechanical damage zone (297 µm) induced by sawing. Furthermore, the laser-ablated surface established a highly bioactive interface, which significantly enhanced the adhesion (606 vs. 389 cells), viability (86.9% vs. 46.6%), and infiltration depth (196 vs. 75 µm) of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the Er:YAG laser has the potential to enable precise bone resection while preserving microstructure. By establishing a pro-regenerative microenvironment, this technology shows promise as a biologically favorable alternative to conventional sawing, although further technical refinement and long-term validation are essential for its clinical translation. Full article

Elateridae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) are renowned for their clicking mechanism. However, several lineages exhibit body softening that compromises this mechanism, particularly within Plastocerini, Drilini, and Omalisinae. It remains unclear how this body softening is anatomically achieved and which specific structures are degraded in relation to the loss of clicking function. To elucidate the internal morphological adaptations and distinguish them from hard-bodied clicking elateroids, we employed micro-CT to scan Plastocerus thoracicus and reconstruct its thoracic morphology in 3D and quantified key muscle ratios (e.g., M2/M60, M4/M60). Based on our study of P. thoracicus, a detailed comparison was made with previously reported data on Campsosternus auratus (Elateridae) and Cerophytum lii (Cerophytidae). Three-dimensional reconstructions revealed significant structural divergences in P. thoracicus: (1) the clicking-related muscles M4 are markedly weaker than those in Ca. auratus and Ce. Lii. (2) the prosternal process (PP) is extremely narrow. The posterior part of the pronotum exhibits underdeveloped regions, including the posterodorsal evagination (PdE) and the posteromedial process (PmPr). (3) the mesonotum (i.e., the “biological spring” identified in previous studies) is greatly flattened and weakened. (4) the flight muscles (M60, M64) and walking muscles (M74, M75) exhibited significantly bigger volume than Ca. auratus and Ce. lii. These findings provide critical data for understanding the morphological evolution of Elateridae and offer insights into the functional adaptations of the clicking mechanism through comparative anatomy. Full article

Background/Objectives: In humans, diseases such as oral cancer may require surgical amputation of the jaw. This severe disruption causes impairments in eating, swallowing, and speech, leading to a significant decline in quality of life. In contrast, newts, a group of urodele amphibians, can regenerate their jaws even in adulthood. This study explored how adult newts reconstruct lower jaws after substantial loss and clarified how this process contributes to rapid functional recovery when feeding becomes impossible. Methods: Adult Japanese fire-bellied newts (Cynops pyrrhogaster) underwent surgical amputation of the anterior half of their lower jaws. Regeneration was monitored for 64 weeks using histological analyses of bone, cartilage, and dental tissues and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT)-based osteomorphometry to quantify structural changes in the regenerating lower jaw. Results: Histological observations and osteomorphometry revealed the following: epithelial coverage of the amputation margin; ectopic cartilage formation, growth, and regression; bone resorption at the amputation margin prior to bone regeneration; anterior extension of the lower jaw bone along the original dentition position, followed by its thickening; and dental lamina invagination with tooth germ formation. Through these processes, the lower jaw bone, Meckel’s cartilage, and dentition were restored by 64 weeks post-amputation to their pre-amputation states. Conclusions: This study delineates the full sequence of lower jaw regeneration in adult newts, demonstrating complete restoration of bone, cartilage, and teeth after substantial lower jaw loss. These findings provide a detailed framework for understanding urodele jaw regeneration and may inform future strategies for promoting jaw reconstruction in humans. Full article

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) relies on barrier membrane integrity to prevent soft-tissue ingrowth. Although collagen membranes are widely used, their limited longevity can compromise space maintenance, underscoring the need for strategies that enhance membrane stability without impairing the regenerative potential. We hypothesized that thermal denaturation of platelet-poor plasma (PPP), combined with heat-induced modifications of collagen fibrils, could generate a volume-stable, plasma-rich composite that preserves membrane structure and restricts cellular penetration. To test this proof-of-principle concept, collagen membranes were soaked in PPP and either kept at room temperature or subjected to thermal treatment (75 °C/10 min) prior to implantation in rat calvarial defects. Bone regeneration and membrane behavior were evaluated after three weeks using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histology. Micro-CT suggested only minor numerical differences in mineralized tissue between groups; however, these data should not be overinterpreted because micro-CT cannot differentiate mineralization formed within the collagen membrane from mineralization adjacent to it. Consistent with this limitation, histology demonstrated that mineral deposition and early bone formation extended into the structure of room-temperature PPP membranes, whereas mineralized tissue in the thermally treated group was predominantly located outside the membrane, indicating reduced osteoconductive integration within the membrane. Together, these findings support that thermal denaturation of PPP shifts early composite membrane behavior toward barrier-dominant characteristics at the expense of intramembranous mineralization. Full article

The high-oleic acid content of the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) oil, regulated by the fatty acid desaturase 2-1 (CtFAD2-1) gene, provides superior oxidative stability for applications. To explore alternative genetic sources for this trait, we employed induced mutagenesis with gamma irradiation and ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) for two safflower cultivars, AKS 207 and PKV Pink. Screening of M₂ populations identified several mutants with significantly higher oleic acid content, reaching up to 36.86%. The mutagenized populations also exhibited a wide spectrum of variation for other agronomically important traits, including increased oil content (up to 35.19%), enhanced seed protein (up to 22.51%), and seed size and weight. Correlation and principal component analyses confirmed the antagonistic relationship between oleic and polyunsaturated fatty acids and the positive association among seed size parameters. Molecular profiling using an allele-specific PCR assay targeting the CtFAD2-1 locus revealed that high-oleic mutants did not carry known mutations, suggesting the involvement of alternative alleles, micro-mutations, or other genes regulating oleic acid accumulation. This study provides valuable pre-breeding germplasm with improved agronomic and quality traits and identifies novel genetic sources for high-oleic acid in safflower. These mutants form a new genetic basis for understanding fatty acid biosynthesis and developing next-generation high-stability oil cultivars. Full article

This review develops a materials-to-clinic framework for patient-specific, functionally graded (FG) NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) rods as a complementary paradigm for scoliosis correction that targets durable alignment with motion preservation. The article synthesizes the thermomechanical basis of NiTi (thermoelastic martensitic transformation, near constant superelastic plateau, and hysteretic damping) while leveraging additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities to spatially program transformation temperatures (e.g., A_f), effective stiffness, and geometric inertia along the rod. Consolidated process–structure–property linkages are provided for the PBF-LB, DED, and BJAM routes, together with contamination and composition-control strategies (mitigation of Ni volatilization; management of O/C uptake; gradient heat treatments) and segment-level quality assurance (DSC mapping, micro-CT, EBSD/indentation, and bench bending/torsion in physiologic media). Building on clinical curve classification, the methodology formalizes a grading mask and target moment vector that drive multi-objective optimization of the segmental A_f, relative density/architecture, and cross-section, followed by route-specific build plans and acceptance tolerances. A phenomenological constitutive description provides the forward map from local design variables to temperature-dependent moment–curvature loops for finite element verification and uncertainty control. Surgical handling and activation policies are codified (cold shaping in martensite and controlled intra-/postoperative warming within tissue-safe bounds), and a translational roadmap is outlined, encompassing prospective calibration of classification-to-design mappings, AM process maps with in situ monitoring, digital twin planning, and long-horizon fatigue/corrosion protocols. The proposed graded structures provide an adaptive transformation temperature gradient and tunable mechanical response, representing an important design direction toward 3D-printed, patient-specific SMA rods for durable, adjustable, and efficient scoliosis correction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Short-wave infrared reflectance (SWIRR) imaging is a non-ionising approach for proximal caries detection; however, the diagnostic impact of wavelength selection in reflectance imaging has not been systematically evaluated. Methods: This in vitro diagnostic accuracy study assessed SWIRR at 1050, 1200, 1300 and 1550 nm for proximal caries detection, using micro-computed tomography as the reference standard and digital bitewing radiography (BWR) as the clinical comparator. A total of 250 extracted permanent posterior teeth with sound or carious proximal surfaces were examined. SWIRR and BWR images were independently evaluated twice by two calibrated examiners using method-specific criteria. Diagnostic performance was quantified by sensitivity, specificity and accuracy; examiner reliability was analysed using kappa statistics, and pairwise comparisons were performed using McNemar tests with Holm–Bonferroni correction. Results: Diagnostic performance of SWIRR was wavelength dependent, showing increasing sensitivity and decreasing specificity with longer wavelengths. The highest overall accuracy was observed at 1050 nm (80.0%), exceeding that of BWR (73.8%) while maintaining comparable specificity and higher sensitivity. At 1550 nm, sensitivity was highest but accompanied by an increase in false-positive findings. Conclusions: SWIRR demonstrates high diagnostic potential for proximal caries detection, with 1050 nm providing the most favourable balance between diagnostic accuracy and specificity. Full article

This study investigates the development of advanced protective gloves by applying novel 3D-printed PET-G mesh overlay structures onto three textile substrates—polyamide (PA), polyester (PES), and cotton—using ultrasonic welding and contact welding. The focus was on assessing weld quality, thickness uniformity, and functional durability. Weld morphology and bonding integrity were evaluated using X-ray microtomography (micro-CT), while bending fatigue tests assessed mechanical performance under cyclic loading. The results show that ultrasonic welding produces more uniform welds, enhancing fatigue resistance, particularly on cotton and polyamide substrates. Non-uniform welds with thicker or uneven areas, typical of contact welding, correlated with reduced mechanical durability. These findings highlight the potential of additively manufactured overlay structures for hybrid protective gloves, demonstrating that weld thickness uniformity and substrate compatibility are key factors in optimizing mechanical performance. This work extends our previous research by introducing new 3D-printed overlay architectures and provides valuable insights into the practical implementation of additively manufactured polymeric structures in PPE development. Full article

Quantification of total porosity, including the nano-scale fraction, is critical for predicting the performance of cement-based materials but remains a significant challenge. While X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a powerful non-destructive tool, a fundamental trade-off between resolution and representative sample volume prevents the direct segmentation of nano-scale pores in macroscopically relevant specimens. Herein, we propose and validate a novel model-informed framework that overcomes this limitation by integrating the classical Powers’ hydration model with micro-CT analysis. The method circumvents the need for nano-scale resolution by deriving the total porosity from the volume fraction of the easily segmentable, micron-scale unhydrated cement phase. The framework’s validity was demonstrated by showing a strong correlation between the CT-derived total porosity and established porosity–strength relationships. Quantitative analysis indicated that the total porosity of the cement pastes ranged from 36.5% to 60.3% as the w/c ratio increased from 0.4 to 0.7. Laboratory strength data show good correlation (R² > 0.98) with four porosity–strength prediction models, demonstrating the feasibility of applying the Powers’ volume model in CT-based analyses of cement pastes. This work transforms micro-CT from a qualitative imaging tool into a comprehensive technique for the quantitative microstructural characterization of cementitious materials. Full article

Cyclic freezing and thawing (FT) are a primary cause of cracking in concrete, yet current assessment procedures in Germany rely heavily on qualitative estimation using the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures (RILEM) capillary suction, internal damage and freeze-thaw (CIF) and Capillary de-icing freeze-thaw (CDF) tests. Although these standard tests provide a general overview of the condition of concrete damage in specimens through the estimation of water saturation through capillary suction, mass of surface delamination, qualitative open surface damage, and relative dynamic modulus of elasticity, they do not take quantitative analysis of voids, including cracks and air pores, directly into account. To address this, we propose a novel workflow utilizing deep learning-based semantic segmentation with Fourier-based slice-to-volume registration by combining 2D light microscopy (LM) of petrographic sections and 3D micro-computed tomography ($\mu$CT). We segment cracks, air pores, and aggregates in both modalities and employ feature matching alongside spatial harmonics analysis for 3D shape description. The best proposed 3D registration framework through feature matching demonstrated a success rate of 89.75%, achieving a dissimilarity of 5.21% in relative root mean square error (RRMSE) terms and thereby significantly surpassing the performance of compared 2D-only methods adapted from the body of research. Our approach enables precise, automated, and verifiable quantification of voids across CT and LM modalities and paves the way for advanced computational modeling-based methods to investigate moisture transfer mechanisms for more accurate assessments of frost damage in concrete, service life prediction models, deep learning applications for multimodal data fusion, and more comprehensive FT damage simulations. Full article

Introduction: The outcome of endodontic microsurgery depends on the integrity of the apical seal and the adaptation of root-end filling materials under functional stresses. The study aims to compare the void volumes and distribution of ProRoot MTA, ERRM, and ERRM combined with Bioceramic sealer under simulated functional loading using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Methods: Forty-four single-rooted mandibular premolars were prepared with 3 mm apical cavities and divided into four groups (n = 11 each): Cavit (Control), ProRoot MTA, ERRM Putty, and ERRM + BC Sealer. Samples were scanned by micro-CT to quantify internal, marginal, and total voids. Each specimen was then subjected to cyclic vertical loading of 20 N for 1,000,000 cycles in a chewing simulator, followed by post-scanning. Pre- and post-loading void volumes and distribution were analyzed and compared statistically (α = 0.05). Results: Functional loading significantly increased void volumes in all groups (p < 0.05). Control and MTA showed the highest total and marginal voids (p < 0.05), while ERRM and ERRM + BC maintained significantly lower overall and marginal voids. No difference was detected between ERRM and ERRM + BC (p > 0.05). ERRM and ERRM + BC Sealer showed relatively lower marginal-to-internal voids ratios compared to MTA. Material dislodgement occurred only in Cavit and MTA. Conclusions: ERRM and ERRM + BC sealer groups exhibited favorable marginal adaptation and significantly lower overall void volumes after low-load functional loading compared to MTA and the control. The findings indicate preserved sealing performance and suggest resistance to void formation under simulated occlusal stresses. Full article