Search Results (8,286)

Background: Christensenella minuta (C. minuta) is a promising next-generation probiotic linked to reduced body weight, inhibition of obesogenic processes, and enhanced metabolic profiles. However, the extent and persistence of these effects, particularly under varying dietary conditions, remain uncertain. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of intrarectal administration of C. minuta on body weight regulation in vivo under different dietary patterns, with or without antibiotic pretreatment, both during the intervention and over the long term. Particular emphasis was placed on exploring the interactions between C. minuta supplementation, dietary background, caloric intake, and body weight gain. Methods: A total of 180 CD1 mice (both sexes equally) were allocated into nine experimental groups based on diet, with and without C. minuta supplementation, and with and without antibiotic pretreatment. The bacterial suspension was administered intrarectally once a week for three consecutive weeks in the treatment groups. Body weight was monitored weekly, and food intake was recorded biweekly over the 12-week study period. Visceral fat mass was measured postmortem. Results: Groups treated with C. minuta with antibiotic pretreatment exhibited significantly lower body weight gain than the control groups during the intervention phase in both sexes, irrespective of caloric intake and dietary pattern, indicating that the reduced weight gain was attributable to the effect of C. minuta. Regarding long-term effects following the cessation of administration, sexual dimorphism was observed: while no lasting impact was found in males, the body weight gain inhibiting effect of C. minuta treatment persisted in females. Furthermore, females treated with C. minuta exhibited the lowest levels of visceral fat among all groups. Caloric intake was not significantly associated with body weight gain at any time point in this study. Conclusions: C. minuta exerts a transient, caloric intake-independent inhibitory effect on body weight gain. The absence of sustained effects highlights the necessity for continuous or optimized administration protocols to ensure the attainment of long-term benefits in the future. The results of this study support the hypothesis that C. minuta can act as a modulator of host metabolism and body composition, underscoring the significance of treatment duration in this process. Full article

Noble metal nanostructures based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) can induce metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), significantly improving trace detection sensitivity for biomedical and chemical analysis. While self-assembly of noble metal nanoparticles offers simplicity and low equipment dependence, achieving large-area, uniform, and controllable nanostructures remains challenging. In this study, angle-dependent dip coating (ADDC) technology was employed to achieve efficient, controllable self-assembly of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on glass slides, establishing a fabrication process for MEF/SERS dual-functional substrates. A stable AgNPs-anhydrous ethanol suspension was prepared and extracted from an inclined substrate reservoir using a microfluidic syringe pump, enabling large-area uniform nanostructure assembly. Systematic investigation revealed that substrate inclination angle provides better morphology and fluorescence enhancement control than withdrawal flow rate. The silver nanostructured surface fabricated under a withdrawal flow rate of 16 mL/h and a substrate inclination angle of 30° exhibited a Cy3 detection limit as low as ${10}^{-1}$ nM, with an enhancement factor ranging from 19.14 to 28.66, as well as an R6G SERS detection limit of ${10}^{-10}$ M with an enhancement factor of 4.07 × ${10}^8$. This study confirms that ADDC technology enables simple, efficient, large-area uniform AgNPs self-assembly for superior dual-function enhancement substrates, offering a cost-effective and efficient strategy for highly sensitive trace detection. Full article

Background and Objectives: Pediatric forearm fractures are among the most common childhood injuries. COVID-19-related societal restrictions, including school closures and suspension of sports activities, altered children’s daily routines and may have influenced injury patterns. This study aimed to evaluate whether periods of stricter COVID-19 restrictions were associated with changes in the incidence of pediatric distal and diaphyseal forearm fractures after accounting for seasonal variation and long-term temporal trends. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational time-series study analyzed pediatric patients aged 0–17 years who underwent forearm radiography between January 2018 and June 2023 at a tertiary pediatric trauma center. Cases with radiologically confirmed distal or diaphyseal forearm fractures or epiphyseal injuries were included. Monthly fracture counts were analyzed using generalized linear models with logarithmic link functions. Exposure variables included a COVID-19 restriction index based on governmental measures and a binary pandemic indicator. Seasonal variation and long-term temporal trends were included as covariates. Results: A total of 5702 forearm radiographs were identified, of which 4041 trauma-related presentations met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 2014 children had confirmed forearm fractures. Boys accounted for 61% of cases, and the median age was 9 years (IQR 5). Most fractures were treated conservatively (88%). The most frequent injury mechanisms included soccer-related injuries (9.6%) and bicycle falls (7.3%). In regression analyses adjusted for seasonal variation and temporal trends, neither the COVID-19 restriction index (IRR 1.01, 95% CI 0.87–1.17; p = 0.95) nor the pandemic period indicator (IRR 0.99, 95% CI 0.37–2.65; p = 0.98) was significantly associated with monthly fracture counts. The wide confidence interval of the pandemic indicator reflects limited statistical precision and suggests that both clinically relevant decreases and increases in fracture incidence cannot be excluded. Conclusions: No sustained long-term changes in the incidence or injury patterns of pediatric forearm fractures were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary fluctuations during early lockdown phases were not independently associated with governmental restrictions after adjustment for seasonal variability and long-term trends. Full article

For autonomous vehicles, high-speed cornering can easily lead to degraded handling stability and increased risks of sideslip or even rollover. Therefore, vehicle phase-plane stability-region analysis has become an important topic in active safety-control research. However, most existing studies still construct phase-plane stability regions mainly based on simplified vehicle models, without sufficiently considering the influence of vertical load transfer during cornering on tire lateral forces and stability boundaries. To address this issue, this paper proposes a hierarchical control strategy based on phase-plane analysis for active inward tilt vehicles. This method adopts a three-degree-of-freedom vehicle dynamics model and a tire model. By carefully comparing the phase-plane stability regions of active inward tilt and passive roll vehicles and by further analyzing the state-trajectory convergence characteristics of active inward tilt vehicles under different longitudinal speeds, front wheel steering angles, and road adhesion coefficients, the effects of active inward tilt on stability-region expansion and vehicle-state convergence are revealed. Subsequently, a hierarchical control strategy is proposed as an integrated solution to improve vehicle handling stability. The upper-level controller dynamically adjusts the reference values and objective weights according to whether the vehicle state is located in the stable, critical, or dangerous region. The lower-level NMPC controller optimizes the front wheel steering angle and active suspension forces to achieve coordinated trajectory tracking and stability control. Double lane-change simulation results show that active inward tilt can improve the left–right vertical load distribution and expand the lateral stability region. Compared with passive roll and conventional active inward tilt control, the proposed strategy reduces the phase-plane state convergence area by 68% and 75%, respectively, thereby improving vehicle handling stability and active safety under extreme conditions. Full article

Background: TV-44749 is a subcutaneous (sc) long-acting injectable (LAI) formulation of olanzapine that recently demonstrated efficacy and safety as a treatment for schizophrenia in adults without the occurrence of post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome (PDSS) in the phase 3 SOLARIS trial (NCT05693935). TV-44749’s sc route of administration and formulation were designed to provide prolonged olanzapine release over a monthly dosing interval and to avoid the risk of post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome (PDSS). It was designed as a copolymer in situ-forming depot technology to provide a LAI formulation that could withstand physiological and environmental factors that could affect controlled-release kinetics. Methods: To evaluate the robustness of the TV-44749 formulation, an in vitro release (IVR) study in human plasma was conducted, comparing TV-44749 to the commercially available intramuscular (im) long-acting injection formulation of olanzapine pamoate monohydrate. In addition, in vivo studies in rats were conducted to assess the effect of injection site manipulation following TV-44749 sc injection on olanzapine release from the depot. Results: The IVR study showed that upon contact with human plasma, copolymers comprising TV-44749 formulation instantly precipitate and form a solid matrix that entraps olanzapine particles. This prevents an uncontrolled release of olanzapine. Additionally, in vivo rat studies found that manipulation of the injection site after TV-44749 administration, by either heating or rubbing at different time-points, resulted in no meaningful effect on overall olanzapine exposure. Conclusions: The presented findings support the robustness of the TV-44749 formulation in maintaining controlled-release properties, even under conditions that could otherwise compromise release performance. Full article

This paper investigates the effects of two control measures on vortex-induced vibration and wake-induced vibration of suspension bridge cables through wind tunnel experiments. For a single cable, a passive suction/jet ring arrangement is proposed, and its vortex-induced vibration suppression performance under different density configurations (single-segment and two-segment dense arrangements) is analyzed. Experiments show that the total length of the ring is positively correlated with the control effect. The two-segment arrangement is significantly better than the single-segment arrangement when the total length is 1/4 of the cable length, with a maximum reduction in vibration displacement of 88%. For double cables, a spacer with an integrated tuned mass damper (TMD) is used. The results show that the TMD can effectively suppress vortex-induced vibration and wake-induced vibration. Its control effect depends on the installation position and the damper’s natural frequency. Installation at mid-span and 1/4-span positions can significantly reduce the vibration response, especially for suppressing first-order mode vibration. This study provides an optimized aerodynamic and damper combination scheme for cable wind vibration control. Full article

This article presents preliminary research on the development of a cast iron–ceramic composite for modern braking systems, such as brake discs. The composite matrix is gray cast iron with flake graphite (EN-GJL-150). The reinforcing phase is a porous ceramic composed of SiC and Al₂O₃ particles introduced separately (10% each) and together (70% SiC + 30% Al₂O₃). These particles were applied as a suspension onto polyurethane foam, yielding a ceramic structure with a pore density of up to 10 ppi. The resulting insert was placed in a mold cavity, and cast iron was poured into it. The resulting samples were treated as brake disc material, with a pad made of the commercial friction material P50094 serving as the countersample. Tribological tests showed that the lowest sample wear (average 2.23 mg/5000 m) was achieved for the composite reinforced with SiC + Al₂O₃ particles. This is probably due to the synergy between the antifriction properties of these particles and the lower friction coefficient (µ = 0.180–0.22). Similar mass loss values and the smallest difference between the tested samples were observed for composites with SiC particles (3.01 mg/5000 m) and Al₂O₃ (3.30 mg/5000 m). The second part consisted of microstructural studies. Microstructural analysis of the EN-GJL-150 + SiC + Al₂O₃ composite revealed a previously unobserved nucleation phenomenon at the cast iron–ceramic interface. This confirmed the general assumptions of Riposan’s theory regarding the involvement of oxide microinclusions and complex manganese sulfides of the (Mn, X)S type in the nucleation and crystallization of graphite precipitates. It was also found that, in the case of “in situ” GJL-150 + SiC + Al₂O₃ composites, this theory should account for the beneficial role of ceramic particles in promoting the uniform distribution of type A graphite flakes, which nucleate on their surfaces in the transition zone. Thus, the nucleating role of oxide microinclusions (the first stage of Riposan’s theory) could be taken over by SiC and Al₂O₃ particles, constituting a substrate for the heterogeneous nucleation of (Mn, X)S sulfides. Full article

This paper presents a conceptual design for a technological installation aimed at mitigating ventilation air methane (VAM) from coal mine exhaust shafts, offering combined heat and power generation. It addresses the challenge posed by low methane concentrations (below 0.7%), which preclude direct combustion. To overcome this, the proposed concept involves diverting a portion of the VAM to a combustion chamber of the power boiler dedicated to co-combustion with flotation concentrate suspension, which is properly prepared for feeding into the combustion chamber. The heat generated in the power boiler produces steam to drive a turbine generator for electricity production. Back-pressure steam from the turbine can be utilized for district heating or as a thermal energy source for various industrial processes, optimizing the plant’s energy efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint. The feasibility of this technology hinges on its cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. This aspect of efficiency has been outlined. An energy balance analysis, based on real emission data from a selected mine, is provided to determine power boiler efficiency, fuel consumption, and a VAM reduction rate. The forecast of the amount of energy produced was presented for a single installation with a grate boiler capable of co-firing fuels with a VAM flow participation of 25 m³/s. Such installations can be scaled to meet mine requirements, enabling the neutralization of VAM at a total capacity of up to 300 m³/s, which corresponds to emissions from a large ventilation shaft. Full article

As is well known, vibration, especially ultra-low-frequency vibration, is harmful to machinery’s accuracy and service life and even human health. This paper experimentally validates vibration isolation technology for low-frequency applications based on quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) properties. Firstly, a platform for isolating low-frequency vibration, referred to as LFVIP, is introduced, featuring a quasi-zero stiffness characteristic. Then, the dynamic stiffness of this platform is analyzed and established. Based on this analytical model, a solution for designing the platform to obtain the desired stiffness in the equilibrium state is suggested. Secondly, an experimental setup is established to verify the isolation performance of the platform under base displacement excitation. In addition, the isolation effectiveness of the LFVIP is compared with that of its linear counterpart (LC). The experimental results indicate that the LFVIP provides the starting isolation for effective isolation at approximately 2 Hz, while that of LC is around 6 Hz. Moreover, the vibration attenuation of the LFVIP is greater than that of the LC. Vibration isolation technology based on quasi-zero stiffness is superior to the LC, particularly in the low-frequency region. This work offers useful insights for the design of vibration isolators, suspension systems, and related applications, particularly by demonstrating how the superior vibration attenuation of the LFVIP can be leveraged to improve the performance of these systems. Full article

Porous glycidyl methacrylate-based copolymers crosslinked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) were synthesized via suspension–emulsion polymerization and subsequently functionalized with triethylenetetramine. The effect of the monomer composition on the epoxy group content and porous structure was systematically investigated by varying the GMA-to-crosslinker molar ratio from 1:1 to 5:1. Increasing the GMA fraction enhanced the epoxy group content (2.8–5.0 mmol/g) but significantly reduced the specific surface area (333–23 m²/g), indicating a trade-off between functionality and porosity. ATR-FTIR and elemental analysis confirmed successful amine functionalization while preserving a considerable degree of porosity. The modified copolymers were evaluated for Cr(VI) removal, showing strong pH dependence, with maximum efficiency at pH 3 due to electrostatic interactions between protonated amine groups and HCrO₄⁻ ions. Equilibrium studies revealed saturation-type behavior, with a maximum sorption capacity of 165.47 mg/g for TMPTMA-based copolymers. Despite the higher nitrogen content in EGDMA-based materials, TMPTMA-crosslinked copolymers exhibited a superior adsorption performance, demonstrating that pore accessibility, rather than functional group density alone, governs adsorption efficiency. These findings provide insight into the rational design of amine-functionalized porous polymer sorbents for efficient chromium(VI) removal. Full article

Background/Objectives: The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is common in dentistry, mainly for pain and inflammation. However, their coadministration with warfarin may lead to serious potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs), increasing the risk of bleeding. This study aimed to identify and describe the frequency of PDDIs between warfarin and NSAIDs prescribed by dentists and dispensed by the Unified Health System (SUS) in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from January 2011 to December 2021. Methods: A descriptive analysis was conducted using data from Integrated Pharmaceutical Services Management System (Sigaf), considering prescriptions of warfarin and NSAIDs issued during the same period. Results: The prescribed NSAIDs were diclofenac sodium 50 mg, diclofenac potassium 50 mg, ibuprofen 600 mg, nimesulide 100 mg, and nimesulide 50 mg/mL oral suspension. Warfarin sodium 5 mg is the prescribed oral anticoagulants. The results showed a marked increase in both warfarin (from 6017 to 59,945 prescriptions; +896%) and NSAID use (from 2644 to 84,408 prescriptions; +3093%), paralleling the rise in PDDIs, which grew from 2 in 2011 to 62 in 2021. Despite this 3000% relative increase, the absolute frequency of PDDIs remained low, corresponding to approximately 0.7 interactions per 1000 NSAID prescriptions in 2021. Conclusions: Although these PDDIs are low, they are clinically significant and may have important implications for patients and the healthcare system. In conclusion, PDDIs between NSAIDs and warfarin, though low in absolute numbers, have increased over the years, reinforcing the need for greater awareness among dental professionals and for the implementation of clinical decision support strategies to promote safe care. Full article

Whiteflies, including Aleyrodes proletella, are major agricultural pests which cause significant yield losses through direct feeding damage and virus transmission. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides. However, its field performance is often constrained by environmental sensitivity and limited formulation stability. In this study, biopolymer-based suspensions incorporating B. bassiana strain 730 were developed using chitooligosaccharide (COS) and 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as biodegradable carriers. Rheological analysis showed increased viscosity upon fungal incorporation (from 75 to 226 cP for COS and from 250 to 354 cP for HEC), indicating effective interaction between the polymer matrices and fungal conidia. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed uniform dispersion and physical entrapment of fungal structures, while microbiological assays demonstrated preserved viability and sporulation capacity. Bioassays against eggs and nymphs of A. proletella revealed a clear time-dependent response, with limited efficacy after 24 h but substantial increases by day 3. The unformulated fungal suspension achieved 93.0% efficacy, while COS/B. bassiana and HEC/B. bassiana formulations reached 84.6% and 76.1%, respectively, comparable to the commercial product Naturalis^® (87.2%). Polymer solutions applied alone exhibited significantly lower activity. These results demonstrate that biopolymer-based formulations, particularly COS-based systems, preserve fungal virulence and represent promising biodegradable delivery platforms for sustainable whitefly management. Full article

The flow behavior of montmorillonite (MMT) slurries with a volume fraction of $6.6\times {10}^{-4}$ to $1.6\times {10}^{-3}$, coagulated in 1.0 M NaCl, was investigated across laminar, transitional and turbulent regions using a closed-loop circular pipeline system equipped with dual pressure transducers and a flow meter. In the laminar region, the linearized approximation of the Bingham model was applied to extract yield stress and plastic viscosity, which were subsequently used to estimate friction losses as a function of the Reynolds number. The predicted friction loss calculated using the Hedström number and the Bingham model showed excellent agreement with experimental data. Furthermore, the critical Reynolds number indicating the transition from laminar to turbulent flow was confirmed to increase with increasing yield stress. This trend is qualitatively consistent with flow stability predictions. Notably, the plastic viscosity obtained by this method was significantly lower than values estimated from sediment volume fractions using conventional viscosity correlations based on an effective volume fraction of flocs. These insights into the flow resistance of coagulated clay suspensions are useful for improving the design and operation of water purification, slurry transport, and solid–liquid separation processes. Full article

Non-equilibrium suspended sediment transport is the most general state in engineering practice. Earlier analytical and numerical models for non-equilibrium suspended sediment transport were primarily designed for specific case studies and lack universal applicability. This work aims to develop a generalized two-dimensional (2D) numerical model based on the incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (ISPH) approach for simulating non-equilibrium suspended sediment transport. The model integrates a generalized bottom boundary condition that accounts for both deposition velocity and equilibrium concentration. The impact of turbulence, as well as the hindered settling effect, is also included in the model. The efficacy of the model was assessed using results from analytical or semi-analytical models under 1D unsteady and 2D steady sediment transport modes, as well as from laboratory experiments for 2D unsteady sediment transport. This model reveals the physical mechanism of the hindered settling effect. The effect is most significant in the main suspension zone, where particles interact frequently. In the near-bottom zone, it is limited by physical constraints, and the settling velocity reaches its minimum. In the top zone, the effect is limited by the very low particle concentration, where particle interactions are negligible. The model also captures the different responses caused by different distributions of the turbulent viscosity coefficient and the bottom reference concentration. Full article