bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Efficacy and Ocular Surface Assessment Between Preserved and Preservative-Free Brimonidine/Timolol Fixed-Combination Eye Drops in Glaucoma Patients: A Parallel-Grouped, Randomized Trial
Authors: Kim Myungjin , Lee Chang-Kyu , Shin Jonghoon , Kim Doah , Rho Seungsoo
Published: February 2025

The objectives of the study were to compare the efficacy and safety using ocular surface assessment between preserved and preservative-free brimonidine/timolol fixed-combination eye drops in glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients. Methods: This study was designed as a prospective, multicenter (three institutions), investigator-masked, parallel-grouped randomized clinical trial. The primary outcomes were corneal and conjunctival staining score, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, drug tolerance, and adherence rates at 12-week visits. The secondary outcomes were corneal and conjunctival staining score, OSDI score at 4-week visits and intraocular pressure (IOP), tear-film break-up time (TBUT), and bulbar/limbal hyperemia score at the 4- and 12-week visits. For safety assessment, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and physical examination at 4 and 12 weeks and adverse events during the whole study period were analyzed. Results: Overall, 59 patients were enrolled and randomized into each group (29 preserved and 30 preservative-free). At the endpoint, 5 patients in the preserved group and 2 patients in the preservative-free group dropped out, leaving 24 and 28 patients in the preserved and preservative-free groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics showed no significant difference between the groups including age and sex. At the 12-week visit, intra-group change of OSDI scores did not change significantly compared to the baseline scores in both preserved and preservative-free groups (p = 0.791, 0.478, respectively). On the contrary, the corneal staining score and the conjunctival staining score showed a significant increase compared to the baseline score in the preserved group (p = 0.015, 0.009, respectively). Regarding drug satisfaction, higher proportions of patients in the preservative-free group reported convenience of installation (p = 0.002). Also, stinging and burning sensations in drug tolerance showed better results in the preservative-free group with a significant difference (p = 0.011). Safety assessment regarding systemic side effects such as SBP, DBP, and HR showed similar results between the preserved and preservative-free groups (p = 0.711, 0.232, 0.666, respectively). Conclusions: Preservative-free brimonidine/timolol showed comparable efficacy and safety, better corneal and conjunctival staining score with convenience of installation, and lower stinging and burning sensation. It is expected to be a proper treatment option for patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Red-Laser Photodynamic Therapy with Toluidine Blue Gel as an Adjuvant to Topical Antifungal Treatments for Onychomycosis in Patients with Diabetes: A Prospective Case Series
Authors: Navarro-Pérez David , García-Oreja Sara , Álvaro-Afonso Francisco Javier , López-Moral Mateo , Lázaro-Martínez José Luis , Tardáguila-García Aroa
Published: February 2025

Background: Systemic therapy is frequently utilized because of its easy accessibility, low cost, and high efficacy. However, it can be linked with systemic adverse effects and drug–drug interactions, especially in immunocompromised and poly-medicated patients. Topical antifungals, associated with a low risk of systemic adverse effects and drug–drug interactions, have emerged as the most suitable treatment option for patients with diabetic foot disease. However, the duration of topical treatment can extend up to 12 months. Consequently, there is a need to bolster these topical treatments with complementary therapies. Methods: The current study acquired approval from an ethics committee (code 24/241-E) and Clinical Trials (code NCT06485050). No patients were excluded, irrespective of comorbidities or the severity of onychomycosis. Patients included in the study were administered Ciclopirox 8% (consisting of ethyl acetate, 96% ethanol, ketostearyl alcohol, hydroxypropyl chitosan, and purified water) once daily for 6 months. This was supplemented with photodynamic therapy (three sessions in the first 2 months) using toluidine blue gel and a 635 nm diode laser lasting 10 min, as well as monthly debridement of the nail plate. Results: All patients (10/10) included in the study exhibited negative microbiological culture results 6 months after the study began. Of these, 90% (9/10) were clinically cured, and thus, fully cured. No adverse effects or complications secondary to the treatments were observed in any of the cases. The average Onychomycosis Severity Index (OSI) value was initially 18.50 ± 8.947, reduced to 10.30 ± 6.129 at 3 months, and finally fell to 4.10 ± 4.08 at the end of the treatment. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated the clinical improvement, mycological cure, effectiveness, and safety of combination therapy of ciclopirox 8% and photodynamic therapy over 6 months.
Management and Outcomes of Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis: A 15-Year Experience
Authors: Parjiea Chirag P. , Sievert Matti , Haj Khalaf Mohamed Anwar , Ihmsen Harald , Higaze Mostafa , Gehrking Mika , Wehrfritz Andreas , Sirbu Horia
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Descending necrotising mediastinitis (DNM) is a severe, life-threatening infection that originates from the oropharyngeal or odontogenic regions and spreads to the mediastinum. It poses significant challenges due to its rapid progression and high morbidity. Methods: This monocentric, retrospective study analysed the records of 22 patients treated for DNM between 2008 and 2022. Diagnosis relied on characteristic clinical, radiological, and intraoperative findings linking oropharyngeal or cervical infections to mediastinitis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was used in all cases for diagnosis. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, surgical interventions, time from diagnosis to surgery, re-operations, and complications. Microbiological analyses targeted aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. Results: The study included 22 patients (mean age 60 ± 9 years, 59% male) with DNM. The primary sources of infection were oropharyngeal (77%) and odontogenic (23%). Hypertension (86%), diabetes (68%), and cardiac arrhythmias (59%) were common comorbidities. Thoracotomy with mediastinal drainage and debridement was performed in 95% of patients, while 45% underwent cervicotomy and 82% required tracheostomy. The median intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays were 21 and 30 days, respectively. Delayed surgery (>24 h) significantly prolonged hospital stays (median: 62 vs. 28 days, p = 0.05). Re-operations were required in 82% of patients, with longer ICU stays observed in this group (median: 25 vs. 7 days, p = 0.003). Sepsis occurred in 55% and was associated with a higher tracheostomy rate (100% vs. 60%, p = 0.029). The mortality rate was 9%. Conclusions: Early recognition and prompt aggressive surgical intervention are paramount in managing DNM to mitigate complications and improve survival.
Joint-Preserving Surgeries for the Hallux Rigidus Based on Etiology: A Review and Commentary
Authors: Nakajima Kenichiro
Published: February 2025

In 1927, Cochrane noted that elastic resistance to dorsiflexion of the hallux was retained after the cheilectomy or dorsiflexion osteotomy of the metatarsal head and speculated that the shortening and tightness of the soft tissues below the first metatarsophalangeal joint would be the etiology of hallux rigidus. He devised a novel surgery in which the plantar tissues were divided using a plantar approach and reported good results in 12 patients with the disappearance of elastic resistance during dorsiflexion and with no recurrence. Although he identified the etiology of hallux rigidus and developed a revolutionary surgery that directly addressed the etiology, this approach has not yet been seen in current surgeries. Therefore, we hypothesized that current surgeries for hallux rigidus lack rationality regarding etiology and aimed to critically review joint-preserving surgeries based on etiology. First, we summarized the literature on proposed causes and explained how the condition progresses from shortened, tightened plantar soft tissues. We then reviewed joint-preserving surgeries in terms of etiology and treatment efficacy and finally mentioned the arthroscopic Cochrane procedure as a promising option.
Three-Dimensional Dynamic Trajectory Planning for Autonomous Underwater Robots Under the PPO-IIFDS Framework
Authors: Liu Liqiang , Sun Min , Zhao Enjiao , Zhu Kuang
Published: February 2025

Three-dimensional (3D) dynamic trajectory planning for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) is associated with significant challenges such as balancing the trajectory quality, computational efficiency, and environmental adaptability within complex dynamic environments. To tackle these challenges, this paper proposes a novel trajectory planning framework by integrating Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) and an Improved Interfered Fluid Dynamic System (IIFDS). The IIFDS serves as the planning layer, generating obstacle-adaptive trajectories for AUVs through the dynamic adjustment of flow field parameters. Meanwhile, PPO functions as the learning and decision-making layer, optimizing critical parameters in IIFDS, including repulsion response coefficients, tangential response coefficients, and directional coefficients, to enhance adaptability and real-time decision-making. To meet specific mission requirements, the IIFDS incorporates dynamics and kinematics constraints, while the PPO reward function is improved with a multi-objective dynamic structure. This reward design integrates objectives such as obstacle avoidance, target distance minimization, trajectory smoothness, dynamics constraints, and energy efficiency. These enhancements address sparse reward issues effectively and significantly improve the convergence and practical applicability of trajectory planning. Additionally, a diverse and dynamically complex obstacle environment is constructed for model training and performance evaluation. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework efficiently generates smooth, energy-efficient, and collision-free trajectories in high-density dynamic obstacle scenarios. The framework exhibits strong robustness, excellent generalization capabilities, and offers a reliable solution for 3D dynamic trajectory planning for AUVs.
Modeling and Investigation of Long-Term Performance of High-Rise Pile Cap Structures Under Scour and Corrosion
Authors: Niu Shilei , Liu Zhongxiang , Guo Tong , Guo Anxin , Xu Sudong
Published: February 2025

High-rise pile cap structures, such as sea-crossing bridges, suffer from long-term degradation due to continuous corrosion and scour, which seriously endangers structural safety. However, there is a lack of research on this topic. This study focused on the long-term performance and dynamic response of bridge pile foundations, considering scour and corrosion effects. A refined modeling method for bridge pile foundations, considering scour-induced damage and corrosion-induced degradation, was developed by adjusting nonlinear soil springs and material properties. Furthermore, hydrodynamic characteristics and long-term performance, including hydrodynamic phenomena, wave force, energy, displacement, stress, and acceleration responses, were investigated through fluid–structure coupling analysis and pile–soil interactions. The results show that the horizontal wave forces acting on the high-rise pile cap are greater than the vertical wave forces, with the most severe wave-induced damage occurring in the wave splash zone. Steel and concrete degradation in the wave splash zone typically occurs sooner than in the atmospheric zone. The total energy of the structure at each moment under load is equal to the sum of internal energy and kinetic energy. Increased corrosion time and scour depth result in increased displacement and stress at the pile cap connection. The long-term dynamic response is mainly influenced by the second-order frequency (62 Hz).
Fungi That Live Within Animals: Application of Cell Cytometry to Examine Fungal Colonization of Ambrosia Beetle (Xyleborus sp.) Mycangia
Authors: Joseph Ross A. , Bansal Kamaldeep , Nguyen Jane , Bielanski Michael , Tirmizi Esther , Masoudi Abolfazl , Keyhani Nemat O.
Published: February 2025

Ambrosia beetles bore into trees, excavating galleries where they farm fungi as their sole source of nutrition. These mutualistic fungi typically do not cause significant damage to host trees; however, since their invasion into the U.S., the beetle Xyleborus glabratus has vectored its fungal partner, Harringtonia lauricola, which has acted as a devastating plant pathogen resulting in the deaths of over 500 million trees. Here, we show differences in the mycangial colonization of the indigenous X. affinis ambrosia beetle by H. lauricola, and the native fungal species, H. aguacate and Raffaelea arxii. While X. affinis was a good host for H. lauricola, the related ambrosia beetle, X. ferrugineus, was only marginally colonized by H. lauricola. X. affinis beetles neither fed on, nor were colonized by, the distantly related fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae. Mycangial colonization was affected by the nutritional state of the fungus. A novel method for direct quantification of mycangial contents based on image cell cytometry was developed and validated. The method was used to confirm mycangial colonization and demonstrate alternating fungal partner switching, which showed significant variation and dynamic turnover. X. affinis pre-oral mycangial pouches were visualized using fluorescent and light microscopy, revealing that newly emerged pupae displayed uncolonized mycangia prior to feeding, whereas beetles fed H. lauricola contained single-celled fungi within 6 h post-feeding. Mixed populations of fungal cells were seen in the mycangia of beetles following alternating colonization. Nuclear counter-staining revealed insect cells surrounding the mycangia. These data highlight variation and specificity in ambrosia beetle–fungal pairings and provide a facile method for direct quantification of mycangial contents.
Assessment of Recombinant β-Propeller Phytase of the Bacillus Species Expressed Intracellularly in Yarrowia lipolityca
Authors: Maloshenok Liliya G. , Panina Yulia S. , Bruskin Sergey A. , Zherdeva Victoria V. , Gessler Natalya N. , Rozumiy Alena V. , Antonov Egor V. , Deryabina Yulia I. , Isakova Elena P.
Published: February 2025

Phytases of the PhyD class according to their pH optimum (7.0–7.8) and high thermal stability can claim to be used in the production of feed supplements. However, today they have no practical application in feed production because there are no suitable producers sufficient for its biotechnological production compared to the PhyA and PhyC class ones. Moreover, in most cases, the technologies with the enzymes produced in secretory form are preferable for the production of phytases, though upon microencapsulation in yeast-producing cells, the phytase thermal stability increases significantly compared to the extracellular form, which improves its compatibility with spray drying technology. In this study, we assayed the intracellular heterologous expression of PhyD phytase from Bacillus species in the Yarrowia lipolytica yeast cells. While the technology has been successfully used to synthesize PhyC phytase from Obesumbacterium proteus, PhyD phytase tends to aggregate upon intracellular accumulation. Furthermore, we evaluated the prospects for the production of encapsulated phytase of the PhyD class of high enzymatic activity when it accumulates in the cell cytoplasm of the Y. lipolytica extremophile yeast, a highly effective platform for the production of recombinant proteins.
Structural and Functional Connectivity of Thermal Refuges in a Desert City: Impacts of Climate Change and Urbanization on Desert Wildlife
Authors: Frazier Amy E. , Sehner Brian , Rashid Barira
Published: February 2025

Connectivity is crucial for species conservation, but most assessments define connectivity solely in terms of protected or natural areas and land covers without regard for the underlying thermal environment. As climate change accelerates, it is becoming increasingly important to not only assess land use and land cover changes (LULCC) but also how surface temperatures are evolving and creating more fragmented thermal refuges over time. This research investigates how the surface thermal environment has changed over time in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, a desert city in the southwestern United States, and how the spatial patterns of cooler refuges within the heat landscape, or “heatscape,” may be affecting wildlife habitat availability alongside LULCC. We quantify the structural and functional connectivity of thermal refuges using a suite of connectivity metrics from landscape ecology to demonstrate how the spatial distribution and configuration of these critical areas has changed over the last 35 years and what the implications are for the many wildlife species living in this desert environment. Results show that thermal refuge patches have been shrinking and becoming more fragmented over the past 35 years, with connectivity also declining over the same period. A key inflection point was identified in 2000, when the probability that cooler refuges patches were connected dropped to nearly zero, and it has remained at that low level ever since. These shifts in connectivity are tightly coupled with LULCC in the study area, particularly the loss of irrigated agriculture as it has been replaced by residential and other developed land uses over time. Decreasing water security in the region also threatens to reduce the availability of cooler patches and, simultaneously, the connectivity of those refuges. Introducing cooler patches through engineered materials or artificial shade may help offset some of the losses from irrigated lands. The findings offer a perspective for conservation research with implications for advancing a more formal thermal landscape ecology for understanding and improving the relationship between spatial thermal patterns and ecological processes.
Characteristics of Changes in Residential Building Layouts in Public Rental Housing Complexes in New Towns of Korea
Authors: Kim Hyojeong , Roh Byungdeok
Published: February 2025

Public rental housing complexes in South Korea have played a critical role in addressing housing needs since their introduction in 1989, initially prioritizing rapid quantitative supply. However, challenges such as limited housing quality and evolving socio-economic demands have prompted a shift toward emphasizing qualitative improvements in residential environments. This study investigates changes in residential building layouts in public rental housing complexes constructed during the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s to understand how planning practices have evolved over time. Using a structured analysis framework, this research examined layout types (orthogonal, parallel, staggered, and mixed) and key planning elements (density, building height, orientation, and building forms) across 24 complexes. The findings reveal a transition from orthogonal layouts with uniform linear flat-type buildings in the 1990s to mixed and parallel layouts incorporating tower-type buildings in the 2000s, reflecting an increased emphasis on density and aesthetics. By the 2010s, parallel layouts persisted but featured diverse building forms, such as modified flat-type buildings and L-shaped configurations, along with variations in floor heights, enhancing spatial efficiency and visual appeal. These changes in the layout forms of residential buildings are particularly driven by the combination of planning characteristics, such as building forms and orientation as well as socio-historical factors. Relevant legal frameworks and institutional systems, such as district unit plans, have played a significant role in shaping these transformations. This study provides insights into the evolution of public housing planning and offers guidance for sustainable and high-quality urban housing development.
Post-Disaster Recovery Effectiveness: Assessment and Prediction of Coordinated Development in the Wenchuan Earthquake-Stricken Areas
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhang Chunmiao , Zhou Xia
Published: February 2025

Post-disaster rapid recovery and reconstruction, along with the evaluation of these efforts, are crucial for affected areas. They not only facilitate the swift repair of vulnerable systems but also reflect whether the recovery work has enhanced regional coordinated development. This is vital for achieving sustainable development post-reconstruction. This study addresses two main questions: (1) How effective were the recovery and reconstruction efforts in Mianyang, Deyang, and Guangyuan post-Wenchuan earthquake from a socio-economic–ecological system perspective? (2) What are the temporal and spatial changes in the Coordinated Development Index (CDI) of key affected counties? By constructing a framework to assess post-disaster coordinated development, this study utilized the entropy weight method and mean-variance method for the comprehensive weighting of evaluation indicators. The gray system prediction model G(1,1) was used to forecast the coordinated development levels of the three cities from 2019 to 2025. The findings reveal the following: (1) From 2005 to 2018, the CDI of Deyang, Guangyuan, and Mianyang showed a significant upward trend. Post-earthquake reconstruction measures like land planning and ecological restoration notably enhanced regional resilience and promoted coordinated development among social, economic, and ecological systems. (2) Despite overall success in reconstruction, disparities in development levels persist among Mianyang, Deyang, and Guangyuan. Predictions suggest that Deyang, Mianyang, and Guangyuan will achieve high-quality coordinated development in the next 5, 2, and 1 years, respectively. (3) Although significant achievements have been made through industrial restructuring, land reuse planning, and ecological restoration, more precise disaster prevention and mitigation strategies are needed to foster coordinated development among social, economic, and ecological systems. In summary, this study evaluates the post-disaster recovery effects in the hardest-hit areas of the Wenchuan earthquake and forecasts future development, providing a reference for similar post-disaster reconstruction areas in assessing and predicting coordinated development.
The Affordances and Constraints of Supporting Father-Child Shared Reading in the Multilingual Emirates
Authors: Gallagher Kay , Dillon Anna Marie , Habak Claudine , Saqr Sumaya , AlRamamneh Yahia
Published: February 2025

This paper reports on the affordances and constraints encountered in the case of an innovative project designed to support early literacy development in Arabic and English while enhancing father-child wellbeing in Abu Dhabi. The project sought to encourage Emirati fathers to engage in interactive shared book reading at home with their young children. In a context where adult–child home reading is not a traditional practice and where children’s reading proficiency in public schools is often below international standards, the project sought to support families with their children’s early literacy development and to develop positive dispositions towards reading. Fathers (N = 80) of kindergarten children (4–5 years) in state schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were invited to participate in interactive workshops about shared parent–child reading. Fathers were provided with selected, high-quality books in both Arabic and English to read aloud with their children at home and were given guidance on ways to read interactively. In this paper, which draws upon survey results, focus group recordings, and researcher field notes from the workshop sites, the affordances and constraints encountered in supporting early home reading and parent–child wellbeing are explored. Recommendations are made for similar reading and wellbeing programs in multilingual contexts. These include providing accessible information to both fathers and mothers on the importance of reading with their children at home, sharing tips and modelling parent–child interactive reading, and the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate books for families.
Aspectual Restriction on Sorting in Czech and Slovak
Authors: Dočekal Mojmír , Hulmanová Michaela , Schoenfeld Aviv
Published: February 2025

This article is about the cross-linguistic universality of the so-called Universal Sorter, where a noun N means ‘kind of N’. We discuss two restrictions in two Slavic languages which are absent from English, pertaining to perfective verbs and numerically modified count nouns. We establish, first with introspective judgments (for Czech) and then experimentally (for Slovak), that both restrictions are present in a way which supports our analysis of the first restriction as stemming from Slavic, unlike English, having perfective verbs which force a completive reading of an incremental theme.
Enhancing Cervical Cancer Screening: New Diagnostic Methodologies, Triage, and Risk Stratification in Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Kamzayeva Nazira , Bapayeva Gauri , Terzic Milan , Primbetov Berik , Imankulova Balkenzhe , Kim Yevgeniy , Sultanova Arailym , Kongrtay Kuralay , Kadroldinova Nazira , Ukybassova Talshyn
Published: February 2025

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-established etiological factor in the development of precancerous cervical lesions and cervical cancer. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the global prevalence, genotype distribution, and pathophysiological mechanisms of HPV infection, emphasizing regional epidemiological variations that influence prevention and treatment strategies. Particular attention is given to high-risk HPV genotypes, their role in carcinogenesis, and the impact of co-infections and the cervicovaginal microbiota on infection persistence and disease progression. Advances in diagnostic methodologies, including E6/E7 oncoprotein detection, DNA methylation, and microRNA-based assays, are examined in the context of improving screening accuracy and early detection. Furthermore, the review explores the psychological implications of HPV diagnosis and underscores the importance of integrating psychosocial support into clinical management. Given the challenges associated with screening coverage, the potential of self-sampling techniques, particularly in resource-limited settings, is discussed as a means to enhance accessibility and participation in cervical cancer prevention programs. By providing a comprehensive overview of these interrelated factors, this review highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach that integrates novel diagnostic strategies, targeted prevention efforts, and supportive care to mitigate the burden of HPV-associated diseases.
Overview of Inflammatory and Coagulation Markers in Elderly Patients with COVID-19: Retrospective Analysis of Laboratory Results
Authors: Popazu Corina , Romila Aurelia , Petrea Marius , Grosu Robert Marius , Lescai Alina-Maria , Vlad Adriana Liliana , Oprea Violeta Diana , Baltă Alexia Anastasia Ștefania
Published: February 2025

Background: Elderly patients with COVID-19 often exhibit a complex interplay between hypercoagulability and coagulopathy, key factors in determining the risk of severe complications and mortality. This study aimed to analyze coagulation and inflammatory markers to identify critical predictors of adverse outcomes in this vulnerable population. Material and Methods: The retrospective study was conducted on a sample of 1429 elderly patients (≥60 years) diagnosed with COVID-19, hospitalized in “Sf. Ap. Andrei” St. Apostle Andrew’s County Emergency Hospital in various wards between March 2020 and August 2022. Data were collected from medical records and included inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, ESR) and coagulation markers (prothrombin time, INR, fibrinogen, D-dimer). The SPSS 2.0 statistical software was used to conduct the study. Results:Coagulation markers: Prothrombin activity averaged 74.22%, below normal levels, indicating a heightened bleeding risk, while fibrinogen levels were significantly elevated (mean: 531.69 mg/dL), reflecting hypercoagulability. Prolonged prothrombin time (mean: 17.28 s) and elevated INR (International normalized ratio) (mean: 1.51) were associated with increased mortality, emphasizing their role in risk stratification. Elevated D-dimer levels (mean: 2.75 mg/L) further highlighted thromboembolic risks. Inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) showed marked elevations (mean CRP: 92.09 mg/L, mean ESR: 58.47 mm/h), correlating with heightened systemic inflammation and poor outcomes. Bacterial infections: Elevated procalcitonin (mean: 1.98 ng/mL) suggested secondary bacterial infections, particularly in mechanically ventilated patients, significantly worsening prognosis. Conclusions: The duality of hypercoagulability and coagulopathy in elderly COVID-19 patients underscores the importance of consistently monitoring coagulation markers such as prothrombin time, INR, D-dimer, and fibrinogen. Simultaneously, elevated inflammatory markers and secondary bacterial infections require prompt therapeutic interventions. This study highlights the critical need for personalized management strategies to mitigate complications and reduce mortality in this high-risk population.
Surgical Management of Septic Arthritis of the Wrist: An Analysis of Short- and Long-Term Functional and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Steubing Yonca , Reinkemeier Felix , Puscz Flemming , Schmidt Sonja Verena , Hinzmann Jannik , Lehnhardt Marcus , Dadras Mehran
Published: February 2025

Septic arthritis of the wrist is a rare but severe condition requiring urgent diagnosis and treatment to prevent joint destruction and functional impairment. The objective of this study was to investigate prognostic parameters and the long-term functional outcomes. This retrospective and prospective cohort study included 44 patients treated for septic arthritis of the wrist between 2008 and 2024. All patients underwent surgical wrist arthrotomy due to concomitant soft tissue involvement, with a median follow-up of 29 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed through total active range of motion (TROM), grip strength, and patient-reported hand function using the DASH questionnaire. Data analysis examined correlations between comorbidities, surgical interventions and long-term outcomes. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 61.4% of cases, thus being the most common pathogen. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was identified as a risk factor for requiring a higher number of surgeries to control the infection. Patients requiring more invasive procedures showed worse long-term outcomes, with lower grip strength, a limited active range of motion (TROM) and higher DASH scores. Mortality was associated with higher inflammatory markers and older age at the onset of disease. A total of 36.4% of patients were unable to return to work after treatment, while those who successfully returned to work experienced a median recovery period of seven months. The timely initiation of appropriate surgical therapy is essential in the treatment of septic arthritis of the wrist in order to reduce joint damage and associated loss of hand function, particularly in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus. Studies should focus on comparing different treatment options and developing more targeted rehabilitation strategies to improve functional outcomes.
Optimizing Carbon Dot—TiO2 Nanohybrids for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Falara Pinelopi P. , Chatzikonstantinou Nikolaos , Zourou Adamantia , Tsipas Polychronis , Sakellis Elias , Alexandratou Eleni , Nasikas Nektarios K. , Kordatos Konstantinos V. , Antoniadou Maria
Published: February 2025

CDs/TiO2 nanohybrids were synthesized and tested for photocatalytic H2 production from aqueous media through simulated solar light-driven photocatalytic reactions. Firstly, three different types of CDs were prepared through green methods, specifically hydrothermal treatment and microwave irradiation, using citric acid and urea as precursors in varying molar ratios. After a multi-step purification procedure, impurity-free CDs were obtained. The as-synthesized CDs were thoroughly characterized using UV-Vis, FT-IR, and PL spectroscopy, along with HR-TEM. The results revealed that the size and optical and physicochemical properties of CDs can be tailored by selecting the precursors’ ratio and the synthetic approach. The heterostructured CDs/TiO2 photocatalysts were formed solvothermally and were analyzed using UV-Vis/DRS, FT-IR, and XPS techniques, which confirmed the effective incorporation of CDs and the improved properties of TiO2. The use of sacrificial reagents is among the most common strategies for enhancing H2 production from water through photocatalytic processes; herein, ethanol was selected as a green liquid organic hydrogen carrier. A maximum H2 production rate of 0.906 μmol H2/min was achieved, while the recyclability study demonstrated that the photocatalyst maintained stable performance during multiple cycles of reuse. Thus, optimizing the synthesis conditions of CDs/TiO2 nanohybrids resulted in the creation of environmentally friendly and reusable photocatalysts.
Random Forest Algorithm for the Mechanical Strength Prediction of Green Cement-Based Materials Incorporating Waste Materials Under Fire Condition
Authors: Zhang Lei , Qiu Ruipeng , Xie Jiabin , Liu Xianglong , Fu Qiang , Li Yanli
Published: February 2025

High temperature treatment is a typical detrimental situation that may significantly influence the compressive strength of cement-based materials. It was reported that the incorporation of common waste materials as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) can improve high temperature resistance. In this work, fly ash (FA), granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), and silica fume (SF) were used as SCMs to replace cement to produce green cement-based materials. The mechanical strengths of the samples being subjected to various elevated temperatures were measured and analyzed with different SCMs contents. Results showed that when the high temperature was above 500 °C, it caused significant loss of strength, and the use of SCMs can improve the high temperature resistance of the cement-based materials with higher residual strength, especially for the GGBFS and SF blended samples. Moreover, the random forest regression algorithm was used to predict the compressive strength for the cement-based material incorporating various waste materials, and exhibited high accuracy. This work presents a comprehensive study on the regularity of changes of mechanical strength and provides a specific algorithm for the precise prediction of this occurrence, which is helpful to understand and predict the influence of high temperature treatment on green cement-based materials with various waste materials.
In Situ EBSD Study of Aluminum After Embrittlement by Gallium
Authors: Cai Kaikai , Wang Shuo , Zhang Daixin , Feng Haiyun , Song Pu , Hu Hongwei
Published: February 2025

Liquid metal embrittlement is a phenomenon in which the mechanical properties of a metallic material are significantly reduced after contact with liquid metal, and the microscopic mechanism of this phenomenon is still controversial. The grain boundary penetration mechanism has recently been widely recognized, but the theory is still deficient. To refine the theory of grain boundary penetration, in this paper, the liquid metal embrittlement mechanism of aluminum by gallium is obtained by in situ EBSD, combining it with the fracture morphology features and comparing the differences of the microscopic feature changes and the crack evolution process during the in situ tensile process of embrittled and untreated aluminum specimens. The results show that the fracture elongation of aluminum decreased by 60% after being embrittled by liquid gallium at 80 °C for 40 min, and the gallium atoms entering the aluminum interior decreased the grain boundary cohesion while promoting dislocation emission. Combining the experimental results and previous studies, we divide the fracture of aluminum after liquid metal embrittlement into three stages, namely, the grain boundary penetration stage, the local fracture stage, and the integral failure stage.
An Acid–Base Proton Transfer Approach to Robust Superhydrophobic Self-Cleaning Surfaces for the Corrosion Protection of Magnesium
Authors: Chen Junjie , Xu Baoshan , Zhao Yunhao , Zhou Ke , Shao Ruijuan , Xun Xiaowei , Zhang Fan , Zang Dongmian
Published: February 2025

In this study, an acid–base proton transfer method was used to fabricate functional coatings on Mg surfaces with the cooperative effect of durable superhydrophobic and exceptional self-cleaning properties, providing high-efficiency corrosion protection. In this context, aluminum chloride served as a precursor for the direct growth of aluminum hydroxide on the Mg surface. Without the addition of any solvent, the densely arranged absolute palmitic acid was strongly bonded to the grown aluminum hydroxide on the Mg substrate, which acted as an effective anti-water barrier that can impede the penetration of water, as well as the oxygen and chloridion involved.
Molecular Diffusion and Optical Properties of Implantable Collagen Materials
Authors: Atsigeida Sofya V. , Tuchina Daria K. , Timashev Peter S. , Tuchin Valery V.
Published: February 2025

The effects of optical clearing of implantable collagen materials were studied using optical clearing agents (OCAs) based on aqueous glucose solutions of various concentrations. By measuring the kinetics of the collimated transmission spectra, the diffusion D and permeability P coefficients of the OCAs of collagen materials were determined as D = (0.22 ± 0.05) × 10−6 to (1.41 ± 0.05) × 10−6 cm2/c and P = (0.55 ± 0.04) × 10−4 to (1.77 ± 0.07) × 10−4 cm/c. Studies with optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed that each of the OCAs used had an effect on the optical properties of collagen materials, and allowed us to quantify the group refractive indices of the collagen of various samples, which turned out to be in the range from nc = 1.476 to nc = 1.579.
Corrosion of Porous Building Ceramics Caused by Double Sulphate Salt
Authors: Wons Wojciech , Kłosek-Wawrzyn Ewelina , Rzepa Karol
Published: February 2025

Porous materials are subjected to the corrosive effects of soluble salts. This corrosion, typically known as efflorescence, is primarily superficial. However, internal corrosion within the material is also frequently observed. This article presents a simulation of volumetric damage in sintered porous ceramic materials (made of clay (75 vol.%), quartz sand (10 vol.%), and sawdust (15 vol.%), fired at 950 °C), caused by the crystallization of double salts, specifically ploweite (6Na2SO4·7MgSO4·15H2O) and/or glauberite (CaSO4·Na2SO4). The exact mechanism responsible for the formation and interaction of these salts has yet to be fully comprehended. It is established that this mechanism occurs in ceramic materials containing calcium compounds and in mixtures of Na2SO4 and MgSO4 salts. Dissolved Na2SO4 acts as a substrate for the formation of glauberite, while dissolved MgSO4 participates in intermediate reactions (which are necessary for the creation of glauberite).
Advanced Materials for Oral Application (Volume 2)
Authors: Rusu Laura-Cristina , Ardelean Lavinia Cosmina
Published: February 2025

This editorial aims to present the contributions published in the second volume of the Special Issue “Advanced Materials for Oral Application”, journal Materials [...]
Effects of Prior Microstructure on the Properties of Induction-Hardened JIS SCM440 Steel
Authors: Lu Shao-Quan , Chiu Liu-Ho , Cheng Hsueh-Hung
Published: February 2025

JIS SCM440 steel is commonly used in precision parts after induction-hardening heat treatment. The fatigue behavior of induction-hardening parts largely depends on the combination of hardening depth and the magnitude and distribution of hardness and compressive residual stress. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the effects of different prior microstructures on the properties of JIS SCM440 steel after induction hardening. In the present study, the effects of prior microstructure (including spheroidized, annealed, normalized, and quenched and tempered) on the microhardness, hardening width, and residual stress of the induction-hardened specimens are investigated. The experimental results showed that the distribution behavior of residual stress in the hardened zone and heat-affected zone is due to the temperature gradient of the induction-hardening treatment. The hardened center appeared as compressive residual stress due to the martensitic transformation, which was accompanied by volume expansion. On the contrary, tensile residual stress will be generated in the heat-affected zone of incomplete phase transformation. The prior microstructure can affect the residual stress magnitude and distribution of microhardness and residual stresses due to the content of the cementite dissolved into the austenite at high temperatures. The difference in the carbon content of martensite after quenching will result in obvious differences in properties. The induction-hardened specimens with a normalized prior microstructure have the highest residual tensile stress in the heat-affected zone. The maximum residual tensile stress was 371 MPa in the heat-affected zone. The induction-hardened specimens with a quenched and tempered prior microstructure have the deepest hardening depth and widest residual compressive stress distribution range. The highest microhardness was 764 HV0.3, while the maximum residual compressive stress was −752 MPa.
Distributions of Outputs Given Subsets of Inputs and Dependent Generalized Sensitivity Indices
Authors: Lamboni Matieyendou
Published: February 2025

Better understanding mathematical and numerical models often requires investigating the impacts of inputs on the model outputs, as well as interactions. Quantifying such effects for models with non-independent input variables (NIVs) relies on conditional distributions of the outputs given every subset of inputs. In this paper, by firstly providing additional dependency models of NIVs, functional outputs are composed by dependency models (yielding equivalent representations of outputs) to derive distributions of outputs conditional on inputs. We then provide an algorithm for selecting the necessary and sufficient equivalent representations that allow for obtaining all the conditional distributions of outputs given every subset of inputs, and for assessing the main, total, and interaction effects (i.e., indices) of every subset of NIVs. Unbiased estimators of covariances of sensitivity functionals and consistent estimators of such indices are derived by distinguishing the case of the multivariate and/or functional outputs, including dynamic models. Finally, analytical results and numerical results are provided, including an illustration based on a dynamic model.
Multi-Feature Extraction and Explainable Machine Learning for Lamb-Wave-Based Damage Localization in Laminated Composites
Authors: Jung Jaehyun , Azad Muhammad Muzammil , Kim Heung Soo
Published: February 2025

Laminated composites display exceptional weight-saving abilities that make them suited to advanced applications in aerospace, automobile, civil, and marine industries. However, the orthotropic nature of laminated composites means that they possess several damage modes that can lead to catastrophic failure. Therefore, machine learning-based Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) techniques have been used for damage detection. While Lamb waves have shown significant potential in the SHM of laminated composites, most of these techniques are focused on imaging-based methods and are limited to damage detection. Therefore, this study aims to localize the damage in laminated composites without the use of imaging methods, thus improving the computational efficiency of the proposed approach. Moreover, the machine learning models are generally black-box in nature, with no transparency of the reason for their decision making. Thus, this study also proposes the use of Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) to identify the important feature to localize the damage in laminated composites. The proposed approach is validated by the experimental simulation of the damage at nine different locations of a composite laminate. Multi-feature extraction is carried out by first applying the Hilbert transform on the envelope signal followed by statistical feature analysis. This study compares raw signal features, Hilbert transform features, and multi-feature extraction from the Hilbert transform to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of an explainable K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) model in locating the damage, with an R2 value of 0.96, a Mean Square Error (MSE) value of 10.29, and a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) value of 0.5.
Frequency and Reasons for Fixation Hardware Removal After Orthognathic Surgery in Patients Treated in One Center
Authors: Nowak Rafał , Olejnik Anna , Przywitowski Szymon , Zawiślak Ewa , Golusiński Paweł
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Despite the well-established position of orthognathic surgery as a field of surgical treatment of deformities within the facial skeleton, it has not been possible to develop unanimous recommendations on how to approach fixation hardware after the healing period. In the absence of clear guidelines from opinion leaders and scientific societies on how to approach osteosynthesis after surgery, the decision to leave or remove fixation hardware is made individually by treatment centers, mostly based on their own experience. It is also important whether or not surgical procedures are financed by public funds. This issue extends beyond orthognathic surgery, affecting all facial skeleton procedures involving osteosynthesis materials. The aim of this study is to analyze the frequency and reasons for fixation hardware removal after orthognathic surgery in patients treated in one center. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study examined the medical records from 2015 to 2020 of patients treated surgically for skeletal deformities at the Department and Clinic of Otolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery of Collegium Medicum (formerly the Otolaryngology Department of the Provincial Hospital in Zielona Góra). This study analyzed the age and sex of patients, the type of orthognathic procedure, and the type of skeletal deformity, as well as the reasons for fixation hardware removal in the groups of patients. Results: During this period, 124 orthognathic procedures were performed, including 56 one-jaw operations (BSSO or Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy), 2 one-jaw operations with genioplasty, 55 bimaxillary operations (BSSO + Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy), 6 bimaxillary surgery with genioplasty and 5 isolated genioplasty procedures. Fixation hardware was removed in 77 cases (62.10% of procedures), comprising 57 women and 20 men. Reasons for osteosynthesis removal were divided into three groups: complications such as the occurrence of inflammatory reaction/infection (n = 17), subjective discomfort (n = 23), and patient requests (n = 37). Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for scientific societies to establish unified guidelines on managing post-surgical fixation hardware to standardize care and enhance patient outcomes.