Article
Microbiology
Wannes Van Holm, Katalina Lauwens, Pieter De Wever, Art Schuermans, Naiera Zayed, Ferda Pamuk, Mehraveh Saghi, Pedro Fardim, Kristel Bernaerts, Nico Boon, Wim Teughels
Summary: Probiotics may have oral health benefits, but their current use is restricted due to issues with product preparation, viability, and colonization capacity. Many commercial products lack the claimed amounts of viable cells and have inadequately characterized strains without clinical evidence. Lyophilized probiotics also demonstrate lower adhesive capacity compared to fresh or reactivated ones, raising questions about their usage.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Jihong Li, Chengming You, Li Zhang, Han Li, Bo Tan, Yang Liu, Lixia Wang, Sining Liu, Zhenfeng Xu
Summary: This study observed the decomposition patterns of the first five root orders of a common subalpine tree species in southwestern China, and found two root modules existing during the 3-year incubation. The first three root orders exhibited distinct temporal patterns of mass loss, nutrients, and stoichiometry from their woody mother roots, suggesting a potential decomposition dynamic among ephemeral root branches in forest tree species.
Review
Plant Sciences
Arya Bagus Boedi Iswanto, Minh Huy Vu, Sharon Pike, Jihyun Lee, Hobin Kang, Geon Hui Son, Jae-Yean Kim, Sang Hee Kim
Summary: Plants are exposed to various external cues, including biotic stressors such as pathogens, which can hinder plant growth and development by targeting the plasmodesmata. Pathogen effectors have evolved sophisticated attack strategies to manipulate host cells' defense mechanisms, with some bacterial effectors even exhibiting cell-to-cell movement via plasmodesmata.
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
N. S. IJzerman, E. van Werkhoven, M. Mohammadi, D. den Hollander, R. F. Bleckman, A. K. L. Reyners, I. M. E. Desar, H. Gelderblom, D. J. Gruenhagen, R. H. J. Mathijssen, N. Steeghs, W. T. A. van der Graaf
Summary: Sex differences may exist in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients and have an impact on disease-specific survival (DSS). Male patients are more likely to have aggressive GISTs with larger tumors, higher mitotic rates, more frequent tumor ruptures, and metastases, which may explain the sex differences observed in DSS.
Article
Surgery
Rocio E. Carrera Ceron, Robert B. Yates, Andrew S. Wright, H. Alejandro Rodriguez, Rebecca G. Lopez, Carlos A. Pellegrini, Brant K. Oelschlager
Summary: By reviewing surgical records, videos, and academic conference abstracts, we found no evidence of Type II hiatal hernias (HH). The current definition of Type II HH is problematic, as it can easily be mistaken for a paraesophageal hernia.
SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Brian W. Darvell, Anthony J. Smith
Summary: This article aims to classify the properties of materials in contact with tissues and provide clear definitions and labels for their behaviors in biological systems. This will enhance the understanding of literature, experimental design, and future research directions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel R. Lester, Marco Dentz, Prajwal Singh, Aditya Bandopadhyay
Summary: This study compares the transverse macrodispersion in porous media with different conductivity structures under purely advective transport. It is found that porous media with smooth, locally isotropic hydraulic conductivity exhibit zero transverse macrodispersion, while non-smooth or locally anisotropic conductivity fields can generate transverse macrodispersion. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms that govern transverse macrodispersion in groundwater flow.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Yale Rosen
Summary: Precursor lesions of pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas have not been identified, but literature suggests intraepithelial involvement in some cases. Evidence from human cases and genetically engineered mice indicates the existence of pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas in situ, but definitive proof is needed.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anton Kokalj, Matic Lozinsek, Barbara Kapun, Peyman Taheri, Shova Neupane, Patricia Losada-Perez, Chenyang Xie, Stojan Stavber, Daniel Crespo, Frank U. Renner, Arjan Mol, Ingrid Milosev
Summary: Research evaluated the correlation between molecular electronic parameters and experimentally determined corrosion inhibition efficiencies for a set of 24 heterocyclic organic compounds tested as corrosion inhibitors for copper in 3 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution. The study found no noticeable correlation between the molecular electronic descriptors and the inhibition efficiency. It also introduced a new metric called inhibition power for evaluating the performance of corrosion inhibitors.
Article
Economics
Rodrigo Gomes Tavora Maia, Katia Cristina Garcia
Summary: The electricity sector plays a critical role in addressing climate change and transitioning to clean energy. This study evaluates the energy transition and GHG emissions mitigation in the sector, based on the Paris Agreement targets and the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and science-based targets. The findings show that companies with science-based targets perform better in terms of emissions reduction and renewable energy transition. However, the adoption of SDGs has no significant impact on mitigation results. These findings can guide the development of effective policies and prioritize the implementation of SDGs in the electricity sector.
Article
Geography
Jan Falkowski, Aleksandra Chlebicka
Summary: The paper examines the diverse market behaviors of agricultural producer organizations, as well as the impact of their size and competitive environment on product offerings and marketing channel choices.
JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Kjell Ledin, Peter Bengtsson, Tore Arlemalm
Summary: This research report introduces a team leader intervention model consisting of six categories: Control, Inform, Initiate, Investigate, Support, and Avoid. These categories cover classical leadership behaviors as well as new intervention measures, providing a way to handle unexpected events in meetings.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
John C. Ruth, Gregory Stephanopoulos
Summary: This article proposes a definition for synthetic fuels and discusses their classification based on production methods. It evaluates the scalability, sustainability, and advantages of synthetic fuels in overcoming renewable energy challenges.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Meng Wu, Lenka Muller, Tatjana Schilling, Uwe Gbureck, Tao Wang, Frank A. Mueller
Summary: The study aimed at developing an improved TCS cement by incorporating PDA nanoparticles, which significantly reduced setting time, increased compressive strength, enhanced apatite-forming ability, and improved biocompatibility.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Surgery
Samantha Bunzli, Emma Choong, Cade Shadbolt, Laura Wall, Elizabeth Nelson, Chris Schilling, Helen Wilding, L. Stefan Lohmander, Zsolt J. Balogh, Francesco Paolucci, Philip Clarke, Peter F. M. Choong, Michelle M. Dowsey
Summary: This study analyzed 24 placebo surgery controlled trials and found that trialists often underestimate the time duration and number of recruitment sites required. It is crucial for trialists to factor in additional time and sites for future trials based on the findings, emphasizing the importance of a robust reporting framework for projected and actual trial design.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Farnaz Ghorbani, Theresa Reiter, Liliana Liverani, Dirk W. Schubert, Aldo R. Boccaccini, Judith A. Roether
Summary: Electrospinning is a promising method for designing fibrous tissue engineering scaffolds for hard and soft tissues. Incorporating bioactive cues, such as bioactive glass (BG), into electrospun biopolymer fibers has shown potential in improving fiber properties and enhancing biological performance. This article provides a comprehensive overview of BG-containing electrospun polymer composite fibers and discusses their effects on mechanical properties, biological response, and applications in bone regeneration, wound healing, and drug delivery. The study highlights essential aspects for future translational research in tissue engineering using BG-polymer composite fibers.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
A. Weizel, T. Distler, R. Detsch, A. R. Boccaccini, H. Seitz, S. Budday
Summary: Numerical simulations using appropriate material models and parameters are valuable for understanding the effects of mechanical stimulation on hydrogels for cartilage replacement. In this study, hyperviscoelastic material parameters for human articular cartilage and two replacement materials were identified using COMSOL Multiphysics (R) v. 5.6. The results revealed that ADA-GEL and ChondroFiller(liquid) exhibit faster stress relaxation and lower relaxation time constants compared to cartilage. Additionally, ADA-GEL and ChondroFiller(liquid) have a predominant elastic response, while cartilage has a predominant viscoelastic response.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Letter
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qaisar Nawaz, Thomas Fiedler, Jonas Biggemann, Tobias Fey, Aldo R. Boccaccini
Summary: In order to improve the mechanical properties of 45S5 bioactive glass struts, the study investigates the fabrication of struts using mold casting and sintering, followed by coating with gelatine and polycaprolactone (PCL). The results show an improvement in flexural strength of the struts after coating with PCL.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
F. Maciag, T. Moskalewicz, K. Cholewa-Kowalska, Z. Hadzhieva, M. Dziadek, A. Lukaszczyk, A. R. Boccaccini
Summary: The objective of this study was to develop cathodic electrophoretic deposition (EPD) to obtain composite coatings of mesoporous sol-gel glass (MSGG) particles embedded in a zein matrix on Ti-13Nb-13Zr substrates. The EPD process successfully produced uniform coatings with open porosity and good adhesion to the substrates. The coated substrates exhibited improved resistance to electrochemical corrosion, as well as moderate hydrophilicity and roughness. The composite coatings also showed enhanced antibacterial properties and the ability to form hydroxyapatite.
METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS TRANSACTIONS A-PHYSICAL METALLURGY AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Peserico, Chiara Di Berardino, Giulia Capacchietti, ChiaraCamerano Spelta Rapini, Liliana Liverani, Aldo Roberto Boccaccini, Valentina Russo, Annunziata Mauro, Barbara Barboni
Summary: Comparing with the validated cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) protocol, a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold-mediated follicle-enclosed oocytes (FEO) system was found to optimize in vitro maturation (IVM) for ovine early antral (EA)-derived oocytes. By combining hCG stimulation with ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) cells coculture exclusively on the FEO system, the maturation rate and parthenogenetic activation of EA-derived oocytes were significantly improved. The paracrine factors released specifically from OSE enhanced the hCG-triggering of oocyte maturation mechanisms by acting through the mural compartment, stimulating the EGFR signaling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Annabel Braem, Nur Hidayatul Nazirah Kamarudin, Nitu Bhaskar, Zoya Hadzhieva, Andrea Mele, Jeremy Soulie, Denver P. Linklater, Linda Bonilla-Gameros, Aldo R. Boccaccini, Ipsita Roy, Christophe Drouet, Elena P. Ivanova, Diego Mantovani, Bikramjit Basu
Summary: Peri-implant infection is a significant challenge in the clinical field. Researchers are developing biomaterial and bioengineering-based antimicrobial strategies to tackle this issue. However, the development of these approaches is hindered by challenges like biocompatibility concerns, reduced antimicrobial effectiveness, long-term stability issues, and antibiotic resistance development. This review provides insights into current state-of-the-art biomaterial-based antimicrobial approaches and highlights the importance of translational research strategies and regulatory frameworks for clinical implementation. The integration of computational tools and experimental databases using artificial intelligence (AI) is proposed as a vision to accelerate the development of next-generation biomaterial-based antimicrobial strategies.
INTERNATIONAL MATERIALS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Irem Unalan, Stefan Schruefer, Dirk W. Schubert, Aldo R. Boccaccini
Summary: This study aimed to develop 3D-printed hydrogels as multifunctional wound dressings containing phytotherapeutic agents. Results showed that blending xanthan gum (XAN) overcame the challenges associated with sodium alginate (ALG) in terms of printability and shape fidelity. Clove essential oil (CLV) was successfully incorporated into the 3D-printed hydrogels, exhibiting long-term release and enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Additionally, CLV showed potential anti-inflammatory effects and had no toxic effect on NHDF cells. Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating natural phytotherapeutics into 3D-printed hydrogels for wound healing.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Minna Siekkinen, Oskar Karlstrom, Leena Hupa
Summary: This study expands the understanding of bioactive glass S53P4 dissolution by implementing a cascade reactor, and reveals the influence of released ions and decreased available hydrogen ions for ion exchange on the dissolution behavior.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Emil Vainio, Patrik Yrjas, Leena Hupa, Mikko Hupa
Summary: Optimizing energy recovery and efficient use of energy in flue gases is crucial for power plant economy. NH4Cl is highly corrosive on carbon steel and its corrosion is influenced by water vapor concentration, relative humidity, and temperature. Studying the hygroscopic and corrosive properties of NH4Cl can help prevent NH4Cl deposit build-up and corrosion.
Article
Energy & Fuels
J. -e. Eriksson, J. Lehmusto, M. Dirbeba, L. Silvander, D. Lindberg, L. Hupa
Summary: The study investigated the impact of small alkali halide additions on the melting behavior and corrosivity of a synthetic sulfate deposit at temperatures of 500, 550, and 600 degrees C. Three different alloyed commercial heat-transfer materials were studied. It was found that even small amounts of reactive alkali halides significantly changed the corrosion and melting behavior of the mixture.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Clerici, Vera Citro, Amy L. Byrne, Tina P. Dale, Aldo R. Boccaccini, Giovanna Della Porta, Nicola Maffulli, Nicholas R. Forsyth
Summary: By comparing and contrasting different tendon cell populations, this study found that type II tendon stem cells (TSCs) are the most promising population for expansion due to their enhanced proliferative potential, multipotency, and maintenance of a tendon-specific profile. Furthermore, physoxia promotes enhanced proliferation and maintenance of a tenogenic profile in all tendon-derived cell populations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Q. Nawaz, A. de Pablos-Martin, A. T. Contreras Jaimes, F. Scheffler, T. Wagner, D. S. Brauer, A. R. Boccaccini
Summary: This study compares the properties of scaffolds prepared using sol-gel and melt-derived powders. The microstructure, shrinkage behavior, bioactivity, and cell compatibility of the scaffolds were evaluated. The findings show that sol-gel derived 13-93 scaffolds exhibit similar characteristics to melt-derived scaffolds, and the sol-gel approach offers advantages such as low temperature processing and high purity for fabricating high-quality scaffolds.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Catalina Adler, Mahshid Monavari, Gustavo A. Abraham, Aldo R. Boccaccini, Farnaz Ghorbani
Summary: This study synthesized electroconductive silane-modified gelatin-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) scaffolds to simulate the chemistry and piezoelectricity of bone. The scaffolds were functionalized with polydopamine (PDA) inspired by mussels to enhance hydrophilicity, cell interaction, and biomineralization. Analysis showed that the PDA-coated scaffolds had improved electrical resistance, hydrophilicity, compressive strength, modulus, and biomineralization capability. The scaffolds also promoted the viability, adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase expression, and HA deposition of MG-63 cells, indicating their potential for bone regeneration.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Roland Balint, Markus Engblom, Jonne Niemi, Mikko Hupa, Leena Hupa
Summary: This study investigates the initial melting behavior of synthetic ash deposits and how it affects the final deposit morphology. The results show that the amount of melt formed during the experiment plays a crucial role in determining the deposit morphology. Two types of deposit morphologies, skeletal and molten, were identified, and their aging behaviors were found to differ. The findings provide important insights into the connection between deposit morphology and deposit aging.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Polina Sinitsyna, Markus Engblom, Leena Hupa
Summary: The impact of substituting K2O for Na2O on the physico-chemical and bioactive properties of bioactive glass S53P4 was studied. It was found that the substitution showed a mixed-alkali effect, with the optimal composition containing around 20% K2O. The thermal properties and ion release kinetics varied with the potassium content, providing insights for tailoring new bioactive glass compositions.
