Microneedles(MNs)have been extensively investigated for transdermal delivery of large-sized drugs,including proteins,nucleic acids,and even extracellular vesicles(EVs).However,for their sufficient skin penetration,con...Microneedles(MNs)have been extensively investigated for transdermal delivery of large-sized drugs,including proteins,nucleic acids,and even extracellular vesicles(EVs).However,for their sufficient skin penetration,conventional MNs employ long needles(≥600μm),leading to pain and skin irritation.Moreover,it is critical to stably apply MNs against complex skin surfaces for uniform nanoscale drug delivery.Herein,a dually amplified transdermal patch(MN@EV/SC)is developed as the stem cell-derived EV delivery platform by hierarchically integrating an octopusinspired suction cup(SC)with short MNs(≤300μm).While leveraging the suction effect to induce nanoscale deformation of the stratum corneum,MN@EV/SC minimizes skin damage and enhances the adhesion of MNs,allowing EV to penetrate deeper into the dermis.When MNs of various lengths are applied to mouse skin,the short MNs can elicit comparable corticosterone release to chemical adhesives,whereas long MNs induce a prompt stress response.MN@EV/SC can achieve a remarkable penetration depth(290μm)for EV,compared to that of MN alone(111μm).Consequently,MN@EV/SC facilitates the revitalization of fibroblasts and enhances collagen synthesis in middle-aged mice.Overall,MN@EV/SC exhibits the potential for skin regeneration by modulating the dermal microenvironment and ensuring patient comfort.展开更多
Aconitines are a group of highly bioactive and toxic compounds found in aconitum species.[1]It is clinically used to treat rheumatism,rheumatoid arthritis,osteoarthritis,and cancer.[2]In folk medicine,aconitine is oft...Aconitines are a group of highly bioactive and toxic compounds found in aconitum species.[1]It is clinically used to treat rheumatism,rheumatoid arthritis,osteoarthritis,and cancer.[2]In folk medicine,aconitine is often soaked in white wine to make medicinal wine,which is used to treat rheumatism,joint pain,and other diseases.[3]Improper use of aconitine can cause adverse effects in the nervous system and digestive system,as well as cardiovascular dysfunction,especially arrhythmia.[4]Because of its high toxicity when it is improperly handled,aconitine has attracted widespread attention.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of blood-letting cupping combined with manual lymphatic drainage in treating breast cancer-related lymphedema(BCRL)and explore its mechanism of action from both traditional ...Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of blood-letting cupping combined with manual lymphatic drainage in treating breast cancer-related lymphedema(BCRL)and explore its mechanism of action from both traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical perspectives,providing a scientific basis and novel therapeutic approaches for clinical management of BCRL.Methods:Patients with BCRL admitted to the outpatient and inpatient departments of Hebei University Affiliated Hospital were enrolled.A prospective randomized controlled trial design was adopted,with eligible patients randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group.The control group received manual lymphatic drainage alone,while the treatment group received manual lymphtic drainage combined with blood-letting cupping therapy.Posttreatment comparisons evaluated upper limb circumference reduction,edema severity grading,and upper limb functional scores.Vital signs and adverse reactions during treatment were recorded for both groups.Statistical software analyzed the data.Results:The treatment group demonstrated significantly greater reduction in upper limb circumference,improvement in edema severity,and higher upper limb function scores compared to the control group(P<0.05).Vital signs remained stable throughout treatment in both groups.No severe adverse reactions occurred in the treatment group;only isolated cases of mild skin itching were reported,which resolved after symptomatic management.Conclusion:The combination of bloodletting cupping and manual lymphatic drainage demonstrates reliable efficacy in treating BCRL,effectively alleviating edema symptoms and improving upper limb function with high safety.Its mechanism may relate to traditional Chinese medicine principles of“unblocking meridians,promoting blood circulation,and resolving stasis”and modern medical concepts of“enhancing local blood circulation,facilitating lymphatic drainage,and reducing inflammatory responses”.展开更多
The rapid increase in traffic loads and frequencies has rendered conventional asphalt pavement inadequate to maintain its durability under tropical climates.This challenge has necessitated the exploration of new sourc...The rapid increase in traffic loads and frequencies has rendered conventional asphalt pavement inadequate to maintain its durability under tropical climates.This challenge has necessitated the exploration of new sources of modified asphalt with enhanced stiffness and superior performance at high temperatures.Natural rubber(NR)is a renewable biopolymer that has received growing interest as a modifier for asphalt binders.Cup lump rubber(CLR),a type of NR,is used to enhance asphalt properties and improve the performance of road pavements.This study evaluates the influence of wax-based surfactants(WS)on CLR-modified asphalt binder(CMB).The assessment focuses on changes in chemical characteristics,rheological behaviour,activation energy,and morphology.Four concentrations of WS(0.1%,0.15%,0.2%,and 0.25%)were incorporated into CMB.Analysis of CMB chemical changes showed that viscosity increased due to higher sulfoxide,carbonyl,and aromatic bond indices.These chemical modifications contributed to improved resistance of the binder to heat-induced deterioration.In both unaged and aged CMB samples,the incorporation of WS reduced the sulfoxide index of the binder.Rheological analysis indicated that CMB improved rutting resistance and anti-ageing performance,while WS further enhanced fatigue resistance.Activation energy analysis suggested that the combination of CMB with 0.15%WS produced the most favourable enhancement.Micrograph results showed that WS improved binder homogeneity and interconnectivity.In conclusion,the findings indicated that incorporating 0.15%WS into CMB enhanced the performance and durability of the asphalt pavement.展开更多
Major defects in forming of conical cups are wrinkles and rupture.Hydrodynamic deep drawing assisted by radial pressure（HDDRP） is a sheet hydroforming process for production of shell cups in one step.In this work,pr...Major defects in forming of conical cups are wrinkles and rupture.Hydrodynamic deep drawing assisted by radial pressure（HDDRP） is a sheet hydroforming process for production of shell cups in one step.In this work,process window diagrams（PWDs） for Al1050-O,pure copper and DIN 1623 St14 steel are obtained for HDDRP process.The PWD is determined to provide a quick assessment of part producibility for sheet hydroforming process.Finite element method is used for this purpose considering the process parameters including pressure path,and the blank material and its thickness.Numerical results are validated by experiments.It is shown that the sheets with less initial thickness and higher strength show better formability and uniformity of thickness distribution on final product.The results demonstrate that the obtained PWD can predict appropriate forming area and probability of rupture or wrinkling occurrence under different pressure loading paths.展开更多
Hydrodynamic deep drawing assisted by radial pressure is an advanced sheet forming technology with great advantages such as higher drawing ratio, good surface quality and higher dimensional accuracy. In this process, ...Hydrodynamic deep drawing assisted by radial pressure is an advanced sheet forming technology with great advantages such as higher drawing ratio, good surface quality and higher dimensional accuracy. In this process, both the bottom surface and the peripheral edge of sheets are under hydrodynamic pressure, so that the forming procedure is more uniform with low failure probability. Multi-layered sheets with complex geometries could be formed more easily with this technique compared with other traditional methods. Rupture is the main irrecoverable failure form in sheet forming processes. Prediction of rupture occurrence is of great importance for determining and optimizing the proper process parameters. In this research, a theoretical model was proposed to calculate the critical rupture pressure in production of double layered conical parts with hydrodynamic deep drawing process assisted by radial pressure. The effects of other process parameters on critical rupture pressure, such as punch tip radius, drawing ratio, coefficient of friction, sheet thickness and material properties were also discussed. The proposed model was compared with finite element simulation and validated by experiments on Al1050/St13 double layered sheets, where a good agreement was found with analytical results.展开更多
Sand-fflled splash cups were used to study the erosive power of rainfall and throughfall in the humid subtropics of Southeast China. The splash cup measurements yielded precise and reproducible results under both open...Sand-fflled splash cups were used to study the erosive power of rainfall and throughfall in the humid subtropics of Southeast China. The splash cup measurements yielded precise and reproducible results under both open field conditions and forest vegetation. The splash cups were exposed to specific forest stands of different ages and to selected species （Schima superba, Castanopsis eyrei, Daphniphyllum oldhamii, Lithocarpus glaber） in the Gutianshan （古田山） National Nature Reserve （GNNR）. The results of the measurements under forest vegetation show that the erosive power of throughfall drops to be 2.59 times higher compared to the open field. This accentuates the importance of shrub, herb and litter layers in forest ecosystems to protect the soil against erosion. Coalescing drops from leaves and branches （drips） are responsible for this notable gain in erosive power. Moreover, differences in sandloss between the investigated tree species （deciduous, evergreen） revealed that the erosion potential and the spatial heterogeneity of throughfall are species-specific. This highlights the importance of selecting specific species for afforestation projects considering the prevention of soil erosion.展开更多
Acetabular cups,which are among themost important implants in total hip arthroplasty,are usually made from titanium alloys with high porosity and adequate mechanical properties.The current three-dimensional(3D)printin...Acetabular cups,which are among themost important implants in total hip arthroplasty,are usually made from titanium alloys with high porosity and adequate mechanical properties.The current three-dimensional(3D)printing approaches to fabricate customized acetabular cups have some inherent disadvantages such as high cost and energy consumption,residual thermal stress,and relatively low efficiency.Thus,in this work,a direct ink writing method was developed to print a cup structure at room temperature,followed by multi-step heat treatment to form microscale porous structure within the acetabular cup.Our method is facilitated by the development of a self-supporting titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium(Ti64)ink that is composed of Ti64 particles,bentonite yield-stress additive,ultraviolet curable polymer,and photo-initiator.The effects of Ti64 and bentonite concentrations on the rheological properties and printability of inks were systematically investigated.Moreover,the printing conditions,geometrical limitations,and maximum curing depth were explored.Finally,some complex 3D structures,including lattices with different gap distances,honeycomb with a well-defined shape,and an acetabular cup with uniformly distributed micropores,were successfully printed/fabricated to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.展开更多
Bacterial transfer is a concern when sharing food and drink, so to address this concern, this study examined the bacterial transfer onto and into plastic drinking cups. Two experiments were performed to: 1) test bacte...Bacterial transfer is a concern when sharing food and drink, so to address this concern, this study examined the bacterial transfer onto and into plastic drinking cups. Two experiments were performed to: 1) test bacterial transfer to the rim of a plastic drinking cup, and 2) test residual bacteria in the liquid that was consumed from the cup. Bacteria were enumerated from the cup rim and the water in the cup. The results for both types of transfer showed higher bacterial populations on cups exposed to drinking compared to those where no drinking occurred. However, there was more bacterial transfer to the rim of the plastic cup than the liquid inside the cup.展开更多
Plastic cups commonly used by communities of Uganda lose color with time as they are used. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of copper, lead and chromium in drinks placed in blue and green ...Plastic cups commonly used by communities of Uganda lose color with time as they are used. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of copper, lead and chromium in drinks placed in blue and green plastic cups from two companies (anonymized as A and B) in Uganda. New blue and green polyethylene plastic cups produced from unrecycled material were purchased from company A and company B while control cups of Luminarc white (Saudi Arabia) and porcelain white glazed (China) were purchased from shops in Mbarara city. The ash from the burnt blue and green plastic cups was digested using Aqua Regia. After a holding time of 30 and 60 minutes, milk and tea samples in the four different cups were also digested using Aqua Regia. Sample analysis for the supernatants was done in triplicates using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The ash of blue and green cups from company A was found to contain the highest concentration of heavy metals which ranged from 0.73 to 1.86 ppm for lead, 8.05 to 38.32 ppm of copper, and 655.80 to 756.57 ppm for chromium. For company B, the heavy metal concentrations ranged from 0.76 to 1.43 ppm, 5.51 to 22.85 ppm, and 756.67 to 815.25 ppm, respectively. The concentration of the leached metals ranged from 0.001 to 5.75 ppm for copper, 0.001 to 0.60 ppm for chromium, and 0.001 to 0.41 ppm for lead for the cup of company A. For the cup from company B, the concentration ranges for the leached metals were from 0.001 to 3.59 ppm, 0.001 to 1.08 ppm, and 0.001 to 0.29 ppm, respectively. Most of the values obtained for the leached concentrations of the metals studied were above the respective drinking water in WHO and USEPA permissible limits of 1 ppm (copper), 0.05 ppm (lead) and 0.1 ppm (chromium). The blue and green plastic cups from both companies had leached concentrations of copper, lead and chromium below the permissible limits at 25°C, pH 6.2 (milk) and a holding time of 30 minutes. The control cups did not leach detectable amounts of copper, chromium and lead under the study conditions, hence it may be safe for holding the hot drinks at the temperatures experimented in this study.展开更多
The biomechanical effects of acetabular revision with jumbo cups are unclear.This study aimed to compare the biomechanical effects of bionic trabecular metal vs.titanium jumbo cups for the revision of acetabular bone ...The biomechanical effects of acetabular revision with jumbo cups are unclear.This study aimed to compare the biomechanical effects of bionic trabecular metal vs.titanium jumbo cups for the revision of acetabular bone defects.We designed and reconstructed American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons(AAOS)type I–III acetabular bone defect models using computed tomography scans of a man without acetabular bone defects.The implantation of titanium and trabecular metal jumbo cups was simulated.Stress distribution and relative micromotion between the cup and host bone were assessed using finite element analysis.Contact stress on the screws fixing the cups was also analyzed.The contact stress analysis showed that the peak contact stress between the titanium jumbo cup and the host bone was 21.7,20.1,and 23.8 MPa in the AAOS I–III models,respectively;the corresponding values for bionic tantalum jumbo cups decreased to 4.7,6.7,and 11.1 MPa.Analysis of the relative micromotion showed that the peak relative micromotion between the host bone and the titanium metal cup was 10.2,9.1,and 11.5μm in the AAOS I–III models,respectively;the corresponding values for bionic trabecular metal cups were 17.2,18.2,and 31.3μm.The peak contact stress on the screws was similar for the 2 cup types,and was concentrated on the screw rods.Hence,acetabular reconstruction with jumbo cups is biomechanically feasible.We recommend trabecular metal cups due to their superior stress distribution and higher relative micromotion,which is within the threshold for adequate bone ingrowth.展开更多
The composition of paper cups creates a challenge for the recycling industry,as the paperboard–plastic film composite is hard to separate.Therefore,paper cups are sent to landfills or waste incinerators.This study ex...The composition of paper cups creates a challenge for the recycling industry,as the paperboard–plastic film composite is hard to separate.Therefore,paper cups are sent to landfills or waste incinerators.This study explores the combined use of red worms(Eisenia fetida)and Greater wax moth(Galleria mellonella)in the biodegradation of paper cups.The study investigates the conditions and combinations that promote using Eisenia fetida and Galleria mellonella for degrading paper cups.The study considered the influence of environmental temperature,the presence of food waste,varying the number of Eisenia fetida worms,and the presence of a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent on the degradation process.To achieve the study objectives,the study followed a quantitative approach.The study monitored the degradation of paper cup cuts that were placed in jars containing different combinations of Eisenia fetida worms,Galleria mellonella larvae,food waste,bedding material,and Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agents.The study found that the best operating temperature is 30oC.The study found that using food waste improves the performance of Eisenia fetida worms and Galleria mellonella larvae significantly.The study found that adding a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent slightly enhances the degradation of the paper cup.Finally,a numerical model was obtained to simulate the paper cup degradation efficiency.展开更多
In June 2026,the FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries for the first time,featur ing 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities in North Amer ica.For the United States,Canada,and Mexico,this is not o...In June 2026,the FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries for the first time,featur ing 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities in North Amer ica.For the United States,Canada,and Mexico,this is not only a sporting event but also a well-planned“economic feast.”展开更多
基金supported by National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grants funded by the Korean government(MSIT)(No.RS-2023-00256265,RS-2024-00352352,RS-2024-00405818)the Korean Fund for Regenerative Medicine(KFRM)grant funded by the Korea government(the Ministry of Science and ICT,the Ministry of Health&Welfare).(No.25A0102L1)support from the Market-led K-sensor technology program(RS-2022-00154781,Development of large-area wafer-level flexible/stretchable hybrid sensor platform technology for form factor-free highly integrated convergence sensor),funded By the Ministry of Trade,Industry&Energy(MOTIE,Korea).
文摘Microneedles(MNs)have been extensively investigated for transdermal delivery of large-sized drugs,including proteins,nucleic acids,and even extracellular vesicles(EVs).However,for their sufficient skin penetration,conventional MNs employ long needles(≥600μm),leading to pain and skin irritation.Moreover,it is critical to stably apply MNs against complex skin surfaces for uniform nanoscale drug delivery.Herein,a dually amplified transdermal patch(MN@EV/SC)is developed as the stem cell-derived EV delivery platform by hierarchically integrating an octopusinspired suction cup(SC)with short MNs(≤300μm).While leveraging the suction effect to induce nanoscale deformation of the stratum corneum,MN@EV/SC minimizes skin damage and enhances the adhesion of MNs,allowing EV to penetrate deeper into the dermis.When MNs of various lengths are applied to mouse skin,the short MNs can elicit comparable corticosterone release to chemical adhesives,whereas long MNs induce a prompt stress response.MN@EV/SC can achieve a remarkable penetration depth(290μm)for EV,compared to that of MN alone(111μm).Consequently,MN@EV/SC facilitates the revitalization of fibroblasts and enhances collagen synthesis in middle-aged mice.Overall,MN@EV/SC exhibits the potential for skin regeneration by modulating the dermal microenvironment and ensuring patient comfort.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82360387)the Key Laboratory of Emergency Medicine of Yunnan Province(202449CE340015).
文摘Aconitines are a group of highly bioactive and toxic compounds found in aconitum species.[1]It is clinically used to treat rheumatism,rheumatoid arthritis,osteoarthritis,and cancer.[2]In folk medicine,aconitine is often soaked in white wine to make medicinal wine,which is used to treat rheumatism,joint pain,and other diseases.[3]Improper use of aconitine can cause adverse effects in the nervous system and digestive system,as well as cardiovascular dysfunction,especially arrhythmia.[4]Because of its high toxicity when it is improperly handled,aconitine has attracted widespread attention.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of blood-letting cupping combined with manual lymphatic drainage in treating breast cancer-related lymphedema(BCRL)and explore its mechanism of action from both traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical perspectives,providing a scientific basis and novel therapeutic approaches for clinical management of BCRL.Methods:Patients with BCRL admitted to the outpatient and inpatient departments of Hebei University Affiliated Hospital were enrolled.A prospective randomized controlled trial design was adopted,with eligible patients randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group.The control group received manual lymphatic drainage alone,while the treatment group received manual lymphtic drainage combined with blood-letting cupping therapy.Posttreatment comparisons evaluated upper limb circumference reduction,edema severity grading,and upper limb functional scores.Vital signs and adverse reactions during treatment were recorded for both groups.Statistical software analyzed the data.Results:The treatment group demonstrated significantly greater reduction in upper limb circumference,improvement in edema severity,and higher upper limb function scores compared to the control group(P<0.05).Vital signs remained stable throughout treatment in both groups.No severe adverse reactions occurred in the treatment group;only isolated cases of mild skin itching were reported,which resolved after symptomatic management.Conclusion:The combination of bloodletting cupping and manual lymphatic drainage demonstrates reliable efficacy in treating BCRL,effectively alleviating edema symptoms and improving upper limb function with high safety.Its mechanism may relate to traditional Chinese medicine principles of“unblocking meridians,promoting blood circulation,and resolving stasis”and modern medical concepts of“enhancing local blood circulation,facilitating lymphatic drainage,and reducing inflammatory responses”.
基金the financial support provided under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS),Project Code:FRGS/1/2021/TK01/USM/02/1,which made this research possible,The kind assistance and collaboration of all material suppliers were also gratefully acknowledged.Additional appreciation is extended to the Public Works Department Malaysia for the scholarship provided through the Hadiah Latihan Persekutuan programme for professional and managerial officers pursuing doctoral studies(JPA-1-840622086040)The APC was funded by Prof.Hui Yao from Beijing University of Technology.
文摘The rapid increase in traffic loads and frequencies has rendered conventional asphalt pavement inadequate to maintain its durability under tropical climates.This challenge has necessitated the exploration of new sources of modified asphalt with enhanced stiffness and superior performance at high temperatures.Natural rubber(NR)is a renewable biopolymer that has received growing interest as a modifier for asphalt binders.Cup lump rubber(CLR),a type of NR,is used to enhance asphalt properties and improve the performance of road pavements.This study evaluates the influence of wax-based surfactants(WS)on CLR-modified asphalt binder(CMB).The assessment focuses on changes in chemical characteristics,rheological behaviour,activation energy,and morphology.Four concentrations of WS(0.1%,0.15%,0.2%,and 0.25%)were incorporated into CMB.Analysis of CMB chemical changes showed that viscosity increased due to higher sulfoxide,carbonyl,and aromatic bond indices.These chemical modifications contributed to improved resistance of the binder to heat-induced deterioration.In both unaged and aged CMB samples,the incorporation of WS reduced the sulfoxide index of the binder.Rheological analysis indicated that CMB improved rutting resistance and anti-ageing performance,while WS further enhanced fatigue resistance.Activation energy analysis suggested that the combination of CMB with 0.15%WS produced the most favourable enhancement.Micrograph results showed that WS improved binder homogeneity and interconnectivity.In conclusion,the findings indicated that incorporating 0.15%WS into CMB enhanced the performance and durability of the asphalt pavement.
文摘Major defects in forming of conical cups are wrinkles and rupture.Hydrodynamic deep drawing assisted by radial pressure（HDDRP） is a sheet hydroforming process for production of shell cups in one step.In this work,process window diagrams（PWDs） for Al1050-O,pure copper and DIN 1623 St14 steel are obtained for HDDRP process.The PWD is determined to provide a quick assessment of part producibility for sheet hydroforming process.Finite element method is used for this purpose considering the process parameters including pressure path,and the blank material and its thickness.Numerical results are validated by experiments.It is shown that the sheets with less initial thickness and higher strength show better formability and uniformity of thickness distribution on final product.The results demonstrate that the obtained PWD can predict appropriate forming area and probability of rupture or wrinkling occurrence under different pressure loading paths.
文摘Hydrodynamic deep drawing assisted by radial pressure is an advanced sheet forming technology with great advantages such as higher drawing ratio, good surface quality and higher dimensional accuracy. In this process, both the bottom surface and the peripheral edge of sheets are under hydrodynamic pressure, so that the forming procedure is more uniform with low failure probability. Multi-layered sheets with complex geometries could be formed more easily with this technique compared with other traditional methods. Rupture is the main irrecoverable failure form in sheet forming processes. Prediction of rupture occurrence is of great importance for determining and optimizing the proper process parameters. In this research, a theoretical model was proposed to calculate the critical rupture pressure in production of double layered conical parts with hydrodynamic deep drawing process assisted by radial pressure. The effects of other process parameters on critical rupture pressure, such as punch tip radius, drawing ratio, coefficient of friction, sheet thickness and material properties were also discussed. The proposed model was compared with finite element simulation and validated by experiments on Al1050/St13 double layered sheets, where a good agreement was found with analytical results.
基金supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemein-schaft (German Science Foundation) (No. DFG FOR 891/1)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 30710103907, 30930005)
文摘Sand-fflled splash cups were used to study the erosive power of rainfall and throughfall in the humid subtropics of Southeast China. The splash cup measurements yielded precise and reproducible results under both open field conditions and forest vegetation. The splash cups were exposed to specific forest stands of different ages and to selected species （Schima superba, Castanopsis eyrei, Daphniphyllum oldhamii, Lithocarpus glaber） in the Gutianshan （古田山） National Nature Reserve （GNNR）. The results of the measurements under forest vegetation show that the erosive power of throughfall drops to be 2.59 times higher compared to the open field. This accentuates the importance of shrub, herb and litter layers in forest ecosystems to protect the soil against erosion. Coalescing drops from leaves and branches （drips） are responsible for this notable gain in erosive power. Moreover, differences in sandloss between the investigated tree species （deciduous, evergreen） revealed that the erosion potential and the spatial heterogeneity of throughfall are species-specific. This highlights the importance of selecting specific species for afforestation projects considering the prevention of soil erosion.
基金supported by the Micro Grant (PG20473) at the University of Nevada, Reno, USA
文摘Acetabular cups,which are among themost important implants in total hip arthroplasty,are usually made from titanium alloys with high porosity and adequate mechanical properties.The current three-dimensional(3D)printing approaches to fabricate customized acetabular cups have some inherent disadvantages such as high cost and energy consumption,residual thermal stress,and relatively low efficiency.Thus,in this work,a direct ink writing method was developed to print a cup structure at room temperature,followed by multi-step heat treatment to form microscale porous structure within the acetabular cup.Our method is facilitated by the development of a self-supporting titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium(Ti64)ink that is composed of Ti64 particles,bentonite yield-stress additive,ultraviolet curable polymer,and photo-initiator.The effects of Ti64 and bentonite concentrations on the rheological properties and printability of inks were systematically investigated.Moreover,the printing conditions,geometrical limitations,and maximum curing depth were explored.Finally,some complex 3D structures,including lattices with different gap distances,honeycomb with a well-defined shape,and an acetabular cup with uniformly distributed micropores,were successfully printed/fabricated to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
文摘Bacterial transfer is a concern when sharing food and drink, so to address this concern, this study examined the bacterial transfer onto and into plastic drinking cups. Two experiments were performed to: 1) test bacterial transfer to the rim of a plastic drinking cup, and 2) test residual bacteria in the liquid that was consumed from the cup. Bacteria were enumerated from the cup rim and the water in the cup. The results for both types of transfer showed higher bacterial populations on cups exposed to drinking compared to those where no drinking occurred. However, there was more bacterial transfer to the rim of the plastic cup than the liquid inside the cup.
文摘Plastic cups commonly used by communities of Uganda lose color with time as they are used. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of copper, lead and chromium in drinks placed in blue and green plastic cups from two companies (anonymized as A and B) in Uganda. New blue and green polyethylene plastic cups produced from unrecycled material were purchased from company A and company B while control cups of Luminarc white (Saudi Arabia) and porcelain white glazed (China) were purchased from shops in Mbarara city. The ash from the burnt blue and green plastic cups was digested using Aqua Regia. After a holding time of 30 and 60 minutes, milk and tea samples in the four different cups were also digested using Aqua Regia. Sample analysis for the supernatants was done in triplicates using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The ash of blue and green cups from company A was found to contain the highest concentration of heavy metals which ranged from 0.73 to 1.86 ppm for lead, 8.05 to 38.32 ppm of copper, and 655.80 to 756.57 ppm for chromium. For company B, the heavy metal concentrations ranged from 0.76 to 1.43 ppm, 5.51 to 22.85 ppm, and 756.67 to 815.25 ppm, respectively. The concentration of the leached metals ranged from 0.001 to 5.75 ppm for copper, 0.001 to 0.60 ppm for chromium, and 0.001 to 0.41 ppm for lead for the cup of company A. For the cup from company B, the concentration ranges for the leached metals were from 0.001 to 3.59 ppm, 0.001 to 1.08 ppm, and 0.001 to 0.29 ppm, respectively. Most of the values obtained for the leached concentrations of the metals studied were above the respective drinking water in WHO and USEPA permissible limits of 1 ppm (copper), 0.05 ppm (lead) and 0.1 ppm (chromium). The blue and green plastic cups from both companies had leached concentrations of copper, lead and chromium below the permissible limits at 25°C, pH 6.2 (milk) and a holding time of 30 minutes. The control cups did not leach detectable amounts of copper, chromium and lead under the study conditions, hence it may be safe for holding the hot drinks at the temperatures experimented in this study.
基金This work was supported by funding from China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No:2020M670863)Jilin Scientific and Technological Development Program(No:20230203089SF).
文摘The biomechanical effects of acetabular revision with jumbo cups are unclear.This study aimed to compare the biomechanical effects of bionic trabecular metal vs.titanium jumbo cups for the revision of acetabular bone defects.We designed and reconstructed American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons(AAOS)type I–III acetabular bone defect models using computed tomography scans of a man without acetabular bone defects.The implantation of titanium and trabecular metal jumbo cups was simulated.Stress distribution and relative micromotion between the cup and host bone were assessed using finite element analysis.Contact stress on the screws fixing the cups was also analyzed.The contact stress analysis showed that the peak contact stress between the titanium jumbo cup and the host bone was 21.7,20.1,and 23.8 MPa in the AAOS I–III models,respectively;the corresponding values for bionic tantalum jumbo cups decreased to 4.7,6.7,and 11.1 MPa.Analysis of the relative micromotion showed that the peak relative micromotion between the host bone and the titanium metal cup was 10.2,9.1,and 11.5μm in the AAOS I–III models,respectively;the corresponding values for bionic trabecular metal cups were 17.2,18.2,and 31.3μm.The peak contact stress on the screws was similar for the 2 cup types,and was concentrated on the screw rods.Hence,acetabular reconstruction with jumbo cups is biomechanically feasible.We recommend trabecular metal cups due to their superior stress distribution and higher relative micromotion,which is within the threshold for adequate bone ingrowth.
基金funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at the University of Jordan.
文摘The composition of paper cups creates a challenge for the recycling industry,as the paperboard–plastic film composite is hard to separate.Therefore,paper cups are sent to landfills or waste incinerators.This study explores the combined use of red worms(Eisenia fetida)and Greater wax moth(Galleria mellonella)in the biodegradation of paper cups.The study investigates the conditions and combinations that promote using Eisenia fetida and Galleria mellonella for degrading paper cups.The study considered the influence of environmental temperature,the presence of food waste,varying the number of Eisenia fetida worms,and the presence of a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent on the degradation process.To achieve the study objectives,the study followed a quantitative approach.The study monitored the degradation of paper cup cuts that were placed in jars containing different combinations of Eisenia fetida worms,Galleria mellonella larvae,food waste,bedding material,and Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agents.The study found that the best operating temperature is 30oC.The study found that using food waste improves the performance of Eisenia fetida worms and Galleria mellonella larvae significantly.The study found that adding a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent slightly enhances the degradation of the paper cup.Finally,a numerical model was obtained to simulate the paper cup degradation efficiency.
文摘In June 2026,the FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries for the first time,featur ing 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities in North Amer ica.For the United States,Canada,and Mexico,this is not only a sporting event but also a well-planned“economic feast.”
