Search Results (386)

Deep coal mining is essential for energy use and sustainable development. In a situation where coal–rock–gas dynamic disasters are prone to occur in coal seam variation areas affected by different degrees of roof angle during deep coal seam mining, a disaster energy equation considering the influence of roof elastic energy is established, and the disaster energy criterion considering the influence of roof elastic energy is derived and introduced into COMSOL6.1 software for numerical simulation. The results show that, compared with the simple change of coal thickness and coal strength, the stress concentration degree of a thick coal belt with small structure is higher, and the maximum horizontal stress can reach 47.6 MPa. There is a short rise area of gas pressure in front of the working face, and the maximum gas pressure reaches 0.82 MPa. The plastic deformation of the coal body in a small-structure thick coal belt is the largest, and the maximum value is 18.04 m³. The simulated elastic energy of rock mass is about one third of that of coal mass, and the influence of the elastic energy of roof rock on a disaster cannot be ignored. When the coal seam is excavated from thin to thick with a small-structural thick coal belt, the peak value of the energy criterion in front of the excavation face is the largest, and the maximum value is 1.42, indicating that a dynamic disaster can occur and the harm degree will be the greatest. It is easy to cause a coal and gas outburst accident when the excavation face enters a soft coal seam from a hard coal seam and a small-structural thick coal belt from a thin coal belt. Practice shows that holistic prevention and control measures based on high-pressure water jet slit drilling technology make it possible to increase the average pure volume of gas extracted from the drilled holes by 4.5 times, and the stress peak is shifted to the deeper part of the coal wall. At the same time, the use of encrypted drilling in local small tectonic thick coal zones can effectively attenuate the concentrated stress in the coal seam and reduce the expansion energy of gas. This study enriches our understanding of the mechanism of coal–rock–gas dynamic disaster, provides methods and a basis for the prevention and control of dynamic disaster in deep coal seam variation areas, and promotes the sustainable development of energy. Full article

Citric acid (CAC) is a ubiquitous, odorless, and non-toxic food additive. Soft rot, caused by the pathogen Rhizopus stolonifer, is a major postharvest disease affecting sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam). The main theme of this study is to determine the CAC inhibitory mechanism against Rhizopus stolonifer, the causative agent of sweet potato soft rot. To ascertain the practical applicability of CAC, both in vitro and in vivo methodologies were employed. The aim of the in vitro experiments in this study was to delineate the effects of a 0.5% (w/v) CAC solution on the growth inhibition of Rhizopus stolonifer, encompassing mycelial morphology and colony expansion. In vivo experiments were carried out using “Xinxiang” sweet potato varieties and the application of a 0.5% (w/v) CAC solution as a pretreatment. Specifically, the tissue treated with 0.5% CAC maintained better appearance quality and texture characteristics; peroxidase, β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activities were enhanced. Conversely, the same treatment resulted in a downregulation of polyphenol oxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, cellulase, and polygalactosidase activities. Moreover, CAC treatment was found to maintain elevated levels of total phenolics and flavonoids within the sweet potato tissues. In summary, the study demonstrates that 0.5% CAC fortifies the resistance of sweet potato to soft rot by activating defense-related enzymes, suppressing the activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes, and promoting the accumulation of antimicrobial compounds. These results advocate for the utilization of CAC as a postharvest treatment to mitigate the incidence of sweet potato soft rot. Full article

Since its standardization, clinical antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) has relied upon a standard medium, Mueller-Hinton Broth/Agar (MHB/A), to determine antibiotic resistance. However, this microbiologic medium bears little resemblance to the host milieu, calling into question the physiological relevance of resistance phenotypes it reveals. Recent studies investigating antimicrobial susceptibility in mammalian cell culture media, a more host-mimicking environment, demonstrate that exposure to host factors significantly alters susceptibility profiles. One such factor is bicarbonate, an abundant ion in the mammalian bloodstream/tissues. Importantly, bicarbonate sensitizes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to early-generation β-lactams used for the treatment of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). This “NaHCO₃-responsive” phenotype is widespread among US MRSA USA300/CC8 bloodstream and skin and soft tissue infection isolates. Translationally, β-lactam therapy has proven effective against NaHCO₃-responsive MRSA in both ex vivo simulated endocarditis vegetation (SEV) and in vivo rabbit infective endocarditis (IE) models. Mechanistically, bicarbonate appears to influence mecA expression and PBP2a production/localization, as well as key elements for PBP2a functionality, including the PBP2a chaperone PrsA, components of functional membrane microdomains (FMMs), and wall teichoic acid (WTA) synthesis. The NaHCO₃-responsive phenotype highlights the critical role of host factors in shaping antibiotic susceptibility, emphasizing the need to incorporate more physiological conditions into AST protocols. Full article

Background/Objectives: Spontaneous chest wall hematomas are rare but potentially life-threatening complications, particularly in patients with multiple comorbidities such as those undergoing hemodialysis. This case report aims to highlight the significance of early diagnosis and appropriate management in preventing complications associated with this condition. Methods: We report the case of a 79-year-old man with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, presenting with a large spontaneous hematoma (18.7 × 13.1 × 9.6 cm) in the right upper chest wall. Initial interventions, including diagnostic imaging and transarterial angiography, did not detect active bleeding. Surgical exploration revealed bleeding from a branch of the lateral thoracic artery, which was managed through vessel ligation and hematoma drainage. Results: The hematoma was successfully managed through surgical intervention, with no postoperative complications such as infection, recurrent bleeding, or wound issues. The patient’s recovery was uneventful, and he was discharged in stable condition. This case underscores the role of microvascular fragility and uremic coagulopathy in the development of spontaneous bleeding in hemodialysis patients. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the importance of timely recognition and individualized management of spontaneous soft tissue bleeding in hemodialysis patients. Surgical intervention is necessary for large hematomas or cases of hemodynamic instability to ensure hemostasis and mitigate complications. Full article

Background: Post-extraction ridge resorption is an inevitable phenomenon that cannot be eliminated but is significantly reduced using additional surgical techniques known as socket preservation. They aim to create favorable conditions for implant placement and prosthetic restoration. This study aims to assess the effect of socket sealing (SS) with free gingival grafts on the vertical resorption of socket walls at the premolar and molar regions over 3 months. Methods: This randomized two-arm controlled trial with parallel groups (1:1 allocation) was conducted at the Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University-Varna, Bulgaria, from 27 June 2022 to 20 April 2023. Forty patients aged 30–65 were equally and randomly allocated to the SS or the control groups. Atraumatic tooth extraction was performed. In the control group, the socket was left on secondary wound healing. In the SS group, the socket orifice was “sealed” with an FGG harvested from the hard palate or maxillary tuberosity. Results: Data analysis demonstrated that SS with an FGG is a successful method for reducing the post-extraction resorption of the socket walls. In addition, this study confirms that the thickness of the buccal wall is a significant factor in its vertical resorption. Conclusions: Socket sealing with an FGG is a valuable method that eliminates the need for flap reflection and compensates for the soft tissue deficit when immediate implant placement or bone augmentation is required. Further research is necessary to determine the role of different factors influencing bone resorption and compare the effect of different socket preservation methods. Full article

In this paper, the structure characteristics and magnetic properties of Fe₈₃Si₆B₆P_1.5C_1.5Cu₁Nb₁ amorphous alloy ribbons annealed at 550 °C for different times were systematically investigated using X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, and atom probe chromatography. The results show that high-density Cu atomic clusters of appropriate sizes help to stabilize the α-Fe(Si) phase and improve the uniformity of the grains to enhance the soft magnetic properties. The solubility difference between the α-Fe(Si) phase and the B-rich phase, the formation of a localized amorphous structure in the transition region, and the inhibition of nanograin growth. However, when the annealing time is extended, the size of the α-Fe(Si) grains decreases, the grain boundary density increases and secondary phases such as Cu clusters become pinning sites for magnetic domain walls. This leads to a decrease in soft magnetic properties, an increase in hard magnetic properties, and a rapid increase in coercivity. When annealed at 550 °C for 20 min, the number density of Cu atomic clusters was 9.18 × 10²² m⁻³, the spherical equivalent radius was 1.13 ± 0.29 nm, and the ribbons had good soft magnetic properties with a coercivity of 4.59 Oe. The saturation magnetic induction reached a peak value of 185.11 emu/g. Full article

In soft soil foundations, the utilization of box-type retaining walls as a support method represents a novel approach. This study focuses on investigating the key factors influencing lateral wall deflection and ground settlement behind the wall in deep excavation projects supported by box-type retaining walls. Based on a practical engineering case in Shanghai, the large deformation Lagrangian numerical simulation software FLAC-3D is employed to simulate the displacement of box-type retaining walls as well as the surface settlement surrounding the excavation pit during the excavation process of deep-foundation pits. This research encompasses aspects such as the box size, the filling material within the box, and the constituent materials of the retaining wall. Ultimately, it is concluded that variations in the size of the box-retaining wall have a significant impact on wall deflection and surrounding ground settlement, while the filling material and constituent materials have relatively minor effects. This study provides a theoretical basis and scientific reference for the design and construction of box-type retaining walls in deep-foundation pit engineering. Full article

With the further development of China’s coal resources, mining operations are constantly transferred to the deep soft rock. As such, the mine roadway is under the action of high geostress, the surrounding rock body engineering properties are poor, the overall strength is low, the traditional support method struggles to meet the needs of safe production, and the surrounding rock control has become a major technical challenge. This paper relies on the actual project, analyzes the destabilization mechanism of the roadway, analyzes the deformation of the peripheral rock of the deep roadway, determines the physical and mechanical parameters of the peripheral rock through indoor tests, establishes numerical analysis model, proposes to adopt the joint support scheme of anchor rods + anchor cables + a 36U-type steel metal bracket + a laying net + a laying mat + filling behind the wall, and monitors the displacement of peripheral rock of the roadway on a regular basis by using the numerical display convergence meter, and then obtains the displacement of the peripheral rock of the roadway after excavation as well as under the influence of the quarrying movement. Under the influence of the roadway perimeter rock displacement, we evaluate the reasonableness of the support program, as well as the safe and effective control of the roadway perimeter rock, to achieve the ideal roadway perimeter rock support and control effect. Full article

This article introduces a novel smart deployable scissor lift brace system designed to mitigate earthquake risks in buildings prone to the soft-story effect. The system addresses the limitations of traditional retrofitting methods, providing an efficient solution for enhancing the structural integrity of buildings while preserving the functionality of open lower floors, commonly used for car parking or retail spaces. The soft-story effect, characterized by a sudden reduction in lateral stiffness in one or more levels of a building, often leads to catastrophic collapses during large earthquakes, resulting in significant structural damage and loss of life. The proposed system is triggered by signals from the Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system, advanced technologies capable of detecting and broadcasting earthquake alerts within seconds which are currently implemented in countries and regions such as Japan, parts of the USA, and parts of Europe. The smart deployable system functions by instantly activating upon receiving EEW signals. Unlike traditional retrofitting approaches, such as adding braces or infill walls, which compromise the open layout of lower floors, this innovative device deploys dynamically during seismic events to enhance the building’s stiffness and lateral stability. The article demonstrates the system’s functionality through a conceptual framework supported by proof-of-concept experiments. Historical earthquake time histories are simulated to test its effectiveness. The results reveal that the system significantly improves the stiffness of the structure, reducing displacement responses during events of seismic activity. If properly proportioned and optimized, this system has the potential for widespread commercialization as a seismic risk mitigation solution for buildings vulnerable to the soft-story effect. Full article

The problem of soft coal-seam wall spalling is more prominent in the deep mining process, which seriously restricts the safety and sustainability of mining. The horizontal ground stress is usually ignored in the analysis of the coal-wall spalling mechanism. In this paper, based on the Mogi–Coulomb criterion and limit-equilibrium analysis, it is found that the traces of coal siding can be approximated as linear. The safety-stability coefficient of a soft-coal wall under the limit-equilibrium condition is obtained by applying the Mogi–Coulomb criterion. The coal stability of different positions is quite different. The coal with greater cohesion is more stable. In this regard, the cohesion of the coal can be improved through flexible reinforcement so as to improve the stability of the coal body. The control mechanism of the grouting and flexible rope reinforcing technology for the coal-wall spalling in the soft-coal seam is revealed. The safety-stability coefficient of the reinforced coal wall and the limit-stability coefficient are deduced. The reinforcement effect is related to the aperture ratio, the ultimate tensile force of the flexible rope, and the layout spacing. Reasonable aperture ratio, layout spacing, and flexible rope selection are key to reinforcement. This study has important guiding significance for the sustainability and safety of mining by revealing the mechanism of coal-wall spalling and reinforcement. Full article

Canine extraskeletal osteosarcomas are mesenchymal, osteoid producing tumors that can arise in soft tissues without initial involvement of the bones. An 8-year-old intact male Beagle dog presented with anorexia, abdominal pain, intermittent vomiting and melena. The patient had a history of recurrent ingestion of cotton based-toy fragments, but no prior surgical procedures involving the abdominal cavity. During the exploratory laparotomy, a mass was identified in the jejunal wall. Surgical resection was performed, and tissue samples were collected for pathological examination. Histologically, the mass was diagnosed as osteoblastic osteosarcoma with fragments of cotton fiber material. The neoplastic cells were immunolabeled for vimentin and BMP-2, further supporting the morphological diagnosis. Seven months after the surgery, metastatic nodules were identified in the liver. The dog died ten months after intestinal mass resection. This case represents the first documented instance of metastatic intestinal osteosarcoma potentially caused by ingestion of cotton fiber material. Full article

Background: Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare and challenging to diagnose due to their heterogeneous presentation. In 2009, Denmark introduced the Cancer Patient Pathways for sarcomas (CPPs) to improve sarcoma treatment by streamlining diagnostic and therapeutic processes. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the CPPs on the overall survival of patients with deep-seated, high-grade STSs, comparing outcomes from before and after CPP implementation. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from 712 patients diagnosed with high-grade STSs in the extremities or trunk wall between 2000 and 2018. Patients were grouped into pre-CPP (2000–2008) and post-CPP (2010–2018) cohorts. Overall survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimates. Results: The five-year overall survival improved from 43% in the pre-CPP cohort to 52% post-CPP (p = 0.05). Time-to-treatment was significantly reduced in the post-CPP cohort, with a median decrease of 3 days (18 vs. 15 days, p < 0.001). We found only a very weak tendency toward larger tumor sizes in the pre-CPP cohort and no difference regarding the percentage of patients that had distant metastases at diagnosis between cohorts. In the post-CPP cohort, the percentage of whoops operations decreased and the use of oncological services increased. Conclusions: After the introduction of the CPPs for the sarcoma patients, overall survival improved and time to treatment was reduced. This study highlights the importance of efficient referral pathways in improving cancer outcomes but cannot exclude that other factors could also have contributed. Full article

Pathogen-induced fruit decay is a significant threat to the kiwifruit industry, leading to considerable economic losses annually. The cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) secreted by these pathogens are crucial for penetrating the cell wall and accessing nutrients. Among them, Diaporthe species are recognized as major causal agents of soft rot in kiwifruit, yet their pathogenic mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we explored the production of various CWDEs secreted by Diaporthe Z1-1N, including polygalacturonase (PG), polymethylgalacturonase (PMG), polygalacturonic acid transeliminase (PGTE), pectin methyltranseliminase (PMTE), endoglucanase (Cx), and β-glucosidase (β-glu), both in liquid cultures and within infected kiwifruit tissues. Our findings revealed significant activities of two pectinases (PG and PMG) and cellulases (Cx and β-glu) in the infected tissues. In contrast, very low levels of PMTE and PGTE activities were observed under the same conditions. When orange pectin served as the carbon source, PG and PMG showed notable activities, while PMTE and PGTE remained inactive. Moreover, the activities of Cx and β-glu significantly decreased by more than 63 times in the liquid medium with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as the carbon source compared to their levels in infected kiwifruit. A further analysis indicated that the necrotic lesions produced by pectinase extracts were larger than those produced by cellulase extracts. Notably, four enzymes—PG, PMG, Cx, and β-glu—exhibited high activities on the third or fourth day post-infection with Diaporthe Z1-1N. These results suggest that Diaporthe Z1-1N secretes a range of CWDEs that contribute to kiwifruit decay by enhancing the activities of PG, PMG, Cx, and β-glu. This study sheds light on the pathogenicity of Diaporthe in kiwifruit and highlights the importance of these enzymes in the decay process. Full article

This study describes the design, simulation, and development process of a rehabilitation glove driven by soft pneumatic actuators. A new, innovative finger soft actuator design has been developed through detailed kinematic and workspace analysis of anatomical fingers and their actuators. The actuator design combines cylindrical and ribbed geometries with a reinforcing element—a thicker, less extensible structure—resulting in an asymmetric cylindrical bellow actuator driven by positive pressure. The performance of the newly designed actuator for the rehabilitation glove was validated through numerical simulation in open-source software. The simulation results indicate actuators’ compatibility with human finger trajectories. Additionally, a rehabilitation glove was 3D-printed from soft materials, and the actuator’s flexibility and airtightness were analyzed across different wall thicknesses. The 0.8 mm wall thickness and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material were chosen for the final design. Experiments confirmed a strong linear relationship between bending angle and pressure variations, as well as joint elongation and pressure changes. Next, pseudo-rigid kinematic models were developed for the index and little finger soft actuators, based solely on pressure and link lengths. The workspace of the soft actuator, derived through forward kinematics, was visually compared to that of the anatomical finger and experimentally recorded data. Finally, an ergonomic assessment of the complete rehabilitation glove in interaction with the human hand was conducted. Full article

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a common extrathyroidal manifestation of hyperthyroidism, typically associated with Graves’ disease (GD). This condition can cause severe functional limitations as well as significant aesthetic concerns. Treatment for TED patients aims to restore functionality and address aesthetic concerns. Surgical TED treatment is usually performed by orbital wall resection, which effectively decompresses intraorbital tissues and corrects the orbital/ocular disorders. Several different scenarios of surgical TED treatment including one-, two-, and three-wall resections are known. More recently, a new minimally invasive technique, the so-called lateral valgization (LAVA) of the orbital wall, was reported to show promising results comparable to conventional wall resection techniques. Due to the relatively limited data on TED treatment, only a few quantitative investigations of alternative TED surgery scenarios exist. In this feasibility study, we estimate the soft tissue outcome of LAVA treatment using computational simulation. Our experimental results show that the amount of intraorbital tissue released into the extraorbital space by LAVA treatment is comparable with the outcome of two-wall resection. Our computational simulation confirms previously reported isolated clinical findings suggesting that the minimally invasive LAVA approach represents an attractive alternative to conventional wall resection approaches for surgical TED treatment. Full article