Improving the processability and mechanical strength of self-hardening robocasted hydroxyapatite scaffolds with silane coupling agents.

Bone cements are the subject of intensive research, primarily due to their versatility and the increasing importance for personalized medicine. In this study, novel hybrid self-setting scaffolds, based on calcium phosphates and natural polymers, were fabricated using the robocasting technique. Additionally, the influence of two different silane coupling agents, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS), on the physicochemical and biological properties of the obtained materials was thoroughly investigated.

Cardiovascular Risk in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) Viremia Suppression in a Young, Mid-Eastern European Population - Preliminary Study.

Purpose: People living with HIV are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and myocardial infarction related to atherosclerosis than the uninfected population. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in a young, mid-eastern European population of PLWH receiving ART for undetectable viremia.

Patients And Methods: This was a single-centre study.

The influence of selected grain size fractions of coal fly ash on properties of clay-cement mortars used for the flood levees construction.

This study examines the influence of different grain size fractions of coal fly ash on the properties of clay-cement mortars used in flood levee construction. Dry aerodynamic separation and mesh sieving were used to obtain ultrafine, fine, and medium fractions of high-calcium and silica fly ash. The experimental results reveal that the rheological properties of fresh mortars are significantly influenced by these fractions.

Unveiling the Heart of the Matter: Echocardiographic Insights into Diastolic Function and Left Ventricular and Atrial Changes in HIV Patients with Controlled Viremia.

Background: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) have increased risk of developing diastolic dysfunction (DD) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (EF). In this observational study, we evaluated DD and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) with undetectable viremia.

Methods: We conducted an observational study.

Effect of Composition on the Physicochemical Properties of Cross-Linked Poly(sodium acrylate)/Sodium Silicate Hydrogels.

The paper presents the results of research on the influence of the components of composition on the physicochemical properties of cross-linked poly(sodium acrylate)/sodium silicate hydrogels. The results of the rheological measurements showed that an increasing share of polyacrylate in the sample causes a shift of the cross-over point towards longer times and improves mechanical properties. In turn, increasing the share of sodium silicate has a positive effect on extending the fire insulation time (I).

CBD Supplementation Has a Positive Effect on the Activity of the Proteolytic System and Biochemical Markers of Honey Bees () in the Apiary.

We examined how CBD extract influences the activity of the immune system in the hemolymph of honey bees in the hive test. The bees were divided into 3 groups: (CSy) bees fed with CBD in sugar syrup with glycerin; (CSt) cotton strip with CBD placed in hive bees fed pure sugar syrup, (C) control bees fed sugar syrup with glycerin. CBD extract increased the total protein concentrations, proteases and their inhibitor activities in each age (the except for acidic protease activities in the 21st and 28th day and alkaline protease inhibitor activities in the 28th day in CSt group) in comparison with group C.

Do the different life history strategies of ants and honeybees determine fat body morphology?

The separation of two sister groups such as ants and bees in the Cretaceous involved the development of distinctive characteristics to occupy separate ecological niches. From the point of view of biology and ecology, it is important to see how different life history strategies affect the physiology of these insects. The fat body is the most metabolically important tissue in the organism of each insect.

Impressive Impact of Hemp Extract on Antioxidant System in Honey Bee () Organism.

We examined the effect of hemp extract on the activity of the antioxidant system (catalase, peroxidase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity) in the hemolymph of adult honey bees (). The bees were divided into three groups: (1) an experimental group fed with pure sugar syrup with cotton strips soaked with hemp extract put inside the cage; (2) an experimental group fed with a mixture of sugar syrup with hemp extract; and (3) a control group fed with a mixture of sugar and a water-glycerine solution. Hemolymph samples were collected on the 1st day of this study and then every week, until all bees in the group died.

Effects of Sterilization Methods on Different 3D Printable Materials for Templates of Physician-Modified Aortic Stent Grafts Used in Vascular Surgery-A Preliminary Study.

Three-dimensionally-printed aortic templates are increasingly being used to aid in the modification of stent grafts in the treatment of urgent, complex aortic disorders, often of an emergency nature. The direct contact between the aortic template and the stent graft implies the necessity of complete sterility. Currently, the efficacy of sterilizing aortic templates and the effect of sterilization on the geometry of tubular aortic models are unknown.

Rheological Properties of Soft Waste Granulates Produced in the Fabrication Process of Ceramic Tiles and the Possibility of Their Reuse.

The paper presents the results of research on the influence of the granulometric composition on the rheological properties of granulates from soft waste produced in the manufacturing of ceramic tiles using the Lamgea and Continua methods in terms of the possibility of their reuse. The composition of the granulates was modified by removing individual grain fractions in three measurement series. Comparatively, the measurement samples for the production granulates were prepared in the same way.

The accuracy and reliability of 3D printed aortic templates: a comprehensive three-dimensional analysis.

Background: Advances in 3D printing technology allow us to continually find new medical applications. One of them is 3D printing of aortic templates to guide vascular surgeons or interventional radiologists to create fenestrations in the stent-graft surface for the implantation procedure called fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. It is believed that the use of 3D printing significantly improves the quality of modified fenestrated stent-grafts.

A Comparative Analysis of the Physical Modelling of Two Methods of Balls Separation.

The article presents the results of model tests with which a comparative analysis of two methods of ball separation during the skew rolling process was carried out. A verification of the results obtained in the physical modelling process with the results obtained in the real process of skew ball rolling was also carried out. During the physical modelling, the effect of changing the ball separation method on the quality of the products obtained, variations in maximum torque values and maximum radial forces were analyzed.

Cannabis Extract Has a Positive-Immunostimulating Effect through Proteolytic System and Metabolic Compounds of Honey Bee () Workers.

In the study, we assessed the effect of hemp extract on activities of resistance parameters and the metabolic compound concentration in adult workers' hemolymph. Bees were divided into the following groups: (1) control group fed with mixture of sugar and water-glycerine solution, (2) experimental group with pure sugar syrup and inside with cotton strips soaked with hemp extract, (3) experimental group with a mixture of sugar syrup with hemp extract. Hemp extracts caused an increase in the protein concentrations and reduced the protease activities regardless of the administration method.

Segmentation of the subcuticular fat body in Apis mellifera females with different reproductive potentials.

Evolution has created different castes of females in eusocial haplodiploids. The difference between them lies in their functions and vulnerability but above all in their reproductive potentials. Honeybee queens are highly fertile.

Fat Body-Multifunctional Insect Tissue.

The biodiversity of useful organisms, e.g., insects, decreases due to many environmental factors and increasing anthropopressure.

Determination of the Critical Value of Material Damage in a Cross Wedge Rolling Test.

This study investigates the problem of material fracture in cross wedge rolling (CWR). It was found that this problem could be analysed by means of well-known phenomenological criteria of fracture that are implemented in commercial FEM (Finite Element Method) simulation programs for forming processes. The accuracy of predicting material fracture depends on the critical damage value that is determined by calibration tests in which the modelled and real stresses must be in good agreement.

Physical fitness percentiles of Polish children aged 4-7 years.

The purpose of this study was to report sex- and age-specific physical fitness level in Polish children aged 4 to 7. 11.709 children participated in the study, including 5.

Research on the Thermal Properties of Fireplace Concrete Materials Containing Various Mineral Aggregates Enriched by Organic and Inorganic Fibers.

This work presents a summary of research on concrete fireplace materials made of various mineral aggregates and enriched with steel and organic fibers. To determine the optimal applications of such concretes, their ability to accumulate heat and their other physicochemical parameters were tested and analyzed. Studies on the behavior of concrete materials during cooling are reported, and the ability of such materials to accumulate heat is evaluated using calculations.

Skew Rolling of Bimetallic Rods.

The present article reports selected results of a preliminary study of the process of skew rolling of bimetallic rods. The experiments were conducted using a numerically controlled three-roller skew rolling mill. During the tests, bimetallic rods were rolled from billets whose cores and outer sleeves (bushings) were made of different types of steel.

Effect of Annealing Time and Temperature Parameters on the Microstructure, Hardness, and Strain-Hardening Coefficients of 42CrMo4 Steel.

The study presents the effect of annealing process parameters on the microstructure, hardness, and strain-hardening coefficients, that is, the strength coefficient and the strain-hardening exponent , of 42CrMo4 steel. Seven selected annealing time-temperature schemes are examined for superior steel formability in cold metal forming conditions. The and coefficients are first determined in experimental upsetting of annealed samples and then used in FEM (finite element method) simulations of the upsetting process.

Simulation and Training of Needle Puncture Procedure with a Patient-Specific 3D Printed Gluteal Artery Model.

The puncture of the gluteal artery (GA) is a rare and difficult procedure. Less experienced clinicians do not always have the opportunity to practice and prepare for it, which creates a need for novel training tools. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of developing a 3D-printed, patient-specific phantom of the GA and its surrounding tissues to determine the extent to which the model can be used as an aid in needle puncture planning, simulation, and training.

Physical Modeling of Cross Wedge Rolling Limitations.

This article presents the results of model tests aiming to verify the possibility of applying commercial plasticine as a model material for modelling the limits to the cross-wedge rolling process. This study presents a comparison of the results of laboratory testing and physical modelling of cross-wedge rolling (CWR) processes. Commercial plasticine was the model material used in the research to model 50HS grade steel formed in 1150 ˚C.

Rotational Compression of Cylindrical Specimen as a New Calibrating Test for Damage Criteria.

The subject-matter of the article is the ductile fracture of materials-A phenomenon occurring in numerous metal forming processes. In order to prognosticate the possibility of a fracture, damage criteria are employed. Their effectiveness, however, depends on the accurate determination of the critical values of damage.

Corneal confocal sub-basal nerve plexus evaluation: a review.

The aim of this study was to review the most recent data about corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (SNP) evaluated with the use of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). For this purpose, an electronic search was conducted based on PubMed and Google Scholar and Web of Science databases from 2008 up to the end of 2016. Ninety-eight articles in English were cited, as well as abstracts in other languages, concerning the morphology and function of corneal SNP in various diseases.

Atypical regressive corneal endothelial cysts in long-term confocal follow-up: a case report.

Corneal endothelium is formed of 1 layer of mitochondria-rich cubic cells whose main role is to maintain corneal transparency. Corneal endothelial disorders represent group of both inherited and noninherited and may affect proper vision.A 36-year-old male patient with suspicion of corneal endothelial dystrophy underwent visual acuity, intraocular pressure, the basic slit-lamp examination, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) (Visante, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA), and corneal confocal microscopy in vivo (Rostock Cornea Module, Heidelberg Engineering Retina Tomograph III, Heidelberg, Germany).