Healing Index Research Articles

Investigation of Self-Healing Performance of Asphalt Mastic-From the Perspective of Secondary Aging.

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has been widely utilized because it is an environmentally friendly and economical material. The performance of recycled asphalt mixtures will deteriorate gradually with the secondary aging process of asphalt, including the self-healing property. To further understand the self-healing characteristics of asphalt after secondary aging, taking 70# petroleum asphalt, SBS-modified asphalt, and extracted old asphalt mastics as objects, the fatigue self-healing test and fracture self-healing test were conducted to simulate the intermediate-and low-temperature healing behaviors of different asphalt mastics. The impact of healing time, healing temperature, and aging degree of mastics on the healing performance was systematically investigated. The results show that the original unaged asphalt mastics present excellent fatigue healing properties with an index of 0.796 and 0.888 for 70# petroleum and SBS-modified asphalt mastics, respectively. The secondary aging process causes significant impact on the healing properties, leading to a great drop in the corresponding index, which decreased to 47.5% and 72.5% of that of the unaged ones. The fracture healing ability of all mastics was much inferior to the fatigue healing. After secondary aging, the fracture healing index values of 70# petroleum asphalt, SBS-modified asphalt, and extracted old asphalt mastics were all as low as around 0.3, indicating similar performance can be found in the secondary aged SBS-modified asphalt mastics and 70# asphalt mastics. Overall, after secondary aging, the fatigue damage of SBS-modified asphalt mastics can be cured effectively by self-healing, but the fatigue and fracture self-healing properties of 70# asphalt mastics are difficult to recover. These results could provide an innovative view to understand the fatigue and fracture healing characteristics of recycled asphalt pavement after secondary aging.

Determination of the softening point and temperature interval of asphalt mixture for the healing process based on the contactless nonlinear ultrasonic method

The softening point and gradient healing have significant engineering significance for the self-healing of asphalt mixtures. This study introduces a novel approach utilizing a contactless ultrasonic system in conjunction with the Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) technique to determine the softening point and monitor the gradient healing process of asphalt mixtures. Three distinct fracture patterns resulting from temperature variations are accurately characterized through simulation using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The ultrasonic nonlinear parameter β, reflecting different crack interfaces, proves to be a highly effective alternative for characterizing asphalt fractures, outperforming traditional methods such as bearing force and wave velocity. In experimental analysis, variations in the healing index highlight the significant influence of asphalt mixture fracture patterns on healing efficiency. The observed decrease in ultrasound amplitude signifies the transition of the asphalt binder from a solid to a liquefied state, accompanied by an increase in the nonlinear parameter indicating enhanced plasticity. The softening point is precisely determined when the Rayleigh surface wave disappears. The cumulative healing process is visualized through the continuous decrease in the nonlinear parameter. To further enhance the understanding of the asphalt self-healing process, the internal temperature gradient field is characterized using the proposed energy difference method. A correlation between the nonlinear parameter and the depth of the temperature interval is established, providing a non-destructive method for evaluating the distribution of the temperature interval. This innovative approach significantly accelerates the development of non-destructive testing in the field of asphalt self-healing.

Wall thickness analysis method for judging the degree of lower extremity long bone healing

To evaluate the possibility of judging the degree of bone healing by wall thickness analysis provide reference for quantitative analysis of bone healing. Patients with lower limb fracture from April 2014 to October 2019 were recruited and divided into bone healing (group A), poor bone healing (group B), and nonunion (group C). Models were built in Mimics 20.0 with DICOM 3.0 data obtained from patient’s CT. Three-dimensional geometric models of unaffected limb and affected limb after simulated removal of internal fixation were established, corresponding to basic phase and simulated phase, respectively. Wall thickness analysis was performed to obtain median wall thickness after meshing. R2 (median wall thickness ratio), R4 (CT value ratio), and R5 (healing index ratio) were obtained by calculating the ratio of each value in simulated phase to that in basic phase. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the ability of Wall Thickness Analysis to indicate fracture healing. 112 CT scans of 79 patients were included in the study. The frequency of categorization in groups A, B, and C was 49, 37 and 26, respectively. The median R2 in groups A, B, and C was 0.91, 0.80, and 0.67, respectively (group A > group B > group C, all P < 0.05). The best cutoff point for R2 in predicting bone healing was 0.84, and predicting bone nonunion was 0.74. The Wall Thickness Analysis can be used to quantitatively evaluate fracture healing state, with median wall thickness ratio as a more intuitive and reliable judgment index.

Single-flap approach versus without concentrate growth factor in the treatment of periodontal supra-osseous defects: A randomized controlled clinical trial

ObjectivesWe aimed to compare treatment outcomes of periodontal supra-bony defects using single flap (SFA) plus concentrate growth factor versus SFA alone. Methods32 supra-bony periodontal defects were randomly assigned to test and control groups. Outcome variables were clinical attachment level (primary outcome). Probing pocket depths, gingival recessions, bone gain, post-surgical pain using visual analogue scale and wound healing index were recorded as secondary outcomes. Clinical and radiographic assessments were recorded at baseline and 6 months after treatment, whereas pain score and wound healing index were recorded within 10 days after surgery. ResultsTest group showed a significant improvement in all tested parameters compared to control group (P-value ≤ 0.05). Better patient centered outcomes (wound healing and pain scores) were highly achieved in the test group compared to controls. ConclusionThe tested combined approach offers better periodontal and patient centered treatment outcomes in management of periodontal supra-bony defects.

Leukocytic platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF) versus subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) using tunneling technique in treatment of gingival recession: Randomize controlled clinical study

Introduction: Gingival recession is a problem encountered daily in clinical practice, its etiology is often a multifactorial one. Surgical treatment is the only method to reverse this condition. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of leukocytic platelet rich fibrins (L-PRF) versus subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in the management of recession defects Miller’s class I or II (RT1) using the tunnel technique (TUN). Methods: 20 systemically healthy patients were allocated randomly to TUN with L-PRF (group A), and TUN with SCTG (group B). Probing depth, clinical attachment level, recession depth, width of keratinized tissue, gingival thickness, and recession esthetic score and wound healing index are clinical variables measured at baseline,14 days, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Results: Significant improvement in mean CAL, and RD for both groups, and significant difference in GT and WKT for group B as well as higher RES. A significant difference was also recorded in group A for WHI Conclusions: Both grafting modalities in combination with tunnel technique improved gingival phenotype switching. Although SCTG gives higher esthetic and functional results including better color matching, tissue contour and increased width of keratinized tissue, L-PRF has superior healing properties and can be used as an alternative to treat multiple gingival recession defects where the need of second surgical site is eliminated.

Results and complications of bilateral limb lengthening in achondroplasia: a retrospective analysis.

Achondroplasia is one of the main causes of disharmonic dwarfism. Patients with achondroplasia might have physical and psychological limitations due to their disproportionate stature. Surgical limb lengthening is the only practical option available to achieve a stature comparable to normal population range. The purpose of this study is to analyze results and complications of our lengthening protocol. A retrospective analysis was performed on 33 patients with achondroplasia (21 females and 12 males) undergoing simultaneous bilateral tibia or femur lengthening in four surgical stages from 2017 to 2021 (46 lengthening procedures, with a total of 56 tibias and 36 femurs). For each patient, patients' characteristics and antero-posterior and lateral radiographs were obtained. The following parameters were analyzed: duration of lengthening with external fixator, amount of lengthening, complications or events that influenced outcomes and the healing index (HI). The average tibial and femoral gain was 7.9 cm and 6.9 cm, respectively. The tibiae achieved better results than the femurs (p = 0.005). Nineteen complications were reported for 92 segments (20.7%), and the variables influencing complications were: step (p = 0.002) and fixation duration (p = 0.061). Bilateral parallel lower limb lengthening in four surgical steps may be a viable technique in patients with achondroplasia.

Evaluation of the microcapsules on the rheological and self-healing performance of asphalt

The objective of this study was to prepare microcapsules and investigate their impact on the self-healing properties of asphalt. Microcapsules with various core–shell ratios were prepared by enveloping soybean oil with Melamine-Urea-Formaldehyde (MUF) resin through an in-situ polymerization method. The laser particle size analyzer, thermogravimetric analyzer, and scanning electron microscope were utilized to character the microcapsules and determined the optimal core–shell ratio. The rheological and self-healing performance of the microcapsule-modified asphalt were examined through frequency sweep, multi stress creep and recovery (MSCR), and Fatigue-Healing-Fatigue (F-H-F) tests conducted using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). The results indicate that microcapsules with various core–shell ratios exhibit uniform particle distribution and excellent thermal stability. Specifically, microcapsules with a core–shell ratio of 1:2 display a smooth appearance. The incorporation of microcapsules into asphalt impedes the flow of asphalt molecules and increases the initial flow temperature. When the microcapsules rupture, the released soybean oil modifies the rheological behavior of the asphalt, leading to a decrease in stress sensitivity and rutting resistance. Simultaneously, the remaining MUF resin imparts additional elastic recovery properties to the asphalt. The self-healing performance of microcapsule-modified asphalt was significantly enhanced, with a notable improvement observed as the microcapsule dosage increased. Moreover, elevating the healing temperature and extending the healing time were found to be effective strategies for enhancing the self-healing properties of microcapsule-modified asphalt. When the healing temperature matches the initial flow temperature, the healing index HI of 5% microcapsules modified asphalt approached nearly 100% within 5 min of healing time.

Management of Segmental Tibial Bone Defects With the Magnetic Motorized Intramedullary Transport Nail: A Case Series.

Critical-sized bone defects in the tibia can arise as sequelae of trauma, infection, tumor, or the treatment of congenital limb deficiencies. Treatment of these defects often requires bone transport, which has traditionally been accomplished using circular external fixators. The development of a bone transport nail facilitated tibia reconstruction through distraction osteogenesis using an all-internal device, thus avoiding the complications associated with chronic external fixation. Given the rarity of these cases, few studies have been published on the reconstruction outcomes using this implant. We sought to investigate the bone healing indices (including regenerate consolidation and time to docking site union) associated with the use of a magnetically controlled all-internal bone transport nail for the reconstruction of 4 patients treated for posttraumatic tibial bone loss. Perioperative and device-related complications are also reported.

Histopathological Evaluation of the Application of Zinc Nanoparticles in Conjunction With Chitosan Dressing on the Wound Healing of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infected Skin Wounds in Rats

Objectives: Wound healing and tissue regeneration have raised serious challenges for healthcare systems worldwide, affecting both aesthetic and health-related aspects of the community well-being. Wound healing is a complex sequence of physical, cellular, and molecular events involving cell recruitment, proliferation, as well as the synthesis and accumulation of the new extracellular matrix components. The present study aimed to histopathologically evaluate the application of zinc nanoparticles in conjunction with chitosan dressing for the wound healing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infected skin wounds in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental investigation, 28 healthy male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, each of which including 7 rats. The wound healing process was evaluated based on histopathological studies and biochemical findings on days 7, 14, and 21. Results: According to the results from the two-way ANOVA analysis, the means of wound area in the study groups were statistically and significantly different on all evaluated days (P&lt;0.001). The highest wound area was associated with group III (i.e., wound with zinc oxide) on days 6, 18, 15, 12, and 9, while the lowest wound area was observed in group IV (i.e., wound with chitosan-nanoparticles-zinc oxide). A statistically significant difference was also found among the study groups in terms of the mean values of hydroxyproline (P&lt;0.001). According to the post hoc Tukey test for pairwise comparisons, a significant difference was observed among all groups regarding the hydroxyproline values (P&lt;0.001). Additionally, the highest collagen density was detected in the chitosan-nanoparticles-zinc oxide group. Conclusions: The application of biodegradable chitosan-nanoparticles-zinc oxide dressing significantly improved the histopathological and biochemical indices of the full-thickness skin wound healing. This study highlighted the effectiveness of chitosan-nanoparticles-zinc oxide dressing in wound healing enhancement, indicating its potential application in wound healing.

The early posterior cortex pixel value ratio: a novel reliable indicator for distraction osteogenesis

AimsWe aimed to explore the associations of the early PVR in four cortices with Healing Index (HI), Lengthening Index (LI), and External Fixator Index (EFI) in the bone union and non-union groups.MethodsA total of 52 patients, including 39 bone union and 13 bone non-union subjects, were recruited in this study. The general characteristics and PVR in four cortices in each group were explored. Afterward, the early PVR in four cortices, including medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior sides, were compared. Finally, the associations of the early PVR in four cortices with HI, LI, and EFI were also investigated.ResultsThe general characteristics of these patients were consistent, except for HI (31.54 ± 12.24 vs. 45.08 ± 27.10, P = 0.018) and EFI (57.63 ± 18.15 vs. 71.29 ± 24.60, P = 0.046). The growth of regenerated callus was asymmetrical in the bone union group (the posterior PVR seems to grow faster), whereas no statistical difference was obtained in the bone non-union group. Furthermore, the posterior PVR in the bone union group was significantly higher than that in the bone non-union group (the first month: 0.96 ± 0.17 vs. 0.86 ± 0.06, p = 0.047; the second month: 0.98 ± 0.14 vs. 0.89 ± 0.09, p = 0.041; the third month: 1.00 ± 0.12 vs. 0.92 ± 0.09, p = 0.039). Most importantly, the posterior PVR was inversely associated with HI, LI, and EFI (the first month: r = −0.343, p = 0.041; r = −0.346, p = 0.042; r = −0.352, p = 0.041; the second month: r = −0.459, p = 0.004; r = −0.277, p = 0.101; r = −0.511, p = 0.002; the third month: r = −0.479, p = 0.003; r = −0.398, p = 0.018; r = −0.551, p = 0.001) in the bone union group, respectively. However, this finding was lost in the bone non-union group.ConclusionThe early posterior cortex PVR seems to grow faster than the medial, lateral, and anterior sides in the bone union group, which represents an asymmetrical development pattern. Moreover, the posterior cortex PVR was negatively associated with HI, LI, and EFI, respectively. The posterior cortex PVR may be a novel and reliable detection index in the process of DO.

Efficacy of hyaluronic acid gel and photobiomodulation therapy on wound healing after surgical gingivectomy: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundSurgical gingivectomy can be considered the gold standard treatment for gingival enlargement. The healing of wound site after gingivectomy occurs slowly by secondary intention. To accelerate the wound healing process, several studies have been conducted evaluating the effect of various treatment modalities. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) was proposed to provide minimally invasive and painless treatment as well as to decrease discomfort of the patient following the surgical process. Another factor that is expected to improve the healing after surgery is topical application of chemotherapeutic agents such as Hyaluronic acid (HA). This study aims to assess the effect of topically applied HA gel after PBMT on the healing of wound site after surgical gingivectomy.MethodsThis randomized controlled clinical trial included twenty-six surgical gingivectomy wound sites, equally divided into two groups, Group-I (test group): the surgical sites after gingivectomy were irradiated with a diode laser (980 nm, 0.2 W) then covered by 2% HA gel loaded in a special custom-made soft transparent tissue guard appliance for each patient. Group II (control group): the surgical sites were irradiated with a diode laser (980 nm, 0.2 W) only. Wound healing was assessed subjectively by Landry healing index on the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21st days after surgery, and pain perception was assessed by the patients using visual analog scale (VAS) throughout the 21 days of the follow up period. Comparisons between the two study groups were performed using Mann-Whitney U test, while comparisons between different time points were performed using Friedman test. Significance was inferred at p value < 0.05.ResultsBy the end of the follow-up period, surgical sites of the test group showed excellent healing compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in VAS scores between both groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsApplication of 2% HA gel as an adjunctive to PBMT was found to have significant clinical effects and higher power of repair among test group when compared to that achieved by PBMT alone in control group.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and first posted on 28th of March 2023 with an identifier number: NCT05787912.

Evaluation of Socket Preservation Using Collagen Plug and Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin in Extracted Sockets of Mandibular Molars: A Split Mouth Study

Aim and Objectives: Evaluation of socket preservation using collagen plug and injectable platelet rich fibrin in extracted sockets of mandibular molars. To evaluate wound healing and bone density using collagen plug and I-PRF and to compare wound healing and bone density between collagen plug and I-PRF. Methodology: This experimental study involves 13 healthy patients at the Sibar Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, who underwent mandibular molar extraction under local anesthesia. Patients underwent clinical and radio-graphic examinations and received periodontal treatment. The study involved extraction of right and left mandibular molar teeth, AbGel placement, collagen plug placement, and sockets secured with sutures and pressure packs. Postoperative pain, swelling, and wound healing were assessed using Wong-Baker faces pain rating scale, VAS scale, and LANDRY healing index. CBCT was obtained after 1 month and 3 months after extraction for bone quality assessment. Results: In the study, there were 69.2% men and 30.8% women. According to the study, 14.3% of individuals in the collagen plug group and 85.7% of those who received injectable platelet-rich fibrin experienced very good wound healing. On the first and seventh days, the mean pain intensity was lower in the injectable group, but there was not a noticeable distinction between the groups. The injectable group had the lowest swelling score, but by day seven, it had dramatically decreased. At the third month, the collagen plug group had the highest bone density readings, with no discernible difference between the groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that I-PRF can be utilized as an alternative to collagen plug.

Investigating the self-healing performance of cracked undersea constructions

The undersea construction has undergone long-term exposure to erosive high-pressure seawater. Hence, it has become urgent to meet long-term requirements for seepage resistance and corrosion resistance. The objective of this study was to delve into the feasibility of remedying capillary cracks narrower than 0.3 mm in concrete constructions by using self-healing properties of concrete within a marine environment. Through the test of pressurized water seepage, micro-examinations, and numerical simulations of low water-to-binder ratio concrete subjected to simulated marine conditions, this study investigated the impacts of initial crack width, hydrostatic pressure, and curing age on water permeability, crack width, splitting tensile strength, and free chloride content in cracked concrete. The findings revealed that the concrete exhibiting capillary cracks with a width of under 0.3 mm indicated excellent self-healing performance. Notably, the results indicated the decrease in the water permeability, the gradual decline in surface crack width, and a slight recovery of the splitting tensile strength. However, the chloride ion transport was less evident compared to seepage as fracture closure decreased. The healing indexes of cracked concrete were enhanced with the decrease in the initial crack width, the shortening of curing period, and the decline in hydrostatic pressure. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the seepage velocity negatively impacted concrete healing, while continuous hydration during the early stages of concrete formation positively affected the healing process. These results provided valuable insights for devising maintenance strategies for concrete structures exposed to seawater environments.

Evaluation of the effects of concentrated growth factors membrane on wound healing following gingivectomy and gingivoplasty operations: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Aim This study aims to evaluate the effects of concentrated growth factors (CGF) membrane application on initial wound healing after gingivectomy and gingivoplasty surgeries. Methods and materials 20 patients with gingival enlargement who need gingivectomy or gingivoplasty surgery were selected to participate in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups of 10 patients each. Group-1 (Control group): where the gingivectomy sites were covered by a non-eugenol periodontal pack. Group-2 (Test group): were covered by the CGF membrane under the non-eugenol periodontal pack, postoperatively. Assessment of postoperative pain for both groups was recorded using the Visual Analog Scale for a period of 7 days. Laundry healing index, papillary bleeding index, and gingival index (GI) were also assessed at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days postoperatively. Results All patients experienced a decrease in postoperative pain throughout the study evaluation period, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05), except for days 3 and 4, where there were statistically significant differences in favor of the test group (P &lt; 0.05). On days 7 and 21, there was no difference in the healing index, but on days 14 and 28, there was a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.05). The Papillary bleeding index (PBI) and gingival index of the two analyzed groups improved during the research period. At 21 days, the intergroup comparison showed a significant difference in PBI between the two studied groups (P &gt; 0.05) in favor of the study group. Conclusion CGF membrane improved wound healing and reduced postoperative pain following gingivectomy or gingivoplasty surgery.

Evaluation of platelet derived growth factor-BB levels in injectable platelet rich fibrin coated graft using gingival pedicle split thickness tunnel technique for isolated gingival recession: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundUse of injectable-platelet rich fibrin (i-PRF) in the field of periodontal regeneration is quite well known due to its efficacy. The study was aimed to evaluate the platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) levels in cases of isolated gingival recession using gingival pedicle split thickness tunnel technique (GPST) and de-epithelialized gingival graft (DGG) with or without coating it with i-PRF. Methodology20 patients exhibiting Miller’s class I/II isolated gingival recession were selected for this parallel arm randomized controlled trial. Recipient site was prepared using GPST technique, free gingival graft was harvested and de-epithelialized, further graft was coated with i-PRF and wound fluid samples from surgical site were collected at baseline, 3rd day and 7th day for group A. The same procedure without coating the graft in i-PRF was carried out for group B. Clinical parameters like probing depth, recession depth, recession width, width of keratinized gingiva, wound healing index (WHI), complete root coverage was recorded at baseline and after 4 months. ResultsSignificant intergroup difference was seen in WHI and the levels of PDGF-BB from baseline to the last estimated time point (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe study emphasizes on the use of novel GPST technique in conjunction with DGG coated with liquid PRF, which has shown sustained release of PDGF-BB resulting in better wound healing.

Investigation of the combination of microwave heating and calcium alginate capsule rejuvenation healing methods for cold mix asphalt considering the type of compaction effort

Healing behavior of asphalt mixes can affect the pavement life and life cycle cost. Effects of encapsulated rejuvenators and microwave heating methods (as two approaches to improve self-healing behavior) on the cold mix asphalt (CMA) were studied separately and simultaneously at different compaction conditions (i.e., different types and levels of compaction). For this aim, capsules of calcium alginate (CAG) loaded with waste sunflower oil (WSO) and waste engine oil (WEO) were used as encapsulated rejuvenators and iron (Fe) powder was used as a heat conductive material to spread microwave heating into the samples. Moreover, the synergetic effect of powder-based heat-absorbing additives and encapsulated rejuvenators on the healing performance (HP) was also investigated. The chemical test results showed that the Fe powder is compatible with the bitumen emulsion. Pre- and post-healing semi-circular bending (SCB) fracture experiments were conducted before and after healing to check for the effect of the healing method and compaction effort on the HP of CMA. The results indicated higher effectiveness of the microwave heating rather than the encapsulated rejuvenators for facilitating the healing of cracked areas in asphalt mixes. Combining microwave heating and encapsulated rejuvenation methods was not successful in improving the HP, and the healing index was reduced 10 to 15% when both methods were combined. Compaction condition was more influential than the healing method, and the adverse impact of inadequate compaction could not be compensated with any healing methods. It was shown that the healing index can be improved by more than 10% when a proper compaction was applied to the specimens.

Utility of the Serum-Based Endoscopic Healing Index in Monitoring Therapeutic Response in Ulcerative Colitis.

Convenient and objective noninvasive tools to monitor therapy response in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Endoscopic Healing Index [EHI], a serum test originally developed to monitor mucosal inflammation in Crohn's disease, in patients with UC. Serum samples paired with endoscopic data from consecutive adult patients with UC initiating advanced therapy for active disease (Mayo Endoscopic Subscore [MES] > 1) were analyzed. EHI values were compared between groups showing endoscopic improvement, remission, and nonresponse, defined, respectively, as MES of ≤1, 0 and >1. We also assessed the association of EHI with longitudinal changes of MES and compared its performance with that of fecal calprotectin (FC) and C-reactive protein. A total of 127 patients provided 303 samples. Median EHI increased significantly with increasing MES score ( P < 0.001). Median EHI was significantly lower in patients with endoscopic remission or improvement compared with patients with no response ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). A 10-point decrease in EHI was associated with 89% higher odds of 1-point decrease in MES ( P < 0.001). EHI detected MES 0-1 with an area under the receiver operating curve of 77.8%, which was comparable with that of FC and C-reactive protein (85.0% [ P = 0.076] and 70.6% [ P = 0.055], respectively). EHI values are significantly responsive to changes in mucosal inflammation, also in patients with UC, and can confirm and/or rule out mucosal inflammation with an almost similar accuracy to that of FC.

Self-healing properties of steel slag asphalt mixture based on experimental characterization and 3D reconstruction

Asphalt pavement is susceptible to cracking which affects its service life. And self-healing technology helps to heal micro-cracks in mixture at an early stage, but its mechanism of action at the mesoscale is still unclear. Therefore, the composition of steel slag asphalt mixture (SSAM) was designed, microwave heating performance, healing performance and road performance of SSAM were investigated by laboratory experiments. Finally, the SSAM was scanned using X-ray CT for 3D reconstruction and quantitative analyses. The results show that steel slag has obvious magnetic loss characteristics; the surface temperature of SSAM designed by composition is higher under microwave heating to obtain a better healing rate, and the road performance of SSAM meets the specification requirements. The damage-healing process mainly affects voids in SSAM, and microwave healing can reduce the fractal dimension of voids to reduce the proportion of fissures; from the healing index based on voids, self-healing can reduce the average coordination number and throat number of connected voids, thereby improving the performance of SSAM by reducing permeability. The self-healing performance of SSAM is improved through its compositional design; the mesoscopic model based on void characteristics helps to refine the theory of self-healing of asphalt mixtures under microwave heating.

Research on Fatigue-Healing Performance of Asphalt Mixture Based on the Semicircular Bending Test.

In order to study the self-healing performance of macroscopic fractures of asphalt mixtures, semicircular bending (SCB) tests were used to test 90# base asphalt mixtures, SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) modified asphalt mixtures, and SBS + CR (Chloroprene Rubber) composite modified asphalt mixtures. The F-H-F (the asphalt mixture specimen was fatigued for a certain number of times, then healed under certain conditions, and then fatigued until destroyed) test was carried out, and the fatigue life recovery rate of the fatigue test before and after healing was defined as the healing index (HI). The gray correlation analysis method was used to judge the influence degree of influencing factors on fatigue-healing according to the correlation index. The results show the type of asphalt has the most significant influence on the healing ability of the asphalt mixture. In the case of complete healing, the fatigue-healing performance of the SBS + CR composite modified asphalt mixture was the best, followed by the SBS-modified asphalt mixture, and 90# base asphalt. When the healing temperature is close to the softening point of asphalt, the healing performance of 90# base asphalt is better when the healing temperature is low. When the healing time is longer, the healing performance is better, and there is an optimal healing time. The healing index decreased with the increase in the degree of damage. When the degree of damage is too large, the asphalt mixture will be difficult to heal.

Is the High Healing Index a Complication of Progressive Long Bone Lengthening? Observations from a Cohort of 178 Children Treated with Circular External Fixation for Lower Limb Length Discrepancy.

The use of external fixators (EFs) for lower limb lengthening is common for treating lower limb length discrepancy (LLD) in children. The concern at present revolves around extended treatment times, with some suggesting a healing index (HI) > 45 days/cm as a major complication. The aim of this study is to assess the factors affecting bone healing and treatment duration in children who undergo limb lengthening for LLD using circular EFs. A total of 240 lengthening procedures on 178 children affected by congenital or acquired LLDs (mean age at surgery 13.8 ± 2.8 years) were retrospectively evaluated. Complications according to Lascombes' classification and treatment duration factors were analyzed. Mean HI was 57 ± 25 days/cm for the femur and 55 ± 24 days/cm for the tibia, with an HI > 45 days/cm in 64% of the procedures. A total of 189 procedures (79%) reported complications; 85 had an HI > 45 days/cm as the sole complication. While reducing the frame time is crucial, revising the classifications is necessary to avoid the overestimation of complications.