Maximum Intensity Research Articles

Amitriptyline–perphenazine therapy for persistent idiopathic facial pain: translational perspectives from a retrospective study

BackgroundPersistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) can be challenging, both in its diagnosis, which appears to be purely exclusionary, and in its treatment, which currently lacks a gold standard. Amitriptyline is considered a first-line therapy, although not always effective. Recent insights into the role of dopamine in facial pain suggest that a novel therapeutic approach could target the dopamine system.MethodsThis study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of treatment with amitriptyline–perphenazine association in patients with severe PIFP. Thirty-one patients were given a regimen dose of amitriptyline–perphenazine at dosages ranging between 10/2 and 20/4 mg and were then retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated the following outcomes, referred to the last week prior to follow-up visits: NRS score for pain intensity (minimum, maximum, and average), the number of attacks, and SF-36 questionnaire for quality of life. Comparisons were made between pre- and post-treatment.ResultsThirty-one patients over 35 were screened. At baseline, average NRS was 5 ± 0.93 (CI 95%: 4.6–5.3), and the median number of breakthrough episodes over last week was 5 ± 1.57 (CI 95%: 4–6) with a maximum NRS = 9 ± 0.89 (CI 95%: 8–9). After treatment, average NRS was 4.1 ± 0.93 (CI 95%: 3.8–4.5; p < 0.001), maximum NRS was 6.1 ± 1.60 (CI 95%: 5.5–6.6), and the median number of attacks was 4 ± 0.99 (IC 95%: 3–4) (p < 0.001). Regarding SF-36 questionnaire, the most improved parameters were quality of life related to pain (25.89 ± 12.48 vs 31.19 ± 13.44; p < 0.001) and physical function (69.56 ± 17.84 vs 84.17 ± 20.99; p < 0.001).ConclusionDespite limitations, the pain scores, the frequency of the attacks, and quality of life were found to be significantly improved after treatment. Although results are not broad based given the small sample size, the combination of amitriptyline and perphenazine may be an effective and well-tolerated treatment in patients with PIFP. It is abundantly clear that dopaminergic pathways play a key role in pain modulation, yet the underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood, requiring further investigation.

EARTHQUAKE on FEBRUARY 13, 2020, Mw=6.9 (FRIEZE STRAIT, KURIL ISLANDS)

The article discusses the earthquake of February 13, 2020 with a magnitude of Mw=6.9, which occurred in the Frieze Strait between the islands of Iturup and Urup of the Kuril Island arc. The earthquake source is located in the lower part of the double seismofocal zone at intermediate depths. The earthquake was realized under conditions of deviatoric tension, the direction of the axis approximately coinciding with the direction of submergence of the tectonic plate. The azimuthal hodograph method allowed us to establish that there was a uni directional rupture of the northeastern direction, coinciding with the strike of the subvertical plane of the focal mechanism. The maximum macroseismic effect of the earthquake in the settlements of the Kuril Islands reached 5–6 points on the MSK-64 scale. The macroseismic effect was observed at significantly greater epicentral distances in the south-west direction from the epicenter. The maximum intensity in Japan reached 4 points on the JMA scale, which corresponds to 6–7 points on the MSK-64 scale.

SEISMICITY of the NORTHERN CAUCASUS in 2020

Seismic monitoring of the territory of the Northern Caucasus in 2020 was carried out by a seismic network of 63 stations. The seismic network provided representative registration of earthquakes with KR≥7.0 in most of the territory, in its central (including the Greater Sochi region) and eastern parts – with KR≥6.0, and in some local zones – with KR≥5.5. In general, 3685 earthquakes were recorded in the region and its environs. 16 earthquakes were felt in the Caucasus settlements, 26 of them occurred in the North Caucasus region. The maximum shaking intensity Imax=5–6 according the MSK-64 was noted from the earthquake on December 12 with KR=12.9 on the territory of the Chechen Republic (Tersk-Caspian forward trough). On the territory of Ossetia (Greater Caucasus), the Verkhne Fiagdon earthquake of January 26 with KR=11.1 occurred. It was felt in populated areas up to I=4–5. Two notice able earthquakes were registered in the Black Sea: on September 1 with KR=10.8 and on December 12 with KR=10.5. They were felt in Krasnodar Region with intensity up to I=5 and I=4–5 respectively. In accordance with the seismicity level scale "SOUS-09", seismicity of the North Caucasus in 2018–2019 is set as a "background average" for the observation period from 1962 to 2020.

Enhancement of dual autofocusing ability for ring Pearcey edge dislocation beams

Abstract When the ring with the maximum intensity deviates from the central point, the dual autofocusing performance of the ring Pearcey edge dislocation (RPED) beams in free space is gradually destroyed. To address the degradation in the dual autofocusing ability, we investigate the propagation dynamics of the RPED beams in a system with fractional diffraction effect or parabolic potential. The simulation results show that there exists a critical value for the Lévy index, that results in the RPED beams exhibiting an obvious dual autofocusing phenomenon with equal focusing intensities. When the Lévy index is near the critical value, the RPED beams have dual autofocusing characteristics, and the focusing intensity and focal distance can be controlled by changing the Lévy index. The introducing of the parabolic potential leads to the periodic evolution of the RPED beams, and the dual autofocusing property of the RPED beams with smaller radius can be restored within one evolution cycle by changing the potential depth. Moreover, the positions of the edge dislocation affect the focusing intensity, but have no effect on the number of foci. Our research provides some inspiration for the control of dual autofocusing beams, and has potential applications in optical manipulation and optical trapping.

Wind speed effects on rainfall-induced salinity and temperature anomalies at the sea surface microlayer at mid-latitudes

Sea surface salinity (SSS) and temperature (SST) can serve as proxies to detect freshwater fluxes at the sea surface during precipitation. Widely unknown, however, is the impact of precipitation (droplet sizes and velocities) and wind speed on the sea surface microlayer (SML), the &amp;lt;1 mm boundary layer between atmosphere and ocean. We used the autonomous surface vehicle HALOBATES in the German Bight, North Sea, to collect SSS and SST data with high vertical resolution at 7 depths in the top meter, spaced 10–30 cm apart, including the SML. During two rain events with similar maximum rainfall intensity, the magnitude and persistence of the resulting salinity anomaly (between SML and 100 cm depth) was dependent on wind speed. The maximum rate of change of salinity in the SML was 4 times faster with high wind speeds: 0.009 g kg min−1 at low wind speeds, 0.037 g kg min−1 at high wind speeds. A threshold of about 5 m s−1 determined whether stratification occurred in the near-surface layer or freshwater mixed with the underlying layers during precipitation. Strong winds still caused salinity changes in the near-surface layer and SML, but the water mixed rapidly with the underlying water masses. The SML salinity was affected by droplet distributions with smaller droplets, as small droplets stay at the surface. Salinity and temperature changes in the SML were &amp;gt;9 times higher than at 100 cm depth (−0.037 g kg min−1 vs. −0.004 g kg min−1) and still detectable during very high wind speeds. Overall, these results contribute to a better understanding of the vertical distribution of freshwater in the surface ocean and its dependence on rain intensity, wind speed, and droplet properties, helping to improve understanding of the fate of freshwater in a changing ocean due to climate warming.

Study of Cooling Characteristics of Axisymmetric Tail Nozzle

In order to reduce the infrared radiation intensity of supersonic tail nozzles and in response to the increasingly severe battlefield infrared environment, simulations were conducted on axisymmetric expanding tail nozzles to study the effects of air, liquid nitrogen, and dry ice cold flows at different flow rates on the nozzle wall temperature. The results show that when the dry ice flow rate is increased by 1 kg/s, the maximum temperature of the wall surface in the expansion section decreases by about 40 K. At a cold flow rate of 5% in the 0° detection direction, the intensity of infrared radiation was reduced by 20.8% for the liquid nitrogen cold flow and 26.3% for the dry ice cold flow, compared to the cold flow of injected air. The IR suppression of the tail nozzle was significant in the range from α = 0 to 50°. Compared to cooling air, the maximum IR radiation intensity was reduced by 26.5% for dry ice and 20.4% for liquid nitrogen. When the flow rate of the injected cold stream was increased by 4%, the intensity of the infrared radiation from the nozzle was reduced by 52.6%, 55.8%, and 66.2% for the injected air, liquid nitrogen, and dry ice cold streams, respectively.

The Distinct Spatial Patterns and Physical Mechanisms of Coastal Boundary Layer Jets over the Northern South China Sea

Abstract Two distinct spatial patterns of coastal boundary layer jets in the northern South China Sea (CBLJ-NSCS) in June 2015–22 are investigated using hourly output data from the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with a horizontal grid spacing of 9 km and ERA5 data. Spatial pattern 1 shows a high-incidence core on the east side of Hainan Island, while pattern 2 features dual high-incidence cores covering both the east side of Hainan Island and the waters south of Guangdong, with the latter being stronger and more extensive. Unique diurnal cycles have been observed in different high-incidence cores of CBLJ-NSCS: the western core, on the east side of Hainan Island, peaks at night and shows a secondary afternoon subpeak, while the eastern core, located south of Guangdong, reaches its maximum intensity at night with a morning subpeak. Inertial oscillations triggered by large-scale perturbation wind circulation and momentum propagation from upstream Indochina Peninsula CBLJs explain the nocturnal enhancement of both cores. The thermal effect exerted by Hainan Island largely contributes to the afternoon enhancement in the western core. The formation of the morning subpeak of the eastern core results from strong convergence and lifting in the northeast region of it. When upstream CBLJs along the Annamite Range intensify, more momentum is propagated to the eastern core instead of the western one due to wind field changes, which promotes the transition from spatial pattern 1 to pattern 2. Significance Statement Two spatial patterns of coastal boundary layer jets in the northern South China Sea have been identified. Spatial pattern 1 shows a high-incidence core on the east side of Hainan Island, while pattern 2 features dual high-incidence cores covering both the east side of Hainan Island and the waters south of Guangdong. The transition between these two spatial patterns is related to low-level westerly winds along the coast of the Annamite Range. This study has uncovered the novel spatial pattern of coastal boundary layer jets in the northern South China Sea and provides new insights into precipitation research in southern China, considering the substantial influence of these jets on coastal weather.

The Single Leg Bridge Test Does Not Measure Isolated Hamstring Endurance in Healthy Men.

The Single Leg Bridge Test (SLBT) is commonly described as a measure of 'hamstring endurance'. Nevertheless, the relationship between the SLBT score and isolated hamstring endurance remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between SLBT scores and isolated hamstring endurance in healthy men. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the correlation between the limb symmetry index obtained from the SLBT and hamstring endurance test results. Cross-sectional study. Forty healthy and physically active men were evaluated at the research laboratory on two separate occasions, with a minimum interval of 48 hours between visits. During each visit, participants performed either the single-leg balance test (SLBT) or the hamstring endurance test on an isokinetic dynamometer, which involved 30 concentric knee flexion repetitions performed at maximum intensity, with an angular velocity of 120°/s and a range of motion of 90°. Correlations were analyzed between SLBT scores and hamstring fatigue indexes provided by peak torque and work outcomes. The SLBT score (27±7 reps) demonstrated no significant correlation with isolated hamstring endurance, as measured by isokinetic peak torque (52±9%; p=0.737, r=-0.038) or work (57±9%; p=0.489, r=0.078). Likewise, the limb symmetry index obtained from the SLBT (99±12%) did not significantly correlate with index from the hamstring endurance test: peak torque (107±26%; p=0.540, r=-0.100) and work (102±18%; p=0.849, r=0.031). The SLBT does not appear to be a suitable tool for measuring isolated hamstring endurance in healthy men. 3.

The evolution of coronal shock wave properties and their relation with solar energetic particles

Context. Shock waves driven by fast and wide coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are considered to be very efficient particle accelerators and are involved in the production of solar energetic particle (SEP) events. These events cause space weather phenomena by disturbing the near-Earth radiation environment. In past studies, we analysed statistically the relation between the maximum intensity of energetic electrons and protons and the properties of coronal shocks inferred at the point of magnetic connectivity. The present study focuses on a gradual SEP event measured by STEREO-A and -B on 11 October 2013. This event had the interesting properties that it (1) occurred in isolation with very low background particle intensities measured before the event, (2) was associated with a clear onset of SEPs measured in situ allowing detailed timing analyses, and (3) was associated with a fast CME event that was magnetically connected with STEREO-A and -B. These three properties allowed us to investigate at a high cadence the temporal connection between the rapidly evolving shock properties and the SEPs measured in situ. Aims. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relative roles of fundamental shock parameters such as the compression ratio, Mach number and geometry, in the intensity and composition of the associated SEP event measured in situ. Methods. We used shock reconstruction techniques and multi-viewpoint imaging data obtained by the STEREO-A and -B, SOHO, and SDO spacecraft to determine the kinematic evolution of the expanding shock wave. We then exploited 3D magneto-hydrodynamic modelling to model the geometry and Mach number of the shock wave along an ensemble of magnetic field lines connected to STEREO-A and -B, also estimating the uncertainties of the shock parameters. Using a velocity dispersion analysis of the available SEP data we time-shifted the SEP time series and analysed the relations between observed SEP properties and the modelled shock properties. We also studied the energy dependence of these relations. Results. We find a very good temporal agreement between the formation of the modelled shock wave and the estimated release times for both electrons and protons. The simultaneous release of protons and electrons suggests a common acceleration process. This early phase is marked at both STEREOs by elevated electron-to-proton ratios that coincide with the highly quasi-perpendicular phase of the shock. These findings suggest that the rapid evolution of the shock as it transits from the low to the high corona modifies the conditions under which particles are accelerated. We discuss these findings in terms of basic geometry and acceleration processes.

Биосорбция техногенных радионуклидов баренцевоморской литоральной водорослью Fucus vesiculosus L.

The authors have conducted laboratory experiments to study the ability of the Barents Sea brown alga Fucus vesiculosus L. to adsorb technogenic radionuclides from seawater of various salinity (8, 18 and 35 psu). They have obtained new data on the role of macroalgae communities in the geodynamics of radionuclides in the coastal zone of the seas. Fucuses are able to adsorb 40—80% of the radionuclide activity from water. The maximum intensity of adsorption is observed during the first day of exposure. The alga most effectively absorbs 152Eu, 241Am, 65Zn, 54Mn from water. The possibility of using the alga as a sorbent in biobarriers in incidents with emergency discharges of radioactivity into the sea is shown.

From code sharing to sharing of implementations: Advancing reproducible AI development for medical imaging through federated testing

BackgroundThe reproducibility crisis in AI research remains a significant concern. While code sharing has been acknowledged as a step toward addressing this issue, our focus extends beyond this paradigm. In this work, we explore “federated testing” as an avenue for advancing reproducible AI research and development especially in medical imaging. Unlike federated learning, where a model is developed and refined on data from different centers, federated testing involves models developed by one team being deployed and evaluated by others, addressing reproducibility across various implementations. MethodsOur study follows an exploratory design aimed at systematically evaluating the sources of discrepancies in shared model execution for medical imaging and outputs on the same input data, independent of generalizability analysis. We distributed the same model code to multiple independent centers, monitoring execution in different runtime environments while considering various real-world scenarios for pre- and post-processing steps. We analyzed deployment infrastructure by comparing the impact of different computational resources (GPU vs. CPU) on model performance. To assess federated testing in AI models for medical imaging, we performed a comparative evaluation across different centers, each with distinct pre- and post-processing steps and deployment environments, specifically targeting AI-driven positron emission tomography (PET) imaging segmentation. More specifically, we studied federated testing for an AI-based model for surrogate total metabolic tumor volume (sTMTV) segmentation in PET imaging: the AI algorithm, trained on maximum intensity projection (MIP) data, segments lymphoma regions and estimates sTMTV. ResultsOur study reveals that relying solely on open-source code sharing does not guarantee reproducible results due to variations in code execution, runtime environments, and incomplete input specifications. Deploying the segmentation model on local and virtual GPUs compared to using Docker containers showed no effect on reproducibility. However, significant sources of variability were found in data preparation and pre-/post- processing techniques for PET imaging. These findings underscore the limitations of code sharing alone in achieving consistent and accurate results in federated testing. ConclusionAchieving consistently precise results in federated testing requires more than just sharing models through open-source code. Comprehensive pipeline sharing, including pre- and post-processing steps, is essential. Cloud-based platforms that automate these processes can streamline AI model testing across diverse locations. Standardizing protocols and sharing complete pipelines can significantly enhance the robustness and reproducibility of AI models.

U-Turn Shape Effect on Effective Thermal Conductivity of Double Pass Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Systems Configuration

This study explores the thermal performance of double-pass photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems by investigating the influence of turn shape on heat transfer characteristics using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The aim is to evaluate various turn shapes, including half-circle, triangle, half-hexagon, half-octagon, and box, to determine their impact on turbulent intensity, effective thermal conductivity, and outlet temperature in PVT systems. The investigation reveals significant variations in heat transfer efficiency among the different turn shapes, with the triangle-shaped turn demonstrating superior performance across multiple parameters. The findings highlight that the triangle-shaped turn exhibits enhanced turbulence generation and heat exchange efficiency compared to other shapes. Specifically, the triangle-shaped turn achieves a maximum turbulent intensity of approximately 70%, surpassing other shapes which achieve around 60%. Moreover, the triangle-shaped turn displays a longer and more substantial area of high heat exchange, resulting in an effective thermal conductivity improvement of up to 20% compared to alternative shapes. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that the triangle-shaped turn exhibits a faster increase in outlet temperature, reaching steady-state conditions within 15 seconds, while other shapes require up to 19 seconds. These results underscore the significance of turn shape in optimizing the thermal efficiency of PVT systems.

Electro-optical and thermal characterization of copper tartrate crystals grown in silica gel

Copper Tartrate crystals were grown by Gel Growth technique by single diffusion method. Silica gel of Optimum specific gravity was set with tartaric acid at optimum pH and aging period. Band gap of copper tartrate crystal is determined using to be 5.24 eV. In PL spectra broad peak is observed at nearly 367.44186 nm in the range 287 nm to 458 nm along with the sharp, intense transmission maxima peak at wavelength nearly 505.03876 nm which is characteristic of a material composition and electronic band structure. This shows the transparency of it in UV-Visible region and it as a filter in this range TGA analysis concludes that Copper tartrate has loss of one-half water molecule as crystalline water and is stable up to 85.02 ℃DSC analysis assigns the temperature value 314.5 ℃ as melting point and apparent enthalpy of fusion determined is 10.18 mW.

Soil Ecosystem Services in Urban Parks as a Basis for Better Urban Planning: The Case of Mexico City

Until now, the contribution of soils in urban spaces has been underestimated and, as a result, the services they provide have been severely undervalued in urban planning. This article aims to address this issue through a study of Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. We provide two methodological proposals for the analysis of soil ecosystem services characterized by the interaction of natural and anthropic processes: the morpho-pedological landscapes (MpL), in which we quantify soil carbon sequestration (SOC Mg ha−1) and the comparison of two methods for the analysis of hydraulic conductivity: Pedotransfer functions (PTF) and direct measurement with a double ring infiltrometer. Among the 12 MpL, we found the highest SOC content in slopes with mixed tree vegetation and Phaeozem soils. However, SOC retention decreased by 40%–50% due to sealing surfaces. For infiltration measures, despite the diversity of soils and vegetation, direct measurements values are highly homogeneous, while values calculated using PTFs better reflect the morphopedological landscape heterogeneity. In all the MpLs, the hydraulic conductivity was higher than the maximum rainfall intensity report, indicating that the soils in Chapultepec Park, despite the differences in soils and intensity of use, provide the ecosystem service of infiltration. These results would allow the establishment of a baseline for monitoring these services and provide information to decision makers and urban planners seeking to reduce the construction of gray infrastructure that seals soils and reduces their capacity to provide these ecosystem services.

Effect of Cow Bone Addition on the Humification, Heavy Metals Passivation and Fate of Resistance Genes During Swine Manure Composting

Bone meal has been used as economic and effective additive for heavy metals (HMs) pollution remediation due to the distinct components and structures that enable their favorable properties, such as its low cost, high adsorption capacity, acid-base adjustability, and ion-exchange capability. However, no attempt has been made to establish whether cow bone could promote the passivation of HMs and the removal of metal resistance genes (MRGs) and antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) during the composting process. Two sizes of cow bone (meal (T2) and granule (T3)) were added to investigate their effects on humification, HMs passivation and the abundance of ARGs and MRGs during swine manure composting. Excitation-emission matrix (EEM)-parallel factor analysis showed that the percentage of maximum fluorescence intensity of humic-like substances were higher in T2 (91.82%) than in T3 (88.46%), implying that T2 could promote the humification process compared to T3. In comparison with control (T1), the addition of T2 and T3 could promote the change of exchangeable Cu and reducible Cu into oxidizable Cu, thus reducing the mobility factors (MF) of Cu in T2 and T3 treatments by 10.48% and 6.98%, respectively. In addition, T2 and T3 could increase exchangeable Zn into reducible Zn and oxidizable Zn, thereby reducing the MF of Zn in T2 and T3 treatments by 18.80% and 2.0%, respectively. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed that the total abundances of MRGs were decreased by 100% in T2 and T3 treatments, and T2 decreased the total relative abundance of ARGs. Furthermore, the relative abundance of ARGs and MRGs had significantly correlated with intI1 and bio-available of Cu and Zn, which was triggered by selective pressure of HMs and horizontal gene transfer. The present study suggested that cow bone meal as additives can be a feasible approach to promote the passivation of HMs and enhance the removal of MGRs and ARGs by decreasing horizontal gene transfer and selective pressure by bioavailable HMs.

A novel atmospheric microwave plasma source based on circular waveguide with double ridges for nitrogen fixation

A novel atmospheric microwave plasma source based on circular waveguide with double ridges for nitrogen fixation

Luminescence Behavior and Structural Characteristics of Novel BaYAl3O7: Tb3+ Nanophosphors.

An innovative green emitting novel BaY1 - xTbxAl3O7 (x = 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06) was synthesized using urea combustion, which was a low-energy process. Using techniques such as photoluminescence (PL), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, the structure and luminous properties of the phosphor were investigated. Scherrer's equation was utilized in the XRD technique to determine the crystallite size of the suggested materials. When stimulated with the near-ultraviolet photon, PL spectra revealed intense green emission at 541nm (5D4 → 7F5). The composition with the maximum emission intensity is BaY0.96Tb0.04Al3O7. The dipole-dipole mechanism for concentration quenching events was identified with the help of the critical energy transfer distance. The non-radiative relaxation rate (276s- 1), radiative lifetime (0.75754 ms), and quantum efficiency (79%), of the ideal phosphor composition are calculated using Auzel's model. The color coordinates (0.260, 0.496) align with the emission of green light. The remarkable outcomes validated the significance of the targeted nanocrystals as a superior material with prospective applications in solid-state down-converted white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs).

Hall probe calibration in high-precision magnetic field mapping system of superconducting cyclotron

Abstract Introduction Superconducting cyclotron can generate high-energy proton beams and are mainly used for radiation therapy of tumors and cancers. In the superconducting cyclotron SC200, the maximum magnetic induction intensity can typically reach up to 4.6 T, and the magnetic field accuracy is 1e-4. Hall probes are commonly used tools for measuring high-intensity magnetic fields. Objective Through comprehensive consideration, this study selects the SENIS Low-Noise Teslameter 3MH5 and Hall probe C to measure the magnetic field. When the magnetic field exceeds the range of 2 T, the measurement accuracy of the Hall probe is less than 1e-4, and the Hall probe needs to be calibrated to improve its measurement accuracy. Methods The Hall probes are calibrated using Swiss METROLAB PT2025 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) Tesla instrument and 1062 probe. Based on the calibration principle, a calibration system platform was built, test data were collected, and calibration curves were obtained. At the same time, the calibration data were analyzed through cross-validation experiments using the cubic polynomial fitting method. Results The results indicate that the test deviation range is from −0.1 g to 0.1 g, and the measurement accuracy can reach 1e-4. Conclusion In summary, the Hall probe can accurately measure the magnetic field distribution of the superconducting cyclotron. It can provide accurate and important data for the calculation and analysis of particle beam dynamics.

Generational shift for clinical application of the QLF system for evaluating tooth wear

Background: No study has quantitatively assessed tooth wear using a clinical quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) system. This study aimed to compare fluorescence parameters (ΔFwear) between the research QLF system (QLF-D) and clinical QLF system (Qraycam Pro) and evaluate the validity of both systems in detecting dentin exposure from tooth wear. Methods: Thirty-five human molars and premolars were collected. Two blinded examiners conducted evaluations. Images from QLF-D and Qraycam Pro were captured and analyzed by the first examiner to calculate ΔFwear, representing the maximum fluorescence intensity for occlusal wear. The stage of tooth wear was determined by the second examiner using the tooth wear index (TWI). The area of interest (AOI) was determined as the cusp without defects, such as caries or fractures. Only areas mutually agreed by both examiners were included in analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted to assess differences in ΔFwear between two devices. ROC analysis evaluated the validity of both systems in determining dentin exposure using AUROC. Results: Thirty-eight AOIs were analyzed. ΔFwear significantly increased with higher TWI scores. Median ΔFwear for TWI scores (0, 1, and 2) were 6.9%, 10.3%, and 24.8%, respectively, for QLF-D, and 5.7%, 7.7%, and 23.9%, respectively, for Qraycam Pro. No significant differences in ΔFwear were observed between QLF-D and Qraycam Pro for any TWI score. The AUROC for both systems was 0.95. Conclusion: ΔFwear was comparable between QLF-D and Qraycam Pro and demonstrated high validity in detecting dentin exposure. These findings support the clinical application of the QLF for quantitative tooth wear assessment.

Study on the Structural Changes of Boneless Chicken Claw Collagen and Its Effect on Water Retention Performance.

The purpose of this study was to explore the water retention mechanism of chicken claws by detecting the structural changes in collagen in boneless chicken claws under different expansion rates. Firstly, boneless chicken claw collagen with different expansion rates (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%) was extracted by the acid-enzyme complex method, and the changes in collagen were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), circular dichroism (CD), low-field nuclear magnetic resonance LF-NMR) and surface hydrophobicity to explore the mechanism that leads to changes in the water retention performance. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that with the increase in the expansion rate, collagen molecules showed curling, shrinking, breaking and crosslinking, forming a loose and irregular pore-like denatured collagen structure. UV analysis showed that the maximum absorption wavelength of chicken claw collagen was blue shifted under different expansion rates, and the maximum absorption peak intensity increased first and then decreased with the increase in expansion rate. The FTIR results showed that collagen had obvious characteristic absorption peaks in the amide A, B, I, II and III regions under different expansion rates, and that the intensity and position of the characteristic absorption peaks changed with the expansion rate. The results of the CD analysis showed that collagen at different expansion rates had obvious positive absorption peaks at 222 nm, and that the position of negative absorption peaks was red shifted with the increase in expansion rate. This shows that the expansion treatment makes the collagen of chicken claw partially denatured, and that the triple helix structure becomes relaxed or unwound, which provides more space for the combination of water molecules, thus enhancing the water absorption capacity of boneless chicken claw. The results of the surface hydrophobicity test showed that the surface hydrophobicity of boneless chicken claw collagen increased with the increase in expansion rate and reached the maximum at a 30% expansion rate, and then decreased with the further increase in the expansion rate. The results of LF-NMR showed that the water content of boneless chicken claws increased significantly after the expansion treatment, and that the water retention performance of chicken claws was further enhanced with the increase in the expansion rate. In this study, boneless chicken claws were used as raw materials, and the expansion process of boneless chicken claws was optimized by acid combined with a water-retaining agent, which improved the expansion rate of boneless chicken claws and the quality of boneless chicken claws. The effects of the swelling degree on the collagen structure, water absorption and water retention properties of boneless chicken claws were revealed by structural characterization. These findings explain the changes in the water retention of boneless chicken claws after expansion. By optimizing the expansion treatment process, the water retention performance and market added value of chicken feet products can be significantly improved, which is of great economic significance.