Mechanical Factors Research Articles

WOODY SPECIES CULTIVATED FOR ORNAMENTAL PURPOSES WITH INVASIVITY CAPACITIES IN OLTENIA, ROMANIA

Changes in climatic conditions influence the expansion on ever larger surfaces as well as the exacerbated development of populations of invasive species introduced in southern Romania initially for ornamental purposes. In the last decades, an increasing number of species that were cultivated for different purposes but also that accidentally entered Oltenia became successful invaders in different habitats. Many factors may contribute to the increased invasiveness of these species, including seed production, germination, and their relatively high growth rate. The impact of invasive species on native vegetation in a region can have different intensities, but they can increase with the accentuation of the drought and the aridification of the lands in the south of Oltenia, this may lead to the loss or irreversible degradation of habitats or species populations. In recent years in Oltenia, especially in the southern part, in the large hydrographic basins of the Danube, Jiu and Olt, the number of invasive species has increased considerably, their ability to spread and invasiveness being very high. Some of these species exert a high degree of aggression on wet, practical and forest habitats, influencing the structure and functionality of edifying phytocoenoses. Among the invasive species introduced for ornamental purposes in Oltenia, particularly important populations have developed: Acer negundo, Rhus typhina, Amorpha fruticosa, Ailanthus altissima, Eleagnus angustifolia, Fraxinus pensylvanica, F. americana, Parthenocissus inserta, P. quinquefolia, Robinia hispida. It should be noted that in recent years the species Albizia julibrissin was introduced for ornamental purposes in Romania, but also in Oltenia. This species is cultivated excessively, in gardens, green spaces, private yards and especially in the open spaces in front of private yards in most locations in Oltenia. Following the studies carried out regarding the invasive potential of this species, we can mention the fact that this species has a very high spreading power, quickly conquering new territories, each individual produces a very large number of seeds that have a very high germination power, is a species extremely resistant to drought, to various anthropogenic factors, including atmospheric pollution, to harmful mechanical factors, very high temperatures of over 400 during the summers in the south Oltenia, growing on the sides of roads, alleys, on several types of soil, including sandy. Around each individual, but also at distances between 2-80 m from it, vigorous saplings were identified, with increased vitality and accelerated growth, being able to reach up to 30-40 cm in height in one year of vegetation. Thus, we can specify that this species can be considered a new invasive species for Romania.

Catalytic CO oxidation reaction over Fe anchored Silicene: Mechanism and key factors

Catalytic CO oxidation reaction over Fe anchored Silicene: Mechanism and key factors

Microalgae - bacteria based wastewater treatment systems: Granulation, influence factors and pollutants removal.

Wastewater treatment based on microalgae and bacteria symbiosis is an environmentally friendly, sustainable technology that has attracted attention recently because of its high efficiency in treating pollutants, saving energy, and short-term biomass recovery. Among them, the granular microalgae and bacteria combination emerges with the advantages of rapid gravity settling, good resistance to adverse environmental conditions, outstanding wastewater treatment performance, and easy biomass recovery. This review aims to clarify the microalgal-bacterial granule (MBG) - based process for wastewater treatment. In particular, MBG characteristics, granulation mechanism, and influence factors on the process are also discussed. The review contributes to the knowledge system related to MBG research in recent years, thereby pointing out research gaps that need to be filled in the future.

The “Burden” of Childhood Obesity on Bone Health: A Look at Prevention and Treatment

Childhood obesity represents a multifaceted challenge to bone health, influenced by a combination of endocrine, metabolic, and mechanical factors. Excess body fat correlates with an increase in bone mineral density (BMD) yet paradoxically elevates fracture risk due to compromised bone quality and increased mechanical loading on atypical sites. Additionally, subjects with syndromic obesity, as well as individuals with atypical nutritional patterns, including those with eating disorders, show bone fragility through unique genetic and hormonal dysregulations. Emerging evidence underscores the adverse effects of new pharmacological treatments for severe obesity on bone health. Novel drugs, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and bariatric surgery demonstrate potential in achieving weight loss, though limited evidence is available regarding their short- and long-term impacts on skeletal health. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms underlying the impact of childhood obesity on bone health. It critically appraises evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical research in children with exogenous obesity, syndromic obesity, and eating disorders. It also explores the effects of emerging pharmacological and surgical treatments for severe obesity on skeletal integrity, highlights prevention strategies, and identifies research gaps.

Optimizing High-Power Performance of [001]-Oriented Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)-PbTiO3 Through Combined DC and AC Polarization Above Curie Temperature

Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 single crystals (PMN-PT SCs) are widely utilized in high-performance piezoelectric devices due to their exceptional piezoelectric properties. Among the various post-processing techniques for domain engineering in PMN-PT SCs, alternating current polarization (ACP) has become a widely adopted method for enhancing piezoelectric performance. This study proposes a new ultrahigh-temperature field-cooling polarization (UFCP) technique, combining direct current polarization (DCP) and ACP with field cooling above the Curie temperature. Dielectric spectra indicate that the UFCP method promotes electric field-induced phase transitions above the Curie point, forming a stable multiphase configuration. The transverse piezoelectric coefficient d31 of UFCP SCs is 1126 pC/N, and the electromechanical coupling factor k31 is 0.559. Compared with traditional DCP, UFCP increases d31 by 68.6%, the mechanical quality factor Qm by 16.7%, and the piezoelectric figure of merit (FOM) by 98.3%. Furthermore, under high-power excitation with a root-mean-square voltage of 15 V, UFCP achieves a 343% increase in power and a 130.5% improvement in the FOM compared with DCP, demonstrating its potential for enhancing high-power performance in practical applications.

Influence of occlusal loading on the longevity of dental bridges

Dental bridges are a cornerstone in restorative dentistry, offering functional and aesthetic solutions for patients with missing teeth. Their longevity is influenced by a complex interplay of biomechanical, material, and clinical factors. Occlusal loading, the force exerted during mastication and other functional activities, plays a critical role in determining the durability of these prostheses. Excessive or uneven occlusal forces can lead to mechanical failures such as fractures, debonding, or material fatigue. Advances in materials, particularly high-strength ceramics like zirconia, have improved the ability of bridges to withstand these stresses, providing enhanced resistance to wear and fracture. Design considerations, including connector dimensions and the use of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, ensure more precise stress distribution, minimizing the risk of localized mechanical failures. Finite element analysis and digital occlusal analysis have further refined the understanding of stress patterns, enabling personalized approaches tailored to individual patient needs. Clinical studies have highlighted the importance of maintenance strategies, such as regular follow-ups and early repair of minor defects, in extending the lifespan of dental bridges. Patient-specific factors, such as parafunctional habits and periodontal health, significantly influence outcomes and necessitate individualized treatment planning. Emerging technologies, combined with material innovations, have shifted the focus toward optimizing the biomechanical performance of dental bridges. Trends reveal that integrating robust materials with advanced design techniques results in improved longevity and reduced failure rates. The interplay between clinical, material, and mechanical factors continues to evolve, offering new insights into enhancing the reliability and success of dental bridges over time.

Piezoelectric and electromechanical synergic optimization in MnCO3‐modified lead magnesium niobate‐lead zirconate titanate ceramics for high‐power antenna

AbstractLead zirconate titanate (PZT)‐based piezoelectric ceramics are crucial components in high‐power magnetoelectric (ME) antenna devices, contributing to the miniaturization of very low frequency (VLF) communication systems. The piezoelectric coefficient (d33) and mechanical quality factor (Qm) determine the quality of the radiation performance of the antenna device and, therefore, play a pivotal role in antenna preparation and selection. However, achieving high values for both d33 and Qm simultaneously proves challenging, as these properties often tend to compete with each other. Herein, we address this challenge by introducing MnCO3‐modified lead magnesium niobate (PMN)‐PZT piezoelectric ceramics, leveraging elements doping to achieve a well‐balanced performance, where the d33 was optimized to 530 pC/N, while concurrently attaining a Qm of 624, being attributed to the synergistic contributions from the defect dipole and lead vacancies. Notably, the PMN‐PZT‐based antenna device exhibits a significantly enhanced converse ME coefficient αCME = 0.138 Oe·cm/V, which improves the antenna emission performance by about 25% compared to commercial PZT‐4 samples. These findings offer a promising theoretical foundation and a feasible technical pathway for the development and design of ME antennas in the future.

Electrochemical Linked to Mechanical Simulation for an Assessment of State-of-Health of Thin-Flexible Li-Ion Batteries on Dynamic Flexing and Calendar Aging

Abstract Flexible hybrid electronics featuring wearable electronics offer numerous advantages such as function integration, light-weighting, and flexibility. However, the dynamic flexing of the flexible power sources during usage, along with flex-to-install, presents challenges for their durability. While previous research has focused on thick block batteries, the effects of daily motion-induced stresses on the state of health (SOH) degradation of thin-flexible batteries, in conjunction with usage parameters, are not well understood. Factors such as storage duration, operating temperature, flexing frequency, interval, and flex radius may vary, making it impractical and expensive to measure the battery response in every condition. Therefore, electrochemical simulation methods are necessary to predict the SOH degradation of the battery under various environmental conditions, which can assess conditions not previously measured. However, the degradation of the flexible battery is not only due to electrochemical aging but also due to mechanical aging. While electrochemical simulation is well-known, the effect of mechanical factors on degradation is relatively unknown. In this regard, this research seeks to make multiphysics simulations of SOH deterioration during charging/discharging of a flexible battery under dynamic folding, twisting, and static folding using a calendar-aged battery at elevated temperatures. Additionally, the method, which is to link the mechanical simulation to electrochemical simulation, was studied, which may be helpful in further understanding of unknown effects required for future study. The paper thoroughly discusses the developed model's capability to predict SOH degradation caused by mechanical stress and calendar aging. It also explores how accurately the model can illustrate degradation trends under various environmental conditions. The detailed results and their significance are presented comprehensively, providing a clear understanding of the model's effectiveness within the context of the study.

Time-Dependent Growth of ZnO Nanowires: Unveiling Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Properties.

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and functional properties of well-aligned zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) obtained by a two-step hydrothermal method. ZnO NWs were grown on silicon substrates precoated with a ZnO seed layer. The growth process was conducted at 90 °C for different durations (2, 3, and 4 h) to examine the time-dependent evolution of the nanowire properties. A comprehensive characterization of the ZnO NWs was performed using several analytical techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the morphological progression, specifically tracking changes in length and diameter as a function of the growth time. Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy was employed to determine the optical band gap, while photoluminescence (PL) analysis provided insight into the concentration of structural defects and its evolution as a function of nanowire growth. The photocatalytic efficiency of the ZnO NWs was evaluated through the degradation of the organic dye methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation (365 nm). The kinetic of MB degradation was monitored for each growth time, with non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC) analysis providing a detailed perspective on the photocatalytic activity over time. The antibacterial properties were tested against Pseudomonas putida, a Gram-negative bacterium, to determine the efficiency of the synthesized ZnO NWs as antimicrobial agents. The release of zinc ions (Zn2+), a key factor in the antibacterial mechanism, was quantified using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis for each sample. By exploration of the relationship between the growth time, nanostructure morphology, and functional properties, this study provides insights into optimizing the synthesis of ZnO NWs for enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial applications. These findings contribute to the development of advanced materials for environmental and biomedical applications.

Mechanical Vibration Regulates Differentiation and Proliferation of Neural Stem Cells

Abstract For the regeneration of the central nervous system, neural stem cells have been proposed as graft donors. Conventional studies have used biochemical factors to induce their differentiation into neurons and to enhance axon elongation. However, few studies have been reported on the effects of mechanical factors on neural stem cells. In this study, we show that mechanical vibration directs the differentiation of neural stem cells into neuronal cells, elongates their axons, and increases the number of differentiated cells. We found that the 25 Hz and 0.5 G vibration promoted the differentiation of neural stem cells into neuronal-marker-positive cells by twice the number in the control conditions and increased the number of differentiated cells with axons longer than 10 μm by 1.5-fold more than the control conditions. Furthermore, we found that the total number of differentiated and undifferentiated cells in the vibration condition reached threefold more than the control condition and that this effect depended on the frequency and acceleration. We anticipate our system to facilitate further studies using mechanical vibration such as regenerative therapy using neural stem cells and the elucidation of differentiation mechanisms in neural stem cells.

Homocysteine Metabolites, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Cardiovascular Disease.

Atherosclerosis is accompanied by inflammation that underlies cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its vascular manifestations, including acute stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease, the leading causes of morbidity/mortality worldwide. The monolayer of endothelial cells formed on the luminal surface of arteries and veins regulates vascular tone and permeability, which supports vascular homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction, the first step in the development of atherosclerosis, is caused by mechanical and biochemical factors that disrupt vascular homeostasis and induce inflammation. Together with increased plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), diabetes, hypertension, cigarette smoking, infectious microorganisms, and genetic factors, epidemiological studies established that dysregulated metabolism of homocysteine (Hcy) causing hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with CVD. Patients with severe HHcy exhibit severe CVD and die prematurely due to vascular complications. Biochemically, HHcy is characterized by elevated levels of Hcy and related metabolites such as Hcy-thiolactone and N-Hcy-protein, seen in genetic and nutritional deficiencies in Hcy metabolism in humans and animals. The only known source of Hcy in humans is methionine released in the gut from dietary protein. Hcy is generated from S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) and metabolized to cystathionine by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and to Hcy-thiolactone by methionyl-tRNA synthetase. Hcy-thiolactone, a chemically reactive thioester, modifies protein lysine residues, generating N-homocysteinylated (N-Hcy)-protein. N-Hcy-proteins lose their normal native function and become cytotoxic, autoimmunogenic, proinflammatory, prothrombotic, and proatherogenic. Accumulating evidence, discussed in this review, shows that these Hcy metabolites can promote endothelial dysfunction, CVD, and stroke in humans by inducing pro-atherogenic changes in gene expression, upregulating mTOR signaling, and inhibiting autophagy through epigenetic mechanisms involving specific microRNAs, histone demethylase PHF8, and methylated histone H4K20me1. Clinical studies, also discussed in this review, show that cystathionine and Hcy-thiolactone are associated with myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke by influencing blood clotting. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, CVD, and stroke and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Application of desktop virtual reality technology in nursing student education: a realist review

BackgroundWith the continuous development of educational methods, desktop virtual reality technology has gradually attracted widespread attention. Although current research has shown that this technology can promote learning among nursing students, the mechanism and intrinsic factors are not yet clear. This study aims to explore the mechanisms and factors of the application of desktop virtual reality technology in nursing students’ education and discuss the possible outcomes.MethodsThe realist review accords with the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses-Evolving Standards (RAMESES). The steps are mainly divided into the following three stages: (1) To determine the initial project theory; (2) To screen the published research and grey literature according to the inclusion criteria; (3) To analyze, extract, and synthesize the evidence of the included studies and then come to a conclusion.Data sourcesThis study included the original research from the following 8 databases from the establishment of the database to November 2024: CNKI, Wanfang Database, CBMdisc, VIP database, Pubmed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase.ResultsA total of 14 papers were included. Six mechanisms and six Context-Mechanism-Outcome combinations were identified, which explained the favourable factors related to the application of desktop virtual reality technology to the education of nursing students. Mechanisms include (1) personalized education, (2) clinically relevant cases, (3) dynamic visualization, (4) good education conditions, (5) gaming education, and (6) interactive education.ConclusionThis realist review demonstrates the underlying mechanisms, context, and outcomes, which will guide educators in using virtual reality technology to educate nursing students better.

Mesenchymal stem cell and exosome-based therapy for liver diseases: can it overcome conventional therapeutic inconsistencies?

Liver inflammation, injury, and hepatic cell death are caused by external agents (viruses, bacteria, drugs, alcohol, etc.) along with the genetic susceptibility of an individual. Persistent activation of the fibrogenic response in cells leads to liver fibrosis which in turn progresses to cirrhosis and cancer. The dysregulation of the immune system generates reactive oxygen species which in turn induce necrosis of hepatocytes. This process activates hepatic stellate cells and myofibroblasts to produce a huge quantity of collagens, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and extracellular matrix deposition in liver parenchyma. Due to the multifactorial nature of this disease, conventional therapies increasingly attempted combinatorial therapy or polytherapy to target multiple mechanistic sites in order to prevent entry into further complicated irreversible stages. Despite advancements in conventional therapy, several cases aggravate fibrosis (grade 3 to 4) and cirrhosis. The inconsistency in treatment outcomes and limited organ donors for liver transplantation have led to an ever-increasing and challenging demand for alternative therapies. In this review, we analyze the mechanism and causative factors of liver diseases, conventional mode, and alternative therapeutic options. The central to liver diseases are immune dysregulation, hence bioactive agents with immunomodulatory properties should be searched and exploited to meet therapeutic needs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with their specialized anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties could be utilized as an effective alternative therapeutic candidate in treating inflammatory liver diseases. MSC-derived exosome further provides an additional immunomodulatory option that could work in tandem with MSC in a synergistic form. In this series, we have reviewed preconditioned and genetically edited MSCs to augment homing, proliferation, and differentiation. Importantly, all the clinical challenges should be noted and addressed before stem cell cytotherapy should be considered safe and effective for patients with liver diseases. Published literature indicated that MSC therapy has the potential to substitute conventional options in the treatment of high-grade fibrosis and cirrhosis.

How and when workplace bullying detriments job performance: roles of affect-based trust and moral disengagement

Purpose The study aims to explore the negative relationship between workplace bullying and job performance by considering the mediating role of affect-based trust and the moderating role of moral disengagement, drawing on the attribution theory and social cognitive theory. Design/methodology/approach A data set of 196 samples was collected from office workers who witnessed workplace bullying in Vietnamese enterprises by administering a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling analysis and the process module generated by SmartPLS4 to test the conditional indirect effect. Findings The findings confirm the negative relationship between workplace bullying and job performance, and this negative relationship is partially mediated by employees’ perceived affect-based trust. In addition, moral disengagement moderates the indirect effect of workplace bullying on job performance through affect-based trust in such a way that the negative indirect effect is weaker when moral disengagement is lower. Research limitations/implications The research has limitations because of the small sample size, cross-sectional design and omission of cultural factors. Practical implications The research findings provide valuable insights into establishing workplace bullying prevention policies and practical implementations to increase job performance by enhancing employees’ trust in organizations. The paper also suggests practices to promote employees’ awareness of moral values and introduce interventions or training to reduce the tendency to disengage morally. Originality/value This study is part of a limited number of research efforts delving into the underlying mechanism and contextual factors surrounding the detrimental effects of workplace bullying on job performance in a developing country. The findings have confirmed the conditional indirect effect, demonstrating that the influence of workplace bullying on job performance through affect-based trust hinges on the degree of moral disengagement present.

Studies on the High-Power Piezoelectric Property Measurement Methods and Decoupling the Power and Temperature Effects on PZT-5H.

For those piezoelectric materials that operate under high-power conditions, the piezoelectric and dielectric properties obtained under small signal conditions cannot be directly applied to high-power transducers. There are three mainstream high-power characterization methods: the constant voltage method, the constant current method, and the transient method. In this study, we developed and verified a combined impedance method that integrated the advantages of the constant voltage and current methods, along with an improved transient method, for high-power testing of PZT-5H piezoelectric ceramics. The results from both methods indicated that with increasing power, the electromechanical coupling coefficient k31 , the piezoelectric constant d31, and the elastic compliance s11E of the PZT-5H showed increasing trends, while the mechanical quality factor Qm first decayed rapidly and then stabilized at a fixed level. Additionally, under the combined impedance method, the temperature of the vibrators rose significantly due to self-heating, whereas the transient method generated almost no heat, and the vibrators remained at room temperature. By comparing the results from the two methods, we decoupled the effects of temperature and power on the high-power piezoelectric performance. The results showed that the self-heating temperature amplified the effects of power on k31, d31, and s11E, while its influence on Qm remained negligible.

Electrochemo-Mechanical Degradation and Failure of Active Particles in High Energy Density Batteries: A Review.

Failure of the active particles is inherently electrochemo-mechanics dominated. This review comprehensively examines the electrochemo-mechanical degradation and failure mechanisms of active particles in high-energy density lithium-ion batteries. The study delves into the growth of passivating layers, such as the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and their impact on battery performance. It highlights the role of elevated temperatures in accelerating degradation reactions, such as the dissolution of transition metals and the formation of new SEI layers, leading to capacity fade and increased internal resistance. The review also discusses the mechanical degradation of electrode materials, including the fracture of active particles and the impact of stress on electrode performance. Advanced characterization techniques, such as cryogenic scanning transmission electron microscopy and 3D tomography, are explored to provide insights into the structural and chemical evolution of battery materials. By addressing the interplay between chemical, mechanical, and thermal factors, this review aims to provide guidelines for the chemistry development, material selection, structural design as well as recycling of next-generation batteries with high safety, durability, and high energy density.

Key Factors in the Multiple Mechanisms of Virus Entry

Review Key Factors in the Multiple Mechanisms of Virus Entry Yifan Wang 1,2, Quanxiang Yu 1,3, Shuru Lin 1,3, Wenqi Jiang 1,3, Zhengfei Qi 1,3,4, Lina Wang 1,3, Lian Wu 1,3, Rui Ma 1,3, Kexin Zhang 1,3, Shurong Chen 1,3,4, Jiayi Xie 1,3, Lingli Zheng 1,3,4, Min Zhou 1,3,4 and Qingshan Bill Fu 1,3,4,* 1 Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China 2 School of Life Science and Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 124000, China 3 Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China 4 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China * Correspondence: fuqingshan@simm.ac.cn Received: 22 October 2024; Revised: 12 November 2024; Accepted: 19 December 2024; Published: 2 January 2025 Abstract: Viruses are non-cellular organisms that must parasitize and multiply within living cells to achieve their replicative procedures. Viral assaults can affect bacteria, eukaryotes, and archaea. Well-known viral illnesses in human history include smallpox, Ebola, the black death, the Spanish flu, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), rabies, SARS, etc. Each of these diseases has caused countless deaths and severe consequences, greatly hindering the progress of human civilization and economic growth. Invasion of host cells by viruses can be broadly divided into several steps: adhesion, entry, replication, assembly, and release. Viral entry is particularly essential for viral invasion of host cells to cause infection. Different methods are employed by enveloped and non-enveloped viruses to mediate virus entry. Whichever entry technique is used, a few essential proteins (virus membrane proteins and cell receptor proteins) play crucial rules. Our knowledge of the structures of important proteins is also essential since it can inform us of the precise steps involved in this procedure. This review discusses the various methods of virus entry (such as Clathrin/Caveolae-mediated endocytosis, Lipid raft, and Macropinocytosis), lists a few typical fusion proteins in virus entry, and offers brief information on the structural characteristics of virus entry for diseases caused by the HIV and the recently discovered virus SARS-CoV-2. The intention of this page is to provide readers with an overall overview of virus entry pathways and to serve as a theoretical foundation for pertinent researches.

Leveraging Microneedles for Raised Scar Management.

Disruption of the molecular pathways during physiological wound healing can lead to raised scar formation, characterized by rigid, thick scar tissue with associated symptoms of pain and pruritus. A key mechanical factor in raised scar development is excessive tension at the wound site. Recently, microneedles (MNs) have emerged as promising tools for scar management as they engage with scar tissue and provide them with mechanical off-loading from both internal and external sources. This review explores the mechanisms by which physical intervention of drug-free MNs alleviates mechanical tension on fibroblasts within scar tissue, thereby promoting tissue remodeling and reducing scar severity. Additionally, the role of MNs as an efficient cargo delivery system for the controlled and sustained release of a wide range of therapeutic agents into scar tissue is highlighted. By penetrating scar tissue, MNs facilitate controlled and sustained localized drug administration to modulate inflammation and fibroblastic cell growth. Finally, the remaining challenges and the future perspective of the field have been highlighted.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and morphokinetic embryonic development: A case-control study evaluating 791 embryos.

To investigate the association between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and the rate of embryo development, using time-lapse monitoring systems (TLM), compared to a control group of women with mechanical (tubal) factor infertility. A retrospective case-control study conducted in a university affiliated IVF unit. Women with PCOS undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments and those with non-PCOS controls with tubal factor infertility only. Development morphokinetic milestones were compared and analysis of covariance for time to distinct cell number as well as logistic mixed models to determine predictors for embryos over the 75th percentile was performed. Not applicable. Embryo development morphokinetic parameters in women with and without PCOS undergoing IVF treatments. The study included 791 embryos from 115 women, 364 embryos from 52 women with PCOS and 427 embryos from 63 women with non-PCOS controls with tubal factor infertility. The PCOS group was 4 years younger (30.07±6.03 vs. 34.08±4.84 years, p=0.002) and had higher number of oocytes retrieved (16.00 vs. 11.00, p<0.001), mature oocytes (11.00 vs. 7.00,<0.001) and fertilized oocytes (8.00 vs. 5.00, p<0.001). The PCOS and control groups demonstrated comparable clinical pregnancy rates (55.8% vs. 32.1%,p=0.053), miscarriage rate (12.5% vs. 11.8%, p=0.994) and live birth rate (48,8% vs. 31.2%, p=0.089). Morphokinetic parameters were comparable between the groups. While age was associated with later time to 5 and 8 discrete cells and start of blastulation (tSB), PCOS was only associated with later tSB, including tSB>75th percentile. This study demonstrated comparable IVF outcomes in women with PCOS and non-PCOS controls. An analysis of TLM data from these patients showed no evidence that PCOS negatively affects embryonic development rate in women undergoing IVF cycles.

Full moon capsulorhexis: a novel and safe midperipheral approach, 2-step capsulorhexis technique for intumescent cataract

This article describes a novel 2-step surgical approach to create a continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) in an intumescent cataract. While there have been many descriptions for the same, this is unique in that the anterior capsulorhexis is started at the midperiphery. Although this approach may sound counterintuitive to the dreaded peripheral rhexis extensions in such cataracts, it provides a better control over the various mechanical factors contributing toward an increased intralenticular pressure that makes rhexis creation so unpredictable. This technique enables the surgeon to approach the anterior capsule at its strongest point and allows for better equalization of the anterior and posterior intracapsular pressure compartments, as well as easy aspiration of cortical fibers for effective decompression. The full moon capsulorhexis technique is a safe and reproducible technique for the most critical step of CCC, ensuring successful management of intumescent cataract with in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation.