Physical Barrier Research Articles

Long lasting insecticidal nets utilization and associated factors among households of West Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Long-lasting insecticide nets are often used as a physical barrier to prevent infection of malaria. In sub-Saharan Africa, one of the most important ways of lowering the malaria burden is the utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets. However, there is no sufficient information on long-lasting insecticide utilization in Ethiopia. Therefore, the study was aimed to assess long-lasting insecticide net utilization and associated factors among households of West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Southern Ethiopia, 2023. A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in West Arsi Zone with a sample of 2808 households from May 01 to 30, 2023. Data were collected from households by using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. Data were checked, coded, and entered into Epinfo version 7, cleaned, and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Descriptive analysis was used to present frequencies, proportions, and graphs. Binary logistic regression analysis was computed and the variables with p-values less than 0.25 were selected to be included in the multivariable model. The final model was interpreted using an adjusted odd ratio with a 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05 to declare the statistical association between the outcome and independent variables. About 2389 (86.2%) of households have long-lasting insecticide nets that can be used while sleeping. But the overall prevalence of long-lasting insecticide nets utilization was 69.9% with (95% CI 68.1–71.8). Being female as household head (AOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.33–4.15), number of separate rooms in the living house (AOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.23–2.29), duration of long-lasting insecticide nets used to be replaced (AOR 2.81, 95% CI 2.18–5.35), knowledge status of the respondents (AOR 3.68; 95% CI 2.48–6.97) were significantly associated with long-lasting insecticide nets utilization. The overall Household’s level of LLINs utilization was found to be low as compared to the national standard of Ethiopia, which is to be ≥ 85. The study identified that being female as household head, the number of separate rooms in the living house, the duration of long-lasting insecticide nets used to be replaced, knowledge status of the respondents were the predictors of long-lasting insecticide nets utilization among members of households. Thus, to improve the usage of LLINs, the West Arsi Zone Health Office and stakeholders should strengthen the long-term insecticide net utilization at the household level by educating the community with appropriate information.

Peroxiredoxin 3 Deficiency Exacerbates DSS-Induced Acute Colitis via Exosomal miR-1260b-Mediated Barrier Disruption and Proinflammatory Signaling.

Aims: Peroxiredoxin3 (Prdx3) is an intracellular antioxidant enzyme that is specifically localized in mitochondria and protects against oxidative stress by removing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). The intestinal epithelium provides a physical and biochemical barrier that segregates host tissues from commensal bacteria to maintain intestinal homeostasis. An imbalance between the cellular antioxidant defense system and oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the role of Prdx3 in the intestinal epithelium under intestinal inflammation has not been elucidated. To investigate the potential role of Prdx3 in intestinal inflammation, we used intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-specific Prdx3-knockout mice. Results: IEC-specific Prdx3-deficient mice showed more severe colitis phenotypes with greater degrees of body weight loss, colon shortening, barrier disruption, mitochondrial damage, and ROS generation in IECs. Furthermore, exosomal miR-1260b was dramatically increased in Prdx3-knockdown colonic epithelial cells. Mechanistically, Prdx3 deficiency promoted intestinal barrier disruption and inflammation via P38-mitogen-activated protein kinase/NFκB signaling. Innovation: This is the first study to report the protective role of Prdx3 in acute colitis using IEC-specific conditional knockout mice. Conclusion: Our study sheds light on the role of exosome-loaded miRNAs, particularly miR-1260b, in IBD. Targeting miR-1260b or modulating exosome-mediated intercellular communication may hold promise as potential therapeutic strategies for managing IBD and restoring intestinal barrier integrity.

Exercise in patients with epilepsy and neurostimulation devices - physical activity levels, barriers, and beliefs

Exercise improves many comorbidities associated with epilepsy in addition to seizure control. Despite the ILAE consensus statement noting the positive effects of exercise in patients with epilepsy (PWE) and individual assessment of risks pertaining to these activities, many healthcare professionals, including neurologists, are unfamiliar with these guidelines. Neurostimulation is an increasingly prevalent treatment option for refractory epilepsy. To date, no literature exists regarding how PWE treated with neurostimulation devices view and participate in exercise. We surveyed 36 adult PWE treated with neurostimulation (11 VNS, 21 RNS, 3 DBS, 1 VNS+RNS) on their barriers, beliefs, activity levels, and interests in exercise. Forty-three percent of patients reported meeting AHA guidelines for physical activity. Ninety percent of participants noted at least one barrier to exercise with transportation being most common. Fear of embarrassment of a seizure during exercise was reported by 44% with 39% endorsing prior seizure while exercising. Device-specific barriers included fear of device damage or avoidance of specific exercises. There was a statistically significant effect on activity level and prior seizure while exercising. Only 8% of participants reported knowledge of exercise guidelines for PWE. This data provides insight into the views of PWE treated with neurostimulation devices on exercise.

Effect of ZrB2 on the wear resistance and corrosion properties of nanocrystalline Ni-Cu coatings fabricated by electrodeposition

In this study, a pulsed electrodeposition approach was used to create a Ni-Cu/ZrB2 composite coating on the surface of J55 steel. Ni-Cu/ZrB2 composite coatings with different material additions were prepared, and the surface morphology, grain size, microhardness and wear and corrosion resistance were investigated. The results confirmed that the embedding of ZrB2 in the Ni-Cu coating can refine the grains and make the coating surface denser. Furthermore, ZrB2 can effectively increase the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the coating; the Ni-Cu/ZrB2 (1.0 g/L) composite coating reflects this by having the shallowest and narrowest wear cross-section as well as the lowest average friction coefficient (0.537). Additionally, the composite coating has the highest impedance modulus, reaching 83.60 kΩ/cm2. The composite coating improved corrosion resistance by 63.1 % compared to the pure sample. The enhancement in the coating's corrosion resistance can be attributed to three factors. Firstly, the addition of zirconium diborate refines the coating grain and changes the corrosion type from pitting corrosion to homogeneous corrosion. Secondly, zirconium diborate forms a physical barrier against corrosive ions. Lastly, the formation of the oxide layer on the coating during the process of corrosion, also enhances the material's resistance to corrosion.

Sustained-release mechanism of β-Cyclodextrin/cationic cellulose-stabilized Pickering emulsions loaded with citrus essential oil

Citrus oil (CO) is a commonly used natural flavor with high volatility, which is not conducive to sustained release under food environmental stress. This study constructed novel β-cyclodextrin/cationic cellulose nanocrystal (β-CD/C-CNC) complexes via noncovalent interaction, which were used to stabilize CO-loaded Pickering emulsions (PEβ-CD/C-CNC). The C-CNC greatly improved the physical stability, droplet dispersion and viscoelasticity of PEβ-CD/C-CNC by forming a tight network structure, as verified by rheological behavior. Moreover, C-CNC improved the wettability of β-CD/C-CNC complexes and enhanced the interaction between adjacent β-CD/C-CNC complexes. C-CNC also contributed to the interfacial viscoelasticity, hydrated mass, and layer thickness via the interfacial dilational modulus and QCM-D. β-CD/C-CNC complexes adsorbed on the oil–water interface gave rise to a dense filling layer as a physical barrier, enhancing the sustained-release performance of PEβ-CD/C-CNC by limiting diffusion of citrus essential oil into the headspace. This study provides new technical approaches for aroma retention in the food industry.

Highly stable planted MXene auxiliary layer for high-performance zinc anode deposition regulation

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have good application prospects in large-scale energy storage, but severe dendrite behavior hinders their development. This article reports a method of planting MXene on the surface of zinc foil, that is, while mechanically polishing with a high-speed rotating wire brush, MXene solution is added dropwise, and MXene is anchored on the surface of the zinc foil with the help of a certain pressure. The MXene layer under this preparation method is stronger than the traditional self-assembled MXene layer. The MXene layer therefore acts as a physical barrier, protecting the underlying active zinc from damage. At the same time, the good hydrophilicity of the planted MXene layer reduces the concentration gradient of the interfacial electrolyte and redistributes the zinc ion flux. The unique electric field effect of MXene reduces the desolvation energy barrier, improves the transfer kinetics of Zn ions, and promotes the deposition of zinc ions in the (002) crystal plane. Experimental results show that the symmetrical battery prepared by this method can cycle stably for more than 1000 h at 0.8 mA cm−2, while its Zn\\\\Cu asymmetric battery exhibits cycle stability of more than 700 times at 0.5 mA cm−2. While maintaining a high Coulombic efficiency of over 99 %. Full cells assembled from zinc foil anodes and VO2 cathodes protected by a planted MXene layer also demonstrate higher capacity advantages. Therefore, this more stable MXene layer provides a direction for the practical application of zinc metal anodes.

Novel nanoparticle composed by Ovalbumin-OSA modified pectin-rutin for improving the stability of Monascus pigments

To improve the resistance of Monascus pigments (MPs) to adverse environmental factors, a nanoparticle carrier was constructed using ovalbumin, rutin and pectin modified by octenyl succinic anhydride. According to the determination of particle size, ζ-potential and microstructure, the composite nanoparticles exhibited the "core-shell" structure. Specifically, the ovalbumin core was encapsulated by the modified pectin adsorbed with rutin. Spectroscopic analysis demonstrated that electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between wall materials and MPs were the main driving forces to form composite nanoparticles. The stabilities of light, thermal and storage of MPs were significantly enhanced after encapsulation due to the physical barrier effect of the wall materials against external disturbances and the multiple functions of rutin, including free radical scavenging, absorption of partial UV and scatter light, and possible co-pigmentation effects with MPs. Moreover, the composite nanoparticles exhibited higher inhibition activity against pancreatic lipase and antioxidant activity compared with those of free MPs. The results provided an ideal way to develop new MPs products, which had long-lasting and stable performance during food processing and storage.

"I Haven't Had Moose Meat in a Long Time": Exploring Urban Indigenous Perspectives on Traditional Foods in Saskatchewan.

This qualitative study investigates the perspectives of urban Indigenous individuals in Saskatchewan, Canada, regarding their consumption of traditional foods. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 participants across Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert, the research aimed to uncover the benefits, risks, and barriers associated with acquiring and consuming traditional foods. Participants emphasized the nutritional advantages of traditional foods, such as higher nutrient density and absence of industrial additives, which they linked to improved health outcomes and alignment with Indigenous biology. The study also highlighted the vital role of traditional foods in maintaining cultural identity and fostering community connections through practices of food sharing and intergenerational knowledge transfer. However, significant challenges were identified, including economic and physical barriers to access, environmental degradation, and regulatory issues that restrict the availability of traditional foods in urban settings. The findings suggest a complex landscape where cultural practices are both preserved and challenged within the urban environment. This study contributes to the broader understanding of how Indigenous populations navigate the preservation of their culinary heritage in the face of modern economic and environmental pressures, providing insights for policy and community-based interventions aimed at supporting Indigenous food sovereignty.

A novel strategy for constructing active anti-corrosive coatings by embedding three-dimensional fiber networks

The corrosion protection effectiveness of micro/nanocontainer-based intelligent coatings significantly depends on their dispersion within the coating matrix. Inspired by the bionic concept of a ‘vascular network’ we designed a polylactic acid (PLA) three-dimensional fiber network incorporating the pH-responsive TiO2-8-hydroxyquinoline (TiO2-8HQ) nanotubes using electrospinning technology. These TiO2-8HQ@PLA networks are crosslinked and evenly dispersed on the Mg alloy surface, responsive to local pH variations. The encapsulated 8HQ inhibitors release rapidly in alkaline conditions, transporting through the network to enable continuous self-healing in multi-defect areas. An epoxy coating applied over the network forms a novel vascular network intelligent coating. Electrochemical and surface analysis tests reveal that 2 %TiO2-8HQ@PLA-EP provides the most enduring corrosion resistance over 50 days in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, with a coating resistance of 2.33 × 106 Ω cm2 and charge transfer resistance of 4.81 × 106 Ω cm2. Additionally, the network enhances adhesion strength (38.01 MPa) and surface wettability (104.25° ± 0.15°), significantly improving the coating’s physical barrier performance. The combination of the micro/nanocontainers technology and vascular network innovative design provides a unique insight into active corrosion control on diverse metals.

Kinesiophobia, physical activity levels and barriers in breast cancer patients, survivors, and healthy controls: A case-control analysis.

To investigate kinesiophobia, physical activity levels and barriers to physical activity in women with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors. The case-control study was conducted at the Breast Clinic of Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, and the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Turkey, from October 2021 to July 2022, and comprised patients with breast cancer in group A, breast cancer survivors in group B and healthy controls in group C. The primary outcome measures were physical activity levels, barriers to physical activity and kinesiophobia levels, while the secondary outcome measures were levels of anxiety, depression, fatigue and quality of life. Data was collected using standard tools. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 212 women, 70(33%) were in group A with mean age 50.71±11.30 years, 70(33%) in group B with mean age 47.64±9.85 years, and 72(34%) in group C with mean age 47.03±7.48 years. Group C had better physical activity levels, fatigue and quality of life scores than the other groups, but it had worse perceptions of physical activity and more individual, psychosocial and environmental barriers to physical activity compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Group A had more barriers to exercise related to fear of overall body pain, poor balance, fear of falling and fear of feeling worse post-exercise compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Group B subjects were more afraid that lymphoedema might be exacerbated if they exercised (p<0.05). Women with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors had worse scores for physical activity levels, fatigue and quality of life compared to the healthy controls. All three groups had a variety of barriers to physical activity.

Harnessing the tumor microenvironment to boost adoptive T cell therapy with engineered lymphocytes for solid tumors.

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) and T Cell Receptor (TCR) engineered T cells represents an innovative therapeutic approach for the treatment of hematological malignancies, yet its application for solid tumors is still suboptimal. The tumor microenvironment (TME) places several challenges to overcome for a satisfactory therapeutic effect, such as physical barriers (fibrotic capsule and stroma), and inhibitory signals impeding T cell function. Some of these obstacles can be faced by combining ACT with other anti-tumor approaches, such as chemo/radiotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors. On the other hand, cutting edge technological tools offer the opportunity to overcome and, in some cases, take advantage of TME intrinsic characteristics to boost ACT efficacy. These include: the exploitation of chemokine gradients and integrin expression for preferential T-cell homing and extravasation; metabolic changes that have direct or indirect effects on TCR-T and CAR-T cells by increasing antigen presentation and reshaping T cell phenotype; introduction of additional synthetic receptors on TCR-T and CAR-T cells with the aim of increasing T cells survival and fitness.

Self-Oxygenated Hydrogel Enhances Immune Cell Response and Infiltration Via Triggering Dual DNA Damage to Activate cGAS-STING and Inhibiting CAFs.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) offer promise in breaking through the treatment and survival dilemma of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), yet only immunomodulatory subtype and ≈5% TNBC patients respond as monotherapy due to lack of effector immune cells (internal problem) and physical barrier (external limitation) formed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). A hydrogel drug-delivery platform, ALG@TBP-2/Pt(0)/nintedanib (ALG@TPN), is designed to induce strong immune functions and the dual elimination of the internal and external tumor microenvironment (TME). Activated by white light, through type I and II photodynamic therapy (PDT), TBP-2 generates large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) intracellularly, oxidizing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The unique catalase activity of Pt(0) converts endogenous H2O2 to O2, reducing the anoxia-limiting PDT and enhancing ROS generation efficacy. Abundant ROS can oxidize Pt(0) to cytotoxic Pt(II), damaging the nuclear DNA (nDNA). Dual damage to mtDNA and nDNA might bi-directionally activate the cGAS/STING pathway and enhance the immune cell response. Besides, nintedanib demonstrates a significant inhibitory effect on CAFs, weakening the immune barrier and deepening immune cell infiltration. Overall, the study provides a self-oxygenating hydrogel with the "PDT/chemotherapy/anti-CAFs" effect, triggering the cGAS/STING pathway to reshape the TME. Both internal and external interventions increase anti-TNBC immune responses.

Mechanism research progress of acupuncture for regulating axon regeneration after stroke.

Stroke brings the pathological changes of brain tissues such as hematoma formation or ischemia and hypoxia, which leads to neuronal death and axon degeneration. Axon regeneration after its injury is mainly dependent on the surrounding microenvironment and the related proteins, including glial scar, myelin associated inhibitory factors, axon guidance molecules, and neurotrophic factors. All of them affect axon growth by regulating the morphology and orientation of growth cones, the synaptic stability, and the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. This article summarizes the mechanism of acupuncture in regulating axon regeneration after stroke. Acupuncture inhibits glial scar formation, alleviates the inhibitory effects of its physical and chemical barriers on axon growth, reverses the inhibitory effects of myelin-related inhibitory factors on axon growth, and adjusts the level of axon guidance molecules to promote the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells and the regeneration of injured axons, and up-regulates neurotrophic factors. Eventually, post-stroke nerve injury can be ameliorated.

Utilization of mycelial polysaccharide from Schizophyllum commune for the formation of highly stable o/w emulsion

This study investigated the emulsifying properties of a hot water extracted polysaccharide (SCMP) derived from liquid fermentation mycelium of Schizophyllum commune in stabilizing oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions. SCMP demonstrated the ability to stabilize o/w emulsions (referred to as SCMPe) for extended periods (>21 days) even at low concentrations (2 g/L) and increased the viscosity and elasticity of the emulsion system. Through confocal laser-scanning microscope visualization, it was observed that SCMP created a physical barrier on the surface of the oil droplets, contributing to emulsion stability. Furthermore, SCMPe demonstrated excellent tolerance to varying concentrations of Na+ (0.1–0.5 mol/L) and Ca2+ (0.01–0.05 mol/L) as well as a wide pH range (3.0–9.0). Moreover, increasing SCMP concentration effectively inhibited lipid oxidation and improved the stability of β-carotene and curcumin in the emulsion during storage. A detailed analysis of SCMP's composition and structure was done to better understand its emulsifier properties, revealing SCMP to be composed of two β-glucans with a rigid chain and high molecular weight. These results suggest that SCMP holds great potential an efficient stabilizer in the food industry, particularly in enhancing emulsion stability.

Effects of Aeromonas infection on the immune system, physical barriers and microflora structure in the intestine of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is an intensively cultured and economically important herbivorous fish species in China, but its culture is often impacted by Aeromonas pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas veronii. In this study, healthy grass carp were separately infected with A. hydrophila or A. veronii for 12, 24, 48 or 72 h. The results showed that the mRNA expression levels of intestinal inflammatory factors (tnf-α, il-1β and il-8), complement factors (c3 and c4), antimicrobial peptides (hepcidin, nk-lysin and β-defensin-1), immunoglobulins (igm and igt), and immune pathway-related signaling molecules (tlr1, tlr2, tlr4, myd88, irak4, irak1, traf6, nf-κb p65 and ap-1) were differentially upregulated in response to A. hydrophila and A. veronii challenge. Additionally, the expression levels of the intestinal pro-apoptotic genes tnfr1, tnfr2, tradd, caspase-8, caspase-3 and bax were significantly increased, whereas the expression of the inhibitory factor bcl-2 was significantly downregulated, indicating that Aeromonas infection significantly induced apoptosis in the intestine of grass carp. Moreover, the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (occludin, zo-1, claudin b and claudin c) was significantly decreased after infection with Aeromonas. Histopathological analysis indicated the Aeromonas challenge caused severe damage to the intestinal villi with adhesions and detachment of intestinal villi accompanied by severe inflammatory cell infiltration at 12 h and 72 h. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that Aeromonas infection significantly altered the structure of the intestinal microflora of the grass carp at the phylum (Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes) and genus (Proteus, Cetobacterium, Bacteroides, and Aeromonas) levels. Take together, the findings of this study revealed that Aeromonas infection induces an intestinal immune response, triggers cell apoptosis, destroys physical barriers and alters microflora structure in the intestine of juvenile grass carp; the results will help to reveal the pathogenesis of intestinal bacterial diseases in grass carp.

Phytic acid-doped polypyrrole/graphene oxide nanofillers for the preparation of self-healing anticorrosion coatings with the synergistic physical barrier, passivation and chelating effect

The corrosion protection of organic coatings for metal substrates is generally limited because of the unavoidable coating micropores and cracks, even the coating anticorrosion function will lose when it is damaged. Although the addition of nanofillers into the organic coating matrix can effectively address the above issues, it is challenging to facilely and wholesale construct surface-modified nanofillers with synergistic anticorrosion ability of physical barrier, passivation and chelating effect. In this study, we develop a simple one-pot approach for preparing polypyrrole (PPy) modified graphene oxide (GO) nanofillers with the doping of phytic acid (Ph) (namely GO-PPy@Ph nanoparticles) and then incorporating them into epoxy resin (EP) coating system to form the anticorrosion nanocomposite coatings. The research results display that the GO-PPy@Ph nanoparticles can uniformly disperse in the EP coatings to improve their anti-penetrant ability against corrosive media. And the introduction of GO-PPy@Ph nanoparticles effectively enhances the coating adhesion strength and mechanical performance. Moreover, the anticorrosion tests show that the impedance modulus at 0.01 Hz of GO-PPy@Ph coating after 60-day immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution remains at about 1010 Ω cm2. The dramatical anticorrosive performance of the GO-PPy@Ph coating with self-healing performance is attributed to the synergistic protection of impermeable GO-PPy@Ph nanosheets, passivation function of PPy and metal chelation effect of Ph. This study provides an effective and universal avenue to construct multifunctional nanofillers with the synergistic anticorrosion of high physical barrier, passivation and metal chelating effects for developing anticorrosive nanocomposite coatings with high performances, which have highly attractive potential in the commercialization applications of metal corrosion protection.

Accessible nature: Balancing contradiction in protected areas

Physical and social barriers have long hindered people with disabilities from full participation in outdoor recreation and nature experiences. As spending time in nature, where protected areas constitute an important arena for nature engagement, is increasingly connected to improved health and well-being, there is a need for nature activities and experiences in protected areas to become more accessible and inclusive. However, the provision of accessible protected areas for outdoor recreation and nature activities poses challenges for planners and managers of such areas, as there are elements of contradiction between interests of accessibility and nature conservation. This qualitative study examines how providers of nature experiences and outdoor activities, such as governmental authorities, outdoor recreation associations and nature-based tourism entrepreneurs in Sweden view and practice the balancing of these interests, through perspectives of the social construction of nature, inclusion, and collaboration. Findings indicate that interests in nature conservation generally take precedence over measures of accessibility and that such initiatives are directed to a few, designated areas. There is also an apparent lack of knowledge about how people with disabilities wish to engage with nature, which hinders full access to nature. It is therefore important to include people with disabilities in the process of developing accessibility in protected areas and promote collaboration between stakeholders, to avoid excluding decisions. The study concludes by stating the necessity to challenge the viewpoint of accessible infrastructure for outdoor activities in protected areas as ‘ruining’ the nature experience, in order for access to nature to become a truly democratic right.

INTRAOPERATIVE USE OF DEFENSIVE ANTIBACTERIAL COATING (DAC) FOR COMPLEX SURGERIES IN COMPLEX HOSTS

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and osteosynthesis-associated infections (OSIs) present significant challenges in trauma and orthopaedic surgery, substantially impacting patient morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. This concern is heightened in patients with pre-existing comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, which are not always modifiable at presentation. A novel intraoperative strategy to prevent these infections is the use of Defensive Antibacterial Coating (DAC), a bio-absorbable antibiotic-containing hydrogel applied to implant surfaces at implantation, acting as a physical barrier to prevent infection.The purpose of this study is to assess the use of a commercially available hydrogel (DAC), highlighting its characteristics that make it suitable for managing PJIs and OSIs in orthopaedics and traumatology. Twenty-five patients who underwent complex orthopaedic procedures with intraoperative application of DAC between March 2022 and April 2023 at a single hospital site were included. Post-operative assessment encompassed clinical, laboratory, and radiographic examinations.In this study, 25 patients were included, with a mean age of 70 ± 14.77 years and an average ASA grade of 2.46 ± 0.78. The cohort presented an average Charleston Comorbidity score of 5.45 ± 2.24. The procedures included 8 periprosthetic fractures, 8 foot and ankle surgeries, 5 upper limb surgeries, and 4 elective hip and knee surgeries. Follow-up assessments at 6 weeks and 6 months revealed no evidence of PJI or OSI in any patients, nor were any treatments for PJI or OSI required during the interim period.DAC demonstrated efficacy in preventing infections in high-risk patients undergoing complex orthopaedic procedures. Our findings warrant further investigation into the use of DAC in complex hosts with randomized control trials.

Investigating the influence of weirs and small dams on coarse sediment connectivity in low-energy rivers: A case study of the orne and vire rivers in Normandy, France

The removal of weirs has become emblematic of efforts to restore the good ecological status of rivers in France (Water Framework Directive -WFD- in 2006; the French Eel national management plan in 2007); however, it is increasingly facing opposition for the recreational and cultural considerations it brings (Germaine and Lespez, 2017). Previous studies have highlighted that bedload can pass through or over these weirs, although they acknowledged the difficulty in applying their conclusions to all geographic contexts. In this context, we aimed to determine the influence of these structures on the bedload connectivity in low-energy, highly human modified rivers. In this way, the objective of this study is threefold: generate knowledge about the mobility of a potential bedload in low-energy, highly anthropized contexts, better understand the influence of weirs and dams on these bedlaod dynamics, and identify the associated morphological changes. We monitored the bedload fraction of the Orne and Vire rivers (France) for 4 years using 848 pebbles equipped with passive transponders injected upstream of 2 dams and 4 weirs of different size and 2 reference sites where a weir or dam had been removed. While tracers' mobility was low (∼3–5 m yr−1 for T < 2 yrs), it was highly influenced by the presence of transverse structure (shorter distances and frequency of mobilization), even small ones. After 4 years of monitoring, no tracers crossed any of the weirs. This reduction in mobility was also due to decrease of shear stress within the reservoir as well as the physical barrier created by the weir. This interruption in bedload continuity resulted in a downstream coarsening of bed material downstream of the weirs but not at sites that had been restored for several years. Ultimately, the results of this study contribute to the scientific debate by focusing on two river reaches that have been greatly influenced by human activities for centuries.

Development of a Reference Transcriptome and Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes Linked to Salt Stress in Salt Marsh Grass (Sporobolus alterniflorus) along Delaware Coastal Regions.

Salt marsh grass (Sporobolus alterniflorus) plays a crucial role in Delaware coastal regions by serving as a physical barrier between land and water along the inland bays and beaches. This vegetation helps to stabilize the shoreline and prevent erosion, protecting the land from the powerful forces of the waves and tides. In addition to providing a physical barrier, salt marsh grass is responsible for filtering nutrients in the water, offering an environment for aquatic species and presenting a focal point of study for high salt tolerance in plants. As seawater concentrations vary along the Delaware coast from low to medium to high salinity, our study seeks to identify the impact of salt tolerance in marsh grass and to identify genes associated with salt tolerance levels. We developed more than 211,000 next-generation-sequencing (Illumina) transcriptomic reads to create a reference transcriptome from low-, medium-, and high-salinity marsh grass leaf samples collected from the Delaware coastline. Contiguous sequences were annotated based on a homology search using BLASTX against rice (Oryza sativa), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), and non-redundant species within the Viridiplantae database. Additionally, we identified differentially expressed genes related to salinity stress as candidates for salt stress qPCR analysis. The data generated from this study may help to elucidate the genetic signatures and physiological responses of plants to salinity stress, thereby offering valuable insight into the use of innovative approaches for gene expression studies in crops that are less salt tolerant.