Safe Utilisation Research Articles

Effects of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal inclusion in rainbow trout feed: myogenesis-related gene expression and histomorphological features

The effects of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal (TM) dietary inclusion in rainbow trout diet were evaluated on muscular growth using gene expression and histomorphological features of liver, spleen, kidney, anterior and posterior gut through histopathological analyses. Two hundred fifty-two grow-out rainbow trout were fed four experimental diets containing increasing levels of TM: 0% (TM0), 5% (TM25), 10% (TM50), and 20% (TM100) corresponding to different levels of fish meal replacement (0, 25, 50, and 100%, respectively). Muscular growth was evaluated analysing the expression of various genes involved in different steps of myogenesis. Among the analysed genes, only MyoD expression resulted significantly higher in fish fed TM100 compared to fish fed TM0. The gut histomorphology was not affected by TM dietary inclusion and villus height differs from anterior and posterior segments regardless of the fed diet. Histopathological alterations were observed in all the sampled organs for all the dietary treatments; however, dietary TM inclusion did not influence either development or severity of the observed histopathological changes. The results obtained confirmed the safe utilisation of TM as an alternative protein source in rainbow trout diets and highlighted the necessity to deepen the studies of TM effect on the myogenesis process, especially at a molecular level. Highlights Rainbow trout can effectively be fed with a TM protein source. Total FM substitution by TM (TM100) decreased MyoD gene expression. Increasing TM dietary inclusion did not influence gut histomorphology.

Normothermic Machine Preservation of Marginal Livers in Australasia - Initial Brisbane Experience Using a “Back-to-Base” Approach

Introduction: The assessment of marginal liver suitability using empirical criteria remains imprecise. Ex-vivo normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) allows for a period of graft assessment under near-physiological conditions, which might improve the selection of such livers for transplantation. We describe the first 11 clinical applications of NMP in Australasia using a “back-to-base” approach. Methods: Eleven marginal livers were accepted for preservation and assessment on the OrganOx metra device following a period of static cold storage (post-SCS-NMP). Average donor risk index was 1.53 (1.08-1.93), with five grafts donated after brain death (DBD) and six donated after circulatory death (DCD). All DCD grafts were outside of established local criteria. Average cold ischaemic time and NMP time was 5.2 (4.2-6.5) hours and 12.0 (9.1-17.6) hours respectively. Recipient MELD score was 17 (11-20), including one combined liver-kidney transplant and one re-transplant. Results: All livers met pre-established viability criteria and were successfully transplanted. Five (45%) recipients developed early allograft dysfunction based solely on peak AST >2000 U/L (average 1860 (629-8910) U/L, Figure 1). Two patients (18%) required revisional surgery for biliary anastomotic complications following initial Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. No clinically significant biliary problems were observed in the nine patients receiving duct-to-duct anastomosis. All cases have satisfactory graft function to date. Conclusions: Post-SCS NMP was successfully implemented in 11 cases, enabling the safe utilisation of grafts deemed non-transplantable using static cold storage preservation alone. The technique was user friendly, improved transplant logistics and surgeon confidence, and increased local transplant activity by 10%.

A study towards minimising tylosin concentration and antibiotic resistance genes in tylosin fermentation dreg fertilizer

This study proposed a comprehensive treatment plan consisting of “high temperature + oxidant pre-treatment” before compost and “thermal treatment” after compost to realise the compost resource utilisation of tylosin fermentation dreg. The study revealed that the tylosin concentration in the dregs was reduced by 97.1% under the optimal pre-treatment conditions. Subsequently, high-temperature compost was performed by adding compost auxiliary materials and the content of tylosin in the compost material was below the detection limit (<1 mg/kg) after 15 days. During the whole aerobic fermentation process, 70.8% of tylosin removal in the compost material was contributed by microbial metabolism, 23.0% was caused by high-temperature destruction of the compost, and 5.4% was due to the natural decomposition of tylosin. Finally, the finished compost product was further thermal-treated at 130 °C for 2 h, which could destroy the antibiotic resistance genes and maintain the seed germination index of the obtained fertiliser >80%, indicating the low plant toxicity of the compost. Based on this information, the tylosin fermentation dreg composting comprehensive treatment scheme proposed in this study is a safe, efficient and feasible resource utilisation scheme for tylosin fermentation dreg.

Standard operating procedure of image-guided intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic: a combined tertiary musculoskeletal oncology centre experience

AIMTo evaluate the response measures in continuing an image-guided intervention service in two tertiary-level musculoskeletal oncology centres during the COVID-19 pandemic.MATERIALS AND METHODSThis study was a retrospective review of all patients undergoing image-guided intervention in the computed tomography (CT) and normal ultrasound (US) rooms from 24 March 2020 to 24 May 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic peak) at Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London, and Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK. Measures were put in place to address air pressures, airflow direction, aerosol generation, and the safe utilisation of existing scanning rooms and work lists for interventional procedures.RESULTSThree hundred and thirty-one patients (164 at Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and 167 at Royal Orthopaedic Hospital) underwent image-guided procedures at both sites in the CT and US rooms. At the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, 40% of all procedures were performed under general anaesthesia. These consisted of 47 CT biopsies, 7 CT radiofrequency ablations (RFAs), and 12 US biopsies. At the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, 86% of all procedures were performed under local anaesthetic, with no general anaesthetic procedures. These consisted of 61 CT biopsies and 83 US biopsies. All 256 patients having procedures in the CT room had no post-procedural complications or COVID-19-related symptoms and morbidity on follow-up.CONCLUSIONBy adopting a pragmatic approach with meticulous planning, a limited, but fully functional image-guided interventional list can be run without any adverse patient outcomes.

A Critical Review of the Potential for Fly Ash Utilisation in Construction-Specific Applications in India

In India, coal-fired power plants produce about 196 million tonnes of fly ash annually. The management of fly ash has thus been a matter of concern given the requirement of the large area of land for its disposal and potential of causing pollution of air and water. Various initiatives have been taken in the country to promote safe utilisation of fly ash. But despite these initiatives, the optimal utilisation is yet to be achieved. Most of the existing literature is related to forecasting the utilisation of fly ash in different modes and accordingly presents the promising applications, but the latent utilisation potential of applications is not yet explored. In this paper, the potential of fly ash utilisation in various construction-specific applications, i.e., cement, concrete, brick, and blocks, has been estimated through a simple framework. The study reveals that although cement is one of the most prominent applications where fly ash has been significantly utilised, it reached its threshold limit of utilisation. The scope of utilisation of fly ash in cement in the future is limited only to the extent of the rate of increase in cement consumption. The potential of fly ash utilisation in concrete is significantly higher, as the projected growth rate of ready-mix concrete (RMC) is moving upwards. However, this increased percentage of RMC will not impact much on overall fly ash utilisation as this will only balance out the share percentage of overall cement requirement. In this study, the bricks/blocks emerged out to be the application having a maximum consumption potential. This study further explores the reasons behind the sluggish performance of fly ash bricks and blocks in the market and suggests strategies for policy-level interventions that can accelerate the process of successful commercialisation.

Influence of calcium hydroxide addition on arsenic leaching and solidification/stabilisation behaviour of metallurgical-slag-based green mining fill

In this study, metallurgical-slag-based binder (MSB) with different dosages of calcium hydroxide (CH) was mixed with high-arsenic-containing mine tailings (HAMT) to form green mining fill samples (GMFs) for As solidification/stabilisation (S/S). The As leaching characteristics of the GMFs were evaluated using pH-dependent leaching tests, semi-dynamic leaching tests and toxicity leaching tests. The effective diffusion coefficient (De) decreased from 6.98 × 10−14 to 5.90 × 10−15 cm2/s and the leachability index (LI) increased from 13.53 to 14.73 after 3 wt.% CH was added to the GMFs. The GMFs containing 0 wt.% CH (GMF-0C) and those containing 3 wt.% CH (GMF-3C) reached pH = 2 with acid addition amounts of 9.0 meq/g-dry and 9.3 meq/g-dry at 90 d curing time, and the maximum As leaching concentrations of GMF-0C and GMF-3C reached 10.47 mg/L and 7.47 mg/L, respectively, indicating that GMF-3C exhibited better acid neutralisation and As retention capacities than GMF-0C. Further, a Tescan Integrated Mineral Analyser (TIMA) was used to analyse the dominant hydration products of GMF-3C, which revealed that calcium silicate hydrate, CASH, ettringite and zeolite phases represented approximately 22.5 wt.% of the products. These results provide an understanding regarding the safe large-scale utilisation of GMFs.

Significance of Stone Waste in Strength Improvement of Soil

The evolution of industries is essential for the economic growth of any country; however, this growth often comes with exploitation of natural resources and generation of wastes. The safe disposal and utilisation of industrial wastes has become essential for sustainable development. A possible approach would be to utilize these wastes in construction industries. The stone industry is one such flawed industries that generates waste in dust or slurry form; this leads harmful impacts on human beings, animals, and surrounding areas which, in turn, can lead to soil infertility. In the present study, stone waste was examined for its influence on maximum dry density (MDD), optimum water content (OMC) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soil experimentally. Stone waste was used at 0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20% by weight of soil and UCS tests were conducted at maturing periods of 7, 14 and 21 days. Test results reported that the incorporation of stone waste improved the compressive strength value significantly. Maximum dry density was enhanced; however, optimum water content was reduced with the use of stone waste in soil due to its fine particles. Linear regression equations were also derived for various properties.

Significance of Stone Waste in Strength Improvement of Soil

The evolution of industries is essential for the economic growth of any country; however, this growth often comes with exploitation of natural resources and generation of wastes. The safe disposal and utilisation of industrial wastes has become essential for sustainable development. A possible approach would be to utilize these wastes in construction industries. The stone industry is one such flawed industries that generates waste in dust or slurry form; this leads harmful impacts on human beings, animals, and surrounding areas which, in turn, can lead to soil infertility. In the present study, stone waste was examined for its influence on maximum dry density (MDD), optimum water content (OMC) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soil experimentally. Stone waste was used at 0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20% by weight of soil and UCS tests were conducted at maturing periods of 7, 14 and 21 days. Test results reported that the incorporation of stone waste improved the compressive strength value significantly. Maximum dry density was enhanced; however, optimum water content was reduced with the use of stone waste in soil due to its fine particles. Linear regression equations were also derived for various properties.

Cyclic and safety utilisation of Cu polluted biogas residue in saline-alkali soil

The proper disposal of copper (Cu) polluted plant residues after phytoremediation has attracted extensive attention. In this study, the Cu-polluted biogas residue produced through anaerobic digestion was applied directly. Wheat, soybean and pakchoi were grown in pots for four seasons over two years. The application dosage of Cu-polluted biogas residue was evaluated by measuring growth conditions of crops, Cu content in edible parts, and amelioration of saline-alkali soil. The results showed that the biomass of the crops, the content of soil organic matter, total N and available P and microbial diversity can be improved, and the Cu concentration of the edible parts was all lower than limit standard. Amendment with 2% biogas residue enhanced the growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi, and decreased the relative abundances of potentially pathogenic fungi in the saline-alkali soil. The results of this study provide a basis for the safe utilisation of copper-polluted plant residues.

Fluidized mining and in-situ transformation of deep underground coal resources: a novel approach to ensuring safe, environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and clean utilisation

Traditional coal mining and utilisation patterns are severely detrimental to natural resources and environments and significantly impede safe, low-carbon, clean, and sustainable utilisation of coal resources. Based on the idea of in situ fluidized coal mining that aims to transform solid coal into liquid or gas and transports the fluidized resources to the ground to ensure safe mining and low-carbon and clean utilisation, in this study, we report on a novel in situ unmanned automatic mining method. This includes a flexible, earthworm-like unmanned automatic mining machine (UAMM) and a coal mine layout for in situ fluidized coal mining suitable for the UAMM. The technological and economic advantages and the carbon emission reduction of the UAMM-based in situ fluidized mining in contrast to traditional mining technologies are evaluated as well. The development trends and possible challenges to this design are also discussed. It is estimated that the proposed method costs approximately 49% of traditional coal mining costs. The UAMM-based in situ fluidized mining and transformation method will reduce CO2 emissions by at least 94.9% compared to traditional coal mining and utilisation methods. The proposed approach is expected to achieve safe and environmentally friendly coal mining as well as low-carbon and clean utilisation of coal.

Robust foreground segmentation and image registration for optical detection of GEO objects

With the rapid growth in space utilisation, the probability of collisions between space assets and orbital debris also increases substantially. To support the safe utilisation of space and prevent disruptions to satellite-based services, maintaining space situational awareness (SSA) is crucial. A vital first step in achieving SSA is detecting the man-made objects in orbit, such as space-crafts and debris. We focus on the surveillance of Geo-stationary (GEO) orbital band, due to the prevalence of major assets in GEO. Detecting objects in GEO is challenging, due to the objects being significantly distant (hence fainter) and slow moving relative to the observer (e.g., a ground station or an observing satellite). In this paper, we introduce a new detection technique called GP-ICP to detect GEO objects using optical sensors that is applicable for both ground and space-based observations. Our technique is based on mathematically principled methods from computer vision (robust point set registration and line fitting) and machine learning (Gaussian process regression). We demonstrate the superior performance of our technique in detecting objects in GEO.

Characteristics of leaching agents for heavy metal extraction and safe utilisation of pig farm biogas residues

The continuous development of biogas engineering in recent years has been accompanied by an increasing number of biogas-residue types in the environment. The existence of various heavy metal elements in biogas residues, particularly excessive amounts of zinc and copper in pig farm biogas residues, hinders their safe utilisation. Several studies have focused on an effective composition for biogas residues or on their effects on soil and plants. However, few investigations regarding the removal of harmful substances from biogas residues have been conducted. The characteristics of heavy metals leached from pig farm biogas residues using eight types of leaching agents were analysed in this study. It is expected that, based on this study, different uses for biogas residues can be developed under the premise of security. The results showed that the most suitable extractant of heavy metals from pig farm biogas residues was EDTA2Na. The leaching rates increased over time. The leaching rates of copper and zinc after 2 h were 21.91% and 48.66%, respectively. After being leached for 2 h by EDTA-2Na, the concentration of zinc met the requirements for moderate alkaline soil, according to the Control Limits against Harmful Substances in Composts for Agricultural Use (DB44/T 361-2006) standard.

Characteristics of biochars prepared by co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and cotton stalk intended for use as soil amendments

ABSTRACTThe safe disposal and utilisation of sewage sludge can be challenging because of the potential environmental risks posed by heavy metals in the sludge. Conversion of sewage sludge and agriculture biomass into biochars that can be used to improve or remediate contaminated soils is a promising solution to this problem. In this study, biochars were produced via co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and cotton stalk (1:1, w/w) at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 600°C. Then, the potential environmental risks of heavy metals and properties of the biochars were investigated. The addition of cotton stalk promoted the migration and transformation of heavy metals from bioavailable to stable fractions, which significantly reduced the potential environmental risks of heavy metals in biochars. Moreover, compared with biochars obtained via pyrolysis of sewage sludge alone, the pH values, C contents, and adsorption capacities of biochars increased, while the yields, ash contents, specific surface areas and molar H/C ratios decreased. In summary, co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and cotton stalk is a feasible method for alleviating the potential environmental risks of heavy metals in biochars used to treat soils.

Outcomes of DCD liver transplantation using organs treated by hypothermic oxygenated perfusion before implantation

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation is known for potentially worse outcomes because of higher rates of graft non-function or irreversible cholangiopathy. The impact of machine liver perfusion techniques on these complications remains elusive. We aimed to provide data on 5-year outcomes in patients receiving DCD liver transplants, after donor organs had been treated by hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE). Fifty HOPE-treated DCD liver transplants performed in Zurich between 2012 and 3/2017 were matched with 50 primary donation after brain death (DBD) liver transplants, and with 50 untreated DCD liver transplants in Birmingham. Match factors focussed on short cold ischaemia, comparable recipient age and low recipient laboratory model for end-stage liver disease scores. Primary endpoints were post-transplant complications, and non-tumour-related patient death or graft loss. Despite extended donor warm ischaemia, HOPE-treated DCD liver transplants achieved similar overall graft survival, compared to standard DBD liver transplants. Particularly, graft loss due to any non-tumour-related causes occurred in 8% (4/50) of cases. In contrast, untreated DCD livers resulted in non-tumour-related graft failure in one-third (16/50) of cases (p = 0.005), despite significantly (p <0.001) shorter functional donor warm ischaemia. Five-year graft survival, censored for tumour death, was 94% for HOPE-treated DCD liver transplants vs. 78% in untreated DCD liver transplants (p = 0.024). The 5-year outcomes of HOPE-treated DCD liver transplants were similar to those of DBD primary transplants and superior to those of untreated DCD liver transplants, despite much higher risk. These results suggest that a simple end-ischaemic perfusion approach is very effective and may open the field for safe utilisation of extended DCD liver grafts. Machine perfusion techniques are currently being introduced into the clinic, with the aim of optimising injured grafts prior to implantation. While short-term effects of machine liver perfusion have been frequently reported in terms of hepatocellular enzyme release and early graft function, the long-term benefit on irreversible graft loss has been unclear. Herein, we report on 5-year graft survival in donation after cardiac death livers, treated either by conventional cold storage, or by 1-2 h of hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) after cold storage. Graft loss was significantly less in HOPE-treated livers, despite longer donor warm ischaemia times. Therefore, HOPE after cold storage appears to be a simple and effective method to treat high-risk livers before implantation.

Grazing pressure, land condition, productivity and profitability of beef cattle grazing buffel grass pastures in the subtropics of Australia: a modelling approach

There is widespread evidence that beef cattle land managers in Queensland are using stocking rates for perennial pastures that are substantially higher than recommended guidelines, and some indication that these decisions are motivated by perceived financial and economic benefits. Considerable effort has been, and is currently being, applied by public-sector organisations to encourage producers to reduce grazing pressure from beef cattle across Queensland’s pastoral lands. A better understanding of the relationships among stocking rate, land condition and profitability of beef-grazing enterprises is imperative to better inform cattle producers and policy makers. The present study assessed the effect of grazing pressure and land condition on the productivity and profitability of a steer-turnover enterprise utilising buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) pastures in central Queensland. A property-level, regionally relevant herd model was used to determine whole-of-business productivity and profitability over a 30-year investment period. Growth paths for steers from weaning to marketing were developed for 16 scenarios encompassing a range of pasture-utilisation rates (30%, 35% and 50% of annual biomass growth), land condition (A, B and C) and market targets (feedlot entry at 474 kg or slaughter at 605 kg). The economic effect of each scenario was assessed by comparison to a base scenario of 30% pasture utilisation and turn-off of slaughter steers. Our analyses demonstrated a large economic advantage from increasing grazing pressure above 30% utilisation for buffel grass pastures, even with assumptions of declining land condition and animal performance. For instance, producing slaughter steers under a 50% pasture-utilisation regime with a continuous decline in land condition from A to C (and, hence, productivity) over Years 10–30 was AU$21 772/annum more profitable than was a 30% pasture-utilisation strategy, which is widely recommended as closer to a long-term, safe utilisation rate. The present research has provided insights into the relationship between grazing pressure and economic returns of beef producers over the medium term. However, it should be considered as a scoping study due to the paucity of data for effects of utilisation rate on the productivity of buffel grass pastures and, hence, on land-condition rating. Further research is required to better understand the effects of utilisation rate of buffel grass, and other sown pasture grass and legume species, on plant biomass production, plant-diet quality for cattle, land-condition decline and cattle productivity.

Microneedle Manufacture: Assessing Hazards and Control Measures

Transdermal microneedles have captured the attention of researchers in relation to a variety of applications, and silicone-based moulds required to produce these systems are now widely available and can be readily manufactured on the lab bench. There is however some concern over the potential for accidental needlestick injuries and, as with any sharp hazard, the potential for blood-borne pathogen transmission must be considered. This follows from recent governmental concerns over the use of microneedle systems in dermabrasion. Despite the piercing nature of the microneedle patch sharing many similarities with conventional hypodermic needles, there are notable factors that mitigate the risk of contamination. A range of microneedle systems has been prepared using micromoulding techniques, and their puncture capability assessed. A critical assessment of the potential for accidental puncture and the control measures needed to ensure safe utilisation of the patch systems is presented.

Barriers to and facilitators of independent non-medical prescribing in clinical practice: a mixed-methods systematic review

What are the factors that affect the implementation or utilisation of independent non-medical prescribing (iNMP)? Mixed-methods systematic review. Two reviewers independently completed searches, eligibility and quality assessments. Pre-defined search terms were utilised to search electronic databases. Reference lists, key journals and grey literature were searched alongside consultation with authors/experts. Qualitative and quantitative studies investigating independent prescribing by any non-medical professional group. Study participants included any stakeholders involved in actual or proposed iNMP. Measurements reported on data describing stakeholders' perceptions and experiences of the barriers to/facilitators of iNMP. A total of 43 qualitative and seven quantitative studies from three countries (n=12, 117 participants) were included. Quality scores varied from 9 to 35 (Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs, 0 to 48). Qualitative data were synthesised into four themes (and subthemes): systems (government and political, organisational, formulary); education and support (non-medical prescribing (NMP) courses/continuous professional development (CPD)); personal and professional (medical profession, NMP professions, service users); and financial factors. Quantitative data corroborated the qualitative themes. Integration of the qualitative themes and quantitative data enabled the development of a NMP implementation framework. Barriers to and facilitators of the implementation and utilisation of iNMP are evident, demonstrating multifactorial and context-specific variables within four explicit themes. Professional bodies, politicians, policy and healthcare managers and clinicians could use the resulting NMP implementation framework to ensure the safe and successful implementation and utilisation of NMP. Clinical physiotherapists and other clinicians should consider whether these variables have been adequately addressed prior to adopting NMP into their clinical practice. PROSPERO CRD42015017212. [Noblet T, Marriott J, Graham-Clarke E, Rushton A (2017) Barriers to and facilitators of independent non-medical prescribing in clinical practice: a mixed-methods systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy 63: 221-234].

The role of intracoronary imaging in acute coronary syndromes: OCT in focus.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has emerged as a powerful intravascular imaging modality in recent years. The introduction of frequency-domain OCT has simplified the procedure and enabled its safe utilisation in different clinical settings including acute coronary syndromes, where it can determine the mechanism of plaque disruption, thrombus burden, and guide percutaneous coronary intervention. In patients presenting with stent failure (stent thrombosis and instent restenosis), OCT can also be very useful in determining the underlying mechanism and guiding therapy thereafter. This article aims to review the role of OCT in acute coronary syndromes as well as its potential clinical applications.

Hepatotoxicity of Eupatorium adenophorum extracts and the identification of major hepatotoxic components

Eupatorium adenophorum can induce liver toxicity in animals. For the safe utilisation of the weed, the hepatotoxic components need to be discovered. In this study, in vitro hepatotoxicity of different extracts from E. adenophorum were determined on human hepatocyte cell line L02 and hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. The results showed that water extracts of E. adenophorum exhibited no hepatotoxicity in vitro while high concentrations of the organic solvent extracts had obvious hepatotoxicity. Sesquiterpenes may contribute to the toxicity based on the comparison of composition analysis. Three cadinene sesquiterpenes were purified and identified as 9-oxo-10,11-dehydroageraphorone, 10Hα-9-oxo-ageraphorone and 10Hβ-9-oxo-ageraphorone. In vitro hepatotoxic effects of these components were investigated, the IC50 of the three compounds were 122.53, 87.52, and 108.80 μM in L02 cells and 151.92, 104.48, and 138.08 μM in HepG2 cells by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The three components were confirmed to be, at least partial, hepatotoxic components.

Thermal buckling and post-buckling behaviour of continuous welded rail track

ABSTRACTBecause thermal expansions are constrained within continuous welded rail track, the track can buckle, and does so mainly in the horizontal plane. In this paper, a parametric finite element model of railway track is presented, and its sensitivity to the variations of the main parameters that characterise the scenario has been investigated and discussed. Comparison with existing literature shows good agreement. It is found that curved tracks suffer from thermal buckling more than tangent tracks do. To simulate a track misalignment defect, a new methodology has been utilised that does not introduce, as is usual, geometrical discontinuities near the same defect, because it takes into account – in a natural way – the bending stiffness of the whole railway track in the horizontal plane. To contribute to a better understanding of the safe utilisation of raw experimental data obtained from in situ tests, a deep analysis of the effects on the thermal track buckling response produced by each parameter characterising the sleeper–ballast lateral resistance curve is presented and discussed. It is found that for current ballasted railway tracks, the minimum buckling temperature depends only on the limit lateral resistance, whereas a high value of the initial stiffness can lead to overestimation of the maximum buckling temperature, also taking into account the ‘natural’ decrease in the maximum buckling temperature due to an increase in the railway-traffic-induced defect amplitude.