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Introduction. Many methods have been proposed for the surgical treatment of varicocele, the most of which is of historical significance. At present, there is no consensus in favor of one or another method of surgical treatment of varicocele, which determines the relevance of further research.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a new minimally invasive method of surgical treatment of varicocele using the author's method.Materials & methods. The study enrolled 763 patients aged 18 – 46 years (mean age 26.3 years) with varicocele who underwent testicular vein subinguinal ligation according to the author's technique. Inclusion criteria: varicocele grades 1 – 3, aged ≥ 18 years, semen abnormalities according to semen analysis and dilated spermatic cord veins according to ultrasound, retrograde blood flow according to Doppler ultrasound. Exclusion criteria: previously operated patients with recurrent varicocele, patients with May-Thurner syndrome and bilateral varicocele. The examination included eight control points: before surgery and 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after surgery. Physical scrotal examination with Valsalva test, semen analysis, and Dopper scrotal ultrasound were performed at the control dates.Results. The average surgery time was 15 min (10 – 30 min). All patients were discharged 1 to 2 days after surgery. At follow-up for 60 months, patients showed improvement in spermatogenesis / or no progression of semen abnormalities during follow-up after surgery based on clinical, laboratory and instrumental studies (semen analysis, ultrasound / Doppler ultrasound); no data on testicular hypotrophy, hydrocele were revealed. A scrotal haematoma was detected in one patient in the early postoperative period. Recurrent varicocele (1.4%) was detected in 11 patients during the follow-up period.Conclusion. The technique is effective, easily reproducible, characterised by a low rate of recurrence and postoperative complications.

Erectile dysfunction, remaining an urgent problem of our time, is pushing the world urological community to develop new methods of diagnosis and treatment. Currently, urologists have in their arsenal a variety of both conservative and surgical methods for correcting erectile dysfunction. This manuscript provides an overview of modern surgical treatment methods based on world literature data.

The influence of temperature on the precipitation evolution in different zones of friction stir welded (FSW) heat-treatable aluminum alloys has been well investigated. However, the role of plastic deformation in affecting precipitation transformations remains less explored. To isolate the contribution of these factors and specifically assess the role of plastic deformation, an approach combining numerical and physical modeling techniques was used. Welding temperature cycles in the FSW weld zones calculated by means of a 3D finite element model were accurately reproduced using a Gleeble instrument. This approach was implemented under two scenarios such as the reproduction of the influence of temperature alone, and the combined effects of temperature and thermally induced plastic strain. The precipitation states and hardness obtained from these controlled experiments were compared to those observed in actual friction stir welds, providing a deeper understanding of the influence mechanisms at play. The results revealed that deformation significantly influences precipitation formation in the stir zone of both 2024 and 6082 alloys, with this effect extending to the heat-affected zone in the case of the 2024 alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The friction stir welding (FSW) process is a unique combination of deformation and high temperature, which provides opportunities to modify microstructures through the adjustment of the processing parameters and is an ideal way to join non-weldable aluminum alloys by avoiding the formation of a molten pool. The 7xxx series heat-treatable aluminum alloys are widely used in the aerospace field as high-performance structural materials. The microstructure evolution and mechanical performance of these alloys are affected by the effects of thermomechanical processing, which provides opportunities to optimize the material properties by controlling microstructural features such as intermetallic constituent particles, dispersoids and nanoscale precipitates. This paper focuses on the basic principles of the thermal and mechanical effects generated during FSW on the evolution of second-phase particles in different zones of the weld. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While cardiovascular disease, cancer, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mortality rates have decreased over the past 20 years, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) deaths have risen by 145% since 2010. Despite significant research efforts, effective AD treatments remain elusive due to a poorly defined etiology and difficulty in targeting events that occur too downstream of disease onset. In hopes of elucidating alternative treatment pathways, now, AD is commonly being more broadly defined not only as a neurological disorder but also as a progression of a variety of cerebrovascular pathologies highlighted by the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. The endothelial glycocalyx (GCX), which is an essential regulator of vascular physiology, plays a crucial role in the function of the neurovascular system, acting as an essential vascular mechanotransducer to facilitate ultimate blood-brain homeostasis. Shedding of the cerebrovascular GCX could be an early indication of neurovascular dysfunction and may subsequently progress neurodegenerative diseases like AD. Recent advances in in vitro modeling, gene/ protein silencing, and imaging techniques offer new avenues of scrutinizing the GCX’s effects on AD-related neurovascular pathology. Initial studies indicate GCX degradation in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases and have begun to demonstrate a possible link to GCX loss and cerebrovascular dysfunction. This review will scrutinize the GCX’s contribution to known vascular etiologies of AD and propose future work aimed at continuing to uncover the relationship between GCX dysfunction and eventual AD-associated neurological deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new drugs derived from plant sources is of significant interest in modern pharmacy. One of the promising plant sources for introduction into pharmaceuticals is Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip., also known as Tripleurospermum perforatum (Merat.) M. This plant has been shown to possess various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antimycotic activities, among others. However, a review of the current literature reveals a paucity of studies investigating the chemical composition of the herb Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. This study presents the development of a method for obtaining an extract of the herb Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. enriched with flavonoids, harvested before flowering and butonization. This study focused on determining the optimal conditions for extraction, including the concentration of the extractant (ethanol), extraction time, raw material/extractant ratio, extraction frequency, complexation reaction time, amount of aluminum chloride solution, and amount of diluted acetic acid. The results indicate that herbs harvested during this specific period exhibited a higher flavonoid content compared to those collected during butonization and flowering. Moreover, this study demonstrated that the flavonoid content could exceed 7% mg REq/100 g D.W. through a one-hour extraction process. Furthermore, the flavonoid content was found to be 7.65 ± 0.03 mg REq/100 g D.W. following a three-minute ultrasound-assisted extraction process, followed by thermal extraction. A qualitative analysis identified a variety of phenolic compounds in the extract, such as chlorogenic acid, 5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, 1-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, luteolin-7-glucoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, luteolin-7-rutinoside, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin-3-O-malonylglucoside, apigenin-7-glucoside, luteolin-3-malonylglucoside, cynarin, rhamnetin-3-(O-dimethyl rhamnosyl glucosylglucoside), and luteolin. Moreover, this study demonstrated the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, anti-aggregation, and antioxidant activities of the aqueous alcoholic extract from T. inodorum herb (ETIH) against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Additionally, the extract exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory effects on diclofenac sodium. These findings contribute to the understanding of the potential pharmacological applications of the developed herb extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondria are essential for survival and as such, impairments in organelle homeostasis significantly accelerate age‐related morbidity and mortality. Here, we determined the contribution of bioenergetic efficiency to life span and health span in Drosophila melanogaster utilizing the mitochondrial uncoupler BAM15. Life span was determined in flies fed a normal diet (ND) or high fat diet (HFD) supplemented with vehicle or BAM15. Locomotor function was determined by negative geotaxis assay in middle‐aged flies fed vehicle or BAM15 under ND or HFD conditions. Redox capacity (high‐resolution respirometry/fluorometry), citrate synthase (enzyme activity), mtDNA content (qPCR), gene expression (qPCR), and protein expression (western blot) were assessed in flight muscle homogenates of middle‐aged flies fed vehicle or BAM15 ND. The molar ratio of H2O2 and O2 (H2O2:O2) in a defined respiratory state was calculated as a measure of redox balance. BAM15 extended life span by 9% on ND and 25% on HFD and improved locomotor activity by 125% on ND and 53% on HFD. Additionally, BAM15 enhanced oxidative phosphorylation capacity supported by pyruvate + malate, proline, and glycerol 3‐phosphate. Concurrently, BAM15 enhanced the mitochondrial H2O2 production rate, reverse electron flow from mitochondrial glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH) to Complex I, mGPDH, and Complex I without altering the H2O2:O2 ratio. BAM15 upregulated transcriptional signatures associated with mitochondrial function and fitness as well as antioxidant defense. BAM15‐mediated restriction of bioenergetic efficiency prolongs life span and health span in Drosophila fed a ND or HFD. Improvements in life span and health span in ND were supported by synergistic enhancement of muscular redox capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gonad has become a central organ for understanding aging in C. elegans, as removing the proliferating stem cells in the germline results in significant lifespan extension. Similarly, when starvation in late larval stages leads to the quiescence of germline stem cells the adult nematode enters reproductive diapause, associated with an extended lifespan. This review summarizes recent advancements in identifying the mechanisms behind gonad-mediated lifespan extension, including comparisons with other nematodes and the role of lipid signaling and transcriptional changes. Given that the gonad also mediates lifespan regulation in other invertebrates and vertebrates, elucidating the underlying mechanisms may help to gain new insights into the mechanisms and evolution of aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yeast Yarrowia lipolytica degrades petroleum compounds, including alkanes, via the monoterminal oxidation pathway, the hydrophobic carbon substrate assimilation is mediated by biosurfactants, and extracellular amphiphilic molecules are produced by the yeast cell. This study focuses on the ability of the strain Y. lipolytica CMGB32 to degrade n-hexadecane by producing biosurfactants with high potential for bioremediation. The hydrocarbon-degrading potential of the yeast strain was observed via a 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) test in Bushnell–Hass medium with 1% n-hexadecane, and cell hydrophobicity was expressed as microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons (MATH). Biosurfactant production on yeast peptone (YP) with 1% n-hexadecane was estimated after 72 h using the emulsification index (E24%) against toluene. Crude biosurfactant (cell-free broth) stability tests were performed at different temperatures (4 °C, 70 °C) and NaCl concentrations (2–10%). The effects of a biosurfactant on synthetic wastewater remediation comprised the growth curves (OD measurements) of natural heavy metal degrader Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, determination of nutrients (spectrophotometrically), physico-chemical parameters, and removal capacity of lead and cadmium ions (via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry—ICP-MS). The antimicrobial and anti-adherence activities of 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL of the biosurfactant against pathogenic Candida krusei strains involved growth observations and the crystal violet microtiter method. The DCPIP decolorization occurred after six days, corresponding to the maximum growth phase of the Y. lipolytica culture. After 72 h, the cells presented high hydrophobicity (82.61% MATH) and stable biosurfactant production (E24% 47%). The crude biosurfactant (5%) increased the growth of R. mucilaginosa strains cultivated on synthetic wastewater cultures contaminated with Pb2+ and Cd2+, increased the conductivity and COD (86%) of the samples, and determined Pb2+ (66%) and Cd2+ (42%) ions reduction. The concentrated biosurfactant inhibited C. krusei growth (70%) and biofilm adherence. In conclusion, Y. lipolytica CMGB32 shows important potential for development of biosurfactant-based technologies for the remediation of heavy-metal- and emerging pathogen-contaminated wastewaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Farnesol (FOH) is a quorum-sensing molecule with potential as an antifungal drug. Given the growing concern about fungal drug resistance, exploring new solutions is crucial. Therefore, summarizing the antifungal activity of FOH is expected to be the basis for further FOH research and application. Herein, we reviewed the in vitro and in vivo antifungal efficacy of FOH alone and in combination with conventional antifungal drugs, as well as its mechanisms of action. Furthermore, we discussed the prospects and challenges of the FOH application in detail. Recent Findings: Recent studies have revealed that FOH can target various aspects, such as reactive oxygen species production, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of virulence factors, to inhibit fungal growth and reduce fungal pathogenicity, thereby exerting its antifungal activity. Furthermore, FOH can suppress resistance-associated genes, such as those of biofilm and ergosterol, so as to enhance the fungicidal effectiveness of conventional antifungal drugs. However, the action mechanism of FOH on drug efflux pumps remains unclear and warrants further investigation. Summary: FOH can prevent and treat fungal infections. It exerts significant antimicrobial effects on fungal planktonic and biofilm cells, enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of conventional antifungal drugs, and reverses and reduces fungal drug resistance. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to assess the safety of FOH due to potential adverse effects on immune cells and other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infections occupy a special niche among diseases of infectious etiology. Many microorganisms associated with urinary tract infections, such as Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterococcus spp., Morganella morganii, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., and Candida spp., can form biofilms. The aim of this research was to study the effect of the enzyme L-lysine-Alpha-oxidase (LO) produced by the fungus Trichoderma harzianum Rifai on the biofilm formation process of microorganisms associated with urinary tract infections. Homogeneous LO showed a more pronounced effect than the culture liquid concentrate (cCL). When adding samples at the beginning of incubation, the maximum inhibition was observed in relation to Enterococcus faecalis 5960—cCL 86%, LO 95%; Enterococcus avium 1669—cCL 85%, LO 94%; Enterococcus cloacae 6392—cCL 83%, LO—98%; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3057—cCL 70%, LO—82%. The minimum inhibition was found in Candida spp. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out, and numerous morphological and structural changes were observed in the cells after culturing the bacterial cultures in a medium supplemented with homogeneous LO. For example, abnormal division was detected, manifesting as the appearance of joints in places where the bacteria diverge. Based on the results of this work, we can draw conclusions about the possibility of inhibiting microbial biofilm formation with the use of LO; especially significant inhibition was achieved when the enzyme was added at the beginning of incubation. Thus, LO can be a promising drug candidate for the treatment or prevention of infections associated with biofilm formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is the primary risk factor for the development of numerous human chronic diseases. On a molecular level, it significantly impacts the regulation of protein modifications, leading to the accumulation of degenerative protein modifications (DPMs) such as aberrant serine phosphorylation (p‐Ser) and trioxidized cysteine (t‐Cys) within the proteome. The altered p‐Ser is linked to abnormal cell signaling, while the accumulation of t‐Cys is associated with chronic diseases induced by oxidative stress. Despite this, the potential cross‐effects and functional interplay between these two critical molecular factors of aging remain undisclosed. This study analyzes the aging proteome of wild‐type C57BL/6NTac mice over 2 years using advanced proteomics and bioinformatics. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of how t‐Cys affects cell signaling and protein structure in the aging process. The results obtained indicate that t‐Cys residues accumulate in the aging proteome, interact with p‐Ser interacting enzymes, as validated in vitro, and alter their structures similarly to p‐Ser. These findings have significant implications for understanding the interplay of oxidative stress and phosphorylation in the aging process. Additionally, they open new venues for further research on the role(s) of these protein modifications in various human chronic diseases and aging, wherein exacerbated oxidation and aberrant phosphorylation are implicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and an ensuing increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production have been suggested to be a cause of the aging process ("the mitochondrial hypothesis of aging"). In agreement with this, mtDNA-mutator mice accumulate a large amount of mtDNA mutations, giving rise to defective mitochondria and an accelerated aging phenotype. However, incongruously, the rates of ROS production in mtDNA mutator mitochondria have generally earlier been reported to be lower – not higher – than in wildtype, thus apparently invalidating the "mitochondrial hypothesis of aging". We have here re-examined ROS production rates in mtDNA-mutator mice mitochondria. Using traditional conditions for measuring ROS (succinate in the absence of rotenone), we indeed found lower ROS in the mtDNA-mutator mitochondria compared to wildtype. This ROS mainly results from reverse electron flow driven by the membrane potential, but the membrane potential reached in the isolated mtDNA-mutator mitochondria was 33 mV lower than that in wildtype mitochondria, due to the feedback inhibition of succinate oxidation by oxaloacetate, and to a lower oxidative capacity in the mtDNA-mutator mice, explaining the lower ROS production. In contrast, in normal forward electron flow systems (pyruvate (or glutamate) + malate or palmitoyl-CoA + carnitine), mitochondrial ROS production was higher in the mtDNA-mutator mitochondria. Particularly, even during active oxidative phosphorylation (as would be ongoing physiologically), higher ROS rates were seen in the mtDNA-mutator mitochondria than in wildtype. Thus, when examined under physiological conditions, mitochondrial ROS production rates are indeed increased in mtDNA-mutator mitochondria. While this does not prove the validity of the mitochondrial hypothesis of aging, it may no longer be said to be negated in this respect. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Professor Vladimir P. Skulachev. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of Candida bloodstream infection (BSI) may rely on a PCR-based analysis of a positive blood culture (PBC) obtained from the patient at the time of BSI. In this study, a yeast DNA extraction protocol for use on PBCs was developed and evaluated with the molecular mouse (MM) yeast blood (YBL) chip-based PCR assay, which allowed us to detect nine medically relevant Candida species. We studied 125 simulated or clinical PBCs for Candida species. A positive correlation between the DNA concentration and colony-forming unit count was found for simulated (Spearman's ρ = 0.58; p < 0.0001) and clinical (Spearman's ρ = 0.23, p = 0.09) PBCs. The extracted DNA yielded positive results with the MM YBL chip assay that agreed with the Candida species-level identification results for 63 (100%) of 63 isolates from simulated PBCs and 66 (99.5%) of 67 isolates from clinical PBCs. The false-negative result was for one C. tropicalis isolate that grew together with C. albicans in PBC. None of the 30 (Candida)-negative clinical BCs included as negative controls yielded a positive result with the MM YBL chip assay. Our DNA extraction protocol for the Candida species couples efficiency and simplicity together. Nevertheless, further studies are needed before it can be adopted for use with the MM YBL chip assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic vector-borne disease with worldwide distribution. All current approaches in leishmaniasis control or development of vaccines/cures showed only limited success. Recently, paratransgenesis has been marked as a promising strategy for leishmaniasis control. Thus, the investigations of the gut microbial content of sand flies have gained popularity. Gut microbial composition of the laboratory colony of Phlebotomus papatasi was investigated via microbial culturomics approach which refers to the combination of multiple culture conditions and different selective and/or enriched culture mediums, followed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Investigations were conducted on three offspring generations, with six samplings of immature stages (four larval samplings, one pre-pupa, one pupa) and samplings of adults before and after blood feeding. The aim was to determine if microbiome changes during the sand fly development and to identify bacteria with transstadial potential. The presence of 8 bacterial taxa (Bacillus sp., Terribacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Alcaligenes sp., Microbacterium sp., Leucobacter sp., Ochrobactrum sp. and Enterobacter sp.), 2 fungi (Fusarium sp. and Acremonium sp.) and 1 yeast (Candida sp.) were recorded. Gram-positive bacteria were more diverse, but gram-negative bacteria were more abundant. All taxa were recorded among immature stage samples, while only one bacterium was detected in adults. Microbial diversity among larval samples was stable, with a steady decrease in pre-pupa and pupa, resulting in the survival of only Ochrobactrum sp. in adults. Abundance of microbes was higher when larvae were actively feeding, with a gradual decrease after larvae stopped feeding and commenced pupation. Ochrobactrum sp. is the bacteria with transstadial potential, worthy of future in-depth analysis for the application in paratransgenic approach for the control of Leishmania sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cesium sulfatoscandate CsSc(SO4)2 (space group P , a = b = 5.0971(1) Å, c = 8.6924(5) Å, V = 195.580(2) Å3, Z = 1) has been crystallized from aqueous solutions in layered hexagonal prisms sized up to 50 µm and up to 2–5 µm thick. Its water solubility is 0.0104 mol/L at 25 ± 1°С. A way to reduce the solubility of scandium as CsSc(SO4)2 is to increase acidity to 3.5–5.5 М H2SO4 and add Cs2SO4. Experimental evidence is supported by calculations that took into account changes in the ionic strength of the solution and the influence of the simultaneous presence of Cs+ and ions. The results will be useful for those who will study the behavior of rare-metal compounds having similar properties and their separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the mechanical characteristics of friction stir processed dissimilar joints between AA5083 and AA6082 alloys reinforced with coal particles. Employing friction stir welding (FSW), the mean grain size measured 19.7 μm, but using the FSP technique with coal reinforcement (FSP + Coal) significantly refined the grain size to 8.75 μm. In flexural testing, FSW face samples exhibited failure at 12.7% strain and 535 MPa stress, while FSP + Coal face specimens showed diminished performance at 3% strain and 222 MPa stress. Similar trends were observed in root specimens. For FSW joints, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) peaked at 145.90 MPa, with the lowest recorded UTS at 93.43 MPa. FSP + Coal joints reached a maximum UTS at 142 MPa and minimum UTS at 104.06 MPa. Fractures in both FSWed and FSPed samples occurred on the AA5083 side. In terms of hardness, FSW joints exhibited 80.33 HV, while FSP + Coal joints displayed a higher hardness of 83.66 HV at the nugget zone. Fracture surface morphology analysis revealed a prominent ductile failure mechanism for both FSWed and FSP + Coal joints. This study provides insight into the enhanced mechanical properties achieved through FSP + Coal processing, offering valuable implications for dissimilar alloy joints in various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The therapeutic potential of Angelica ternata extract was tested against biofilm-associated fungi Candida albicans. Such an extract with a 1.896 ± 0.071% per 1 mL rutin content of flavonoids can reliably suppress the formation of biofilms of pathogenic yeast-like fungi up to 76.6%. The herbal medicine has a significant effect on the initiation, adhesion, and development of biofilms. If the extract is added to a developed biofilm, it has a significant effect on the matrix. As a result, the "glue" between the cells is washed out and they are more easily washed away from the well of the microplate to which they are attached. In this case, the optical density of the biofilm is halved (50.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, the number of infections caused by biofilm-forming fungal pathogens is very high. In human medicine, there is an increasing proportion of immunocompromised patients with prolonged hospitalization, and patients with long-term inserted drains, cannulas, catheters, tubes, or other artificial devices, that exhibit a predisposition for colonization by biofilm-forming yeasts. A high percentage of mortality is due to candidemia caused by medically important Candida species. Species of major clinical significance include C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and C. auris. The association of these pathogenic species in the biofilm structure is a serious therapeutic problem. Candida cells growing in the form of a biofilm are able to resist persistent therapy thanks to a combination of their protective mechanisms and their ability to disseminate to other parts of the body, thus representing a threat from the perspective of a permanent source of infection. The elucidation of the key mechanisms of biofilm formation is essential to progress in the understanding and treatment of invasive Candida infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the welding of coarse- (CG) and ultrafine-grained (UFG) Al-Mg-Si alloy using friction stir welding (FSW) was attempted. The purpose of welding the UFG material was to check the possibility of applying FSW to materials with a thermally unstable microstructure, which is achieved by severe plastic deformation. This group of materials has significant potential due to the enhanced mechanical properties as a result of the elevated number of structural defects. The CG sample was also examined in order to assess whether there is an influence of the base material microstructure on the weld microstructure and properties. To refine the microstructure, incremental equal channel angular pressing was used. Plastic deformation resulted in grain refinement from 23 µm to 1.5 µm. It caused an increase in the microhardness from 105 HV0.1 to 125 HV0.1 and the tensile strength from 320 MPa to 394 MPa. Similar welds obtained using an FSW method exhibited good quality and grain size in a stir zone of 5 µm. For both welds, a decrease in the microhardness occurred in the stir zone. However, for the weld of UFG Al-Mg-Si, the microhardness distribution was homogeneous, while for the weld of the CG, it was inhomogeneous, which was caused by different characteristics of the second-phase precipitates. The tensile strength of the welds was lowered and equaled 269 MPa and 220 MPa for the CG and UFG welds, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candidemia is the most common form of invasive fungal infection associated with several risk factors, and one of them is the use of medical devices, to which microbial biofilms can attach. Candidemia related to the use of peripheral intravascular and central venous catheters (CVC) is referred to as Candida catheter-related bloodstream infection, with more than 90% being related to CVC usage. The infection is associated with a higher morbidity and mortality rate than nosocomial bacterial infections. Candida spp. can protect themselves from the host immune system and antifungal drugs because of the biofilm structure, which is potentiated by the extracellular matrix (ECM). Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis are the most pathogenic species often found to form biofilms associated with catheter usage. Biofilm formation of C. albicans includes four mechanisms: attachment, morphogenesis, maturation and dispersion. The biofilms formed between C. albicans and non-albicans spp. differ in ECM structure and composition and are associated with the persistence of colonization to infection for various catheter materials and antifungal resistance. Efforts to combat Candida spp. biofilm formation on catheters are still challenging because not all patients, especially those who are critically ill, can be recommended for catheter removal; also to be considered are the characteristics of the biofilm itself, which readily colonizes the permanent medical devices used. The limited choice and increasing systemic antifungal resistance also make treating it more difficult. Hence, alternative strategies have been developed to manage Candida biofilm. Current options for prevention or therapy in combination with systemic antifungal medications include lock therapy, catheter coating, natural peptide products and photodynamic inactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 90% of all liver malignancies are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), for which chemotherapy and immunotherapy are the ideal therapeutic choices. Hepatocellular carcinoma is descended from other liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholism, and metabolic syndrome. Normal cells and tissues may suffer damage from common forms of chemotherapy. In contrast to systemic chemotherapy, localized chemotherapy can reduce side effects by delivering a steady stream of chemotherapeutic drugs directly to the tumor site. This highlights the significance of controlled-release biodegradable hydrogels as drug delivery methods for chemotherapeutics. This review discusses using hydrogels as drug delivery systems for HCC and covers thermosensitive, pH-sensitive, photosensitive, dual-sensitive, and glutathione-responsive hydrogels. Compared to conventional systemic chemotherapy, hydrogel-based drug delivery methods are more effective in treating cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Totally, 134 individuals of Gasterosteus aculeatus from the Lake Atanasovsko Wetland, Bulgaria, were examined for helminth parasites. Five helminth species were identified: the trematode Posthodiplostomum brevicaudatum (metacercariae), the monogenean Gyrodactylus arcuatus, the trypanorhynch cestode Progrillotia dasyatidis (plerocerci) and third-stage larvae of the ascaridoid nematodes Contracaecum sp. and Hysterothylacium sp. Of them, G. arcuatus was the most prevalent species, with prevalence (P%) 68.66, followed by P. brevicaudatum (P% 22.39). The remaining species were weakly represented: Hysterothylacium sp. (P% 4.48), P. dasyatidis (P% 3.73) and Contracaecum sp. (P% 0.75). The present study is the first record of G. aculeatus as a host of a species of Contracaecum from the Black Sea basin. Gyrodactylus arcuatus is a new record for the Bulgarian fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a mucous membrane infection, with an increased rate of antifungal resistance of Candida species. In this study, the in vitro efficacy of farnesol alone or in combination with traditional antifungals was assessed against resistant Candida strains recovered from women with VVC. Materials and Methods: Eighty Candida isolates were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the antifungal susceptibility to amphotericin B (AMB), fluconazole (FLU), itraconazole (ITZ), voriconazole (VOR), clotrimazole (CTZ), and farnesol was tested by the standard microdilution method. The combinations of farnesol with each antifungal were calculated based on the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). Result: Candida glabrata was the predominant species (48.75%) isolated from vaginal discharges, followed by C. albicans (43.75%), C. parapsilosis (3.75%), a mixed infection of C. albicans and C. glabrata (2.5%) and C. albicans and C. parapsilosis (1%). C. albicans and C. glabrata isolates had lower susceptibility to FLU (31.4% and 23.0%, respectively) and CTZ (37.1% and 33.3%, respectively). Importantly, there was "synergism" between farnesol–FLU and farnesol–ITZ against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis (FICI = 0.5 and 0.35, respectively), reverting the original azole-resistant profile. Conclusion: These findings indicate that farnesol can revert the resistance profile of azole by enhancing the activity of FLU and ITZ in resistant Candida isolates, which is a clinically promising result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Despite the discoveries of new therapeutic antimycotics, the development of drug resistance is still the main clinical challenge in the treatment of mycoses. Data on the presence of new phytopreparations, along with the direct fungicidal effects that interfere with the resistance of fungal pathogens located in the biofilm, are of great interest. Our research focused on four investigations: (1) study M. pachydermatis as a biofilm infection; (2) the search for the strongest biofilm producers and the most resistant strains to antimycotics; (3) check if there is a correlation between the resistance of strains to modern antimycotics and the ability to form biofilms; and (4) study of the effect on three of the best biofilm producers under the action of several concentrations of Farnesol. These experiments confirmed related applications of Farnesol and its research progression in antifungal therapy of otitis externa. Chronic otitis externa of dogs is a significant problem due to the prevalence and complexity of the treatment of such animals. There is evidence that in 60–80% of cases of infectious diseases microorganisms located in the biofilm phenotype play the main role. Microorganisms in the biofilm phenotype have a number of advantages, the most significant of which is considered to be increased resistance to various external factors. Among them, a special place is occupied by resistance to antibiotics. In recent decades, research has been conducted at an increasing scale on the role of biofilm infections in various pathologies in veterinary medicine. The etiology and therapy of dog otitis externa caused by Malassezia pachydermatis biofilm has not been fully studied. This is why we consider relevant the scientific and practical aspects of research on the etiology and therapy of dog otitis externa from the position of biofilm infection. In this work, it has been statistically proven that there is a relationship between the optical density of Malassezia pachydermatis biofilms and their sensitivity to drugs, and this relationship is statistically significant. In addition, we have demonstrated that Farnesol has a good antibiofilm effect at a concentration of more 1.6 μM/mL (24% OD decrease of biofilm), and its highest antibiofilm effect (71–55%—more than a half) was observed at a concentration of 200–12.5 μM/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to calculate microbiological composition of aligners after a day of wearing them. To date, the dental market for orthodontists offers many ways to correct bites. Aligners are transparent and almost invisible from the teeth. They are used for everyday wear to correct the incorrect position of the teeth, which was once considered the prerogative of braces. Scientists worldwide have repeatedly considered questions regarding the interaction between aligners and the oral cavity's microflora; however, the emphasis has mainly shifted toward species composition and antibiotic resistance. The various properties of these microorganisms, including biofilm formation, adhesion to various cells, and the ability to phagocytize, have not been studied so widely. In addition, these characteristics, as well as the microorganisms themselves, have properties that change over time, location, and in certain conditions. In this regard, the problem of biofilm formation in dental practice is always relevant. It requires constant monitoring since high contamination of orthodontic materials can reduce the effectiveness of local anti-inflammatory therapy and cause relapses in caries and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity. Adhesive properties, one of the key factors in forming the architectonics of biofilms, provide the virulence factors of microorganisms and are characterized by an increase in optical density, determining the duration and retrospectivity of diagnostic studies. This paper focuses on the isolation of clinical microbial isolates during aligner therapy and their ability to form biofilms. In the future, we plan to use the obtained strains of microorganisms to create an effective and safe biofilm-destroying agent. We aimed to study morphometric and densitometric indicators of biofilms of microorganisms persisting on aligners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—The results of an experiment on the face milling of a VT6 titanium alloy and an ultrafine-grained (UFG) VT6 titanium alloy fabricated by equal-channel angular pressing are analyzed. The technology of producing an UFG alloy and its physicomechanical properties are considered. The results of experiments on determining the dependence of the cutting force on the cutting conditions for face milling on a universal FHV-50PD (PROMA) milling machine are presented. During a three-factor experiment, the cutting conditions were varied: cutting depth (t = 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 mm), feed (s = 65, 100, 185 mm/min), and milling cutter rotation speed (n = 580, 720, 875 rpm). No coolant is used during processing. The cutting force was determined indirectly by measuring the displacement of the milling cutter mandrel using a vibration sensor. The vibrations of the tool subsystem are recorded at a sampling frequency of up to 5 kHz using a noncontact vibration sensor. Regression dependences of the cutting force on the milling conditions are determined for both alloys with confirmation of their statistical significance. Based on the data obtained on cutting forces and an analysis of chip formation features (burr parameters and the type of chips formed), a comparative analysis of the data is carried out and conclusions are drawn about the features of cutting a new alloy. The problems of practical application of the experimental results are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Considering the existence of many medicinal plants in Iran and the high prevalence of oral candidiasis, the present study aims to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Nepeta crispa L. and Nepeta cataria extracts on Candida albicans growth. Subjects and Methods After preparing the extracts of two plants, their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) for C albicans were measured by broth microdilution method. The inhibitory effect of the extracts was evaluated by the disk diffusion method and measuring the diameter of inhibition zone. Data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 22. The significant level was set at 0.05. Results The MIC of N. crispa L. and N. cataria extracts was 1.1 and 2.4 µg/mL, respectively. Their MLC was 4 and 6 µg/mL, respectively. The highest inhibition zone diameter was for nystatin (21.31 mm), while the lowest diameter was for N. cataria extract (11.60 mm). No. significant difference was observed in the inhibition zone diameter between nystatin and N. crispa L. extract (P>0.05). Conclusion The inhibitory effect of N. crispa L. extract on the candida albicans growth is not significantly different from the effect of nystatin. Although N. cataria extract has inhibitory effect, its effect is significantly lower than the effect of nystatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method has been developed for the synthesis of single-phase sulfate-phosphates, which provides keeping from sulfur losses by its binding to sulfate with a high decomposition temperature. The thermally stable sulfate-phosphate Pb2Mg2(PO4)2SO4 was studied using X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, DTA, and electron-probe microanalysis. According to the results of the study by the Rietveld method, this compound belongs to the eulytite structural type (space group ). When the temperature changes, its crystals expand isotropically without polymorphic transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oviductus ranae (OR), the dried oviduct of mature female Rana dybowskii, also known as Hamayou and Hashimayou, is a famous animal derived traditional Chinese medicine that have a variety of pharmacological effects. In our study, the anti-aging effect of OR on 53-week-old aging mice was investigated. The results showed that OR could significantly shorten the destination quadrant distance and latency in the Morris water maze of aging mice. It obviously decreased the MDA, MAO-B and Lipo level in brain tissue, enhanced the SOD and GSH-Px activity in brain tissue, and increased the IgA, IgG, IL-1 and IL-2 level in serum. In addition, OR significantly improved the protein expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and NOQ1 in the brain tissues of aging mice, which was detected by western blotting. In conclusion, OR treatment improved behavioral disorders and brain damage in the aging mice, suggesting that OR has the potential to be a new anti-aging drug candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum alloys have been successfully used in the railroad and automotive industries because of their potential to significantly reduce component weights, and their good mechanical and anti-corrosion properties. Problems with joining aluminum alloys are characterized by low weldability, which influences the need for studies focused on unconventional methods. The environmentally friendly and low-cost friction-stir-welding method enables the material to be joined without melting. In the following study, dissimilar butt joints were produced from AA5083 and AA6060 alloys. A constant tool traverse speed of 100 mm/min and a tool tilt angle of 2º were used, combined with tool rotational speeds of 800, 1000 and 1200 RPM. It was revealed that as the tool speed increases, the hardness in the weld nugget zone increases, due to higher heat input and more effective recrystallization. The highest hardness of the weld nugget zone was observed for the weld that was produced with the highest tool rotational speed, and was equal to 1.07 GPa, compared to the hardness of both parent materials of 0.75 and 1.15 GPa for AA5083 and AA6060, respectively. Increasing the heat input also decreased the hardness of the heat-affected zone, where recrystallization was not observed. The lowest density of dislocations with the highest mobility was observed in the heat-affected zone on the AA6060 side, which also contributed to the reduction in strength in this zone. The produced welds exhibited corrosion resistance between both parent materials, with the lowest corrosion current density being 6.935 ± 0.199 µA·cm−2 for the weld that was produced at a tool speed of 1200 RPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the processes of moisture intake, redistribution, and consumption within the downy oak forest community, along with their interannual and interseasonal water balance dynamics. The study of the water balance components was conducted using a combination of field research methods and geoinformation modeling on the territory of the Karadag landscape and ecological station of the Karadag Nature Reserve for the period from 2010 to 2020. The study of the water balance of downy oak forests located at the furthest extent of their range represents an important problem, whose solution will further scientific understanding by uncovering individual patterns of the internal organization of such systems. The indicators having the most tangible impact on the water balance are the amount of precipitation and evapotranspiration. The average annual precipitation on the territory of Karadag for the analyzed period was 448 mm; in recent years, a decrease in the amount of precipitation has been recorded. The evapotranspiration values within the downy oak forests approximately coincide with the values of this indicator in the Mediterranean region to average 450 mm per year. The influence of stemflow and relief features on the redistribution of moisture within the landscape is described. The analyzed water balance components' dynamics form conditions conducive to the displacement of steppe communities by forest species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have evolved tremendously during recent years, in part due to the rapid expansion of nanotechnology and to their active magnetic core with a high surface-to-volume ratio, while their surface functionalization opened the door to a plethora of drug, gene and bioactive molecule immobilization. Taming the high reactivity of the magnetic core was achieved by various functionalization techniques, producing MNPs tailored for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular or neurological disease, tumors and cancer. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are established at the core of drug-delivery systems and could act as efficient agents for MFH (magnetic fluid hyperthermia). Depending on the functionalization molecule and intrinsic morphological features, MNPs now cover a broad scope which the current review aims to overview. Considering the exponential expansion of the field, the current review will be limited to roughly the past three years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the most common cancer in women, efforts have been made to develop novel nanomedicine-based therapeutics for breast cancer. In the present study, the in silico curcumin (Cur) properties were investigated, and we found some important drawbacks of Cur. To enhance cancer therapeutics of Cur, three different nonionic surfactants (span 20, 60, and 80) were used to prepare various Cur-loaded niosomes (Nio-Cur). Then, fabricated Nio-Cur were decorated with folic acid (FA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) for breast cancer suppression. For PEG-FA@Nio-Cur, the gene expression levels of Bax and p53 were higher compared to free drug and Nio-Cur. With PEG-FA-decorated Nio-Cur, levels of Bcl2 were lower than the free drug and Nio-Cur. When MCF7 and 4T1 cell uptake tests of PEG-FA@Nio-Cur and Nio-Cur were investigated, the results showed that the PEG-FA-modified niosomes exhibited the most preponderant endocytosis. In vitro experiments demonstrate that PEG-FA@Nio-Cur is a promising strategy for the delivery of Cur in breast cancer therapy. Breast cancer cells absorbed the prepared nanoformulations and exhibited sustained drug release characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their high entrapment efficiency, anodized titanium nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) are considered effective reservoirs for loading/releasing strong antibiotics whose systemic administration is associated with diverse and severe side-effects. In this study, TiO2-NTs were synthesized by anodic oxidation of titanium foils, and the effects of electrolyte percentage and viscosity on their dimensions were evaluated. It was found that as the water content increased from 15 to 30%, the wall thickness, length, and inner diameter of the NTs increase from 5.9 to 15.8 nm, 1.56 to 3.21 µm, and 59 to 84 nm, respectively. Ciprofloxacin, a highly potent antibiotic, was loaded into TiO2-NTs with a high encapsulation efficiency of 93%, followed by coating with different chitosan layers to achieve a sustained release profile. The prepared formulations were characterized by various techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and contact measurement. In vitro release studies showed that the higher the chitosan layer count, the more sustained the release. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of the formulation against two endodontic species from Peptostreptococcus and Fusobacterium revealed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 1 µg/mL for the former and the latter. To summarize, this study demonstrated that TiO2-NTs are promising reservoirs for drug loading, and that the chitosan coating provides not only a sustained release profile, but also a synergistic antibacterial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4)-based smart magnetic nanoparticles were fabricated and coated with methionine. Physiochemical characterization of the obtained Met-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles revealed the presence of methionine coating over the nanoparticle surface. Drug release study indicated that Tet-Met-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles possess pH-responsive controlled drug release behavior for tetracycline (Tet). The drug loading content for Tet was found to be 0.27 mg/L of nanoparticles. In vitro cytotoxicity test showed that the Met-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles is biocompatible. Moreover, this magnetic nanostructured material shown strong anticancer property as these nanomaterials significantly reduced the viability of A375 cells when compared to free Tet solution. In addition, Tet-Met-NiFe2O4 nanoparticles also showed strong antibacterial activity against different bacterial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral candidiasis, a common opportunistic infection of the oral cavity, is mainly caused by the following four Candida species (in decreasing incidence rate): Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei. This study offers in-depth Raman spectroscopy analyses of these species and proposes procedures for an accurate and rapid identification of oral yeast species. We first obtained average spectra for different Candida species and systematically analyzed them in order to decode structural differences among species at the molecular scale. Then, we searched for a statistical validation through a chemometric method based on principal component analysis (PCA). This method was found only partially capable to mechanistically distinguish among Candida species. We thus proposed a new Raman barcoding approach based on an algorithm that converts spectrally deconvoluted Raman sub-bands into barcodes. Barcode-assisted Raman analyses could enable on-site identification in nearly real-time, thus implementing preventive oral control, enabling prompt selection of the most effective drug, and increasing the probability to interrupt disease transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proton-conducting composites CsH2PO4(CDP)/NaH2PO4(SDP)/TiO2 have been prepared by chemical route. Structural, thermal, and conductive properties have been studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, thermal analysis, and conductivity measurements, respectively. It has been observed that the superprotonic phase transition from monoclinic to cubic phase occurs at 230°C in CDP, at which the conductivity increased up to four orders of magnitude. The initial dehydration event in CDP occurs at 250°C. Based on conductivity and stability, the performance of CDP was improved by the addition of TiO2 and SDP. The dehydration behavior shifted to lower instead of the higher temperature due to the additives. The lowest weight loss was found in 5CDP/3SDP/2TiO2 and 6CDP/2SDP/2TiO2. The conductivity is also increased at lower temperatures, up to 1.5 orders of magnitude. The highest conductivity was found to be 1.4 × 10–2 S cm–1 for the composite CDP811. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aging and age-related neurodegeneration are both associated with the accumulation of unfolded and abnormally folded proteins, highlighting the importance of protein homeostasis (termed proteostasis) in maintaining organismal health. To this end, two cellular compartments with essential protein folding functions, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the mitochondria, are equipped with unique protein stress responses, known as the ER unfolded protein response (UPR ER) and the mitochondrial UPR (UPR mt), respectively. These organellar UPRs play roles in shaping the cellular responses to proteostatic stress that occurs in aging and age-related neurodegeneration. The loss of adaptive UPR ER and UPR mt signaling potency with age contributes to a feed-forward cycle of increasing protein stress and cellular dysfunction. Likewise, UPR ER and UPR mt signaling is often altered in age-related neurodegenerative diseases; however, whether these changes counteract or contribute to the disease pathology appears to be context dependent. Intriguingly, altering organellar UPR signaling in animal models can reduce the pathological consequences of aging and neurodegeneration which has prompted clinical investigations of UPR signaling modulators as therapeutics. Here, we review the physiology of both the UPR ER and the UPR mt , discuss how UPR ER and UPR mt signaling changes in the context of aging and neurodegeneration, and highlight therapeutic strategies targeting the UPR ER and UPR mt that may improve human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Despite the discoveries of new therapeutic antimycotics, the development of drug resistance is still the main clinical challenge in the treatment of mycoses. Data on the presence of new phytopreparations, along with the direct fungicidal effects that interfere with the resistance of fungal pathogens located in the biofilm, are of great interest. The use of these compounds as monotherapies or in combination with known antimycotics may be an effective strategy for preventing and/or destroying Candida biofilms found on the surface of biomedical devices and in vivo. The action mechanisms of farnesol in fungi have yet to be fully understood, but they are complex and likely include several mechanisms such as growth inhibition and apoptosis promotion. Candida albicans was the first eukaryotic microorganism to exhibit quorum-sensing through the secretion of the sesquiterpene E, farnesol. This molecule is generated by dephosphorylation of farnesyl pyrophosphate in the mevalonate biosynthetic pathway in mammalian and yeast cells. Exogenous farnesol inhibits yeast-to-hyphal formation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner at the earliest stage of hyphal development. Much research has been devoted to studying the role of farnesol as an inhibitor of hyphal morphogenesis; however, little research has been published regarding the in vivo impacts of farnesol on fungal virulence and the development of Candida infection. While other studies have examined the impact of multiple doses of farnesol in addition to antimycotics, we hypothesize that C. albicans treated with a single dose of this quorum-sensing molecule could reduce fungal virulence in a quail model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The friction stir welding method is increasingly attracting interest in the railway sector due to its environmental friendliness, low cost, and ease of producing high-quality joints. Using aluminum alloys reduces the weight of structures, increasing their payload and reducing fuel consumption and running costs. The following paper presents studies on the microstructure, strength, and corrosion resistance of AA6082 aluminum alloy sheets joined via friction stir welding. The sheets were joined by employing two different traverse speeds (200 and 250 mm/min), two different rotational speeds (1000 and 1250 rpm), and two different tool tilt angles (0° and 2°). It was observed that the use of the inclined tool provides finer microstructure in the nugget zone, higher value of microhardness, and better corrosion resistance, compared to the tilt angle equal to 0°. By increasing the value of revolutionary pitch, finer grains are observed in the nugget zone and the measured hardness is higher. It was also observed that the change in process parameters strongly influences the radius of the nugget zone and the potentiodynamic properties of the friction stir-welded material. The joints produced with the tool tilt angle equal to 2°, the tool traverse speed of 200 mm/min, and its rotational speed of 1250 rpm revealed the highest hardness in the nugget zone (about 92% of the base material). Moreover, the finest grain size in the nugget with the average value of 9.8 ± 1.5 µm was found. The lowest corrosion current density equal to 16.029 µA cm−2 was noted for the sample with the highest strength, which also provides its good corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]