Biocomposites from Natural Rubber: Synergistic Effects of Functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystals as Both Reinforcing and Cross-Linking Agents via Free-Radical Thiol-ene Chemistry.

Natural rubber/cellulose nanocrystals (NR/CNCs) form true biocomposites from renewable resources and are demonstrated to show significantly improved thermo-mechanical properties and reduced stress-softening. The nanocomposites were prepared from chemically functionalized CNCs bearing thiols. CNCs served as both reinforcing and cross-linking agents in the NR matrix, and the study was designed to prove the cross-linking function of modified CNCs.

Surface Modification with Chemically Modified Synovial Fluid for Flexor Tendon Reconstruction in a Canine Model in Vivo.

Background: Functional restoration is the major concern after flexor tendon reconstruction in the hand. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of modifying the surface of extrasynovial tendon autografts with carbodiimide-derivatized synovial fluid with gelatin (cd-SF-G) on functional outcomes of flexor tendon reconstruction using a canine model.

Methods: The second and fifth flexor digitorum profundus tendons from eleven dogs were transected and repaired in zone II.

Molecular deformation mechanisms in cellulose allomorphs and the role of hydrogen bonds.

Differences in tensile properties between cellulose crystal allomorphs cannot be rationalized by simply counting hydrogen bonds. From molecular dynamics computer simulations the cooperative nature of energy contributions to axial cellulose crystal modulus becomes apparent. Using a decomposition of inter and intramolecular forces as a function of tensile strain, the three allomorphs show dramatic differences in terms of how the contributions to elastic energy are distributed between covalent bonds, angles, dihedrals, electrostatic forces, dispersion and steric forces.

Nanocellulose-Zeolite Composite Films for Odor Elimination.

Free standing and strong odor-removing composite films of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) with a high content of nanoporous zeolite adsorbents have been colloidally processed. Thermogravimetric desorption analysis (TGA) and infrared spectroscopy combined with computational simulations showed that commercially available silicalite-1 and ZSM-5 have a high affinity and uptake of volatile odors like ethanethiol and propanethiol, also in the presence of water. The simulations showed that propanethiol has a higher affinity, up to 16%, to the two zeolites compared with ethanethiol.

Low-birefringent and highly tough nanocellulose-reinforced cellulose triacetate.

Improvement of the mechanical and thermal properties of cellulose triacetate (CTA) films is required without sacrificing their optical properties. Here, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-grafted cellulose nanofibril/CTA nanocomposite films were fabricated by casting and drying methods. The cellulose nanofibrils were prepared by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation, and amine-terminated PEG chains were grafted onto the surfaces of the TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNs) by ionic bonds.

Bright white light therapy in depression: A critical review of the evidence.

Background: Light therapy is an accepted treatment option, at least for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Our aim was to critically evaluate treatment effects of bright white light (BWL) on the depressive symptoms in both SAD and non-seasonal depression.

Methods: The systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Nuclear factor of activated T cells is activated in the endothelium of retinal microvessels in diabetic mice.

The pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains unclear but hyperglycemia is an established risk factor. Endothelial dysfunction and changes in Ca2+ signaling have been shown to precede the onset of DR. We recently demonstrated that high extracellular glucose activates the Ca(2+)/calcineurin-dependent transcription factor NFAT in cerebral arteries and aorta, promoting the expression of inflammatory markers.

Core-shell cellulose nanofibers for biocomposites - nanostructural effects in hydrated state.

Core-shell wood cellulose nanofibers (CNF) coated by an XG hemicellulose polymer are prepared and used to make biocomposites. CNF/XG biocomposites have interest as packaging materials and as hydrated CNF/XG plant cell wall analogues. Structure and properties are compared between Core-shell CNF/XG and more inhomogeneous CNF/XG.

Nanostructural effects on polymer and water dynamics in cellulose biocomposites: (2)h and (13)c NMR relaxometry.

Improved moisture stability is desired in cellulose biocomposites. In order to clarify nanostructural effects, a new approach is presented where water and polymer matrix mobilities are characterized separately. Nanocomposites from cellulose nanofibers (CNF) in the xyloglucan (XG) biopolymer matrix are investigated at different hydration states.

Attenuated age-impact on systemic inflammatory markers in the presence of a metabolic burden.

Background: The overall burden of chronic disease, inflammation and cardiovascular risk increases with age. Whether the relationship between age and inflammation is impacted by presence of an adverse metabolic burden is not known.

Methods: We determined inflammatory markers in humans (336 Caucasians and 224 African Americans) and in mice, representing a spectrum of age, weight and metabolic burden.

Oriented clay nanopaper from biobased components--mechanisms for superior fire protection properties.

The toxicity of the most efficient fire retardant additives is a major problem for polymeric materials. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/clay nanocomposites, with unique brick-and-mortar structure and prepared by simple filtration, are characterized from the morphological point of view by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. These nanocomposites have superior fire protection properties to other clay nanocomposites and fiber composites.

Diverging trajectory patterns of systemic versus vascular inflammation over age in healthy Caucasians and African-Americans.

Objective: Age and inflammation are risk factors for cardiovascular disease but the impact of inflammation on cardiovascular risk across the lifespan is not understood. We investigated whether an inflammatory burden is modulated by age in healthy subjects.

Methods: Caucasian and African-American families were recruited from the general population (age range: 6-74 years, n = 267).

Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein(a): high frequency of small size apolipoprotein(a) isoforms.

Background: Levels of lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), a genetically regulated independent cardiovascular risk factor present in humans and Old World monkeys, are impacted by the apolipoprotein(a), apo(a), gene. Allele-specific apo(a) levels, taking both the apo(a) genotypic and phenotypic characteristics into account, are useful markers to determine atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk.

Methods: We determined (i) the genetic variability of apo(a), (ii) Lp(a) levels, and (iii) allele-specific apo(a) levels in rhesus monkeys (n = 95).

High-performance and moisture-stable cellulose-starch nanocomposites based on bioinspired core-shell nanofibers.

Moisture stability and brittleness are challenges for plant fiber biocomposites intended for load-bearing applications, for instance those based on an amylopectin-rich (AP) starch matrix. Core-shell amylopectin-coated cellulose nanofibers and nanocomposites are prepared to investigate effects from the distribution of AP matrix. The core-shell nanocomposites are compared with nanocomposites with more irregular amylopectin (AP) distribution.

Individualized low-load motor control exercises and education versus a high-load lifting exercise and education to improve activity, pain intensity, and physical performance in patients with low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Background: Low back pain is a common disorder. Patients with low back pain frequently have aberrant and pain-provocative movement patterns that often are addressed with motor control exercises.

Which Patients With Low Back Pain Benefit From Deadlift Training?

Recent studies have indicated that the deadlift exercise may be effective in decreasing pain intensity and increasing activity for most, but not all, patients with a dominating pattern of mechanical low back pain. This study aimed to evaluate which individual factors measured at baseline could predict activity, disability, and pain intensity in patients with mechanical low back pain after an 8-week training period involving the deadlift as a rehabilitative exercise. Thirty-five participants performed deadlift training under the supervision of a physical therapist with powerlifting experience.

Nanostructured biocomposite films of high toughness based on native chitin nanofibers and chitosan.

Chitosan is widely used in films for packaging applications. Chitosan reinforcement by stiff particles or fibers is usually obtained at the expense of lowered ductility and toughness. Here, chitosan film reinforcement by a new type of native chitin nanofibers is reported.

High glucose enhances store-operated calcium entry by upregulating ORAI/STIM via calcineurin-NFAT signalling.

Unlabelled: ORAI and stromal interaction molecule (STIM) are store-operated channel molecules that play essential roles in human physiology through a coupling mechanism of internal Ca(2+) store to Ca(2+) influx. However, the roles of ORAI and STIM in vascular endothelial cells under diabetic conditions remain unknown. Here, we investigated expression and signalling pathways of ORAI and STIM regulated by high glucose or hyperglycaemia using in vitro cell models, in vivo diabetic mice and tissues from patients.

Relation between cardiovascular disease risk markers and brain infarcts detected by magnetic resonance imaging in an elderly population.

Background: Established cardiovascular risk markers, such as hypertension, are associated with increased risk of brain infarcts. The newer markers N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, troponin I, C-reactive protein, and cystatin C may affect the risk of cardiovascular events and potentially, thereby, also stroke. We investigated the association between established and new risk markers for cardiovascular disease and brain infarcts detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at age 75.

Molecular adhesion at clay nanocomposite interfaces depends on counterion hydration-molecular dynamics simulation of montmorillonite/xyloglucan.

Nacre-mimetic clay/polymer nanocomposites with clay platelet orientation parallel to the film surface show interesting gas barrier and mechanical properties. In moist conditions, interfacial adhesion is lowered and mechanical properties are reduced. Molecular dynamic simulations (MD) have been performed to investigate the effects of counterions on molecular adhesion at montmorillonite clay (Mnt)-xyloglucan (XG) interfaces.

Which set of embryo variables is most predictive for live birth? A prospective study in 6252 single embryo transfers to construct an embryo score for the ranking and selection of embryos.

Study Question: Which embryo score variables are most powerful for predicting live birth after single embryo transfer (SET) at the early cleavage stage?

Summary Answer: This large prospective study of visual embryo scoring variables shows that blastomere number (BL), the proportion of mononucleated blastomeres (NU) and the degree of fragmentation (FR) have independent prognostic power to predict live birth.

What Is Known Already: Other studies suggest prognostic power, at least univariately and for implantation potential, for all five variables. A previous study from the same centre on double embryo transfers with implantation as the end-point resulted in the integrated morphology cleavage (IMC) score, which incorporates BL, NU and EQ.

Strong and moldable cellulose magnets with high ferrite nanoparticle content.

A major limitation in the development of highly functional hybrid nanocomposites is brittleness and low tensile strength at high inorganic nanoparticle content. Herein, cellulose nanofibers were extracted from wood and individually decorated with cobalt-ferrite nanoparticles and then for the first time molded at low temperature (<120 °C) into magnetic nanocomposites with up to 93 wt % inorganic content. The material structure was characterized by TEM and FE-SEM and mechanically tested as compression molded samples.