Polyetheretherketone Double Functionalization with Bioactive Peptides Improves Human Osteoblast Response.

In recent years, the demand for orthopedic implants has surged due to increased life expectancy, necessitating the need for materials that better mimic the biomechanical properties of human bone. Traditional metal implants, despite their mechanical superiority and biocompatibility, often face challenges such as mismatched elastic modulus and ion release, leading to complications and implant failures. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a semi-crystalline polymer with an aromatic backbone, presents a promising alternative due to its adjustable elastic modulus and compatibility with bone tissue.

Fractionated alpha and mixed beam radiation promote stronger pro-inflammatory effects compared to acute exposure and trigger phagocytosis.

Introduction And Methods: Aiming to evaluate safety aspects of a recently proposed approach to target Alzheimer's disease, we mimicked a complex boron neutron capture therapy field using a mixed beam consisting of high- and low-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, Am alpha particles (α) and/or X-ray radiation respectively, in human microglial (HMC3) cells.

Results: Acute exposure to 2 Gy X-rays induced the strongest response in the formation of γH2AX foci 30 min post irradiation, while α- and mixed beam-induced damage (α:X-ray = 3:1) sustained longer. Fractionation of the same total dose (0.

The Detection of Toxic Amyloid-β Fibril Fragments Through a Surface Plasmon Resonance Immunoassay.

Amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ42) forms highly stable and insoluble fibrillar structures, representing the principal components of the amyloid plaques present in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The involvement of Aβ42 in AD-associated neurodegeneration has also been demonstrated, in particular for smaller and soluble aggregates (oligomers). Based on these findings and on genetic evidence, Aβ42 aggregates are considered key players in the pathogenesis of AD and targets for novel therapies.

Mastering Snow Analysis: Enhancing Sampling Techniques and Introducing ACF Extraction Method with Applications in Svalbard.

Semi-volatile organic contaminants (SVOCs) are known for their tendency to evaporate from source regions and undergo atmospheric transport to distant areas. Cold condensation intensifies dry deposition, particle deposition, and scavenging by snow and rain, allowing SVOCs to move from the atmosphere into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in alpine and polar regions. However, no standardized methods exist for the sampling, laboratory processing, and instrumental analysis of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in snow.

Lookism, a Leak in the Career Pipeline? Career Perspective Consequences of Lookism Climate and Workplace Incivility.

Despite strides toward gender equality in the workforce, women continue to face significant challenges, including the "glass ceiling" and the "leaky pipeline", partially stemming from low occupational self-confidence. This study examined whether a climate of lookism leads to workplace mistreatment, undermining employees' perceptions of job competence and career potential, with a focus on gender differences. Using a cross-sectional design, data from 699 Italian workers (42.