In this work, the mechanical properties of hydrogels based on linear polyethyleneimine (PEI) chemically crosslinked with ethyleneglycoldiglycidyl ether (EGDE) were improved by the ionic crosslinking with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). To this end, the quaternization of the nitrogen atoms present in the PEI structure was conducted to render a network with a permanent positive charge to interact with the negative charges of TPP. The co-crosslinking process was studied by H high-resolution magic angle spinning (H HRMAS) NMR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in combination with organic elemental analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCranioplasty for secondary reconstruction of cranial defects has historically focused on simply replacing the missing cranial bone to restore cerebral protection and fluid dynamics, but recent innovations have led to the development of customized cranial implants that address both bone and soft tissue deficits while avoiding postoperative complications such as temporal hollowing. In addition, customized cranial implants have incorporated implantable neurotechnology like ventriculostomy shunts, intracranial pressure monitoring devices, and medicine delivery systems within low-profile designs to convert previously "basic" implants into "smart" implants for added functionality. These "smart" implants aim to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes by leveraging the cranial space to house advanced technologies, providing benefits such as real-time biosensing, and treatment of chronic neurological conditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWide band gap AInSe (A = K, Rb, Cs) is an important interlayer material for improving the efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) (CIGS) solar cells. Compared to high-vacuum deposition and solid-state synthesis, a less energy-intensive method is of interest for its fabrication. Herein, we present the rapid, low-temperature colloidal synthesis of AInSe nanocrystals that opens a pathway for convenient solution processing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiodiesel offers an alternative to fossil fuels, primarily because it is derived from renewable sources, with the potential to mitigate issues such as pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, resource scarcity, and the market instability of petroleum derivatives. However, lower durability and stability pose challenges. To address this, researchers worldwide are exploring technologies that employ specific molecules to slow down biodiesel's oxidation process, thereby preserving its key physicochemical properties.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: The diagnosis of a mood-related psychiatric disorder (MRPD) among patients with cancer has been associated with decreased quality of life and lower cancer survival. This study aimed to understand the risk of a new MRPD after cancer diagnosis by individual risk behaviors, with a specific focus on tobacco use and the presence of a human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancer.
Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study of 11,712 patients diagnosed with cancer between 2009 and 2020.