Publications by authors named "Eric Rivera-Munoz"

Magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp-Mg) nanofibers show promise for medical applications due to their structural similarity to bone minerals and enhanced biological properties, such as improved biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity. This study synthesized HAp-Mg nanofibers using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method (MAHM) to evaluate their cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial efficacy compared to commercial hydroxyapatite (HAp). Characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful incorporation of magnesium, producing high-purity, crystalline nanofibers with hexagonal morphology.

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  • The study aimed to evaluate the impact of chemical and structural characteristics of four bis-acryl resins (Luxatemp, Protemp, Structur, and Telio) on their fracture resistance in fixed prosthesis applications.
  • Bending tests revealed that Luxatemp and Structur exhibited significantly higher flexural strength compared to Protemp and Telio, which showed lower strength.
  • Additional analyses using scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy indicated that the unique particle size and chemical structure of Luxatemp contributed to its superior strength.
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  • The study investigates the impact of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the Pepper huasteco yellow vein virus (PHYVV), which causes significant losses in jalapeño pepper crops in Mexico.
  • Treatment with ZnO NPs showed promising results, significantly reducing symptoms and viral levels in pepper plants, especially at a concentration of 200 mM, with effects varying by treatment timing and pepper variety.
  • Findings hint that ZnO NPs enhance plant resistance by altering certain enzyme levels (POD, SOD, CAT, and PAL), highlighting the potential for using nanotechnology to manage viral infections in crops.
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  • The study explores the incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) in polymer coatings, showing that small amounts can enhance mechanical properties through interactions with polymer chains.
  • Different concentrations of TiO and SiO nanoparticles were added to a polydimethylsiloxane elastomer, and their effects on properties like crosslinking efficiency, hydrophobicity, and adhesion were analyzed using various spectroscopic and testing methods.
  • Results indicate significant improvements in hardness, elastic modulus, and tensile strength with nanoparticle reinforcement, achieving increases of 157%, 71.4%, and 80% respectively, while maintaining flexibility to avoid brittleness.
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  • The study focuses on using SiO particles to protect gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from aggregation, enhancing their stability and functionality.
  • Two sol-gel methods were used to synthesize silica-coated green AuNPs, which were characterized using various techniques such as SEM and FTIR.
  • The results revealed different shapes and distributions of the nanoparticles based on synthesis method, while both methods exhibited similar antibacterial performance against pathogens.
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  • Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be synthesized using plant extracts, like common mullein and castor bean, potentially enhancing their anti-cancer properties.
  • The study evaluated the effectiveness of these green AuNPs in inhibiting the growth of colorectal cancer cells (HT29 and SW480), comparing them to chemically synthesized AuNPs.
  • Results showed that the green AuNPs had stronger antiproliferative effects and similar or greater induction of caspase activity, indicating their promise for cancer treatment.
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  • The stability and mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite (HAp)/Chitosan composites rely on how well HAp aggregates are dispersed within the chitosan matrix and their chemical interaction.
  • Hexagonal HAp nanofibers were synthesized using a microwave-assisted method, with glutamic acid aiding in controlling crystal growth for optimal orientation along the HAp crystal's "c" axis.
  • The composite created from nanofibers and chitosan exhibited significantly higher mechanical resistance than similar composites made from commercial HAp powders, matching the mechanical resistance of human cortical bone.
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  • The energy sector is increasingly focused on finding solutions to the fossil fuel crisis, particularly through improving energy efficiency in buildings, which are major energy consumers.
  • Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are being researched for their ability to store heat during heating and cooling processes, enhancing energy efficiency in construction.
  • The review highlights different methods of encapsulating PCMs, especially macro encapsulation as the most promising approach, and emphasizes the need for more research on bio-based PCMs to replace traditional petroleum-based materials for environmental benefits.
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  • Childhood and adolescence are key periods for developing strong bones, so getting enough calcium and living healthily is essential to prevent osteoporosis later in life.
  • This study investigated how soluble and insoluble fibers from cladodes affect calcium absorption in young rats and their bone health.
  • Results showed that rats fed soluble fiber, both early and late in development, had stronger bones with better structural properties compared to controls and those on insoluble fiber.
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  • The study focused on creating and analyzing a new copolymer made from poly [(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid] (PHB) and n-hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEAA) using gamma radiation.
  • It evaluated how different solvents influenced graft polymerization, resulting in changes in crystallinity, hydrophilicity, morphology, and thermal properties of the new material.
  • The research suggests that the new PHB-based polyurethane could serve as a promising scaffold for skin tissue engineering due to its favorable mechanical properties, degradability, and compatibility with human fibroblasts.
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  • * This study focused on testing Disordered Mesoporous Silica 1 (DMS-1) modified with amino groups for its ability to adsorb lead ions (Pb(II)), using a sol-gel method to prepare the material.
  • * The best results for removing Pb(II) were obtained with a 0.3 molar ratio of amino groups, achieving a lead removal efficiency of 99.44%, indicating this method could be a promising solution for purifying contaminated water.
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The tortilla is a foodstuff that has a short shelf-life, causing great losses to the industry. The objective of this work was to evaluate, for the first time, the physicochemical properties and resistant starch (RS) content of flours. These were obtained from nixtamalized corn tortillas made with traditional and industrial (commercial) methods, stored at 4 °C for 7, 15, and 30 days.

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  • Tridimensional cubic mesoporous silica, known as SBA-16, was modified with aminopropyl groups to enhance its ability to adsorb lead (Pb) ions from water.
  • The effectiveness of the adsorbent was examined based on various factors, including pH level, contact time, temperature, and the concentration of the aminopropyl compound used in its functionalization.
  • Results indicated that the best Pb ion removal occurred at a pH between 5-6, after 40 minutes of contact time, and with an initial lead concentration of 200 mg/L, making the optimized 2N-SBA-16 significantly more effective than another variant, SBA-15.
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  • * The research identified the presence of various ions (Mg, K, Al, Fe, Zn, and Na) in all samples, utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma for analysis.
  • * High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed ordered nanometric crystals, and calcining bones at 720 °C caused a size transition from nano to micro, leading to narrower peaks in diffraction patterns than previously believed.
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  • This research focuses on identifying crystalline compounds in nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes using techniques like X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.
  • The study found various crystalline structures, including calcium carbonate, calcium-magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, and others, noting their unique shapes observed through scanning electron microscopy.
  • Findings highlight the significance of these compounds for human use and their potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, marking the first structural analysis of these substances in nopal.
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  • SBA-15 is a mesoporous silica material known for its highly ordered nanopores and large surface area, making it useful in various applications like catalysts and drug delivery.
  • To enhance its functionality, heteroatoms and organic groups are added through different methods post-synthesis.
  • This article aims to review the current research on using SBA-15 as a support for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts, focusing on its performance and modifications.
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Biogas methane content is a relevant variable in anaerobic digestion processing where knowledge of process kinetics or an early indicator of digester failure is needed. The contribution of this work is the development of a novel, simple and low cost automatic carbon dioxide-methane gas sensor based on the solubility of gases in water as the precursor of a sensor for biogas quality monitoring. The device described in this work was used for determining the composition of binary mixtures, such as carbon dioxide-methane, in the range of 0-100%.

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  • The article reviews the synthesis and characterization of sol gel-derived SBA-16 mesoporous silicas, highlighting advancements and current understanding in this field.
  • It emphasizes the advantages of the synthesis method, which allows for precise control over the structure, size, and shape of the pores.
  • The potential applications of SBA-16 in various scientific and engineering domains are discussed, showcasing its versatility and importance in material development.
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Rietveld refinement of Y(2)GeO(5).

Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online

July 2009

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  • - Y(2)GeO(5) is synthesized through a solid-state reaction at high temperature, exhibiting a monoclinic symmetry that is similar to Dy(2)GeO(5).
  • - The structure features two different positions for Y atoms surrounded by YO(6) octahedra and YO(7) bipyramids, creating a complex coordination environment.
  • - The YO(7) polyhedra form parallel sheets interconnected by GeO(4) tetrahedra and undulating chains of YO(6) octahedra, contributing to the overall structural framework of the material.
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