Functional Silsesquioxanes-Tailoring Hydrophobicity and Anti-Ice Properties of Polylactide in 3D Printing Applications.

To explore the tailoring of hydrophobicity in 3D-printed polylactide (PLA) composites for advanced applications using additive manufacturing (AM), this study focuses on the use of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing. PLA, a material derived from renewable sources, is favored for its eco-friendliness and user accessibility. Nonetheless, PLA's inherent hydrophilic properties result in moisture absorption, negatively affecting its performance.

OH End-Capped Silicone as an Effective Nucleating Agent for Polylactide-A Robotizing Method for Evaluating the Mechanical Characteristics of PLA/Silicone Blends.

Current research on materials engineering focuses mainly on bio-based materials. One of the most frequently studied materials in this group is polylactide (PLA), which is a polymer derived from starch. PLA does not have a negative impact on the natural environment and additionally, it possesses properties comparable to those of industrial polymers.

Robotization of Three-Point Bending Mechanical Tests Using PLA/TPU Blends as an Example in the 0-100% Range.

This article presents the development of an automated three-point bending testing system using a robot to increase the efficiency and precision of measurements for PLA/TPU polymer blends as implementation high-throughput measurement methods. The system operates continuously and characterizes the flexural properties of PLA/TPU blends with varying TPU concentrations. This study aimed to determine the effect of TPU concentration on the strength and flexural stiffness, surface properties (WCA), thermal properties (TGA, DSC), and microscopic characterization of the studied blends.

Trimming flow, plasticity, and mechanical properties by cubic silsesquioxane chemistry.

In this work, the possibility of managing the rheological and mechanical parameters of composites based on PLA with the use of cubic structures of organofunctional spherosilicates was verified. To accurately observe the effect of various organosilicon modifier substitutions on changes in composites' properties, we synthesized and used monofunctional octasubstituted derivatives as reference systems. The OSS/PLA systems were tested with concentrations of 0.

The 3D-Printed (FDM/FFF) Biocomposites Based on Polylactide and Carbonate Lake Sediments-Towards a Circular Economy.

In this study, composites containing polylactide and carbonate lake sediment in concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, and 15% by weight were prepared by a 3D printing method. The material for 3D printing was obtained by directly diluting the masterbatch on an injection moulder to the desired concentrations, and after granulation, it was extruded into a filament.

Photometric flow system for the determination of serum lactate dehydrogenase activity.

The routine method for LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) activity determination is to monitor the increase of NADH concentration at 340 nm. There are some inconvenience in taking measurements in the near-UV region, especially in the case of serum samples analysis. In this work, two modifications of the routine LDH activity assay based on the use of reducing properties of NADH have been compared.

Molybdenum Disulphide Modified Polylactide for 3D Printed (FDM/FFF) Filaments.

MoS is an additive used to improve the tribological properties of plastics. In this work, it was decided to verify the use of MoS as a modifier of the properties of PLA filaments used in the additive FDM/FFF technique. For this purpose, MoS was introduced into the PLA matrix at concentrations of 0.

Beeswax as a natural alternative to synthetic waxes for fabrication of PLA/diatomaceous earth composites.

In this study, injection moulding was applied to produce biocomposites consisting of polylactide (PLA) and amorphous diatomaceous earth used as a filler at different concentrations. Natural wax and synthetic wax were added to improve processing properties, comparing the resulting biocomposites. The use of natural beeswax makes the composite environmentally friendly.

Carbonate Lake Sediments in the Plastics Processing-Preliminary Polylactide Composite Case Study: Mechanical and Structural Properties.

In this study, the influence of carbonate lake sediments (Polylactide/Carbonate Lake Sediments-PLA/CLS) on the mechanical and structural properties of polylactide matrix composites was investigated. Two fractions of sediments originating from 3-8 and 8-12 m were analysed for differences in particle size by distribution (Dynamic Light Scattering-DLS), phase composition (X-ray Diffraction-XRD), the presence of surface functional groups (Fourier Transform-Infrared-FT-IR), and thermal stability (Thermogravimetric Analysis-TGA). Microscopic observations of the composite fractures were also performed.

Multicommutation flow analysis system for non-enzymatic lactate determination based on light-driven photometric assay.

A fully-mechanized bioanalytical system for the photometric light-driven lactate determination is presented. The system is based on highly integrated four diode flow-through cell in which two UV-LEDs are used for the photochemical reduction of Fe(III) in the presence of lactate whereas LED-photodiode system allows the photometric detection of Fe(II)-Ferrozine complex to be registered. The developed multicommutation flow analysis system consisting of bifunctional optoelectronic device (photodegradation of Fe(III)-lactate complex and detection), solenoid micropumps and microvalves, is fully controlled and powered by the Arduino-compatible electronics.

Multicommutated Flow Analysis System for Determination of Horseradish Peroxidase and Its Inhibitors.

A fully mechanized multicommutated flow analysis (MCFA) system dedicated to determining horseradish peroxidase (HRP) activity was developed. Detection was conducted using a flow-through optoelectronic detector-constructed of paired LEDs operating according to the paired emitter-detector diode (PEDD) principle. The PEDD-MCFA system is dedicated to monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of p-phenylenediamine (pPD) by a hydrogen peroxide.

Methodological Aspects of Obtaining and Characterizing Composites Based on Biogenic Diatomaceous Silica and Epoxy Resins.

Diatomaceous earth are sediments of unicellular algal skeletons with a well-defined hierarchical structure. Despite many tests conducted on systems using diatomaceous earth and epoxy resins, we can find many differences in the methods of acquisition and characteristics of the composite, which may considerably affect the results. In our study, we have conducted tests to verify the impact of the method of obtaining samples and the degassing of the composite on its mechanical properties and standard deviation.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and malocclusion - a cross sectional study of female patients without previous orthodontic treatment.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the prevalence of various types of malocclusions in a group of female patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), as well as the association between occlusal anomalies and the side, location, and severity of the spine deformity. The study group was comprised of 60 females aged 12-16 years with AIS and 54 healthy controls. Apart from clinical examination, alginate impressions and wax bites were taken.

Towards mechanized biparametric ceruloplasmin assay.

Two analytical strategies for determination of both biocatalytic activity and concentration of ceruloplasmin conditions have been proposed. For this purpose, two constructions of fully-mechanized Multicommutated Flow Analysis (MCFA) systems were designed. The versatility of solenoid pumps and valves arrangement enabled to construct both manifolds using similar flow units, taking into account the different requirements for each method.

Factors affecting puberty gingivitis in Polish girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Objectives: Age at menarche and hormonal disturbances have been linked to the occurrence and severity of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Concomitantly, an increase in the production of sex hormones during puberty may result in steroid hormones-related gingivitis. Thus, the study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors affecting puberty gingivitis, including menarcheal status, in female patients with AIS and control subjects.

Preventive Antiepileptic Treatment in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: A Long-Term, Prospective Trial.

Backgroud: Drug-resistant epilepsy is the main risk factor for future intellectual disability in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. Clinical epileptic seizures are often preceded by electroencephalographic changes, which provide an opportunity for preventive treatment. We evaluated the neuropsychologic and epilepsy outcomes at school age in children with tuberous sclerosis complex who received preventive antiepileptic treatment in infancy.

Detection and identification of potentially toxic cyanobacteria in Polish water bodies.

The main goal of this study was to determine the distribution of potentially toxic cyanobacteria in 39 selected Polish water bodies. From the water bodies with blooms and also from those in which blooms were not visible 87 samples were investigated. For the first time samples from ponds localized in villages with high agricultural activities were included.

Nitric oxide alters arachidonic acid turnover in brain cortex synaptoneurosomes.

Nitric oxide (NO) and arachidonic acid (AA) and also its metabolites are very important inter- and intracellular second messengers. They are involved in mechanisms of learning and memory. However, liberated in excessive amount in brain ischemia, Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases they are responsible for cell degeneration and death.