Butyl Acrylate/2-Methylene-1,3-Dioxepane/Vinyl Acetate Emulsion Terpolymerization: Incorporating Backbone Degradable Linkages into Adhesive Applications.

The ring-opening polymerization of bio-based monomer 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (MDO) can reportedly enhance polymer degradability. Butyl acrylate (BA)/MDO/vinyl acetate (VAc) terpolymers were synthesized via emulsion polymerization for their eventual application as pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). While using MDO in emulsion polymerization leads to a more sustainable process, it also presents challenges such as MDO hydrolysis, MDO ring retention, and inadequate MDO distribution.

Lig3-dependent rescue of mouse viability and DNA double-strand break repair by catalytically inactive Lig4.

Recent studies have revealed a structural role for DNA ligase 4 (Lig4) in the maintenance of a repair complex during non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) of DNA double-strand breaks. In cultured cell lines, catalytically inactive Lig4 can partially alleviate the severe DNA repair phenotypes observed in cells lacking Lig4. To study the structural role of Lig4 in vivo, a mouse strain harboring a point mutation to Lig4's catalytic site was generated.

Comparison of rose bengal-green light scleral crosslinking in rabbit eyes using different infiltration protocols - An Ex Vivo study.

Different concentrations and infiltration times of rose bengal (Rb) were assessed for their impact on penetration depth and crosslinking efficacy in rabbit sclera. Fresh rabbit eyes were used. Rb solution with concentrations of 0.

Single-molecule imaging reveals the kinetics of non-homologous end-joining in living cells.

Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the predominant pathway that repairs DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in vertebrates. However, due to challenges in detecting DSBs in living cells, the repair capacity of the NHEJ pathway is unknown. The DNA termini of many DSBs must be processed to allow ligation while minimizing genetic changes that result from break repair.

Customized Corneal Cross-Linking with Microneedle-Mediated Riboflavin Delivery for Keratoconus Treatment.

In this study, a novel customized corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment is explored that utilizes microneedles (MNs) for targeted riboflavin (RF) administration prior to the CXL procedure. Unlike the conventional "one-size-fits-all" approach, this protocol offers an option for more precise and efficacious treatment. To simulate a customized corneal crosslinking technique, four distinct microneedle (MN) molds designs, including circular, semi-circular, annular and butterfly shaped, are crafted for loading an optimized RF-hyaluronic acid solution and for the subsequent fabrication of MN arrays with varying morphologies.