The Effect of Ionising Radiation on the Properties of Tumour-Derived Exosomes and Their Ability to Modify the Biology of Non-Irradiated Breast Cancer Cells-An In Vitro Study.

The vast majority of breast cancer patients require radiotherapy but some of them will develop local recurrences and potentially metastases in the future. Recent data show that exosomal cargo is essential in these processes. Thus, we investigated the influence of ionising radiation on exosome properties and their ability to modify the sensitivity and biology of non-irradiated cells.

Effect of Diatomite Application on the Removal of Biogenic Pollutants in Rain Gardens.

Due to its structure and properties, diatomite from a deposit in Jawornik Ruski (Subcarpathian Voivodeship) can be used as a sorbent in rain gardens. The purpose of the current research is to analyze how enriching the substrate used in a rain garden with diatomite can affect the removal of biogenic pollutants. This study was carried out under laboratory conditions using retention columns, two experimental columns with different contents of diatomite, and a control column without the addition of diatomite.

Geopolymer Foam with Low Thermal Conductivity Based on Industrial Waste.

Geopolymer materials are increasingly being considered as an alternative to environmentally damaging concrete based on Portland cement. The presented work analyzed waste from mines and waste incineration plants as potential precursors for producing geopolymer materials that could be used to make lightweight foamed geopolymers for insulation applications. The chemical and phase composition, radioactivity properties, and leachability of selected precursors were analyzed.

Research on the Physical Properties of an Eco-Friendly Layered Geopolymer Composite.

Building envelopes with natural fibers are the future of sustainable construction, combining ecology and energy efficiency. The geopolymer building envelope was reinforced with innovative composite bars and two types of natural insulation (coconut mats and flax/hemp non-woven fabrics) were used as the core material. A 10 mol sodium hydroxide solution with an aqueous sodium silicate solution was used for the alkaline activation of the geopolymers.

Energy-Efficient Geopolymer Composites Containing Phase-Change Materials-Comparison of Different Contents and Types.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of phase-change components on the properties of geopolymer foams. Geopolymer foams are lightweight foamed geopolymers that are characterized by a high degree of porosity. Phase change materials, on the other hand, are compounds that, when added to a material, allow it to absorb, store, and then release large amounts of energy.

Impact of Proton Irradiation Depending on Breast Cancer Subtype in Patient-Derived Cell Lines.

Research on different types of ionizing radiation's effects has been ongoing for years, revealing its efficacy in damaging cancer cells. Solid tumors comprise diverse cell types, each being able to respond differently to radiation. This study evaluated the radiobiological response of established (MDA-MB-231 (Triple negative breast cancer, TNBC), MCF-7 (Luminal A)) and patient-derived malignant cell lines, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and skin fibroblasts following proton IRR.

Negative Effects of Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Animal Feed and Biological Methods of Their Detoxification: A Review.

Secondary metabolic products of molds, called mycotoxins, negatively affect animal health and production. They constitute a significant problem in veterinary and medical sciences, and their presence has been confirmed in feed all over the world. Applying appropriate agricultural practices and ensuring proper storage conditions significantly reduces the contamination of agricultural products with mycotoxins.

The Influence of Diatomite on the Sound Absorption Ability of Composites.

Diatomites are well-known mineral materials formed thousands of years ago from the skeletons of diatoms. They are found in many places around the world and have a wide range of applications. This article presents innovative research related to the possibility of using diatomite as a filler in composites to improve their sound absorption properties.

Insulating Innovative Geopolymer Foams with Natural Fibers and Phase-Change Materials-A Review of Solutions and Research Results.

Geopolymers are synthesized using anthropogenic raw materials and waste from the energy industry. Their preparation necessitates an alkaline activator, which facilitates the dissolution of raw materials and their subsequent binding. At present, geopolymers are considered a promising material with the potential to replace conventional cement-based products.

Assembly of Differently Sized Supercharged Protein Nanocages into Superlattices for Construction of Binary Nanoparticle-Protein Materials.

This study focuses on the design and characterization of binary nanoparticle superlattices: Two differently sized, supercharged protein nanocages are used to create a matrix for nanoparticle arrangement. We have previously established the assembly of protein nanocages of the same size. Here, we present another approach for multicomponent biohybrid material synthesis by successfully assembling two differently sized supercharged protein nanocages with different symmetries.

Tunable crystalline assemblies using surface-engineered protein cages.

Assembly of nanoparticles into superlattices yields nanomaterials with novel properties. We have recently shown that engineered protein cages are excellent building blocks for the assembly of inorganic nanoparticles into highly structured hybrid materials, with unprecedented precision. In this study, we show that the protein matrix, composed of surface-charged protein cages, can be readily tuned to achieve a number of different crystalline assemblies.

The iPSC secretome is beneficial for in vitro propagation of primary osteoarthritic chondrocytes cell lines.

Background: One of the obstacles to autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is obtaining a large quantity of chondrocytes without depletion of their properties. The conditioned medium (CM) from different subpopulations of stem cells (mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)) could be a gamechanger. MSCs' potential is related to the donor's health and age, which could be omitted when, as a source, iPSCs are used.

Basic research on layered geopolymer composites with insulating materials of natural origin.

New restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions and electricity consumption are currently being introduced around the world. Innovative solutions are being adopted in many countries to reduce CO emissions and material and energy consumption. The present work is related to the study of innovative binders based on geopolymers for the production of layered building envelopes.

The Influence of Diatomite Addition on the Properties of Geopolymers Based on Fly Ash and Metakaolin.

Geopolymer materials, considered to be an alternative to Portland cement-based concretes, can be produced from various types of waste aluminosilicate raw materials. This article presents the results of research related to the use of diatomite as an additive in geopolymers. The results of testing geopolymer composites with 1%, 3%, and 5% additions of diatomite with a grain size of 0-0.

The Influence of the Addition of Basalt Powder on the Properties of Foamed Geopolymers.

Geopolymers are binder materials that are produced by a chemical reaction between silica or aluminum compounds with an alkaline activating solution. Foamed geopolymer materials are increasingly being cited as a viable alternative to popular organic insulation materials. Since the foaming process of geopolymers is difficult to control, and any achievements in improving the performance of such materials are extremely beneficial, this paper presents the effect of the addition of basalt powder on the properties of foamed geopolymers.

Application of Industrial Waste Materials by Alkaline Activation for Use as Geopolymer Binders.

The purpose of this study is to synthesize geopolymer binders as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cement using available local raw materials. Waste materials such as chalcedonite (Ch), amphibolite (A), fly ash from lignite combustion (PB), and diatomite dust (D) calcined at 900 °C were used to produce geopolymer binders. Metakaolin (M) was used as an additional modifier for binders based on waste materials.

Advanced Geopolymer-Based Composites for Antimicrobial Application.

In most studies about geopolymeric materials used in construction, the antibacterial properties of the building materials are treated as secondary features. Today, antimicrobial properties are a key feature in many building applications. The main objective of this article is to summarize the state-of-the-art in the area of design, development, and applications of nanoparticles as additives to geopolymer composites used in construction to improve their physical mechanical properties and induce a potential antibacterial effect, protecting them against alkali-resistant bacteria.

Possibilities of Using Geopolymers in Welding Processes and Protection against High Temperatures.

Geopolymer materials have long been known for their competitive properties against traditional construction materials. Their special features include high resistance to elevated temperatures and good fire resistance. They are typically used as insulating materials at temperatures not exceeding 100 °C (because they can achieve a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.

Cyclic Load Impact Assessment of Long-Term Properties in Compression to Steel and Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibre-Reinforced Geopolymer Composites.

This study investigates the cyclic load application impact on fly-ash-based geopolymer composites that are reinforced with a low amount of fibre reinforcement. For reinforcement purposes, polyvinyl alcohol and steel fibres are used. For testing purposes, four geopolymer composite mixes were made, three of which had fibre reinforcement.

Safety and efficacy of two-drug combination in elderly patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer and validation of the Charlson Index as a predictor of survival.

Background: The best platinum-based chemotherapy regimen remains to be determined in elderly patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Predictive indexes for toxicity and survival are also needed to give the safest and most effective treatment for this population.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study.

Role and Impact of a Clinical Pharmacy Team at an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center.

Background: There is limited literature describing the role of a clinical pharmacy team within a tertiary academic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) center. The goal of this paper is to describe and showcase the clinical and operational impact of an integrated clinical pharmacy team.

Methods: This was a retrospective study evaluating the referral outcomes for all patients referred to University of Chicago Medicine Specialty Pharmacy for self-administered advanced IBD therapies covered by prescription insurance from October 1, 2020 to October 31, 2021.

Conditioned Medium - Is it an Undervalued Lab Waste with the Potential for Osteoarthritis Management?

Background: The approaches currently used in osteoarthritis (OA) are mainly short-term solutions with unsatisfactory outcomes. Cell-based therapies are still controversial (in terms of the sources of cells and the results) and require strict culture protocol, quality control, and may have side-effects. A distinct population of stromal cells has an interesting secretome composition that is underrated and commonly ends up as biological waste.

MiRNAs from serum-derived extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for uveal melanoma progression.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare type of malignancy that originates from melanocytes in the choroid, iris and the eye's ciliary body. Biomarkers for early detection and progression of UM, especially the molecular traits governing the development of metastasis, are still not available in clinical practice. One extensively studied components of liquid biopsies are extracellular vesicles.