O-O Radical Coupling in Ultrathin Reconstructed CoSe Nanosheets for Effective Oxygen Evolution and Zinc-Air Batteries.

Designing ultrathin transition metal electrocatalysts with optimal surface chemistry state is crucial for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the structure-dependent electrochemical performance and the underlying catalytic mechanisms are still not clearly distinguished. Herein, we synthesize ultrathin CoSe nanosheets (NSs) with subnanometer thickness by incorporating catalytically inactive selenium (Se) into ultrathin Co(OH), thereby switching the OER reaction pathway from adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM) to oxide path mechanism (OPM).

PEGylated Micro/Nanoparticles Based on Biodegradable Poly(Ester Amides): Preparation and Study of the Core-Shell Structure by Synchrotron Radiation-Based FTIR Microspectroscopy and Electron Microscopy.

Surface modification of drug-loaded particles with polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains is a powerful tool that promotes better transport of therapeutic agents, provides stability, and avoids their detection by the immune system. In this study, we used a new approach to synthesize a biodegradable poly(ester amide) (PEA) and PEGylating surfactant. These were employed to fabricate micro/nanoparticles with a core-shell structure.

Characterization of melanin from with the prospect of potential biotechnological applications.

Introducion: Fungal melanin is an underexplored natural biomaterial of great biotechnological interest in different areas. This study investigated the physical, chemical, electrochemical, and metal-binding properties of melanin extracted from the metallotolerant black fungus strain IRTA-M2-F10.

Materials And Methods: Specific inhibitory studies with tricyclazole and biochemical profiling of whole cells by synchrotron radiation-based Fourier-transform infrared spectral microscopy (SR-FTIRM) were performed.

Investigating the biochemical response of proton minibeam radiation therapy by means of synchrotron-based infrared microspectroscopy.

The biology underlying proton minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT) is not fully understood. Here we aim to elucidate the biological effects of pMBRT using Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy (FTIRM). In vitro (CTX-TNA2 astrocytes and F98 glioma rat cell lines) and in vivo (healthy and F98-bearing Fischer rats) irradiations were conducted, with conventional proton radiotherapy and pMBRT.

Infrared microspectroscopy to elucidate the underlying biomolecular mechanisms of FLASH radiotherapy.

Background: FLASH-radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is an emerging modality that uses ultra-high dose rates of radiation to enable curative doses to the tumor while preserving normal tissue. The biological studies showed the potential of FLASH-RT to revolutionize radiotherapy cancer treatments. However, the complex biological basis of FLASH-RT is not fully known yet.

Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy identifies single cancer cells in blood. A feasibility study towards liquid biopsy.

The management of cancer patients has markedly improved with the advent of personalised medicine where treatments are given based on tumour antigen expression amongst other. Within this remit, liquid biopsies will no doubt improve this personalised cancer management. Identifying circulating tumour cells in blood allows a better assessment for tumour screening, staging, response to treatment and follow up.

Polyimides as Promising Cathodes for Metal-Organic Batteries: A Comparison between Divalent (Ca, Mg) and Monovalent (Li, Na) Cations.

Ca- and Mg-based batteries represent a more sustainable alternative to Li-ion batteries. However, multivalent cation technologies suffer from poor cation mass transport. In addition, the development of positive electrodes enabling reversible charge storage currently represents one of the major challenges.

Synchrotron radiation based characterization of battery materials.

Synchrotron radiation based techniques are powerful tools for battery research and allow probing a wide range of length scales, with different depth sensitivities and spatial/temporal resolutions. experiments enable characterization during functioning of the cell and are thus a precious tool to elucidate the reaction mechanisms taking place. In this perspective, the current state of the art for the most relevant techniques (scattering, spectroscopy, and imaging) is discussed together with the bottlenecks to address, either specific for application in the battery field or more generic.

Evaluating the Skin Interactions and Permeation of Alginate/Fucoidan Hydrogels and Associated with Different Essential Oils.

Marine polysaccharides are recognized for their biological properties and their application in the drug delivery field, favoring hydrogel-forming capacities for cutaneous application towards several dermatological conditions. Essential oils have been widely used in skin, not only for their remarkable biological properties, but also for their capacity to enhance permeation through the skin layers and to confer a pleasant scent to the formulation. In this study, menthol, L-linalool, bergamot oil, and β-pinene were incorporated in alginate/fucoidan hydrogels to evaluate their skin permeation enhancement profile and assess their influence on the skin organization.

Synchrotron-based infrared microspectroscopy of polymeric nanoparticles and skin: Unveiling molecular interactions to enhance permeation.

The application of nanoparticles as permeation enhancers in skin drug delivery is a growing research field. However, the mechanisms of nanoparticles' interaction with the skin structure are still unknown. Fucoidan/chitosan nanoparticles have demonstrated several physicochemical and biological advantages, among which is the enhancement of skin permeation.

The Kuwait Stitch: A novel surgical technique for surgical wound closures.

There are several stitch techniques used for surgical wound closing. Each stitch has its own benefits and drawbacks that a surgeon must balance before use. In this paper, we highlight some of the more common techniques utilized in operative wound closure and briefly discuss benefits and caveats one must be aware of before using.

Tooth whitening effects on dental enamel, oxidation or reduction? Comparison of physicochemical alterations in bovine enamel using Synchrotron-based Micro-FTIR.

Objectives: To compare the side effects of typical whitening treatments (by means of oxidation) compared to the new treatment developed by the authors through reduction. The aim is to provide information about the chemical interactions of the encapsulated reductant agent (metabisulfite, MBS) with the enamel structure compared with carbamide peroxide (CP) and to study their penetration in the hydroxyapatite (HAP) and the changes produced in the mineral and its hardness.

Methods: Chemical imaging is performed by synchrotron-based micro Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (SR-µFTIR).

Medicated Scaffolds Prepared with Hydroxyapatite/Streptomycin Nanoparticles Encapsulated into Polylactide Microfibers.

The preparation, characterization, and controlled release of hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles loaded with streptomycin (STR) was studied. These nanoparticles are highly appropriate for the treatment of bacterial infections and are also promising for the treatment of cancer cells. The analyses involved scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Z-potential measurements, as well as infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.

Biobased Terpene Derivatives: Stiff and Biocompatible Compounds to Tune Biodegradability and Properties of Poly(butylene succinate).

Different copolymers incorporating terpene oxide units (e.g., limonene oxide) have been evaluated considering thermal properties, degradability, and biocompatibility.

Live-Cell Synchrotron-Based FTIR Evaluation of Metabolic Compounds in Brain Glioblastoma Cell Lines after Riluzole Treatment.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor, characterized by short median survival and an almost 100% tumor-related mortality. The standard of care treatment for newly diagnosed GBM includes surgical resection followed by concomitant radiochemotherapy. The prevention of disease progression fails due to the poor therapeutic effect caused by the great molecular heterogeneity of this tumor.

Infrared microspectroscopy studies on the protective effect of curcumin coated gold nanoparticles against HO-induced oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells.

The contribution of oxidative stress in several chronic and degenerative diseases suggests that antioxidant therapy can be a promising therapeutic strategy. However, in the case of many antioxidants, their biodistribution and bioactivity are restricted due to low water solubility. Curcumin is a powerful free radical scavenger that upon conjugation to gold nanoparticles results in the formation of stable gold nanoparticles that act as highly water-soluble carriers for the curcumin molecules.

Synchrotron-Based Fourier-Transform Infrared Micro-Spectroscopy (SR-FTIRM) Fingerprint of the Small Anionic Molecule Cobaltabis(dicarbollide) Uptake in Glioma Stem Cells.

The anionic cobaltabis (dicarbollide) [3,3'-Co(1,2-CBH)], [-COSAN], is the most studied icosahedral metallacarborane. The sodium salts of [-COSAN] could be an ideal candidate for the anti-cancer treatment Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) as it possesses the ability to readily cross biological membranes thereby producing cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. BNCT is a cancer therapy based on the potential of B atoms to produce α particles that cross tissues in which the B is accumulated without damaging the surrounding healthy tissues, after being irradiated with low energy thermal neutrons.

Utility of the ROX Index in Predicting Intubation for Patients With COVID-19-Related Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Receiving High-Flow Nasal Therapy: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: The use of high-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) to treat COVID-19 pneumonia has been greatly debated around the world due to concerns about increased health care worker transmission and delays in invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Herein, we analyzed the utility of the noninvasive ROX (ratio of oxygen saturation) index to predict the need for and timing of IMV.

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether the ROX index can be a useful score to predict intubation and IMV in patients receiving HFNT as treatment for COVID-19-related hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Venous thromboembolism in lung transplant recipients real world experience from a high volume center.

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) post lung transplantation is common and has been associated with worse post transplant survival. We report a comprehensive single center review of VTE incidence in the first post transplant year, investigate modifiable risk factors and assess impact on short term outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective review of all lung transplant recipients between August 2016 to 2018 at Temple University Hospital.

Optical Photothermal Infrared Microspectroscopy Discriminates for the First Time Different Types of Lung Cells on Histopathology Glass Slides.

The debate of whether a glass substrate can be used in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is strongly linked to its potential clinical application. Histopathology glass slides of 1 mm thickness absorb the mid-IR spectrum in the rich fingerprint spectral region. Thus, it is important to assess whether emerging IR techniques can be employed to study biological samples placed on glass substrates.

Synchrotron Radiation-Fourier Transformed Infrared microspectroscopy (μSR-FTIR) reveals multiple metabolism alterations in microalgae induced by cadmium and mercury.

Toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) represent a threat to photosynthetic organisms of polluted aquatic ecosystems, and knowledge about mechanisms of toxicity is essential for appropriate assessment of environmental risks. We used Synchrotron Radiation-Fourier Transformed Infrared microspectroscopy (μSR-FTIR) to characterise major changes of biomolecules caused by Cd and Hg in the model green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. μSR-FTIR showed several metabolic alterations in different biochemical groups such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in a time-dose dependent manner, with the strongest changes occurring at concentrations above 10 μM Cd and 15 μM Hg after short-term (24 h) treatments.

Shikimic acid protects skin cells from UV-induced senescence through activation of the NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT1.

UV radiation is one of the main contributors to skin photoaging by promoting the accumulation of cellular senescence, which in turn induces a proinflammatory and tissue-degrading state that favors skin aging. The members of the sirtuin family of NAD-dependent enzymes play an anti-senescence role and their activation suggests a promising approach for preventing UV-induced senescence in the treatment of skin aging. A two-step screening designed to identify compounds able to protect cells from UV-induced senescence through sirtuin activation identified shikimic acid (SA), a metabolic intermediate in many organisms, as a bona-fide candidate.

Calcium oxalate kidney stones, where is the organic matter?: A synchrotron based infrared microspectroscopy study.

Kidney stones are collections of microcrystals formed inside the kidneys, which affect 6% to 12% of the population worldwide, with an increasing recurrence (50%-72%) after the first episode. The most abundant type is calcium oxalate (66%), described as monohydrated (COM) and dihydrated (COD). An issue in their chemistry is the transformation process of the metastable specie (COD) into the stable one, which is chemically, and in appearance, monohydrated.

Retrospective analysis of high flow nasal therapy in COVID-19-related moderate-to-severe hypoxaemic respiratory failure.

Invasive mechanical has been associated with high mortality in COVID-19. Alternative therapy of high flow nasal therapy (HFNT) has been greatly debated around the world for use in COVID-19 pandemic due to concern for increased healthcare worker transmission.This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients admitted to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 10 March 2020 to 24 April 2020 with moderate-to-severe respiratory failure treated with HFNT.

Realistic dielectric response of high temperature sintered ZnO ceramic: a microscopic and spectroscopic approach.

High temperature sintering (1200-1400 °C) has been performed on ZnO ceramics. An X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) study shows that high sintering temperature introduces a constant amount of V and V defects without any significant effect on the crystal or electronic structure of Wurtzite ZnO. The combined effects of grain boundaries and voids are considered responsible for the apparent colossal dielectric constant (') > 10 at low frequency (∼10 Hz) for all the sintered ZnO ceramics.