Effect of Functional Nanoporous TiO Film Obtained on Ti6Al4V Implant Alloy to Improve Resistance in Biological Solution for Inflammatory Conditions.

The metallic titanium-based biomaterials are sensitive to corrosion-induced degradation in biological fluids in the presence of inflammatory conditions containing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excess ROS induces oxidative modification of cellular macromolecules, inhibits protein function, and promotes cell death. In addition, ROS could promote implant degradation by accelerating the corrosive attack of biological fluids.

The Roles of the Amyloid Beta Monomers in Physiological and Pathological Conditions.

Amyloid beta peptide is an important biomarker in Alzheimer's disease, with the amyloidogenic hypothesis as one of the central hypotheses trying to explain this type of dementia. Despite numerous studies, the etiology of Alzheimer's disease remains incompletely known, as the pathological accumulation of amyloid beta aggregates cannot fully explain the complex clinical picture of the disease. Or, for the development of effective therapies, it is mandatory to understand the roles of amyloid beta at the brain level, from its initial monomeric stage prior to aggregation in the form of senile plaques.

Theoretical and Experimental Aspects of Sodium Diclofenac Salt Release from Chitosan-Based Hydrogels and Possible Applications.

Two formulations based on diclofenac sodium salt encapsulated into a chitosan hydrogel were designed and prepared, and their drug release was investigated by combining in vitro results with mathematical modeling. To understand how the pattern of drug encapsulation impacted its release, the formulations were supramolecularly and morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy and polarized light microscopy, respectively. The mechanism of diclofenac release was assessed by using a mathematical model based on the multifractal theory of motion.

Cellulose-Based Metallogels-Part 1: Raw Materials and Preparation.

Metallogels are a class of materials produced by the complexation of polymer gels with metal ions that can form coordination bonds with the functional groups of the gel. Hydrogels with metal phases attract special attention due to the numerous possibilities for functionalization. Cellulose is preferable for the production of hydrogels from economic, ecological, physical, chemical, and biological points of view since it is inexpensive, renewable, versatile, non-toxic, reveals high mechanical and thermal stability, has a porous structure, an imposing number of reactive OH groups, and good biocompatibility.

New Methacrylated Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels as Localized Drug Delivery Systems in Skin Cancer Therapy.

The aim of the present work was to obtain drug-loaded hydrogels based on combinations of dextran, chitosan/gelatin/xanthan, and poly (acrylamide) as a sustained and controlled release vehicle of Doxorubicin, a drug used in skin cancer therapy that is associated with severe side effects. Hydrogels for use as 3D hydrophilic networks with good manipulation characteristics were produced using methacrylated biopolymer derivatives and the methacrylate group's polymerization with synthetic monomers in the presence of a photo-initiator, under UV light stimulation (365 nm). Transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis (FT-IR) confirmed the hydrogels' network structure (natural-synthetic composition and photocrosslinking), while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the microporous morphology.

Frequency Seismic Response for EEWS Testing on Uniaxial Shaking Table.

Earthquake early warning systems are used as important tools in earthquake risk management, providing timely information to residents and both public and private emergency managers. By doing this, the potential impact of large magnitude seismic events is significantly reduced. These systems use seismic sensors in order to acquire real-time data for the weaker but fast moving P wave (usually the first 3-5 s of the earthquake) and specific algorithms to predict the magnitude and the arrival time of the slower but more destructive surface waves.

Insights into the Applications of Natural Fibers to Metal Separation from Aqueous Solutions.

There is a wide range of renewable materials with attractive prospects for the development of green technologies for the removal and recovery of metals from aqueous streams. A special category among them are natural fibers of biological origin, which combine remarkable biosorption properties with the adaptability of useful forms for cleanup and recycling purposes. To support the efficient exploitation of these advantages, this article reviews the current state of research on the potential and real applications of natural cellulosic and protein fibers as biosorbents for the sequestration of metals from aqueous solutions.

Experiments on the Electrical Conductivity of PEG 400 Nanocolloids Enhanced with Two Oxide Nanoparticles.

This paper aims to provide some insights into the pH and electrical conductivity of two classes of nanocolloids with PEG 400 as the base fluid. Thus, nanoparticles of two oxides-MgO and TiO-were added to the base fluid in 5 mass concentrations in the range 0.25-2.

Synthesis of cuttlebone/ carbon quantum dots/nickel oxide nanocomposite for visible light photodegradation of malachite green used for environmental remediation.

In recent years, the development of light-driven nanophotocatalysts has focused on efficiently eliminating organic pollutants. In this regard, the present work focuses on the photocatalytic removal of malachite green (MG) dye using cuttlebone powder (CB) modified with carbon quantum dots (CQDs)/nickel oxide (NiO) under visible light irradiation. Various techniques were used to characterize the proposed composite, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images.

Optimization of Lead and Diclofenac Removal from Aqueous Media Using a Composite Sorbent of Silica Core and Polyelectrolyte Coacervate Shell.

The modification of inorganic surfaces with weak cationic polyelectrolytes by direct deposition through precipitation is a fast approach to generating composites with high numbers of functional groups. The core/shell composites present very good sorption capacity for heavy metal ions and negatively charged organic molecules from aqueous media. The sorbed amount of lead ions, used as a model for priority pollutants such as heavy metals, and diclofenac sodium salt, as an organic contaminant model for emerging pollutants, depended strongly on the organic content of the composite and less on the nature of contaminants, due to the different retention mechanisms (complexation vs.

Folic Acid Ionic-Liquids-Based Separation: Extraction and Modelling.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is an essential micronutrient for human health. It can be obtained using different biological pathways as a competitive option for chemical synthesis, but the price of its separation is the key obstacle preventing the implementation of biological methods on a broad scale. Published studies have confirmed that ionic liquids can be used to separate organic compounds.

Biomechanical Comparison of Conventional Plate and the C-Nail System for the Treatment of Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Finite Element Analysis.

The C-Nail system is a novel intramedullary fixation method for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical performance of the C-Nail system and compare it with conventional plate fixation for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures using finite element analysis. The geometry of a Sanders type-IIB fracture was constructed using the computer-aided design software Ansys SpaceClaim.

Preliminary Approaches to Cosmeceuticals Emulsions Based on N-ProlylPalmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetat-Bakuchiol Complex Intended to Combat Skin Oxidative Stress.

This study focuses on the development of a performant formulation for O/W dermato-cosmetic emulsions, which can be incorporated into novel dermato-cosmetic products or used as such. The O/W dermato-cosmetic emulsions contain an active complex based on a plant-derived monoterpene phenol, bakuchiol (BAK) and a signaling peptide named n-prolyl palmitoyl tripeptide-56 acetate (TPA). As a dispersed phase, we used a mix of vegetable oils, and as a continuous phase, hydrosol was employed.

Engineering and application of polysaccharides and proteins-based nanobiocatalysts in the recovery of toxic metals, phosphorous, and ammonia from wastewater: A review.

Global waste production is anticipated reach to 2.59 billion tons in 2030, thus accentuating issues of environmental pollution and health security. 37 % of waste is landfilled, 33 % is discharged or burned in open areas, and only 13.

Simulation of Dielectric Properties of Nanocomposites with Non-Uniform Filler Distribution.

Dielectric properties for nanocomposites with metallic fillers inside a polymer matrix were determined using CST STUDIO SUITE-Electromagnetic field simulation software followed by the free-space Nicolson-Ross-Weir procedure. The structure is randomly generated to simulate the intrinsic non-uniformity of real nanomaterials. Cubic insertions were equated to corresponding spherical particles in order to provide either the same volume index or the same exterior surface index.

Review on Optical Methods Used to Characterize the Linear Birefringence of Polymer Materials for Various Applications.

Optical polymers are recognized for their high transparency, raised flexibility, low cost, and good film-forming ability; hence, they introduce a multitude of benefits in a wide range of devices, such as information storage, displays, optical communications, and filters. Among the optical properties, birefringence is an essential parameter in practical cases that demand the control of the state of polarization of light. This review is focused on describing some fundamental and applicative aspects concerning the optical birefringence of the polymer materials.

Heat Treatment and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis Strain Sweep Effects on the Phase Structure and Morphology of an Fe-28Mn-6Si-5Cr Shape Memory Alloy.

Fe-Mn-Si-based shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been extensively investigated since 1982 for various useful properties that enhance the development of different applications such as anti-seismic dampers for very tall buildings, pipe joints, or rail fasteners. In particular, the Fe-28Mn-6Si-5Cr (mass. %) alloy has been mainly used in vibration mitigation or self-adjustable axial displacement applications.

Preparation of Carbon Nanotubes/Alumina Hybrid-Filled Phenolic Composite with Enhanced Wear Resistance.

Hybrid fillers can be produced via various methods, such as physical mixing and chemical modification. However, there is a limited number of studies on the effect of hybridisation on the mechanical performance of hybrid filler-reinforced polymer composites, especially in the context of wear performance. This study investigated the wear resistance of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/alumina hybrid-filled phenolic composite, where two hybrid methods were used to produce the CNTs/alumina hybrid filler.

Special Issue "Advanced Engineering Cementitious Composites and Concrete Sustainability".

Concrete, one of the most often-used building materials today, is the cornerstone of modern buildings all over the world, being used for foundations, pavements, building walls, architectural structures, highways, bridges, overpasses, and so on [...

The Cracking Behavior of Two Dental Composite Materials Validated through Multifractal Analyzes.

The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze, both experimentally and theoretically, the mechanical behavior of two types of composite materials used in restoring dental integrity. The samples of each composite resin, namely Filtek Supreme XT (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) and Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE, St.

Intrathecal Pseudodelivery of Drugs in the Therapy of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Rationale, Basis and Potential Applications.

Intrathecal pseudodelivery of drugs is a novel route to administer medications to treat neurodegenerative diseases based on the CSF-sink therapeutic strategy by means of implantable devices. While the development of this therapy is still in the preclinical stage, it offers promising advantages over traditional routes of drug delivery. In this paper, we describe the rationale of this system and provide a technical report on the mechanism of action, that relies on the use of nanoporous membranes enabling selective molecular permeability.

Microstructural and Electrochemical Influence of Zn in MgCaZn Biodegradable Alloys.

In recent years, biodegradable materials have included magnesium alloys with homogenous disintegration and a controllable degradation rate. Utilized in medical applications, biodegradable materials based on magnesium have been widely explored throughout the years. It is well-known that alloying Mg with biocompatible and non-toxic elements increases the biodegradability of surgical alloys.

Investigating the Efficiency of a Heat Recovery-Storage System Using Heat Pipes and Phase Change Materials.

This study presents an experimental and numerical investigation into the efficiency of a two-stage heat recovery-storage system for reducing the thermal energy losses in the industry. The system is designed to recover and store waste thermal energy from residual fluids using heat pipes for recovery and an environmentally friendly phase change material for heat storage. Experimental investigation was conducted using water as the primary agent and varying the temperature between 60 °C, 65 °C, and 70 °C at a constant flow rate of 24 L/min.

Urban Exotic Pollution: The Harmful Environmental Footprint for Health and Historical Architecture.

The study in this paper was carried out as a result of the observation of pollution phenomena and foaming effects associated with anthropogenic activities, including street cleaning activity. The processes of dust binding used in order to reduce PM10 and PM 2.5 pollution has been proven to be inefficient, and even contributing to pollution with particulate matter.