Effects of Polybutylene Succinate Content on the Rheological Properties of Polylactic Acid/Polybutylene Succinate Blends and the Characteristics of Their Fibers.

Polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) are gaining prominence as environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based polymers due to their inherent biodegradability. For their textile applications, this research is focused on exploring the effects of PBS content on the rheological properties of PLA/PBS blends and the characteristics of PLA/PBS blend fibers. PLA/PBS blends and fibers with varying PBS contents (0 to 10 wt.

Kapok fiber composites minimizing secondary waste and disposal costs for large-scale radioactive liquid treatment.

Conventional liquid treatments for large-scale, low-level radioactive wastewater, such as ion exchange and waste solidification, face challenges due to the large amounts of secondary waste and high disposal costs. A new large-scale decontamination method is proposed that uses kapok fiber composites for rapid radionuclide adsorption and high volume reduction to minimize secondary waste. The composite consists of natural zeolite and kapok holocellulose, which has high water-soaking ability and low-temperature pyrolysis.

Anti-fibrotic and anti-stricture effects of biodegradable biliary stents braided with dexamethasone-impregnated sheath/core structured monofilaments.

Endoscopic biliary stent insertion has been widely used for the treatment of benign biliary stricture (BBS). Thus, the development of stent materials in the perspectives of structure, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility has been also studied. However, conventional metal and plastic stents have several disadvantages, such as repeated procedures to remove or exchange them, dislodgment, restenosis, biocompatibility, and poor mechanical properties.

Synthesis of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Containing Bio-Based Polyester Polyol and Their Fiber Property.

Among the starting materials of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), it was confirmed that succinic acid-based polyester biopolyols having different molecular weights (M = 1000, 2000, and 4000) affect the physicochemical properties of the final polymer significantly. Bio-TPUs synthesized through a solvent-free one-shot polymerization process were synthesized with a polyester polyol, 1,4 butanediol (BDO), and 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) in a molar ratio of 1:1:2. As a control group, one typical petroleum-based TPU was synthesized and characterized along with other bio-based TPUs.

Preventive effect of biodegradable stents on biliary stricture and fibrosis after biliary anastomosis in a porcine model.

Purpose: The current drain tubes for preventing surgically biliary anastomotic stricture are not naturally and easily removed. If a drain tube using biodegradable material is easily available and the degradation time of the tube is well controlled, surgical anastomotic stricture and fibrosis could be prevented. The aim of this animal study was to evaluate the preventive effect of novel biodegradable stents (BS) on biliary stricture and fibrosis after duct-to-duct (DD) biliary anastomosis.

Manufacturing and performance evaluation of medical radiation shielding fiber with plasma thermal spray coating technology.

Lead, which has been used for radiation shielding in medicine, is currently sought to be replaced by an eco-friendly shielding material. Therefore, it should be replaced with shielding materials possessing excellent processability and radiation shielding performance similar to that of lead. In this study, a new process technology was developed focusing on the processability of tungsten, a representative eco-friendly shielding material.

Antibacterial Activity of Propolis-Embedded Zeolite Nanocomposites for Implant Application.

This study investigates the potential of propolis-embedded zeolite nanocomposites for dental implant application. Propolis-embedded zeolite nanocomposites were fabricated by complexation of propolis and zeolites. Then, they were pelleted with Poly(L-lactide) (PLA)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) polymer for the fabrication of a dental implant.

Double-layered fiber for lightweight flexible clothing providing shielding from low-dose natural radiation.

Natural and medical radiation are the most frequent sources of daily low-dose radiation exposure for the general public, but these radiation levels are generally acceptable. Among various occupations, aviation crew members and medical workers are exposed to high levels of radiation from scattered rays. This study focused on developing clothing for shielding aviation crew members from natural radiation during air travel.

Mechanical properties and degradation process of biliary self-expandable biodegradable stents.

Objectives: The clinical outcomes and prevalence of adverse events associated with biliary biodegradable stents (BS) can differ according to degradation process and time. The aim of this study was to observe the degradation process and time of different BS prototypes, and to evaluate sequential changes in their mechanical properties.

Methods: Using an in vitro bile flow phantom model, we compared degradation time, radial force changes, and morphologic changes among four different BS prototypes: polydioxanone (PDO) BS, polyglycolide (PGA) BS, polydioxanone/poly-l-lactic acid (PDO/PLLA) sheath-core BS, and polydioxaone/magnesium (PDO/Mg) sheath-core BS.

Formation of Nano/Micro Hierarchical Structures on Titanium Alloy Surface by a Novel Etching Solution.

A new effective oxidative solution for titanium (Ti) surface etching was recently developed. The present study was aimed at determining the influence of shorter (than 240 min) treatment time on the surface characteristics of the Ti nano/micro hierarchical structures. Cylinder-shaped Ti grade 5 alloys were etched for 30, 60, 120, and 240 min at room temperature and cleaned successively with acetone, ethanol, and distilled water in an ultrasonic bath.

Far-Infrared-Emitting Sericite Board Upregulates Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity through Increasing Biosynthesis of Tetrahydrobiopterin in Endothelial Cells.

Far-infrared ray (FIR) therapy has been reported to exert beneficial effects on cardiovascular function by elevating endothelial nitric oxide synthesis (eNOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH) is a key determinant of eNOS-dependent NO synthesis in vascular endothelial cells. However, whether BH synthesis is associated with the effects of FIR on eNOS/NO production has not yet been investigated.

The Morphological Effects of ZnO Upon the Antimicrobial and Deodorant Activities of Polyethylene Terephthalate/ZnO Composite Filaments.

In this study, the morphological effects of ZnO on the antimicrobial and deodorant activities of synthetic fibers were investigated. Three different polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/ZnO filaments were prepared by incorporating various ZnO nanostructures (rods, plates, and spheres) into PET filaments via a melt-spinning process. The antimicrobial activity of the as-prepared fibers was evaluated by the shake-flask method using two types of bacteria ().

An ultrasound-responsive dual-modal US/T -MRI contrast agent for potential diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Background: Interest in an ultrasound-mediated delivery system for effective T -MRI of prostate cancer without adverse effects has steadily increased.

Purpose: To develop an ultrasound-responsive dual-modal ultrasound (US)/T -MRI contrast agent for efficient diagnosis of prostate cancer cells overexpressing prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and assess their potential.

Study Type: In vitro.

Smart Gold Nanoparticle-Stabilized Ultrasound Microbubbles as Cancer Theranostics.

Smart gold nanoparticle-stabilized microbubbles (SAuMBs) composed of a gas-filled core and shell including smart gold nanoparticles (SAuNPs) which can be aggregated in tumors were applied as ultrasound-mediated cancer theranostics. The gas core in the microstructure enabled the detection of tumors using ultrasound and facilitated the delivery of SAuNPs by sonoporation. The SAuNPs spontaneously aggregated in tumors, which allowed photoacoustic (PA) monitoring and photothermal treatment (PTT) of tumors.

Influence of Oxidative Etching Solution Temperatures on the Surface Roughness and Wettability of a Titanium Alloy.

Recently, a simple surface modification treatment of titanium (Ti) was developed to produce nano-and micro-scale features on the surfaces via simple immersion in an oxidative aqueous solution (30% hydrogen peroxide/5% sodium bicarbonate). However, this treatment method of Ti surfaces requires a relatively long immersion time (4 h) in the oxidative solution. In this study, we investigated whether an increase in the temperature of the oxidative etching solution can shorten the immersion time of Ti effectively.

Surface Roughness of a 3D-Printed Ni-Cr Alloy Produced by Selective Laser Melting: Effect of Process Parameters.

The selective laser melting (SLM) process parameters, which directly determine the melting behavior of the metallic powders, greatly affect the nanostructure and surface roughness of the resulting 3D object. This study investigated the effect of various laser process parameters (laser power, scan rate, and scan line spacing) on the surface roughness of a nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloy that was three-dimensionally (3D) constructed using SLM. Single-line formation tests were used to determine the optimal laser power of 200 W and scan rate of 98.

Resin Bonding to Type IV Gold Alloy Conditioned with a Novel Mercapto Silane System: Effect of Incorporation of a Phosphate Monomer.

Self-assembled monolayers of thiols have been used to link a range of materials to planar gold surfaces or gold nanoparticles in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Novel mercapto silane systems are a promising alternative to dental noble metal alloys for enhanced resin bonding durability Goldbased alloys for full-cast restorations contain various base metal elements, which may bond to acidic functional monomers chemically, in addition to noble metal elements. This study examined how the additional incorporation of a phosphate monomer (di-2-hydroxyethyl methacryl hydrogenphosphate, DHP) into novel mercapto silane primer systems affected the resin bond strength to a type IV gold alloy pretreated with the primers.

Antifungal Effect of a Dental Tissue Conditioner Containing Nystatin-Loaded Alginate Microparticles.

In this in vitro study, nystatin-alginate microparticles were successfully fabricated to control the release of nystatin from a commercial dental tissue conditioner. These nystatin-alginate microparticles were spherical and had a slightly rough surface. The microparticles incorporated into the tissue conditioner were distributed homogeneously throughout the tissue conditioner matrix.

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Co-Cr Dental Alloys Fabricated by Three CAD/CAM-Based Processing Techniques.

The microstructures and mechanical properties of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys produced by three CAD/CAM-based processing techniques were investigated in comparison with those produced by the traditional casting technique. Four groups of disc- (microstructures) or dumbbell- (mechanical properties) specimens made of Co-Cr alloys were prepared using casting (CS), milling (ML), selective laser melting (SLM), and milling/post-sintering (ML/PS). For each technique, the corresponding commercial alloy material was used.

Influence of Curing Mode on the Surface Energy and Sorption/Solubility of Dental Self-Adhesive Resin Cements.

This study investigated the influence of curing mode (dual- or self-cure) on the surface energy and sorption/solubility of four self-adhesive resin cements (SARCs) and one conventional resin cement. The degree of conversion (DC) and surface energy parameters including degree of hydrophilicity (DH) were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measurements, respectively ( = 5). Sorption and solubility were assessed by mass gain or loss after storage in distilled water or lactic acid for 60 days ( = 5).

Effect of Hydrogen Dioxide Treatment on the Osteogenic Potential of Duck-beak Bone-derived Natural Bioceramic Microparticles.

As an alternative material to the autogenous bone, duck-beak bone particle for bone substitute have been attracting great attention due to their biological properties. To deliver the most favorable outcome of medical treatment, it is essential to study the effect of various processing methods of the duck-beak bone. In this study, we compared the two deproteinizing agents for manufacturing duck-beak bone.

Bone Regeneration of Hydroxyapatite with Granular Form or Porous Scaffold in Canine Alveolar Sockets.

This study was undertaken to assess bone regeneration using hydroxyapatite (HA). The primary focus was comparison of bone regeneration between granular HA (gHA) forms and porous HA (pHA) scaffold. The extracted canine alveolar sockets were divided with three groups: control, gHA and pHA.

Synthesis and Characterization of β-Tricalcium Phosphate Derived From Haliotis sp. Shells.

Purpose: To develop a methodology for the synthesis of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP, Ca3(PO4)2) from the shell of Haliotis sp. (abalone shell) and to verify its characterization and biocompatibility.

Materials And Methods: Calcium oxide (CaO) was synthesized from abalone shell by sintering and was suspended in distilled water to prepare calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).

A simple, sensitive and non-destructive technique for characterizing bovine dental enamel erosion: attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Although many techniques are available to assess enamel erosion in vitro, a simple, non-destructive method with sufficient sensitivity for quantifying dental erosion is required. This study characterized the bovine dental enamel erosion induced by various acidic beverages in vitro using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Deionized water (control) and 10 acidic beverages were selected to study erosion, and the pH and neutralizable acidity were measured.