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Scientific Reports Jan 2024Aluminum oxide nanoparticle (AlNP), a ubiquitous neurotoxin highly enriched in air pollution, is often produced as an inevitable byproduct in the manufacturing of...
Aluminum oxide nanoparticle (AlNP), a ubiquitous neurotoxin highly enriched in air pollution, is often produced as an inevitable byproduct in the manufacturing of industrial products such as cosmetics and metal materials. Meanwhile, ALNP has emerged as a significant public health concern due to its potential association with neurological diseases. However, the studies about the neurotoxic effects of AlNP are limited, partially due to the lack of physiologically relevant human neurovascular unit with innate immunity (hNVUI). Here, we employed our AlNP-treated hNVUI model to investigate the underlying mechanism of AlNP-driven neurodegeneration. First, we validated the penetration of AlNP across a blood-brain barrier (BBB) compartment and found AlNP-derived endothelial cellular senescence through the p16 and p53/p21 pathways. Our study showed that BBB-penetrating AlNP promoted reactive astrocytes, which produced a significant level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The astrocytic neurotoxic factors caused neuronal damage, including the synaptic impairment, the accumulation of phosphoric-tau proteins, and even neuronal death. Our study suggests that AlNP could be a potential environmental risk factor of neurological disorders mediated by neuroinflammation.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollution; Aluminum Oxide; Blood-Brain Barrier; Cell Death; Cellular Senescence; Neurotoxicity Syndromes
PubMed: 38185738
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51206-4 -
Analytical Biochemistry Oct 2023Chronic wounds impose a significant burden on healthcare resources, society and more specifically on patients. Preliminary research showed that as of today, there is not...
Chronic wounds impose a significant burden on healthcare resources, society and more specifically on patients. Preliminary research showed that as of today, there is not a system that can do a precise monitoring of these wounds so that healthcare systems can manage them with efficiency. The overall aim of our project is to produce a capacitive sensor able to detect a specific molecule in chronic wounds, thus giving information concerning its inflammation state. In this article, we present a system that uses nanoporous Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) grafted with a commercially available anti-MMP9 antibody able to interact with Matrix Metalloproteinase 9, an enzyme that works as an indicator of inflammation. In order to produce a proof-of-concept we chose to compare two methods of functionalization followed by a thorough analysis with biological, electrical and optical testing. This study produced reproducible results for each functionalization method, chemisorption being the best choice for the immobilization of conventional antibodies on AAO-based sensors for a detection of MMP9 in pure and complex conditions. This proof-of-concept and its analysis allowed a better understanding of the needs of the overall project and will be helpful to produce a prototype of smart dressing in the near future.
Topics: Humans; Aluminum Oxide; Biosensing Techniques; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Immunoassay; Inflammation
PubMed: 37572841
DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115282 -
Journal of Dentistry Dec 2023This study assessed the changes in color stability and biocompatibility of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) glass-ceramics after...
Effects of ultraviolet weathering aging on the color stability and biocompatibility of various computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing glass-ceramic materials.
OBJECTIVES
This study assessed the changes in color stability and biocompatibility of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) glass-ceramics after ultraviolet weathering (UW) aging.
METHODS
A total of 300 plate-shaped specimens (12.0 × 14.0 × 1.5 mm) were prepared using a leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic (IPS Empress CAD; E), a lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD; M), and two zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (Celtra Duo; C, Vita Suprinity; V) glass-ceramics. Specimens were divided into three groups (n = 25, each), subjected to water storage at 37 °C for 24 h (control group), or UW aging at 150 kJ/m (first-aged group) or 300 kJ/m (second-aged group). The color stability, mechanical and surface properties, and biocompatibility of the CAD-CAM glass-ceramics were investigated experimentally, followed by statistical analysis.
RESULTS
The brightness and redness or greenness were reduced in all groups after aging. After the first aging, V exhibited the largest color change and E exhibited the smallest color change. After the second aging, E exhibited the highest nanoindentation hardness and Young's modulus. The surface roughness was the highest for V after the first aging. Furthermore, the hydrophilicity of the materials increased after aging process. The cell proliferation/viability of human gingival fibroblasts was the highest in E before and after aging. Almost all cells survived for all groups based on a live/dead assay.
CONCLUSIONS
Leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic exhibit the highest color stability and biocompatibility after aging. The color stability and biocompatibility of CAD-CAM glass-ceramics depend on the aging process and material type.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Various CAD-CAM glass-ceramics exhibit adequate color stability after UW aging. The leucite-reinforced glass-ceramics exhibit the highest color stability, cell proliferation, and viability after aging. The color stability, mechanical and surface properties, and biocompatibility of the glass-ceramics depend on the aging process and material type.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Ceramics; Dental Porcelain; Aluminum Silicates; Surface Properties; Computer-Aided Design; Materials Testing
PubMed: 37863174
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104746 -
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Dec 2023Infrared (IR) lasers are being tested as an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasonic (US) surgical devices for hemostatic sealing of vascular tissues. In...
Comparison of quartz and sapphire optical chambers for infrared laser sealing of vascular tissues using a reciprocating, side-firing optical fiber: Simulations and experiments.
INTRODUCTION
Infrared (IR) lasers are being tested as an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasonic (US) surgical devices for hemostatic sealing of vascular tissues. In previous studies, a side-firing optical fiber with elliptical IR beam output was reciprocated, producing a linear IR laser beam pattern for uniform sealing of blood vessels. Technical challenges include limited field-of-view of vessel position within the metallic device jaws, and matching fiber scan length to variable vessel sizes. A transparent jaw may improve visibility and enable custom treatment.
METHODS
Quartz and sapphire square optical chambers (2.7 × 2.7 × 25 [mm ] outer dimensions) were tested, capable of fitting into a 5-mm-OD laparoscopic device. A 1470 nm laser was used for optical transmission studies. Razor blade scans and an IR beam profiler acquired fiber (550-µm-core/0.22NA) output beam profiles. Thermocouples recorded peak temperatures and cooling times on internal and external chamber surfaces. Optical fibers with angle polished distal tips delivered 94% of light at a 90° angle. Porcine renal arteries with diameters of 3.4 ± 0.7 mm (n = 13) for quartz and 3.2 ± 0.7 mm (n = 14) for sapphire chambers (p > 0.05), were sealed using 30 W for 5 s.
RESULTS
Reflection losses at material/air interfaces were 3.3% and 7.4% for quartz and sapphire. Peak temperatures on the external chamber surface averaged 74 ± 8°C and 73 ± 10°C (p > 0.05). Times to cool down to 37°C measured 13 ± 4 s and 27 ± 7 s (p < 0.05). Vessel burst pressures (BP) averaged 883 ± 393 mmHg and 412 ± 330 mmHg (p < 0.05). For quartz, 13/13 (100%) vessels were sealed (BP > 360 mmHg), versus 9/14 (64%) for sapphire. Computer simulations for the quartz chamber yielded peak temperatures (78°C) and cooling times (16 s) similar to experiments.
CONCLUSIONS
Quartz is an inexpensive material for use in a laparoscopic device jaw, providing more consistent vessel seals and faster cooling times than sapphire and current RF and US devices.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Optical Fibers; Quartz; Aluminum Oxide; Lasers; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 38009367
DOI: 10.1002/lsm.23740 -
The Science of the Total Environment Sep 2023Long-term weathering enhances the stability of ecosystem services and alters the microbiome, however, its influences on the relationship between microbial diversity and...
Long-term weathering enhances the stability of ecosystem services and alters the microbiome, however, its influences on the relationship between microbial diversity and multifunctionality are still poorly understood. Hereby, 156 samples (0-20 cm) from five artificially divided functional zones including central bauxite residue zone (BR), the zone near residential area (RA), the zone near dry farming area (DR), the zone near natural forest area (NF), and the zone near grassland and forest area (GF) were collected in a typical disposal area to determine the heterogeneity and development of biotic and abiotic properties of bauxite residue. Residues in BR and RA exhibited higher values of pH, EC, heavy metals, and exchangeable sodium percentage compared to those in NF and GF. Our results showed a positive correlation between multifunctionality and soil-like quality during long-term weathering. Microbial diversity and microbial network complexity responded positively to multifunctionality within the microbial community, which was parallel with ecosystem functioning. Long-term weathering promoted oligotrophs-dominated bacterial assemblages (mostly Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi) and suppressed copiotrophs (including Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota), while the response of fungal communities was lower. Rare taxa from bacterial oligotrophs were particularly important at the current stage for maintaining ecosystem services and ensuring microbial network complexity. Our results underscore the significance of microbial ecophysiological strategies in response to changes in multifunctionality during long-term weathering, and highlight the necessity of conserving and augmenting the abundance of rare taxa to ensure the stable provision of ecosystem functions in bauxite residue disposal areas.
Topics: Soil Microbiology; Soil; Aluminum Oxide; Weather; Bacteria; Microbiota
PubMed: 37230357
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164377 -
Water Environment Research : a Research... Nov 2023This study addresses a persistent environmental concern related to graywater discharge from households, highlighting its potential to contribute to increased pollution...
This study addresses a persistent environmental concern related to graywater discharge from households, highlighting its potential to contribute to increased pollution in water bodies. To mitigate this issue, the research explores the use of subsurface flow-built wetlands, specifically focusing on the innovative application of constructed tidal and vertical flow wetlands (CTWFWs) as wastewater treatment systems. The study not only evaluates the efficacy of these CTWFW systems but also delves into the crucial aspects of their operation and their interactions with the biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of graywater. A key innovation of this research is the investigation of zeolite's effectiveness and the utilization of perlite-based plant species in both mixed and monoculture configurations to develop lab-scale hybrid constructed wetlands (HCWs). These HCWs are designed for the removal of organic matter and nutrients from graywater, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution to this environmental challenge. The study also examines the dynamic processes involved in graywater treatment, emphasizing how the removal of parameters like biological oxygen demand (BOD), nutrients, total suspended solids (TSS), and disinfection efficiency can significantly impact the effectiveness of treatment systems. Furthermore, the research scrutinizes the intricate relationship between the treatment unit's dimensions and the specific criteria that need to be met for efficient graywater treatment. Intriguingly, the study tracks the changes in graywater composition and the treatment process over time. By conducting on-site measurements of various physicochemical characteristics such as temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH, the research offers a comprehensive understanding of the treatment system's performance and adaptability. The study dives into the microbial communities within the treatment systems, utilizing 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the complex microbial ecosystem present in graywater. This approach sheds light on the interplay between microorganisms, physicochemical conditions, plant responses, substrate dynamics, and the production of microbial metabolites. It underscores the holistic nature of the research, encompassing various aspects of graywater treatment. Notably, the study explores the application of biochar in combination with the target heavy metal, cadmium (Cd), within constructed wetlands (CWs). This innovative approach aims to better understand the kinetics and isothermal adsorption of lead in the context of mouthwash residue, expanding the knowledge base in this critical area. The research findings are substantial, with remarkable removal efficiencies achieved for parameters like TSS, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate, and phosphate. These results underscore the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed treatment methods. This holistic and pioneering research significantly advances the understanding of sustainable graywater treatment, offering valuable insights and practical solutions to mitigate water pollution concerns. PRACTITIONER POINTS: This study addresses a persistent environmental concern related to greywater discharge from households, highlighting its potential to contribute to increased pollution in water bodies. The study not only evaluates the efficacy of these CTWFW systems but also delves into the crucial aspects of their operation and their interactions with the biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of greywater. A key innovation of this research is the investigation of zeolite's effectiveness and the utilization of perlite-based plant species in both mixed and monoculture configurations to develop lab-scale hybrid constructed wetlands (HCWs).
Topics: Waste Disposal, Fluid; Cadmium; Wetlands; Ecosystem; Adsorption; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Zeolites; Water; Nitrogen
PubMed: 37897082
DOI: 10.1002/wer.10944 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jul 2023Understanding plant root architectures induced changes in organic carbon accumulation and conversion is critical to predicting carbon cycling and screening appropriate...
Understanding plant root architectures induced changes in organic carbon accumulation and conversion is critical to predicting carbon cycling and screening appropriate plant species for ecological restoration on bauxite residue disposal areas. According to the ecological investigation of a weathered bauxite residue disposal area, three plants with different root architectures including Artemisia lavandulaefolia (A. lavandulaefolia), moss, and Zanthoxylum simulans (Z. simulans) were selected to investigate the rhizosphere effects on the composition and structure of organic carbon in bauxite residue. The physic-chemical properties, the contents and structure of different organic carbon fractions, and microbial communities of bauxite residue from rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere were analyzed. Plant growth decreased the saline-alkalinity, increased the contents of total organic carbon, particulate organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon, whilst enhancing the enzymatic activities of bauxite residue. Meanwhile, the rhizosphere effects had significant effects on the accumulation and stabilization of organic carbon in bauxite residue. A. lavandulaefolia had the strongest rhizosphere effects on the composition and structure of total organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon, whilst moss was more effective on the accumulation of particulate organic carbon in bauxite residue. Plant growth and root architecture changed the abundance of specific functional microorganisms and the complexity of microbial co-occurrence networks, thus elevating organic carbon levels in bauxite residue. During natural vegetation encroachment, rhizosphere exciting effects of the salt-tolerated plants could change the composition and structure of organic carbon fractions due to the comprehensive effectiveness of the improvement of physic-chemical properties and microbial communities. The findings improve our understanding of the responses of sequestration and stabilization of organic carbon pools to ecological restoration on bauxite residue disposal areas.
Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Carbon; Dissolved Organic Matter; Minerals; Rhizosphere; Plants; Bryophyta; Soil; Soil Microbiology
PubMed: 37105477
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163588 -
Biosensors & Bioelectronics Dec 2023Artificial solid-state nanochannels have aroused intense interests in biosensors and bioelectronics because of their special architectures. Herein, we pioneered an...
Artificial solid-state nanochannels have aroused intense interests in biosensors and bioelectronics because of their special architectures. Herein, we pioneered an ingenious approach of target-triggered cascade signal amplification in porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanochannels for ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) DNA bioanalysis. In the design, AAO nanochannels were modified initially with capture DNA (cDNA) and then incorporated with a photoelectrode, yielding the desired architecture of highly ordered nanoarrays on top of the signal transducer. For target DNA (tDNA) probing, exonuclease III (Exo-III) mediated target recycling (ETR) was first activated to generate plenty of output DNA (oDNA) fragments. After oDNA and the conjugate of Au-labeled probe DNA (Au-pDNA) were anchored within the nanochannels via DNA hybridization, in-situ synthesis of Ag shells on tethered Au nanoparticles was conducted. The resulting large-sized Au@Ag core-shell nanostructure within the nanochannels would cause conspicuous blocking effect to hinder the transportation of electrons accessing the photoelectrode. Since the signal inhibition was directly related to tDNA concentration, an innovative nanochannels PEC DNA assay was exploited and qualified for ultrasensitive detection. The anti-interference ability of this platform was also emphasized by the split AAO membrane for biological incubation without participation of the photoelectrode. This featured nanochannels PEC strategy with cascade amplification launched a novel detecting platform for trace levels of DNA, and it could spark more inspiration for a follow-up exploration of other smart nanochannels PEC bioassays.
Topics: Gold; Biosensing Techniques; Electrochemical Techniques; Metal Nanoparticles; DNA; Aluminum Oxide; Limit of Detection
PubMed: 37801836
DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115724 -
Physics in Medicine and Biology Jul 2023This work investigates the use of AlO:C and AlO:C,Mg optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) detectors to determine both the dose and the radiation quality in light ion...
This work investigates the use of AlO:C and AlO:C,Mg optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) detectors to determine both the dose and the radiation quality in light ion beams. The radiation quality is here expressed through either the linear energy transfer (LET) or the closely related metric, which depends on the particle's speed and effective charge. The derived LET andvalues are applied to improve the dosimetry in light ion beams.OSL detectors were irradiated in mono-energeticH-,He-,C-, andO-ion beams. The OSL signal is associated with two emission bands that were separated using a pulsed stimulation technique and subjected to automatic corrections based on reference irradiations. Each emission band was investigated independently for dosimetry, and the ratio of the two emission intensities was parameterized as a function of fluence- and dose-averaged LET, as well as. The determined radiation quality was subsequently applied to correct the dose for ionization quenching.For both materials, thedeterminations inH- andHe-ion beams are within 5 % of the Monte Carlo simulated values. Using the determined radiation quality metrics to correct the nonlinear (ionization quenched) detector response leads to doses within 2 % of the reference doses.AlO:C and AlO:C,Mg OSL detectors are applicable for dosimetry and radiation quality estimations inH- andHe-ions. Only AlO:C,Mg shows promising results for dosimetry inC-ions. Across both materials and the investigated ions, the estimatedvalues were less sensitive to the ion types than the estimated LET values were. The reduced uncertainties suggest new possibilities for simultaneously estimating the physical and biological dose in particle therapy with OSL detectors.
Topics: Linear Energy Transfer; Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimetry; Aluminum Oxide; Radiometry; Luminescence; Ions; Thermoluminescent Dosimetry
PubMed: 37336242
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/acdfb0 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aug 2023The possibility of using Opuntia ficus indica fruit juice (OFIFJ) as a bioflocculant for conditioning the synthetic kaolin sludge and sewage sludge (region Oran,...
The possibility of using Opuntia ficus indica fruit juice (OFIFJ) as a bioflocculant for conditioning the synthetic kaolin sludge and sewage sludge (region Oran, Algeria, and Pau, France) was studied. Turbidity of the supernatant, dryness of the sludge cake, and total time of filtration (TTF) were examined parameters. Using vacuum filtration, lime was also tested as a chemical conditioner and gives good results on Lescar (France) sewage sludge in terms of cake's dryness, filtrate quality, turbidity (13.54%), and total time of filtration (TTF = 85.29%), comparing to the industrial polymer (Sedifloc 408C; turbidity; 8.33% and TTF: 2.94%). For the sewage sludge of Oran (Algeria), the results obtained with OFIFJ were compared to those obtained with the cladodes juice of the same plant OFIC, and also with a cationic polymer (Superfloc 8396). For an optimum dosage, it showed that OFIFJ has a flocculation activity as same as the cladodes juice OFIC for sludge conditioning and gives better results in terms of turbidity (dosage of 22.4 g/kg DM: 3.7 NTU for OFIC, dosage of 8.36: 3.63 NTU for OFIFJ. Dryness was enhanced from 14.91 to 22.93% (OFIC 16 g/kg DM) and to 24.48% (OFIF 20.9 g/kg DM) but for TTF, we found the opposite. In fact, this plant showed to be an available, biodegradable, and non-toxic flocculant. For kaolin synthetic sludge (30%), the optimum dosages of those conditioners were found to be 0.066 g kg for OFIC, comparing between vacuum filtration and filtration compression; turbidity was enhanced for both techniques, contrary to dryness. Concerning the Oran city sewage sludge, both turbidity and dryness were optimized. Same thing for the France sewage sludge, all the studied parameters were enhanced with the two studied bioflocculants.
Topics: Opuntia; Sewage; Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Kaolin; Environmental Monitoring; Polymers
PubMed: 37651056
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11766-w