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Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024In this study, an omnidirectional and high-performance free-standing monopole patch radio-frequency antenna was fabricated using a urea-functionalized...
In this study, an omnidirectional and high-performance free-standing monopole patch radio-frequency antenna was fabricated using a urea-functionalized phosphorene/TiO/polypyrrole (UTP) nanocomposite. The UTP nanocomposite antenna was fabricated via ball milling of urea-functionalized phosphorene, chemical oxidative polymerization of the UTP nanocomposite, and mechanical pelletizing of the composite. Based on experiments, the proposed UTP nanocomposite-based antenna exhibited long-term stability in terms of electrical conductivity. After 12 weeks, a slight change in surface resistance was observed. The proposed antenna exhibited high radiation efficiency (78.2%) and low return loss (-36.6 dB). The results of this study suggest the potential of UTP nanocomposite antennas for applications in 5G technology.
PubMed: 38921889
DOI: 10.3390/nano14121013 -
Journal of Xenobiotics Jun 2024Microplastic contamination in agricultural soil is an emerging problem worldwide as it contaminates the food chain. Therefore, this research investigated the...
Microplastic contamination in agricultural soil is an emerging problem worldwide as it contaminates the food chain. Therefore, this research investigated the distribution of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils without mulch at various depths (0-5, 5-10, and 10-15 cm) across different zones: rural, local market, industrial, coastal, and research areas. The detection of MP types and morphology was conducted using FTIR and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Eight types of MPs were identified, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), with concentrations ranging from 0.6 ± 0.21 to 3.71 ± 2.36 MPs/g of soil. The study found no significant trends in MP concentration, with ranges of 0-2.1 ± 0.38, 0-2.87 ± 0.55, and 0-2.0 ± 0.34 MPs/g of soil at depths of 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, and 10-15 cm, respectively. The highest MP quantity was recorded at 8.67 in coastal area, while the lowest was 6.44 in the local market area. Various MP shapes, e.g., fiber, film, pellet, fragment, and irregular, were observed across all layers. PCA suggested irrigation and organic manure as potential sources of MPs. The estimated concentrations of MPs possessed low non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the farming community of Bangladesh.
PubMed: 38921655
DOI: 10.3390/jox14020046 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jun 2024The high performance of intermediate-to-low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ILT-SOFCs) closely depends on the catalytic activity of the cathode material. However,...
The high performance of intermediate-to-low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ILT-SOFCs) closely depends on the catalytic activity of the cathode material. However, most high-activity perovskite cathodes are rich in Sr and will arise from Sr segregation during the long-term working, resulting in the decay of activity and stability. Herein, by regulating the calcined way and temperature, a type of self-assembled nanocomposite perovskite cathode is developed, the stoichiometric SrCoFeScO (SCFSc) powder self-separates into a cubic phase (3̅, Sc-rich) and a tetragonal phase (4/, Sc-fewer). Meanwhile, a single cubic phase is prepared with the same formula via calcining the SCFSc pellet. It is found that the nanocomposite cathode shows better oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity than single cubic SCFSc, caused by lower impedance of oxygen surface exchange and bulk diffusion. Particularly, the nanocomposite SCFSc cathode with the self-assembled heterointerfaces mitigates the Sr segregation and shows a peak power density of 1.17 W cm at 700 °C and excellent stability for ∼101 h at 600 °C. This work provides a strategy for the development of nanocomposite cathodes to mitigate cation segregation and improve catalytic activity and stability.
PubMed: 38920133
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c05284 -
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Jun 2024The trend in the incidence rate of bone fractures has been upward and as a result, the burden associated with orthopedic fractures has increased significantly. Titanium...
The trend in the incidence rate of bone fractures has been upward and as a result, the burden associated with orthopedic fractures has increased significantly. Titanium (Ti) implants are considered a preferred method of managing long bone fractures. However, no benefit comes without some downside, and using Ti implants is associated with several complications. In this respect, it was observed that in bones, Ti can disrupt the bone healing process by disturbing the balance of osteoclast and osteoblast activation and also increasing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Melatonin is a widely-acting molecule that possesses strong anti-oxidant features. This molecule reinforces mineral density and improves bone formation processes. In this review, we focused on the protective effect of melatonin in mitigating the Ti-related complications.
PubMed: 38919083
DOI: 10.2174/0113892010300967240610111644 -
Annali Italiani Di Chirurgia 2024Chronic periodontitis leads to gingival swelling, hyperplasia, and tooth mobility, which affects orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the...
AIM
Chronic periodontitis leads to gingival swelling, hyperplasia, and tooth mobility, which affects orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of cefaclor in orthodontics through micro-implant anchorage in patients with periodontitis.
METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted on patients with periodontitis who received micro-implant anchorage treatment in the department of orthodontics at the First People's Hospital of Yongkang City from July 2019 to January 2022. According to different treatment regimens, these patients were divided into the test group (patients receiving cefaclor and micro-implant anchorage treatment) and the control group (patients receiving micro-implant anchorage treatment only). The plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), and serum inflammatory factor levels were compared between the two groups after treatment.
RESULTS
One hundred and five patients were included in the study, (44 males and 61 females, median age 21 [15-25] years), 51 in the cefaclor group and 54 in the no cefaclor group. After treatment, the PLI, GI, and SBI scores in the two groups were higher than those before treatment, and the levels of serum inflammatory markers significantly increased (p < 0.05). After treatment, the PLI, GI, and SBI scores in the test group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). The levels of serum interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly lower in the test group, and the interleukin-2 level was higher in the test group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Cefaclor and micro-implant anchorage have a good clinical effect on orthodontics in patients with periodontitis, improving periodontal health and reducing inflammatory response.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Cefaclor; Young Adult; Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures; Periodontal Index; Chronic Periodontitis; Dental Implants
PubMed: 38918968
DOI: 10.62713/aic.3281 -
European Spine Journal : Official... Jun 2024Outpatient lumbar decompression surgeries have been successfully performed in France for over twenty years, earning acceptance. However, outpatient instrumented lumbar...
PURPOSE
Outpatient lumbar decompression surgeries have been successfully performed in France for over twenty years, earning acceptance. However, outpatient instrumented lumbar spine procedures and arthroplasties are less documented. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficiency, and safety of outpatient lumbar instrumented surgery.
METHODS
A prospective single-center study involving three experienced surgeons was conducted from September 2020 to September 2021, with a minimum six-month postoperative follow-up. Inclusion criteria comprised patients aged 18 to 75 eligible for same-day discharge, undergoing single-level lumbar spinal fusion or arthroplasty via anterior or posterior Wiltse approach. The primary endpoint was assessing the percentage of successful outpatient discharges (within twelve hours), with secondary endpoints including perioperative/postoperative complications and discharge pain prescriptions in terms of frequency and severity.
RESULTS
Forty patients (mean age: 44 years; 16/24 male/female ratio) underwent surgery, including 18 lumbar arthroplasties, twelve ALIF, and ten TLIF procedures. The majority of surgeries were performed at L4-L5 (18 procedures) and L5-S1 levels (22 procedures). 95% (38/40) of patients were successfully discharged within twelve hours, with only two patients discharged the following day. No postoperative hematomas, serious adverse events, or revision surgeries were noted.
CONCLUSION
95% of patients were discharged successfully within twelve hours following outpatient lumbar fusion surgery, with a 100% patient satisfaction rate. Specific technical solutions were not necessary, and oral pain relief sufficed. Patient selection and education, including early pain management, played crucial roles in complication avoidance. This study underscores the safety of outpatient instrumented lumbar spine procedures, leading to cost reduction and expedited recovery.
PubMed: 38918227
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08365-9 -
Biomedical Materials (Bristol, England) Jun 2024The increasing prevalence of bone replacements and complications associated with bone replacement procedures underscores the need for innovative tissue restoration...
The increasing prevalence of bone replacements and complications associated with bone replacement procedures underscores the need for innovative tissue restoration approaches. Existing synthetic grafts cannot fully replicate bone vascularization and mechanical characteristics. This study introduces a novel strategy utilizing pectin, chitosan, and PVA to create interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) scaffolds incorporated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from human mesenchymal stem cells. We assess the osteointegration and osteoconduction abilities of these models in vitro using human mesenchymal stem cell-hMSCs and MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. Additionally, we confirm exosome properties through TEM, immunoblotting, and DLS. In vivo, CAM assay investigates vascularization characteristics. The study did not include in vivo animal experiments. Our results demonstrate that the IPN scaffold is highly porous and interconnected, potentially suitable for bone implants. EVs, approximately 100 nm in size, enhance cell survival, proliferation, ALP activity, and the expression of osteogenic genes. EVs-mediated IPN scaffolds demonstrate promise as precise drug carriers, enabling customized treatments for bone-related conditions and regeneration efforts. Therefore, the EVs-mediated IPN scaffolds demonstrate promise as precise carriers for the transport of drugs, allowing for customized treatments for conditions connected to bone and efforts in regeneration.
PubMed: 38917828
DOI: 10.1088/1748-605X/ad5ba9 -
Marine Pollution Bulletin Jun 2024The aim of this work was to provide evidence on the presence of microplastics (MPs) in regurgitated Yellow-legged Gull pellets (n = 18) from Sfax salina (south-eastern...
First evidence of microplastics and their characterization in yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis michahellis, Naumann, 1840) pellets collected from the Sfax salina, southeastern Tunisia.
The aim of this work was to provide evidence on the presence of microplastics (MPs) in regurgitated Yellow-legged Gull pellets (n = 18) from Sfax salina (south-eastern Tunisia). This artificial area is subject to high anthropogenic pressure and hosts Yellow-legged Gulls, which are at the top of the trophic chain and can be used as sentinel species to monitor litter in the environment, including plastic pollution. The total number of MPs found in the samples was 309, 63.8 % fibres (4.95 ± 3.51 MPs/g) and 36.2 % fragments (2.87 ± 1.74 MPs/g). Micro-FTIR analysis evidenced that a large proportion of the fibres was attributed to artificial cellulose (40.7 %). Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyethylene (PE) were found in the fragments.
PubMed: 38917492
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116628 -
PloS One 2024To date, several types of airway stents are available to treat central airway obstructions. However, the ideal stent that can overcome anatomical, mechanical and...
To date, several types of airway stents are available to treat central airway obstructions. However, the ideal stent that can overcome anatomical, mechanical and microbiological issues is still awaited. In addition, therapeutic effect and self-elimination of these stents are desirable properties, which pose an additional challenge for development and manufacturing. We aimed to create a prototype bioresorbable tracheal stent with acceptable clinical tolerance, fit and biocompatibility, that could be tested in a rabbit model and in the future be further optimized to enable drug-elution and ensure local therapeutic effect. Twenty-one New Zealand White Rabbits received five different types of bioresorbable tracheal stents, 3D-printed from poly(D,L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) metacrylates. Various configurations were tested for their functionality and improved until the best performing prototype could undergo detailed in vivo assessment, regarding clinical tolerance, migration and biocompatibility. Previously tested types of 3D printed stents in our preliminary study required improvement due to several problems, mainly related to breakage, unreliable stability and/or migration within the trachea. Abandoned or refined pre-prototypes were not analyzed in a comparative way. The final best performing prototype stent (GSP2 (Group Stent Prototype 2), n = 8) allowed a transoral application mode and showed good clinical tolerance, minimal migration and acceptable biocompatibility. The good performance of stent type GSP2 was attributed to the helix-shaped surface structure, which was therefore regarded as a key-feature. This prototype stent offers the possibility for further research in a large animal model to confirm the promising data and assess other properties such as bioresorption.
Topics: Animals; Rabbits; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Stents; Trachea; Absorbable Implants; Materials Testing; Biocompatible Materials; Prosthesis Design; Polyesters
PubMed: 38917158
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300847 -
International Ophthalmology Jun 2024Macular edema (ME) is a common complication following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and is also the main reason for visual impairment. This study aimed to compare... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Macular edema (ME) is a common complication following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and is also the main reason for visual impairment. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) or dexamethasone implant (IDI) monotherapy, as well as the combination of IVR and IDI injections, in patients with ME secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).
METHODS
This multicenter, prospective, and comparative study included 292 patients with unilateral ME involvement (total of 292 eyes) secondary to BRVO. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups and followed up for 12 months. Patients in group 1 (n = 96) were treated with 3-dose loading IVR injections followed by a pro re nata (PRN) regimen. Patients in group 2 (n = 98) received IVR combined with IDI injection, followed by IVR PRN regimen. Patients in group 3 (n = 98) were treated with IDI injection, followed by repeated IDI injection based on clinical necessity. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), complications, and frequency of injections were recorded and compared between the three groups.
RESULTS
At baseline, the three groups did not differ in age, gender, duration of ME, BCVA, IOP, and CRT (P > 0.05). Mean number of total injections per eye within 12 months were 7.1 ± 2.3 (range 4-9) in group 1, 3.7 ± 1.5 (range 2-6) in group 2, and 1.8 ± 0.4 (range 1-3) in group 3. There was a statistical difference in the number of injections between group 1 and group 2 (P = 0.037). Eyes in group 3 received fewer injections than those in group 2, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.052). BCVA improvement and CRT reduction were achieved in all groups and there was no significant difference between the three groups at the end of the 12th month. However, IOP elevation and cataract progression were more frequent in group 3, especially in those patients who received repeated IDI injections.
CONCLUSION
Three therapeutic regimens had comparable efficacy in treating ME secondary to BRVO. Combination therapy had an advantage in maintaining good effect with fewer re-injections and complications.
TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION
The study complied with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by Xi'an Aier Ancient City Eye Hospital, Xi'an Aier Eye Hospital, and Xianyang Aier Eye Hospital ethics committees (2022SF-367).
Topics: Humans; Retinal Vein Occlusion; Ranibizumab; Male; Female; Dexamethasone; Intravitreal Injections; Macular Edema; Prospective Studies; Drug Implants; Visual Acuity; Middle Aged; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Glucocorticoids; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Drug Therapy, Combination; Follow-Up Studies
PubMed: 38913192
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03158-x