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The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024The improvement of air quality in densely-populated urban regions constitutes an environmental challenge of increasing concern. In this respect, the abatement of NO...
The improvement of air quality in densely-populated urban regions constitutes an environmental challenge of increasing concern. In this respect, the abatement of NO emissions, primarily emanating from combustion processes associated with motor-vehicles, along with industrial/domestic combustion systems, represents one of the main problems. Here, three hydrochars from diverse organic residues were used as activated carbon precursors for their evaluation in the NO removal in two potential application scenarios. Hydrochars were physically activated at 800 °C with pure-CO or diluted-O. These materials were tested in a lab-scale biofilter at different conditions (NO concentration, temperature, relative humidity, NO-containing gas and carbon particle size) and in a larger-scale biofilter to evaluate the long-term NO removal capacity. Hydrochar-derived carbons present a relatively well-developed micro- and mesoporous structure, with BET areas of up to 421 m/g, and a variety of oxygen surface functionalities (carboxylic, lactone, carbonyl and quinone groups), especially concerning CO-activated carbons. These exhibited an excellent behaviour at low NO concentration (5 ppmv) between 25 and 75 °C with removal capacities of ≈97 % and > 82 %, respectively; and still good-performance (≈66 %) in a more concentrated gas (120 ppmv). Whilst, carbons obtained by diluted-O activation from the same hydrochars, evidenced a higher removal capacity loss at high NO concentration. The O presence in the gas stream was confirmed as a crucial factor in the NO elimination, since both co-adsorb on the carbon surface favouring NO oxidation to NO. Besides, the humidity in the airstream diminished the NO removal capacity from 0.88 to 0.51 mg/g, but still remained at 0.54 mg/g, when the carbon (in pellet) was operated at larger-scale biofilter in 9-fold longer test under humid air. Therefore, this study highlights the potential of renewable carbons to serve as cost-effective component in urban biofilters, to mitigate NO emissions from exhaust gases in biomass boilers and urban semi-close areas.
PubMed: 38901591
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173897 -
Journal of Materials Science. Materials... Jun 2024Calcium phosphate cements, primarily brushite cements, require the addition of setting retarders to ensure adequate processing time and processability. So far, citric...
Calcium phosphate cements, primarily brushite cements, require the addition of setting retarders to ensure adequate processing time and processability. So far, citric acid has been the primary setting retarder used in this context. Due to the poor biocompatibility, it is crucial to explore alternative options for better processing. In recent years, the setting retarder phytic acid (IP6) has been increasingly investigated. This study investigates the biological behaviour of calcium phosphate cements with varying concentrations of IP6, in addition to their physical properties. Therefore cytocompatibility in vitro testing was performed using osteoblastic (MG-63) and osteoclastic (RAW 264.7 differentiated with RANKL) cells. We could demonstrate that the physical properties like the compressive strength of specimens formed with IP6 (brushite_IP6_5 = 11.2 MPa) were improved compared to the reference (brushite = 9.8 MPa). In osteoblast and osteoclast assays, IP6 exhibited significantly better cytocompatibility in terms of cell activity and cell number for brushite cements up to 11 times compared to the brushite reference. In contrast, the calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) cements produced similar results for IP6 (CDHA_IP6_0.25 = 27.0 MPa) when compared to their reference (CDHA = 21.2 MPa). Interestingly, lower doses of IP6 were found to be more effective than higher doses with up to 3 times higher. Additionally, IP6 significantly increased degradation in both passive and active resorption. For these reasons, IP6 is emerging as a strong new competitor to established setting retarders such as citric acid. These cements have potential applications in bone augmentation, the stabilisation of non-load bearing fractures (craniofacial), or the cementation of metal implants.
Topics: Phytic Acid; Animals; Calcium Phosphates; Mice; Materials Testing; Bone Cements; Osteoblasts; RAW 264.7 Cells; Humans; Osteoclasts; Compressive Strength; Biocompatible Materials; Durapatite
PubMed: 38900219
DOI: 10.1007/s10856-024-06805-y -
Journal of Materials Science. Materials... Jun 2024Phosphate bioactive glass has been studied for its advanced biodegradability and active ion release capability. Our previous research found that phosphate glass...
Phosphate bioactive glass has been studied for its advanced biodegradability and active ion release capability. Our previous research found that phosphate glass containing (PO)-(NaO)-(TiO)-(CaO)-(SrO) or (ZnO) showed good biocompatibility with MG63 and hMSCs. This study further investigated the application of 5 mol% zinc oxide or 17.5 mol% strontium oxide in titanium-doped phosphate glass for bone tissue engineering. Ti-Ca-Na-Phosphate glasses, incorporating 5% zinc oxide or 17.5% strontium oxide, were made with melting quenching technology. The pre-osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 was cultured for indirect contact tests with graded diluted phosphate glass extractions and for direct contact tests by seeding cells on glass disks. The cell viability and cytotoxicity were analysed in vitro over 7 days. In vivo studies utilized the tibial defect model with or without glass implants. The micro-CT analysis was performed after surgery and then at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Extractions from both zinc and strontium phosphate glasses showed no negative impact on MC3T3-E1 cell viability. Notably, non-diluted Zn-Ti-Ca-Na-phosphate glass extracts significantly increased cell viability by 116.8% (P < 0.01). Furthermore, MC3T3-E1 cells cultured with phosphate glass disks exhibited no increase in LDH release compared with the control group. Micro-CT images revealed that, over 12 weeks, both zinc-doped and strontium-doped phosphate glasses demonstrated good bone incorporation and longevity compared to the no-implant control. Titanium-doped phosphate glasses containing 5 mol% zinc oxide, or 17.5 mol% strontium oxide have promising application potential for bone regeneration research.
Topics: Strontium; Bone Regeneration; Animals; Mice; Phosphates; Glass; Titanium; Cell Survival; Materials Testing; Zinc; Cell Line; Osteoblasts; Biocompatible Materials; Tissue Engineering; Bone Substitutes; X-Ray Microtomography
PubMed: 38900208
DOI: 10.1007/s10856-024-06804-z -
Behavioural Pharmacology Jun 2024Drug dependence is a chronic brain disease characterized by craving and recurrent episodes of relapse. Tramadol HCl is a promising agent for withdrawal symptoms...
Drug dependence is a chronic brain disease characterized by craving and recurrent episodes of relapse. Tramadol HCl is a promising agent for withdrawal symptoms management, considering its relatively low abuse potential and safety. Oral administration, however, is not preferred in abstinence maintenance programs. Introducing an implantable, long-lasting formula is suggested to help outpatient abstinence programs achieve higher rates of treatment continuation. Tramadol implants (T350 and T650) were prepared on polycaprolactone polymer ribbons by the wet method. Male Wistar rats were adapted to heroin-conditioned place preference (CPP) at escalating doses (3-30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, for 14 days). Implants were surgically implanted in the back skin of rats. After 14 days, the CPP score was recorded. Naloxone (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was used to induce withdrawal on day 15, and symptoms were scored. Elevated plus maze and open field tests were performed for anxiety-related symptoms. Striata were analyzed for neurochemical changes reflected in dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and serotonin levels. Brain oxidative changes including glutathione and lipid peroxides were assessed. The tramadol implants (T350 and T650) reduced heroin CPP and limited naloxone-induced withdrawal symptoms. The striata showed increased levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid, and serotonin and decreased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid and dopamine after heroin withdrawal induction, which were reversed after implanting T350 and T650. Implants restore the brain oxidative state. Nonsignificant low naloxone-induced withdrawal score after the implant was used in naive subjects indicating low abuse potential of the implants. The presented tramadol implants were effective at diminishing heroin CPP and withdrawal in rats, suggesting further investigations for application in the management of opioid withdrawal.
PubMed: 38900102
DOI: 10.1097/FBP.0000000000000778 -
Thoracic Cancer Jun 2024The AmoyDx Pan lung cancer PCR panel (AmoyDx PLC panel) has been approved as a companion diagnostic tool for multiple anticancer agents in patients with non-small cell...
BACKGROUND
The AmoyDx Pan lung cancer PCR panel (AmoyDx PLC panel) has been approved as a companion diagnostic tool for multiple anticancer agents in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the suitability of cytology specimens as samples for the AmoyDx PLC panel remains unclear. We evaluated the performance of frozen cell pellets from cytology specimens (FCPs) in the Amoy 9-in-1 assay, a preapproval assay of the AmoyDx PLC panel.
METHODS
We retrospectively collected data of NSCLC patients enrolled in LC-SCRUM-Asia from the Shizuoka Cancer Center between September 2019 and May 2021.
RESULTS
A total of 49 cases submitted FCPs for evaluation of oncogenic driver alterations and were assessed using Amoy 9-in-1 and next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays. The success rates of DNA and RNA analyses using the Amoy 9-in-1 were both 100%, compared with 86% and 45%, respectively, using NGS assays. Oncogenic driver alterations were detected in 27 (55%) and 23 (47%) patients using Amoy 9-in-1 and NGS, respectively. No inconsistent results were observed among 19 cases in which both assays showed successful detection. In the remaining 30 cases, 10 had inconsistent results: nine oncogenic driver alterations (3 MET, 2 ALK, 2 ROS1, and 2 KRAS) were detectable only in Amoy 9-in-1, and one epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation was detectable only in NGS.
CONCLUSION
FCPs can be successfully used in the AmoyDx PLC panel, with higher success rate compared with the NGS assay. The AmoyDx PLC panel may be an option in cases when insufficient tissue sample is available for the NGS assay.
PubMed: 38898747
DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15382 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Jun 2024In this work, filament-based 3D-printing, the most widely used sub-category of material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEAM), is presented as a promising...
In this work, filament-based 3D-printing, the most widely used sub-category of material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEAM), is presented as a promising manufacturing platform for the production of subcutaneous implants. Print nozzle diameters as small as 100 µm were utilized demonstrating MEAM of advanced porous internal structures at the given cylindrical implant geometry of 2 mm × 40 mm. The bottlenecks related to high-resolution MEAM of subcutaneous implants are systematically analyzed and the print process is optimized accordingly. Custom synthesized biodegradable phase-separated poly(ether ester) multiblock copolymers exhibiting appropriate melt viscosity at comparatively low printing temperatures of 135 °C and 165 °C were utilized as 3D-printing feedstock. The print process was optimized to minimize thermomechanical polymer degradation by employing print speeds of 30 mm∙s in combination with a nozzle diameter of 150 µm at layer heights of 110 µm. These results portray the basis for further development of subcutaneous implantable drug delivery systems where drug release profiles can be tailored through the adaption of the internal implant structure, which cannot be achieved using existing manufacturing techniques.
PubMed: 38897487
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124356 -
Forensic Science International Jun 2024Gel blasters are currently imported and marketed as children's toys in Australia. Gel blasters closely imitate the appearance of many genuine firearms of all types and...
Gel blasters are currently imported and marketed as children's toys in Australia. Gel blasters closely imitate the appearance of many genuine firearms of all types and are designed to propel small hydrated gel balls of approximately 7-8 mm in diameter, by means of compressed air or gas. They are considered illegal in all states of Australia except Queensland but these items aren't specifically written into most state firearms legislation. However, to be considered as children's toys, they must not exceed the recommended kinetic energy (KE) of 2500 J/m as outlined in the Australian/New Zealand Standard Safety of Toys - Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties (Safety of Toys ASNZS ISO 8124.1:2019) [1]. The aim of this study was to determine if a range of gel blasters would conform to the Australian & New Zealand Standard and have projectiles with kinetic energy of less than 2500 J/m. Utilising the testing procedure outlined in ASNZS ISO 8124.1:2019 (Australian/New Zealand Standard Safety of Toys - Part 1: Safety Aspects related to Mechanical and Physical Properties (Safety of Toys ASNZS ISO 8124.1:2019) [1]), a range of gel blasters were tested. In addition, a number of NERF™ toys and airsoft firearms were tested to provide reference between an accepted child's toy and items considered to be a firearm, such as airsoft firearms. A NERF™ toy (commonly referred to as a blaster) fires a foam projectile at very low velocities through direct spring/striker impact to the rear of the dart, battery-powered motorised flywheel, or by compressed air generated by a small piston inside a cylinder. Airsoft firearms are designed to fire hard plastic balls (typically 6 mm in diameter) and can achieve velocities upwards of 90 m/s with the potential to cause injuries to soft tissue. Results showed the KE per unit area of pellets fired from airsoft firearms significantly exceeded the recommended 2500 J/m ranging from approximately 10,620 J/m to 69,650 J/m. Twenty of the twenty-four gel blasters tested (83 %) exceeded 2500 J/m, with values ranging between 2112 J/m and 42,645 J/m. NERF™ toys were found to be notably under 2500 J/m, ranging from approximately 1230 J/m to 2129 J/m. The results suggest that the majority of gel blasters (items of seizures) tested, currently being imported and marketed as children's toys in Australia, easily exceed 2500 J/m as outlined in the ASNZS ISO 8124.1:2019 and are not safe to be marketed and sold as children's toys. Reinforcing the position of most jurisdictions, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Canberra made the following statement in 2019: 'ACT (Australian Capital Territory) Policing is reminding the public that replica firearms known as gel blasters are illegal in the ACT'. Taking the results determined throughout this research and the statement by AFP into consideration, gel blasters should not be exempt from control under Firearms Legislation because they are claimed to be toy.
PubMed: 38896953
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112101 -
Journal of Materials Science. Materials... Jun 2024Orthopedic and dental implant failure continues to be a significant concern due to localized bacterial infections. Previous studies have attempted to improve implant...
Orthopedic and dental implant failure continues to be a significant concern due to localized bacterial infections. Previous studies have attempted to improve implant surfaces by modifying their texture and roughness or coating them with antibiotics to enhance antibacterial properties for implant longevity. However, these approaches have demonstrated limited effectiveness. In this study, we attempted to engineer the titanium (Ti) alloy surface biomimetically at the nanometer scale, inspired by the cicada wing nanostructure using alkaline hydrothermal treatment (AHT) to simultaneously confer antibacterial properties and support the adhesion and proliferation of mammalian cells. The two modified Ti surfaces were developed using a 4 h and 8 h AHT process in 1 N NaOH at 230 °C, followed by a 2-hour post-calcination at 600 °C. We found that the control plates showed a relatively smooth surface, while the treatment groups (4 h & 8 h AHT) displayed nanoflower structures containing randomly distributed nano-spikes. The results demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the contact angle of the treatment groups, which increased wettability characteristics. The 8 h AHT group exhibited the highest wettability and significant increase in roughness 0.72 ± 0.08 µm (P < 0.05), leading to more osteoblast cell attachment, reduced cytotoxicity effects, and enhanced relative survivability. The alkaline phosphatase activity measured in all different groups indicated that the 8 h AHT group exhibited the highest activity, suggesting that the surface roughness and wettability of the treatment groups may have facilitated cell adhesion and attachment and subsequently increased secretion of extracellular matrix. Overall, the findings indicate that biomimetic nanotextured surfaces created by the AHT process have the potential to be translated as implant coatings to enhance bone regeneration and implant integration.
Topics: Surface Properties; Osteoblasts; Titanium; Animals; Dental Implants; Biomimetic Materials; Wettability; Cell Adhesion; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Materials Testing; Biomimetics; Humans; Cell Proliferation; Alloys; Prostheses and Implants; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Nanostructures; Cell Survival; Alkaline Phosphatase; Hemiptera; Cell Line
PubMed: 38896291
DOI: 10.1007/s10856-024-06794-y -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Breast cancer is among the most prevalent tumors worldwide. In this study, forming implants (ISFIs) containing rosuvastatin calcium were prepared using three types of...
PLGA and PDMS-based forming implants loaded with rosuvastatin and copper-selenium nanoparticles: a promising dual-effect formulation with augmented antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity in breast cancer cells.
Breast cancer is among the most prevalent tumors worldwide. In this study, forming implants (ISFIs) containing rosuvastatin calcium were prepared using three types of poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), namely, PLGA 50/50 with ester terminal and PLGA 75/25 with ester or acid terminal. Additionally, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was added in concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 30% w/v to accelerate matrix formation. The prepared ISFIs were characterized for their rheological behaviors, rate of matrix formation, and drug release. All the prepared formulations revealed a Newtonian flow with a matrix formation rate between 0.017 and 0.059 mm/min. Generally, increasing the concentration of PDMS increased the matrix formation rate. The prepared implants' release efficiency values ranged between 46.39 and 89.75%. The ISFI containing PLGA 50/50 with 30% PDMS was selected for further testing, as it has the highest matrix formation rate and a promising release efficiency value. Copper-selenium nanoparticles were prepared with two different particle sizes (560 and 383 nm for CS1 and CS2, respectively) and loaded into the selected formulation to enhance its anticancer activity. The unloaded and loaded implants with rosuvastatin and copper-selenium nanoparticles were evaluated for their antibacterial activity, against Gram-positive and negative microorganisms, and anticancer efficacy, against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The results confirmed the potency of rosuvastatin calcium against cancer cells and the synergistic effect when loaded with smaller particle sizes of copper-selenium nanoparticles. This formulation holds a considerable potential for efficient breast cancer therapy.
PubMed: 38895619
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1397639 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2024Recently, a lot of research has been done around the world to popularize the osseointegration of dental implants. In this study, it was investigated the effect of local...
OBJECTIVE
Recently, a lot of research has been done around the world to popularize the osseointegration of dental implants. In this study, it was investigated the effect of local zoledronic acid application on implants with machined (MAC), resorbable blast materials (RBM), sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surface implants integrated in rat tibias.
METHODOLOGY
A total of 60 female Wistar rats weighing between 270 and 300 g were used in the study. The rats were passing divided into six classes: controls; MAC (n = 10), RBM (n = 10), SLA (n = 10), and local zoledronic acid (LZA) applied groups; LZA-MAC (n = 10), LZA-RBM (n=10) and LZA-SLA (n = 10) and implants were surgically placement into rat tibias in general anesthesia. After a four-week experimental period, the biomechanical bone implant connection level was determined with reverse torque analysis.
RESULTS
Osseointegration levels were detected highly in SLA and RBM surface compared with the machined surfaced implants in both control and treatment groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, local application of zoledronic acid in both three groups; implants increased the biomechanic osseointegration level compared with the controls (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
In this research, we observe that the local application of the zoledronic acid could increase the osseointegration, and RBM and SLA surface could be better than machined surfaced implants in terms of bone implant connection. In addition, local application of zoledronic acid may be a safer method than systemic application.
Topics: Animals; Zoledronic Acid; Osseointegration; Rats, Wistar; Rats; Female; Dental Implants; Surface Properties; Tibia; Bone Density Conservation Agents
PubMed: 38895174
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S459125