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Gels (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The aim of this study was to obtain films based on sodium alginate (SA) for disintegration in the oral cavity. The films were prepared with a solvent-casting method, and...
The aim of this study was to obtain films based on sodium alginate (SA) for disintegration in the oral cavity. The films were prepared with a solvent-casting method, and meloxicam (MLX) as the active ingredient was suspended in a 3% sodium alginate solution. Two different solid-dosage-form additives containing different disintegrating agents, i.e., VIVAPUR 112 (MCC; JRS Pharma, Rosenberg, Germany) and Prosolve EASYtabs SP (MIX; JRS Pharma, Rosenberg, Germany), were used, and four different combinations of drying time and temperature were tested. The influence of the used disintegrant on the properties of the ODFs (orodispersible films) was investigated. The obtained films were studied for their appearance, elasticity, mass uniformity, water content, meloxicam content and, finally, disintegration time, which was studied using two different methods. The films obtained with the solvent-casting method were flexible and homogeneous in terms of MLX content. Elasticity was slightly better when MIX was used as a disintegrating agent. However, these samples also revealed worse uniformity and mechanical durability. It was concluded that the best properties of the films were achieved using the mildest drying conditions. The type of the disintegrating agent had no effect on the amount of water remaining in the film after drying. The water content depended on the drying conditions. The disintegration time was not affected by the disintegrant type, but some differences were observed when various drying conditions were applied. However, regardless of the formulation type and manufacturing conditions, the analyzed films could not be classified as fast disintegrating films, as the disintegration time exceeded 30 s in all of the tested formulations.
PubMed: 38920926
DOI: 10.3390/gels10060379 -
Health Affairs Scholar Jun 2024The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) relies on public comments submitted in response to proposed national coverage determinations to assist the agency in...
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) relies on public comments submitted in response to proposed national coverage determinations to assist the agency in determining the coverage of items and services for Medicare beneficiaries. In a cross-sectional study, we characterized the cited evidence and what funding supported the cited evidence submitted in public comments to CMS for all therapeutic medical device national coverage determinations finalized between June 2019 and June 2022. Of 681 public comments, 159 (23%) cited at least 1 identifiable published scientific journal article. Within these 159 public comments, 198 unique articles were cited, 170 (86%) of which included funding statements or author disclosures. Among these, 96 (56%) disclosed funding from manufacturers that would benefit from Medicare coverage and/or were written by author(s) who received funding from these manufacturers. In summary, most public commenters for national coverage determinations did not cite published scientific journal articles to support their positions. Among those who did, more than half of articles were directly funded by manufacturers that would benefit from coverage. Greater funding of independent, non-industry-supported research may help provide unbiased evaluations of benefits and harms to support Medicare coverage decisions.
PubMed: 38919964
DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxae064 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Since being first published in 2018, the use of two-dimensional MXene in solar cells has attracted significant interest. This study presents, for the first time, the...
Since being first published in 2018, the use of two-dimensional MXene in solar cells has attracted significant interest. This study presents, for the first time, the synthesis of an efficient hybrid electrocatalyst in the form of a nanocomposite (MXene/CoS)-SnO designed to function as a high-performance electron transfer layer (ETL). The study can be divided into three distinct parts. The first part involves the synthesis of single-layer TiCT MXene nanosheets, followed by the preparation of a CoS solution. Subsequently, in the second part, the fabrication of MXene/CoS heterostructure nanocomposites is carried out, and a comprehensive characterization is conducted to evaluate the physical, structural, and optical properties. In the third part, the attention is on the crucial characterizations of the novel nanocomposite-electron transport layer (ETL) solution, significantly contributing to the evolution of perovskite solar cells. Upon optimising the composition, an exceptional power conversion efficiency of more than 17.69% is attained from 13.81% of the control devices with fill factor (FF), short-circuit current density (J), and open-circuit voltage (V) were 66.51%, 20.74 mA/cm, and 1.282 V. Therefore, this PCE is 21.93% higher than the control device. The groundbreaking MXene/CoS (2 mg mL) strategy reported in this research represents a promising and innovative avenue for the realization of highly efficient perovskite solar cells.
PubMed: 38918537
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64632-1 -
ISA Transactions Jun 2024Various industrial processes require motion profiles that determine machine movement over time for workpiece transfer, with the goal of minimizing transfer time to...
Various industrial processes require motion profiles that determine machine movement over time for workpiece transfer, with the goal of minimizing transfer time to enhance productivity. However, pursuing the maximum speed can trigger excessive motion-induced vibration, which can reduce the manufacturing efficiency, accuracy and operational lifespan of the system. This study proposes a generalized motion profile optimization method that considers the strategic placement of inherent zeros within the motion profile: each inherent zero contributes to the reduction of residual vibration or optimization of arrival time. By offering freedom to the placement of zeros, four optimization options for polynomial-based motion profiles of each order are proposed, expanding on existing work that offered a single option. All proposed optimization options have closed-form solutions, making them easily applicable to industrial applications. The practical applicability of the suggested methodology is demonstrated through case studies and experiments.
PubMed: 38918101
DOI: 10.1016/j.isatra.2024.06.013 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024The use of facile methods to synthesize environmentally friendly and multifunctional hydrogel dressings is still a major challenge in development. Herein, Turkish gall...
The use of facile methods to synthesize environmentally friendly and multifunctional hydrogel dressings is still a major challenge in development. Herein, Turkish gall extract (TGE) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) were combined and sprayed using a dual syringe to form a multifunctional TGE-CMCS hydrogel (TC gel) in one step through abundant hydrogen bonding between functional groups as a green approach. TC gel showed rapid gelation at 19.0 ± 2.9 s. Apart from the advantage of being able to adapt to different wound shapes, TC gel retained the antioxidant, antibacterial, hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties of TGE. In vitro antibacterial experiments showed that TC-gel eliminated 98.27 ± 0.79 % of Staphylococcus aureus and 98.87 ± 1.08 % of Escherichia coli. Compared with TGE or CMCS alone, TC gel accelerates skin wound healing due to its three-dimensional network structure and continuous release of active components at the wound site, enhancing re-epithelialization, improving collagen deposition, and increasing angiogenesis. The wound healing rate of full-thickness skin defect rats treated with TC gel was 93.98 ± 0.63 % on the 10th day. These results suggest that TC gel combined with a facile and scalable manufacturing method is a promising multifunctional wound dressing for clinical wound management.
PubMed: 38917923
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133303 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Jun 2024All definitions of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) require that patients have experienced insufficient benefit from one or more adequate antidepressant trials.... (Review)
Review
All definitions of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) require that patients have experienced insufficient benefit from one or more adequate antidepressant trials. Thus, identifying "failed, adequate trials" is key to the assessment of TRD. The Antidepressant Treatment History Form (ATHF) was one of the first and most widely used instruments that provided objective criteria in making these assessments. The original ATHF was updated in 2018 to the ATHF-SF, changing to a checklist format for scoring, and including specific pharmacotherapy, brain stimulation, and psychotherapy interventions as potentially adequate antidepressant treatments. The ATHF-SF2, presented here, is based on the consensus of the ATHF workgroup about the novel interventions introduced since the last revision and which should/should not be considered effective treatments for major depressive episodes. This document describes the rationale for these choices and, for each intervention, the minimal criteria for determining the adequacy of treatment administration. The Supplementary Material that accompanies this article provide the Scoring Checklist, Data Collection Forms (current episode and composite of previous episodes), and Instruction Manual for the ATHF-SF2.
PubMed: 38917723
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.05.046 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024The modeling of ceramics with complex geometric structures currently depends on the handcrafted mode, with long cycles, high costs, and low efficiency; additive...
The modeling of ceramics with complex geometric structures currently depends on the handcrafted mode, with long cycles, high costs, and low efficiency; additive manufacturing (AM) technology can solve this problem well. Herein, the porcelain clay paste was successfully prepared for the direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing process of ceramics with complex geometric structures, and the effects of sodium citrate (SC) content on the rheological properties and DIW 3D printability of the porcelain clay paste were investigated in detail. The SC has a vital role in the rheological behavior of porcelain clay paste. Adding SC increases the absolute zeta potential and decreases the viscosity of the paste, while a high SC content will lead to a low storage modulus of the paste. The porcelain clay paste with an SC content of 0.05% and a paste solid content of 75% possesses suitable rheological properties and a storage modulus for DIW 3D printing. The as-prepared porcelain clay paste has high DIW 3D printability at a pressure of 0.5 MPa, and a 3D-printed green body with a well-densified structure can be achieved. After being sintered, the 3D-printed ceramic exhibits high densification and mechanical properties. A green body with complex geometric structures is quickly and precisely modeled by the DIW 3D printing process with the resultant porcelain clay paste as the raw material. This work provides a practical approach to rapidly fabricating ceramics with complex geometrical structures.
PubMed: 38911716
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02543 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Jun 2024The maxilla comprises horizontal and vertical buttresses, each with specific functions, supporting various organs, such as the eyes, nose, and oral cavity. Notably, they...
BACKGROUND
The maxilla comprises horizontal and vertical buttresses, each with specific functions, supporting various organs, such as the eyes, nose, and oral cavity. Notably, they combine to form a three-dimensional structure, which enables the buttresses to provide their inherent support strength. However, reconstructing the maxilla after maxillectomy by assembling new buttresses is challenging. We successfully reconstructed all the buttresses crucial for facial appearance and dental rehabilitation using a vascularized fibular flap.
METHODS
Four patients underwent maxillary buttress reconstruction with a fibular flap after total or subtotal maxillectomy. We used computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing digital technology to osteotomize the fibula into multiple segments and assemble them to reconstruct the maxillary buttresses. Each buttress was assembled based on a preoperative simulation.
RESULTS
All patients underwent immediate one-stage maxillary reconstruction. They had good maxillary buttress alignment and acquired good facial appearance, eye position, nasal airway, and prosthetically suitable maxillary alveolus ridge.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing digital technology and surgical techniques has enabled novel maxillary reconstruction, providing great hope to patients experiencing facial disfigurement and loss of function after maxillectomy.
PubMed: 38911572
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005914 -
Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral... Jun 2024Maxillary reconstruction is often a challenging task for the surgeons because of the complex anatomy. However, with the advances in virtual surgical planning (VSP) and...
INTRODUCTION
Maxillary reconstruction is often a challenging task for the surgeons because of the complex anatomy. However, with the advances in virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3D printing technology there is a new avenue for the surgeons which offers a suitable alternative to conventional flap-based reconstructions.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In this article, we have described 4 case scenarios which were managed with the help of VSP and additive manufacturing technology for complex maxillary reconstruction procedures. Use of the technologies aided the clinician in achieving optimal outcomes with regards to form, function and esthetics.
DISCUSSION
Virtual surgical planning (VSP) has gained a lot of impetus in past 1 decade. These aides the surgeon in determining the extent of disease and also carry out the treatment planning. In addition to VSP, the concept of additive manufacturing provides a viable alternative to the conventional reconstruction modalities for maxillary defect rehabilitation. Increased accuracy, rehabilitation of normal anatomical configuration, appropriate dental rehabilitation, decreased intra-operative time and post-operative complications are some of the advantages. In addition, patient-specific implants eliminate the need for a separate donor site. Apart from the treatment of pathologies, they also can be used for reconstruction of post-traumatic defect, where endosteal implant placement is not possible.
CONCLUSION
These modalities show promising results for reconstruction of complex maxillary defects.
PubMed: 38911428
DOI: 10.1007/s12663-023-02005-3 -
Analytical Chemistry Jun 2024Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) serve as important biomarkers in the liquid biopsy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, a homogeneous dual fluorescence indicators...
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) serve as important biomarkers in the liquid biopsy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, a homogeneous dual fluorescence indicators aptasensing strategy is described for CTCs in HCC, with the core assistance of a steric hindrance-mediated enzymatic reaction. CTCs in the sample could specifically bind to a 5'-biotin-modified glypican-3 (GPC3) aptamer and remove the steric hindrance formed by the biotin-streptavidin system. This influences the efficiency of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase enzymatic reaction. Then, methylene blue (MB) was introduced to react with the main product poly cytosine (polyC) chain, and trivalent cerium ion (Ce) was added to react with the byproduct pyrophosphate to form fluorescent pyrophosphate cerium coordination polymeric nanoparticles. Finally, the CTCs were quantified by dual fluorescence indicators analysis. Under optimized conditions, the linear range was 5 to 10 cells/mL, and the limits of detection reached 2 cells/mL. Then, 40 clinical samples (15 healthy and 25 HCC patients) were analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.96, a sensitivity of 92%, and a specificity of 100%. Therefore, this study established a sensitive and accurate CTCs sensing system for clinical HCC patients, promoting early tumor diagnosis.
PubMed: 38910291
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01624