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Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024With the rapid development of electronic technology and large-scale integrated circuit devices, it is very important to develop thermal management materials with high...
With the rapid development of electronic technology and large-scale integrated circuit devices, it is very important to develop thermal management materials with high thermal conductivity. Silicon carbide whisker-reinforced copper matrix (Cu/SiCw) composites are considered to be one of the best candidates for future electronic device radiators. However, at present, most of these materials are produced by high-temperature and high-pressure processes, which are expensive and prone to interfacial reactions. To explore the plating solution system suitable for SiCw and Cu composite electroplating, we tried two different Cu-based plating solutions, namely a Systek UVF 100 plating solution of the copper sulfate (CuSO) system and a Through Silicon Via (TSV) plating solution of the copper methanesulfonate (Cu(CHSO)) system. In this paper, Cu/SiCw composites were prepared by composite electrodeposition. The morphology of the coating under two different plating liquid systems was compared, and the mechanism of formation of the different morphologies was analyzed. The results show that when the concentration of SiCw in the bath is 1.2 g/L, the surface of the Cu/SiCw composite coating prepared by the CuSO bath has more whiskers with irregular distribution and the coating is very smooth, but there are pores at the junction of the whiskers and Cu. There are a large number of irregularly distributed whiskers on the surface of the Cu/SiCw composite coating prepared with the copper methanesulfonate (Cu(CHSO)) system. The surface of the composite is flat, and Cu grows along the whisker structure. The whisker and Cu form a good combination, and there is no pore in the cross-section of the coating. The observation at the cross-section also reveals some characteristics of the toughening mechanism of SiCw, including crack deflection, bridging and whisker pull-out. The existence of these mechanisms indicates that SiCw plays a toughening role in the composites. A suitable plating solution system was selected for the preparation of high-performance Cu/SiCw thermal management materials with the composite electrodeposition process.
PubMed: 38921919
DOI: 10.3390/nano14121043 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Compared to traditional biochar (BC), nano-biochar (NBC) boasts superior physicochemical properties, promising extensive applications in agriculture, ecological...
Compared to traditional biochar (BC), nano-biochar (NBC) boasts superior physicochemical properties, promising extensive applications in agriculture, ecological environments, and beyond. Due to its strong adsorption and migration properties, NBC may carry nutrients or pollutants to deeper soil layers or even groundwater, causing serious environmental risks. Nevertheless, the migration rules and mechanisms of NBC in soil are still unclear. Therefore, this study employed soil column migration experiments to systematically explore the migration rules and mechanisms of NBC under various flow rates, initial soil water contents, soil depths, and soil textures. The results showed that regulated by smaller particle size differences and greater surface charges, NBC exhibited a stronger migration ability compared with traditional BC. As the soil texture transitioned from fine to coarse, the migration capability of NBC significantly improved, driven by both pore structure and interaction forces as described by the DLVO theory. The migration ability of NBC was also greatly boosted as the soil transitioned from saturated to unsaturated conditions, primarily because of preferential flow. When the flow rate increased from 70% KS to 100% KS and 130% KS, the migration ability of NBC also increased accordingly, as changes in injection flow rates altered the velocity distribution of pore water. NBC in 25 cm soil columns was more prone to shallow retention compared with 10 cm soil columns, resulting in weaker overall migration ability. In addition, through fitting of the two-site kinetic model and related parameters, the penetration curves of NBC under various variable conditions were effectively characterized. These findings could offer valuable insights for NBC's future efficient, rational, and sustainable utilization, facilitating the evaluation and mitigation of its potential environmental risks.
PubMed: 38921911
DOI: 10.3390/nano14121035 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Fungal growth on construction materials in tropical climates can degrade aesthetics and manifestations on modern and historical sick buildings, affecting the health of...
Fungal growth on construction materials in tropical climates can degrade aesthetics and manifestations on modern and historical sick buildings, affecting the health of their inhabitants. This study synthesized ZnO nanoparticles with enhanced antifungal properties using a precipitation method. Different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%) of aqueous extract were used with Zn(NO)·6HO as the precursor to evaluate their spectroscopic, morphological, textural, and antifungal properties. X-ray diffraction confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO with crystallite sizes up to 20 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified absorption bands at 426, 503, and 567 cm for ZnO-100, ZnO-50, and ZnO-25, respectively. Nitrogen physisorption indicated a type II isotherm with macropores and a fractal dimension coefficient near 2 across all concentrations. Polydispersity index analysis showed that ZnO-50 had a higher PDI, indicating a broader size distribution, while ZnO-25 and ZnO-100 exhibited lower PDI values, reflecting uniform and monodisperse particle sizes. FESEM observations revealed semi-spherical ZnO morphologies prone to agglomeration, particularly in ZnO-25. Antifungal tests highlighted ZnO-25 as the most effective, especially against sp. with an MFC/MIC ratio of 78 µg/mL. Poisoned plate assays demonstrated over 50% inhibition at 312 µg/mL for all tested fungi, outperforming commercial antifungals. The results indicate that ZnO NPs synthesized using extract effectively inhibit fungal growth on construction materials. This procedure offers a practical approach to improving the durability of building aesthetics and may contribute to reducing the health risks associated with exposure to fungal compounds.
PubMed: 38921883
DOI: 10.3390/nano14121007 -
Journal of Functional Morphology and... May 2024The strength of the shoulder musculature involved with internal rotation and arm extension plays an important role in the overhead throwing motion for baseball athletes,...
The strength of the shoulder musculature involved with internal rotation and arm extension plays an important role in the overhead throwing motion for baseball athletes, both for throwing-related performance and injury risk. The maintenance of shoulder strength is a high priority for baseball athletes throughout a season; however, little is known in regards to the expected changes in strength throughout a season. To examine pre-post changes in shoulder strength, lower body power, and body composition among collegiate baseball players after the completion of a summer baseball league season. Amateur baseball players ( = 12; age: 20.9 ± 1.0 years.; height: 181.6 ± 5.6 cm; body mass: 86.4 ± 11.1 kg; BMI: 26.0 ± 2.6 kg/m) participated in the current study. Pre- and post-competitive season, the participants completed shoulder strength assessments and body composition and countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) tests. An upper-body isometric test (athletic shoulder [ASH] test) was used to evaluate shoulder strength for each arm. Each subject completed maximal isometric contractions for both the throwing and non-throwing arms at four separate angles of abduction (180°, 'I'; 135°, 'Y'; 90°, 'T'; and -180°, 'A') while lying in a prone position. For shoulder strength, the primary dependent variable of interest was a composite measure that represented the average of the forces produced across all four positions of the ASH test (I, Y, T, A). For the ASH test composite measure, there was a trend toward a significant arm-by-time interaction effect ( = 0.08), as shoulder strength decreased by 9.03% for the throwing arm (ES = 0.72; 95% CI = [-0.27, -0.01]), compared to only 2.03% for the non-throwing arm (ES = 0.15; 95% CI = [-0.16, 0.09]), over the course of the season. The main effects of time ( = 0.16) and arm ( = 0.58) were not significant for the ASH test composite measure. There was no relationship between lower body power and throwing arm strength at baseline (r = 0.20, = 0.56), and only a non-significant weak relationship at post-test (r = 0.28, = 0.41). Throughout a season, baseball players may experience reductions in shoulder strength of the throwing arm with minimal changes in shoulder strength in the non-throwing arm.
PubMed: 38921634
DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9020098 -
Metabolites Jun 2024Bell peppers ( L.) are prone to chilling injury (CI) when stored at temperatures below 7 °C. Melatonin, a natural plant regulator, plays a critical role in defending...
Bell peppers ( L.) are prone to chilling injury (CI) when stored at temperatures below 7 °C. Melatonin, a natural plant regulator, plays a critical role in defending against different pre- and post-harvest abiotic stresses, including those associated with cold storage. This study aimed to assess the effects of applying exogenous melatonin alone and in combination with a commercial wax on the CI tolerance, postharvest life, and potential biomarker search of red bell peppers. In the initial experiment, the effective melatonin concentration to reduce CI effects was determined. Peppers were sprayed with either distilled water (control) or a melatonin aqueous solution (M100 = 100 μM or M500 = 500 μM) and then stored for 33 d at 4 °C, followed by 2 d at 20 °C. The M500 treatment proved to be more effective in reducing fruit CI incidence (superficial scalds) and metabolic rate, while weight loss, softening, and color were comparable to the control. A second experiment assessed the potential synergistic effects of a combined melatonin and commercial wax treatment on pepper CI and quality. Fruits were sprayed with distilled water (control), melatonin (M500), commercial wax (Wax), or the combined treatment (Wax + M500) and stored for 28 d at 4 °C, followed by 2 d at 20 °C. The Wax + M500 was the most effective in significantly reducing the incidence of fruit CI symptoms and calyx fungal infection. Furthermore, this combined treatment enhanced fruit weight loss prevention compared with individual melatonin or wax treatment. Also, Wax + M500-treated peppers exhibited notable proline accumulation, indicative of a metabolic response counteracting the cold effects, resulting in better fruit stress acclimation. This treatment also preserved the peppers' color and antioxidant capacity. In summary, these findings highlight the suitability of applying a combined Wax + M500 treatment as a highly effective strategy to enhance the CI tolerance of peppers and extend their postharvest life.
PubMed: 38921464
DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060330 -
Clinics and Practice May 2024In recent years, a series of recommendations have been issued regarding the administration of drugs because of awareness of the serious side effects associated with... (Review)
Review
In recent years, a series of recommendations have been issued regarding the administration of drugs because of awareness of the serious side effects associated with certain classes of drugs, especially in vulnerable patients. Taking into account the obligation of the continuous improvement of professionals in the medical fields and the fact that we are in the midst of a "malpractice accusations pandemic", through this work, we propose to carry out a "radiography" of the scientific literature regarding adverse effects that may occur as a result of the interaction of drugs with the physiopathological particularities of patients. The literature reports various cases regarding different classes of drugs administration associated with adverse effects in the elderly people, such as fluoroquinolones, which can cause torsade de pointes or tendinopathy, or diuretics, which can cause hypokalemia followed by torsade de pointes and cardiorespiratory arrest. Also, children are more prone to the development of adverse reactions due to their physiological particularities, while for pregnant women, some drugs can interfere with the normal development of the fetus, and for psychiatric patients, the use of neuroleptics can cause agranulocytosis. Considering the physiopathological particularities of each patient, the drug doses must be adjusted or even completely removed from the treatment scheme, thus requiring the mandatory active participation both of clinician pharmacists and specialists in the activity of medical-pharmaceutical analysis laboratories within the structure of hospitals.
PubMed: 38921258
DOI: 10.3390/clinpract14030080 -
Dermatopathology (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024A 74-year-old woman in good general health presented with a 5-year history of progressive hair loss over several years, interpreted as female androgenetic alopecia...
A 74-year-old woman in good general health presented with a 5-year history of progressive hair loss over several years, interpreted as female androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and was treated with topical 5% Minoxidil without improvement. The patient's relevant medical history revealed infiltrating, triple-negative apocrine carcinoma of the right breast four years before, treated by quadrantectomy, radiation, lymphadenectomy and chemotherapy, with no recurrence at the last follow-up. On examination, there was an asymptomatic 15 × 15 cm firm and whitish area of scarring alopecia on the central scalp. Dermoscopy revealed multiple arborizing vessels and many telangiectasia. The clinical considerations included mainly cutaneous metastasis of breast carcinoma (alopecia neoplastica), pseudopelade of Broque and morpheaform basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A histopathologic examination revealed characteristic changes of morpheaform BCC with basaloid islands and cords of atypical basaloid cells diffusely infiltrating the dermis, embedded in a sclerotic and hypervascularized stroma. Secondary alopecia neoplastica due to morpheaform BCC on the scalp is an exceedingly rare entity, possessing subtle clinical features that may mimic both scarring and non-scarring alopecia. Delayed recognition may contribute to aggressive behavior and extensive local destruction. Treatment with hedgehog inhibitors in locally advanced BCC of the scalp, both in adjuvant and neoadjuvant modalities, is promising.
PubMed: 38921053
DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology11020016 -
Current Issues in Molecular Biology May 2024Hyperlipidemia is a prevalent chronic metabolic disease that severely affects human health. Currently, commonly used clinical therapeutic drugs are prone to drug...
Identification of Key Hypolipidemic Components and Exploration of the Potential Mechanism of Total Flavonoids from Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Zebrafish Experiment.
Hyperlipidemia is a prevalent chronic metabolic disease that severely affects human health. Currently, commonly used clinical therapeutic drugs are prone to drug dependence and toxic side effects. Dietary intervention for treating chronic metabolic diseases has received widespread attention. is a characteristic fruit tree in China whose fruits are rich in flavonoids, which have been shown to have a therapeutic effect on hyperlipidemia; however, their exact molecular mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of total flavonoid extract (RS) on hyperlipidemia and its possible mechanisms. A hyperlipidemic zebrafish model was established using egg yolk powder and then treated with RS to observe changes in the integral optical density in the tail vessels. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to investigate the potential mechanism of action of RS for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. The results showed that RS exhibited favorable hypolipidemic effects on zebrafish in the concentration range of 3.0-30.0 μg/mL in a dose-dependent manner. Topological and molecular docking analyses identified HSP90AA1, PPARA, and MMP9 as key targets for hypolipidemic effects, which were exerted mainly through lipolytic regulation of adipocytes and lipids; pathway analysis revealed enrichment in atherosclerosis, chemical carcinogenic-receptor activation pathways in cancers, and proteoglycans in prostate cancer and other cancers. Mover, chinensinaphthol possessed higher content and better target binding ability, which suggested that chinensinaphthol might be an important component of RS with hypolipidemic active function. These findings provide a direction for further research on RS interventions for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
PubMed: 38920980
DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060308 -
Gels (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Gel treatment is an economical and efficient method of controlling excessive water production. The gelation of in situ gels is prone to being affected by the dilution of... (Review)
Review
Gel treatment is an economical and efficient method of controlling excessive water production. The gelation of in situ gels is prone to being affected by the dilution of formation water, chromatographic during the transportation process, and thus controlling the gelation time and penetration depth is a challenging task. Therefore, a novel gel system termed preformed particle gels (PPGs) has been developed to overcome the drawbacks of in situ gels. PPGs are superabsorbent polymer gels which can swell but not dissolve in brines. Typically, PPGs are a granular gels formed based on the crosslinking of polyacrylamide, characterized by controllable particle size and strength. This work summarizes the application scenarios of PPGs and elucidates their plugging mechanisms. Additionally, several newly developed PPG systems such as high-temperature-resistant PPGs, re-crosslinkable PPGs, and delayed-swelling PPGs are also covered. This research indicates that PPGs can selectively block the formation of fractures or high-permeability channels. The performance of the novel modified PPGs was superior to in situ gels in harsh environments. Lastly, we outlined recommended improvements for the novel PPGs and suggested future research directions.
PubMed: 38920919
DOI: 10.3390/gels10060372 -
Dentistry Journal Jun 2024This numerical analysis, by employing Tresca and Von Mises failure criteria, assessed the biomechanical behavior of a trabecular bone component subjected to 0.6, 1.2,...
This numerical analysis, by employing Tresca and Von Mises failure criteria, assessed the biomechanical behavior of a trabecular bone component subjected to 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 N orthodontic forces under five movements (intrusion, extrusion, tipping, rotation, and translation) and during a gradual horizontal periodontal breakdown (0-8 mm). Additionally, they assessed the changes produced by bone loss, and the ischemic and resorptive risks. The analysis employed eighty-one models of nine patients in 405 simulations. Both failure criteria showed similar qualitative results, with Tresca being quantitatively higher by 1.09-1.21. No qualitative differences were seen between the three orthodontic loads. Quantitatively, a doubling (1.2 N) and quadrupling (2.4 N) were visible when compared to 0.6 N. Rotation and translation followed by tipping are the most stressful, especially for a reduced periodontium, prone to higher ischemic and resorptive risks. In an intact periodontium, 1.2 N can be safely applied but only in a reduced periodontium for extrusion and intrusion. More than 0.6 N is prone to increasing ischemic and resorptive risks for the other three movements. In an intact periodontium, stress spreads in the entire trabecular structure. In a reduced periodontium, stress concentrates (after a 4 mm loss-marker for the stress change distribution) and increases around the cervical third of the remaining alveolar socket.
PubMed: 38920891
DOI: 10.3390/dj12060190