110023 research outputs found
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A Study on Preparation and Property Evaluations of Composites Consisting of TPU/Triclosan Membranes and TencelR/LMPET Nonwoven Fabrics
No full text[[abstract]]This study investigated eco-friendly antibacterial medical protective clothing via the nonwoven process and characteristic evaluations. Firstly, Tencel? fibers and low melting point polyester (LMPET) fibers (re-sliced and granulated from recycled PET bottles) were mixed at different ratios and then needle punched at diverse needle rolling depths. The influences of manufacturing parameters on the Tencel?/LMPET nonwoven fabrics were examined in terms of mechanical properties, water vapor transmission rate, and stiffness. Next, Tencel?/LMPET nonwoven fabrics were combined with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/Triclosan antibacterial membranes that contained different contents of triclosan using melt processing technology. The resulting Tencel?/LMPET/TPU/Triclosan composites were characterized via different measurements; an optimal bursting strength of 86.86 N, an optimal horizontal tensile strength of 41.90 N, and an optimal stiffness along the MD and CD of 8.60 cm were recorded. Furthermore, the Tencel?/LMPET/TPU/Triclosan composites exhibited a distinct inhibition zone in the antibacterial measurement, and the hydrostatic pressure met the requirements of the EN 14126:2003 and GB 19082-200 disposable medical protective gear test standards
Asthma Therapies on Pulmonary Tuberculosis Pneumonia in Predominant Bronchiectasis-Asthma Combination
No full text[[abstract]]Background: It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between asthma and bronchiectasis as their symptoms overlap, and these two diseases are associated with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) or pneumonia. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of bronchodilator drugs, steroids, antidepressants drugs, and antianxiety drugs on the risks of PTB or pneumonia in patients with bronchiectasis-asthma combination or bronchiectasis-asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease combination-BCAS cohort. Methods: After propensity score matching, we retrospectively studied patients with BCAS (N = 620) and without BCAS (N = 2,314) through an analysis. The cumulative incidence of PTB or pneumonia was analyzed through Cox proportional regression. After adjustment for sex, age, comorbidities, and medications [including long-acting beta2 agonist/muscarinic antagonists (LABAs/LAMAs), short-acting beta2 agonist/muscarinic antagonists (SABAs/SAMAs), leukotriene receptor antagonist, montelukast, steroids (inhaled corticosteroids, ICSs; oral steroids, OSs), anti-depressants (fluoxetine), and anti-anxiety drugs (benzodiazepines, BZDs)], we calculated the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for these risks. Similar to OSs, ICSs are associated with an increased risk of PTB or pneumonia, lumping these two as steroids (ICSs/OSs). Results: For the aHR (95% CI), with non-LABAs/non-OSs as the reference 1, the use of LABAs [0.70 (0.52-0.94)]/OSs [0.35 (0.29-0.44)] was associated with a lower risk of PTB or pneumonia. However, the current use of LABAs [2.39 (1.31-4.34)]/SABAs [1.61 (1.31-1.96)], steroids [ICSs 3.23 (1.96-5.29)]/OSs 1.76 (1.45-2.14)], and BZDs [alprazolam 1.73 (1.08-2.75)/fludiazepam 7.48 (1.93-28.9)] was associated with these risks. The current use of LAMAs [0.52 (0.14-1.84)]/SAMAs [1.45 (0.99-2.11)] was not associated with these risks. Conclusion: The current use of LAMAs/SAMAs is relatively safe with respect to PTB or pneumonia risks, but LABAs/SABAs, steroids, and BZDs could be used after evaluation of the benefit for the BCAS cohort. However, we must take the possible protopathic bias into account
Quercetin Mitigates Cisplatin-Induced Oxidative Damage and Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes through Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
No full text[[abstract]]Cisplatin is massively used to treat solid tumors. However, several severe adverse effects, such as cardiotoxicity, are obstacles to its clinical application. Cardiotoxicity may lead to congestive heart failure and even sudden cardiac death in patients receiving cisplatin. Therefore, finding a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention of cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity is urgent. Quercetin is a flavonol compound that can be found in dietary fruits and vegetables. The antioxidant function and anti-inflammatory capacity of quercetin have been reported. However, whether quercetin could protect against cisplatin-caused apoptosis and cellular damage in cardiomyocytes is still unclear. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were treated with cisplatin (40 μM) for 24 h to induce cellular damage with or without quercetin pretreatment. We found that quercetin activates Nrf2 and HO-1 expression, thereby mitigating cisplatin-caused cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells. Quercetin also increases SOD levels, maintains mitochondrial function, and reduces oxidative stress under cisplatin stimulation. Quercetin attenuates cisplatin-induced apoptosis and inflammation in H9c2 cardiomyocytes; however, these cytoprotective effects were diminished by silencing Nrf2 and HO-1. In conclusion, this study reports that quercetin has the potential to antagonize cisplatin-caused cardiotoxicity by reducing ROS-mediated mitochondrial damage and inflammation via the Nrf2/HO-1 and p38MAPK/NF-[Formula: see text]Bp65/IL-8 signaling pathway. This study provided the theoretical basis and experimental proof for the clinical application of quercetin as a new effective strategy to relieve chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity
Biocompatibility and Microstructure-Based Stress Analyses of TiNbZrTa Composite Films
No full text[[abstract]]Background: the clinical application of orthopedic or dental implants improves the quality of the lives of patients. However, the long-term use of implants may lead to implant loosening and related complications. The purpose of this study is to deposit titanium (Ti)-niobium (Nb)-zirconium (Zr)-tantalum (Ta) alloys on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V to increase structural strength and biocompatibility for the possible future application of implants.
Materials and methods: Ti, Nb, Zr, and Ta served as the materials for the surface modification of the titanium alloy. TiNbZr and TiNbZrTa coatings were produced using cathodic arc evaporation, and a small amount of nitrogen was added to produce TiNbZrTa(N) film. Annealing and oxidation were then conducted to produce TiNbZrTa-O and TiNbZrTa(N)-O coatings. In this study, biological tests and finite element analyses of those five alloy films, as well as uncoated Ti-6Al-4V, were performed. Human osteosarcoma cells (MG-63) and mouse fibroblast cells (L-929) were used to analyze cytotoxicity, cell viability, and cell morphology, and the bone differentiation of MG-63 was evaluated in an alkaline phosphatase experiment. Furthermore, for measuring the gene expression level of L-929, reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted. The three-dimensional (3D) computational models of the coated and uncoated sample films were constructed using images of transmission electron microscopy and computer-aided design software and, then, the stress distributions of all models were evaluated by finite element analysis.
Result: the cytotoxicity test revealed that the surface treatment had no significant cytotoxic effects on MG-63 and L-929 cells. According to the results of the cell viability of L-929, more cell activity was observed in the surface-treated experimental group than in the control group; for MG-63, the cell viability of the coated samples was similar to that of the uncoated samples. In the cell morphology analysis, both MG-63 and L-929 exhibited attached filopodia and lamellipodia, verifying that the cells were well attached. The alkaline phosphatase experiment demonstrated that the surface treatment did not affect the characteristics of early osteogenic differentiation, whereas RT-qPCR analysis showed that surface treatment can promote better performance of L-929 cells in collagen, type I, α1, and fibronectin 1. Finally, the results of the finite element analysis revealed that the coated TiNb interlayer can effectively reduce the stress concentration inside the layered coatings.
Conclusions: TiNbZrTa series films deposited using cathodic arc evaporation had excellent biocompatibility with titanium alloys, particularly in regard to soft tissue cells, which exhibited an active performance. The finite element analysis verified that the TiNb interlayer can reduce the stress concentration inside TiNbZrTa series films, increasing their suitability for application in biomedical implants in the future
Research on a Trustworthy Digital Learning Roll Call System
No full text[[abstract]]Since the New Coronavirus Pneumonia (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019, it has seriously threatened people's health, life, and lifestyle. As a result, universities and colleges worldwide have changed their teaching methods from physical to digital teaching. However, this digital teaching model has generated many problems that have never existed before. For example, how to effectively ensure student participation in learning and monitor student attendance. In particular, the reliability of the digital roll call results has been questioned by many. In order to understand the above problems and explore ways to improve, this paper organizes and analyzes a large number of literature and research materials and attempts to propose a specification of a trusted digital learning roll call system that meets expectations. We also propose a guideline for developing and implementing the trusted digital teaching system
A study on the feasibility of bergamot peel oil-gasoline blends for spark-ignition engines
No full text[[abstract]]In this research, an ample attempt was made to make use of oil extracted from bergamot fruit peel, which can be regarded as a renewable energy source. A systematic experimental approach was adopted to evaluate the feasibility of bergamot peel oil (BGT) as a substitute for gasoline fuel in spark-ignition (SI) engine applications. The oil derived from the rinds of the bergamot fruit was blended in gasoline on a volume basis in the ratios of 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, and 40:60 and experimentally tested in a multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) installed SI engine. The fuel properties of the BGT and its blends were tested. Endoscopic visualization technique was used to analyze the spatial flame distribution on a crank angle basis for the gasoline and bergamot blends. Also, the performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of bergamot-gasoline blends were evaluated, and the results were compared with sole gasoline at various engine brake powers. The endoscopic results revealed that bergamot-gasoline blends exhibited higher flame spread than sole gasoline. The performance study revealed that the brake thermal efficiency and specific fuel consumption exhibited by bergamot-gasoline blends were almost equivalent to that of sole gasoline. The mean in-cylinder pressure was marginally higher, and peak pressure crank angle degree was slightly advanced for bergamot-gasoline blends in comparison to that of gasoline fuel. With an increasing concentration of BGT in the blend, the hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emission decreased at the expense of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Furthermore, BGT exhibits a research octane number (RON) of 80 and a calorific value comparable to that of gasoline, making it a potential candidate for SI engines. From the outcome of this study, it can be concluded that BGT could be a promising alternate biofuel for the partial replacement of gasoline in SI engines
Impact of nano-ZnO consolidated poly (ether ether sulfone) nano filtration membrane for evacuation of hazardous metal particles
No full text[[abstract]]Industrial wastewater contains heavy metals, colors, dyes, cyanides, and natural manufactured compounds are expanding around the world. It prompts extreme water shortage just as water quality issues. With enhancing worldwide interest for clean and reestablish water for human utilization. Wastewater treatment with membrane innovation is arising as a main cycle to address the issues. In this current work, we have found the expulsion of dangerous metal particles utilizing a nano-ZnO (0.5 wt%) incorporated poly (ether ether sulfone) (PEES) nanofiltration membrane. The created membranes were reviewed by ATR-FTIR, AFM, SEM investigations, XRD, contact angle estimation, mechanical properties, pure water flux, porosity and molecular weight cut-off, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrate rejection studies were illustrated. Because of the hydrophilic nature of ZnO, the resultant membranes had better hydrophilicity than PEES membranes based on porosity, water content, surface chemistry, membrane morphology, and contact angle data. The Nano-ZnO incorporated membrane demonstrated a superior quality execution contrasted with neat PEES membrane. We discovered that the rejection of As(III) and As (V) were > 85% and > 98% separately, and an expanded permeability of 559.28 ± 2 Lm?2 h?1 and 297.95 ± 2 Lm?2 h?1 individually was seen at pH 10. Fluoride and nitrate particles additionally indicated the most extreme expulsion efficiencies were > 89% and > 75% separately. The prepared membrane samples were incubated in water (40 °C) and sodium hypochlorite solution (active chlorine concentration 400 mg/L) for up to 10 days to determine the stability of polymer membrane matrix. The general outcomes inferred that the nano-ZnO incorporated PEES membrane gave remarkable result to eliminate dangerous metal ions with moderate permeability
The pharmaceutical potential of crude ethanol leaf extract of Pedalium murex (L.)
No full text[[abstract]]The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial competence of various solvent leaf extracts of Pedalium murex against bacteria that cause skin infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, (folliculitis), Streptococcus pyogenes (impetigo), and Corynebacterium sp. (pitted keratolysis). The presence of phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity on the Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK 293) cell line were also studied. The ethanol extract contained more phytochemical ingredients (saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, quinones, and betacyanin) than the other extracts. An increased concentration of ethanol extract demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity (zone of inhibition) against bacteria such as S. aureus, S. pyogenes, and Corynebacterium sp. and it followed by methanol extract. This is the first report on the antibacterial activity of an ethanol extract of P. murex against bacteria that cause skin infections. The average minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of ethanol extract was found as 13.64?mg?mL?1. In the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl free radical scavenging assay, the crude ethanol (87.25 and 83.24 % respectively) and methanol extracts (81.41% and 78.39% respectively) showed excellent antioxidant activity. The cytotoxicity study (4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT assay) revealed that the crude ethanol extract of P. murex effectively supported the proliferation of HEK 293 cell line with the absence of considerable number of cell death even at 500?mg?mL?1. The findings concluded that the components present in the ethanol extract could be used in drug formulations to combat bacteria that cause skin infections without causing side effects
Contribution of 5-methyltetrahydrogolate-homocysteine methyltransferase reductase genotypes to colorectal cancer in Taiwan
No full text[[abstract]]Background/Aim: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in inflammation and carcinogenesis, but the genotypic role of MMP-7 has never been investigated in colorectal cancer (CRC) among the Taiwanese. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the contribution of MMP-7 genotypes to the risk of CRC in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, MMP-7 A-181G and C-153T promoter genotypes were determined and their association with CRC risk were investigated among 362 CRC patients and 362 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. In addition, the interaction of MMP-7 genotypes and personal behaviors were also examined. Results: The percentages of variant AG and GG for MMP-7 A-181G genotypes were 10.5% and 1.7% in the CRC group and 11.9% and 2.2% in the control group, respectively (p for trend=0.7145). The allelic frequency distribution analysis showed that the variant G allele of MMP-7 A-181G conferred a slight but non-significant decreased CRC susceptibility to the wild-type C allele (odds ratio (OR)=0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.64-1.31, p=0.37). Taiwanese all harbour the CC genotype at MMP-7 C-153T. As for the gene–lifestyle interaction, there were no obvious joint effects of MMP-7 A-181G genotype on the risk of CRC among ever smoker, alcohol drinker, non-smoker or non-drinker subgroups. No statistically significant correlation was observed between MMP-7 A-181G genotypic distributions and age, gender, tumor size, location or metastasis status. Conclusion: The genotypes of MMP-7 A-181G may play an indirect role in determining personal susceptibility to CRC and prognosis. The further genotyping work on MMP-7 and other genes (such as other MMPs, oncogenes and tumor suppression genes) on CRC susceptibility and prognosis, should be taken into consideration spontaneously in the precision medicine era
Current smoking related COPD or COPD with acute exacerbation is associated with poorer survival following oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma surgery
No full text[[abstract]]Background: The survival effect of smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COPD with acute exacerbation (COPDAE) before surgery on patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is unclear.
Methods: Using the Taiwan Cancer Registry Database, we enrolled patients with OCSCC (pathologic stages I-IVB) receiving surgery. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze all-cause mortality. We categorized the patients into 2 groups by using propensity score matching based on the pre-existing COPD status (?1 year before surgery) to compare overall survival outcomes: Group 1 (never smokers without COPD) and Group 2 (current smokers with COPD).
Results: In multivariate Cox regression analyses, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of all-cause mortality in Group 2 compared with Group 1 was 1.07 (1.02-1.16, P = 0.041). The aHR (95% CIs) of all-cause mortality for ?1 hospitalizations for COPDAE within 1 year before surgery for patients with OCSCC was 1.31 (1.02-1.64; P = 0.011) compared with no COPDAE in patients with OCSCC receiving surgery. Among patients with OCSCC undergoing curative surgery, current smokers with smoking-related COPD demonstrated poorer survival outcomes than did nonsmokers without COPD, for both OCSCC death and all-cause mortality. Hospitalization for COPDAE within 1 year before surgery was found to be an independent risk factor for overall survival in these patients with OCSCC.
Conclusion: Prevention of COPD progression to COPDAE may lead to an increase in overall survival in patients with OCSCC receiving curative surgery