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Cellulose-Based Metallogels—Part 2: Physico-Chemical Properties and Biological Stability
Get PDFMetallogels represent a class of composite materials in which a metal can be a part of the gel network as a coordinated ion, act as a cross-linker, or be incorporated as metal nanoparticles in the gel matrix. Cellulose is a natural polymer that has a set of beneficial ecological, economic, and other properties that make it sustainable: wide availability, renewability of raw materials, low-cost, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. That is why metallogels based on cellulose hydrogels and additionally enriched with new properties delivered by metals offer exciting opportunities for advanced biomaterials. Cellulosic metallogels can be either transparent or opaque, which is determined by the nature of the raw materials for the hydrogel and the metal content in the metallogel. They also exhibit a variety of colors depending on the type of metal or its compounds. Due to the introduction of metals, the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and swelling ability of cellulosic materials are improved; however, in certain conditions, metal nanoparticles can deteriorate these characteristics. The embedding of metal into the hydrogel generally does not alter the supramolecular structure of the cellulose matrix, but the crystallinity index changes after decoration with metal particles. Metallogels containing silver (0), gold (0), and Zn(II) reveal antimicrobial and antiviral properties; in some cases, promotion of cell activity and proliferation are reported. The pore system of cellulose-based metallogels allows for a prolonged biocidal effect. Thus, the incorporation of metals into cellulose-based gels introduces unique properties and functionalities of this material
Research on the species of hexapodes existing in potato crops
No full textTo collect the material, were used Barber soil traps of the wet type, in which a 20% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution was placed. There were used 3 variants, each with 6 repetitions, as follows:V1, in which treatments were applied against pests, with products approved for organic agriculture; V2, in which treatments were applied against pathogens and pests in conventional agriculture; V3, in which no pest control treatment was applied. Collections of the captured material were made during the months of June, July and the first decade of August. The insect species collected belong to the following orders: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, Homoptera, Heteroptera, etc
Researches regarding the paraclinical correlations between urinalysis and water intake in cats with feline urologic syndrome
Get PDFThe research aimed the direct correlations between the water composition and feline urological syndrome prognosis.
The study was conducted on 60 patients aged between 1 and 10 years divided into two batches of 30 each. The first
batch (LOT1) was represented by 30 oliguric patients, with a value of urinary specific gravity (USG) >1.055, an acidic
pH and a urinary protein/creatinine ratio (UPC) >0.2, and the second batch (LOT2) was represented by 30 polyuric
patients, with a urinary specific gravity (USG) <1.035, a neutral or alkaline pH and a urinary protein/creatinine ratio
(UPC) <0.2 or borderline (0.2-0.4). In the first batch (LOT1), alkaline water without sodium and potassium, was
administered. The water was based on a salt-free formula with a pH of 8.0 and 10 ppm of potassium. In the second
batch (LOT2), a neutral water with potassium was used. The water was based on a formula with salts (magnesium
citrate, calcium acetate and sodium bicarbonate), with a pH of 7.0 and 12.5 ppm potassium. In both batches, the
evaluation of the USG, the pH and the UPC was carried out for 180 days, at 30, 90 and 180 days. Hydration is an
essential component in the management of patients diagnosed with feline urological syndrome. Administering an
alkaline hydric diet in patients with aciduria is a solution to counteract the effect of metabolism on urinary pH.
Potassium supplementation in polyuric patients is a beneficial solution in hypokalemia therapy. Potassium restriction in
oliguric patients is a beneficial solution in the therapy of hyperkalemia
The study of the effectiveness of the cross-compliance in ensuring the protection of water and soil quality in the Brailei Plain
No full textStructure-Bioactivity Relationship of the Functionalized Polysulfone with Triethylphosphonium Pendant Groups: Perspective for Biomedical Applications
No full textDevelopment of new biomaterials based on polysulfones tailored to act in various biomedical fields represents a promising strategy which provides an opportunity for enhancing the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of specific illnesses. To meet these requirements, structural modification of the polysulfones is essential. In this context, for design of new materials with long-term stability, enhanced workability, compatibility with biological materials and good antimicrobial activity, the functionalization of chloromethylated polysulfones with triethylphosphonium pendant groups (PSFEtP+) was adopted. The surface chemistry analysis (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)), rheological properties, morphological aspects (Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polarized light microscopy (POM)), and antimicrobial activity of the synthetized polysulfone were investigated to establish the relationship between its structure and properties, as an important indicator for targeted applications. Based on the obtained features, evaluated by the relationship between the rheological properties and microstructural aspects, and also the response at the biomaterial-bacteria interface, these qualities have been confirmed in their performance, in terms of thermal stability, antimicrobial activity, and also an increase in lifetime. Consequently, derived results constitute the preliminary basis for future tests concerning their functionality as gel matrices in biomedical devices
Detection of beta-lactam residues in environmental and drinking water by immunoenzymatic assay
Get PDFIn recent decades, concern over emerging organic contaminants in the environment has grown considerably because of
their potentially harmful effects on organisms and ecosystems. These synthetic compounds are widely used in modern
life-style and due to improvements in analytical technologies, we are now able to identify and quantify them even in
small concentrations. One of the most important pharmaceutical contaminants is antibiotics, of which more than half
belong to the class of beta-lactams. This research aimed to determine the beta-lactam antibiotics residues in surface
water (rivers) and groundwater, which serve as public or private sources of drinking water, as well as in urban
wastewater. The samples were collected from different places throughout the Western part of Romania and analyzed
using commercially available ELISA kits for the detection of beta-lactams in liquid samples. The results show that betalactam
antibiotics are ubiquitous in all categories of water and establish the ELISA method as an acceptable screening
tool for antibiotic residues
Research Progress of Titanium-Based Alloys for Medical Devices
No full textBiomaterials are currently a unique class of materials that are essential to improving the standard of human life and extending it. In the assent of the appearance of biomaterials that contain non-toxic elements, in this study, we examine a system of Ti25Mo7Zr15TaxSi (x = 0, 0.5, 0.75, 1 wt.%) for future medical applications. The alloys were developed in a vacuum electric arc furnace and then studied from a structural, mechanical and in vivo assessment (on rabbits) perspective. The effect of the silicon addition was clearly seen in both the structural and the mechanical characteristics, standing out as beta alloys with a dendritic structure and lowering the mechanical properties as a result of the silicon addition. In experimental rabbits, the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells was observed in the periosteum and peri-implant area, differentiating into osteoblasts and then into osteocytes. Osteoclasts were discovered within the cartilaginous islands that provide structural support to newly formed bone, playing a primary role in bone remodeling. The newly formed spongy tissue adhered to the fibrous capsule that surrounds the alloy, ensuring good osseointegration of metallic implants. The overexpression of Osteopontin, Metalloproteinase-2 (also known as gelatinase A), and Metallopeptidase-9 (also known as gelatinase B) underscores the processes of osteogenesis, bone mineralization, and normal bone remodeling
Optimal management approaches for key factors in sustainable agriculture
Get PDFThe importance of sustainable agricultural development has started to be acknowledged in Romania as well, following
the identification of various pollution sources and the restrictions affecting industrial and agricultural pollution, from
both economic and ecological perspectives. Sustainable development signifies the necessity of raising awareness about
environmental protection and educating the population, and this aspect is mirrored in the evolution of communal
policies in recent years. These policies have transitioned from an approach based on constraints and sanctions to a
higher level of flexibility, grounded in incentives. The purpose of this paper is to provide recommendations for
enhancing the existing policy by evaluating economic incentives aimed at encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable
farming systems. These systems should support a viable, sustainable agriculture capable of employing the latest
technologies, leading to profitability, efficiency, and economic and organizational consolidation. In recent times,
Romania has come to appreciate the critical role that sustainable agricultural practices play in safeguarding both the
environment and the economy. The acknowledgment of various pollution sources, encompassing both industrial and
agricultural sectors, has prompted a reevaluation of traditional practices in favor of more environmentally conscious
approaches. Sustainable agriculture is essential to meet the world's growing food demand while mitigating
environmental challenges. To achieve this balance, efficient management of key factors in agriculture is imperative.
This paper explores optimal management approaches for several critical factors in sustainable agriculture, including soil
health, water resources, biodiversity, and pest control. The integration of innovative techniques, precision agriculture,
and policy support is vital for achieving sustainability goals
Real-time feedback and education: management key to reducing contamination in home recycling waste
No full textWaste recycling has evolved into an essential component of sustainable living, with the goal of reducing the strain on landfills and preserving our planet's resources. However, fractional contamination is a constant issue that impedes the efficacy of recycling activities. When different types of waste materials are poorly combined, it becomes difficult to separate and recycle them efficiently. In the present study, we aimed the degree of awareness and improvement of the selective sorting of some factions of household waste, through minimal, indirect video monitoring and feedback, in three areas, two urban and one rural, from the city and county of Iasi. These areas are different at least from the point of view of the degree of general education. Our obtained data undoubtedly demonstrate that a minimum and non-specific monitorization, together with almost instant feedback, induced a dramatic change in the behavior of residents, even those less educated in terms of waste recycling. The fractions contamination was drastically reduced in all areas, but extremely evident in rural areas. Thus, the results emphasize the necessity of waste management education (awareness) and the need for proactive efforts to combat fractions contamination
Animal models for CCHFV and BSL-2, BSL-3 surrogate models
Get PDFCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an important tick-borne human pathogen endemic throughout
Asia, Africa and Europe. The pathogenic mechanisms of CCHF are poorly understood, largely due to the dearth of
animal models. However, several important animal models have been recently described, including novel murine
models and a non-human primate model. This review, we examine the current knowledge of CCHF-mediated
pathogenesis and describe how animal models are helping elucidate the molecular and cellular determinants of disease.
This information should serve as a reference for those interested in CCHFV animal models and their utility for
evaluation of medical countermeasures and in the study of pathogenesis