Thermal and fire behavior of a bio-based epoxy/silica hybrid cured with methyl nadic anhydride

Thermosetting polymers have been widely used in many industrial applications as adhesives, coatings and laminated materials, among others. Recently, bisphenol A (BPA) has been banned as raw material for polymeric products, due to its harmful impact on human health. On the other hand, the use of aromatic amines as curing agents confers excellent thermal, mechanical and flame retardant properties to the final product, although they are toxic and subject to governmental restrictions. In this context, sugar-derived diepoxy monomers and anhydrides represent a sustainable greener alternative to BPA and aromatic amines. Herein, we report an “in-situ” sol–gel synthesis, using as precursors tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTS) to obtain bio-based epoxy/silica composites; in a first step, the APTS was left to react with 2,5-bis[(oxyran-2-ylmethoxy)methyl]furan (BOMF) or diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) monomers, and silica particles were generated in the epoxy in a second step; both systems were cured with methyl nadic anhydride (MNA). Morphological investigation of the composites through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that the hybrid strategy allows a very fine distribution of silica nanoparticles (at nanometric level) to be achieved within a hybrid network structure for both the diepoxy monomers. Concerning the fire behavior, as assessed in vertical flame spread tests, the use of anhydride curing agent prevented melt dripping phenomena and provided high char-forming character to the bio-based epoxy systems and their phenyl analog. In addition, forced combustion tests showed that the use of anhydride hardener instead of aliphatic polyamine results in a remarkable decrease of heat release rate. An overall decrease of the smoke parameters, which is highly desirable in a context of greater fire safety was observed in the case of BOMF/MNA system. The experimental results suggest that the eect of silica nanoparticles on fire behavior appears to be related to their dispersion degree

PPARγ Pro12Ala and ACE ID polymorphisms are associated with BMI and fat distribution, but not metabolic syndrome

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) results from the combined effect of environmental and genetic factors. We investigated the possible association of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 (PPARγ2) Pro12Ala and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphisms with MetS and interaction between these genetic variants.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Three hundred sixty four unrelated Caucasian subjects were enrolled. Waist circumference, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Body composition was estimated by impedance analysis; MetS was diagnosed by the NCEP-ATPIII criteria. A fasting blood sample was obtained for glucose, insulin, lipid profile determination, and DNA isolation for genotyping.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of MetS did not differ across PPARγ2 or ACE polymorphisms. Carriers of PPARγ2 Ala allele had higher BMI and fat-mass but lower systolic blood pressure compared with Pro/Pro homozygotes. A significant PPARγ2 gene-gender interaction was observed in the modulation of BMI, fat mass, and blood pressure, with significant associations found in women only. A PPARγ2-ACE risk genotype combination for BMI and fat mass was found, with ACE DD/PPARγ2 Ala subjects having a higher BMI (p = 0.002) and Fat Mass (p = 0.002). Pro12Ala was independently associated with waist circumference independent of BMI and gender.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Carriers of PPARγ2 Ala allele had higher BMI and fat-mass but not a worse metabolic profile, possibly because of a more favorable adipose tissue distribution. A gene interaction exists between Pro12Ala and ACE I/D on BMI and fat mass. Further studies are needed to assess the contribution of Pro12Ala polymorphism in adiposity distribution.</p

Diagnostic and prognostic microRNAs in the serum of breast cancer patients measured by droplet digital PCR

Background: Breast cancer circulating biomarkers include carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 15-3, which are used for patient follow-up. Since sensitivity and specificity are low, novel and more useful biomarkers are needed. The presence of stable circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum or plasma suggested a promising role for these tiny RNAs as cancer biomarkers. To acquire an absolute concentration of circulating miRNAs and reduce the impact of preanalytical and analytical variables, we used the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technique. Results: We investigated a panel of five miRNAs in the sera of two independent cohorts of breast cancer patients and disease-free controls. The study showed that miR-148b-3p and miR-652-3p levels were significantly lower in the serum of breast cancer patients than that in controls in both cohorts. For these two miRNAs, the stratification of breast cancer patients versus controls was confirmed by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. In addition, we showed that higher levels of serum miR-10b-5p were associated with clinicobiological markers of poor prognosis. Conclusions: The study revealed the usefulness of the ddPCR approach for the quantification of circulating miRNAs. The use of the ddPCR quantitative approach revealed very good agreement between two independent cohorts in terms of comparable absolute miRNA concentrations and consistent trends of dysregulation in breast cancer patients versus controls. Overall, this study supports the use of the quantitative ddPCR approach for monitoring the absolute levels of diagnostic and prognostic tumor-specific circulating miRNAs

Oral Microbiome Dysbiosis Is Associated With Symptoms Severity and Local Immune/Inflammatory Response in COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

The human oral microbiome (HOM) is the second largest microbial community after the gut and can impact the onset and progression of several localized and systemic diseases, including those of viral origin, especially for viruses entering the body via the oropharynx. However, this important aspect has not been clarified for the new pandemic human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, causing COVID-19 disease, despite it being one of the many respiratory viruses having the oropharynx as the primary site of replication. In particular, no data are available about the non-bacterial components of the HOM (fungi, viruses), which instead has been shown to be crucial for other diseases. Consistent with this, this study aimed to define the HOM in COVID-19 patients, to evidence any association between its profile and the clinical disease. Seventy-five oral rinse samples were analyzed by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to simultaneously identify oral bacteria, fungi, and viruses. To correlate the HOM profile with local virus replication, the SARS-CoV-2 amount in the oral cavity was quantified by digital droplet PCR. Moreover, local inflammation and secretory immune response were also assessed, respectively by measuring the local release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (L-6, IL-17, TNFα, and GM-CSF) and the production of secretory immunoglobulins A (sIgA). The results showed the presence of oral dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients compared to matched controls, with significantly decreased alpha-diversity value and lower species richness in COVID-19 subjects. Notably, oral dysbiosis correlated with symptom severity (p = 0.006), and increased local inflammation (p &lt; 0.01). In parallel, a decreased mucosal sIgA response was observed in more severely symptomatic patients (p = 0.02), suggesting that local immune response is important in the early control of virus infection and that its correct development is influenced by the HOM profile. In conclusion, the data presented here suggest that the HOM profile may be important in defining the individual susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, facilitating inflammation and virus replication, or rather, inducing a protective IgA response. Although it is not possible to determine whether the alteration in the microbial community is the cause or effect of the SARS-CoV-2 replication, these parameters may be considered as markers for personalized therapy and vaccine development

Influenza vaccination coverage among medical residents: An Italian multicenter survey

Although influenza vaccination is recognized to be safe and effective, recent studies have confirmed that immunization coverage among health care workers remain generally low, especially among medical residents (MRs). Aim of the present multicenter study was to investigate attitudes and determinants associated with acceptance of influenza vaccination among Italian MRs. A survey was performed in 2012 on MRs attending post-graduate schools of 18 Italian Universities. Each participant was interviewed via an anonymous, self-administered, web-based questionnaire including questions on attitudes regarding influenza vaccination. A total of 2506 MRs were recruited in the survey and 299 (11.9%) of these stated they had accepted influenza vaccination in 2011-2012 season. Vaccinated MRs were older (P = 0.006), working in clinical settings (P = 0.048), and vaccinated in the 2 previous seasons (P < 0.001 in both seasons). Moreover, MRs who had recommended influenza vaccination to their patients were significantly more compliant with influenza vaccination uptake in 2011-2012 season (P < 0.001). "To avoid spreading influenza among patients" was recognized as the main reason for accepting vaccination by less than 15% of vaccinated MRs. Italian MRs seem to have a very low compliance with influenza vaccination and they seem to accept influenza vaccination as a habit that is unrelated to professional and ethical responsibility. Otherwise, residents who refuse vaccination in the previous seasons usually maintain their behaviors. Promoting correct attitudes and good practice in order to improve the influenza immunization rates of MRs could represent a decisive goal for increasing immunization coverage among health care workers of the future. © 2014 Landes Bioscience

IN "POLPO ... SITION" E ALTRI BREVI RACCONTI

Assalito dalla felicità corsi al mare, guardai l’acqua e fui preso da una forza, non mia, non umana che mi trascinò in acqua. Lì venni rapito da fantastiche sensazioni, l’adrenalina salì a mille, vidi un enorme creatura che suscitò in me delle emozioni mai provate prima, si era avvicinata talmente tanto che stava per toccarmi e, appena lo fece, il mio corpo si illuminò magicamente, le mie mani iniziarono pian piano ad assottigliarsi, il mio petto diventava sempre più piccolo e tondo e da lì a poco, ero diventato un polpo

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Characterization of commercial aluminum hydroxides and oxides by optical-electronic methods

A tese proposta teve por objetivo caracterizar óxidos e hidróxidos de alumínio sintéticos comerciais por métodos óptico-eletrônicos ( microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de transmissão, difração de elétrons, microanálise por espectrometria dispersiva em comprimento de onda e por espectrometria dispersiva em energia), além da difração de raios-X e análise térmica diferencial. Os quatro hidróxidos de alumínio estudados foram gibsitas, de fórmula química Al(OH) IND.3 , três dos quais sintetizados industrialmente pelo processo Bayer ( cujo recursor é o aluminato de sódio) e o outro resultante do processo Weiser, de laboratório (com o aluminato de potássio como precursor ). Os onze óxidos de alumínio, ou aluminas (de fórmula química Al IND.2 0IND. 3 ), estudados foram sintetizados por vários processos: baixa e alta calcinação, redução aluminotérmica, calcinação de alumen de amônio e eletrofusão; variando no teor de sódio presente. No caso desta Tese, a microscopia eletrônica de varredura permitiu uma descrição morfológica dos materiais analisados e, quando acoplada à microanálise de raios-X, permitiu uma análise química elementar. A microscopia eletrônica de transmissão possibilitou uma descrição da morfologia da fração de dimensões coloidais; sendo, também, utilizado como câmara de difração para a identificação cristalográfica das amostras. Os melhores dados de composição quantitativos foram obtidos por microanálise, através de espectrometria dispersiva em energia obtidos em EDS/MEA. A difração de raios-X possibilitou a identificação dos compostos cristalinos presentes nas amostras; enquanto a análise térmica diferencial forneceu dados sobre reações exotérmicas e endotérmicas que as amostras sofrem durante o aquecimento, que transforma a gibsita nas aluminas de transição e alumina-alfa. O microscópio analítico, que permite imagens morfológicas assim como informações sobre a estrutura cristalina e a composição química elementar, firmou-se como a mais poderosa ferramenta de caracterização para uma indústria dedicada à produção de hidróxidos e óxidos de alumínio.The aim of the present Thesis was the characterization of commercial synthetic aluminum hydroxides and oxides by electron-optical methods (scanning and transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, energy dispersive spectrometry and wavelength dispersive spectrometry) besides X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis. The four aluminum hydroxides studied were gibbsite (Al(OH)3), three of which were sythetized by the Bayer process ( sodium aluminate as precursor ) and the other resulting from the Weiser process ( potassium aluminate as precursor). The eleven aluminum oxides or aluminas (Al203) were synthetized by several processes: low and high calcination aluminothermic redution, amonium alum calcination and electromelting; all of them with varying sodium content. In this Thesis the scanning electron microscoy allowed a morphological description of the samples, and when associated to X-ray microanalysis allowed an elemental chemical analysis. The transmission electron microscopy allowed a morphological descripition of the coloidal dimensions fraction; it was also used as a diffraction camera for crystallographic identification. The better quantitative analysis results were obtained by X-ray microanalysis using EDS/ AEM. The X-ray diffraction allowed the identification of crystalline compounds; the differential thermal analysis gave data about the exo and endothermical reactions suffered by the gibbsite, by the transition aluminas and by the alpha-alumina. The analytical microscope, wbich allowed morpbological images as well as information about the crystalline structure and the elemental cbemical composition, was established as the most powerful tool for the cbaracterization in an industry dedicated to the production of aluminum hydroxides and oxides

Characterization of commercial aluminum hydroxides and oxides by optical-electronic methods

A tese proposta teve por objetivo caracterizar óxidos e hidróxidos de alumínio sintéticos comerciais por métodos óptico-eletrônicos ( microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de transmissão, difração de elétrons, microanálise por espectrometria dispersiva em comprimento de onda e por espectrometria dispersiva em energia), além da difração de raios-X e análise térmica diferencial. Os quatro hidróxidos de alumínio estudados foram gibsitas, de fórmula química Al(OH) IND.3 , três dos quais sintetizados industrialmente pelo processo Bayer ( cujo recursor é o aluminato de sódio) e o outro resultante do processo Weiser, de laboratório (com o aluminato de potássio como precursor ). Os onze óxidos de alumínio, ou aluminas (de fórmula química Al IND.2 0IND. 3 ), estudados foram sintetizados por vários processos: baixa e alta calcinação, redução aluminotérmica, calcinação de alumen de amônio e eletrofusão; variando no teor de sódio presente. No caso desta Tese, a microscopia eletrônica de varredura permitiu uma descrição morfológica dos materiais analisados e, quando acoplada à microanálise de raios-X, permitiu uma análise química elementar. A microscopia eletrônica de transmissão possibilitou uma descrição da morfologia da fração de dimensões coloidais; sendo, também, utilizado como câmara de difração para a identificação cristalográfica das amostras. Os melhores dados de composição quantitativos foram obtidos por microanálise, através de espectrometria dispersiva em energia obtidos em EDS/MEA. A difração de raios-X possibilitou a identificação dos compostos cristalinos presentes nas amostras; enquanto a análise térmica diferencial forneceu dados sobre reações exotérmicas e endotérmicas que as amostras sofrem durante o aquecimento, que transforma a gibsita nas aluminas de transição e alumina-alfa. O microscópio analítico, que permite imagens morfológicas assim como informações sobre a estrutura cristalina e a composição química elementar, firmou-se como a mais poderosa ferramenta de caracterização para uma indústria dedicada à produção de hidróxidos e óxidos de alumínio.The aim of the present Thesis was the characterization of commercial synthetic aluminum hydroxides and oxides by electron-optical methods (scanning and transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, energy dispersive spectrometry and wavelength dispersive spectrometry) besides X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis. The four aluminum hydroxides studied were gibbsite (Al(OH)3), three of which were sythetized by the Bayer process ( sodium aluminate as precursor ) and the other resulting from the Weiser process ( potassium aluminate as precursor). The eleven aluminum oxides or aluminas (Al203) were synthetized by several processes: low and high calcination aluminothermic redution, amonium alum calcination and electromelting; all of them with varying sodium content. In this Thesis the scanning electron microscoy allowed a morphological description of the samples, and when associated to X-ray microanalysis allowed an elemental chemical analysis. The transmission electron microscopy allowed a morphological descripition of the coloidal dimensions fraction; it was also used as a diffraction camera for crystallographic identification. The better quantitative analysis results were obtained by X-ray microanalysis using EDS/ AEM. The X-ray diffraction allowed the identification of crystalline compounds; the differential thermal analysis gave data about the exo and endothermical reactions suffered by the gibbsite, by the transition aluminas and by the alpha-alumina. The analytical microscope, wbich allowed morpbological images as well as information about the crystalline structure and the elemental cbemical composition, was established as the most powerful tool for the cbaracterization in an industry dedicated to the production of aluminum hydroxides and oxides