Graphene Coating Obtained in a Cold Wall CVD Process on the Co Cr Alloy L 605 for Medical Applications

Graphene coating on the cobalt chromium alloy was optimized and successfully carried out by a cold wall chemical vapor deposition CW CVD method. A uniform layer of graphene for a large area of the Co Cr alloy discs of 10 mm diameter was confirmed by Raman mapping coated area and analyzing specific G and 2D bands; in particular, the intensity ratio and the number of layers were calculated. The effect of the CW CVD process on the microstructure and the morphology of the Co Cr surface was investigated by scanning X ray photoelectron microscope SPEM , atomic force microscopy AFM , scanning electron microscopy SEM , and energy dispersive X ray spectroscopy EDS . Nanoindentation and scratch tests were performed to determine mechanical properties of Co Cr disks. The results of microbiological tests indicate that the studied Co Cr alloys covered with a graphene layer did not show a pro coagulant effect. The obtained results confirm the possibility of using the developed coating method in medical applications, in particular in the field of cardiovascular disease

Application of whey of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana fermented by lactic acid bacteria as a bread biopreservative agent

A total of nine isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from tomato and sourdough with antifungal activity were employed to revaluate the whey of Mozzarella di Bufala through the fermentation process for 72 h at 37 °C. Then, the fermented whey (BWF) was characterised and used as biopreservative in bread formulation. L. plantarum TR7 and L. plantarum TR2 strains showed average lactic acid concentration in BWF of 13.8 g L 1. Also, the bread volatile organic compounds (VOC) analysis showed an increase in hexanal, benzeneacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde and pyrazine tetramethyl when using BWF as ingredient. Moreover, the DPPH-inhibitory activity of bread with BWF extract also reflected a 33% rise in comparison with control bread. The application of BWF as a biopreservation agent in bread showed an increase in shelf life compared with bread with 0.3% calcium propionate and bread control for 2 and 15 days, respectively. BWF can be used as an interesting biopreservation strategy of bread

Comparative effectiveness of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant vs fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab in highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Importance: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) is available for treatment of highly active multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To compare the effectiveness of AHSCT vs fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab in relapsing-remitting MS by emulating pairwise trials. Design, Setting, and Participants: This comparative treatment effectiveness study included 6 specialist MS centers with AHSCT programs and international MSBase registry between 2006 and 2021. The study included patients with relapsing-remitting MS treated with AHSCT, fingolimod, natalizumab, or ocrelizumab with 2 or more years study follow-up including 2 or more disability assessments. Patients were matched on a propensity score derived from clinical and demographic characteristics. Exposure: AHSCT vs fingolimod, natalizumab, or ocrelizumab. Main outcomes: Pairwise-censored groups were compared on annualized relapse rates (ARR) and freedom from relapses and 6-month confirmed Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score worsening and improvement. Results: Of 4915 individuals, 167 were treated with AHSCT; 2558, fingolimod; 1490, natalizumab; and 700, ocrelizumab. The prematch AHSCT cohort was younger and with greater disability than the fingolimod, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab cohorts; the matched groups were closely aligned. The proportion of women ranged from 65% to 70%, and the mean (SD) age ranged from 35.3 (9.4) to 37.1 (10.6) years. The mean (SD) disease duration ranged from 7.9 (5.6) to 8.7 (5.4) years, EDSS score ranged from 3.5 (1.6) to 3.9 (1.9), and frequency of relapses ranged from 0.77 (0.94) to 0.86 (0.89) in the preceding year. Compared with the fingolimod group (769 [30.0%]), AHSCT (144 [86.2%]) was associated with fewer relapses (ARR: mean [SD], 0.09 [0.30] vs 0.20 [0.44]), similar risk of disability worsening (hazard ratio [HR], 1.70; 95% CI, 0.91-3.17), and higher chance of disability improvement (HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.71-4.26) over 5 years. Compared with natalizumab (730 [49.0%]), AHSCT (146 [87.4%]) was associated with marginally lower ARR (mean [SD], 0.08 [0.31] vs 0.10 [0.34]), similar risk of disability worsening (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.54-2.09), and higher chance of disability improvement (HR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.72-4.18) over 5 years. AHSCT (110 [65.9%]) and ocrelizumab (343 [49.0%]) were associated with similar ARR (mean [SD], 0.09 [0.34] vs 0.06 [0.32]), disability worsening (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.61-5.08), and disability improvement (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.66-2.82) over 3 years. AHSCT-related mortality occurred in 1 of 159 patients (0.6%). Conclusion: In this study, the association of AHSCT with preventing relapses and facilitating recovery from disability was considerably superior to fingolimod and marginally superior to natalizumab. This study did not find evidence for difference in the effectiveness of AHSCT and ocrelizumab over a shorter available follow-up time

Morphology and properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) filled with mesoporous silica (MCM-41) prepared by melt compounding

This paper reports on the morphologies of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/mesoporous silica (MCM-41) composites prepared by melt compounding with various MCM-41 contents in the range of 0.1–5 wt%, the interactions between the polymer and filler in these composites, and their thermomechanical, mechanical and thermal degradation properties. The composites formed transparent films at low filler loadings (\0.5 wt%) because of well-dispersed, unagglomerated particles. The presence of polymer did not alter the pore dimensions in the MCM-41 structure and it maintained its hexagonal structure, even though the polymer chains partially penetrated the pores during composite preparation. The PMMA interacted with the MCM-41 through hydrogen bonding. The glass transition temperature, as well as storage and loss modulus of PMMA increased with addition of, and increase in the amount of, MCM-41 due to the interaction of the polymer chains with the porous filler which restricted the mobility of the polymer chains and increased the stiffness of the composites. The thermal stability of PMMA apparently increased in the presence of MCM-41, although this observation probably was the result of delayed mass loss because of the trapping of volatile degradation products in the pores of MCM-41. The presence of MCM-41, up to 1.0 wt%, increased the impact strength of PMMA.The National Research Foundation of South Africa is acknowledged for providing the bursary funding which enabled the student to do the research presented in this paper. The University of Palermo supported this research through the CORI2013 (Bando per la concessione di contribute per l’avvio e lo sviluppo di collaborazioni dell’Ateneo 2013-Azione D—prot 32827 del 2/5/2013). NMR and TEM experimental data were provided by Centro Grandi Apparecchiature-UniNetLab-Universita` di Palermo funded by P.O.R. Sicilia 2000–2006, Misura 3.15 Azione C Quota Regionale

Assessment of protection treatments for carbonatic stone using nanocomposite coatings

In this paper the effect of the application of four kinds of polymer dispersions containing nanoparticles, used as protectives, on two type of carbonatic lithotypes, White Noto and Comiso stone, is reported. The study was conducted by analysing the contribution of each component of the system. After the structural characterization of the coating itself, the performance of those colloidal systems has been studied upon application on the calcarenites, preferring non-invasive techniques and microdestructive techniques. Effect of the nanoparticles presence on hydrorepellency and roughness of the stone surface and on chromatic changes has also been considered. The tests conducted have proven that although some of the formulations present some issues for their usage on White Noto stone, all four formulations induce an effective waterproofing action on Comiso stones, even in presence of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles

Assessment of protection treatments for carbonatic stone using nanocomposite coatings

In this paper the effect of the application of four kinds of polymer dispersions containing nanoparticles, used as protectives, on two type of carbonatic lithotypes, White Noto and Comiso stone, is reported. The study was conducted by analysing the contribution of each component of the system. After the structural characterization of the coating itself, the performance of those colloidal systems has been studied upon application on the calcarenites, preferring non-invasive techniques and microdestructive techniques. Effect of the nanoparticles presence on hydrorepellency and roughness of the stone surface and on chromatic changes has also been considered. The tests conducted have proven that although some of the formulations present some issues for their usage on White Noto stone, all four formulations induce an effective waterproofing action on Comiso stones, even in presence of TiO and SiO nanoparticles.This work has been developed at the University of Palermo during the project “Development and Application of Innovative Materials and processes for the diagnosis and restoration of Cultural Heritage – DELIAS” – PON03PE_00214_2 (Programma Operativo Nazionale Ricerca e Competitività 2007-2013), and at the Petrophysics Laboratory of the Institute of Geosciences (Spanish Research Council CSIC and Complutense University of Madrid UCM) in which V.R. performed a 4 month-internship

Particle size-related limitations of persistent phosphors based on the doped Y3Al2Ga3O12 system

Co-doped Ce3+, Cr3+ and Pr3+ yttrium\u2013aluminium\u2013gallium garnet powders of various sizes were obtained by co-precipitation method. The microstructure and morphology were investigated by XRPD, TEM and gas porosimetry. The luminescence properties were studied by excitation and emission spectra, quantum yield and decay times. Thermoluminescence measurements were performed to evaluate the activation energy, traps redistribution and frequency factor. Limitation in the energy transfer between dopant ions in the small particles, traps depth and surface defects were considered and investigated as responsible for the quenching of persistent luminescence. The phosphors annealed at 1100 \ub0C show the optimal persistent luminescence and nano-particle size

Development of controlled release systems of biocides for the conservation of cultural heritage

The presence of microorganisms is one of the main causes of monument deterioration. Biocides are usually applied after or before restoration in order to prevent or slow down microbial growth. Frequent applications are necessary leading to increased costs and high risks to humans and the environment. The aim of this study is the design of novel controlled release systems comprising a biocide loaded into a mesoporous silica. Pristine MCM41 as well as MCM41 functionalised with carboxy- (MCM41-COOH) and amino-groups (MCM41-NH2) were used. Biotin T and New Des 50, two commercial formulations, were chosen as biocides. The biocide encapsulation was performed adding the mesoporous silica to an aqueous biocide solution. The release of the biocides in water was investigated by UV-Visible Spectroscopy. A further characterisation of the systems was performed to evaluate their structure and features and to speculate about the mechanisms involved in the release. The effect of both surface modifications on the release of biocides, as well as the biological activity of the systems were tested. The high-performing system was applied on a stone specimen from a fountain in Diamantina (Minas-Gerais, Brazil) to assess the effect on the microbial community up to 12 months