Isolated eyeball metastasis of non-seminomatous germ cell testicular tumor

Introduction. Testicular tumors most frequently metastasize to regional lymph nodes. Non-seminomatous tumor metastasis of testicle (NSGCTT) to the eyeball is rare. Case report. We presented a 24-year old man, referred to the ophthalmologist due to acute pain and abrupt loss of sight in the left eye accompanied by its enlargement. Orbital and endocranial computerized tomography (CT) was carried out, indicating the tumor in the left eye. His previous medical history provided the information that the right testicle was painlessly enlarged for 8 months. Ultrasonography showed a completely tumorously altered testis. Abdominal and chest CT failed to reveal any secondary deposits in visceral organs and lymph glands. Tumor markers (AFP - alpha-fetoproteins, beta hCG - human choronic gonadotropin beta) were elevated. Right radical orchiactomy was performed (showed NSGCTT), followed by polychemotherapy with cisplatinum 100 mg/m2, etoposide 120 mg/m2, bleomycin 15 mg/m2 (PEB ´ 4), resulting in normalization of tumor marker values and significant regression of the left eyeball. Next, the left eye enucleation and ocular prosthesis implantation was carried out. Pathohistological evaluation indicated fibrosis and necrosis only. In a 5-year follow-up period, the patient was free of recurrence. Conclusion. Isolated hematogenous metastasis of the NSGCTT to the eye is rare. In our case, the left eye was the only metastatic localization. After chemotherapy and eye enucleation the patient was in a 4- year follow-up period free of the recurrence

Innovative Technology for Recycling Polyethylene Terephthalate: Climate Changes, Approaches, Solutions

Worldwide pollution induces a negative impact on the complete environment. Modern societies are becomingmore involved in developing and implementing climate change adaptation policies as a result ofthe enormous hazards that climate change poses to human safety worldwide. One of the biggest problemsthat highly affects climate change is plastic pollution. Also, the utilization of a linear economy prevents theopportunity of solving mentioned problem. Hence, a major component of the strategy for tackling plasticpollution and trying to decrease global weather changes is an implementation of a circular economy. Plastichas to be reduced, reused, and recycled since its widespread consumption has put environmental protectionat risk. PET, also known as polyethylene terephthalate, is a prominent polymer material used forthe production of packaging, particularly plastic bottles. The majority of PET-based products are madeusing raw materials supplied from fossil fuels. However, methods based on biobased materials and recycling-modified products for obtaining novel products from waste PET have fewer greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions than the traditional method. Therefore, the subject of this paper is the innovative technology forthe fabrication of materials by PET recycling. Obtained monomer units - glycolysates were acquired by PETdepolymerization by inducing greener solutions. The resulting glycolysate was structurally modified withmaleic anhydride and finally with 2-octanol to obtain a novel plasticizer. The physicochemical characterizationof the obtained plasticizer, performed by infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FTIR) andNMR spectroscopy, confirmed structural modifications. The mechanical characteristics of the final productwere tested after the plasticizers had been combined with bitumen at a range from 1 to 10 wt.% concentration.In addition, other PET recycling techniques will be presented and discussed. By comparing them,it will be determined which technique is most suitable for recycling with the smallest carbon footprint. Thesecond purpose of the research is to evaluate and contrast the financial and ecological implications of recyclingPET in comparison to other types of waste and renewable energy sources

Possibility of biodegradation of cotton membrane containing TEMPO radical and citric acid

Cotton-based membranes, due to their exceptional biocompatibility and sustainability,have attracted considerable attention in various applications, especially in the field of bio andgreen technologies. This study investigates the biodegradation potential of cotton membranesmodified with TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) radical and citric acid (CA),with the aim of improving their properties and facilitating environmentally friendly disposal.TEMPO radicals, in conjunction with the crosslinker citric acid, are incorporated into thecellulose structure through a novel modification process. The citric acid component acted as aplasticizer, increasing the amorphous parts of the cellulose and promoting enzymatic attack.The TEMPO radical, with its nitroxyl group, contributed to the oxidation of cellulose, furtherfacilitating biodegradation.The biodegradation aspect of these modified membranes was investigated incontrolled environmental conditions (Soil Burial test), simulating natural scenarios (humidity,influence of enzymes, and bacteria). Biodegradation parameters such as weight loss,structural changes, and degradation kinetics were examined during 90 days. Characterizationof the structure was performed using FTIR and SEM methods.Our findings suggest that cellulosic membranes possess complete (100%)biodegradability after 70 days compared to unmodified membranes. Obtained result shedlight on the potential of membranes modified in this way as sustainable and biodegradablealternatives in various applications. The results emphasize their ecological nature and abilityto reduce environmental stress. Such cellulose-based materials promise a much greener futurein biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental protection

Mechanical Properties of Composite Material Reinforced With Silica Particles Obtained from Biomass Modified With Double-Layered Hydroxides

Silica particles were produced form rice husk and used as reinforcement in the polymer matrix. The obtained silica particles' surfaces were modified with layered double hydroxides, which enabled better reinforcement in the PMMA matrix. Coprecipitation was used to synthetize Fe Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) with a Fe:Al cation content of 3:1 and an FeAl-LDH: silica ratio of 1:1. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with EDS were used to characterize the synthesized particles. The prepared particle amounts in the PMMA matrix were 1, 3, and 5 wt. %. The purpose of this study was to see if the obtained SiO2 particles, as well as their modification with FeAl-LDH, had any effect on the mechanical properties of polymer composite materials. The mechanical characterization of obtained composites was done using Vickers microindentation tests and impact testing. The Vickers micro-hardness test showed that the addition of reinforcement increases the hardness of the composite. When compared to the matrix, the toughness of the composite material with a higher content of particles (5 wt. %) in the energy absorbed in this impact test was three times higher.The book of abstract available at: [http://conf.univerzitetpim.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Book-of-Abstracts_2022-1.pdf

Microhardness measurement optimization in green derived silica/polyester composites using response surface methodology

Polymer composites based on unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and reinforced with particles based on unmodified/modified plant provenance biosilica particles were synthesized and characterized. An unsaturated polyester resin was obtained from waste poly (ethylene terephthalate (PET). Biosilaca particles are made from rice husk biomass. The surface of the produced silica particles was modified using three different silanes: 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate (MEMO), trimethoxyvinylsilane (TMEVS), and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS). The microhardness test method was used to investigate the mechanical properties of synthesized composite material with variations in dwell times and applied loads. Optimization of composite microhardness value prediction in function of synthesized parameters (type of modification of silica particles) and measurement parameters (applied loads and dwell times) was done using the method of response surface methodology (RSM) regression analysis. The maximal microhardness values (0.459 GPa) were obtained of type modification of silica particles with vinyl with 80% confidence for 120 experimental variables. This method can be used to choose the optimal dwell time and load for comparison of measurements between different composite materials and to enable the choice of the material in terms of optimization of the quality of reinforcement and quality of interphase determined by surface modification

The Polyphenols as Potential Agents in Prevention and Therapy of Prostate Diseases.

In recent years, the progress of science and medicine greatly has influenced human life span and health. However, lifestyle habits, like physical activity, smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, diet, and maintaining a normal body weight represent measures that greatly reduce the risk of various diseases. The type of diet is very important for disease development. Numerous epidemiological clinical data confirm that longevity is linked to predominantly plant-based diets and it is related to a long life; whereas the western diet, rich in red meat and fats, increases the risk of oxidative stress and thus the risk of developing various diseases and pre-aging. This review is focused on the bioavailability of polyphenols and the use of polyphenols for the prevention of prostate diseases. Special focus in this paper is placed on the isoflavonoids and flavan-3-ols, subgroups of polyphenols, and their protective effects against the development of prostate diseases