Adhesion Test Research Articles

The Effect of an Individualized Informational Intervention on the Quality of Life, Adherence and Psychosocial Economic Status of Patients with COPD: A Research Protocol

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a diverse negative impact on patients, affecting them both physically and mentally. Psychosocial factors such as anxiety, depression, social isolation, and financial stress have been found to be positively associated with more exacerbations, hospital readmissions, poor adherence to medication, and lower quality of life among patients with COPD. However, healthcare professionals, who have a crucial role in diagnosing and managing COPD, often overlook these psychosocial factors of the disease, despite growing evidence suggesting their crucial role in improving disease outcomes. Consequently, this study will evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized individualized informational intervention on the quality of life, adherence, and psychosocial economic status of patients with COPD in healthcare settings of Greece. Methods: A prospective, mixed-methods design will be used, incorporating both quantitative data through questionnaires, including the Short Form (SF-12), Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Financial Ability Scale (FAS), alongside qualitative data with questions exploring themes such as general health perception, treatment adherence, mental status, socioeconomic status, and disease management. Participants will consist of patients receiving care at primary healthcare facilities and respiratory hospital departments in Crete, Greece. The intervention will involve providing structured information on social, financial, and psychological support services, along with psychosocial counseling over a six-month period. The impact of the intervention will be measured using validated tools to assess health status, quality of life, treatment adherence, mental health, and socioeconomic status before and after the intervention. Conversely, qualitative interviews will be conducted to gain deeper insights into the impact of the intervention. Finally, when the analyses of both data types are finalized, they will be triangulated to achieve convergence. This procedure entails the creation of a figure or illustration that demonstrates the convergence or divergence of both data types. Conclusions: The findings of this study are expected to highlight the importance of integrating an individualized informational intervention into the management of COPD. Thus, this study could guide healthcare professionals and policymakers in improving COPD care and patient outcomes.

Development of Novel Monolithic Catalyst for BTEX Catalytic Oxidation Using 3D Printing Technology

Four differently shaped monolithic catalyst supports were made using 3D printing technology. Two catalytically active mixed oxides, MnFeOx and MnCuOx, were applied to the monolithic supports using the impregnation technique. Catalysts were characterized using an adhesion test, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy in a manner similar to the density functional theory model. Excellent mechanical stability of the catalyst layer was obtained, with catalyst mass loss under 2% after 30 min of ultrasound exposure. SEM analysis revealed that the catalyst layer was rough but homogeneous in appearance and ~6 μm thick. The presence of double oxides—FeMnO3 and CuMn2O4—as well as single oxides of Mn, Fe, and Cu was established via XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Additional theoretical calculations of Raman spectra for FeMnO3 and CuMn2O4 were performed in order to aid in the interpretation of Raman spectra. The catalytic activity of the prepared catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of a gaseous mixture of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene (BTEX) was investigated. The monolithic support with the most complex shape and, consequently, the greatest surface area proved to enable the highest efficiency, while both catalysts performed well having similar conversions.

Enhanced bone cement for fixation of prosthetic joint utilizing nanoparticles

Bone cement is commonly utilized to secure prosthetic joints in the body because of its robust fixation, stability, biocompatibility, and immediate load-bearing capability. However, issues such as loosening, leakage, and insufficient bioactivity can lead to its failure. Therefore, improving its mechanical, physical, and biological properties is crucial for enhancing its efficiency. This study examines the impact of incorporating four different nanomaterials—Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), Magnesium Oxide (MgO), Calcium Phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2), and Alumina Oxide (Al2O3)—into bone cement on its mechanical, physical, and biological properties. TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles are selected to enhance the compression strength of bone cement, thereby preventing loosening. Magnesium Oxide (MgO) and Ca3(PO4)2 nanoparticles are chosen to improve cell adhesion and reducing the risk of cement leakage. Five specimens were prepared: the first with 100% pure bone cement powder, the second with 98% pure bone cement powder and modified with 2% MgO and TiO2, and the remaining three with 95% pure bone cement powder and modified with 5% varying ratios of MgO, TiO2, Ca3(PO4)2, and Al2O3. Compression, tensile, hardness, and bending strengths were assessed to determine improvements in mechanical properties. Setting temperature, porosity, and degradation were measured to evaluate physical properties. Cell adhesion and toxicity tests were conducted to examine the surface structure and biological properties. The results demonstrated that the modified specimens increased compression strength by 8.14%, tensile strength by 3.4%, and bending strength by 4.96%. Porosity, degradation, and setting temperature in modified specimens increased by 3.24%, 0.64%, and 5.17% respectively pure bone cement values. Cell adhesion in modified bone cement specimens showed normal attachment when scanned with FE-SEM. All of the tested modified specimens showed no toxicity, except for specimens with 2% Al2O3 that showed 25% toxicity which could be averted by employing antibiotics.Graphical

Kuanxiong Aerosol Attenuates Ischemic Stroke Injury via Modulation of the TRPV1 Channel.

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA) on ischemic stroke with reperfusion and elucidate the underlying pharmacological mechanisms. In vivo pharmacological effects on ischemic stroke with reperfusion was evaluated using the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (t-MCAO) mice model. To evaluate short-term outcome, 30 mice were randomly divided into vehicle group (n=15) and KXA group (n=15). Mice in KXA and vehicle groups received 69 mg KXA and vehicle for 1 day, respectively. To evaluate long-term outcome, 35 mice were randomly divided into sham group (n=5), vehicle group (n=15), and KXA group (n=15). Mice in KXA and vehicle groups received 69 mg KXA and vehicle for 7 days, respectively. Pathological changes in the brain were observed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride or Nissl stainings, and behavioral assessments, including the Modified Neurologic Severity Score, Bederson score, rotarod test, and adhesive removal test were conducted. The penetration ability of KXA and KX (KXA without propellants) through the blood-brain barrier was assessed both in vitro using a transwell model and in vivo. Furthermore, in vitro effects of KX (5, 10, and 20 µL/L) on oxygen and glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced injury, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) modulation, calcium influx, and mitochondrial function were explored through Western blot, CCK-8 assay, JC-1 staining, calcium imaging, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and antioxidant measurements. In in vivo experiments, KXA reduced brain infarct volume and neuron loss in t-MCAO mice. Behavioral assessments showed marked improvement in the neurological deficit of t-MCAO mice with KXA treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, in vitro findings indicated that KX ameliorated OGD/R-induced injury through TRPV1 channel modulation. KX increased cell viability in OGD/R-treated SH-SY5Y cells and prevented OGD/R-induced calcium overload by downregulating TRPV1 expression and constraining calcium influx through TRPV1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, KXA maintained the membrane potential and function of mitochondria in OGD/R-treated SH-SY5Y cells. KXA could attenuate ischemic stroke injury through TRPV1 channel modulation, indicating its potential as a promising therapeutic option for stroke in clinical practice.

Curcumin Regulates Microglia Polarization to Alleviate Ischemic Stroke by Targeting microRNA-205-5p/Kruppel-Like Factor 2 (KLF2)/Activating Transcription Factor 2 (ATF2) Axis.

Ischemic stroke (IS) often causes fearful sequela, even death. Curcumin was beneficial to IS, but its underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. Mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery, and BV-2 cells were treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) induction to establish IS models invivo and invitro. Abundance of genes and proteins was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence (IF), and western blot. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Modified neurological severity score (mNSS), corner test, foot fault test, adhesive removal test, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were applied to evaluate the brain injury of mice. The correlation between miR-205-5p and Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) was affirmed using dual luciferase reporter assay. Our results revealed that curcumin alleviated brain damage in MCAO mice through driving microglia M2 polarization. Of note, curcumin resulted in decreased miR-205-5p expression in MCAO mice. miR-205-5p knockdown resulted in promoted microglia M2 polarization in OGD/R conditions and achieved similar results to curcumin treatment in MCAO mice. Moreover, curcumin played a promoting role in microglia M2 polarization under OGD/R conditions, while miR-205-5p overexpression or KLF2 knockdown abolished these effects. On the mechanism, miR-205-5p was a target of curcumin, and miR-205-5p further interacted with KLF2 to inhibit activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) expression. miR-205-5p, decreased by curcumin, suppressed microglia M2 polarization to worsen IS injury through the mediating KLF2/ATF2 axis.

Self-healing, flame retardant and UV resistant lignin-derived epoxy wood coating with a Schiff base structure.

The traditional epoxy resin not only is flammable and non-recyclable and but also heavily dependents on petroleum resources, which cannot meet the requirements of fire prevention and sustainable development. In this study, a vanillin intermediate (VAP) with dynamic imine bond (C=N) was prepared by schiff base reaction between the lignin derivative vanillin (-CHO) and the cage-like polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane OA-POSS(-NH2). Then, a biomass-based P-N-Si flame retardant (VAPD) was synthesized by adding 9,10-Dihydro-9-Oxa-10-Phosphaphenanthrene-10-Oxide (DOPO) into the VAP. Subsequently, the VAPD acted as curing agent of epoxy resin to prepare epoxy wood coatings (VAPDs/EP). The results showed that the VAPD-5/EP coating not only exhibited excellent self-healing property and was able to achieve 100% healing within 35min, but also presented distinctive UV-shielding performance. In addition, the VAPD-5/EP coating reached V-0 level of UL-94 test and got 29.3% of limiting oxygen index (LOI). Compared with EP coating, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) decreased by 38%. Furthermore, the VAPD-5/EP coating reached 6H level of hardness test and 4B level of adhesion test. A simple strategy for preparing self-healing flame retardant epoxy coatings with comprehensive properties for protection of wood materials was proposed in this study.

Formulation And Physical Evaluation of Body Scrub Cream From 95% Ethanol Extract of Breadfruit Peel (Artocarpus altilis) as Antioxidants

Background: Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) peel contains many chemical compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, and steroids/terpenoids. Breadfruit peel has potential as an antioxidant because it contains phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids and polyphenols. Objective: The aim of this study was to formulate and physically evaluate the preparation of a scrub cream from a 95% ethanol extract of breadfruit peel (Artocarpus altilis) and test its antioxidant activity. Methods: Body scrub cream formulations were prepared using different extract concentrations, such as F1 (no extract), F2 1%, F3 3%, F4 5%, and F5 (Vit C as an equalizer for the antioxidant activity test). Body scrub cream was formulated as an oil-in-water type cream preparation using breadfruit starch as a scrub. Physical evaluation of this preparation consisted of organoleptic, homogeneity, viscosity, pH, spreadability, adhesiveness, and room-temperature storage tests. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method. Results: The results of the physical evaluation test showed that the body scrub cream produced good results and complied with the requirements of cream products. Antioxidant activity test results show the IC50 value of each formula is F1 (without extract) 107.8 µg/mL, F2 (1%) 72.48 µg/mL, F3 (3%) 56.54 µg/mL, F4 (5%) 43.40 µg/mL and F5 (vitamin C K+) 38.94 µg/mL. Conclusion: Based on these observations, the best formula is Formula 3 because the antioxidant test results are classified as strong, and the physical evaluation tests are considered stable.

Supporting General Practitioners and people with hypertension to maximise medication use to control blood pressure: the contribution of Collective Intelligence to the development of the ‘Maximising Adherence, Minimising Inertia’ (MIAMI) intervention

ABSTRACT Background: Hypertension remains one of the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke and heart disease. Anti-hypertensive medications are effective, but are often not used to maximum benefit. Sub-optimal dosing by prescribers and challenges with medication-taking for patients remain barriers to effective blood pressure control. Objectives: We aimed to systematically develop a theory-based complex intervention to support General Practitioners (GPs) and people with hypertension to maximise medication use to control blood pressure. Methods: We used the three-phase Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) as the overarching intervention development framework. Collective Intelligence methodology was used to operationalise the stakeholder input to Phases 2 and 3 of the BCW. This took the form of a Collective Intelligence workshop with 19 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds including lived experience, general practice, nursing, pharmacy and health psychology. Techniques such as barrier identification, idea-writing and scenario-based design were used to generate possible intervention options. Intervention options were then selected and refined using the Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects and Equity (APEASE) criteria and guidance from the MIAMI Public and Patient Involvement Panel. Results: The finalised MIAMI intervention consists of both GP and patient supports. GP supports include a 30-minute online training, information booklet and consultation guide (drop-down menu) embedded within the patient electronic health system. Patient supports include a pre-consultation plan, website, and a structured GP consultation with results from an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor and urine chemical adherence test. The intervention components have been mapped to the intervention functions of the BCW and Behaviour Change Technique Ontology. Conclusion: Collective Intelligence offered a novel method to operationalise stakeholder input to Phases 2 and 3 of the BCW. The MIAMI intervention is now at pilot evaluation stage.

Sustainable composite insulation panels: investigating diverse alternatives for insulating applications utilizing coconut husk and agro-industrial residue composites

The current economic crisis emphasizes the need for cost-effective and sustainable construction practices, given that the construction sector remains a significant environmental polluter, generating harmful residues and consuming substantial energy and resources. This study investigates the use of agro-industrial waste materials, particularly coconut husk, combined with innovative adhesives such as rice water, rubber wastewater, bael fruit (Aegle marmelos) extract and lime to develop eco-efficient insulation boards. The research focuses on evaluating key attributes including thermal properties, mechanical strength characteristics and resistance to mold growth, while also considering the influence of lime as a factor. Standard testing methods were employed, including thermal conductivity tests to assess insulation efficiency, adhesive strength tests to measure bonding performance and mold resistance tests to compare the durability of different adhesives. The study highlights the potential of utilizing agro-industrial waste materials to produce sustainable insulation solutions, addressing both environmental and economic challenges in the construction sector. Findings indicate that each adhesive type exhibited unique properties with some binders showing promise as viable options for bio-based insulation panels. However, further improvements are needed to enhance the biological resistance of the natural adhesive, possibly by integrating synthetic materials.

Multi-Scale Characterisation and Mechanical Adhesion in PVD-Deposited Ca-SZ Coating for Implantable Medical Devices

Oral implantology faces a multitude of technical challenges in light of current clinical experience, underlining the need for innovation in implantable medical devices in both mechanical and biological terms. Objectives: This study explores the influence of the thickness factor of calcium-doped zirconia (Ca-SZ) coatings deposited by PVD on their intrinsic mechanical properties and the determinism of the latter on adhesion to the TA6V alloy substrate after mechanical loading for applications in dental implantology. Methods: Three separate thicknesses of 250 nm, 450 nm and 850 nm were evaluated in terms of mechanical strength, modulus of elasticity and adhesion to the substrate, in accordance with ISO 20502:2005. Results: The results show an increase in apparent modulus of elasticity with thickness, reaching values of around 25.05 GPa and 36.3 GPa, close to the cortical bone for the 250 nm and 450 nm thick coatings, respectively. Adhesion tests show a progressive improvement up to 450 nm, followed by a similar observation at 850 nm, underlining the importance of optimal thickness to balance mechanical protection and biomechanical compatibility. Furthermore, the initial roughness and topography of the substrate were not influenced by the different thicknesses of the Ca-SZ coating. Conclusions: Together, these results reinforce the potential of Ca-SZ coatings to minimise stress shielding in dental implants.

UJI MUTU KRIM ANTI AGING EKSTRAK KROKOT (Portulaca grandiflora) VARIETAS BUNGA MAGENTA

One way to prevent premature aging due to UV rays is using unscreen cream with antioxidant compounds to absorb UV radiation. One of the creams formulated and made is a sunscreen cream with magenta purslane extract content that has been tested to absorb UV rays. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality test of the sunscreen cream preparation that was made and it had met the specified requirements. The stages of the research method were the manufacture of 2.5% and 5% purslane extract sunscreen preparations and the quality test of the cream preparation which included physical tests, pH, spreadability, adhesion, and viscosity of the cream preparation. The results of this study obtained for 2.5% extract sunscreen cream only meet the requirements for a good cream preparation in the viscosity test, while 5% extract sunscreen cream has test values ​​that meet the requirements for a good cream preparation in the viscosity and adhesion tests.

Adhesion and Cathodic Delamination Properties of Epoxy Coating Reinforced by Magnetite/Hydroxyapatite on Carbon Steel Substrate

In this study, magnetite/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were incorporated at a concentration of 5 wt.% to enhance both the adhesion strength and cathodic delamination resistance of an epoxy coating applied to a carbon steel substrate. Magnetite/hydroxyapatite (FoHAP) was prepared with varying Fe3O4 to hydroxyapatite weight ratios, ranging from 10 to 50 wt.%. The adhesion test was quantitatively assessed using the pull-off method following the ASTM D4541 standard and qualitative evaluations were conducted using the cross-cut method following the ASTM D3359 standard. The results demonstrated that the coating reinforced with magnetite/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles exhibited a superior adherence compared to both the unpigmented epoxy and the coating with hydroxyapatite alone. Furthermore, assessments of the cathodic delamination process and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the optimized Fe3O4/HAP ratio of 10 wt.% correlated with a reduced area of delamination, indicating the reinforcement in cathodic delamination protection and also the adhesion properties of the nanoparticle-enhanced coating.

Suboptimal adherence to a gluten-free diet in adults with both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease using urinary gluten immunogenic peptide measurement

Objectives Concurrent type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CeD) pose challenges in insulin dosage adjustments and gluten-free dietary adherence. Urine testing for gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) is a new method to detect gluten exposure within the last 3–12 h. Our aims were to compare gluten-free dietary adherence between T1D + CeD and CeD individuals and evaluate urinary GIP testing in an outpatient setting. Materials and methods This observational cross-sectional study included three adult groups: (1) T1D and CeD, (2) CeD only, and (3) T1D only. T1D participants were recruited from outpatient clinics, the CeD group via social media. One urine sample (12 pm–7 pm) was analyzed using a qualitative immunographic GIP test. CeD participants completed ‘Celiac Dietary Adherence Test’ (CDAT) and ‘Celiac Symptom Index’ (CSI) questionnaires. IgA anti-transglutaminase 2 (IgA-TG2) and IgG anti-deamidated gliadin (IgG-DGP) serology were also analyzed. Results 197 participants, mean (SD) age 43 (15) years, were included. Female percentages were: CeD: 90%, T1D + CeD: 64%, and T1D: 47%. Positive urinary GIP was found in 15% (14/96) of T1D + CeD and 0% (0/50) of CeD (p = 0.002). As expected, most T1D only participants had positive urinary GIP (86%, 44/51). CDAT and CSI scores did not differ between T1D + CeD and CeD groups. Positive IgA-TG2 and/or IgG-DGP levels were found in 12% of T1D + CeD and 6% of CeD participants (p = 0.38). Conclusions A single GIP urine test revealed higher gluten exposure in T1D + CeD versus CeD only, questioning dietary adherence in this population. Urinary GIP tests can be useful for clinical follow-up.

Bio-Coating of Poly(Lactic Acid) on Thermoplastic Starch for Disposable Cutlery

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is an environmentally friendly material that can be used as a replacement for petroleum-based plastics in the production of disposable cutlery. However, the application of TPS is limited by its mechanical properties, low melting points, high water solubility, and inability to maintain structural integrity during usage. This research aimed to coat the surface of TPS with biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), to address these limitations. PLA solution was prepared by using a binary solvent system, comprising of acetone and dimethylformamide (Ac/DMF) to avoid the use of chlorinated solvent. Water contact angle measurements indicated that the PLA-coated TPS exhibited the improved water resistance compared to the uncoated TPS. Adhesion tests, conducted in accordance with ASTM D3359-17, revealed that the PLA coating adhered well to TPS, achieving adhesion levels of 4B-5B. Furthermore, degradation tests demonstrated that the PLA-coated TPS degraded within the range of 17-25% after 90 days. The degradation performance was comparable to the uncoated TPS, indicating that the PLA coating did not retard the biodegradability of TPS.

Does annulus fibrosus lamellar adhesion testing require preconditioning?

The interlamellar matrix (ILM), located between the annular layers of the intervertebral disc, is an adhesive component which acts to resist delamination. Investigating the mechanical properties of the ILM can provide us with valuable information regarding risk of disc injury; however given its viscoelastic nature, it may be necessary to conduct preconditioning on tissue samples before measuring these ILM properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to optimize mechanical testing protocols of the ILM by examining the effect of preconditioning on stiffness and strength of this adhesive matrix. Eighty-eight annular samples were dissected from twenty-two porcine cervical discs and randomized into one of four testing conditions consisting of 10 cycles of 15% strain followed by a 180° adhesive peel test. The four testing groups employed a different strain rate for the 10 cycles of preconditioning: 0.01 mm/s (n=23); 0.1 mm/s (n=26); 1 mm/s (n=23); no preconditioning employed (n=16). Samples preconditioned at 0.01 mm/s were significantly less stiff than those that had not received preconditioning (p=0.014). No other results were found to be statistically significant. Given the lack of differences observed in this study, preconditioning is likely not necessary prior to conducting a 180° peel test. However, if preconditioning is employed, the findings from this study suggest avoiding preconditioning conducted at very slow rates (i.e. 0.01 mm/s) as the long testing time may negatively affect the tissue.

1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid prevents 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced motor function deficits.

Parkinson's disease (PD), characterized by death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, is the second most prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disease. However, the etiology of PD is largely elusive. This study employed the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) rodent model to examine the effectiveness of 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (1,4-DHNA), an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) active gut bacteria-derived metabolite, in mitigating MPTP's motoric deficits, and the role of AhR in mediating these effects. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed daily with vehicle, 20 mg/kg 1,4-DHNA, or AhR-inactive isomer 3,7-DHNA, for 3 weeks before administration of 80 mg/kg MPTP or vehicle. Four weeks later, mice were assessed for motoric functions. Both 1,4-DHNA and 3,7-DHNA prevented MPTP-induced deficits in the motor pole test and in the adhesive strip removal test. Additionally, 1,4-DHNA improved balance beam performance and completely prevented MPTP-induced reduction in stride length. In contrast, 3,7-DHNA, an AhR-inactive compound, did not improve balance beam performance and had only a partial effect on stride length. This study suggests that natural metabolites of gut microbiota, such as 1,4-DHNA, could be beneficial to counteract the development of motor deficits observed in PD. Thus, this study further supports the hypothesis that pathological and mitigating processes in the gut could play an essential role in PD development. Moreover, this indicates that 1,4-DHNA's ability to combat various motor deficits is likely mediated via multiple underlying molecular mechanisms. Specifically, AhR is involved, at least partially, in control of gait and bradykinesia, but it likely does not mediate the effects on fine motor skills.

Tailoring the Tribomechanical and Corrosion Behavior of Reverse Pulse Deposited Ni–Co–P Coating Through Cobalt Content Modulation

Abstract This study explores the influence of cobalt content on the tribomechanical and corrosion properties of Ni–Co–P coatings deposited through reverse pulse electroplating. The ratio of Co salt concentration to the total Ni and Co salt concentration was varied in the electrolyte to achieve different Co levels within relatively low cobalt (≤36 wt%) regime. X-ray diffraction revealed crystallite sizes of 1–3 nm in the deposited layers suggesting a mixture of amorphous and nanocrystalline structure. Critical loads in scratch adhesion tests are found to be in between 10.5 N and 15.1 N implying adequate adhesive bonding between the deposits and the substrates. Microhardness and pin-on-disc tribo test results demonstrate a positive correlation between Co content and both hardness and wear resistance of the coatings. However, incorporating small amounts of Co (≤6.2 wt%) exhibited minimal impact on these properties. Interestingly, corrosion resistance in saline medium peaked at the second-highest Co level (26.2 wt% of Co), followed by a decrease with further increase of Co. These findings indicate an optimal Co concentration for achieving a balance between wear resistance and corrosion protection in Ni–Co–P coatings.

Enhancing orthopaedic implant efficacy: the development of cerium-doped bioactive glass and polyvinylpyrrolidone composite coatings via MAPLE technique

This study investigates the potential of combining Cerium-doped bioactive glass (BBGi) with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to enhance the properties of titanium (Ti) implant surfaces using the Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The primary focus is on improving osseointegration, corrosion resistance, and evaluating the cytotoxicity of the developed thin films towards host cells. The innovative approach involves synthesizing a composite thin film comprising BBGi and PVP, leveraging the distinct benefits of both materials: BBGi's biocompatibility and osteoinductive capabilities, and PVP's film-forming and biocompatible properties. Results demonstrate that the BBGi + PVP coatings significantly enhance hydrophilicity, indicating improved cell-material interaction potential. The electrochemical analysis reveals superior corrosion resistance of the BBGi + PVP films compared to BBGi alone, which is critical for long-term implant stability. The mechanical adherence tests confirm the robust attachment of the coatings to Ti substrates, surpassing the ISO standards for implant materials. Biocompatibility tests show promising cell viability and negligible cytotoxic effects, with a controlled inflammatory response, underscoring the potential of BBGi + PVP coatings for orthopedic applications. The study concludes that the synergistic combination of BBGi and PVP, applied through the MAPLE technique, offers a promising route to fabricate bioactive and corrosion-resistant coatings for Ti implants, potentially enhancing osseointegration and longevity in clinical settings.

Bioactive Agrocomposite for Tissue Engineering and Bone Regeneration

Background: This study describes a novel biomaterial consisting of a mixture of biphasic bioceramic obtained from waste generated by the sugar industry (Carbocal) and a medical-grade epoxy resin adhesive called LOCTITE® M31 CLTM. The objective was to demonstrate the possibility of coating non-bioactive and non-biodegradable metallic surfaces on implantable elements. Methods: After preparation, the mixture was applied to the surfaces of hip prostheses composed of two distinct materials: polyetherimide and grade 5 titanium. In both cases, adhesion tests produced favourable results. Additionally, cell cultures were conducted using human foetal osteoblastic cell lines (hFOB 1.19). Results: It was observed that the mixture did not affect the proliferation of bone cells. Conclusions: This composite material was found to promote the growth of bone cells, suggesting its potential for fostering bone tissue development.

A "Janus" Zwitterionic Hydrogel Patch for Tissue Repair and Prevention of Post-Operative Adhesions.

Anti-peritoneal adhesions (PA) are very important after abdominal surgery for that PA often leads to other medical problems and imposes a huge financial burden on the national healthcare system. In this work, a "Janus" zwitterionic hydrogel patch where one side can adhere firmly to the tissue, while the other side has anti-fouling properties and has little interaction with the surrounding tissue has been developed. The "Janus" hydrogel patch is prepared by in situ formation of a bonding polymer layer poly(acrylic-co-N-hydroxysuccinimide acrylate) on one side of zwitterionic hydrogel. The mechanical, swelling, adhesion, biodegradability and biocompatibility tests are performed to study the function of "Janus" hydrogel patch to prevent wound adhesion and rapid repair. It is found that the adhesive side of the hydrogel patch has stable adhesion to tissues, avoiding the slippage faced by many commercial anti-adhesion gels in the body. The other zwitterionic side can resist proteins and fibroblasts and prevent external interactions or adhesion with other tissues. This convenient and effective method provides a new idea for the design of postoperative anti-adhesion materials and broadens the application of hydrogels in the biomedical field.