Outer Layer Research Articles

Microstructure evolution and nitriding mechanism of Ti‐6Al‐4 V alloy in alumina‐based refractories

AbstractThe aims of this study were to explore the nitriding mechanism of Ti‐6Al‐4 V alloy in Al2O3‐based refractories. Al2O3‐based composite refractories were fabricated using Ti‐6Al‐4 V and sintered alumina as main materials, followed by nitriding at different temperatures in a nitrogen atmosphere. Phase and microstructure evolution of the products was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The results reveal a multi‐stage nitridation process of Ti‐6Al‐4 V at different temperatures. At 900°C, nitridation of the Ti‐6Al‐4 V surface results in the formation of a (Ti,V)N solid solution, while Al and V migrate inward, forming intermetallic compounds Ti3Al and a‐Ti (Ti1‐x‐yVxAly) with rich Al and V. At 1100°C, nitridation of Ti3Al produces intermediate products like Ti2AlN or Ti3AlN, with continued inward migration of Al or V to form the intermetallic α2 phase of (Ti1‐xVx)3yAly in the center of the alloy particles. At 1300°C, decomposition of Ti2AlN or Ti3AlN results in the outward migration of Al atoms and the presence of AlN on the outer layer of Ti‐6Al‐4 V particles, thus forming a hollow structure. Finally, at 1500°C, the (Ti,V)N solid solution grains grow as a result of further diffusion and dissolution of nitrogen.

Pyrolysis models for pressure treated wood and wood–plastic composite

AbstractPressure treated wood (PTW) and wood–plastic composites such as Trex® are popular materials for the construction of decks and other auxiliary structures, which are known to significantly contribute to spread of wildland fires into communities. In this work, representative samples of these materials were studied to determine their pyrolysis and combustion properties to enable simulation of fire growth on the surface of these building products. The pyrolysis property development process followed a well‐established hierarchical approach where thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and microscale combustion calorimetry were used to parametrize kinetics and thermodynamics of the thermal decomposition and combustion, while controlled atmosphere pyrolysis and cone calorimetry tests performed on coupon‐sized samples were used to parameterize thermal transport properties and validate performance of the fully parametrized pyrolysis models. PTW decomposition was captured using four sequential reactions with one additional reaction used to model vaporization of water. Trex® board was found to consist of two distinct layers: a thin outer layer and an internal core. The pyrolysis model for this material was constructed using some known properties of high‐density polyethylene (PE) and the properties of PTW determined in this work. The outer layer was defined in the model to consist of PE and an inert additive, while the core was defined as a blend of PE and wood particles, which kinetics and thermodynamics of the thermal decomposition and combustion were successfully captured using the model developed for PTW.

Structure-preserving analysis on chaotic characteristics of transverse vibration for embedded double-walled carbon nanotube

Abstract Analysing on the ultra-high frequency vibrational characteristics of carbon nanotubes, especially on the chaotic characteristics, is a key scientific problem in the dynamic design of the carbon nanotube devices. Considering the van der Waals force between the inner layer and the outer layer of the embedded double-walled carbon nanotube, and the effects of the elastic medium as well as the effects of the simple harmonic external excitation, the coupling dybamic model describing the transverse vibration of the embedded double-walled carbon nanotube is presented. The generalized multi-symplectic formulations with an explicit multi-symplectic structure residual are deduced by introducing the dual momenta. The Preissmann approach, which has been proved to be a structure-preserving method that can be used to reproduce the chaotic characteristics of carbon nanotubes, is employed to discrete the generalized multi-symplectic formulations. The numerical results imply that, the transverse vibration of the embedded double-walled carbon nanotube subjected to the external excitation larger than the critical external excitation will enter the chaotic state through a period-doubling bifurcation path. In addition, the critical external excitation for the chaos of the inner layer carbon nanotube’s transverse vibration is larger than that of the outer layer carbon nanotube’s transverse vibration. The above findings reported in this paper provide some guidance for the dynamic design of the carbon nanotube devices directly.

A comparative of theosophical sufism in Syarah al-Hikam by Sholeh Darat and ‘Abdullah Gangohi

This study elaborated on the explanation of theosophical Sufism in the book of al-Hikam by two well-known Islamic academics, Kyai Sholeh Darat (Indonesia) and Shaykh ‘Abdullah Gangohi (India). The data in this study are the text of Syarah al-Hikam, written by Kyai Sholeh Darat and the text of Syarah Al-Hikam in the perspective of Shaykh ‘Abdullah Gangohi. This qualitative research study used a Systemic Functional Linguistic (SFL) approach from M.A.K. Halliday. Data analysis in this research applied the Spradley model, namely: (1) domain analysis, (2) taxonomy analysis, (3) componential analysis and (4) analysis of cultural themes. The domain analysis tried to map the information structure in the explanation of al-Hikam based on the theory of SFL. This information structure is the basis for the genre analysis as a semiotic representation of social society. Meanwhile, the taxonomic analysis tried to elaborate on the Sufism thoughts of both the thinkers based on the Syarah al-Hikam text. Componential analysis synergised the results of the information structure and the theosophical Sufism thought in al-Hikam. Finally, the analysis of cultural themes endeavoured to elaborate on the theosophical Sufism thoughts of the two Sufism thinkers and to draw the relationships and the contributions to the universal Sufism. The conditions of theosophical Sufism can be elaborated based on the information structure. The limitation of this study is the lack of researcher’s efforts to investigate the substance of theosophical Sufism, because this research is only limited to the outer layer of language.Contribution: This article shows that the thought of theosophical Sufism showed that Islam in Southeast Asia is Islam that carries the spirit of Islam Rahmatan lil-alamin. In addition, the thought of theosophical Sufism in Syarah al-Hikam has had an impact on the socio-cultural transformation, especially on the Sufism movement [thariqah] spread across Indonesia and India.

Study on Quality and Starch Characteristics of Powdery and Crispy Lotus Roots.

Nine varieties of lotus root (Suining, Xinhe, Zaohua, Zhonghua, L0014, L0013, Cuiyu, L0011, and Zhenzhu) were selected as the research materials to compare their differences in physical, chemical, and starch characteristics before and after boiling, frying, and microwaving. The results showed that Zhenzhu, Xinhe, L0013, Cuiyu, and Zhonghua belong to the crispy lotus root type, while L0011, L0014, Zaohua, and Suining belong to the powdery lotus root type. Furthermore, the nine varieties were characterized for their starch by optical micrograph (OM), polarized micrograph (PM), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), carbon-13 cross-polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP/MAS NMR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The starch granule of powdery lotus root appeared to be larger than that of crispy lotus, and ATR-FTIR studies revealed that the outer layer of starch granules from nine different varieties of lotus root had a highly organized structure. Moreover, XRD and 13C CP/MAS NMR analyses revealed that starch from eight lotus varieties (Suining, Xinhe, Zaohua, Zhonghua, L0014, L0013, Cuiyu, L0011) belong to the A-crystal type, while starch from Zhenzhu belongs to the CA-crystal type. The starch from powdery lotus root exhibited higher crystallinity, as well as increased gelatinization temperature and enthalpy, indicating that its crystal structure was relatively superior compared to that of crispy lotus starch. The short-range order degree, crystallinity, gelatinization temperature, and heat enthalpy of lotus starch decreased after boiling and frying but increased to varying extents after microwaving. Additionally, the heat resistance and stability of starch particles from crispy lotus root were improved after microwave treatment.

Shish-kebab formation in the micro-injection molding of polyethylene: In-situ synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering study

The structural formation and evolution in high density polyethylene (HDPE) during the micro-injection molding process were investigated as a function of the mold temperature and injection speed utilizing an in situ synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) technique in conjunction with a portable micro-injection molding setup. It was found that shish-kebab structures were formed in all cases. The beginning of occurrence of shish is not much affected by the mold temperature, but the onset of the formation of kebab crystals is strongly dependent on the mold temperature. This mold temperature dependence of the kinetics of shish-kebab formation is attributed to the interplay between the crystallization rate in the outer layer and the formation rate of the shish-like structure, which was further evidenced by the multilayered structure of molded samples via ex situ microfocus scanning SAXS and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) measurements. On the other hand, the injection speed affects the long period of oriented lamellae and the dimension of the shish-like structure only slightly but influences the kinetics of structural formation evidently. The larger the injection speed, the earlier occurrence of oriented lamellae and shish formation is observed.

3D Coaxial Printing of Small‐Diameter Artificial Arteries

As a treatment for the widely spread cardiovascular diseases (CVD), bypass vascular grafts have room for improvement in terms of mechanical property match with native arteries. A 3D‐printed nozzle is presented, featuring unique internal structures, to extrude artificial vascular grafts with a flower‐mimicking geometry. The multilayer‐structured graft wall allows the inner and outer layers to interfere sequentially during lateral expansion, replicating the nonlinear elasticity of native vessels. Both experiment and simulation results verify the necessity and benefit of the flower‐mimicking structure in obtaining the self‐toughening behavior. The gelation study of natural polymers and the utilization of sacrificial phase enables the smooth extrusion of the multiphase conduit, where computer‐assisted image analysis is employed to quantify manufacturing fidelity. The cell viability tests demonstrate the cytocompatibility of the gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/sodium alginate grafts, suggesting potential for further clinical research with further developments. This study presents a feasible approach for fabricating bypass vascular grafts and inspires future treatments for CVD.

Lycium barbarum L. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extract ameliorates retinitis pigmentosa in rd10 mice by affecting endoplasmic reticulum stress

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLycium barbarum L. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Gouqi and Danshen, LS) have led to their inclusion in the pharmacopoeia and healthcare systems of numerous countries globally. Traditional herbs known as LS are used in China to treat retinitis pigmentosa (RP). However, the mechanism is not clear. Aim of the studyThis study is to investigate the mechanism by which LS improves RP using rd10 mice as a model. Materials and methodsLS extract was used to treat the rd10 mice for four weeks. Fundus photographs, optical coherence tomography, electroretinography, histopathological examination, TUNEL apoptosis assay, digital PCR analysis, western blotting, and immunofluorescence double staining were performed. ResultsThe outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness of the retina was significantly increased by the LS extract, improving atrophy, and both the ONL and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer were visible. Following treatment with LS extract, there was a notable increase in the magnitudes of ERG a- and b-waves in the retina, along with a significant reduction in the quantity of TUNEL-positive cells. Additionally, LS extract significantly reduced the levels of ER stress-related factors in rd10 mice. The results of immunofluorescence double staining further confirm that LS extract inhibits the GRP78/PERK/ATF4/CHOP pathway. ConclusionIn this study, the protective effects of LS extract on the retina were uncovered, suggesting that its mechanism could involve decreasing retinal cell apoptosis through the inhibition of the ER stress pathway.

Phase behavior and synergistic gelation of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) male gonad hydrolysates and gellan gum driven by pH.

Previous studies have investigated complexation and coacervation of scallop Patinopecten yessoensis male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) and polysaccharides influenced by pH and blending ratio. It has been found that SMGHs/polysaccharide composite shows better gel properties under strongly acidic conditions. Thus, the complexation and coacervation of SMGHs and gellan gum (GG) were investigated via turbidimetric titration at different pH values (1-12) and biopolymer blending ratios (9.5:0.5-6:4). Both pHc and pHφ1 exhibited ratio-independent behavior with constant values at approximately pH 5.8 and pH 3.8, respectively, dividing SMGHs/GG blends into three phases named mixed polymers, soluble complexes and insoluble coacervates, respectively. Overall, SMGHs and GG exhibited synergistic gelation under neutral and acidic conditions, with the initial storage modulus (G') increasing by approximately 42.5-, 573.7- and 3421-fold and 97.7-, 550.3- and 0.5-fold, respectively, at pH 7, 5 and 3, compared with SMGHs and GG. As pH decreased from 7 to 3, the initial G' and viscosity η values of SMGHs/GG gels increased by 20.1- and 2.3-fold, respectively, exhibiting the greatest increase in gel strength. Moreover, the free water in the SMGHs/GG system significantly shifted toward lower relaxation times attributed to the immobilization of the outer hydration layers. SMGHs/GG gels in the insoluble phase exhibited denser networks and rougher surfaces, supporting the enhanced rheological properties and water retention capacity of the gel. This work provides a basic foundation for the development of pH-driven SMGHs/GG gelation by examining complexation and coacervation processes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development of a Multilayer Film Including the Soluble Eggshell Membrane Fraction for the Treatment of Oral Mucosa Lesions

Background/Objectives: Oral diseases causing mucosal lesions are normally treated with local or systemic anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial agents. The development of topical formulations, including wound-healing promoters, might speed up the recovery process, improving patients’ quality of life, and reduce the risk of deterioration in health conditions. In this study, a mucoadhesive multilayer film, including a novel biocompatible substance (solubilized eggshell membrane, SESM), was rationally designed. Methods: The SESM preparation procedure was optimized and its biological effects on cell proliferation and inflammation marker gene expression were evaluated in vitro; preformulation studies were conducted to identify the most promising polymers with film-forming properties; then, trilayer films, consisting of an outer layer including chlorhexidine digluconate as a model drug, a supporting layer and a mucoadhesive layer, incorporating SESM, were prepared using the casting method and their mechanical, adhesion and drug release control properties were evaluated. Results: SESM proved to possess a notable wound-healing capacity, inducing a wound closure of 84% in 24 h without inhibiting blood clotting. The films revealed a maximum detachment force from porcine mucosa of approx. 1.7 kPa and maximum in vivo residence time of approx. 200–240 min; finally, they released up to 98% of the loaded drug within 4 h. Conclusions: The formulated trilayer films were found to possess adequate properties, making them potentially suitable for protecting oral lesions and favoring their rapid healing, while releasing antimicrobial substances that might be beneficial in reducing the risk of bacterial infections.

Development of Laminated Egg-Shaped Tsunami Shelter Structure Made of Steel-Cushioning-Steel

When a tsunami is caused by an earthquake or other event, spherical shelters are developed to protect people from the tsunami. This study proposes a new egg-shaped laminated tsunami shelter with a buffer layer to improve the functionality of traditional spherical shelters. The inner and outer shells of this shelter are made from thin-walled stainless steel, using the integral hydro bulge forming (IHBF) process. The space between these two layers was filled with urethane foam, providing an elastic buffer. This resulted in a laminated egg-shaped structure designed for tsunami protection. To verify the proposed laminated egg-shaped tsunami shelter and its processing method, an egg-shaped shell with an external shape (length 660 mm, width 493 mm) was fabricated using a 1.0 mm thick stainless plate, and a laminated egg-shaped tsunami shelter with a 25 mm thick intermediate layer made of urethane foam was fabricated. The shape accuracy of the processed egg-shaped laminated tsunami shelter structure was measured, and the maximum error between the surface shape of the molded egg-shaped shell and the true egg shape was -4.13 mm, and the relative error to the maximum radius of the egg shape of 246.5 mm was -1.68%. In addition, to assess the buffering effect under external impact loads, acceleration sensors were attached to both the inner and outer layers of the fabricated egg-shaped laminated tsunami shelters. A hammer was used to apply an impact load to the outer layer, and the response acceleration values recorded by the sensors on both layers were compared. It was found that the response acceleration of the inner layer was 15.81% lower than that of the outer layer.

Buckling analysis and parametric optimization of the metal-composite shell with voids under hydraulic pressure combined with sensitivity analysis

Structural design parameters always impact the buckling properties of the composite shells due to the differences in the anisotropy of the materials and the varying enhancement capabilities of each component. This paper aims to analyze the parametric effect on the buckling load and optimize the design parameters of metal-composite shells with voids under hydraulic pressure. Firstly, the theoretical model of buckling load is established based on the microscopic model of hybrid materials and the Galerkin method. Then, four design parameters including fiber volume content, winding angles, and CNTs volume content are selected to discuss the parametric effect on the critical buckling load. Further, the global sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the influence rank, and the GA-PSO algorithm is used to confirm the optimal parametric combination. The results imply that the fiber volume content and internal and external helical symmetrical angles significantly affect the buckling load. Besides, The winding layers of internal and external helical symmetrical angles enhance the hydraulic resistance of the anti-symmetric structure. The middle helical layer can be influenced by the outer layer, leading to directional changes in the critical buckling load at an angle of around 50°.

PARACENTRAL ACUTE MIDDLE MACULOPATHY AND HENLE FIBER LAYER HEMORRHAGE IN DENGUE FEVER: MULTIMODAL IMAGING AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.

To use multimodal imaging to report a case of dengue fever presenting with Henle fiber layer hemorrhage (HH) and acute paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM). Fundus photography and autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were acquired over a month, and a literature review of dengue fever-associated maculopathy was performed. A 19-year-old man presented with a sudden loss of vision in both eyes 12 days after experiencing initial systemic symptoms suggestive of dengue fever. His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was counting fingers in the right eye (OD) and 20/200 in the left eye (OS). Pupillary light reflex was reduced in both eyes (OU). Dilated fundoscopic examination revealed optic disc swelling and a small deep hemorrhage near the fovea in OU. OCT revealed a petaloid shape hyperreflectivity involving both outer nuclear and plexiform layers in OU and a subtle hyperreflectivity thinning the inner nuclear layer (INL) in OS, findings compatible with HH and PAMM, respectively. Immunoglobin M was positive for dengue fever. Thus, a diagnosis of dengue fever-associated maculopathy was performed and oral steroids were started. After a month, the final BCVA reached 20/25 (OD) and 20/20 (OS), the HH reabsorbed utterly, and a INL thinning in the area of the PAAM was observed. Dengue fever-associated maculopathy can present with PAAM and HH. Multimodal imaging is helpful to characterize the extension of the changes in the retina and to monitor its recovery. In such cases, structural and functional damage may occur despite treatment with oral steroids.

Abstract A048: The Loss of Cholesterol Efflux Pump ABCA1 Skews Macrophages Towards a Pro-tumor Phenotype and Facilitates Breast Cancer Progression

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common and second-leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in women in the United States. The primary cause of mortality is often the recurrence of metastatic breast cancer. While immunotherapy shows some effectiveness, it has only been approved for patients who stain positive for PD-L1. Previous research in our lab has shown that macrophage function can be regulated through disruption in cholesterol metabolism. Additionally, elevated plasma cholesterol levels have been associated with breast cancer recurrence. These findings underscore the impact of cholesterol homeostasis in tumor-associated macrophages on breast cancer progression. An in-depth computational screen helped us pinpoint ABCA1—a cholesterol efflux protein whose elevated mRNA expression linked to increased survival. In addition to efflux, ABCA1 can also translocate cholesterol from the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane to the outer layer. Highlighting the clinical importance of ABCA1 are our findings that show that increased ABCA1 levels within breast tumors correlate to an increase in cytotoxic T Cells, and T cell effector enzymes (Prf-1 and Gzmb), and improved survival rates. Importantly, our in vitro studies suggest that ABCA1 influences several functions of macrophages relevant to tumor biology. Specifically, ABCA1 shifts macrophages towards an anti-cancer phenotype by (1) increasing their ability to infiltrate tumor spheroids, (2) decreasing angiogenesis, (3) decreasing efferocytosis—an immune-suppressive phagocytic process devoid of antigen presentation, and (4) enhancing the expansion, migration, and activity of cytotoxic T cells. The culmination of these attributes were demonstrated by our observations that syngeneic grafts of E0771 mammary tumors grew at an accelerated rate in mice with a myeloid-specific knockout of ABCA1 (ABCA1fl/fl;LysMcre+) compared to control mice. ABCA1 transports cholesterol from macrophages to a lipid-poor ApoA1 protein and facilitates the formation of nascent HDL via the reverse cholesterol transport pathway. We leveraged this mechanism to therapeutically target ABCA1 using ApoA1 mimetics 5A and 4F. Our data so far indicates that ApoA1 mimetics phenocopy ABCA1 overexpression skewing macrophages towards an anti-tumor phenotype. Importantly, treatment with 5A in mice grafted with 4T1 metastatic breast cancer cell line resulted in marked reduction in tumor burden. Additionally, we observed an increased infiltration of cytotoxic T cells and a decrease in CD31 expression, suggesting reduced blood vessel formation. Collectively, our data strongly supports the role of ABCA1 in the development of breast cancer. The expected results from this research will lay the groundwork for future therapeutic strategies for the use of ABCA1 and ApoA1 mimetics in the treatment of breast cancer. Citation Format: Shruti Bendre, Natalia Krawczynska, Shaunak Bhogale, Erin Weisser, Simon Han, Basel Hajyousif, Avni Singh, Rajendra KC, Yu Wang, Claire P Schane, Adam T Nelczyk, Dhanya Pradeep, Lara Kockaya, Hashni Epa Vidana Gamage, Kevin VanBortle, Emad Tajkorshid, Saurabh Sinha, Wendy A Woodward, Wonhwa Cho, Erik R Nelson. The Loss of Cholesterol Efflux Pump ABCA1 Skews Macrophages Towards a Pro-tumor Phenotype and Facilitates Breast Cancer Progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2024 Oct 18-21; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2024;12(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A048.

Prediction of Broadband and Highly-Efficient Electromagnetic Wave-Absorbing SiC@SiO2 Nanowire Aerogel by Genetic Algorithm.

Searching for lightweight and high-temperature stable electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials with broad absorbing bandwidth and high efficiency is of significance for applications in daily life and industry. Optimizing the dielectric properties of SiC nanowire aerogel by both compositional and structural designs is an efficient way to obtain simultaneous efficient wave-dissipation ability and good impendence matching and thus the desired properties. However, due to the complex effects of dielectric parameters on the wave-absorbing properties, rational design of high-performance electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials remains challenging. Herein, we propose a genetic algorithm-based approach to predict broadband and highly efficient electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials in a SiC@SiO2 nanowire aerogel-based system. The obtained SiC@SiO2 nanowire aerogels exhibit a gradient multilayered structure with a low dielectric outer layer, a medium layer with alternatively distributed electromagnetic wave transparent and attenuation layers, and an inner high attenuation layer, giving it a broadband electromagnetic wave-absorbing performance covering almost all the 2-18 GHz bandwidth and simultaneous high efficiency. The results show that the genetic algorithm-based approach is efficient in predicting high-performance electromagnetic wave-absorbing ceramic aerogels.

Development and preservative applications of polysaccharide-based bilayer packaging films: Enhanced functional properties through metal-phenolic network-coated zein nanoparticles and biomimetic hydrophobic surfaces

This study develops an innovative bilayer biomimetic hydrophobic film, tailored to provide a sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solution for fresh produce. The outer layer, crafted from chitosan, utilized polydimethylsiloxane templating to mimic the ultra-hydrophobic surface of a lotus leaf, achieving a water contact angle exceeding 130°. The inner layer comprised sodium alginate and zein nanoparticles, enriched with citral and fortified by a metal-phenolic network to facilitate uniform dispersion and controlled release of bioactive agents. The structural design of the film significantly improved mechanical properties, evidenced by a maximum tensile strength of 29.3 ± 3.6 MPa, and enhanced hydrophobicity, reducing water solubility to 28.3 ± 1.5% and substantially decreasing water absorption. The barrier functionality of film was also strengthened, demonstrated by a lowered water vapor transmission rate of 289.3 ± 1.5 g m−2 24 h−1, and it supported extended citral release in acidic media up to 70 h. Moreover, the film exhibited robust antioxidant and antibacterial properties. In practical tests, it effectively mitigated weight loss, browning, and hardness degradation in fresh-cut apples and lotus roots, concurrently inhibiting microbial growth and extending shelf life. This study presents an effective strategy for enhancing the hydrophobicity and bioactivity of bio-based films, contributing valuable insights to the field of sustainable food packaging.

Perioperative Outcomes: Polycarbonate Polyurethane Artificial Blood Vessel Versus Polyester Artificial Blood Vessel.

The objective of this study was to compare the perioperative performance of the novel large-diameter composite polycarbonate polyurethane graft and the polyester graft. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 14 patients with thoracic aortic prosthesis replacement from 2016 to 2021. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data of the 2 groups were assessed in detail. We defined the patients with polyester grafts as the control group and the patients with polycarbonate polyurethane grafts as the experimental group. The total operation time of the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the control group, which were 159.29±38.13 minutes and 252.57±64.40 minutes, respectively (p<0.001). The length of time from aortic opening to the end of operation in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that in the control group, which were 70.43±8.08 minutes and 124.71±37.59 minutes, respectively (p<0.001). The mean total drainage of pleural fluid was lower in the experimental group than in the control group (383.43±139.68 mL vs. 828.00±457.27 mL; p<0.05). The mean postoperative in-hospital time was shorter in the experimental group than in the control group (6.71±0.75 days vs. 9.43±2.82 days; p<0.05). This study provides preliminary evidence that the novel artificial blood vessel has good mechanical properties, histocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and anti-seepage function in the human body. A multicenter randomized controlled trial is needed for further validation. The novel hybrid polycarbonate polyurethane (PCU)/polyester three-layered large-diameter artificial blood vessel simulates the internal, middle, and external layers of the human blood vessels. The inner and outer layer are made of PCU, and the middle reinforcing layer is woven by polyester. Because of the three-layered structure, this artificial blood vessel has excellent anti-seepage and anti-infection functions. the inner and outer layers of the blood vessel made of PCU let this artificial blood vessel has excellent blood compatibility, outstanding biocompatibility, high endothelialization rate, and 100% patency. By comparing the perioperative outcomes with the polyester artificial blood vessel, we find it has good mechanical properties, histocompatibility, hemocompatibility and anti-seepage function in the human body.

Analysis of Henle's fiber layer and outer retinal layers in cone dystrophy.

To evaluate Henle's Fiber Layer (HFL) thickness and volume parameters in patients with cone photoreceptor atrophy with directional optical coherence tomography (D-OCT). Macular 20°×20° standard and D-OCT images were acquired from patients diagnosed with hereditary cone dystrophy with evident foveal ellipsoid zone defect in OCT, and age-matched healthy controls. Thickness and volume parameters of HFL, outer nuclear layer (ONL) and retinal layers between ellipsoid zone and Bruch membrane complex (EZ-BM) were calculated from manual segmentation through D-OCT images and comparative analysis is performed. Twelve eyes of 6 patients were compared to 12 eyes of 6 age-matched healthy controls (mean age: 29.5±16.6 and 26.6±3.9 years respectively; P=0.162). Patients had lower total HFL volume (0.45±0.03 and 0.85±0.15 mm3; P<0.001) and mean HFL thickness (16.1±1.1 and 30.1±5.3 µm; P<0.001) than healthy controls. Central subfield, parafoveal and perifoveal ETDRS zone HFL parameters in patients were significantly lower than healthy controls. A centrifugal correlation was found between central ONL and the corresponding parafoveal HFL (Spearman's rho: 0.785; P<0.001). HFL assessment might be a useful OCT biomarker in patients with cone photoreceptor atrophy. HFL thinning is observed in foveal, parafoveal and perifoveal areas of patients with cone photoreceptor atrophy, while volume reduction in ONL and EZ-BM components were limited to central and parafoveal zones.

TEMPORARY AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE GRAFT PLACEMENT FOR TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY MACULAR HOLES.

To report two patient cases demonstrating the management of refractory macular holes through the application of temporary thin amniotic membrane grafts, followed by subsequent graft removal upon achieving hole closure. Comprehensive chart and literature review was conducted utilizing the PubMed database. We describe two patients who underwent repeat pars plana vitrectomy for treatment of refractory macular holes. In both cases, the epi-retinal placement of a thin amniotic membrane graft (AMG) was done to achieve hole closure. Following a period of retinal stabilization, the amniotic membranes were removed due to the healthy appearance of the outer retinal layers and the ellipsoid zone, ultimately resulting in an improved final visual acuity in both patients. This case series demonstrates a new approach of using a temporary AMG to close refractory macular holes. After graft removal, both patients reported enhanced visual acuity and subjective visual improvement, accompanied by the stable closure of macular holes on serial OCT scans.

New high-resolution prototype versus standard spectralis optical coherence tomography in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy

PurposeTo assess the accuracy of High-Resolution OCT in detecting biomarkers associated with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) compared to standard OCT.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study involving CSC patients who underwent High-Resolution and standard OCT during the same visit. Using the SPECTRALIS High-Res OCT device (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany), macular B-scans were obtained and compared with those acquired using a SPECTRALIS HRA + OCT device (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Qualitative assessments were performed, and statistical analyses compared the performance of both OCT modalities.ResultsThirty-one patients diagnosed with CSC were included with a mean age of 56.3 years (± 10.2). Among them, 29% (n = 9) were classified as acute CSC (aCSC), while 71% (n = 22) had chronic CSC (cCSC). High-Resolution OCT outperformed standard OCT in detecting microstructural changes in the outer retinal layers, including a higher prevalence of disrupted interdigitation zone (IZ) (29% vs. 6%, p = 0.003) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) disruption (12% vs. 2%, p = 0.0024). Intergrader agreement was high (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.85).ConclusionHigh-Resolution OCT demonstrates promise in identifying critical biomarkers associated with CSC, particularly disruptions in the IZ and RPE. Further validation in larger cohorts is required to confirm their clinical relevance in patients with CSC.