Smooth Outer Surface Research Articles

Investigation on the effect of vertical baffle plate on droplet size distribution and mixing efficiency in Taylor Reactor

The Taylor reactor is a dynamic mixer based on the principles of Taylor vortex flow. However, traditional Taylor reactors feature smooth inner and outer cylinder surfaces, presenting challenges in achieving uniform mixing and efficient mass transfer. These limitations do not meet the requirements of modern chemical processes for highly efficient mixing equipment. This article introduces a novel Taylor reactor equipped with vertical baffle plates, designed to overcome these challenges. A comprehensive methodology combining CFD-PBM and experimental techniques was employed to investigate both droplet size distribution and mixing performance in the annular gap. Compared to traditional designs, the new device demonstrates significantly lower COV at 0.018 and Sauter mean diameter at 38.3 μm. Optimal mixing efficiency is achieved at rotating Reynolds number (Re) of 1.17 × 105 and inlet Reynolds number (Rei) of 2.65 × 103. Numerical simulation results suggest that vertical baffles effectively enhance liquid-liquid interactions including collision, interface contact, and droplet residence time within the annular gap. Moreover, increased turbulent stress in the flow field contributes to greater vorticity, turbulence intensity, and turbulent kinetic energy resulting in smaller droplet sizes and improved mixing efficiency. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for hydraulic structural optimization design as well as widespread application of Taylor reactors.

Lignin Nanoparticles as pH-responsive Nanocarriers for Gastric-Irritant Oral Drug Aspirin.

Although lignin is one of the most naturally abundant biopolymers, the overall status of its utilization has long been subpar. The ability of Lignin to readily self-assemble into nanoparticles, along with its good biocompatibility and minimal toxicity, makes it a perfect agent for nanocarriers and drug delivery. Hence, in this study, we have attempted to examine lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) as an efficient pH-responsive nanocarrier for gastric-irritant oral NSAID, aspirin. Alkali lignin (AL) was extracted from rice straw via alkaline treatment, and the lignin nanoparticles were synthesized from lignin using the acid precipitation method. The average particle size was 201.37 ± 1.20 nm, and the synthesized LNPs exhibited a spherical shape and smooth outer surface along with high polydispersity (PDI= 0.284 ± 0.012). The LNPs showed moderate hemocompatibility during in vitro hemolysis studies. The nanoparticles presented nearly similar chemical structures to the AL from which they were developed, and the FT-IR absorption spectra confirmed the similarity of this chemical structure to the LNPs and AL. Aspirin was successfully loaded into the LNPs with a satisfactory drug loading value of 39.12 ± 1.50 and an excellent encapsulation efficiency value of 91.44 ± 0.59. Finally, the LNPs were capable of protecting the loaded drug at the acidic pH of the stomach (1.2) with just 29.20% release of the loaded aspirin after 10 h of observation in vitro. Contrarily, the LNPs were capable of rapidly releasing the aspirin at the basic pH of the intestine (7.4) with nearly 90% release of the loaded drug after 10 h observation in vitro. The basic pH of the intestine might lead to gradual dissociation of the LNPs followed by swift release of the loaded cargo. These findings substantiate that the LNPs carry the potential to be an apt and safe nanocarrier for oral drugs like aspirin as well as parenteral drugs, and LNPs can be utilized as an efficient alternative to enteric coating.

Fabrication of bio-based polymer microcapsule containing fragrances via interfacial photo-initiated crosslinking

Home fragrance (F) products such as laundry detergent and fabric softener use fragrance or essential oils as key components. Typically, the fragrance is enclosed within a polymer. The shell enhances the longevity of the scent due to its durability. However, there is growing environmental concern about utilizing fossil polymers, which decompose slowly and harm the ecology and food chain. Biopolymers are also highly expected to be used as alternative polymers to prepare environmentally friendly microcapsules. This research aims to use poly cinnamyl methacrylate (PCMA) as a biopolymer to prepare microcapsules encapsulated fragrance via interfacial photo-initiated crosslinking. The CMA monomer was prepared by the esterification of cinnamyl alcohol with methacrylic anhydride and synthesized via radical polymerization to form PCMA with a molecular weight of 6,400 g/mol. The PCMA and PCMA/F particles were obtained when the PCMA and PCMA/F droplets dispersed in water were UV-irradiated at 60 W for 8h, giving PCMA and PCMA/F particles contained the highest crosslinking (60–75%). Both PCMA and PCMA/F particles were spherical and smooth outer surfaces where their particle sizes of ∼2 and 7 µm for PCMA and PCMA/F particles were obtained, respectively. The larger size of PCMA/F particles was due to encapsulation, where the encapsulation efficiency of fragrance in PCMA/F particles was approximately 100%. Moreover, the fragrances remaining in the microcapsule particles after 40 days of storage were over 90%. This technique was simple, had high potential microencapsulation, and was environmentally friendly, so the developed microcapsules would express great potential for textiles and laundry formulations.

Granular polyacrylonitrile with internal 3D channels for gold recovery from thiosulfate solution

Gold recovery technology is an urgent challenge in the industrialisation of thiosulfate-based gold extraction. Current materials used for gold recovery suffer from a lack of wear resistance and small particle size, which makes it difficult to separate the material from thiosulfate solutions. In this study, a cysteamine-functionalised granular polyacrylonitrile (cys-PANG) material containing three-dimensional channels was designed and synthesised. The results indicate that cys-PANG, prepared using a solvent exchange method, has remarkable adsorption capacity for gold, smooth outer surface, well-developed internal pore structure, high wear resistance, and controllable size, making it suitable for gold recovery from thiosulfate pulp. The adsorption of gold in a thiosulfate solution by cys-PANG followed the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic adsorption models with minimal pH dependence. Cys-PANG also demonstrated the effective adsorption of gold in a Cu(II)–ethanediamine (en)–S2O32− solution, even in the presence of copper and en interference. Both experimental results and theoretical calculations revealed that the interaction between cys-PANG and gold in the thiosulfate solution is predominantly characterised by charge attraction and ligand exchange mechanisms. Adsorption tests of cys-PANG in actual thiosulfate pulp demonstrated exceptional gold recovery properties and minimal wear even after 14 days of continuous stirring. This study presents a promising alternative methodology for the recovery of gold from thiosulfate pulp.

Intra-adrenal Paraganglioma and Paraaortic Paraganglioma in 15 Years Old Boys

Intra-adrenal paraganglioma (also called pheochromocytoma) is a chromaffin cell tumor that arises in the adrenal medulla and produces excess catecholamines. Paraganglioma can also be located in the extra-adrenal area. The incidence rate of intra-adrenal and extra-adrenal paraganglioma is about 1 case per 2.500-6.500 population, highest incidence at 40-50 years old, and distribution is the same in males and females. Intra-adrenal paraganglioma in pediatrics is more familial, bilateral, multifocal, and malignant. In children, the incidence rate of these tumors was 8.86%, the ratio of boys to girls was 2:1, and the average age of 11. This article reports a case, of a 15 years old boy with severe headaches, recurrent seizures, and a hypertension crisis (143/103-220/110 mmHg). MSCT scan of abdominal showed solid mass heterogeneous with central necrotic multiple in the supero-anterior of the left and right kidneys and on the right anterolateral aorta as high as CV L2, impressive adrenal gland mass and extra-adrenal, suspect pheochromocytoma. Performed surgery, routine histopathological examination, and Immunohistochemistry. Macroscopic examination showed an oval round shape mass of left and right adrenal tumors as well as the paraaortic, a smooth outer surface of the capsular, with yellowish brown color mass tumor at cut surface, supple consistency. Microscopic examination showing adrenal gland and paraaortic tissue with fibrous capsule contains proliferation of neoplastic cells forming a nested alveolar (Zellballen) pattern with a round oval to polygonal cells, granular eosinophilic cytoplasm, round oval nuclei, surrounded by sustentacular cells. Chromogranin A and S-100 are positive. The case was concluded by clinical findings, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry as intra-adrenal paraganglioma and paraganglioma of paraaortic.

Synthesis and characterisation of microcapsules for self-healing dental resin composites

AimThe purpose of this study was to i) synthesise TEGDMA-DHEPT microcapsules in a laboratory setting; ii) characterise the resultant microcapsules for quality measures.Materials & methodsMicrocapsules were prepared by in situ polymerization of PUF shells. Microcapsules characterisation include size analysis, optical and SEM microscopy to measure the diameter and analyse the morphology of PUF microcapsules. FT-IR spectrometer evaluated microcapsules and benzyl peroxide catalyst polymerization independently.ResultAverage diameter of TEGDMA-DHEPT microcapsules was 120 ± 45 μm (n: 100). SEM imaging of the capsular shell revealed a smooth outer surface with deposits of PUF nanoparticles that facilitate resin matrix retention to the microcapsules upon composite fracture. FT-IR spectra showed that microcapsules crushed with BPO catalyst had degree of conversion reached to 60.3%.ConclusionTEGDMA-DHEPT microcapsules were synthesised according to the selected parameters. The synthesised microcapsules have a self-healing potential when embedded into dental resin composite as will be demonstrated in our future work.Graphical Graphical abstract showing the microcapsule components. The shell contains poly(urea-formaldehyde), and the core consists of TEGDMA-DHEPT healing agents.

Cyathus tongxinianus sp. nov. (Basidiomycota) from China

A new species of bird’s nest fungus, Cyathus tongxinianus, is proposed based on a combination of morphological and molecular evidence. Cyathus tongxinianus is characterized by the cupulate to obconical basidiomata with the smooth outer and inner surface of the peridium, a dimitic hyphal system of peridium walls with generative hyphae having clamp connections, the presence of the fimbriate mouth, brown black to dark grey peridioles, a monomitic hyphal system bearing the generative hyphae with clamp connections, the presence of crystals, and sub-globose, thick-walled basidiospores (8.5–19.5 × 7.5–11). Sequences of ITS and nLSU rRNA markers of the studied samples were generated, and the phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and bayesian inference methods on two datasets (ITS+nLSU and ITS). The analyses showed that the new species clustered into the genus Cyathus within the family Nidulariaceae based on the ITS+nLSU phylogenetic tree. The phylogenetic analyses based on molecular data from ITS sequences showed that C. tongxinianus is sister to C. annulatus, and groups with C. renweii.

Driven and non-driven surface chaos in spin-glass sponges

A spin-glass system with a smooth or fractal outer surface is studied by renormalization-group theory, in bulk spatial dimension d=3. Independently varying the surface and bulk random-interaction strengths, phase diagrams are calculated. The smooth surface does not have spin-glass ordering in the absence of bulk spin-glass ordering and always has spin-glass ordering when the bulk is spin-glass ordered. With fractal (d>2) surfaces, a sponge is obtained and has surface spin-glass ordering also in the absence of bulk spin-glass ordering. The phase diagram has the only-surface-spin-glass ordered phase, the bulk and surface spin-glass ordered phase, and the disordered phase, and a special multicritical point where these three phases meet. All spin-glass phases have distinct chaotic renormalization-group trajectories, with distinct Lyapunov and runaway exponents which we have calculated.

Ectopic liver tissue adherent to the gallbladder serosa: two cases report from Syria.

Case 1 involved a 52-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital due to an abdominal grip in the right hypochondrium and epigastrium for 1 month. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During the gross examination, a well-circumscribed brownish nodule with a smooth outer surface, located at the fundus region was found. Case 2 involved a 40-year-old man with 2 months history of epigastric pain radiating to the right shoulder. Calculus chronic cholecystitis was diagnosed by ultrasound. The patient undergoes elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A gross inspection showed a small nodule attached to the serosa of the gallbladder. Microscopically, both cases revealed ectopic liver tissue. Ectopic liver tissue is an uncommon entity that occurs during the embryological development of the liver and can be found below and above the diaphragm, especially the gallbladder. Histologically, it usually has the normal architecture of the liver. Although ectopic liver tissue is an exceptional finding, pathologists should be aware of it because it has a high risk of transformation into malignancy. Hepatic choristoma is a rare failure of embryological liver development. It should be removed when recognized and examined histologically to rule out malignancy.

Evaluation of cooking characteristics, textural, structural and bioactive properties of button mushroom and chickpea starch enriched noodles.

The present study was conducted out to develop nutritionally enriched noodles by supplementing wheat flour with mushroom and chickpea starch at different concentrations and its effect on physico-chemical, bioactive, cooking, microbial and sensory properties, morphological and textural properties has been investigated. The prepared noodles contained high levels of protein, and low levels of carbohydrate, energy with the incorporation of mushroom flour and chickpea starch concentration. The lightness (L*) (71.79-53.84) decreased and yellowness (b*) (19.33-31.36) and redness (a*) (1.91-5.35) increased with the incorporation of mushroom flour and chickpea starch. The optimum cooking time decreased while as the water absorption capacity and cooking loss increased with increase in mushroom flour and chickpea starch concentration. The microstructure study and textural properties depicted the clear picture of protein network, with smooth outer surface, and the decrease in hardness with increased concentration of mushroom flour and chickpea starch. XRD and DSC results revealed that the prepared noodles contained more complete crystallites and high fraction of crystalline region and the linear increase in the gelatinization temperature with increase in composite flour concentration. The microbial analysis of noodles showed the decrease in microbial growth with the incorporation of composite flour.

Initial exploration of a compliance-based morphing fairing concept for hinged aerodynamic surfaces

Discontinuity on aerodynamic surfaces leads to notable aerodynamic penalties which could be avoided with compliant fairings. This paper introduces a novel design for a compliant fairing to eliminate the gaps present on hinged aerodynamic surfaces such as hinged wingtips. The fairing is designed to provide a smooth, continuous change in shape between the surfaces on either side of the hinge as they rotate relative to each other. While the concept is generally applicable to any folding surface, including trailing edge flaps, this work focuses on applying it to the Semi-Aeroelastic Hinge (SAH) wingtip concept, which consists of a hinged outer wing panel mounted at a flare angle to the incoming flow. The design aims to minimise the strain on the skin and the rotational stiffness of the fairing while maintaining a smooth and robust outer aerodynamic surface. The skin is attached to the underlying joint structure via a novel pivoting-rib solution which alleviates skin strains over the +90/−20∘ operating rotation range of the joint. This paper introduces the concept and motivates the design constraints underlying it. A simplified analytical model of the fairing mechanism is presented and the effects of changing the design variables are explored. The results show the benefit of the pivoting ribs over fixed ribs in minimising the strain on the skin and the folding stiffness of the joint. Further arguments are drawn to emphasise the need for a higher fidelity model to account for the geometric and out-of-plane deformation effects of the fairing.

Demons-Meigs Syndrome with a High CA 125 Level: A Case Report at Soavinandriana Center Hospital Antananarivo

Introduction: Demons-Meigs syndrome combines a benign tumor of the ovary with ascites and pleural effusion. It is a rare disease and the pathophysiological mechanism is not yet well understood. The aim of our study is to report a case of Demons-Meigs syndrome, to determine its different characteristics and to make clinicians aware of the malignant predictive value of CA 125 in front of an ovarian tumor. Observation: The patient was 42 years old and had no previous history. She presented with intense abdominal pain of sudden onset, prompting a medical consultation. On clinical examination, the abdomen was distended with signs of peritoneal effusion and right pleural effusion. Ultrasound revealed a well-circumscribed, ovarian mass with an internal fluid component and hypervascularization on Doppler. The CA 125 level was elevated (293.9 U/ml). Exploratory laparotomy revealed two bilateral, firm, solid ovarian tumors without vegetation or peritoneal lesions. Macroscopically, one of the tumors was well circumscribed, lobulated with a smooth outer surface. It measured 20 × 17 × 8 cm and weighed 1400 g. The other tumor measured 19 × 11 × 5 cm, weighed 1090 g and had the same characteristics as the other tumor. Histologically, both tumors were a proliferation of fibroblastic spindle cells organized in short intersecting or storiform bundles, without cyto-nuclear atypia or excess mitoses. The diagnosis retained was bilateral ovarian fibroma in the context of a Demons-Meigs syndrome. Conclusion: Demons-Meigs syndrome is a rare entity. The concomitant elevation of the CA 125 level is not always an indicator of ovarian cancer. The curative treatment is surgical based on tumor removal ensuring the disappearance of peritoneal and pleural effusions.

Needle consideration in umbilical two-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure for patent processus vaginalis of children: hook-needle or forcep-needle

BackgroundAlthough umbilical two-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure for the treatment of processus vaginalis patency of children has been verified to be safe and effective, the improvements of technical skills and instruments have been always on their ways. Recently, forcep-needle has begun to be used. In this study, we compared forcep-needle with hook-needle in this minimal invasive procedure for children suffered from hernia or hydrocele, with the aim to evaluate the instrumental convenience of the two needles.MethodsFrom July 2021 to May 2022, we begun to use hook-needle or forcep-needle in umbilical two-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure for children suffered from hernia or hydrocele. The hook-needle group included nineteen children and the forcep-needle group included twenty-four ones. The data of the patients age, sex, side, operation time, postoperative hospital-stay, follow-up time, postoperative complications were evaluated. Common silk thread was used to encircle the internal ring preperitoneally.ResultsThere were no statistical differences between the two groups for the following items: age, sex, side, operation time, postoperative hospital-stay and postoperative complications (P > 0.05). The follow-up time of the hook-needle group was longer than that of the forcep-one (P = 0.0020). No open transfer happened for all the patients. One hydrocele boy in the hook-needle group reoccurred 1 month postoperatively due to the peritoneal broken. The single pole retreating of the hook-needle accompanied with chaotic movements, while for that of the forcep-needle, the double-arm retreating movements were more orderly. The outer surface of the forcep-needle was smooth without restrain, as for the hook-needle, an inlaid barb held the danger of brokening the peritoneum.ConclusionIn our preliminary experience of umbilical two-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure using a hook-needle or a forcep-needle, in view of the instrumental convenience and safety, the double-arm and smooth outer surface designs of the forcep-needle contained more spatial orientation perceptions and safety.

Strong silicon oxide inclusions in iron

Oxide inclusions are ubiquitous in steel and are known to affect, generally in a negative sense, the mechanical performance of steel products. Micromechanical properties of those phases are therefore important, yet they have remained largely unexplored. We present strength measurements performed on individual silicon oxide inclusions in iron. The inclusions are produced in laboratory-fabricated samples by silicon deoxidation of high-purity iron melts containing dissolved oxygen. Spherical silica inclusions of diameter ∼3 µm thus produced are notched using ion milling and then tested in bending for their strength, by loading under displacement control in-situ within a scanning electron microscope. Results show that silicon oxide inclusions thus precipitated within iron are amorphous in structure, exhibit a smooth outer surface, and have fracture strains in the range from 8 to 17%, corresponding to fracture stress levels on the order of 10 GPa. The strength of silicon oxide inclusions precipitated in iron can hence approach the highest values so far measured in dry silica. The presence within iron and its alloys of precipitated silica thus need not be deleterious, and might perhaps even be exploited to produce novel high-strength materials.

IMAGING THE VITREOUS WITH A NOVEL BOOSTED OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY TECHNIQUE: Posterior Vitreous Detachment.

To evaluate the anatomic changes in the vitreous associated with evolving posterior vitreous detachment over the macula. A novel scanning method by which four A-scans at each position were averaged before the Fourier transform that boosted the image quality sufficiently such that frame averaging could occur. B-scans and volume rendered images of eyes with evidence of any partial separation of the vitreous in the macular regions were evaluated. There were 43 eyes of 23 subjects with particular attention paid to the findings of seven eyes with various stages of posterior vitreous detachment occurring over the macula. In eyes from young subjects with no vitreous degeneration, the outer vitreous showed a diffuse, poorly defined increase in reflectivity in the region where the vitreous cortex was expected to be. In eyes with vitreous degeneration, there was a hyperreflective zone, called the cortical vitreous condensation, that coursed parallel to the curvature of the retina. The posterior vitreous face elevated from the retina with either a well-defined, smooth outer surface, consistent with the posterior vitreous membrane, or a poorly defined flocculent outer border. The cortical vitreous near the fovea was thin and in eyes in the process of posterior vitreous detachment had visible tears. In more advanced eyes, a circular dehiscence of the cortical vitreous in the central macula occurred with herniation of the vitreous gel through the hole. The methodology produced images of unprecedented clarity that highlighted several newly described details concerning the vitreous changes associated with posterior vitreous detachment over the macula.

A comprehensive study on the effect of carbonization temperature on the physical and chemical properties of carbon fibers

Carbon fibers were successfully fabricated via the electrospinning technique, followed by stabilizing and carbonizing electrospun PAN fibers. A wide range of analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques, and Hall effect were performed to study of the effect of carbonization temperature on the physical and chemical characterization of carbon fibers. The SEM images of the PAN precursor exhibit a smooth outer surface, after the stabilization and carbonization process, along with a broken fiber at higher carbonization temperature about 1400 °C. Morphological characterization based on the recorded TEM images of carbonized fibers at 1000 °C and 1400 °C, showed that the obtained morphology can be classified as fiber structures, where their diameters ranged from 196 to 331 nm. The XRD patterns of PAN-based carbon fibers confirm the structural changes from linear structure into a graphite-like structure. The DRS study indicates the possible π–π*/σ–π* and n–π* transitions. The presence of the surface functional groups and different trapped radiative recombination on the emission bands is confirmed by the PL. VSM results shows the weak ferromagnetic nature of the carbon fibers.

Controllable synthesis of yolk–shell nickel phyllosilicate for CO2 methanation: Identifying effect of pore structure of silica sacrificial template

A group of yolk-shell nickel phyllosilicate catalysts were synthesized via the hydrothermal reaction of fibrous silica (KCC-1) and nickel nitrate for CO2 methanation. For the sake of revealing the effect of the pore structure of silica material on the Ni-phyllosilicate morphology, a mesoporous MCM-41 material with a smooth outer surface was used as a sacrificial template for comparison. After the hydrothermal reaction at 180 °C for 36 h, the KCC-1-dervied Ni-phyllosilicate (Ni/K-36) displayed a typical yolk-shell nanosphere morphology covered by nanosheets, while MCM-41-derived Ni-phyllosilicate (Ni/M-36) obtained nanosheets-wrapped sphere morphology with core-shell structure. This result showed that the pore structure of silica material played an important role in the formation of Ni-phyllosilicate with different structures. The fibrous, drive-through channels of KCC-1 enhanced pore accessibility and mass transfer for the simultaneous growth of Ni-phyllosilicate on its external and internal section, and the rapid accumulation of Ni-phyllosilicate outside as “shell” could slow down the further hydrothermal reaction of internal KCC-1, resulting in the shell of Ni-phyllosilicate and yolk of unreacted KCC-1. The chamber between yolk and shell could be expanded by increasing hydrothermal time; however, too long hydrothermal time was adverse for the catalytic activity because of the increased Ni particle size. On the other hand, the gradual etching of MCM-41 sphere from the outer surface resulted in the external accumulation of Ni-phyllosilicate as “shell” and internally unreacted MCM-41 as “core”. The yolk-shell Ni/K-36 exhibited higher catalytic activity than the core-shell structural Ni/M-36 for CO2 methanation owing to high Ni content and similar Ni particle size. In situ DRIFTS analysis showed that the existence of more active formate and absorbed CO intermediates resulted in the high activity of Ni/K-36 for CO2 methanation.

Establishment of an orthotopic prostate cancer xenograft mouse model using microscope-guided orthotopic injection of LNCaP cells into the dorsal lobe of the mouse prostate

BackgroundOrthotopic LNCaP xenograft mouse models closely mimic the progression of androgen-dependent prostate cancer in humans; however, orthotopic injection of LNCaP cells into the mouse prostate remains a challenge.MethodsUnder the guidance of a stereoscopic microscope, the anatomy of the individual prostate lobes in male Balb/c athymic nude mice was investigated, and LNCaP cells were inoculated into the mouse dorsal prostate (DP) to generate orthotopic tumors that mimicked the pathophysiological process of prostate cancer in humans. Real-time ultrasound imaging was used to monitor orthotopic prostate tumorigenesis, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) was used to characterize tumor angiogenesis, and macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of tumors were described.ResultsThe DP had a trigonal bipyramid-shape and were located at the base of the seminal vesicles. After orthotopic inoculation, gray scale ultrasound imaging showed progressive changes in tumor echotexture, shape and location, and tumors tended to protrude into the bladder. After 8 weeks, the tumor take rate was 65% (n = 13/20 mice). On CEUS, signal intensity increased rapidly, peaked, and decreased gradually. Observations of gross specimens showed orthotopic prostate tumors were well circumscribed, round, dark brown, and soft, with a smooth outer surface and a glossy appearance. Microscopically, tumor cells were arranged in acini encircled by fibrous septa with variably thickened walls, mimicking human adenocarcinoma.ConclusionsThis study describes a successful approach to establishing an orthotopic LNCaP xenograft Balb/c athymic nude mouse model. The model requires a thorough understanding of mouse prostate anatomy and proper technique. The model represents a valuable tool for the in vivo study of the biological processes involved in angiogenesis in prostate cancer and preclinical evaluations of novel anti-angiogenic therapies.

Preparation and Study of Folate Modified Albumin Targeting Microspheres.

In this study, folate modified bovine serum albumin was successfully synthesized, while preparation of Nintedanib albumin microspheres (ND-FSA NPs) as a carrier was carried out via electrospinning technology. Folate modified albumin was used to enhance the targeting potential of the prepared microspheres. The prepared microspheres had spherical appearance and smooth outer surface. The diameters of microspheres (764.68 ± 88.46 nm) and zeta potential (- 18.38 ± 0.41 mV) were acceptable. The prepared ND-FSA NPs demonstrated a good degree of modification, wherein the modification rate was 28.1%. In vitro release was significantly increased in three different media (double deionized water-DDW, HCl-pH 1.2, and phosphate buffered solution containing 0.5% Tween 80). It is worth noting that incorporation of Nintedanib into folic acid modified albumin microspheres resulted in an enhanced uptake of the drug into MCF-7 breast cancer cells coupled with higher inhibition rate. Altogether, incorporation of Nintedanib into folate modified albumin microspheres is a new approach to improve water solubility and targeting effect of the drug.

Anatomical and Histological Morphology of The Esophagus and Proventriculus in Green Jungle Fowl (Gallus varius) from Alor Island

Green jungle fowl (Gallus varius) is a species of jungle fowl endemic Indonesia. This study aims to find out the anatomical and histomorphologIcal of esophagus and proventriculus of green jungle fowl from Alor island. Samples of esophagus and proventriculus were taken from 3 green jungle fowl collected in Alor Regency. Macroscopic study observations include size, location, shape, color and consistency, then sample is fixated in a 10% formalin and made histology preparations as well as haemotoxilin-eosin staining. The results showed that the cervical and thoracic esophagus length is 9.8 ± 0.43 cm and 5.5 ± 0.24 cm, and diameters are 0.55 ± 0.11 cm and 0.6 ± 0.22 cm. The green jungle fowl esophagus is pale red, soft constency,and has a smooth outer surface. Histologically, the walls of esophagus are consist of tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis ekterna, and tunica adventisia. Proventriculus green jungle fowl length is 3.23 ± 0.21 cm, diameter 1.83 ± 0.24 cm, and weight 2 ± 0 g. The proventriculus is fusiform, pale red in color, and has denser consistency than esophagus. Proventriculus walls are composed of tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis ekterna and tunica serosa.