Surface Of Capsule Research Articles

Tetrafluororesorcin[4]arene Hexameric Capsule Enables the Expansion of the Reactivity Space in Supramolecular Catalysis.

This study presents the development and catalytic applications of the tetrafluororesorcin[4]arene hexameric capsule (capsule II) as a novel supramolecular catalyst. It demonstrates unprecedented catalytic activity, enabling the β-selective glycosylation of glycals to 2-deoxy glycosides─a transformation that has not been achieved before in molecular and supramolecular catalysis. Mechanistic investigations, including experimental and computational studies, revealed that the high β-selectivity arises from a proton wire mechanism along the capsule's surface, coupling glycal protonation with nucleophile deprotonation. Control experiments confirmed the unique reactivity of capsule II compared to its nonfluorinated predecessor, capsule I, showcasing its potential to expand the boundaries of supramolecular catalysis.

A method for diagnosing the implosion symmetry in inertial confinement fusion with wide-angle VISAR

Abstract A method for diagnosing implosion symmetry in inertial confinement fusion(ICF) with wide-angle velocity interferometer system for any reflector(VISAR)was proposed in this study. The method considers the object-image relationship of the wide-angle VISAR, characteristics of the fringe pattern, and the symmetry theory; the fringe pattern must be continuous in space to apply this method. Hydrodynamic calculations showed that the radiation-temperature distribution on the surface of capsule was spatially continuous, indirectly proving the applicability of the method. The evolution of P2 asymmetry at different positions of the capsule was examined through an eight-beam laser indirect-drive experiment at a 10 kJ-level laser facility, proving the feasibility of the method. The application of wide-angle VISAR for the diagnosis of implosion symmetry in ICF was more accurate and intuitive and demonstrated high spatiotemporal resolution and wide detection range. This method can provide reference data for the micro-mechanism study of hydrodynamic instability and radiation-driven asymmetry, as well as support for optimizing the implosion compression process to achieve efficient and stable ignition.

Quantum particle on the surface of a spherocylindrical capsule

Quantum particle on the surface of a spherocylindrical capsule

Evaluation of change in the contact of IOL with the posterior capsule with respect to the orientation of haptics of the IOL using intraoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

To study change in the contact of intraocular lens (IOL) with the posterior capsule with respect to the vertical versus horizontal orientation of the haptic-optic junction of the IOL using intraoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Fifty eyes of 50 patients with senile immature cataract underwent topical phacoemulsification procedure with implantation of a monofocal IOL by a single experienced surgeon. The Rescan 700 SD-OCT system was used for intraoperative imaging. These patients were imaged using intraoperative SD-OCT after implantation of IOL, with the haptics oriented horizontally and then vertically. The vertical height between the posterior surface of the lens capsule and the posterior surface of IOL reduced significantly when the haptics were oriented vertically compared to horizontal orientation. This difference was found on analyzing both vertical as well as horizontal axis scans. We found a greater contact between the posterior capsule and the posterior surface of IOL, with the haptic optic junction of the IOL oriented vertically. This study also suggests the need for newer toric IOL designs which allow vertical orientation of haptics, leading to better contact between IOL and the bag.

Real-world use of integrated intraoperative OCT in pediatric cataract.

To study the utility of integrated intraoperative OCT (i2OCT) in pediatric patients with cataracts in the real world. It was a retrospective case series. We included patients aged 0-12 years with unilateral or bilateral cataracts who underwent cataract surgery or membranectomy for visual axis opacification between July 2022 and December 2023, where intraoperative OCT was used. We matched the clinical data with i2OCT images and tried to identify any useful information i2OCT provided. Intraoperative notes were reviewed to analyze any changes in the surgical plan or steps after doing i2OCT. The mean age of the children undergoing surgery was 5.9 ± 2.4 years (range: 6 months-9 years). OCT provided valuable insights into the anterior, posterior capsule, and vitreolental surface morphology. The surgical decision was modified in 10 cases after doing the intraoperative OCT (31.3%). The study adds to the database of pediatric patients imaged using i2OCT in the real world. i2OCT complements the preoperative examination and aids intraoperative decision-making in cases of white cataracts with excellent real-time delineation of the vitreolental interface in children.

Macroencapsulation Device with Anti-inflammatory Membrane Modification Enhances Long-Term Viability and Function of Transplanted β Cells.

Treating type 1 diabetes (T1D) through β-cell macroencapsulation is a promising long-term solution, but it faces challenges such as immune-mediated fibrosis on the capsule surface, which impairs cell functionality and compromises longevity and effectiveness. This study presents an approach for including an anti-inflammatory molecule on the macroencapsulation device (MED) using initiated chemical vapor deposition for the surface modification of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) membranes. The surface-modified MEDs significantly reduced fibrosis, improved β-cell viability and functionality, and promoted M2 macrophage polarization, which is associated with anti-inflammatory effects. This MED displayed improved glycemic control in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model for 45 days. The findings underscore the potential of surface-modified MEDs for improving T1D management by mitigating inflammation and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of β-cell encapsulation.

Starch-based encapsulation to enhance probiotic viability in simulated digestion conditions

This research aims to meet the demand for efficient delivery systems in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. The study involved the synthesis of starch-based nanoparticles for potential application in the encapsulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Various techniques such as zeta sizer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the encapsulated probiotics in microbeads. The results showed 85.00 % encapsulation efficiency of beads. Microscopic analysis revealed that the probiotics accumulated within the wall material and formed small, smooth polygonal granules on the capsule surface. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of amorphous humps and some crystallinity of nanoparticles in the capsules. Moreover, encapsulation significantly improved probiotic viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. This study highlights the potential of starch-based nanoparticles to enhance the stability and viability of probiotics, demonstrating their potential applications across various industrial sectors. Further research should focus on investigating the long-term stability and functional efficacy of encapsulated probiotics in microbeads for real-world applications.

NIR-Guided Coating Optimization of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Mini Soft Capsules with Pitavastatin and Ezetimibe.

This study aimed to optimize the coating process of Omega-3 fatty acid (OM3-FA) mini soft capsules containing the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) pitavastatin and ezetimibe using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for in-process monitoring. Cardiovascular disease treatments benefit from combining OM3-FA with lipid-lowering agents, but formulating such combinations in mini soft capsules presents challenges in maintaining stability and mechanical integrity. The coating process was developed using a pan coater and real-time NIR monitoring to ensure uniformity and quality. NIR spectroscopy enabled precise control of coating thickness, ensuring consistent drug distribution across the capsule surface. The optimized process minimized OM3-FA oxidation and preserved the mechanical integrity of the capsules, as confirmed by texture analysis and in-vitro dissolution testing. This integration of NIR spectroscopy as a process analytical technology (PAT) significantly improved coating quality control, resulting in a stable and effective combination therapy for pitavastatin and ezetimibe in a mini soft capsule form. This approach offers an efficient solution for enhancing patient adherence in cardiovascular disease management. The application of NIR spectroscopy for real-time monitoring highlights its broader significance in pharmaceutical manufacturing, where it can serve as a versatile tool for ensuring product quality and optimizing production efficiency in diverse formulation processes. By incorporating NIR-based PAT, manufacturers can not only achieve product-specific improvements but also establish a foundation for continuous manufacturing and automated quality assurance systems, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and robust production environment.

Single-domain structure of Fe3O4 nanoparticles encapsulation by magnetic surfactant M(AOT)2 (M=Co, Ni)

Investigating the magnetic nanoparticle size and the effective magnetic interactions that form the magnetic domain can lead us to nanoparticles with targeted applications, such as targeted drug delivery and higher resolution MRI imaging. In this study magnetic susceptibility and coercive field properties, and the structure size range of single-domain magnetic capsules with high magnetization were obtained by structural analysis of volumetric DLS properties. In this regard, the role of exchange, anisotropy, and magnetostatic interaction was investigated in the structure of a magnetic capsule containing Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MCap-NPs). The stable capsules were synthesized in an emulsion solution with magnetic surfactants M(AOT)2 (M = Co, Ni). Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and capsule relative volume (CRV) of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) were used to determine the magnetic properties of the single-domain (SD) structure. The produced emulsion samples were found to have superparamagnetic properties property with saturation magnetization in the range of 2–6 × 10−3emu/g for NiCap-NPs, and 5-13 × 10−3emu/g for CoCap-NPs. The results show that nanoparticles have the most significant effect on magnetization. The coercive field, the anisotropy energy values, and the SD of M(AOT)2 were determined using magnetic susceptibility distribution. The outcome results show that the surface of the magnetic capsule plays an essential role in forming a single-domain structure. It was also found that the saturation magnetization of the samples in the emulsion solution is proportional to the nanoparticle density and not to the mass of nanoparticles. All produced samples have distinct peaks in CRV versus capsule size, and each peak follows a log-normal distribution. For both samples, except for the samples with molar ratios ω of 23 (Co3 and Ni4 samples), the positions of the second and third relative volume peaks were constant at 269 ± 3 nm and 424±6 nm, respectively. The behavior of the CRV function normalized to the peak size showed a proportionality between the coercive field and the CRV.

Applying pH Modulation to Improve the Thermal Stability of Melamine-Formaldehyde Microcapsules Containing Butyl Stearate as a Phase-Change Material.

This paper presents a two-stage microencapsulation process that uses pH modulation to enhance the thermal stability of microcapsules that consist of a melamine-formaldehyde (MF) shell and a butyl stearate core. In the first stage, the pH value was modulated between 6.0 and 8.0. Rising the pH value to 8.0 slowed the polycondensation rate, allowing the MF resin with a lower degree of polymerization to migrate to the capsule surface and form a smooth shell. Lowering the pH value to 6.0 accelerated polycondensation. In the second stage, a relatively fast, continuous reduction in the pH value to 5.0 led to further MF polycondensation, hardening the shell. Post-curing at 100 °C prevented shell damage caused by the liquid-gas phase transition of the core material during the process. The microcapsules produced by increasing the pH value to 8.0 twice demonstrated improved thermal stability, with only a minimal overall weight loss of 5% at 300 °C. Significant weight loss was observed between 350 and 400 °C, temperatures at which the methylene bridges in the MF shell undergo thermal degradation. The results from differential scanning calorimetry, electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry analyses confirmed a successful optimization of the microencapsulation, showing that these microcapsules are promising for thermal energy storage and other applications that require high thermal stability.

Stereoselective Interactions of Chiral Polyurea Nanocapsules with Albumins.

Exploiting the chirality of nanometric structures to modulate biological systems is an emerging and compelling area of research. In this study, we reveal that chiral polyurea nanocapsules exhibit significant stereoselective interactions with albumins from various sources despite their nearly neutral surface potential. Moreover, these interactions can be modulated by altering the nanocapsule surface composition, offering new opportunities to impact their distribution and, if used as a drug delivery system, the pharmacokinetics of the drug. Notably, these interactions promote preferential cellular internalization of only one chiral configuration. We synthesized chiral polyurea nanocapsules with reproducible sizes via interfacial polymerization between toluene 2,4-diisocyanate and d- or l-lysine enantiomers on a volatile oil-in-water emulsion interface, followed by solvent evaporation. Further synthesis optimization reduced the capsule size to a range compatible with in vivo administration, and capsules with alternating chiral patterns were also produced. The stereoselective interactions with albumins were assessed through capsule size changes, fluorescence quenching, and surface charge measurements. Biocompatibility, stability, and cellular internalization were evaluated. Additionally, scanning transmission electron and atomic force microscopy were carried out to assess the capsule shape, surface composition, and morphology. We discovered that d-nanocapsules exhibited 2.1-2.6 times greater albumin adsorption compared with their l-counterparts. This difference is attributed to the distinct morphology of d-nanocapsules, characterized by a more concave shape, central depression, and rougher surface. The extent of adsorption could be finely tuned by adjusting the d- and l-lysine monomer ratios during synthesis. Both chiral configurations demonstrated biocompatibility and stability with d-nanocapsules showing a 2.5-fold increase in cellular internalization.

Immunoregulatory Properties of Immune Cells that Associate with the Lens Capsule Surface during Acute and Resolution Phases of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis

Inflammation in the eye is tightly regulated to prevent vision impairment and irreversible blindness. Emerging evidence shows that immune cells are specifically recruited to the lens capsule in response to autoimmune uveitis, yet the potential that they have a role in regulating this inflammatory disease remained unexplored. Here, an immunolocalization approach combined with high-resolution confocal microscopy was used to investigate whether the immune cells that become stably associated with the lens capsule in the eyes of C57BL/6J mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) have an immunoregulatory phenotype. These studies revealed that during the acute phase of uveitis, at day 18 after disease induction, the immune cells specifically recruited to the lens capsule, such as regulatory T cells [forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+CD4+] and M2 macrophages (CD68+ arginase 1+IL-10+), included those with putative anti-inflammatory, proresolution roles. The frequency of these lens capsule-associated immunomodulatory phenotypes increased at day 35 after induction, during the resolution phase of EAU inflammation. At this later stage of resolution, most of the macrophages expressed CD206, a mannose receptor responsible for removing inflammatory molecules, in addition to arginase 1 and IL-10. These results suggest a previously unknown role for the lens as a site for recruitment of immune cells whose role is to suppress inflammation, promote resolution, and maintain remission of EAU.

Synovium-Derived and Bone-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells from Early OA Patients Show Comparable In Vitro Properties to Those of Non-OA Patients.

Degenerative disorders like osteoarthritis (OA) might impair the ability of tissue-resident mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) for tissue regeneration. As primary cells with MSC-like properties are exploited for patient-derived stem cell therapies, a detailed evaluation of their in vitro properties is needed. Here, we aimed to compare synovium-derived and bone-derived MSCs in early hip OA with those of patients without OA (non-OA). Tissues from three synovial sites of the hip (paralabral synovium, cotyloid fossa, inner surface of peripheral capsule) were collected along with peripheral trabecular bone from 16 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy (8 early OA and 8 non-OA patients). Primary cells isolated from tissues were compared using detailed in vitro analyses. Gene expression profiling was performed for the skeletal stem cell markers podoplanin (PDPN), CD73, CD164 and CD146 as well as for immune-related molecules to assess their immunomodulatory potential. Synovium-derived and bone-derived MSCs from early OA patients showed comparable clonogenicity, cumulative population doublings, osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic potential, and immunophenotype to those of non-OA patients. High PDPN/low CD146 profile (reminiscent of skeletal stem cells) was identified mainly for non-OA MSCs, while low PDPN/high CD146 mainly defined early OA MSCs. These data suggest that MSCs from early OA patients are not affected by degenerative changes in the hip. Moreover, the synovium represents an alternative source of MSCs for patient-derived stem cell therapies, which is comparable to bone. The expression profile reminiscent of skeletal stem cells suggests the combination of low PDPN and high CD146 as potential biomarkers in early OA.

Drag increase behavior of micro-textured concave titanium surface generated by oblique laser etching

Titanium alloy has been widely used in the clinical preparation of artificial jawbone implants due to its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Artificial bone implantation drug-carrying research can realize the targeted release of drugs at the lesion, however, it is still at the technical bottleneck in inhibiting the sudden release of drugs. In this paper, based on the typical wettability model, a drug-loading and release-retarding method for artificial titanium jawbone drug-storage microcapacitor has been proposed by studying the oblique laser etching process of the inner surface of the drug-storage capsule and by investigating the resistance-enhancing mechanism of the texturization of concave surface of the inner wall. Using the oblique laser etching texture, the contact angle measurement reveals that when the laser frequency is 40KHz, the laser pulse width is 11 ns, the scanning speed is 130 mm/s, and the laser incidence angle is kept at 30° and the number of processing is one, the minimum surface contact angle can be obtained is only 8°. By combining the “3 + 2″ nanosecond laser etching device with the laser depth of focus theory, a curved surface laser etching process method was proposed. A titanium alloy jawbone with drug-carrying cavities was printed using SLM 3D printing technology, and the drag-enhancing effect of the texture was verified using sodium fluorescein labeling method, and it was found that the hydrophilic microtexture had a significant drag-enhancing effect on the liquid flow in the microfluidic channel.

Temporomandibular Joint Histology

Background: The temporomandibular joint plays a crucial role in daily oral functions like mastication. A comprehensive understanding of the histological components of these joints proves valuable in deciphering their intricate anatomical structures. Purpose of the study: This study aimed to compare the histochemical stains of hematoxylin-eosin and Goldner's trichrome applied to a temporomandibular joint sample using the Wistar Rat as a biomodel. Results: Complete sagittal slices of murine biomodel hemicranium were evaluated and the comprehensive histological technique involved various steps, including perfusion, post-fixation, decalcification, dehydration, clarification, inclusion, cutting, staining, and assembly. The temporomandibular joint specimens were stained using H&E and Goldner's trichrome. The histological description included structures such as the external auditory canal, mandibular fossa and condyle, pterygoid muscles, joint capsule, synovial membrane, articular disc, and articular surface. Special cell types like chondrocytes and synovial cells were also identified. Conclusion: Goldner's trichrome, an underutilized technique, exhibited superior chromatic richness in differentiating the cellular and tissue components of the temporomandibular joint. KEYWORDS: histology, joint capsule, synovial membrane, temporomandibular joint, temporomandibular joint disc, trichrome stain, Wistar rats.

Measurement of early time outer laser beam reflection inside a cylindrical hohlraum at the National Ignition Facility

In a National Ignition Facility (NIF) cylindrical hohlraum, any specular reflection (“glint”) off the wall from the outer cone (incident angle of 50° and 44° relative to the surface of the wall) laser beam will irradiate the capsule poles. If the glint power is sufficiently large during the picket (early time) of the laser pulse, it may seed high-mode perturbations on the capsule surface that can grow during the implosion. To quantify the glint power on the capsule during the picket by the outer beams, we performed dedicated experiments on NIF using a flat witness foil as a surrogate for the capsule in a half-hohlraum target. We found that the measured glint power is approximately comparable to simulations using a nominal electron conduction flux limiter of f = 0.15, and over an order of magnitude lower than that predicted using f = 0.03 in the wall. Based on our current understanding, we conclude that the glint from the outer beams plays an insignificant role in capsule drive asymmetry.

Modeling ablator defects as a source of mix in high-performance implosions at the National Ignition Facility

Recent indirect drive inertial confinement fusion implosions on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) [Spaeth et al., Fusion Sci. Technol. 69, 25 (2016)] have crossed the threshold of ignition. However, performance has been variable due to several factors. One of the leading sources of variability is the quality of the high-density carbon (HDC) shells used as ablators in these experiments. In particular, these shells can have a number of defects that have been found to correlate with the appearance of ablator mix into the hot spot and a degradation in nuclear yield. These defects include pits on the ablator surface, voids in the ablator bulk, high-Z debris from the Hohlraum wall that adheres to the capsule surface, and finally the inherent granular micro-structure of the crystalline HDC itself. This paper summarizes high-resolution modeling of each of these mix sources in two recent high-performance NIF implosion experiments. The simulated impact from a range of individual capsule defects is found to be broadly consistent with the trends seen in experiment, lending credence to the modeling results and the details of the mixing process that they reveal. Interestingly, modeling of the micro-structure inherent to HDC shows that this perturbation source results in considerable mixing of the deuterium–tritium fuel with ablator material during the implosion. The reduction in fuel compression from this mix results in an approximately factor of two reduction in neutron yield in current implosions and emphasizes the importance of mitigating this significant performance degradation.

Morphological features of pollen, fruits, and seeds of Turkish Cistus species (Cistaceae)

Pollen, fruit, and seed morphology of the Cistus species (Cistaceae) from Turkey were investigated by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to describe their characteristics and to clarify the diagnostic importance of these properties for taxonomical purposes. The pollen grains are oblate-spheroidal, with the polar axis ranging from 32 to 55 μm, and the equatorial axis ranging from 34.25 to 57 μm. Microreticulate-rugulate, striato-reticulate, microechinate, and microreticulate with smooth supratectal elements were found on exine sculpturing. The fruits are ovoid, oblong-globose, or ovoid-globose, and their size ranges between 3–11.2 mm in length and 2.9–10.3 mm in width. Capsule surface patterns can be divided into three types, namely irregularly reticulate, striate, and reticulate-areolate. The hairs on the capsule show variation in type: pilose, bifurcate, and stellate. The seeds are polyhedral, ovoid, rhomboid, oblong, or tetrahedral, and their color varies between dark brown, reddish-brown, yellowish-brown, and black. Four seed coat ornamentation types were observed: reticulate-ruminate, reticulate-rugose, colliculate-ruminate, and alveolate-rugose. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis revealed that the pollen dimension, exine sculpturing, capsule size, capsule indumentum type, capsule surface pattern, seed color, and seed coat ornamentation are the most significant variables to differentiate the Cistus species studied.

METHOD OF TRIGONIZATION (LOWERING) OF THE NECK OF THE BLADDER INTO THE PROSTATE BED WHEN PERFORMING LAPAROSCOPIC VALUED PROSTATECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

For the prevention of stricture of the bladder neck during laparoscopic prostatectomy, faster epithelialization of the prostate bed, trigonization (lowering) of the lower semicircle of the urethral neck into the prostate bed with knotted sutures is used, which remain in the lumen of the bed and can cause infl ammatory processes in it with the formation of calculi.The purpose of the study: to present a method of trigonization of the lower semicircle of the bladder neck during laparoscopic extraperitoneal pubic (transcapsular) prostatectomy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.Material and methods. In the center of plastic, reconstructive and minimally invasive oncourology of the Cherkasy regional oncological dispensary and the urological department of the Vinnytsia regional hospital named after Pirogov in 2021-2023, 55 laparoscopic extraperitoneal retropubic prostatectomies were performed in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. In 3 patients with large lateral and middle parts of the prostate, a large bed of the prostate with a bladder neck of a small diameter (up to 1 cm) was formed. To prevent the formation of a stricture of the bladder neck and to speed up the regeneration of the prostate bed, the trigonization of the bladder neck in the prostate bed was performed by placing two P-like vicryl sutures on the lower semicircle of the bladder neck with sutures on the lateral surfaces of the prostate capsule and tying the ends of the ligatures.The results. The method made it possible to perform trigonization of the bladder neck without leaving ligatures and their ends in the lumen of the prostate bed and infl ammatory processes in it.Conclusion. The method is recommended for use in the practical work of urologists when performing onemoment laparoscopic retropubic prostatectomy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia with a large middle part of the prostate.

Effect of grooving on the inner surface of the spherical capsule filled with DI water for rapid heat transfer in cool thermal energy storage applications.

The demand for cooling applications increases severalfold; the integration of the CTES system will mitigate the demand and pollution caused by the building sectors. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of grooving on the inner surface of the spherical capsule on the solidification characteristics of deionized (DI) water, which finds widespread use in the bed of cool thermal energy storage applications. Eight hemispheres made of mild steel of 100-mm diameter and 1-mm thickness are used to make four spherical capsules by the welding process for the study. Among the four capsules, one with a plain surface and the remaining with a groove depth of 0.3mm, 0.5mm, and 0.7mm are made. The grooving in the hemispherical capsule is obtained by the turning operation. The experiments are conducted at various bath temperatures of - 6°C, - 9°C, and - 12°C. The experimental result reveals that the surface modification leads to a significant reduction in solidification time, and in particular, the maximum percentage reduction in solidification time is achieved at - 6°C. The provision of grooves makes the evaporator operate at - 6°C instead of - 12°C till the solidification of 75% mass and the predicted energy saving is 18 to 24%. As the enhancement of heat transfer rate techniques is carbon-free, the recycling of the PCM will have zero impact on environmental pollution.