Uncoated Control Research Articles

Aloe Vera ve Gliserol ile Kaplama İşleminin Buğdayın Farklı Su Seviyeleri Altında Çimlenme Gecikmesi ve Tohum Canlılığı Üzerine Etkileri

This study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of seed coating on preventing early germination to decrease possible seed damage. For this aim, bread wheat seeds were coated with Aloe vera and glycerol to determine how these substances can preserve seed viability by avoiding early germination. The seeds were coated with 5 different concentrations of Aloe vera or glycerol and irrigated with varies water levels. Water absorption and germination rates, seed viability after five days, and germination vigor following the second irrigation were determined. The seeds coated with glycerol absorbed the least amount of water. This was followed by seeds coated with Aloe vera and uncoated control seeds, respectively. Five hours after the initial irrigation, seeds coated with 100% and 80% of glycerol absorbed the least amount of water of 9.15% and 14.85%, respectively. Seeds coated with 100% and 80% of Aloe vera absorbed slightly more water of 23.96% and 29.01%, respectively. More concentrated coatings of Aloe vera and glycerol were associated with lower germination rates but glycerol-coated seeds generally had the longest viability. Both coating treatments effectively preserved seed viability by delaying germination at low water levels.

Prolonged water immersion alters resistance to sliding of aesthetic orthodontic coated wires.

The objective of this study was to compare the resistance to sliding of aesthetic orthodontic coated wires after prolonged water immersion for up to 4weeks. An in vitro study of commercially available orthodontic appliances. Aesthetic coated stainless-steel wires (Parylene-coated, epoxy-coated and Teflon-coated) (0.019"×0.025") and an uncoated control were immersed in distilled-deionized water for zero, two or four weeks at 37°C and then were subjected to resistance-to-sliding tests through a three-bracket system of sapphire ceramic brackets (0.022"×0.028" slot) and clear-coloured elastic ligatures at a contact angle of 0° or 3°. Maximal and average resistance to sliding was analysed by a three-way analysis of variance, two general linear models and a post hoc Tukey's honest significant difference test. Water immersion time, contact angle, wire group and their interactions had statistically significant effects on the resistance to sliding of tested orthodontic wires. Various coated wires had distinct timely changes in the maximal and average resistance to sliding after water immersion for 2 to 4weeks. When compared to the uncoated control in most of the experimental conditions, epoxy-coated wires had lower or non-significant differences in resistance to sliding, while Parylene-coated wire had higher resistances. Prolonged water immersion for weeks alters the resistance to sliding of aesthetic orthodontic wires coated with Parylene, epoxy or Teflon. Based on their resistance to sliding, different designs in orthodontic biomechanics should be considered for the different aesthetic orthodontic coated wires.

Is coating of titanium implants effective at preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections? A meta-analysis of animal model studies.

To assess the effects of the available coating methods against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) biofilm development on titanium implants. We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases until May 18, 2019, for studies that used animal models of infections to evaluate various titanium implant coating methods to prevent S. aureus infection. Twenty-seven studies were eligible for inclusion in qualitative synthesis. Of those, twenty-three were considered in pair-wise meta-analysis. In addition, subgroup analysis of implant protection strategies relative to uncoated controls was performed, and any adverse events stemming from the coating applications were reported. Quality assessment was performed using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animal studies. Meta-analysis showed that active coating with antibiotics was favoured over uncoated controls (standardised mean differences [SMD] for MRSA and MSSA were -2.71 [95% CI, - 4.24 to - 1.18], p = 0.0005, and - 2.5 [- 3.79 to - 1.22], p = 0.0001, respectively). Likewise, large effect sizes were demonstrated when a combination of active and conventional non-degradable passive coatings was compared with controls (SMDs for MRSA and MSSA were -0.62 [95% CI, - 1.15 to - 0.08], p = 0.02, and - 1.93 [95% CI, - 2.87 to - 0.98], p < 0.001, respectively). As a standalone prevention method, active titanium coating with antibiotics yielded promising results against both MSSA and MRSA. Combinations between active and non-degradable passive coatings, potentially allowing for sustained antimicrobial substance release, provided consistent hardware infection protection. Thus, we recommend that future research efforts focus on combined coating modalities against S. aureus biofilm infections in the presence of titanium implants. CRD42019123462.

Novel Antimicrobial Cellulose Fleece Inhibits Growth of Human-Derived Biofilm-Forming Staphylococci During the SIRIUS19 Simulated Space Mission.

Two novel antimicrobial surface coatings were assessed for their lasting antibacterial effect under simulated space conditions during the SIRIUS-19 study. Because long-term space travel can affect the human immune system, astronauts are particularly susceptible to infectious disease. Moreover, the space flight environment can alter the composition of microbial communities within the spacecraft and increase bacterial virulence and resistance to antibiotics. In addition to protecting the crew from infection by human pathogens, prevention and elimination of bacterial contamination is important to avoid corrosion and damage of the technical equipment. The antimicrobial coating AGXX® consists of micro-galvanic cells composed of silver and ruthenium which damage bacterial cells through the release of reactive oxygen species. Over the last years, several studies on the antimicrobial effect of AGXX® have demonstrated an effective inhibition of growth and even complete elimination of many pathogenic bacteria – including multiresistant microorganisms – as well as their biofilms. The second antimicrobial coating, GOX, consists of chemically modified graphene oxide. Through a positive surface charge and its flexible scaffold, GOX can multivalently bind and immobilize bacteria via electrostatic attraction. Here, AGXX® and GOX were applied to non-metallic carriers not previously tested. The antimicrobial coated materials, as well as uncoated control samples, were exposed in the SIRIUS artificial space module and analyzed at different time points during the 4-months isolation study. Survival and growth of airborne heterotrophic, aerobic bacteria on the surfaces were assessed by cultivation-based methods, employing growth conditions suitable for potential human pathogens. Human-associated, biofilm-forming Staphylococcus spp. (S. hominis, S. haemolyticus, and S. epidermidis) strongly dominated at all time points, most were resistant against erythromycin, kanamycin, and ampicillin. AGXX® coatings completely inhibited growth of these opportunistic pathogens on all tested surface materials. Particularly, AGXX®-cellulose fleece achieved a clear reduction in bacterial load able to recover post contact. GOX-cellulose fleece effectively immobilized bacteria. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons revealed that the isolated Staphylococcus spp. did not dominate the overall bacterial community, accounting for only 0.1–0.4% of all sequences. Instead, molecular data revealed Lactobacillus, Comamonas, Pseudomonas, Sporosarcina, and Bacillus as the dominant genera across all samples and time points.

Cross-overlapped flat-silver/hexagonal boron nitride for translucent heat-reflective coatings

Multifunctional heat-reflective coatings are increasingly in demand for use in energy-efficient buildings and vehicles, as well as for optoelectronic devices. Conventional heat-reflective coatings (e.g. dielectric/metal/dielectric (DMD)) exhibit poor structural flexibility and combine complex fabrication process of multilayered structures, which hinders their scalable production. Herein, a low-cost translucent heat reflective mechanism is presented using single-coat composite film of flat-silver (flat-Ag) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) as an alternative to the multilayered DMD structure. The conversion of grey Ag-nanoparticles into shiny flat-Ag results in significant enhancement (~7 times) in infrared (IR) reflection. The dielectric-hBN layers integrated with flat-Ag improves the visible transmittance and heat-dissipating properties of coatings. The flat-Ag/hBN ink sprayed onto a flexible, transparent, and adhesive substrate of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) exhibits excellent IR-reflection (~70%) with ~57% visible transmittance. When irradiated by an IR heat source, the film displays 8.9 ± 0.5 °C lower temperature than those of uncoated surfaces, that results in reduction of the interior air-temperature by 5.4 ± 0.5 °C compared to the uncoated control. This newfabrication process of heat-reflective coatings with structural flexibility and optical transparency has great potentials to be used for thermal management in building and transportation sectors.

Tumor microenvironment targeting with dual stimuli-responsive nanoparticles based on small heat shock proteins for antitumor drug delivery

Tumour microenvironment (TME)-targeting nanoparticles (NPs) were developed based on Methanococcus jannaschii small heat shock proteins (Mj-sHSPs). Transactivator of transcription (TAT) were modified on the surface of Mj-sHSPs (T-HSPs) to enhance their cellular internalization ability (CIA), and a pH/enzyme dual sensitive PEG/N-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine-hyaluronic acid (PAHA) coat was combined with T-HSPs (PT-HSPs). PT-HSP NPs exhibited multi-layered morphologies and good stability against plasma protein adsorption. The release of paclitaxel (PTX) from PT-HSP NPs was negligible at physiological pH. Under conditions similar to the TME (acidic pH and overexpressed hyaluronidase (HAase)), the PAHA coat deshielded from PT-HSP NPs because of two factors: charge reversal and HAase degradation. Once the PAHA coat was shed, the size of the NPs decreased; its surface charge became positive; and remarkable drug release was triggered. Cellular experiments indicated that the CIA of PT-HSPs was shielded in the microenvironment of normal cells and recovered in that of tumour cells. In vivo imaging exhibited that the PT-HSP NPs had an impressive tumour targeting ability compared with the uncoated controls. The antitumor efficacy in vivo demonstrated that tumour-bearing mice treated with PTX-loaded PT-HSP NPs achieved better anti-tumour effects and safety than the Taxol formulation. In summary, this study provided Mj-sHSP NPs with coats that could be shed in response to the particular pH and enzymes in the TME, which improved the efficacy of tumour therapy. Statement of significanceThis study reports on tumor microenvironment-targeting protein-based nanoparticles (PT-HSP NPs) for targeted tumor therapy. The NPs had a multilayered structure: a protein cage, a TAT cationic layer, and a dual-sensitive coat. PT-HSP NPs exhibited multilayered morphology, with good stability against plasma protein adsorption, and PTX release negligible at physiological pH. Under the tumor microenvironment (acidic pH and overexpressed HAase), PAHA coat deshielded from PT-HSP NPs due to two factors: the charge reversal induced by protonation of piperidines in PAHA and HAase degradation. The results of cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, in vivo imaging, and tumor inhibition experiments confirmed that PT-HSP NPs exhibited promising tumor targeting efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

Tryptophol Coating Reduces Catheter-Related Cerebral and Pulmonary Infections by Scedosporium apiospermum.

IntroductionCentral venous catheter (CVC) is a medical device that is used to administer medication for a long duration. Colonization by an emerging opportunistic pathogen Scedosporium apiospermum in the CVC lumen is frequently reported to cause severe complications in patients. Here, we describe the effect of fungal quorum-sensing molecule (QSM) known as tryptophol (TOH) to control S. apiospermum colonization in catheter tube lumens in both in vitro and in vivo models.MethodsAntifungal susceptibility of TOH against S. apiospermum was compared with voriconazole, and the colony diameter was determined on days 2, 4, and 6. Experimental catheterization rat model was conducted with pre-coating of TOH and voriconazole or an uncoated control and an infection with S. apiospermum. Biofilm formation on the catheter luminal surface was assessed using the scanning electron microscopy, crystal violet, and 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-ni-tro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-(phenylamino)-carbonyl-2H-tetra-zolium hydroxide (XTT) reduction assays. Brain and lung samples of catheterized rats were histopathologically assessed. Serum samples from catheterized rats were injected into Galleria mellonella larvae. Survival of catheterized rats and G. mellonella was determined.ResultsTOH impeded the growth of S. apiospermum by reducing the colony diameter in a dose-dependent manner. TOH coating remarkably lessened S. apiospermum biofilm formation and fungal cell viability on the catheter luminal surface. Additionally, TOH coating lessens cerebral edema that is associated with abscess and invasive pulmonary damages due to S. apiospermum catheter-related infection. Furthermore, TOH coating also lessened the virulence of S. apiospermum in sera of experimental catheterized rats and extended the survival rate of larvae Galleria mellonella infection model.ConclusionAn alternative modification of catheter by coating with TOH is effective in preventing S. apiospermum colonization in vivo. Our study gives a new strategy to control catheter contamination and prevents nosocomial diseases due to S. apiospermum infection.

Development of a Pemetrexed/Folic Acid Nanoformulation: Synthesis, Characterization, and Efficacy in a Murine Colorectal Cancer Model.

The folate analogue pemetrexed (PEM) is an approved therapeutic for non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma with the potential for broader application in combination therapies. Here, we report the development of a nanoformulation of PEM and its efficacy against the CT26 murine colorectal cancer cell line in vitro and in vivo. Utilizing layer-by-layer deposition, we integrate PEM, along with folic acid (FA), onto a fluorescent polystyrene nanoparticle (NP) substrate. The final nanoformulation (PEM/FA-NP) has a size of ∼40 nm and a zeta potential of approximately −20 mV. Cell uptake studies indicated increased uptake in vitro for the PEM/FA-NP compared to the uncoated NP, likely due to the presence of PEM and FA. Viability studies were performed to determine the potency of the PEM/FA-NP formulation against CT26 cells. Syngeneic CT26 tumors in BALB/c mice showed reduced growth when treated once daily (2.1 mg/kg PEM) for 3 days with PEM/FA-NP versus the vehicle (uncoated) control, with no observable signs of systemic toxicity associated with the nanoformulation. Although the current study size is limited (n = 4 animals for each group), the overall performance and biocompatibility of the PEM/FA-NP observed suggest that further optimization and larger-scale studies may be warranted for this novel formulation.

Graphene oxide integrated silicon photonics for detection of vapour phase volatile organic compounds

The optical response of a graphene oxide integrated silicon micro-ring resonator (GOMRR) to a range of vapour phase Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) is reported. The response of the GOMRR to all but one (hexane) of the VOCs tested is significantly higher than that of the uncoated (control) silicon MRR, for the same vapour flow rate. An iterative Finite Difference Eigenmode (FDE) simulation reveals that the sensitivity of the GO integrated device (in terms of RIU/nm) is enhanced by a factor of ~2, which is coupled with a lower limit of detection. Critically, the simulations reveal that the strength of the optical response is determined by molecular specific changes in the local refractive index probed by the evanescent field of the guided optical mode in the device. Analytical modelling of the experimental data, based on Hill-Langmuir adsorption characteristics, suggests that these changes in the local refractive index are determined by the degree of molecular cooperativity, which is enhanced for molecules with a polarity that is high, relative to their kinetic diameter. We believe this reflects a molecular dependent capillary condensation within the graphene oxide interlayers, which, when combined with highly sensitive optical detection, provides a potential route for discriminating between different vapour phase VOCs.

Hydrocolloid-Based Coatings with Nanoparticles and Transglutaminase Crosslinker as Innovative Strategy to Produce Healthier Fried Kobbah.

This study addresses the effect of coating solutions on fried kobbah. Coating solutions were made of pectin (PEC) and grass pea flour (GPF), treated or not with transglutaminase (TGase) and nanoparticles (NPs)—namely mesoporous silica NPs (MSN) or chitosan NPs (CH–NPs). Acrylamide content (ACR), water, oil content and color of uncoated (control) and coated kobbah were investigated. Zeta potential, Z-average and in vitro digestion experiments were carried out. Zeta potential of CH–NPs was stable from pH 2.0 to pH 6.0 around + 35 mV but decreasing at pH > 6.0. However, the Z-average of CH–NPs increased by increasing the pH. All coating solutions were prepared at pH 6.0. ACR of the coated kobbah with TGase-treated GPF in the presence nanoparticles (MSN or CH–NPs) was reduced by 41.0% and 47.5%, respectively. However, the PEC containing CH–NPs showed the higher reduction of the ACR by 78.0%. Water content was higher in kobbah coated by PEC + CH–NPs solutions, while the oil content was lower. The color analysis indicated that kobbah with lower browning index containing lower ACR. Finally, in vitro digestion studies of both coating solutions and coated kobbah, demonstrated that the coating solutions and kobbah made by means of TGase or nanoparticles were efficiently digested.

Eu3+ , Sm3+ Deep-Red Phosphors as Novel Materials for White Light-Emitting Diodes and Simultaneous Performance Enhancement of Organic-Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells.

The luminous efficiency of inorganic white light-emitting diodes, to be used by the next generation as light initiators, is continuously progressing and is an emerging interest for researchers. However, low color-rendering index (Ra), high correlated color temperature (CCT), and poor stability limit its wider application. Herein, it is reported that Sm3+ - and Eu3+ -doped calcium scandate (CaSc2 O4 (CSO)) are an emerging deep-red-emitting material with promising light absorption, enhanced emission properties, and excellent thermal stability that make it a promising candidate with potential applications in emission display, solid-state white lighting, and the device performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The average crystal structures of Sm3+ -doped CSO are studied by synchrotron X-ray data that correspond to an extremely rigid host structure. Samarium ion is incorporated as a sensitizer that enhances the emission intensity up to 30%, with a high color purity of 88.9% with a 6% increment. The impacts of hosting the sensitizer are studied by quantifying the lifetime curves. The CaSc2 O4 :0.15Eu3+ ,0.03Sm3+ phosphor offers significant resistance to thermal quenching. The incorporation of lanthanide ion-doped phosphors CSOE into PSCs is investigated along with their potential applications. The CSOE-coated PSCs devices exhibit a high current density and a high power conversion efficiency (15.96%) when compared to the uncoated control devices.

Effect of Packaging and Coating Technique on Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of Raphanus sativus L. and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Microgreens.

Microgreens are highly respiring produce characterized by a relatively short shelf-life. In this study, the efficacy of two types of macro-perforated packaging, PET clamshell (PET–CS) and LDPE self-seal bag (LDPE–SSB), was assessed on the postharvest quality and shelf life of radish (RaS) and roselle (HbS) microgreens stored at 5 °C. Pre-harvest spray treatment (AGSC) was compared with postharvest dip coating (AGDC) using Aloe vera gel (AG) for the first time in microgreens for postharvest quality improvement. PET–CS had a lower physiological loss in weight (PLW), respiration rate (RR), electrolyte leakage (EL), microbial counts (MCs), and higher overall acceptability (OA) than LDPE–SSB. AG-coated microgreens had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lesser deteriorative postharvest changes and higher ascorbic acid content than uncoated control. AGSC maintained better OA and postharvest quality than AGDC, especially at the end of the study period in terms of reducing EL, retaining greenness (−a*), and chroma value in HbS microgreens. In RaS microgreens, AGSC helped to maintain lower PLW, MC, and higher ascorbic acid levels. AGSC could be suggested as an eco-friendly ergonomic pre-harvest treatment along with PET–CS for enhancement of postharvest quality and shelf life in RaS and HbS microgreens, with a tremendous potential to be extended to other microgreens.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant coating based on basil seed gum incorporated with Shirazi thyme and summer savory essential oils emulsions for shelf-life extension of refrigerated chicken fillets

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of antimicrobial and antioxidant coatings based on basil-seed gum (BSG) on the refrigerated shelf-life of chicken fillets. Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties were developed by incorporating summer savory essential oil (SEO) and Shirazi thyme essential oil (TEO) emulsions, individually or in combination with each other, into BSG coating. Microbiological evaluations including total viable count (TVC), psychrotrophic (PBC) and lactic acid bacteria counts (LAB), as well as chemical charachteristics namely peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and pH were performed on coated and control samples. Moreover, sensory evaluations were performed for odor, color, texture and overall acceptability. Results showed that incorporating SEO and TEO into BSG coatings could significanty (p < 0.5) increase the quality of chicken fillets. Antimicrobial and antioxidant coatings significantly (p < 0.05) reduced pH, TVB-N, PV and TBA values compared to uncoated control samples, specially for BSG/TEO coated samples, which resulted the best treatment. pH, TVB-N, PV and TBA in BSG/TEO coated samples were 5.96, 16.84, 3.33 and 2.44, respectively, lower than those of uncoated control samples on day 12 of storage. A similar reduction trend was observed for microbial population. TVC, PBC and LAB were 3.69, 4.73, and 3.87 log CFU/g on day 12 of storage in BSG/TEO coated samples lower than those of uncoated samples. Therefore, the natural active components of EOs showed positive effects on extending the shelf-life of coated chicken fillets. Besides, sensory properties of coated samples were significantly (p < 0.05) better than those of control samples. Generally, TEO was more effective than SEO and no synergistic effect was observed between TEO and SEO.

Acute Thrombus Burden on Coated Flow Diverters Assessed by High Frequency Optical Coherence Tomography.

The implantation of flow diverters requires administration of dual anti-platelet therapy, posing the potential for complications. The p48MW HPC (phenox, Bochüm,Germany) hydrophilic-coated flow diverting stent is designed to be anti-thrombotic, thus opening the potential for single anti-platelet therapy. We deploy a novel intravascular high-resolution imaging technique, high-frequency optical coherence tomography (HF-OCT), to study in an animal model the acute thrombus formation on coated p48MW devices versus uncoated control devices. Three pigs were implanted with 4 flow diverters each, two test hydrophilic-coated devices, and two control uncoated devices (p48MW). Each pig was treated with a different anti-platelet regime: no anti-platelet therapy, aspirin only, aspirin and clopidogrel. Twenty minutes after the flow diverter was implanted, an HF-OCT data set was acquired. Acute clot formed on the flow diverter at each covered side branch was measured from the HF-OCT slices. Factors considered to be important were the device type (pHPC versus bare metal), aspirin, clopidogrel, and vessel location. A linear model was constructed from the significant factors. Both coating (p < 0.001) and aspirin (p = 0.003) were significantly related to reduction in clot burden, leading to an approximate 100-fold and 50-fold reduction in clot, respectively. This study shows the power of HF-OCT not onlyin the detection of clot but also the quantification of clot burden. In an animal model, the pHPC-coated p48MW significantly reduced acute thrombus formation over jailed side branches as compared to the bare metal p48MW that was nearly eliminated when combinedwith aspirin administration.

Metal–Organic Framework Polymer Coating Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus Attachment on Medical Circulation Tubing under Static and Dynamic Flow Conditions

Medical device-associated bacterial infections remain a significant complication for patients on extracorporeal organ support. Device-specific bacterial infections occur when bacteria enter the host tissue and attach to the devices, enabling bacteria to colonize and multiply rapidly. Preventing bacterial attachment would efficiently inhibit colonization and biofilm formation. In this study, a copper-based metal-organic framework (MOF) with demonstrated stability under physiological conditions was dispersed in a polymer solution and applied to the interior surface of seven-foot-long medical circulation tubing via a custom-designed coating system. The resulting MOF coating was thin and uniform along the entire length of the tubing. The coating was stable after dynamic flow without degradation or changes to the surface morphology. Bacterial attachment studies were performed on MOF-embedded medical tubing and uncoated control tubing under static and dynamic flow conditions for 24 h. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) attachment was reduced by 52 ± 15% (static conditions) and 53 ± 29% (dynamic conditions) on the MOF-coated tubing compared to uncoated controls. In addition, S. aureus attachment was reduced by 52 ± 12% (MOF coating) and 52 ± 30% (uncoated controls) under dynamic flow conditions compared to static conditions. This study is the first to show the promising antibacterial performance of a MOF coating on medical tubing under both static and dynamic flow conditions.

Deterring rodent seed‐predation using seed‐coating technologies

With many degraded environments undergoing restoration efforts, there is a growing need for the optimization of direct seeding practices. Seeds planted on wildlands are often consumed by rodents, leading to reduced plant establishment. Coating seeds in rodent aversive products may prevent seed‐predation. We tested 10 seed‐coating formulations containing products expected to deter rodents, namely: ghost and cayenne pepper powders; essential oils from bergamot, neem, and pine; methyl‐nonyl‐ketone, anthraquinone, activated carbon, beta‐cyclodextrin, and a blank coating containing no rodent deterrents to serve as a control treatment. Each treatment was applied to Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass) seeds. These seeds germinated similarly to uncoated control seeds unless the coating contained methyl‐nonyl‐ketone which reduced germination. When seeds were offered to Ord's kangaroo rats (Dipodomys ordii), they strongly avoided the treatments in favor of uncoated control seeds. Notably, the blank coating, lacking active ingredients, still elicited 99% avoidance. However, these results indicated behavior when alternative food sources are readily available, a scenario rare in nature. To address this, a second feeding experiment was conducted to observe D. ordii's behavior under calorie‐restricted conditions. D. ordii were subjected to a fast period, then offered only one treatment. Under these conditions, many subjects chose to consume coated seeds, but to a lesser degree than subjects offered control seeds. Seeds coated in ghost pepper, neem oil, and activated carbon reduced consumption by 47–50%. Given these lab results, we would expect these treatments to increase native plant establishment following the direct seeding of wildlands by protecting seeds from rodent predation.

Biological coating with platelet-rich plasma and adipose tissue-derived microvascular fragments improves the vascularization, biocompatibility and tissue incorporation of porous polyethylene

Porous polyethylene (pPE) is a commonly used biomaterial in craniofacial reconstructive surgery. However, implant failure due to insufficient vascularization represents a major issue. To overcome this problem, we herein introduce an effective strategy to improve the vascularization and incorporation of pPE. Adipose tissue-derived microvascular fragments (MVF) from transgenic green fluorescent protein (GFP)+ mice were suspended in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the coating of pPE. PRP/MVF-coated pPE as well as PRP-coated and uncoated controls were subsequently implanted into the dorsal skinfold chamber and the flanks of GFP− wild-type mice to analyze their in vivo performance throughout 2, 4 and 8 weeks by means of intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry. The GFP+/GFP− cross-over design allowed the identification of GFP+ MVF within the implants. Shortly after implantation, they rapidly reassembled into new blood-perfused microvascular networks, resulting in a significantly accelerated vascularization of PRP/MVF-coated pPE when compared to both controls. The overall numbers of rolling and adherent leukocytes within the microcirculation as well as macrophages, multi-nucleated giant cells and mast cells around the implants did not differ between the three groups. However, in contrast to uncoated controls, PRP/MVF-coated and PRP-coated pPE promoted pro-angiogenic M2 macrophage polarization at the implantation site. These findings demonstrate that PRP/MVF-coating represents a highly effective strategy to enhance the vascularization, biocompatibility and tissue incorporation of pPE. Statement of significanceThe clinical in vivo performance of implanted biomaterials is crucially dependent on their adequate incorporation into the body. To achieve this, we herein introduce an effective biological coating strategy. Our results demonstrate that coating with PRP and MVF accelerates and enhances the vascularization, biocompatibility and tissue incorporation of porous polyethylene. Because this type of biological coating is easily applicable on any type of biomaterial, our approach may rapidly be translated into clinical practice to improve the outcome of various regenerative approaches.

The Effect of Vanadate, Phosphate, Fluoride Compounds on the Aqueous Corrosion of Magnesium Alloy AZ31 in Dilute Chloride Solutions.

The anodic polarization response of magnesium alloy AZ31 was first characterized during exposure to aerated 0.1 M NaCl solutions with millimolar additions of NaVO3, Na3PO4, Na2HPO4, NaF and various pairings to assess their ability to inhibit corrosion kinetics and retard localized corrosion. Each of the candidate inhibitors reduced the corrosion rate of the alloy to some degree. A Na3PO4–NaVO3 pair produced a good inhibiting effect decreasing the corrosion rate to about 10−7 A/cm2, which was two orders of magnitude lower than the uninhibited control case. A Bliss Independence assessment indicated that this inhibitor pair acted synergistically. A Na2HPO4–NaVO3 pair reduced the corrosion rate to 10−6 A/cm2 but was not assessed to be acting synergistically. The NaVO3–NaF pair did not reduce the corrosion rate significantly compared to the control case and was an antagonistic pairing. SEM imaging showed film formation due to exposure, which appears to be the origin of the observed inhibition. The resistance to localized corrosion was assessed as the difference in the breakdown potential and the corrosion potential, with larger values indicating a lower probability of localized corrosion during free corrosion exposures. The effects of the inhibitors on this characteristic were mixed, but each of the inhibitor pairs yielded potential differences in excess of 100 mV. A conceptual conversion coating process based on a mixture of vanadate and phosphate compounds were demonstrated. A fluoride-bearing formulation produced coatings whose total impedance was increased by a factor of two compared to an uncoated control. A fluoride-free formulation produced coatings whose corrosion resistance was increased by more than a factor of three.

Biodegradable Magnesium Bone Implants Coated with a Novel Bioceramic Nanocomposite.

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are being investigated as a biodegradable metallic biomaterial because of their mechanical property profile, which is similar to the human bone. However, implants based on Mg alloys are corroded quickly in the body before the bone fracture is fully healed. Therefore, we aimed to reduce the corrosion rate of Mg using a double protective layer. We used a magnesium-aluminum-zinc alloy (AZ91) and treated its surface with micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique to first form an intermediate layer. Next, a bioceramic nanocomposite composed of diopside, bredigite, and fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FHA) was coated on the surface of MAO treated AZ91 using the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. Our in vivo results showed a significant enhancement in the bioactivity of the nanocomposite coated AZ91 implant compared to the uncoated control implant. Implantation of the uncoated AZ91 caused a significant release of hydrogen bubbles around the implant, which was reduced when the nanocomposite coated implants were used. Using histology, this reduction in the corrosion rate of the coated implants resulted in an improved new bone formation and reduced inflammation in the interface of the implants and the surrounding tissue. Hence, our strategy using a MAO/EPD of a bioceramic nanocomposite coating (i.e., diopside-bredigite-FHA) can significantly reduce the corrosion rate and improve the bioactivity of the biodegradable AZ91 Mg implant.

Mortality After Paclitaxel-Coated Device Use in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose: To report the risk of all-cause mortality after treatment with paclitaxel-coated devices vs uncoated controls in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Materials and Methods: A search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, DARE, and PROSPERO databases was made on 5 November 2019 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) using intention-to-treat analysis to compare a paclitaxel-coated device to an uncoated device in PAD patients having clinical follow-up of at least 6 months. Half of the study population had to have CLTI or extractable data on the CLTI subgroup if <50%. The search identified 11 trials having 1450 patients randomized to a paclitaxel-coated device (n=866) or an uncoated control (n=584). There were 1367 (94.3%) patients with CLTI (range 10–429). The single endpoint was all-cause mortality, which was analyzed by pooling the mortality data in a DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. Summary statistics are expressed as relative risk ratios (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The mean follow-up was 25.6 months (range 6–60); 10 of 11 studies reported a minimum 12-month follow-up. There were 161 (18.6%) deaths among 866 subjects in the paclitaxel device group and 116 deaths among 584 (19.9%) subjects in the non-coated control group (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.12, p=0.45). Conclusion: There was no observed difference in short- to midterm mortality among a pooled patient population of predominately CLTI patients treated with paclitaxel-coated balloons or stents compared with uncoated controls.