scholarly journals Biokinetic Evaluation of Contrast Media Loaded Carbon Nanotubes Using a Radiographic Device

Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 331
Author(s):  
Mieko Takasaka ◽  
Shinsuke Kobayashi ◽  
Yuki Usui ◽  
Hisao Haniu ◽  
Shuji Tsuruoka ◽  
...  

Considerable progress has been made in various fields of applied research on the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Because CNTs are fibrous nanomaterials, biosafety of CNTs has been discussed. The biokinetic data of CNTs, such as using the radioisotope of carbon and surface labeling of CNTs, have been reported. However, the use of radioisotopes requires a special facility. In addition, there are problems in the surface labeling of CNTs, including changes in surface properties and labels eliminating over time. In order to solve these problems and properly evaluate the biokinetics of CNTs, the authors synthesize peapods with platinum (Pt) encapsulated within the hollow region of Double-Walled CNTs (DWCNTs) and develop a new system to evaluate biokinetics using widely available imaging equipment. In the cell assay, no significant difference is observed with and without Pt in CNTs. In animal studies, radiography of the lungs of rats that inhaled Pt-peapods show the detectability of Pt inside the CNTs. This new method using Pt-peapods enables image evaluation with a standard radiographic imaging device without changing the surface property of the CNTs and is effective for biokinetics evaluation of CNTs.

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2908
Author(s):  
Kazuo Umemura ◽  
Ryo Hamano ◽  
Hiroaki Komatsu ◽  
Takashi Ikuno ◽  
Eko Siswoyo

Solubilization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is a fundamental technique for the use of CNTs and their conjugates as nanodevices and nanobiodevices. In this work, we demonstrate the preparation of CNT suspensions with “green” detergents made from coconuts and bamboo as fundamental research in CNT nanotechnology. Single-walled CNTs (SWNTs) with a few carboxylic acid groups (3–5%) and pristine multi-walled CNTs (MWNTs) were mixed in each detergent solution and sonicated with a bath-type sonicator. The prepared suspensions were characterized using absorbance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Among the eight combinations of CNTs and detergents (two types of CNTs and four detergents, including sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as the standard), SWNTs/MWNTs were well dispersed in all combinations except the combination of the MWNTs and the bamboo detergent. The stability of the suspensions prepared with coconut detergents was better than that prepared with SDS. Because the efficiency of the bamboo detergents against the MWNTs differed significantly from that against the SWNTs, the natural detergent might be useful for separating CNTs. Our results revealed that the use of the “green” detergents had the advantage of dispersing CNTs as well as SDS.


2021 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-318236
Author(s):  
Ralene Sim ◽  
Gemmy Cheung ◽  
Daniel Ting ◽  
Edmund Wong ◽  
Tien Yin Wong ◽  
...  

Background/aimsTo explore if retinal findings are associated with COVID-19 infection.MethodsIn this prospective cross-sectional study, we recruited participants positive for COVID-19 by nasopharyngeal swab, with no medical history. Subjects underwent retinal imaging with an automated imaging device (3D OCT-1 Maestro, Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) to obtain colour fundus photographs (CFP) and optical coherence tomographic (OCT) scans of the macula. Data on personal biodata, medical history and vital signs were collected from electronic medical records.Results108 patients were recruited. Mean age was 36.0±5.4 years. 41 (38.0%) had symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI) at presentation. Of 216 eyes, 25 (11.6%) had retinal signs—eight (3.7%) with microhaemorrhages, six (2.8%) with retinal vascular tortuosity and two (0.93%) with cotton wool spots (CWS). 11 eyes (5.1%) had hyper-reflective plaques in the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer layer on OCT, of which two also had retinal signs visible on CFP (CWS and microhaemorrhage, respectively). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of retinal signs in symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients (12 (15.0%) vs 13 (9.6%), p=0.227). Patients with retinal signs were significantly more likely to have transiently elevated blood pressure than those without (p=0.03).ConclusionOne in nine had retinal microvascular signs on ocular imaging. These signs were observed even in asymptomatic patients with normal vital signs. These retinal microvascular signs may be related to underlying cardiovascular and thrombotic alternations associated with COVID-19 infection.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 745
Author(s):  
Enrico Bergamaschi ◽  
Giacomo Garzaro ◽  
Georgia Wilson Jones ◽  
Martina Buglisi ◽  
Michele Caniglia ◽  
...  

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are erroneously considered as singular material entities. Instead, they should be regarded as a heterogeneous class of materials bearing different properties eliciting peculiar biological outcomes both in vitro and in vivo. Given the pace at which the industrial production of CNTs/CNFs is increasing, it is becoming of utmost importance to acquire comprehensive knowledge regarding their biological activity and their hazardous effects in humans. Animal studies carried out by inhalation showed that some CNTs/CNFs species can cause deleterious effects such as inflammation and lung tissue remodeling. Their physico-chemical properties, biological behavior and biopersistence make them similar to asbestos fibers. Human studies suggest some mild effects in workers handling CNT/CNF. However, owing to their cross-sectional design, researchers have been as yet unable to firmly demonstrate a causal relationship between such an exposure and the observed effects. Estimation of acceptable exposure levels should warrant a proper risk management. The aim of this review is to challenge the conception of CNTs/CNFs as a single, unified material entity and prompt the establishment of standardized hazard and exposure assessment methodologies able to properly feeding risk assessment and management frameworks.


Author(s):  
Ibrahim Awad ◽  
Leila Ladani

Due to their superior mechanical and electrical properties, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have the potential to be used in many nano-/micro-electronic applications, e.g., through silicon vias (TSVs), interconnects, transistors, etc. In particular, use of MWCNT bundles inside annular cylinders of copper (Cu) as TSV is proposed in this study. However, the significant difference in scale makes it difficult to evaluate the interfacial mechanical integrity. Cohesive zone models (CZM) are typically used at large scale to determine the mechanical adherence at the interface. However, at molecular level, no routine technique is available. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations is used to determine the stresses that are required to separate MWCNTs from a copper slab and generate normal stress–displacement curves for CZM. Only van der Waals (vdW) interaction is considered for MWCNT/Cu interface. A displacement controlled loading was applied in a direction perpendicular to MWCNT's axis in different cases with different number of walls and at different temperatures and CZM is obtained for each case. Furthermore, their effect on the CZM key parameters (normal cohesive strength (σmax) and the corresponding displacement (δn) has been studied. By increasing the number of the walls of the MWCNT, σmax was found to nonlinearly decrease. Displacement at maximum stress, δn, showed a nonlinear decrease as well with increasing the number of walls. Temperature effect on the stress–displacement curves was studied. When temperature was increased beyond 1 K, no relationship was found between the maximum normal stress and temperature. Likewise, the displacement at maximum load did not show any dependency to temperature.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anum Shafiq ◽  
Tabassum Naz Sindhu ◽  
Qasem M. Al-Mdallal

AbstractThe current research explores incremental effect of thermal radiation on heat transfer improvement corresponds to Darcy–Forchheimer (DF) flow of carbon nanotubes along a stretched rotating surface using RSM. Casson carbon nanotubes’ constructed model in boundary layer flow is being investigated with implications of both single-walled CNTs and multi-walled CNTs. Water and Ethylene glycol are considered a basic fluid. The heat transfer rate is scrutinized via convective condition. Outcomes are observed and evaluated for both SWCNTs and MWCNTs. The Runge–Kutta Fehlberg technique of shooting is utilized to numerically solve transformed nonlinear ordinary differential system. The output parameters of interest are presumed to depend on governing input variables. In addition, sensitivity study is incorporated. It is noted that sensitivity of SFC via SWCNT-Water becomes higher by increasing values of permeability number. Additionaly, sensitivity of SFC via SWCNT-water towards the permeability number is higher than the solid volume fraction for medium and higher permeability levels. It is also noted that sensitivity of SFC (SWCNT-Ethylene-glycol) towards volume fraction is higher for increasing permeability as well as inertia coefficient. Additionally, the sensitivity of LNN towards the Solid volume fraction is higher than the radiation and Biot number for all levels of Biot number. The findings will provide initial direction for future device manufacturing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 3290-3304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ijaz Khan ◽  
Khursheed Muhammad ◽  
Tasawar Hayat ◽  
Shahid Farooq ◽  
Ahmed Alsaedi

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the salient aspects of the Darcy–Forchheimer flow of viscous liquid in carbon nanotubes (CNTs). CNTs are considered as nanofluid, and water is taken as the continuous phase liquid. The flow features are discussed via curved surface. Water is taken as the base liquid. Flow is generated via nonlinear stretching. Energy expression is modeled subject to heat generation/absorption. Furthermore, convective conditions are considered at the boundary. The Xue model is used in the mathematical modeling which describes the features of nanomaterials. Both types of CNTs are considered, i.e. single-walled CNTs and multi-walled CNTs. Design/methodology/approach Appropriate transformations are used to convert the flow expressions into dimensionless differential equations. The bvp4c method is used for solution development. Findings Velocity enhances via higher estimations of nanoparticles volume fraction while decays for higher Forchheimer number, curvature parameter, behavior index and porosity parameter. Furthermore, thermal field is an increasing function of nanoparticle volume fraction, behavior index, Forchheimer number and porosity parameter. Originality/value Here, the authors have discussed two-dimensional CNTs-based nanomaterial Darcy–Forchheimer flow of viscous fluid over a curved surface. The authors believe that all the outcomes and numerical techniques are original and have not been published elsewhere.


Vascular ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saadi Alhalbouni ◽  
Anil Hingorani ◽  
Alexander Shiferson ◽  
Natalie Marks ◽  
Enrico Ascher

Infra-popliteal veins include the tibial and peroneal veins, as well as the soleal and gastrocnemial veins collectively known as the calf muscle veins (CMVs). Acute infra-popliteal deep venous thrombi (DVTs) are often considered insignificant with regard to the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). A retrospective review of 4035 consecutive lower extremity venous duplex scans were made in 3146 hospital patients at our Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL)-accredited vascular lab. Seven hundred sixteen (17.7%) duplex scans were positive for acute DVTs, and 112 (2.8%) were associated with PEs. The breakdown of positive duplexes for acute DVTs was as follows: 202 (28.2%) isolated femoral-popliteal DVTs with PE in 23 (11.4%), 304 (42.5%) isolated infra-popliteal DVTs with PE in 24 (7.9%) and 210 (29.3%) multilevel DVTs involving both vein segments (femoral-popliteal and infra-popliteal) with PE in 38 (18.1%). Of the 304 isolated acute infra-popliteal DVTs, 207 (68.1%) were isolated CMV DVTs with evidence of PE in 12 (5.8%). No statistically significant difference ( P = 0.27) in the risk of PE between isolated femoral-popliteal and isolated infra-popliteal DVTs was noted. A significant number of patients (5.8%) with isolated CMV DVTs developed PE. Lower limb venous scans for DVTs should evaluate the infra-popliteal veins. Hospitalized patients with infra-popliteal DVTs should receive anticoagulation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 390-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike R Watkins ◽  
Richard J Oliver

Objectives The objectives were to examine the density, bubble size distribution and durability of sodium tetradecyl sulphate foam and the consistency of production of foam by a number of different operators using the Tessari method. Methods 1% and 3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate sclerosant foam was produced by an experienced operator and a group of inexperienced operators using either a 1:3 or 1:4 liquid:air ratio and the Tessari method. The foam density, bubble size distribution and foam durability were measured on freshly prepared foam from each operator. Results The foam density measurements were similar for each of the 1:3 preparations and for each of the 1:4 preparations but not affected by the sclerosant concentration. The bubble size for all preparations were very small immediately after preparation but progressively coalesced to become a micro-foam (<250 µm) after the first 30 s up until 2 min. Both the 1% and 3% solution foams developed liquid more rapidly when made in a 1:3 ratio (37 s) than in a 1:4 ratio (45 s) but all combinations took similar times to reach 0.4 ml liquid formation. For all the experiments, there was no statistical significant difference between operators. Conclusions The Tessari method of foam production for sodium tetradecyl sulphate sclerosant is consistent and reproducible even when made by inexperienced operators. The best quality foam with micro bubbles should be used within the first minute after production.


Author(s):  
M. H. Nai ◽  
C. S. Goh ◽  
S. M. L. Nai ◽  
J. Wei ◽  
M. Gupta

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are coated with nickel (Ni) to improve the wettability of the CNT surface and metal matrix, and allow an effective load transfer from the matrix to nanotubes. Pure magnesium is used as the matrix material and different weight percentages of Ni-coated multi-walled CNTs are incorporated as the reinforcing material. The nanocomposite materials are synthesized using the powder metallurgy route followed by microwave assisted rapid sintering. Mechanical property characterizations reveal an improvement of 0.2% yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and ductility with the addition of Ni-CNTs. As such, Ni-coated CNTs can be used as a reinforcement in magnesium to improve the formability of the material for light-weight, strength-based applications.


Author(s):  
F. A. J. Armstrong ◽  
E. I. Butler ◽  
G. T. Boalch

Three surveys were made in 1963 and five in 1964 in the area of the English Channel between the English and French coasts and between 3° 40' W and 5°10' W. This area had been surveyed in 1961 and 1962. Temperature and salinity were determined at o, to and 50 m and phosphate silicate and nitrate at 10 and 50 m. The results are presented graphically. Temperature and salinity were compared with Lumby's 25–year averages. The year 1963 started with unusually low temperatures and salinities higher than average. Temperature remained low in the spring, but salinity decreased. The year 1964 started with temperatures and salinities above normal, but during the rest of the year values were close to average. Nitrate in January 1964 was higher than in January 1963. Analyses of suspended matter at 12m were made for carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus on most surveys, and mean values for the whole area are given. Suspended carbon was 67 /ig C/l. in January 1963 and 51 /*g C/l. in January 1964, a significant difference. Increases in sus-pended carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus were found in spring and summer 1964.


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