Novel Polyelectrolytes Obtained by Direct Alkylation and Ion Replacement of a New Aromatic Polyamide Copolymer Bearing Pyridinyl Pendant Groups

The following work shows, for the first time, the synthesis and characterization of a new family of polyelectrolytes, along with their preliminary assessments in terms of desalin water treatment. These materials fall into the category of aromatic co-polyamides, which are obtained by the direct condensation of monomers 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA), isophthaloyl chloride, and 3,5-diamino-N-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)benzamide (PyMDA). Thereby, the charged nature exhibited by these materials was achieved through the quaternization of PyMDA moieties using linear iodoalkanes of different lengths (CnI with n = 1, 2, 4, and 6). After completing the quaternization process, polyelectrolytes were subjected to a one-step anion substitution process, where iodide counterions were replaced by bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide entities. For all the obtained materials, solubility tests were carried out, showing that those alkylated with methyl and ethyl chains exhibit high solubility in rutinary aprotic polar solvents, while those containing n-butyl and n-hexyl units resulted in the formation of insoluble gels. Due to the above, the latest were discarded from this study early on. The structural characterization of the initial neutral co-polyamide was carried out by means of infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C-NMR), and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), while the structure of methylated and ethylated polyelectrolytes was successfully confirmed through FT-IR, 1H, 13C, and 19F-NMR. Additionally, the thermal behavior of these materials was analyzed in terms of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), showing thermal degradation temperatures above 300 °C and glass transition temperatures (Tg) above 200 °C, resulting in polymers with outstanding thermal properties for water treatment applications. On the other hand, through the solvent-casting method, both neutral and charged polymers were found to be easily prepared into films, exhibiting a remarkably flexibility. The mechanical properties of the films were analyzed using the traction test, from which tensile strength values ranging between 83.5 and 87.9 Mpa, along with Young’s modulus values between 2.4 and 2.5 Gpa were obtained. Moreover, through contact angle measurements and absorption analysis by immersion, polyelectrolytes showed important changes in terms of affinity against polar and polar substances (water, n-heptane, and benzene), exhibiting a higher rejection regarding the neutral polymer. Finally, as a preliminary test against the seepage of saline waters, thin polymer films (from 11.4 to 17.1 µm) were deposited on top of commercial filter discs and tested as filters of saline solutions ([NaCl] = 1000 and 2000 ppm). These tests revealed a decrease of the salt concentration in the obtained filtrates, with retention values ranging between 6.2 and 20.3%, depending on the concentration of the former solution and the polymer used.

ANALISIS FITOKIMIA DAN UJI EFEK SEDATIF DARI EKSTRAK ETANOL DAN BEBERAPA FRAKSI DAGING BUAH PALA (Myristica Fragrans Houtt)

ABSTRAKPala adalah tanaman yang termasuk dalam jenis tanaman obat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis total kandungan fitokimia dan uji efek sedatif dari ekstrak etanol, fraksi petroleum eter, etil asetat dan air daging buah pala. Ekstraksi dilakukan dengan cara maserasi, kemudian ekstrak etanol yang diperoleh difraksinasi dengan cara partisi. Analisis fitokimia dilakukan dengan metode spektrofotometri UV-Vis sehingga diperoleh hasil kandungan total fenolik ekstrak etanol, fraksi petroleum eter, etil asetat dan air daging buah pala secara berturut-turut adalah 26,284 μg/mL; 29,203 μg/mL; 28,725 μg/mL; 24,904 μg/mL. Total flavonoid secara berturut-turut adalah 9,999 μg/mL; 13,095 μg/mL; 13,729 μg/mL; 10,475 μg/mL. Total tanin secara berturut-turut adalah 16,642 μg/mL; 16,571 μg/mL; 16,357 μg/mL; 10,428 μg/mL. Uji efek sedatif dilakukan dengan metode traction test dan diperoleh hasil ekstrak etanol dan ketiga fraksi memiliki pengaruh efek sedatif pada dosis 300 mg/kgBB dan 500 mg/kgBB dan dosis yang paling baik dalam memberikan pengaruh efek sedatif adalah 500 mg/kgBB. ABSTRACT Nutmeg is a plant that is included in a type of medicinal plant. This study aimed to analyze the total phytochemical content and test the sedative effect of ethanol extract, petroleum ether fraction, ethyl acetate and nutmeg pulp. Extraction was carried out by maceration, then the ethanol extract obtained was fractionated by partitioning. Phytochemical analysis was carried out using UV-Vis spectrophotometry method so that the total phenolic content of ethanol extract, petroleum ether fraction, ethyl acetate and nutmeg water was obtained, respectively, 26.284 μg/mL; 29,203 μg/mL; 28.725 μg/mL; 24,904 μg/mL. The total flavonoids were 9.999 μg/mL, respectively; 13.095 μg/mL; 13,729 μg/mL; 10,475 μg/mL. The total tannins were 16,642 μg/mL, respectively; 16,571 μg/mL; 16,357 μg/mL; 10,428 μg/mL. The sedative effect test was carried out by the traction test method and the results of the ethanol extract and the three fractions had a sedative effect at a dose of 300 mg/kgBB and 500 mg/kgBB and the best dose in giving a sedative effect was 500 mg/kgBB.

WALL STRESS IN ASCENDING AORTA ANEURYSMS AS A PREDICTIVE FACTOR OF BREAKAGE

INTRODUCTION The surgical indication for ascending aortic aneurysms (AAA) is established when the maximum diameter > 50 mm; It responds to Laplace's Law (T wall = P × r / 2e). The aim of the study is to define wall stress in AAA. MATERIAL AND METHODS 218 ascending aortic walls have been studied: 96 from organ donors, and 122 from AAA: Marfán 58 (47.5%), bicuspid aortic valve 26 (21.4%), and atherosclerosis 38 (31.1%). The samples were studied "in vitro", according to the model Young's (relationship between stress and deformed area), by means of the mechanical traction test (Tension = Force / Area). The analysis was performed with the stress-elongation curve (d Tension / d Elongation). RESULTS The stress of the aortic wall, classified from highest to lowest according to pathology and age was: cystic necrosis of the middle layer, arteriosclerosis, age > 60 years, between 35 and 59, and < 34 years. The stress of “control aortas” wall increased directly in relation to the age of the donors. CONCLUSIONS The maximum diameter of the ascending aorta, the patient's type of pathology and age are factors that affect the maximum tension of the aortic wall and resistance, factors that allow differentiation and prediction of the risk of rupture of the AAA. The validation of the results obtained through numerical simulation was significant and the uniaxial analysis has modeled the response of the vessels to their internal pressure.

Evaluation of Biomechanical Traction of Incisional Gastropexy and Scarification Gastropexy Techniques in Dogs

Background: Gastropexy is used to correct gastric dilation, a disease that usually affects large and giant dogs and leads to death in 23.4 - 43% of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical traction of 2 gastropexy techniques, incisional gastropexy and scarified gastropexy, in 10 dog cadavers. Incisional gastropexy comprises a single incision in the abdominal wall and another incision in the stomach wall in the pyloric region followed by simple continuous sutures. The scarification technique creates scarification along the stomach borders of the pexy. Thereby, knowing that both techniques are successful, the biomechanical traction of each technique was compared.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 10 animals without defined breed weighing from 6.4-43.0 kg were allocated into 2 equal groups (GE [scarified gastropexy] and GI [incisional gastropexy]). Incisional gastropexy was performed with a simple continuous suture pattern in the GI group and scarified gastropexy with an interrupted simple suture pattern was performed in the GE group. Absorbable 2-0 monofilament yarn (polygllecaprone 25) was used for sutures in both groups. Rectangular segments of the gastric antrum were collected from the right abdominal wall and from the bottom of the stomach at the left abdominal wall, which were subjected to a traction test. The scarification technique was easier, faster, and used less surgical sutures than the incisional technique. Both techniques were effective regardless of the site applied, with no significant differences. There was a difference in stretching depending on location.Discussion: The pathogenesis of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) is unknown. However, gas accumulation inside the gastric chamber may lead to organ dilation and consequently cause torsion of the cardia region and pyloric antrum, resulting in strangulation of blood vessels and nerves. This torsion could cause stomach ischemia followed by organ necrosis if early emergency care is not provided. In addition, vessel strangulation my lead to a systemic syndrome resulting in shock. The disease presents acute and non-specific clinical signs such as weight loss, vomiting, and abdominal intumescence. Patients with risk factors such as reduced gastric motility, delayed stomach replenishment, lower weight, advanced age, or presence of a foreign body may present with poor prognosis. Once GDV becomes an emergency, surgical correction with the most efficient surgical techniques and procedures is necessary to guarantee patient survival. Based on the results obtained, both the scarified and incisional gastropexy techniques are more efficient than other techniques. In addition, the scarified technique with interrupted simple stitches stood out when compared to the incisional technique with a continuous simple suture pattern as it was faster and used less suture thread. The incisional technique, on the other hand, provides good juxtaposition of the edges of the wounds, avoiding the exposure of muscle tissue, as well as adhesions from other organs. The knowledge of those factors promotes positive effects on the effectiveness of an emergency surgical approach for patients with GDV, since it allows less surgical time, as well as less anesthetic time. Based on the results obtained during the biomechanical traction tests of the study, it was concluded that both scarified gastropexy with interrupted single stitches and incisional gastropexy with a continuous single stitch may be efficient. The scarified technique stood out when compared to the incisional technique as it required less time and used less sutures.

EFEK SEDATIF EKSTRAK ETANOL BUAH PARE (Momordica charantia L.) TERHADAP MENCIT PUTIH JANTAN GALUR SWISS-WEBSTER

Telah dilakukan penelitian efek sedatif ekstrak etanol buah pare (Momordica charantia L.) pada mencit jantan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efek sedatif ekstrak etanol buah pare dan hubungan antara peningkatan dosis dan lama pemberian ekstrak etanol buah pare dengan peningkatan efek sedatif. Proses ekstraksi menggunakan metode refluks, rendemen yang didapatkan dari 500 gram sampel adalah sebesar 2,67%. Hewan yang digunakan sebanyak 25 ekor dan dikelompokkan menjadi 5 kelompok : tween 80 1 % sebagai kontrol, ekstrak etanol buah pare dosis 210 mg/kgbb, 420 mg/kgbb, 840 mg/kgbb dan diazepam 5 mg/kgbb sebagai pembanding. Efek sedatif diuji pada hari ke-1, ke-4 dan ke-7 selama 7 hari pemberian sediaan uji. Parameter sedatif adalah jumlah jengukan pada hole-board test dan waktu jatuh pada traction test. Data dianalisa menggunakan Two Way ANOVA, uji Duncan dan Pearson Correlation. Hasil uji Two Way ANOVA dan uji Duncan menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak etanol buah pare memiliki efek sedatif dan efek sedatif tertinggi terdapat pada dosis 840 mg/kgbb. Hasil uji Pearson Correlation menunjukkan bahwa peningkatan dosis ekstrak etanol buah pare memiliki hubungan yang sangat kuat terhadap peningkatan efek sedatif dan peningkatan lama pemberian ekstrak ekstrak etanol buah pare memiliki hubungan yang lemah terhadap peningkatan efek sedatif.

High-Cycle-Fatigue Characterization of an Additive Manufacturing 17-4 PH Stainless Steel

On the one hand, many mechanical components manufactured through additive technologies are optimized in terms of stiffness/weight or strength/weight thanks to lattice structures. On the other hand, the high complexity of these components often impedes further finishing operations and, therefore, the fatigue strength can be compromised. The high surface to volume ratio together with the high roughness, typical of additive manufactured components, promote the crack nucleation. In this paper, the High-Cycle-Fatigue (HCF) behavior of the 17-4 PH stainless steel (SS) was characterized. Cylindrical samples, manufactured via Selective Laser Melting (SLM) with an EOS M280, were tested in the as-build condition through a STEPLab UD04 fatigue-testing machine. In particular, a preliminary quasi-static traction test was performed on a sample to obtain the yield strength (σY = 570 MPa) and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS = 1027 MPa). Fatigue tests were performed on samples at different stress levels in order to characterize the whole Stress-Number of cycles (S-N) curve (Wöhler diagram). More specifically, the stair-case method combined with the Dixon approach were exploited to calculate the fatigue limit (σF = 271 MPa). The obtained results were compared with those present in literature for the same material and they are coherent with previous researches

Tensile strength assay comparing the resistance between two different autologous platelet concentrates (leucocyte-platelet rich fibrin versus advanced-platelet rich fibrin): a pilot study

Background Since the leucocyte-platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF) was published in 2001, many studies have been developed, analyzing its properties, and also verifying new possibilities to improve it. Thereby, it emerges the advanced-platelet rich fibrin (A-PRF) with a protocol that optimizes the properties obtained by the L-PRF. Nonetheless, there is a gap in the literature to landmark the evolutive process concerning the mechanical properties in specific the resistance to tensile strength which consequently may influence the time for membrane degradation. Thus, this study had the goal to compare the resistance to the traction of membranes produced with the original L-PRF and A-PRF protocols, being the first to this direct comparison. Findings The harvest of blood from a healthy single person, with no history of anticoagulant usage. We performed the protocols described in the literature, within a total of 13 membranes produced for each protocol (n = 26). Afterward, the membranes were prepared and submitted to a traction test assessing the maximal and the average traction achieved for each membrane. The data were analyzed statistically using the unpaired t test. Regarding average traction, A-PRF obtained a value of 0.0288 N mm−2 and L-PRF 0.0192 N mm−2 (p < 0.05 using unpaired t test). For maximal traction, A-PRF obtained 0.0752 N mm−2 and L-PRF 0.0425 N mm−2 (p < 0.05 using unpaired t test). Conclusion With this study, it was possible to conclude that indeed A-PRF has a significative higher maximal traction score and higher average traction compared to L-PRF, indicating that it had a higher resistance when two opposing forces are applied.

FRACTURES OF ZYGOMATICOMAXILLARY AND ZYGOMATIC-ORBITO-MAXILLARY COMPLEXES

During the period 2017-2021, 112 patients with fractures of the zygomaticomaxillary and zygomatic-orbito-maxillary complexes were diagnosed and surgically treated. The patients were divided into 2 groups. In the first group, after a comprehensive study of the clinical and radiological picture of the injury area, 86 patients were treated in the traditional way. The essence of the method was to create access through a small puncture-incision along the lower edge of the zygomatic bone and perform the reposition of fragments using the hook of A.A. Limberg. The remaining 26 patients were treated with open reposition and rigid fixation of bone fragments with transconjunctival, intraoral, and sometimes blepharoplastic incisions using titanium microplates and micro-screws. The results of the “traction test” were checked to identify the infringement of the lower oblique muscle of the eyeball. A computed tomography scan revealed a symptom of a “hanging drop” in combination with damage to the bottom of the eye socket. Despite such disadvantages as the need for a longer intervention, high financial costs and additional skills of the operating surgeon, after the treatment of the second group of patients, there was a decrease in postoperative complications and thus an improvement in the results of surgical treatment.

Gandouling Tablets Inhibit Excessive Mitophagy in Toxic Milk (TX) Model Mouse of Wilson Disease via Pink1/Parkin Pathway

Objective. Gandouling (GDL) tablet is a Chinese patent medicine approved by the National Medical Product Administration, which is used to treat Wilson disease (WD) in China. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of GDL on mitophagy in the hippocampus in the toxic milk (TX) mouse model of WD. Methods. Mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: control, Wilson (model group), D-penicillamine (DPA), and GDL groups. The animal behaviors were evaluated by the water maze experiment, traction test, and pole test. Transmission electron microscopy was used for the detection of mitochondrion structure. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed for the analysis of the changes in liver function. Colocalization of mitophagy-related proteins was detected by fluorescence microscopy. Western blotting (WB) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were conducted for the detection of protein expression and mRNA levels, respectively. Results. Significant reduction in neurological impairments was observed in the WD model group. All of these results were significantly reversed by GDL intervention. Compared with the levels in the Wilson group, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and albumin (ALB) changed obviously. Colocalization between mitophagy-related proteins pink1, parkin, and mitochondria was changed significantly. The mitophagy-related mRNA (pink1, parkin, and LC3II) and protein expression levels (pink1, parkin, and the rate of LC3II/LC3I) were decreased significantly, while p62 was remarkably increased after GDL intervention. Conclusion. Our findings indicated that the neuroprotective mechanism of GDL may occur via the inhibition of excessive mitophagy through the regulation of the pink1/parkin pathway in the TX mouse brain of WD.

Effects of radiofrequency on muscle tissue regeneration

Background: Radiofrequency (RF) is recommended to treat pathologies with the presence of inflammation, as it induces diathermyand, consequently, promotes better oxygenation, nutrition and local vasodilation. Objective: Evaluate the effect of RF on muscleregeneration in Wistar rats. Methods: It is a controlled and randomized experiment, with a sample composed of 40 Wistar rats,divided equally into four groups: G1 (control group), G2 (lesion, without RF), G3 (RF after 72 hours of lesion) and G4 (RF after 7 daysof lesion), all sacrificed 21 days after the injury. The RF parameters used were: Sine wave; frequency of 0.5MHz; 5 cm² treatmentarea on the region around the lesion; power of 45%; two-minute application; intensity of 15 seconds to heat the head, 1 minute at20% and another minute at 10%. An optical microscope was used for histological analysis and, for the biomechanical properties(maximum elongation and maximum load), the mechanical traction test of the gastrocnemius muscles. For statistical analysis, thetwo-way ANOVA test and the Benferroni test were used, considering 5% of significance. Results: It was observed in G3 that theinflammatory process was optimized by the RF when compared to the other groups, presenting intact muscle fibers with a discreetregeneration process. G4, on the other hand, revealed intense inflammation with significant granulation tissue, as well as fibrosis andhealing. As for the biomechanical characteristics, there were no statistically significant differences in the intergroup comparison.Conclusion: RF was more effective when applied after 72 hours after the injury, in addition to not interfering with musclebiomechanical characteristics.