A Broad Overview on Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Role in the Eye: Focus on Its Repairing Effect in Cornea

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with widespread distribution throughout the central and peripheral nervous system as well as in many other peripheral organs. It plays cytoprotective effects mediated mainly through the activation of specific receptors. PACAP is known to play pleiotropic effects on the eye, including the cornea, protecting it against different types of insult. This review firstly provides an overview of the anatomy of the cornea and summarizes data present in literature about PACAP’s role in the eye and, in particular, in the cornea, either in physiological or pathological conditions.

Repairing Effect of Platelet Enriched Plasma on Tendon Healing

To explore the repairing effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on tendon (AT) healing, and provide evidence for PRP therapy to treat tendon-related diseases, 32 New Zealand white rabbits were selected to construct tendinopathy animal model. Leukocyte-rich Platelet-Rich Fibrin (Lr-PRP) and Leukocyte-poor Platelet-Rich Fibrin (Lp-PRP) were prepared, whose biological effects on tendon stem cells (TSCs) were explored. Rabbits were divided into control group, low, medium, and high dose groups regrading concentration of Lp-PRP. The number of fibroblasts, collagen fiber content, tubuloglomerular feedback-β1 (TGF-β1) expression, and biomechanical properties were compared at 15 and 30 days after operation. The results showed that Collagen-III (CoI-III) protein expression levels, interleukin-β (IL-β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the Lp-PRP group were significantly higher than Lr-PRP group (P < 0.05). Fibroblasts and collagen fibers in group II and III were significantly higher versus group C 15 and 30 days after operation (P < 0.05). Fibroblasts and of collagen fibers in group III were significantly higher versus group II (P < 0.05). Expression of TGF-β1 in groups II and III was significantly higher than that in group C 15 days after operation (P < 0.05). Tensile load of AT repair site in group III was significantly higher than group C 30 days after operation (P < 0.05). Platelet plasma concentration had a certain repair effect on tendon injury and can effectively improve the quality of healing. In addition, Lp-PRP was better than Lr-PRP in tissue healing. When the concentration of Lp-PRP was 100%, the repair effect was the best.

Preparation and performance of graphene oxide/self-healing microcapsule composite mortar

To meet the unique requirements for concrete durability and resistance in power transmission projects in Northwest China. Microcapsules were created physically using sodium silicate and bentonite as the capsule core and ethyl cellulose as the capsule wall. By using graphene oxide as a conductive medium, standard specimens of cement-based materials were created. Indoor experiments and micro technology were used to determine the optimal ratio of graphene-microcapsules, study the effects of graphene content, microcapsule content, and curing age on compressive strength, resistance, and self-repairing effect of the composite material. The average microcapsule size was 1.25 mm, according to the findings. The microcapsule was a relatively regular sphere with a rough surface and dense structure. The recommended content was 2% microcapsules and 0.1% graphene oxide. The compressive strength first increased and then decreased as the number of microcapsules and graphene oxide increased, and the resistance gradually increased. The repairing rate of compressive strength was 57% after the cracks were repaired, and the recovery rate was 81%.

Effects of groove-textured surfaces filled with Sn-Ag-Cu and MXene-Ti3C2 composite lubricants on tribological properties of CSS-42L bearing steel

To improve the tribological performance of CSS-42L bearing steel, smooth surfaces (SSs), groove-textured surfaces (GSs), GSs with Sn-Ag-Cu (GSs-SAC), and GSs with Sn-Ag-Cu-Ti3C2 (GSs-SACT) were prepared on CSS-42L. In addition, experimental studies were conducted on tribological properties. The obtained results indicated that GSs-SACT exhibited the best anti-friction and noise reduction performances. These remarkable tribological performances were attributed to the synergistic effects of grooves, Sn-Ag-Cu, and MXene-Ti3C2. The inconsistent rules of frictional forces were improved by the grooves and SACT, which inhibit the friction-induced noise. The micro-nano size-effects of MXene-Ti3C2 enhanced the repairing effect and anti-friction property of composite lubricants, which improved the profile characteristics of GSs-SACT.

Hydrothermal Aging and Bonding Properties of a New Room Temperature Cured Structural Adhesive in Building Components

his paper firstly explores the hydrothermal aging performance of a new room temperature cured structural adhesive at four different levels of relative humidity through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results show that the strengthening effect of post-curing was stronger than weakening effect of humidity. Then, the Arrhenius equation was introduced to calculate the ratio of the apparent activation energy of this adhesive at the glass transition temperature before and after hydrothermal aging. The little change of the ratio suggests that the adhesive boasts a strong resistance to hydrothermal aging. In addition, the adhesive was tested on concrete structures at room temperature to observe its repairing effect of concrete cracks. The observations reveal that the compressive strength of the cracked concrete block repaired by the adhesive was as high as 90.5% of that of the intact concrete block. Furthermore, the adhesive was used to bond rebars to concrete under three different constant tensile speeds. The results demonstrate that the bonding effect was better under slow constant loading.

Study on the Tribological Mechanism of Ultrafine SiO2/MoS2 Powders in Complex Calcium Sulfonate Grease

The purpose of this work was to study and further clarify the anti-wear and anti-friction mechanism of ultrafine SiO2/MoS2 powders in the complex calcium sulfonate grease. In this paper, 15nm nanoSiO2, 1μm MoS2 and commercial NLGI Grade No.2 complex calcium sulfonate grease were used as the research objects, SEM, EDS and XPS were used to study the morphology, composition and film chemical constitution of the long friction wear spots of grease containing single nanoSiO2 powder, ultrafine MoS2 powder and the two compound powders, which formed in the process of four ball long friction. The results show that nanoSiO the grease plays a role in filling the undercut, ball bearings and polishing and forming high hardness Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3 and part of Fe2O3 anti-wear films in the process of long friction. The ultrafine MoS2 powder has a self-repairing effect to fill the grooves,forming the MoS2, MoO3 anti-friction films and Fe2(SO4)3 anti-wear film. The two powders in the composite grease have a synergistic effect, acting on the friction pair together, and simultaneously forming self-repairing anti-friction and anti-wear films, thereby further improving the tribological performance of the base grease.

Formulation and Evaluation of Helichrysum italicum Essential Oil-Based Topical Formulations for Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats

As proper wound management is crucial to reducing morbidity and improving quality of life, this study evaluated for the first time the wound healing potential of H. italicum essential oil (HIEO) prepared in the form of ointment and gel in streptozotocin-induced diabetic wound models in rats. After creating full-thickness cutaneous wounds, forty-eight diabetic rats were divided into six groups: (1) negative control; (2) positive control; (3) ointment base; (4) gel base; (5) 0.5% HIEO ointment (6) 0.5% HIEO gel. Wound healing potential was determined by the percentage of wound contraction, hydroxyproline content, redox status, and histological observation. A significant decrease in the wound size was observed in animals treated with HIEO formulations compared with other groups. The HIEO groups also showed a higher level of total hydroxyproline content, and more pronounced restitution of adnexal structures with only the underlying muscle defect indicating the incision site. Hence, our results legitimate the traditional data of the pro-healing effect of HIEO because HIEO in both formulations such as gel and ointment exhibited the significant wound repairing effect in the incision wound model.

Extraesophageal signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease: otorhinolaryngologist’s view

The data on association between various pathologies of the ENT organs and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is analysed in the article. The variety of extraesophageal signs of GERD in children and adults is given, what is advisable to inform physicians of different specialties about the possibilities of antireflux therapy. These options are expanded with the emergence of a unique new drug, Alfasoxx. Its bioadhesive formula is based on hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate thereby protecting the esophageal mucosa. Alfasoxx acts on the surface of the esophageal mucosa without penetrating into the systemic bloodstream and it also has a low allergenic potential, which has been confirmed by numerous studies. With its healing and repairing effect on erosive lesions of the esophageal epithelium, Alfasoxx in combination with proton pump inhibitors is more effective in achieving regression of clinical manifestations of the disease and improving patients quality of life (according to SF-36 questionnaire) compared to proton pump inhibitors monotherapy.

Excellent Dispersion Stability and Tribological Properties of Biocarbon-based Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide Modified with Oleylamine

Biocarbon-based magnesium silicate hydroxide(M@C-ON) was synthesized by hydrothermal method with synthesized magnesium silicate hydroxide (MSH) as the template, glucose as carbon source, and oleylamine (ON) as the modified agent. The dispersion stability of M@C-ON as lubricant additive in PAO10 with ON as dispersant was measured by accelerated centrifugal and static sedimentation test. The results showed that M@C-ON, with the help of ON, can be stably dispersed in lubricating oil for at least 15 days. The stable dispersion was attributed to a combination of electrostatic attraction and steric hindrance. Besides, the tribological properties of M@C-ON as lubricant additive was tested under different concentration of additive and dispersant. A continuous carbon layer formed on the contact area and the repairing effect of inner MSH of M@C-ON were considered as the factors to play an anti-wear effect.