Pre‐impregnated carbon fiber/epoxy resin (CF/epoxy prepreg) gained its popularity for significant stress applications, especially in the aerospace industry, owing to its excellent resistance and low ...specific mass. However, these CF/epoxy prepregs have a tendency to crack propagation. A solution for the prepregs fragility is the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), especially those functionalized with amino groups, reinforcing the material due to its exceptional mechanical properties. In this work, the influence of the carbon chain length of two different amino‐functionalized CNTs from diverse backgrounds (commercial and laboratory growth CNTs) is studied. The nanofillers were added in CF/epoxy prepregs by dry spraying without solvent aid. CNTs' samples were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while the composites were analyzed by TGA, dynamic‐mechanical analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The various surface treatment occurred at different levels according to the CNTs background, and all samples exhibited a distinct behavior. These differences were also observed in the composites' thermomechanical performance: CNTs functionalized with larger carbon chain amine presented the best results, with an increase of almost 100% in the storage moduli (E'), confirming the efficiency of amino‐functionalized CNTs in the reinforcement of CF/epoxy prepregs.
Carbon fiber (CF) reinforced composites are widely used in many applications due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, the fiber/matrix interface is fragile, particularly in the interlaminar region where delamination can occur. Therefore, for optimizing the interface microstructure, we propose reinforcing CF/epoxy resin prepregs with amino‐functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to promote improved interaction between the composite's interlaminar layers, enhancing its mechanical properties and expanding the materials’ application.
Brazil ranks second in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide. In spite of this, coping measures differ throughout the national territory, as does the disease's impact on the population. ...This cross-sectional observational study, with 59 695 cases of COVID-19 registered in the state of Alagoas between March and August 2020, analysed clinical-epidemiological variables, incidence rate, mortality rate, case fatality rate (CFR) and the social indicators municipal human development index (MHDI) and social vulnerability index (SVI). Moran statistics and regression models were applied. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the predictors of death. The incidence rate was 1788.7/100 000 inhabitants; mortality rate was 48.0/100 000 and CFR was 2.7%. The highest incidence rates were observed in municipalities with better human development (overall MHDI (I = 0.1668; p = 0.002), education MHDI (I = 0.1649; p = 0.002) and income MHDI (I = 0.1880; p = 0.005)) and higher social vulnerability (overall SVI (I = 0.0599; p = 0.033)). CFR was associated with higher social vulnerability (SVI human capital (I = 0.0858; p = 0.004) and SVI urban infrastructure (I = 0.0985; p = 0.040)). Of the analysed cases, 55.4% were female; 2/3 were Black or Brown and the median age was 41 years. Among deaths, most were male (919; 57.4%) and elderly (1171; 73.1%). The predictors of death were male sex, advanced age and the presence of comorbidities. In Alagoas, Brazil, the disease has undergone a process of interiorisation and caused more deaths in poorer municipalities. The presence of comorbidities and advanced age were predictors of death.
Sialoblastoma is a rare malignant salivary gland tumor. The aim of this study was to review the available published data on sialoblastoma in a comprehensive analysis of its clinicopathologic ...characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. An unrestricted electronic search was performed in the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of science, and gray literature databases. Eligibility criteria included publications with sufficient clinical, imaging, and histopathological information to confirm the diagnosis of sialoblastoma. Data were evaluated descriptively and analytically. A total of 52 studies met the eligibility criteria. In total, 62 patients were evaluated. There was no gender predilection, with the parotid being the most affected primary site (n = 28; 45.2%). In the log‐rank test, there was a significant increase in disease‐associated survival in patients younger than 1 year of age (82.8% vs. 44.4%; p = 0.003), individuals with lesions in major salivary glands (79.4% vs. 38.5%; p = 0.005), patients without metastases (77.8% vs. 14.3%; p = 0.011), encapsulated lesions (85.7% vs. 0%; p < 0.0001), congenital lesions (83.3% vs. 25.0%; p < 0.0001), and lesions that do not show perineural invasion (89.5% vs. 40%; p = 0.035). Kaplan–Meier curves estimated overall survival and disease‐free survival at 5 years of 95.5% and 68.1%, respectively. In the multivariate Cox regression model, only the presence of metastasis was identified as an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio HR = 9.81; p = 0.010). Although sialoblastoma presents good prognosis, the tumor has a high recurrence rate.
Background
Subgemmal neurogenous plaques (SNP) are composed of neural structures found in the posterolateral portion of the tongue, rarely biopsied as most of them are asymptomatic or eventually only ...clinically managed. We aimed to investigate a case series of possible correlation of symptomatic subgemmal neurogenous plaque (SNP) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).
Methods
Eleven formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded cases from patients with previous confirmed COVID‐19 (by RT‐PCR) were retrieved from two pathology files. Histological sections were morphologically studied, and then submitted to immunohistochemical reactions against S‐100 and neurofilament proteins, neuron‐specific enolase, Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), synaptophysin, CD56, Ki67, cytokeratins (7, 8–18, 19, 20), nucleocapsid and spike proteins (SARS‐CoV‐1; and ‐2) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) antibodies. Clinical data were retrieved from the patients' medical files, including the symptoms and the complete history of the progression of the disease.
Results
The patients who had COVID‐19 included in this study experienced painful lesions in the tongue that corresponded to prominent or altered SNP. Microscopically, neural structures were positive for S‐100, GFAP and neurofilament protein. And the cellular proliferative index (by Ki‐67) was very low.
Conclusion
Thus, based on the current results, we hypothesize that symptomatic SNP may be a late manifestation of COVID‐19 infection.
The development of highly selective, stable, and sensitive materials for the various gas emissions is a challenging task concerning the numerous applications: environmental control, security systems, ...energy, and, more recently, biological monitoring. One of the major challenges to reach this activity's requirements is developing nanostructured functional and smart materials that can selectively detect and monitor the gases at high temperatures. The semiconductor materials based on metallic oxides have gained increasing attention within this scenario, especially titanium dioxide (TiO2), due to their excellent properties. The literature presents multiple sensors based on TiO2 nanoparticles to detect various gases: CO, ethanol, benzene, toluene, NO2, O2, CO, SO2, NOx, NH3, Cl2, H2S, alkanes, among others. This review initially explores some aspects of TiO2 and its properties regarding the sensor sensitivity's influence. Then, the insertion of noble metals (Ag, Pt, Au, and Ru) and carbon structures (graphene, carbon nanotube, and other carbon forms) was also explored in the search to improve the TiO2 capacity as a gas sensor. This review focuses on the most significant achievements related to TiO2 and TiO2 combined with carbon structures or noble metals for gas sensor applications. Several studies were presented, highlighting the synthesis methods employed, the sensor response/recovery times, and some detection mechanisms after the carbon and noble metal insertion. Finally, the influence of a triple combination between TiO2-carbon-metal was also explored.
The presence of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation has been described in mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) as a predictor of better survival rates. However, the real prognostic value of the translocation has ...been debated due to recent controversial findings. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review to understand the prognostic potential of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation in MEC. An electronic search was carried out using the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases. Articles that assessed the association between the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation and survival of MEC patients were selected for the systematic review. Ten published articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. The prevalence of the translocation varied from 33.7% to 69.7%. Seven studies observed a significant association between the presence of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation and a favourable clinical outcome, which could improve disease‐free, disease‐specific or overall survival. Five studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Fixed‐effects model confirmed that translocation‐positive patients have a decreased risk of death (combined odds ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval – 0.03‐0.23, P < .00001). The detection of the CRTC1‐MAML2 translocation appears to be useful as a prognostic factor in MEC. However, the level of evidence is not as high as it could be once important limitations were found in the published studies.
Up to 75% of marathon runners ingest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during competition. Despite the doubt whether or not they contribute to performance, the effect of NSAID in ...endurance sports is unclear. We evaluated the effect of ibuprofen (IBU) use on oxidative stress, muscle damage, physical performance, and vertical jump of runners participating in a 42-km-trail running. The sample consisted of 12 men randomly divided into 2 groups: a placebo group (placebo) and an ibuprofen group (IBG). A 400-mg IBU capsule was administered to the IBG 15 min prior to the start of the trial and during the course after 5 h. In the intergroup analysis, placebo 70.1% increase (p < 0.0001; Cohen's d = 4.77) of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); the IBG exhibited a 31.46% increase of the sulphhydryl groups (SH) (p = 0.024, Cohen's d = 0.27), 55% of squat jump (SJ) (p < 0.01; Cohen's d = 1.41) with no significant effect on creatine kinase (CK), pace, speed, and finish time. In summary, IBU had positive evidence on oxidative stress and muscle fatigue, but had no effect on physical performance and muscle damage.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate prognostic outcomes of PVL‐derived oral squamous cell carcinomas (P‐OSCC) based on recurrence, new primary tumour, metastasis and survival information.
Study ...design
Five databases and grey literature were searched electronically with the following main keywords (proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant transformation) to answer the following review question: ‘Are survival outcomes for P‐OSCC worse?’ based on the PECOS principle. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool was used to identify possible biases and assess the quality of each of the primary studies.
Results
A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria, and the results of this systematic review suggest that P‐OSCC can recur and generate new primary tumours; however, metastases are rare. Thus, most patients remain alive for an average period of 5 years.
Conclusion
Apparently, P‐OSCC has better clinical prognostic characteristics than conventional OSCC. There is a lack of information on the main prognostic outcomes of P‐OSCC; therefore, specific studies must be performed to achieve a better comparison between P‐OSCC and conventional OSCC progression.
Ethanol extracts of different parts of Passiflora cincinnata were obtained by maceration. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated. The antioxidant activities were determined by ...β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching test, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging. The crude ethanol stem extract showed the highest amount of total polyphenols (45.53 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) while the highest total flavonoid contents (1.42 mg of quercetin equivalent/g) were observed in the leaf extract. The lowest IC
50
(25.65 μg/ml) by the DPPH method was observed for the stem extract. The ABTS method showed a significant antioxidant activity for all investigated extracts. The secondary metabolite composition of ethanol extracts was assessed by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis, leading to the identification of fourteen secondary metabolites in P. cincinnata extracts. These results showed the potentiality of this species as a source of phenolic compounds and antioxidants.
Introduction:
Nephelium lappaceum
L. (Sapindaceae) is a plant known as rambutan. It is used for various purposes in traditional medicine.
Objective:
We aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effects ...of the ethanol extract of the fruit peel of
N. lappaceum
(EENL), the mechanisms involved in these effects, and the acute toxicity in zebrafish.
Methods:
We performed chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, acute toxicity assay in zebrafish, and evaluation in mice submitted to models of nociception and locomotor activity.
Results:
We identified (epi)-catechin, procyanidin B, and ellagic acid and its derivatives in EENL. We did not find any toxicity in zebrafish embryos incubated with EENL. The locomotor activity of mice submitted to oral pretreatment with EENL was not changed, but it reduced the abdominal constrictions induced by acetic acid, the licking/biting time in both the first and second phase of formalin testing and capsaicin testing, and carrageenan-induced paw mechanical allodynia. Oral pretreatment with EENL increased latency time in the hot plate test. This antinociceptive effect was significantly reversed by naloxone, L-arginine, and glibenclamide respectively showing the participation of opioid receptors, nitric oxide, and KATP channels as mediators of EENL-induced antinociception.
Conclusion:
EENL causes antinociception with the participation of opioid receptors, nitric oxide, and KATP channels, and is not toxic to zebrafish.
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