Chemical reactions affecting halloysite dispersion in epoxy nanocomposites

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have attracted a technologic and scientific attention as reinforcements of epoxy-based nanocomposites. However, their reported interaction with epoxy matrices is varied and the controlled dispersion of HNTs is still a challenge. In this work, we study the effect of chemical reactions taking place in the dispersion process of halloysite and their possible influence in the composite's properties. HNTs' surface was modified through an alkaline treatment and by grafting two aminosilanes with different chain lengths and functionality numbers. Evidence of homopolymerization and degradation reactions was found, depending on the surface treatment. The rheological study indicated that an interconnected network can be achieved in epoxy/HNTs blends depending on the surface chemical characteristics of the nanofillers and the blending method. The better dispersion was accomplished when ultrasonicating with the aid of a solvent. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites are not warranted by selecting a dispersion method. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47979.     

Mezcal: indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains and their potential as starter cultures

Food Science and Biotechnology - In this study, 19 indigenous mezcal Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were screened for their tolerance to grow under different stress conditions and their potential...     

Partial removal of protein associated with arabinoxylans: Impact on the viscoelasticity,crosslinking content,and microstructure of the gels formed

Arabinoxylans (AX) treated with protease and dialyzed (AXP) or only dialyzed (AXD) formed gels showing an increase in the elastic modulus G′ (1291 and 1419 Pa, respectively) and the ferulic acid dimers (3.34 and 3.10 μg/mg polysaccharide, respectively) and trimers (0.51 and 0.53 μg/mg polysaccharide, respectively) in comparison to AX gels (767 Pa, 0.56 and 0.12 μg/mg polysaccharide, respectively). Nevertheless, the G′ values and crosslinking contents were not different among the AXP and AXD gels, suggesting that the amount of protein removed (54%) does not affect these parameters. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed that AXP treatment promotes the homogeneity of the gels. In addition, scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that AXD and particularly AXP gels had a more compact microstructure. Thus, the partial removal of protein associated with AX does not impact the viscoelasticity and crosslinking content of the gels formed but could improve their microstructural characteristics. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47300.     

Optimization of lateral interaction in accumulative computation on GPU-based platform

The Journal of Supercomputing - The lateral interaction in accumulative computation (LIAC) algorithm is a biologically inspired method that allows us to detect moving objects from image sequences...     

Modulation by Ozone Therapy of Oxidative Stress in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: The Background for a Randomized Clinical Trial

(1) Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) decreases the quality of life of patients and can lead to a dose reduction and/or the interruption of chemotherapy treatment, limiting its effectiveness. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of CIPN include chronic oxidative stress and subsequent increase in free radicals and proinflammatory cytokines. Approaches for the treatment of CIPN are highly limited in their number and efficacy, although several antioxidant-based therapies have been tried. On the other hand, ozone therapy can induce an adaptive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response, which could be potentially useful in the management of CIPN. (2) Methods: The aims of this works are: (a) to summarize the potential mechanisms that could induce CIPN by the most relevant drugs (platinum, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, and bortezomib), with particular focus on the role of oxidative stress; (b) to summarize the current situation of prophylactic and treatment approaches; (c) to describe the action mechanisms of ozone therapy to modify oxidative stress and inflammation with its potential repercussions for CIPN; (d) to describe related experimental and clinical reports with ozone therapy in chemo-induced neurologic symptoms and CIPN; and (e) to show the main details about an ongoing focused clinical trial. (3) Results: A wide background relating to the mechanisms of action and a small number of experimental and clinical reports suggest that ozone therapy could be useful to prevent or improve CIPN. (4) Conclusions: Currently, there are no clinically relevant approaches for the prevention and treatment of stablished CIPN. The potential role of ozone therapy in this syndrome merits further research. Randomized controlled trials are ongoing.     

Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis in Clinical Oncology: A Comprehensive Review

Acute kidney injury in patients who suffer a malignancy is a common complication. Due to its high prevalence and effective treatment, one of the most frequent causes that both oncologists and nephrologists must be aware of is acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN). ATIN is an immunomediated condition and the hallmark of the disease, with the presence of a tubulointerstitial inflammatory infiltrate in the renal parenchyma. This infiltrate is composed mainly of T lymphocytes that can be accompanied by macrophages, neutrophils, or eosinophils among other cells. One of the major causes is drug-related ATIN, and some antineoplastic treatments have been related to this condition. Worthy of note are the novel immunotherapy treatments aimed at enhancing natural immunity in order to defeat cancer cells. In the context of the immunosuppression status affecting ATIN patients, some pathogen antigens can trigger the development of the disease. Finally, hematological malignancies can also manifest in the kidney leading to ATIN, even at the debut of the disease. In this review, we aim to comprehensively examine differential diagnosis of ATIN in the setting of a neoplastic patient.