Fabrication of lignosulfonate-derived porous carbon via pH-tunable self-assembly strategy for efficient atrazine removal.

Herein, a straightforward protocol was developed for the one-pot synthesis of N-doped lignosulfonate-derived carbons (NLDCs) with a tunable porous structure using natural amino acids-templated self-assembly strategy. Specifically, histidine was employed as a template reagent, leading to the preparation of 10-NLDC-21 with remarkable characteristics, including the large specific surface area (SBET = 1844.5 m2/g), pore volume (Vmes = 1.22 cm3/g) and efficient adsorption for atrazine (ATZ) removal. The adsorption behavior of ATZ by NLDCs followed the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, suggesting a monolayer chemisorption nature of ATZ adsorption with the maximum adsorption capacity reached up to 265.77 mg/g. Furthermore, NLDCs exhibited excellent environmental adaptability and recycling performance. The robust affinity could be attributed to multi-interactions including pore filling, electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking between the adsorbents and ATZ molecules. This approach offers a practical method for exploring innovative bio-carbon materials for sewage treatment.

Preparation, characterization, and application of waterborne lignin-based epoxy resin as eco-friendly wood adhesive.

A series of novel waterborne lignin-based epoxy resin emulsions (WLEPs) were successfully synthesized, and then the WLEPs were cured with polyamide (PA) to give formaldehyde-free wood adhesives with high-performance. The chemical structures and properties of WLEP emulsions were determined. The effects of the emulsifiers on thermal and mechanical properties of the adhesives were investigated, and the potential application of WLEPs in the formulation of plywood were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the WLEP dispersions presented excellent storage stability (>180 days) with their viscosities range from 110 mPa·s to 470 mPa·s and particle sizes in the range of 321-696 nm, which were beneficial for the fluidity and permeability of the wood adhesives. Furthermore, the thermal and mechanical properties of adhesives could be tuned effectively by controlling the length of PEG chains. The adhesive bearing PEG 6000 exhibited the highest tensile strength of 24.0 MPa and Young's modulus of 1439 MPa. Notably, the plywood prepared with the resulting adhesives displayed good bonding performance, especially water resistance, which were much higher than the national standard requirement for exterior-grade plywood type I. These results indicated that the WLEPs could be used as sustainable alternatives for traditional formaldehyde-based wood adhesives in practical applications.

Natural phenol-inspired porous polymers for efficient removal of tetracycline: Experimental and engineering analysis.

Efficient and feasible removal of trace antibiotics from wastewater is extremely important due to its environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity, but still remains a huge challenge. Herein, three natural phenol-inspired porous organic polymers were fabricated from natural phenolic-derived monomers (p-hydroxy benzaldehyde, 2,4-dihydroxy benzaldehyde and 2,4,6-trihydroxy benzaldehyde) and melamine via polycondensation reaction. Characterization highlighted that the increasing contents of hydroxyl groups in monomers induced an increase of the polymer total porosity and promoted the formation of a highly microporous structure. With mesopore-dominated pore (average pore diameter 9.6 nm) and large pore volume (1.78 cm3/g), p-hydroxy benzaldehyde-based porous polymer (1-HBPP) exhibited ultra-high maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 697.6 mg/g for tetracycline (TC) antibiotic. Meanwhile, the porous networks and plentiful active sites of 1-HBPP enabled fast adsorption kinetics (within 10 min) for TC removal, which could be well described by the pseudo-second-order model. Dynamic adsorption studies showed that 1-HBPP could be used in fixed-bed adsorption column (FBAC) with high removal efficiency (breakthrough volume per unit mass, 13.2 L/g) and dynamic adsorption capacity (201.6 mg/g), which were much higher than other reported adsorbents. The breakthrough curves both well matched with Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models in FBAC treatment. Moreover, removal mechanism analysis affirmed that pore-filling, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions and π-π stacking interactions were main driving forces for TC adsorption. The prepared natural phenol-inspired porous adsorbents show great potential in antibiotics removal from wastewater, and this strategy would promote the sustainable and high-value utilization of natural phenolic compounds.

Modulation of Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells by Long Non-coding RNAs in the Tumor Microenvironment and Tumorigenesis.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) constitute an important component in regulating immune responses in cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are untranslated functional RNA molecules. There is growing evidence that lncRNAs are involved in modulating transcriptional factors to become complex regulatory networks that regulate the immune function and activity of MDSCs in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This review focuses on the emerging role of lncRNAs in MDSCs activity. We summarize how lncRNAs modulate the differentiation, expansion, and immunosuppressive functions of MDSCs and the underlying mechanisms. It is hoped that lncRNAs targeting may prevent the growth and development of MDSCs in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

Preparation and properties of novel bio-based epoxy resin thermosets from lignin oligomers and cardanol.

A series of lignin-based epoxy resins (LEPs) were prepared by the reaction of epichlorohydrin with lignin oligomers derived from partial reductive depolymerization of lignin. To overcome the high viscosity and brittleness defects in practical applications, the LEPs were blended with renewable epoxied cardanol glycidyl ether (ECGE) and then cured with methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MeTHPA) to form high-performance epoxy thermosets. The effects of degree of lignin depolymerization, chemical composition of lignin oligomers and dosage of ECGE on thermal and mechanical properties of the cured products were investigated. The LEP/MeTHPA thermosets exhibited good thermal and mechanical properties. Especially, by separating monomer-rich fractions from lignin oligomers, the thermal and mechanical properties of the cured product were improved obviously. Notably, the incorporation of ECGE also possessed a positive effect on reinforcing and toughening the cured products. With 20 wt% ECGE loadings, the tensile, flexural and impact strength of the cured product reached the maximum value of 77 MPa, 115 MPa and 14 kJ/m2, respectively, which were equivalent to the commercial bisphenol A epoxy resins thermosets. These findings indicated that the novel bio-based epoxy resins from lignin oligomers and cardanol could be utilized as renewable alternatives for BPA epoxy resins.

Metabolic Reprogramming of Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment.

A large number of studies on the metabolism of immune cells in anti-tumor response have been carried out in recent years. It is proved that metabolic reprogramming can determine the differentiation and functions of immune cells. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). They can significantly inhibit the anti-tumor response of T cells and play an important role in promoting tumor growth, metastasis, and invasion. This review summarizes the energy metabolic pathways of MDSCs in the TME, such as fatty acid oxidation (FAO), glycolysis, and amino acids (AAs) metabolism, and highlights the importance of metabolic reprogramming of MDSCs for its immunosuppressive functions.

Effects of dezocine, morphine and nalbuphine on electropain threshold, temperature pain threshold and cardiac function in rats with myocardial ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial ischemia (MI) could cause many complications, such as arrhythmia, ischemic cardiomyopathy, which could lead to angina and myocardial infarction. The clinical efficacy of dezocine, morphine and nalbuphine are becoming dominated in China market. This aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dezocine, morphine and nalbuphine on electrical pain threshold, temperature pain threshold and cardiac function in rats with MI. METHODS: A rat model of MI was established by ligating the coronary artery. Rats in the model group were injected with dezocine, morphine, nalbuphine and 0.9% normal saline. The effects of the three analgesics on MI rats were evaluated by comparing the electrical pain threshold, temperature pain threshold, and cardiac function index. RESULTS: The electrocardiogram revealed that the model of MI was successful. The results of the electrical pain threshold and temperature pain threshold tests revealed that nalbuphine was the most sensitive after medication, followed by dezocine, and the sensitivity of morphine was the lowest. These three drugs reached its peak at two hours after administration. The analgesic effect of dezocine on electrical stimulation was the best, while nalbuphine had the best effect on temperature. The efficacy of dezocine decreased with time, while morphine basically failed at four hours after administration. The peak time of these three kinds of analgesics was selected to detect the cardiac function index in each group. Morphine had the least influence on the cardiac function index of rats, followed by nalbuphine and dezocine. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the analgesic effect of nalbuphine had the earliest and best effect with the longest duration on temperature, and had less influence and higher safety in the cardiac function test of MI rats. Hence, nalbuphine is a relatively good analgesic for MI patients. The present study provides a database for the selection of analgesics in patients with MI.

Targeting myeloid-derived suppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature suppressive cells partly influencing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. The crosstalk between MDSCs and immune cells mediates a potently immunosuppressive network within the tumor microenvironment to attenuate the anti-tumor response. Targeting MDSCs could be a potential therapeutic approach to overcome the limitation of immunotherapies. In this article, we will review available information on how MDSCs exert their immunosuppressive function and summarize the therapeutic strategies targeting them to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.

Modulation of cancer immunotherapy efficacy by gut microbiota.

The microbial community is present abundantly in mucosal organs including the intestine, the oral cavity, and the vagina, and is referred to as the microbiota. The microbiota is composed of commensal bacteria and other microorganisms. Intestinal colonization by commensal microorganisms is essential for host physiological functions from the maintenance of barrier homeostasis locally to the regulation of metabolism, hematopoiesis, inflammation, immune development, and other functions systemically. Evidence is growing that the gut microbiota can modulate the host response to cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the evidence for the ability of the microbiota to modulate immunotherapy, their mechanisms of action, and the possibility of altering the microbiota to improve immunotherapy efficacy.

Influence of mTOR signaling pathway on ketamine-induced injuries in the hippocampal neurons of rats.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influences of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway on ketamine-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and Ca2+ concentration in the hippocampal neurons of rats. METHODS: The primary hippocampal neurons isolated from fetal Sprague Dawley rats were treated with ketamine (0, 50, 100 and 500 µM) for 4 days to observe its effect on mTOR signaling pathway and apoptosis of rat hippocampal neurons. Then, the hippocampal neurons were divided into C (Control), R (Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR signaling pathway), K (Ketamine) and R + K (Rapamycin + Ketamine) groups to detect the apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and Ca2+ concentration via the terminal transferase uridyl nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay, dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) method and Fluo-3 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-3AM) staining, respectively. The expressions of mTOR signaling pathway and apoptosis-related proteins in hippocampal neurons were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Ketamine could dose-dependently promote the apoptosis of rat hippocampal neurons with upregulation of p-mTOR and its downstream regulators (p-4E-BP-1 and p-p70S6K). However, ketamine-induced apoptosis in hippocampal neurons was reversed significantly by the administration of rapamycin, as evident by the decrease in expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and cleaved Caspase-3) and the increase in anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2). Meanwhile, the ROS generation and Ca2+ concentration was inhibited accompanied with reduced malonildialdehyde levels but elevated superoxide and glutathione peroxidase activities. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of mTOR signaling pathway protected rat hippocampal neurons from ketamine-induced injuries via reducing apoptosis, oxidative stress, as well as Ca2+ concentration. ABBREVIATIONS: mTOR: mammalian target of rapamycin; SD: Sprague-Dawley; SPF: Specific-pathogen free; ROS: reactive oxygen species; TUNEL: terminal transferase uridyl nick end labelling; DCFH-DA: Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate; Fluo-3A: Fluo-3 acetoxymethyl ester; NMDAR: non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartame glutamate receptor; 4E-BP1: 4E binding protein 1; p70S6K: p70 S6 Kinase; PCR: Polymerase chain reaction; MDA: malonildialdehyde; GSH-PX: glutathione peroxidase; ANOVA: One-way Analysis of Variance.

Pretreatment with nimodipine reduces incidence of POCD by decreasing calcineurin mediated hippocampal neuroapoptosis in aged rats.

BACKGROUND: Calcineurin (CaN) having a high expression in hippocampal neurons is closely related to apoptosis. Pretreatment with nimodipine can lower the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neuron to reduce the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). However, the relationship between cerebral protective effect of pretreatment with nimodipine and CaN is controversial in the literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between neuroprotective effect of nimodipine and CaN on POCD in aged rats. METHODS: Ninety-six 18-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 24 each): control group (Group C), nimodipine group (Group N), surgery group (Group S) and nimodipine + surgery group (Group N + S). In Group N and Group N + S, nimodipine 1 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in Group S. 30 min later, Group N and Group C inhaled pure oxygen for 2 h, and Group S and N + S inhaled 3% sevoflurane for 2 h when exploratory laparotomy was performed. Morris water maze test was performed on 1 day before operation and 1, 3 and 7 days after operation. After the end of Morris water maze test at 1 day before operation and 1 and 7 days after operation, 8 rats were sacrificed, brains were removed and hippocampal tissues were obtained for detection of apoptosis in hippocampal neurons, cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]i), and hippocampal CaN and caspase-3 expression. RESULTS: Compared with the 1st day before operation, the escape latency, apoptosis rate, [Ca2+]i, expression of CaN and caspase-3 increased significantly, but the frequency of crossing the original platform decreased dramatically in Group S and N + S(P<0.05). In addition, the escape latency, apoptosis rate, [Ca2+]i, and expression of CaN and caspase-3 decreased markedly, but the frequency of crossing the original platform increased significantly in Group N + S as compared with Group S (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with nimodipine reduces the incidence of POCD by decreasing CaN mediated hippocampal neuroapoptosis in aged rats.

Synthesis and Properties of Organosilicon-Grafted Cardanol Novolac Epoxy Resin as a Novel Biobased Reactive Diluent and Toughening Agent.

The aim of this work is to develop a biobased functional reactive diluent for thermosetting epoxy resins suitable for high-performance applications. An advanced organosilicon-grafted cardanol novolac epoxy resin (SCNER) was synthesized from cardanol novolac epoxy resin and heptamethyltrisiloxane. After the chemical structure of SCNER was identified by Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR, it was used to modify the diglycidyl ether of the bisphenol A (DGEBA)/methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride system. The SCNER showed unique advantages, reducing the viscosity of DGEBA and improving the properties of the cured resin. With 10 wt % SCNER, the cured resin exhibited a higher tensile strength (78.84 MPa) and impact strength (32.36 kJ·m-2). The single glass transition temperature (T g) step proved the homogeneous phase structure of the cured resin. Inevitably, the T g of the cured resin decreased for the addition of SCNER. The dynamic mechanical analysis results indicated that the storage modulus of the cured resin decreased with the increasing content of SCNER. The morphology showing the ductile fracture of the cured resin was testified by scanning electron microscopy. The dilution and toughening properties of SCNER paves the way to a wide range of possible "eco-friendly" applications, especially in the fields of coatings, paintings, and adhesives.

Hypertonic saline for prevention of delirium in geriatric patients who underwent hip surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common disorder in the elderly patients, and neuroinflammation is the possible underlying mechanism. This study is designed to determine whether or not hypertonic saline (HS) pre-injection can alleviate POD in aged patients. METHODS: This prospective study recruited 120 geriatric patients who underwent hip surgery. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: control group (NS group) and HS group. Patients in the NS group were pre-injected with 4 mL/kg isotonic saline, and those in the HS group were pre-injected with 4 mL/kg 7.5% HS. All 120 patients were then subjected to general anesthesia. Blood samples were extracted to detect the concentration of inflammatory factors, namely, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, and the nerve injury factor S100ß. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of monocytes in peripheral venous blood and evaluate the relationship of inflammation to delirium. The nursing delirium screening scale (Nu-DESC) was used to determine cognitive function 1 to 3 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Analysis using random-effect multivariable logistic regression indicated that HS administration before anesthesia was associated with a low risk of POD (odds ratio [OR], 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.41; P = 0.001) and few CD14 + CD16+ monocytes (ß = - 0.61; 95% CI, - 0.74 to - 0.48; P = 0.000) the following day. When the association between HS and delirium was controlled for CD14 + CD16+ monocytes, the effect size became nonsignificant (odds ratio [OR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.14 to 5.33; P = 0.874). TNF-α was significantly associated with POD (odds ratio [OR], 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.16; P = 0.000). However, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and S100ß were not significantly related to POD. CONCLUSION: HS can alleviate POD in geriatric patients and may inhibit the secretion of inflammatory factors by monocytes.

Effects of preconditioning of electro-acupuncture on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Electro-acupuncture is a burgeoning treatment using the needle inserting into the body acupoints and the low-frequency pulse current being electrified by an electric acupuncture machine. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of preconditioning of electro-acupuncture on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly.Ninety patients scheduled spine surgery were randomly assigned into 2 groups using a random number table: control group (group C) and electro-acupuncture group (group EA). In group EA, electro-acupuncture was applied on Baihui, Dazhui, and Zusanli acupoints 30 minutes before anesthesia. At 0 minute before treatment of electro-acupuncture, 1 hour after skin incision and surgery completed (T1-3), blood samples were taken for detection of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and S100ß by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The total dose of remifentanil and propofol during surgery were recorded. Mini-Mental State Examination was applied to evaluate the cognitive function of patients at 1 day before surgery and 7th and 30th day after surgery.The results showed that compared with group C, score of MMSE increased after surgery, the serum concentration of IL-6, IL-10, and S100ß decreased at 1 hour after skin incision, and surgery completed in group EA. Moreover, the total dose of remifentanil and propofol reduced during surgery in group EA.The present study suggests that preconditioning of electro-acupuncture could improve the postoperative cognitive function, and the reduction of inflammatory reaction and brain injury may be involved in the mechanism.

Effects of nimodipine on postoperative delirium in elderly under general anesthesia: A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Nimodipine is a clinical commonly used calcium antagonistscan lowering the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neuron to reduce the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). This study was designed to evaluate the effects of nimodipine on postoperative delirium in elderly under general anesthesia.Sixty patients shceduced spine surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned into 2 groups using a random number table: control group (Group C) and nimodipine group (Group N). In Group N, nimodipine 7.5 µg/(kg × h) was injected continually 30 minutes before anesthesia induction, while the equal volume of normal saline was given in Group C. At 0 minute before injection, 0 minute after tracheal intubation, 1 hour after skin incision and surgery completed (T1-4), blood samples were taken from the radial artery and jugular bulb for blood gas analysis. Cerebral oxygen metabolism-related indicators were calculated at the same time. Concentration of S100ß and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were tested by ELISA. The incidence of postoperative delirium within 7 days after surgery was recorded.Cerebral oxygen metabolism-related indicators fluctuationed in the normal range in 2 groups at different time points and the difference were not statistically significant. Compared with Group C, S100ß and GFAP decreased and incidence of postoperative delirium reduced at T3-4 in Group N, the difference was statistically significant (P<.05).The present study suggests that nimodipine can reduce the development of postoperative delirium in elderly patients under general anesthesia, the reduction of brain injury and improvement of cerebral oxygen metabolism may be involved in the mechanism.

Thermoset nanocomposites from waterborne bio-based epoxy resin and cellulose nanowhiskers.

Thermoset nanocomposites were prepared from a waterborne terpene-maleic ester type epoxy resin (WTME) and cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). The curing behaviors of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites were measured with rotational rheometer. The results show that the storage modulus (G') of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites increased with the increase of CNWs content. Observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrate that the incorporation of CNWs in WTME matrix caused microphase separation and destroyed the compactness of the matrix. This effect leads to the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites slightly decrease with the increase of CNWs content, which were confirmed by both DSC and DMA tests. The mechanical properties of WTME/CNWs nanocomposites were investigated by tensile testing. The Yong's modulus (E) and tensile strength (σb) of the nanocomposites were significantly reinforced by the addition of CNWs. These results indicate that CNWs exhibit excellent reinforcement effect on WTME matrix, due to the formation and increase of interfacial interaction by hydrogen bonds between CNWs nano-filler and the WTME matrix.

[Effects of 7.5% hypertonic saline pre-injection on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in senile rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of hypertonic saline (7.5% NaCl) pre-injection on postoperative cognitive function in senile rats. METHODS: A total of 60 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 18 months, weighting 450-500 g, were randomly divided into 3 groups of control (C); model (M) and hypertonic saline (HS) (n = 20 each). At 30 min pre-operation, the rats of groups C and HS received an injection of 7.5% hypertonic sodium 4 ml/kg via tail vein. And the same volume of saline was injected in group M. Rats of groups M and HS were anesthetized by inhaling 3% sevoflourane and underwent splenectomy while group C inhaled merely pure oxygen. Escape latency and frequency of crossing original platform were assessed by Morris water maze on 1 day pre-operation and 1, 3, 7 days post-operation. The rats were randomly taken for detecting the intracellular [Ca²âº]i and apoptotic rate of hippocampal neuron with flow cytometry. And ultrastructures of hippocampal neurons were observed with transmission electron microscope at 1 day pre-operation and 1, 7 days post-operation. RESULTS: Compared with pre-dosing value, escape latency was significantly prolonged, the frequency of crossing original platform decreased and apoptotic rate and [Ca²âº]i increased at each time point post-operation in groups M and HS. And no significant changes were found in the above-mentioned parameters in group C. Compared with group M, escape latency was significantly shortened, the frequency of crossing original platform increased and apoptotic rate and [Ca²âº]i decreased at each time point post-operation in group HS. Pathological changes were found in groups M and HS and the damage was more severe in group M than that in group HS. And no significant pathological change was found in group C. CONCLUSION: Infusing 7.5% hypertonic saline can improve postoperative cognitive function of senile rats. And it may be due to a decreased apoptotic rate of hippocampal neurons.

Thermoset nanocomposites from two-component waterborne polyurethanes and cellulose whiskers.

We prepared thermoset nancomposites from biomass-based two-component waterborne polyurethane (2K-WPU) and cellulose namowhiskers (CNWs). Due to the formation of hydrogen bonds, the viscosity of 2K-WPU dispersion was found to be increased with the addition of CNWs. SEM images showed "sea-island structure" corresponding to the microphase separation between CNWs nano-filler and the 2K-WPU matrix. The α-relaxation temperature (Tα) and glass transition temperature (Tg) increased with the increase of CNWs content, which was due to the formation of a rigid CNWs nano-phase acting as crosslinking points in the 2K-WPU matrix. Mechanical properties from tensile test showed Young's modulus and tensile strength of 2K-WPU/CNWs nanocomposites were reinforced by the addition of CNWs. Thermo-stability of 2K-WPU/CNWs nanocomposites decreased slightly with the increase of CNWs content, which could be attributed to the increased thermal conductivity of the material after adding CNWs.