Effect of 3D-printed polycaprolactone/osteolectin scaffolds on the odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells.

Cell-based tissue engineering often requires the use of scaffolds to provide a 3-dimensional (3D) framework for cell proliferation and tissue formation. Polycaprolactone (PCL), a type of polymer, has good printability, favorable surface modifiability, adaptability, and biodegradability. However, its large-scale applicability is hindered by its hydrophobic nature, which affects biological properties. Composite materials can be created by adding bioactive materials to the polymer to improve the properties of PCL scaffolds (PSs). Osteolectin is an odontogenic factor that promotes the maintenance of the adult skeleton by promoting the differentiation of LepR+ cells into osteoblasts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether 3D-printed PCL/osteolectin scaffolds supply a suitable microenvironment for the odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). The hDPCs were cultured on 3D-printed PSs with or without pores. Cell attachment and cell proliferation were evaluated using EZ-Cytox. The odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs was evaluated by alizarin red S staining and alkaline phosphatase assays. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of the proteins DSPP and DMP-Results: The attachment of hDPCs to PSs with pores was significantly higher than to PSs without pores. The odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs was induced more in PCL/osteolectin scaffolds than in PSs, but there was no statistically significant difference. 3D-printed PSs with pores are suitable for the growth of hDPCs, and the PCL/osteolectin scaffolds can provide a more favorable microenvironment for the odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs. .

Floating electrode-dielectric barrier discharge-based plasma promotes skin regeneration in a full-thickness skin defect mouse model.

Wound healing involves a complex and dynamic interplay among various cell types, cytokines, and growth factors. Macrophages and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) play an essential role in different phases of wound healing. Cold atmospheric plasma has a wide range of applications in the treatment of chronic wounds. Hence, we aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of a custom-made plasma device in a full-thickness skin defect mouse model. Here, we investigated the wound tissue on days 6 and 12 using histology, qPCR, and western blotting. During the inflammation phase of wound repair, macrophages play an important role in the onset and resolution of inflammation, showing decreased F4/80 on day 6 of plasma treatment and increased TGF-ß1 levels. The plasma-treated group showed better epidermal epithelialization, dermal fibrosis, collagen maturation, and reduced inflammation than the control group. Our findings revealed that floating electrode-dielectric barrier discharge (FE-DBD)-based atmospheric-pressure plasma promoted significantly faster wound healing in the plasma-treated group than that in the control group with untreated wounds. Hence, plasma treatment accelerated wound healing processes without noticeable side effects and suppressed pro-inflammatory genes, suggesting that FE-DBD-based plasma could be a potential therapeutic option for treating various wounds.

Developing a Practical Tool for Predicting Wound Healing Outcomes of Patients with Diabetic Forefoot Ulcers: Focus on Vasculopathy and Infection.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a preliminary risk scoring system to predict the prognosis of patients with diabetic forefoot ulcers based on the severity of vasculopathy and infection, which are the major risk factors for amputation. METHODS: Forefoot was defined as the distal part of the foot composed of the metatarsal bones and phalanges and associated soft tissue structures. The degree of vasculopathy was graded as V0, V1, or V2 according to transcutaneous partial oxygen tension values and toe pressure. The degree of infection was graded as I0, I1, or I2 according to tissue and bone biopsy culture results. The risk scores were calculated by adding the scores for the degree of vasculopathy and infection and ranged from 0 to 4. Wound healing outcomes were graded as healed without amputation, minor amputation, or major amputation. The authors evaluated wound healing outcomes according to risk scores. RESULTS: As the risk score increased, the proportion of patients who underwent both major and minor amputations increased (P < .001). In the multivariate logistic analysis, the odds ratios of amputation also increased as the risk score increased. Patients with a risk score of 4 were 75- and 19-fold more likely to undergo major and minor amputations, respectively, than patients with a risk score of 0 (P = .006 and P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The risk score can be used as an indicator to predict the probability of amputation in patients with diabetic forefoot ulcers.

Nanoplastics from disposable paper cups and microwavable food containers.

Nanoplastics (NPs, <1 µm) pose greater risks due to their increased absorption rates in biological systems. In this study, we investigated the release of NPs from paper cups and microwavable food containers coated with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA). For disposable paper cups, we found that LDPE-coated cups released up to 26-fold more NPs (maximum 1.9 × 107 per cup) than PLA-coated ones. The NPs release from LDPE-coated cups was increased at high temperatures above 80 °C, and further increased by physical agitation. However, negligible NP release was observed when the inner coating thickness exceeded 1 mm. For microwavable food containers, those with PLA coatings were more susceptible to the effects of microwave. Depending on the cooking time, we noticed a significant difference (up to 40000 times) in the number of released NPs between LDPE and PLA coatings. Additionally, higher microwave power level led to an increase of NPs, even with constant total energy input. Considering the release of NP, PLA coatings for disposable paper cups and LDPE coatings for microwavable food containers seem more suitable. Furthermore, our results suggest that multi-use cups significantly reduce NPs release due to their material thickness, making them a safer alternative to disposable ones.

Developing and Establishing a Wound Dressing Team: Experience and Recommendations.

BACKGROUND: The existing literature has comprehensively examined the benefits of specialized wound-care services and multidisciplinary team care. However, information on the development and integration of wound-dressing teams for patients who do not require specialized wound care is scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the benefits of a wound-dressing team by reporting our experiences with the establishment of a wound-dressing team. METHODS: The wound-dressing team was established at Korea University Guro Hospital. Between July 2018 and June 2022, 180,872 cases were managed for wounds at the wound-dressing team. The data were analyzed to assess the types of wounds and their outcomes. In addition, questionnaires assessing the satisfaction with the service were administered to patients, ward nurses, residents/internists, and team members. RESULTS: Regarding the wound type, 80,297 (45.3%) were catheter-related, while 48,036 (27.1%), 26,056 (14.7%), and 20,739 (11.7%) were pressure ulcers, dirty wounds, and simple wounds, respectively. In the satisfaction survey, the scores of the patient, ward nurse, dressing team nurse, and physician groups were 8.9, 8.1, 8.2, and 9.1, respectively. Additionally, 136 dressing-related complications (0.08%) were reported. CONCLUSION: The wound dressing team can enhance satisfaction among patients and healthcare providers with low complications. Our findings may provide a potential framework for establishing similar service models.

Immediate and Late Effects of Pulse Widths and Cycles on Bipolar, Gated Radiofrequency-Induced Tissue Reactions in in vivo Rat Skin.

Background: Single to multiple pulse packs of bipolar, alternating current radiofrequency (RF) oscillations have been used for various medical purposes using invasive microneedle electrodes. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of pulse widths and cycles of RF pulse packs on immediate and delayed thermal tissue reactions in in vivo rat skin. Methods: RF energy at the frequency of 1 MHz and power of 70 W was delivered at each experimental setting into in vivo rat skin at 1.5-mm microneedle penetration, and then, tissue samples were obtained after 1 h and 3, 7, 14, and 21 days and histologically analyzed. Results: A single-pulse-pack RF treatment generated coagulative necrosis zones in the dermal peri-electrode area and zones of non-necrotic thermal reactions in the dermal inter-electrode area. Multiple pulse-pack, RF-treated rat skin specimens revealed that the number and size of peri-electrode coagulative necrosis were markedly decreased by increasing the number of pulse packs and accordingly decreasing the conduction time of each pulse pack. The microscopic changes in RF-induced non-necrotic thermal reaction in the inter-electrode area were more remarkable in specimens treated with RF of 7 or 10 pulse packs than in specimens treated with RF of 1-4 pulse packs. Conclusion: The gated delivery of multiple RF pulse packs using a bipolar, alternating current, 1-MHz RF system using insulated microneedle electrodes efficiently generates non-necrotic thermal tissue reactions over the upper, mid, and deep dermis and subcutaneous fat in the inter-electrode areas.

Exsolution of Ru Nanoparticles on BaCe0.9 Y0.1 O3-δ Modifying Geometry and Electronic Structure of Ru for Ammonia Synthesis Reaction Under Mild Conditions.

Green ammonia is an efficient, carbon-free energy carrier and storage medium. The ammonia synthesis using green hydrogen requires an active catalyst that operates under mild conditions. The catalytic activity can be promoted by controlling the geometry and electronic structure of the active species. An exsolution process is implemented to improve catalytic activity by modulating the geometry and electronic structure of Ru. Ru nanoparticles exsolved on a BaCe0.9 Y0.1 O3-δ support exhibit uniform size distribution, 5.03 ± 0.91 nm, and exhibited one of the highest activities, 387.31 mmolNH3  gRu -1  h-1 (0.1 MPa and 450 °C). The role of the exsolution and BaCe0.9 Y0.1 O3-δ support is studied by comparing the catalyst with control samples and in-depth characterizations. The optimal nanoparticle size is maintained during the reaction, as the Ru nanoparticles prepared by exsolution are well-anchored to the support with in-plane epitaxy. The electronic structure of Ru is modified by unexpected in situ Ba promoter accumulation around the base of the Ru nanoparticles.

A Pilot Study Comparing a Micronized Adipose Tissue Niche versus Standard Wound Care for Treatment of Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the various properties of micronized adipose tissue (MAT), including angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative activities, which can be helpful in wound healing. This exploratory clinical trial aimed to report the efficacy and safety of MAT niche for treating diabetic foot ulcers. Twenty subjects were randomly divided into MAT niche treatment (n = 10) and control groups (n = 10). All patients were followed up weekly for 16 weeks. We evaluated the efficacy of the MAT niche treatment by assessing the (1) reduction in wound area after 4 weeks and (2) percentage of patients who achieved complete wound closure after 16 weeks. All possible adverse events were recorded. The wound area was reduced by 4.3 ± 1.0 cm2 in the treatment group and by 2.0 ± 1.1 cm2 in the control group (p = 0.043). Complete wound healing was achieved after 16 weeks in eight out of 10 patients (80%) in the treatment group and three out of six (50%) in the control group (p = 0.299). No serious adverse events related to MAT niche treatment were observed. Although the present study's findings do not support the use of this therapy to treat foot ulcers of patients with diabetes owing to the small number of patients included and the absence of statistical significance, the results of this pilot preliminary study are promising in that MAT niche autografts may offer the possibility of a simple and effective treatment for diabetic ulcers. Further follow-up studies with a larger number of patients are required to validate our findings.

Facile one-pot iodine gas phase doping on 2D MoS2/CuS FET at room temperature.

Electronic devices composed of semiconducting two-dimensional (2D) materials and ultrathin 2D metallic electrode materials, accompanying synergistic interactions and extraordinary properties, are becoming highly promising for future flexible and transparent electronic and optoelectronic device applications. Unlike devices with bulk metal electrode and 2D channel materials, devices with ultrathin 2D electrode and 2D channel are susceptible to chemical reactions in both channel and electrode surface due to the high surface to volume ratio of the 2D structures. However, so far, the effect of doping was primary concerned on the channel component, and there is lack of understanding in terms of how to modulate electrical properties of devices by engineering electrical properties of both the metallic electrode and the semiconducting channel. Here, we propose the novel, one-pot doping of the field-effect transistor (FET) based on 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) channel and ultrathin copper sulfide (CuS) electrodes under mild iodine gas environment at room temperature, which simultaneously modulates electrical properties of the 2D MoS2channel and 2D CuS electrode in a facile and cost-effective way. After one-pot iodine doping, effective p-type doping of the channel and electrode was observed, which was shown through decreased off current level, improvedIon/Ioffratio and subthreshold swing value. Our results open up possibility for effectively and conveniently modulating electrical properties of FETs made of various 2D semiconductors and ultrathin contact materials without causing any detrimental damage.

Systemic Infection of Mycobacterium abscessus in a Free-Ranging Wild Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo).

An adult Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) rescued from drowning was unable to fly. After euthanasia, necropsy and histopathologic examination showed granulomatous inflammation and intracellular acid-fast stain-positive rod-shaped bacteria in the skin, lung, liver, and spleen, which were identified by using molecular analysis as Mycobacterium abscessus.

A comprehensive investigation of direct ammonia-fueled thin-film solid-oxide fuel cells: Performance, limitation, and prospects.

Ammonia is a promising carbon-free hydrogen carrier. Owing to their nickel-rich anodes and high operating temperatures, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) can directly utilize NH3 fuel-direct-ammonia SOFCs (DA-SOFCs). Lowering the operating temperature can diversify application areas of DA-SOFCs. We tested direct-ammonia operation using two types of thin-film SOFCs (TF-SOFCs) under 500 to 650°C and compared these with a conventional SOFC. The TF-SOFC with a nickel oxide gadolinium-doped ceria anode achieved a peak power density of 1330 mW cm-2 (NH3 fuel under 650°C), which is the best performance reported to date. However, the performance difference between the NH3 and H2 operations was significant. Electrochemical impedance analyses, ammonia conversion quantification, and two-dimensional multi-physics modeling suggested that reduced ammonia conversion at low temperatures is the main cause of the performance gap. A comparative study with previously reported DA-SOFCs clarified that incorporating a more active ammonia decomposition catalyst will further improve low-temperature DA-SOFCs.

Improvements in desorption rate and electrode stability of membrane capacitive deionization systems by optimizing operation parameters.

The operating parameters necessary to improve the desorption rate of a membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) system while controlling the Faradaic reactions were studied. The total charge (QT) accumulated in the carbon electrode was set as the main operating parameter determining the desorption rate of the MCDI system. After adsorption was performed until the preset QT value was reached using the MCDI unit cell, desorption was performed at a cell potential of -0.2 V. As a result of this MCDI operation, the average desorption rate increased in proportion to the QT value. Additionally, the ratio of desorption charge according to the desorption time was consistent regardless of QT. Through this, it could be seen that the desorption process of the MCDI system is similar to the discharge characteristic of a series circuit comprising a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C). If the desorption time is too short during the MCDI operation, some charges will remain in the carbon electrode. When the adsorption charge (Qad) is supplied again, QT increases. When QT exceeds the maximum allowable charge (MAC), which is the total charge at the onset of Faradaic reactions, electrode reactions can occur. Through RC circuit analysis, a model equation for calculating the minimum desorption time required to operate a MCDI system without the occurrence of Faradaic reactions was derived. As a result of MCDI operation while changing the desorption time, the desalination performance almost matched the result predicted through the model equation. Additionally, it was found that the smaller Qad is, the shorter the desorption time, resulting in a higher desalination rate of the MCDI system.

Vapor-Mediated Infiltration of Nanocatalysts for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using Electrosprayed Dendrites.

Electrode architecturing for fast electrochemical reaction is essential for achieving high-performance of low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs). However, the conventional droplet infiltration technique still has limitations in terms of the applicability and scalability of nanocatalyst implementation. Here, we develop a novel two-step precursor infiltration process and fabricate high-performance LT-SOFCs with homogeneous and robust nanocatalysts. This novel infiltration process is designed based on the principle of a reversible sol-gel transition where the gelated precursor dendrites are uniformly deposited onto the electrode via controlled nanoscale electrospraying process then resolubilized and infiltrated into the porous electrode structure through subsequent humidity control. Our infiltration technique reduces the cathodic polarization resistance by 18% compared to conventional processes, thereby achieving an enhanced peak power density of 0.976 W cm-2 at 650 °C. These results, which provide various degrees of freedom for forming nanocatalysts, exhibit an advancement in LT-SOFC technology.

Naturally diffused sintering aid for highly conductive bilayer electrolytes in solid oxide cells.

Solid oxide cells (SOCs) are promising sustainable and efficient electrochemical energy conversion devices. The application of a bilayer electrolyte comprising wide electrolytic oxide and highly conductive oxide is essential to lower the operating temperatures while maintaining high performance. However, a structurally and chemically ideal bilayer has been unattainable through cost-effective conventional ceramic processes. Here, we describe a strategy of naturally diffused sintering aid allowing the fabrication of defect-free doped-zirconia/doped-ceria bilayer electrolyte with full density and reduced interdiffusion layer at lower sintering temperature owing to the supply of small but appropriate amount of sintering aid from doped zirconia to doped ceria that makes the thermal shrinkages of both layers perfectly congruent. The resulting SOCs exhibit a minimal ohmic loss of 0.09 ohm cm2 and remarkable performances in both fuel cell (power density exceeding 1.3 W cm−2) and electrolysis (current density of −1.27 A cm−2 at 1.3 V) operations at 700°C.

Comparing volumetric and biological aspects of 3D-printed interim restorations under various post-curing modes.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the volumetric change, degree of conversion (DOC), and cytotoxicity of 3D-printed restorations post-cured under three different conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3D-printed interim restorations were post-cured under three different conditions and systems: 5 min, 30 min, and 24 h. Three-unit and six-unit fixed dental prostheses (n = 30 for each case) were printed; ten specimens from each group were post-cured and then scanned to compare their volumetric changes. Root-mean-squared (RMS) values of the data were acquired by superimposing the scanned files with original files. Thirty disk-shaped specimens were printed to evaluate the DOC ratio. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to compare the DOCs of 10 specimens from each group. Human gingival fibroblasts were used to measure the cell viability of every specimen (n = 7). The data from this experiment were employed for one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc comparisons. RESULTS: Differences between the three-unit restorations were statistically insignificant, regardless of the post-curing conditions. However, for the six-unit restorations, a high RMS value was acquired when the post-curing duration was 30 min. The average DOC was approximately 56 - 62%; the difference between each group was statistically insignificant. All the groups exhibited cell viability greater than 70%, rendering them clinically acceptable. CONCLUSION: The post-curing conditions influenced the volume when the length of the restoration was increased. However, this deviation was found to be clinically acceptable. Additionally, post-curing did not significantly influence the DOC and cytotoxicity of the restorations.

Risk Factors for Major Amputation for Midfoot Ulcers in Hospitalized Patients With Diabetes: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for major amputation in persons hospitalized with diabetic foot ulcers involving the midfoot. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Between January 2003 and May 2019, a total of 1931 patients with diabetes were admitted to the diabetic wound center for the management of foot ulcers. Among the admitted patients, 169 patients with midfoot ulcers were included in this study. One hundred fifty-four patients (91%) healed without major amputation, while 15 patients (9%) healed post-major amputation. METHODS: Data related to 88 potential risk factors including demographics, ulcer condition, vascularity, bioburden, neurology, and serology were collected from patients in these 2 groups for comparison. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze risk factors for major amputation. RESULTS: Among the 88 potential risk factors, 15 showed statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. Using univariate analysis of 88 potential risk factors, 8 showed statistically significant differences. Using stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, 3 of the 8 risk factors remained statistically significant. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios for deep ulcers invading bone, cardiac disorders, and Charcot foot were 26.718, 18.739, and 16.997, respectively. CONCLUSION: The risk factors for major amputation in patients hospitalized with diabetic midfoot ulcers included deep ulcers invading the bone, cardiac disorders, and Charcot foot.

Highly Hydrophilic Polyurethane Foam Dressing Versus Early Hydrophilic Polyurethane Foam Dressing on Skin Graft Donor Site Healing in Patients with Diabetes: An Exploratory Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of early hydrophilic polyurethane (EHP) foam dressing and highly hydrophilic polyurethane (HHP) foam dressing on wound healing in patients with diabetes. METHODS: Twenty patients with diabetes with skin graft donor sites on the lateral thigh were enrolled in this study. Each donor site was divided into two equal-sized areas for the application of HHP or EHP foam dressing. The study endpoint was the time required for healing, defined as complete epithelialization of the donor site without discharge. All possible adverse events were also documented. MAIN RESULTS: Donor site healing was faster in 15 patients on the HHP half and 1 patient on the EHP half. In four patients, healing rates were the same between the HHP and EHP areas. Donor sites treated with HHP and EHP foam dressings healed in 17.2 ± 4.4 and 19.6 ± 3.7 days (P = .007), respectively. During the study period, no adverse event associated with the dressings occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The HHP foam dressing might provide faster healing than EHP foam dressing for skin graft donor sites in patients with diabetes.

Engineering of Charged Defects at Perovskite Oxide Surfaces for Exceptionally Stable Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes.

Cation segregation, particularly Sr segregation, toward a perovskite surface has a significant effect on the performance degradation of a solid oxide cell (solid oxide electrolysis/fuel cell). Among the number of key reasons generating the instability of perovskite oxide, surface-accumulated positively charged defects (oxygen vacancy, Vo··) have been considered as the most crucial drivers in strongly attracting negatively charged defects (SrA - site') toward the surface. Herein, we demonstrate the effects of a heterointerface on the redistribution of both positively and negatively charged defects for a reduction of Vo·· at a perovskite surface. We took Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-δ (SSC) as a model perovskite film and coated Gd0.1Ce0.9O2-δ (GDC) additionally onto the SSC film to create a heterointerface (GDC/SSC), resulting in an ∼11-fold reduction in a degradation rate of ∼8% at 650 °C and ∼10-fold higher surface exchange (kq) than a bare SSC film after 150 h at 650 °C. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy, we revealed a decrease in positively charged defects of Vo·· and transferred electrons in an SSC film at the GDC/SSC heterointerface, resulting in a suppression of negatively charged Sr (SrSm') segregation. Finally, the energetic behavior, including the charge transfer phenomenon, O p-band center, and oxygen vacancy formation energy calculated using the density functional theory, verified the effects of the heterointerface on the redistribution of the charged defects, resulting in a remarkable impact on the stability of perovskite oxide at elevated temperatures.

Fast Magneto-Ionic Switching of Interface Anisotropy Using Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Gate Oxide.

Voltage control of interfacial magnetism has been greatly highlighted in spintronics research for many years, as it might enable ultralow power technologies. Among a few suggested approaches, magneto-ionic control of magnetism has demonstrated large modulation of magnetic anisotropy. Moreover, the recent demonstration of magneto-ionic devices using hydrogen ions presented relatively fast magnetization toggle switching, tsw ∼ 100 ms, at room temperature. However, the operation speed may need to be significantly improved to be used for modern electronic devices. Here, we demonstrate that the speed of proton-induced magnetization toggle switching largely depends on proton-conducting oxides. We achieve ∼1 ms reliable (>103 cycles) switching using yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), which is ∼100 times faster than the state-of-the-art magneto-ionic devices reported to date at room temperature. Our results suggest that further engineering of the proton-conducting materials could bring substantial improvement that may enable new low-power computing scheme based on magneto-ionics.

Atomistic Assessments of Lithium-Ion Conduction Behavior in Glass-Ceramic Lithium Thiophosphates.

We determined the interatomic potentials of the Li-[PS43-] building block in (Li2S)0.75(P2S5)0.25 (LPS) and predicted the Li-ion conductivity (σLi) of glass-ceramic LPS from molecular dynamics. The Li-ion conduction characteristics in the crystalline/interfacial/glassy structure were decomposed by considering the structural ordering differences. The superior σLi of the glassy LPS could be attributed to the fact that ∼40% of its structure consists of the short-ranged cubic S-sublattice instead of the hexagonally close-packed γ-phase. This glassy LPS has a σLi of 4.08 × 10-1 mS cm-1, an improvement of ∼100 times relative to that of the γ-phase, which is in agreement with the experiments.