Manufacturing of highly porous calcium phosphate bioceramics via gel-casting using agarose

There is a technological need for highly porous bioceramics to be produced in an environmentally friendly manner. Gel-casting of highly porous HAp-(α-TCP) (CaP) foams using agarose as a gelling agent was investigated. Foaming of gel-cast suspension was performed at the temperature of 60 °C followed by transformation of the foams from a liquid state to a gelled state by cooling them to 15 °C. The sintered (1250 °C, 2 h soaking time) foams were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N₂ adsorption isoterm and Hg porosimetry. XRD study revealed that additives used in the gel-casting process did not influence the phase composition of the investigated materials. The macroporous microstructure of HAp-(α-TCP) foams was typically composed of approximately spherical pores (cells) interconnected by circular windows. The foams exhibited a broad pore size distribution with cells and windows ranging from 250 to 900 μm, and from 25 to 250 μm, respectively. The mode for spherical pore size was approximately 500 μm while the above value for window was ∼100 μm. Additionally, the small amount of wall microporosity in the range of 0.2–0.9 μm was confirmed by SEM and Hg porosimetry. The obtained porous (P = 90%) HAp-(α-TCP) scaffolds with interesting two types of macropores and a small amount of micropores seem to be a promising bone substitution material.     

Peritektoidische Reaktion in einem Stahl mit rd. 1% C und 18% Cr

Betrachtungen zur peritektoidischen Reaktion γ + M₂₃C₆ → M₇C₃ in einem Stahl mit rd. 1% C und 18% Cr im Zusammenhang mit früheren Schrifttumsangaben. Elektrolytische Isolation der Phasen nach unterschiedlichen Austenitisierungsbedingungen des Stahles und chemische sowie Röntgenanalysen der gebildeten Phasen sowie vergleichende metallographische Beurteilung der entstandenen Gefüge. Erörterung der Versuchsergebnisse im Hinblick auf Ablauf, Morphologie und Bildungsmechanismus der peritektoidischen Reaktion unter Berücksichtigung der Diffusionsvorgänge und vorangehender Schrifttumsangaben.     

Sorption mechanism of copper in chitosan hydrogel

Sorption mechanism of copper for spherical hydrogel structures formed by the phase inversion method are determined. Based on equilibrium and the research of structural attempt was made to explain the mechanism of sorption. Equilibria was describe by Langmuir, Langmuir–Freundlich equation. The chemical character of sorption was confirmed by IR and WAXS and XPS spectra.     

Carbide equilibria in austenitic Cr–Ni steel at 1273 K

The phase structure and local composition was studied in a 24% Cr/19% Ni steel after annealing at 1273 K in different carburizing atmospheres. A peritectoid transformation of M₂₃C₆ into M₇C₃ was detectable, if the carbon activity exceeded a value near a^R_C = 0.015 depending on the chromium impoverishment and nickel enrichment in the austenite surrounding the M₂₃C₆ carbides. On the basis of parameters given by Hillert, Hertzman et al. the phase equilibria between austenite, M₂₃C₆ and M₇C₃ were calculated and compared to the experimental results. Correspondence between measured and calculated equilibrium compositions was reached, if a solution parameter L_Cr–Ni = ? 26 000 J/mole was chosen.     

Natural Micas Intercalated with Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Modified with Transition Metals as Catalysts of the Selective Oxidation of Ammonia to Nitrogen

Natural cationic layered clays—vermiculite and phlogopite—pretreated with acids were intercalated with alumina pillars. In next step, transition metals were deposited on the surface of pillared interlayer clays (PILC) by a liquid ion exchange method. The catalyst samples were characterized with respect to: composition (EPMA), structure (XRD), texture (BET), surface acidity (NH₃-TPD) and coordination of deposited transition metals (UV–vis-DRS). The modified clays were tested in the role of catalyst for the selective oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen. In a series of the studied samples the best catalytic performance presented alumina pillared vermiculite modified with copper.     

Spark plasma sintering microscopic mechanisms of metallic systems: Experiments and simulations

The microscopic densification mechanisms of metallic systems (TiAl, Ag-Zn) by spark plasma sintering (SPS) have been studied by simulations and experiments. Finite element simulations showed that, despite very high current densities at the necks between metallic powder particles (≈5 × 10⁴ A/cm²), only very limited Joule overheating can be expected at these locations (<1°C), because of very fast heat diffusion. The microscopic plasticity mechanisms under these high electric currents have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. For this purpose, thin foils have been extracted by focused ion beam at the necks between TiAl powder particles. This is the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that microscopic plasticity mechanisms at the necks between powder particles are investigated by TEM during densification of a metallic powder. Dislocation glide and climb mechanisms were identified, followed by recovery and recrystallization. The elementary mechanism kinetically controlling these phenomena is proposed to be bulk diffusion of Al, which activation energy (360 kJ/mol) is close to the activation energy measured for densification (308 ± 20 kJ/mol). Comparisons of densification kinetics by SPS (≈60-110 A/cm²) and by hot pressing (0 A/cm²) showed no influence of current on these mechanisms. Finally, reaction experiments in the Ag-Zn system did not show any influence of very high currents (>1000 A/cm²) on diffusion kinetics. Consequently, densification by SPS occurs by classical mechanisms not affected by the current.     

The CD200 Regulates Inflammation in Mice Independently of TNF-α Production

Inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by the infiltration of immune cells and chronic inflammation. The immune inhibitory receptor, CD200R, is involved in the downregulation of the activation of immune cells to prevent excessive inflammation. We aimed to define the role of CD200R ligand-CD200 in the experimental model of intestinal inflammation in conventionally-reared mice. Mice were given a dextran sodium sulfate solution in drinking water. Bodyweight loss was monitored daily and the disease activity index was calculated, and a histological evaluation of the colon was performed. TNF-α production was measured in the culture of small fragments of the distal colon or bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) cocultured with CD200⁺ cells. We found that Cd200^−/− mice displayed diminished severity of colitis when compared to WT mice. Inflammation significantly diminished CD200 expression in WT mice, particularly on vascular endothelial cells and immune cells. The co-culture of BMDMs with CD200⁺ cells inhibited TNF-α secretion. In vivo, acute colitis induced by DSS significantly increased TNF-α secretion in colon tissue in comparison to untreated controls. However, Cd200^−/− mice secreted a similar level of TNF-α to WT mice in vivo. CD200 regulates the severity of DSS-induced colitis in conventionally-reared mice. The presence of CD200⁺ cells decreases TNF-α production by macrophages in vitro. However, during DDS-induced intestinal inflammation secretion of TNF-α is independent of CD200 expression.     

The structural (FTIR,XRD, and XPS) and biological studies of thermosensitive chitosan chloride gels with β‐glycerophosphate disodium

In this article, the properties of thermosensitive chitosan hydrogels (structural and biological) prepared using chitosan chloride and β‐glycerophosphate are presented. The porous structure of the gels was observed with a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Rheological and other structural and morphological investigations were carried out by infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Crystallinity of the gel was determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Biocompatibility of the chitosan gels was investigated by contact with bone cells (line Saos‐2) for 7 and 21 days. The cells were encapsulated and seeded onto the gel. A live/dead test showed no cytotoxic reaction. The structure of the gels, before and after the cell culture, was tested using SEM (including ESEM), to select the most suitable method of preparation and reliable visualization of the gel with cells. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46459.     

Penicillium populations in dry-cured ham manufacturing plants

Seven ham manufacturing plants were sampled for 1 year to assess the mycoflora present in the air and on hams, with special attention given to potential mycotoxin producers. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded in the ripening rooms. Maturing rooms held hams from 2 to 3 through 6 to 7 ripening months, and aging rooms held hams for the following 6 to 7 months, until the 14-month ripening point, when they were ready for the market. Mean temperatures and relative humidities registered during the study were 14.9 degrees C and 62.4%, respectively, in maturing rooms and 16.3 degrees C and 57.6% in aging rooms. Aspergilli and penicillia, potential mycotoxin producers, were isolated in all the plants from the air and the ham. Aspergilli represented 5% of the isolates, while penicillia were largely dominant, with Penicillium nalgiovense being the most represented species (around 60% of the penicillia), followed by Penicillium nordicum, with 10 and 26% of the penicillia isolated, respectively, from the air or the ham. Ochratoxin A production ability, checked in vitro at 250C, was observed in 50% of the P. nordicum isolates obtained both from the air and the ham. Air and ham surface contamination by penicillia was greater in the ripening rooms, where higher temperatures were registered. A certain correlation was also observed between air and ham surface contamination. On the basis of this study, P. nordicum, the ochratoxin A producer that is notable on proteinaceous substrates, is normally present in ham manufacturing plants in Italy, even though not a dominant species. Further studies are necessary to clarify and ensure if dry-curing conditions minimize the potential risk of ochratoxin A formation in the product.     

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential in fresh and dried Jaffa® sweeties,a new kind of citrus fruit

Bioactive compounds in the edible parts of fresh and dried Jaffa^® sweeties, a new kind of citrus fruit, were analysed and their antioxidant capacities were assessed. Antioxidant‐rich fractions were extracted from fresh and dried sweeties with 1.2 M HCl in methanol/water (1:1 v/v), and the antioxidant activities of these extracts were evaluated. Using the β‐carotene/linoleate model system, the extracts from equivalent quantities of fresh and dried sweeties showed 89 and 87% antioxidant activity respectively. Similarly, using the DPPH radical‐scavenging method, the extracts showed 87 and 85% antioxidant activity respectively. The best correlations were between caffeic acid content and β‐carotene and DPPH antioxidant activity values (r = 0.9849 and 0.9798 respectively, p = 0.005). Both fresh and dried sweeties are bioactive natural products; when fresh fruits are not available, properly dried sweeties could be used as a substitute. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry