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Highlights: [•] The photoactivity of mortars containing TiO2 and iron oxide pigments was studied. [•] Atmospheric exposure tests and photocatalytic degradation tests were performed. [•] Iron oxide pigments caused lower photocatalytic activity compared to white mortars. [•] Soiling in atmospheric exposure was lower on TiO2 containing mortars (self-cleaning). [•] Colored mortars require the definition of a new protocol for dye degradation tests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Anodized titanium with its interference colors, its appearances and its light, is undoubtedly of great appeal to the field of architecture and to all ramifications of design, to visual communication and to the world of fashion. On its surface, it is possible to create a visionary world of colors, perfectly controlled by the imposition of determined anodizing parameters and surface conditions. This article presents one of the applications of anodized titanium, which most earns general interest nowadays in the designers' world, that is, the production of colored titanium jewels. Since titanium is considered a seminoble metal, its use is mainly directed to small series production: therefore, a good know-how giving high reliability of the anodic coloring process is required. The chosen procedure will be described, together with a full characterization of the obtained interference colors. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meningiomas are common, usually benign slow-growing neoplasms of the central nervous system thought to arise from meningocytes capping arachnoid villi. Primary ectopic meningiomas are exceedingly rare extracranial and extraspinal tumors of controversial origin; they are usually limited to the head and neck region or to the paravertebral soft tissues. Only one mediastinal ectopic meningioma and few pulmonary ectopic meningiomas have been described in the literature until now. Because of their rarity and their intriguing pathogenesis, we report here a second case of primary mediastinal meningioma and an additional case of primary pulmonary meningioma. Their possible origin and differential diagnosis are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anodic spark deposition is particularly spread as coating treatment of titanium in biomedical applications, as it allows to improve both durability and biocompatibility of titanium and its alloys. This work proposes an analysis of different surface treatments on titanium, where surface etching in HF prior to anodizing and final alkali etching of the anodic oxide are chosen as possible methods to alter surface roughness, crystal structure and chemical composition. Anodizing was performed at two different voltages to produce different morphologies and crystal phases. Larger and more regular porosity was obtained at higher voltages, together with the formation of sodium titanates. While the HF pre-treatment only affected surface roughness but not surface chemistry, the NaOH post treatment promoted the formation of Na 2 TiO 3 especially on high voltage formed oxides. This was identified as the cause for a larger presence of radical species, which modify surface bioactivity and is responsible for a bacteriostatic effect of the treatments reported in previous biological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Breast International Group (BIG) 1-98 trial (a randomised double-blind phase III trial) has shown that letrozole significantly improves disease-free survival (DFS) compared with tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with endocrine-responsive early breast cancer. Our aim was to establish whether the benefit of letrozole versus tamoxifen differs according to the ERBB2 status of tumours. METHODS: The BIG 1-98 trial consists of four treatment groups that compare 5 years of monotherapy with letrozole or tamoxifen, and sequential administration of one drug for 2 years followed by the other drug for 3 years. Our study includes data from the 4922 patients randomly assigned to the two monotherapy treatment groups (letrozole or tamoxifen for 5 years; 51 months median follow-up [range <1 to 90 months]). A central assessment of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR) and ERBB2 status using paraffin-embedded primary tumour material was possible for 3650 (74%) patients. ER, PgR, and ERBB2 expression were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and ERBB2-positivity was confirmed by fluorescence in-situ hybridisation (FISH). Positive staining in at least 1% of cells was considered to show presence of ER or PgR expression. Tumours were deemed ERBB2-positive if amplified by FISH, or, for the few tumours with unassessable or unavailable FISH results, if they were IHC 3+. Hazard ratios (HR) estimated by Cox modelling were used to compare letrozole with tamoxifen for DFS, which was the primary endpoint, and to assess treatment-by-covariate interactions. The BIG 1-98 trial is registered on the clinical trials site of the US National Cancer Institute website http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00004205. FINDINGS: By central assessment 7% (257 of 3650) of tumours were classified as ERBB2-positive. In 3533 patients with tumours confirmed to express ER, DFS was poorer in patients with ERBB2-positive tumours (n=239) than in those with ERBB2-negative tumours (n=3294; HR 2.09 [95% CI 1.59-2.76]; p<0.0001). There was no statistical evidence of heterogeneity in the treatment effect according to ERBB2 status of the tumour (p=0.60 for interaction), thus, letrozole improves DFS compared with tamoxifen regardless of ERBB2 status. The observed HRs were 0.62 (95% CI 0.37-1.03) for ERBB2-positive tumours and 0.72 (0.59-0.87) for ERBB2-negative tumours. INTERPRETATION: A benefit of letrozole over tamoxifen was noted, irrespective of ERBB2 status of the tumour, and, therefore, ERBB2 status does not seem to be a selection criterion for treatment with letrozole versus tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with endocrine-responsive early breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lyme disease, a multisystemic infectious disorder caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Borrelia transmitted by the bite of ticks, typically from the family Ixodidae, pose a significant public health issue worldwide. The Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) group encompasses the Borrelia Lyme Group (LG), Borrelia Echidna-Reptile Group (REPG), and Borrelia Relapsing Fever Group (RFG), with some species remaining unclassified due to culturing challenges. Research into B. burgdorferi s.l. infection (Lyme Group) has intensified, focusing on its epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Originally identified in North America and Europe, Lyme disease has now become a global concern, with Latin American countries reporting the microorganism, the disease, and/or its vectors. In Argentina, the presence of B. burgdorferi and Lyme disease has sparked significant scientific and medical debate. Ecological changes due to climate and habitat shifts have expanded the geographical distribution of these ticks. Argentina, with its diverse geography and climate, hosts various tick species that could potentially act as Lyme disease vectors, raising important public health questions. The confirmed presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. and Lyme disease in Argentina remains contentious but relevant, necessitating thorough scientific and medical examination. This work aims to enhance understanding and discussion of Lyme disease in Argentina by presenting clinical cases and their laboratory analyses, highlighting the disease's presence and implications in the country. Through documenting suspected clinical cases and analyzing available data on B. burgdorferi and Lyme disease in Argentina, this study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the disease's current status and inform future research, prevention, and control strategies in the region. The goal is to provide a basis for addressing Lyme disease's public health impact in Argentina and promote further investigation into this evolving issue.

The spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Lyme Group) is the causative agent of Lyme disease, transmitted to humans through tick bites carrying the bacteria. Common symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and the characteristic erythema migrans skin rash. If left untreated, the infection can affect joints, the cardiac system, and the nervous system. Diagnosis relies on symptoms, clinical signs (such as the rash), and potential exposure to infected ticks, with laboratory tests proving valuable when appropriately employed with validated methods. Most cases of Lyme disease respond effectively to a few weeks of antibiotic treatment. In Latin America, knowledge of Lyme disease is limited and often confounded, underscoring the significance of this review in aiding medical professionals in recognizing the disease. This study delves explicitly into Lyme disease in Argentina, neighboring countries, and other Latin American nations.

Purpose:: Development of PVA/cellulose fiber composite material with modulable properties, obtained through the increase of reinforcement and heat treatments in order to optimize the composite in terms of mechanical, thermal, and degradation properties., Methods:: The composite was designed selecting as matrix an experimental formulation based on water-soluble, biodegradable, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), as reinforcement. Six different formulations, with increasing ratio of MCC content (from 0% to 55% w/w) in PVA, were developed and extruded by a co-rotating twin-screw extruder (TSA FSCM 21/40). Then, samples have been treated through two different thermal conditions (T1, T2) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, tensile mechanical tests, thermogravimetric analysis, and water degradation tests to investigate, respectively, the influence of MCC ratios and heat treatment on morphological, mechanical, degradation, and thermal properties., Results:: The PVA/MCC composite exhibited a good stress-strain behavior as well as a close correlation between MCC content on tensile, thermal, and degradation properties. The second part of the results includes the analysis of the effects that the thermal treatments (T1, T2) had on the composite. In fact, thermal treatments have allowed improving the thermal and water stability as well as a significant improvement in the considered mechanical parameters due to a possible crosslinking of the PVA matrix., Conclusion:: The present work shows how the properties of the PVA/MCC composite can become modular with the aim of extending its range of application as a new sustainable solution in the field of consumer products.

The availability of immobilized nanostructured photocatalysts is of great importance in the purification of both polluted air and liquids (e.g., industrial wastewaters). Metal-supported titanium dioxide films with nanotubular morphology and good photocatalytic efficiency in both environments can be produced by anodic oxidation, which avoids release of nanoscale materials in the environment. Here we evaluate the effect of different anodizing procedures on the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanostructures in gas and liquid phases, in order to identify the most efficient and robust technique for the production of TiO₂ layers with different morphologies and high photocatalytic activity in both phases. Rhodamine B and toluene were used as model pollutants in the two media, respectively. It was found that the role of the anodizing electrolyte is particularly crucial, as it provides substantial differences in the oxide specific surface area: nanotubular structures show remarkably different activities, especially in gas phase degradation reactions, and within nanotubular structures, those produced by organic electrolytes lead to better photocatalytic activity in both conditions tested., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: Among additive manufacturing techniques, the filament-based technique involves what is referred to as fused deposition modeling (FDM). FDM materials are currently limited to a selected number of polymers. The present study focused on investigating the potential of using high-end engineering polymers in FDM. In addition, a critical review of the materials available on the market compared with those studied here was completed., Methods: Different engineering thermoplastics, ranging from industrial grade polycarbonates to novel polyetheretherketones (PEEKs), were processed by FDM. Prior to this, for innovative filaments based on PEEK, extrusion processing was carried out. Mechanical properties (i.e., tensile and flexural) were investigated for each extruded material. An industrial-type FDM machine (Stratasys Fortus® 400 mc) was used to fully characterize the effect of printing parameters on the mechanical properties of polycarbonate. The obtained properties were compared with samples obtained by injection molding. Finally, FDM samples made of PEEK were also characterized and compared with those obtained by injection molding., Results: The effect of raster to raster air gap and raster angle on tensile and flexural properties of printed PC was evidenced; the potential of PEEK filaments, as novel FDM material, was highlighted in comparison to state of the art materials., Conclusions: Comparison with injection molded parts allowed to better understand FDM potential for functional applications. The study discussed pros and cons of the different materials. Finally, the development of novel PEEK filaments achieved important results offering a novel solution to the market when high mechanical and thermal properties are required.

Background: The aim of this work was the development and characterization of a photocatalytic filter for the treatment of indoor air, characterized by a low pressure drop., Methods: The filter (photocatalytic filter) was based on a polyester substrate additivated with active carbon (Carbotex 150-6), treated with a sol of titanium dioxide (Sol 121-AB; NextMaterials Ltd.) and illuminated with UV LEDs to induce photocatalytic activity., Results: Tests showed that this filter, used in a suitable device for air circulation with a very low noise level, had the ability to block solid particulates, to photocatalytically oxidize a major fraction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and deactivate all of the bacteria blocked on the filter, in contrast to traditional commercial air filters on which the bacteria remain viable., Conclusions: Activated charcoal filters treated with TiO2 and illuminated by UV LEDs were found to be extremely effective in killing bacteria and effective in decreasing VOC and total suspended particulates (TSP).

Background: Until now, environmental sustainability issues are almost entirely unsolved for packaging materials. With the final aim of finding materials with a single recycling channel, cellulose fiber/poly(vinyl)alcohol composites were investigated., Methods: After extrusion and injection molding, samples of composite with different cellulose fiber content (30%, 50% and 70% w/w) were tested., Results: Tensile mechanical tests exhibited an improvement in composite stiffness when the reinforcement content was increased together with a decrease in composite elongation. Solubility tests performed at room temperature and 45°C showed different behavior depending on the water-resistant film applied on the composite (50% cellulose fiber content). In particular, the uncoated composite showed complete solubility after 2 hours, whereas at the same time point, no solubility occurred when a non-water-soluble varnish was used., Conclusions: The proposed composites, named Poly-paper, appear to warrant further investigation as highly sustainable packaging.

Purpose: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is strictly affected by the concentration of total suspended particulate matter (TSP). Air filtration is by far the most feasible suggestion to improve IAQ. Unfortunately, highly effective HEPA filters also have a few major weaknesses that have hindered their widespread use. There is therefore a renewed interest in developing novel, cost-effective filtration systems. We have recently reported the development of cardboard-based filters for bacterial removal that were further implemented and tested herein., Methods: A parallelepiped filter manufactured by aligning strips of corrugated cardboard and surrounded by a cardboard frame was specifically designed with an internal pocket holding a partially cut antistatic pleated fabric (HP). This filter, together with its parent version (CTRL) and a commercially sourced specimen (CAF), were assessed comparatively in a long-time test to assess their effectiveness on TSP removal., Results: We found that the TSP abatement efficiency (E%) of the HP filter was relatively high and invariable over the 93 days of test and the pressure drop (PD%) decrease because of filter clogging was moderate. Most important, the HP filter was the most effective if assessed in terms of overall yield (Y%) and its performance was quite constant over the entire period considered., Conclusions: This work disclosed this novel class of corrugated cardboard-based filters as promising tools to ameliorate IAQ in light of their good TSP removal properties that endure over time. Moreover, cardboard is a lightweight, inexpensive, and eco-friendly material and corrugated cardboard-based air filters are very easy to shape and mount on and/or replace in existing ventilation systems.

Purpose: Since bacterial pollution is more troublesome than other nonbiologic air pollutants, the need to control airborne micro-organisms has led to renewed interest in filter media for air filtration in indoor environments. Although mechanical filtration of aerosols by HEPA systems is the most common method for particle removal, these filters characterized by high efficiency usually reveal a higher drop in pressure and noise and are very expensive. On this basis, we aimed to develop novel, very effective air filters for removal of airborne bacteria from confined environments., Methods: Parallelepiped filters surrounded by a cardboard frame were manufactured by aligning strips of corrugated cardboard and were assessed in terms of airflow rate reduction. Cardboard filters were soaked in isopropanol or used untreated in in vitro experiments for assessment of their antibacterial effect against E. coli and in a testing chamber for assessment of airborne bacterial removal. The surface morphology of cardboard specimens was also investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)., Results: Cardboard filters determined a very low decrease in airflow rate. Although specimens showed no antimicrobial behavior, untreated filters showed a maximum of 77% abatement of the airborne bacteria and the alcohol treatment of filters further increased their effectiveness by 14% probably because of their more convoluted surface., Conclusions: This work disclosed corrugated cardboard-based filters as promising tools for the air treatment of indoor environments because of their excellent microbial abatement properties. Moreover, cardboard is lightweight, inexpensive, and eco-friendly material, and corrugated cardboard-based air filters are very simple in shaping, mounting, and replacing existing ventilation systems.

Titanium biomaterials are widely employed to produce medical components, such as hip and knee-joint prostheses, bone plates and screws, dental implants, pacemaker cases, surgical equipment, etc. Their diffusion is ascribed to the broad spectrum of optimal mechanical and surface properties, such as the corrosion resistance and correlated low ionic release, the biocompatibility, and especially, the enhanced osseointegration that can be achieved by surface modifications, particularly by suitable anodizing treatments. This review is intended to provide a survey of the wide class of anodic oxidation treatments on titanium, focusing on the oxide structures, morphologies, and compositions that best apply to the variegated fields of titanium applications.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an Anodic Spark Deposition treatment, which assures increased resistance of titanium alloys to fretting corrosion, improves the structural reliability of Ti6Al4V modular hip prostheses, thus preventing the recently noticed in vivo mechanical failures of these components due to fatigue events., Methods: Three commercial treatments were tested in this work. Microhardness, roughness and fatigue resistance measurements were carried out to investigate the treatment performances., Results: The experimental tests showed that the implant responded differently based on the treatment. The treatment that assured the best performances induced an increase in fatigue resistance with respect to the initial properties of the non-treated Ti6Al4V alloy., Conclusions: Since in previous research the same surface treatment was shown to prevent fretting corrosion phenomena, the study tests confirmed that the Anodic Spark Deposition treatment can significantly increase the structural reliability of Ti6Al4V multi-component prostheses.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although it is a curable disease, fewer than half of patients are cured with conventional chemotherapy. The highly variable outcome reflects a heterogeneous group of tumors, with different genetic abnormalities and responses to therapy. We analyzed 74 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma using interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization with commercially available probes for split-signal targeting BCL-2, BCL-6, MYC, BCL-10, and MALT-1. Gene rearrangements were identified in 48 (65%) of 74 cases. BCL-6 was the most rearranged gene (45%), followed by BCL-2 (21%), BCL-10 (18%), and MYC (16%). No MALT-1 rearrangements were found. When diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cases were subdivided into germinal-center B-cell-like and activated B-cell-like groups, an inverse pattern of BCL-2 and BCL-6 rearrangements was observed. Of interest, the presence of chromosome rearrangements was associated with a worse prognosis. The pattern of cytogenetic abnormalities highlighted the fact not only that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a heterogeneous entity but also that even individual cases may contain subclones bearing different chromosomal rearrangements. The relevance and the clinical implication of minor clones showing gene rearrangements are poorly understood; however, this first observation suggests that different rearrangements may be involved in the progression of the disease. The fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis with the panel used in this study is useful to detect the heterogeneity of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and identify alterations with prognostic implications.