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“Effects of a Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet with Different Gas Sources and Modes of Treatment on the Fate of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells”. Kang T-Y, Kwon J-S, Kumar N, Choi E, Kim K-M, Applied Sciences 9, 4819 (2019). http://doi.org/10.3390/app9224819
Abstract: Despite numerous attempts to use human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in the field of tissue engineering, the control of their differentiation remains challenging. Here, we investigated possible applications of a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet (NTAPPJ) to control the differentiation of hMSCs. An air- or nitrogen-based NTAPPJ was applied to hMSCs in culture media, either directly or by media treatment in which the cells were plated after the medium was exposed to the NTAPPJ. The durations of exposure were 1, 2, and 4 min, and the control was not exposed to the NTAPPJ. The initial attachment of the cells was assessed by a water-soluble tetrazolium assay, and the gene expression in the cells was assessed through reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that the gene expression in the hMSCs was generally increased by the NTAPPJ exposure, but the enhancement was dependent on the conditions of the exposure, such as the source of the gas and the treatment method used. These results were attributed to the chemicals in the extracellular environment and the reactive oxygen species generated by the plasma. Hence, it was concluded that by applying the best conditions for the NTAPPJ exposure of hMSCs, the control of hMSC differentiation was possible, and therefore, exposure to an NTAPPJ is a promising method for tissue engineering.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.679
DOI: 10.3390/app9224819
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“Non-thermal plasma accelerates astrocyte regrowth and neurite regeneration following physical trauma in vitro”. Katiyar KS, Lin A, Fridman A, Keating CE, Cullen DK, Miller V, Applied Sciences 9, 3747 (2019). http://doi.org/10.3390/APP9183747
Abstract: Non-thermal plasma (NTP), defined as a partially ionized gas, is an emerging technology with several biomedical applications, including tissue regeneration. In particular, NTP treatment has been shown to activate endogenous biological processes to promote cell regrowth, differentiation, and proliferation in multiple cell types. However, the effects of this therapy on nervous system regeneration have not yet been established. Accordingly, the current study explored the effects of a nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge plasma on neural regeneration. Following mechanical trauma in vitro, plasma was applied either directly to (1) astrocytes alone, (2) neurons alone, or (3) neurons or astrocytes in a non-contact co-culture. Remarkably, we identified NTP treatment intensities that accelerated both neurite regeneration and astrocyte regrowth. In astrocyte cultures alone, an exposure of 20-90 mJ accelerated astrocyte re-growth up to three days post-injury, while neurons required lower treatment intensities (<= 20 mJ) to achieve sub-lethal outgrowth. Following injury to neurons in non-contact co-culture with astrocytes, 20 mJ exposure of plasma to only neurons or astrocytes resulted in increased neurite regeneration at three days post-treatment compared to the untreated, but no enhancement was observed when both cell types were treated. At day seven, although regeneration further increased, NTP did not elicit a significant increase from the control. However, plasma exposure at higher intensities was found to be injurious, underscoring the need to optimize exposure levels. These results suggest that growth-promoting physiological responses may be elicited via properly calibrated NTP treatment to neurons and/or astrocytes. This could be exploited to accelerate neurite re-growth and modulate neuron-astrocyte interactions, thereby hastening nervous system regeneration.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 1.679
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.3390/APP9183747
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“T4,4,4-graphyne : a 2D carbon allotrope with an intrinsic direct bandgap”. Wang W, Li L, Kong X, Van Duppen B, Peeters FM, Solid state communications 293, 23 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SSC.2019.02.001
Abstract: A novel two-dimensional (2D) structurally stable carbon allotrope is proposed using first-principles calculations, which is a promising material for water purification and for electronic devices due to its unique porous structure and electronic properties. Rectangular and hexagonal rings are connected with acetylenic linkages, forming a nanoporous structure with a pore size of 6.41 angstrom, which is known as T-4,T-4,T-4-graphyne. This 2D sheet exhibits a direct bandgap of 0.63 eV at the M point, which originates from the p(z)( )atomic orbitals of carbon atoms as confirmed by a tight-binding model. Importantly, T-4,T-4,T-4-graphyne is found to be energetically more preferable than the experimentally realized beta-graphdiyne, it is dynamically stable and can withstand temperatures up to 1500 K.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.554
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1016/J.SSC.2019.02.001
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“Respiratory muscle activity after spontaneous, neostigmine- or sugammadex-enhanced recovery of neuromuscular blockade : a double blind prospective randomized controlled trial”. Schepens T, Janssens K, Maes S, Wildemeersch D, Vellinga J, Jorens PG, Saldien V, BMC anesthesiology 19, 187 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1186/S12871-019-0863-Y
Abstract: Background The use of neostigmine after neuromuscular blockade (NMB) has been associated with postoperative respiratory complications. In previous studies, we found lower diaphragmatic activity after neostigmine reversal of NMB, compared to sugammadex. It is still unclear whether the adequate use of neostigmine guarantees normal respiratory muscle function after NMB. In this study, we wanted to assess the effect of commonly used degrees of NMB and their possible reversal strategies on respiratory muscle activity after the return of normal neuromuscular transmission. Methods This is a randomized, controlled, parallel-group, single-centre, double-blind study in patients scheduled for intracranial surgery at a tertiary academic hospital in Belgium. All participants received target controlled propofol/remifentanil anesthesia and were randomized into one of five groups, receiving either a shallow NMB with no reversal (shallow/saline), a shallow NMB with sugammadex reversal (shallow/sugammadex), a moderate NMB with neostigmine reversal (moderate/neostigmine), a moderate NMB with sugammadex reversal (moderate/sugammadex), or a deep NMB with sugammadex reversal (deep/sugammadex). Primary and secondary outcome parameters were diaphragm and intercostal electromyographic (EMG) activity at the moment of resumed spontaneous breathing activity, defined as a maximal interval of 10 min after the first spontaneous breath. Results For the five groups, a total of 55 patients could be included in the final analysis. Median time of spontaneous breathing analyzed was 5 min (IQR 3-9.5 min). Both the moderate/sugammadex and the moderate/neostigmine groups had lower levels of diaphragm EMG compared to the shallow/sugammadex group. The moderate/neostigmine group had lower levels of intercostal EMG activity compared to the shallow/saline group. Conclusions In this study, the depth of neuromuscular blockade and type of reversal strategy impacts respiratory muscle activity at the moment of resumed spontaneous breathing and recovery of neuromuscular blockade. Both groups that received moderate NMB had lower levels of diaphragm EMG, compared to the shallow NMB group with sugammadex reversal. Compared to the shallow NMB group with no reversal, the moderate NMB with neostigmine reversal group had lower intercostal EMG activity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Impact Factor: 1.525
DOI: 10.1186/S12871-019-0863-Y
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“Corrosion protection of Cu by atomic layer deposition”. Cremers V, Rampelberg G, Baert K, Abrahami S, Claes N, de Oliveira TM, Terryn H, Bals S, Dendooven J, Detavernier C, Journal of vacuum science and technology: A: vacuum surfaces and films 37, 060902 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1116/1.5116136
Abstract: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a vapor phase technique that is able to deposit uniform, conformal thin films with an excellent thickness control at the atomic scale. 18 nm thick Al2O3 and TiO2 coatings were deposited conformaly and pinhole-free onto micrometer-sized Cu powder, using trimethylaluminum and tetrakis(dimethylamido)titanium(IV), respectively, as a precursor and de-ionized water as a reactant. The capability of the ALD coating to protect the Cu powder against corrosion was investigated. Therefore, the stability of the coatings was studied in solutions with different pH in the range of 0–14, and in situ raman spectroscopy was used to detect the emergence of corrosion products of Cu as an indication that the protective coating starts to fail. Both ALD coatings provide good protection at standard pH values in the range of 5–7. In general, the TiO2 coating shows a better barrier protection against corrosion than the Al2O3 coating. However, for the most extreme pH conditions, pH 0 and pH 14, the TiO2 coating starts also to degrade.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.374
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1116/1.5116136
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“Interpreting technical evidence from spectral imaging of paintings by Edouard Manet in the Courtauld Gallery”. Amato SR, Burnstock A, Cross M, Janssens K, Rosi F, Cartechini L, Fontana R, Dal Fovo A, Paolantoni M, Grazia C, Romani A, Michelin A, Andraud C, Tournie A, Dik J, X-ray spectrometry
T2 –, MA-XRF Workshop on Developments and Applications of Macro-XRF in, Conservation, Art, and Archeology, SEP 24-25, 2017, Trieste, ITALY 48, 282 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.2828
Abstract: The paintings by edouard Manet in The Courtauld Gallery Dejeuner sur l'herbe (1863-68), Marguerite de Conflans en Toilette de Bal (1870-1880), Banks of the Seine at Argenteuil (1874), and A Bar at the Folies-Bergere (1882) were investigated for the first time using a range of non-invasive in situ analyses. The aims of the study were to investigate the painting techniques and materials used for this group of works and to critically evaluate the technical evidence derived from the integrated use of imaging techniques and portable spectroscopic methods in this context. The paintings were investigated by means of macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF), reflection spectral imaging, portable UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, portable Raman spectroscopy, and reflection FTIR. MA-XRF and reflection spectral imaging allowed visualising elements in the compositions that were not visible using traditional methods of technical study. For example, MA-XRF analysis of Dejeuner sur l'herbe revealed elements of the development of the composition that provided new evidence to consider its relationship to other versions of the composition. The study also highlighted questions about the interpretation of elemental distribution maps and spectral images that did not correspond to the reworking visible in X-radiographs. For example, in A Bar at the Folies-Bergere Manet made numerous changes during painting, which were not clearly visualised with any of the techniques used. The research has wider implications for the study of Impressionist paintings, as the results will support technical studies of works by other artists of the period who used similar materials and painting methods.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.298
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.2828
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“Preface to the special issue on: MA-XRF “developments and applications of macro-XRF in conservation, art, and archeology&rdquo, (Trieste, Italy, 24 and 25 September 2017)”. Romano FP, Janssens K, X-ray spectrometry 48, 249 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.3047
Keywords: Editorial; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 1.298
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.3047
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“In vitro and ex vivo assessment of microporous Faujasite zeolite (NaX-FAU) as a carrier for the oral delivery of danazol”. Kontogiannidou E, Karavasili C, Kouskoura MG, Filippousi M, Van Tendeloo G, Andreadis II, Eleftheriadis GK, Kontopoulou I, Markopoulou CK, Bouropoulos N, Fatouros DG, Journal of drug delivery science and technology 51, 177 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JDDST.2019.02.036
Abstract: Microporous zeolite NaX-FAU has been systemically evaluated for the oral delivery of the poorly water-soluble compound danazol. For this purpose, danazol-loaded zeolitic particles were prepared by the incipient wetness method and were characterized by means of N-2 physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The zeolitic formulation shows a high drug payload and drug stability over a period of six months under accelerated storage conditions. The dissolution profile of danazol-loaded zeolitic particles was assessed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) pH 1.2; fasted state simulated intestinal fluids (FaSSIF) and fed state simulated intestinal fluid (FeSSIF) showing a gradual and increasing drug dissolution in the different media. Ex vivo studies using the everted gut sac model show an increased drug transport across rat intestinal epithelium when loaded in the zeolitic particles. Our results suggest that microporous Faujasite zeolite (NaX-FAU) could be used as a drug delivery system to facilitate the oral delivery of poorly water soluble compounds.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.194
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.JDDST.2019.02.036
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“The development of a payment regime for deep sea mining activities in the area through stakeholder participation”. Van Nijen K, Van Passel S, Brown CG, Lodge MW, Segerson K, Squires D, International Journal Of Marine And Coastal Law 34, 571 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1163/15718085-13441100
Abstract: In July 2015, the Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) adopted seven priority deliverables for the development of the exploitation code. The first priority was the development of a zero draft of the exploitation regulations. This article focusses on the second priority deliverable, namely the development of a payment mechanism for exploitation activities, following detailed financial and economic models based on proposed business plans. Between 2015 and 2017, five workshops have been organised with 196 active participants from 34 countries. The results so far are synthesised, drawing upon the outcome of these workshops, ISA technical papers, and the scholarly literature.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Economics; Law; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 0.362
DOI: 10.1163/15718085-13441100
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