Nasal Duplication Combined with Cleft Lip and Palate: Surgical Correction and Long-Term Follow-Up

Background: Diprosopus dirrhinus, or nasal duplication, is a rare entity of partial craniofacial duplication. Methods: The case we present is the first report of diprosopus dirrhinus associated with complete cleft lip and palate. The baby was born in Cambodia at full term by normal vaginal delivery with no significant perinatal and family history. Physical examination revealed significant facial deformity due to the duplicated nose and the left complete cleft lip/palate on the right subset. Results: There were 4 nostrils; both medial apertures including the cleft site were found to be 10–15 mm deep cul-de-sac structures without communication to the nasopharynx. The upper third of the face was notable for hypertelorism with a duplication of the soft-tissue nasion and glabella. Between the 2 nasal dorsums, there was a small cutaneous depression with a lacrimal fistula in the midline. Surgical treatment included the first stage of primary lip and nose repair and the second stage of palatoplasty. Conclusions: The patient was followed up at the age of 10 years showing satisfactory results for both aesthetic and functional aspects. Further management in the future will be required for the hypertelorism and nasal deformity.

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Data on evolutionary relationships of Aeromonas hydrophila and Serratia proteamaculans that attach to water tanks

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 16
Author(s): Ogueri Nwaiwu
Here the data on evolutionary relationships of persistent bacteria from water tanks and their close relatives are shown. Curated sequences of the hypervariable region of ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) obtained from a strain of Aeromonas hydrophila and two strains of Serratia proteamaculans after searches in the GenBank® database were analyzed. The analysis which included 104 other bacteria strains, was carried out using molecular evolutionary genetic analysis (MEGA 7.0) software.



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Clinical, pathological, and molecular data concerning Coenurus cerebralis in Sheep in Egypt

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 16
Author(s): Said Amer, Ahmed ElKhatam, Yasuhiro Fukuda, Lamia I. Bakr, Shereif Zidan, Ahmed Elsify, Mostafa A. Mohamed, Chika Tada, Yutaka Nakai
This article contains information related to a recent study "Prevalence and Identity of Taenia multiceps cysts "Coenurus cerebralis" in Sheep in Egypt" (Amer et al., 2017) [1]. Specifically, affected sheep showed neurological disorders manifested as depression, head shaking and circling, altered head position, incoordination and paralysis in some cases. Brain-derived cysts were molecularly identified by PCR-sequence analysis at mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene marker. Cyst-induced pathological changes included degenerative changes and demyelination in brain tissue, infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes. Cystic fluids were biochemically analyzed for protein, lipids and electrolytes. The data of this study provides more understanding on phylogeny, epidemiology and pathology of coenurosis in sheep.



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Tattoo aftercare tips

Proper tattoo aftercare is essential for keeping the design looking good and preventing infection. Learn more about how to care for a new tattoo.

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Wnt and Hedgehog: Secretion of Lipid-Modified Morphogens

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017
Source:Trends in Cell Biology
Author(s): Anup Parchure, Neha Vyas, Satyajit Mayor
Morphogens are signaling molecules produced by a localized source, specifying cell fate in a graded manner. The source secretes morphogens into the extracellular milieu to activate various target genes in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Here we describe various secreted forms of two canonical morphogens, the lipid-anchored Hedgehog (Hh) and Wnts, indicating the involvement of multiple carriers in the transport of these morphogens. These different extracellular secreted forms are likely to have distinct functions. Here we evaluate newly identified mechanisms that morphogens use to traverse the required distance to activate discrete paracrine signaling.



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Criminal energetics: A theory of antisocial enhancement and criminal attenuation

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Michael G. Vaughn, Matt DeLisi
Although energy is the currency of all life forms and energy is an underlying factor for physical and mental performance, its role in antisocial behavior has yet to be articulated. In this paper, we consider the role of energy in shaping antisocial and criminal careers and suggest that much like other forms of performance/productivity some criminal offenders are more energetic and therefore more virulent than others over the life-course. Specifically, we argue that energy is an enhancement and attenuator to an antisocial career and draw upon a diverse literature merging basic research on aging and energy production in human physiology and merge these findings with principles from the career criminal paradigm in criminology. Finally, we lay forth a set of research pathways, especially ways in which energy can be assessed, that can forge stronger links between the science of energetics and criminality.



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Safety and immunogenicity of a novel multiple antigen pneumococcal vaccine in adults: A Phase 1 randomised clinical trial

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Claire Entwisle, Sue Hill, Yin Pang, Michael Joachim, Ann McIlgorm, Camilo Colaco, David Goldblatt, Polly De Gorguette D'Argoeuves, Chris Bailey
BackgroundPneumococcal vaccines, combining multiple protein antigens, provide an alternative approach to currently marketed vaccines and may provide broader protection against pneumococcal disease. This trial evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a novel vaccine candidate PnuBioVax in healthy young adults.MethodsIn a Phase 1 double-blind study, 36 subjects (18–40 years) were randomised to receive 3 doses of PnuBioVax, 28 days apart, at one of three dose levels (50, 200, 500 µg) or placebo. Safety assessments included rates of emergent adverse events (AEs), injection site and systemic reactions. Immunogenicity endpoints included antibody titre against PnuBioVax and selected pneumococcal antigens.ResultsIn the placebo (n=9) and PnuBioVax (n=27) vaccinated subjects, there were 15 and 72, reported TEAEs, respectively. The majority of TEAEs were classified as common vaccine related AEs. There were no serious AEs. Common vaccine-related AEs occurred in 13 PnuBioVax (48%) and 2 placebo (22%) subjects and were all headaches (mild and moderate). Injection site reactions, mostly pain and tenderness (graded mild or moderate) were reported, in particular in the 200 µg and 500 µg PnuBioVax groups. There were no clinically significant changes in vital signs, ECG or blood chemistries. Subjects receiving the higher dose (200 and 500 μg) demonstrated a greater fold increase in IgG titre compared with the starting dose (50 μg) or the placebo group. The fold-increase was statistically significantly higher for 200 and 500µg PnuBioVax vs 50µg PnuBioVax and placebo at each timepoint post-immunisation. Most subjects receiving 200 and 500 µg PnuBioVax demonstrated a ≥2-fold increase in antibody against pneumolysin (Ply), Pneumococcal surface antigen (PsaA), PiaA (Pneumococcal iron acquisition), PspA (Pneumococcal surface protein A) and pilus proteins (RrgB and RrgA).ConclusionsAll dose levels were considered safe and well tolerated. There was a statistically significant increase in anti-PnuBioVax IgG titres at the 200 and 500 µg dose levels compared to 50 µg and placebo. Trial registration number: NCT02572635https://www.clinicaltrials.gov.



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Q-Vax Q fever vaccine failures, Victoria, Australia 1994–2013

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Katherine A. Bond, Lucinda J. Franklin, Brett Sutton, Simon M. Firestone
Q-Vax®, a whole cell formalin inactivated vaccine, is currently the only licensed Q fever vaccine for humans world-wide. Efficacy is high, although vaccine failures have been described for those vaccinated within the incubation of a naturally acquired infection. In Australia, it is widely used to prevent occupational acquisition of Q fever and is the mainstay for outbreak control. A retrospective review of all notified cases of acute Q fever to the Victorian department of health, 1993–2013, revealed 34 of 659 cases were previously vaccinated and 10 cases were positive on pre-vaccination screening, precluding vaccination. Twenty-one cases described high-risk exposures for C. burnetii prior to and within 15 days post vaccination and are likely to have been vaccinated within the incubation period of a natural infection. Thirteen cases described symptom onset more than 15 days post vaccination and thus may represent the first described series of Q-Vax vaccine failures following appropriate vaccination.



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Countries’ interest in a hepatitis B vaccine licensed for the controlled temperature chain; survey results from African and Western Pacific regions

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Dörte Petit, Carole Tevi-Benissan, Joseph Woodring, Karen Hennessey, Anna-Lea Kahn
Chronic hepatitis B infection can be prevented by hepatitis B vaccine birth dose (hepB-BD) given within 24 h after birth, followed by two hepatitis B vaccinations within the first year of life. Yet nearly half of World Health Organization (WHO) Member States do not provide a hepB-BD. Barriers are primarily attributed to vaccine storage and transportation, as well as high rates of home births. Delivering the vaccine outside the cold chain could potentially increase coverage. To do this, WHO recommends vaccines be licensed for use in a "controlled temperature chain" (CTC), which requires a given product to tolerate temperature excursions up to at least 40 °C for a minimum of three days. To date, no hepB vaccine is labelled for CTC.To inform dialogue with manufacturers, WHO conducted a survey among countries in the African and Western Pacific Regions (AFR and WPR) to assess demand for a hepatitis B product licensed for use in a CTC. Twenty-five (44%) countries responded, with 8 of 11 (73%) from the WPR and 17 of 46 (37%) from the AFR.Of these responding countries, 5 in AFR and all 8 in WPR have introduced universal hepB-BD. Seventy-two percent indicated that CTC would facilitate the provision of hepB-BD. While no overall difference in responses was detected between countries either providing or not providing hepB-BD, countries that already introduced hepB-BD but had low hepB-BD coverage were particularly interested in CTC. Irrespective of hepB-BD policy, responding countries suggested that a CTC-licenced product would be beneficial, though the price of such a vaccine would influence procurement decisions.This survey was beneficial to inform the CTC agenda. However, countries' lack of experience with HepB-BD as well as with CTC and the fact that countries were commenting on a product that is not yet on the market should be acknowledged.



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Differential gene expression elicited by children in response to the 2015–16 live attenuated versus inactivated influenza vaccine

Publication date: Available online 11 November 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Kelly Stefano Cole, Judith M. Martin, William T. Horne, Chyongchiou J. Lin, Mary Patricia Nowalk, John F. Alcorn, Richard K. Zimmerman
BackgroundIn recent influenza seasons, the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) has not demonstrated the same level of vaccine effectiveness as that observed among children who received the inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV). To better understand this difference, this study compared the mRNA sequencing transcription profile (RNA seq) in children who received either IIV or LAIV.MethodsChildren 3–17years of age receiving quadrivalent influenza vaccine were enrolled. Blood samples were collected on Day 0 prior to vaccination and again on Day 7 (range 6–10days) following vaccination. Total RNA was isolated from PAXgene tubes and sequenced for a custom panel of 89 transcripts using the TruSeq Targeted RNA Expression method. Fold differences in normalized RNA seq counts from Day 0 to Day 7 were calculated, log2 transformed and compared between the two vaccine groups.ResultsOf 72 children, 46 received IIV and 26 received LAIV. Following IIV vaccination, 7 genes demonstrated significant differential expression at Day 7 (down-regulated). In contrast, following LAIV vaccination, 8 genes demonstrated significant differential expression at Day 7 (5 up-regulated and 3 down-regulated). Only two genes demonstrated similar patterns of regulation in both groups.ConclusionsDifferential regulation of genes was observed between 2015–16 LAIV and IIV recipients. These results help to elucidate the immune response to influenza vaccines and may be related to the difference in vaccine effectiveness observed in recent years between LAIV and IIV.



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Re-evaluating the effect of Favipiravir treatment on rabies virus infection

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Ashley C. Banyard, Karen L. Mansfield, Guanghui Wu, David Selden, Leigh Thorne, Colin Birch, Penelope Koraka, Albert D.M.E. Osterhaus, Anthony R. Fooks
There is no antiviral treatment available once clinical disease following rabies virus infection has initiated. Considered a neglected tropical disease, >60,000 human rabies deaths are estimated each year despite the availability of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for pre-immunisation or administration following a potential exposure before the onset of clinical disease. Such post-exposure treatments include administration of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) and vaccination at a distant site to prime a humoral immune response. However, current therapeutic options are limited. Regardless there is a need for molecules that target virus infection following the onset of clinical disease where the outcome of infection is invariably fatal. Numerous molecules have been assessed as potential antivirals against rabies virus (RABV) but with little promise. Favipiravir (T-705) is a broad-spectrum RNA polymerase inhibitor, which has been shown to have antiviral activity against a range of RNA viruses including some against RABV. In the present study, the utility of T-705 has been reassessed in vitro as well as in vivo in a murine model using intraperitoneal administration to investigate any immune protective effect of the molecule. In vitro T-705 effectively reduces RABV replication. However, in vivo, following assessment of various applications of the molecule in both pre- and post-exposure scenarios, the effect was limited. T-705 treatment delayed the onset of clinical signs when virus was delivered intramuscularly at a higher dose (10^6.8 TCID50/ml) and reduced the number of mice that developed clinical signs when virus was delivered at a lower dose (10^5.8 TCID50/ml) during the observation period. The day at which treatment commenced did not appear to have a statistically significant effect on the results in either experiment. The use of T-705 as a single biological entity may be limited, however, further work is required to assess the synergistic effect of T-705 as a component of a multi-drug therapy for treating human rabies infections.



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Beneficiary characteristics and vaccinations in the end-stage renal disease Medicare beneficiary population, an analysis of claims data 2006–2015

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Angela K. Shen, Jeffrey A. Kelman, Rob Warnock, Weiwei Zhang, Stephaeno Brereton, Stephen McKean, Michael Wernecke, Steve Chu, Bruce G. Gellin
BackgroundThe Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) routinely recommends three vaccines – influenza, hepatitis B, and pneumococcal vaccines – for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) dialysis patients.MethodsWe sought to assess vaccination coverage among fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare beneficiaries with ESRD who received Part B dialysis services at any point from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2015 (through June 30, 2016 for influenza). To assess influenza vaccination rates in a given influenza season, we restricted the population to beneficiaries who were continuously enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B throughout all twelve months of that season. To assess hepatitis B and pneumococcal vaccine coverage following dialysis initiation, we developed a Kaplan-Meier curve for all patients who began dialysis between 2006 and 2015.ResultsFor influenza vaccination, we identified an average of approximately 325,000 ESRD dialysis beneficiaries enrolled through each influenza season from 2006–2015. Seasonal influenza vaccination rates steadily increased during the 10-year period, from 52% in 2006–2007 to 71% in 2015–2016. The greatest increases in influenza vaccination appear in non-white beneficiaries with overall utilization in non-whites higher than in whites (p < .001). For the hepatitis B and pneumococcal vaccinations, we identified over 350,000 ESRD dialysis beneficiaries who began dialysis over the 10-year study window. The probability of receiving a hepatitis B vaccine within the first three years of entering into the ESRD program was higher (77%) than the probability of receiving any pneumococcal vaccine (53%). 45% of ESRD patients completed at least one dose of the two hepatitis B series (three-dose or four-dose) at any time during the study period.ConclusionsOpportunities exist at regional and facility levels to improve vaccination coverage. Compliance to ACIP recommendations may directly affect risk for ESRD dialysis patients for complications from diseases that can be mitigated by vaccination.



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Measuring the timeliness of childhood vaccinations: Using cohort data and routine health records to evaluate quality of immunisation services

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Suzanne Walton, Mario Cortina-Borja, Carol Dezateux, Lucy J. Griffiths, Karen Tingay, Ashley Akbari, Amrita Bandyopadhyay, Ronan A. Lyons, Helen Bedford
BackgroundTo achieve full benefits of vaccination programmes, high uptake and timely receipt of vaccinations are required.ObjectivesTo examine uptake and timeliness of infant and pre-school booster vaccines using cohort study data linked to health records.MethodsWe included 1782 children, born between 2000 and 2001, participating in the Millennium Cohort Study and resident in Wales, whose parents gave consent for linkage to National Community Child Health Database records at the age seven year contact. We examined age at receipt, timeliness of vaccination (early, on-time, delayed, or never), and intervals between vaccine doses, based on the recommended schedule for children at that time, of the following vaccines: primary (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP), polio, Meningococcal C (Men C), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)); first dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); and pre-school childhood vaccinations (DTP, polio, MMR). We compared parental report with child health recorded MMR vaccination status at age three years.ResultsWhile 94% of children received the first dose of primary vaccines early or on time, this was lower for subsequent doses (82%, 65% and 88% for second and third doses and pre-school booster respectively). Median intervals between doses exceeded the recommended schedule for all but the first dose with marked variation between children. There was high concordance (97%) between parental reported and child health recorded MMR status.ConclusionsRoutine immunisation records provide useful information on timely receipt of vaccines and can be used to assess the quality of childhood vaccination programmes. Parental report of MMR vaccine status is reliable.



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Comparative functional potency of DNA vaccines encoding Plasmodium falciparum transmission blocking target antigens Pfs48/45 and Pfs25 administered alone or in combination by in vivo electroporation in rhesus macaques

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Dibyadyuti Datta, Geetha P. Bansal, Brooke Grasperge, Dale S. Martin, Mario Philipp, Dietlind Gerloff, Barry Ellefsen, Drew Hannaman, Nirbhay Kumar
Antibodies recognizing conformational epitopes in Pfs48/45, an antigen expressed on the surface of Plasmodium falciparum gametes and zygotes, have firmly established Pfs48/45 as a promising transmission blocking vaccine (TBV) candidate. However, it has been difficult to reproducibly express Pfs48/45 in a variety of recombinant expression systems. The goal of our studies was to evaluate functional immunogenicity of Pfs48/45 using DNA vaccine format in rhesus macaques. An additional goal was to ensure that when used in combination with another malarial antigen, specific immunity to both antigens was not compromised. For testing combination vaccines, we employed Pfs25 DNA plasmids that have previously undergone evaluations in rodents and nonhuman primates. Pfs25 is expressed on the surface of parasites after fertilization and is also a lead TBV candidate. DNA plasmids based on codon-optimized sequences of Pfs48/45 and Pfs25 were administered by in vivo electroporation, followed by a final recombinant protein boost. Our studies demonstrate that Pfs48/45 encoded by DNA plasmids is capable of inducing potent transmission blocking antibody responses, and such transmission blocking immune potency of Pfs48/45 was not compromised when tested in combination with Pfs25, These findings provide the evidence in favor of further studies on Pfs48/45 and Pfs25, either alone or in combination with other known malaria vaccine candidates for developing effective vaccines capable of interrupting malaria transmission.



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Attitudes about adult vaccines and reminder/recall in a safety net population

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Karen Albright, Laura P. Hurley, Steven Lockhart, Dennis Gurfinkel, Brenda Beaty, L. Miriam Dickinson, Anne Libby, Allison Kempe
Little is known about adult patients' attitudes toward vaccination and preferences for reminder/recall. The objective of this study was to determine patient perspectives on adult vaccines generally; attitudes about Tdap, pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV-23), and seasonal influenza vaccines specifically; and preferences for adult reminder/recall delivery. Twelve focus groups were conducted with 68 patients in a safety net health system. The sample was stratified by preferred language (English or Spanish), age (18–64 or 65+), and health status (with or without chronic conditions). Participants expressed positive attitudes toward vaccines generally, but had little knowledge of specific vaccines other than influenza, about which they expressed concerns. Although none reported previous experience receiving reminder/recall notices for adult vaccines, all were in favor of receiving them. These results suggest potential patient interest in greater adoption of evidence-based methods to improve immunization rates, and highlight the need for improved communication between providers and patients about adult vaccines.



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Delineating sites of failure following post-prostatectomy radiation treatment using 68Ga-PSMA-PET

Publication date: Available online 10 November 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Keelan Byrne, Thomas Eade, Andrew Kneebone, Linxin Guo, Ed Hsiao, Geoff Schembri, Carolyn Kwong, Julia Hunter, Louise Emmett, George Hruby
PurposeTo identify sites of failure with ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-PET (PSMA-PET) imaging in patients who have Biochemical Failure (BF) following post-prostatectomy radiotherapy.Material and methodsBetween June 2006 and January 2016, 409 men received post prostatectomy intensity modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) with protocolised planning. 310 patients received radiation treatment (RT) to the Prostate Fossa (PF) alone and 99 patients received RT to PF and pelvic lymphatics (PF + LN) usually in combination with androgen deprivation (AD) therapy. Any failure not detected on conventional imaging was delineated with PSMA-PET scanning. Sites of failure were characterised as in-field (PF ± LN), or out of field (nodal alone, distant metastatic alone (visceral or bone) or multi-site failure). Nodal failure was further divided into pelvic failure and/or distant failure.Results119 men developed BF, defined as a PSA rise of >0.2 or greater, above post-RT nadir. Freedom from BF was 71% in the PF group and 70% in the PF + LN group, with median follow up of 52 and 44 months respectively. AD was used concomitantly in 13% of the PF group and 92% of the PF + LN group. 81 patients with BF (68%) had PSMA-PET imaging performed as per study intent, 67 (80%) of whom had PSMA avid disease identified.PSMA-PET delineated in-field failure occurred in 2/50 (4%) of the PF group and 1/17 (6%) in the PF + LN group. Nodal failure alone was 33/50 (66%) for the PF group vs 7/17 (41%) for the PF + LN group. For the nodal only failure patients, 18/33 (55%) had pelvic-only nodal failure in the PF group compared to 1/7 (14%) in the PF + LN group (p = 0.03). 16 (32%) of the PSMA avid failures in the PF group would have been encompassed by standard pelvic lymphatic radiotherapy volumes.ConclusionPost-prostatectomy radiation treatment resulted in excellent in-field control rates. Isolated pelvic nodal failure was rare in those receiving radiotherapy to the prostatic fossa and pelvic nodes but accounted for one third of failures in those receiving PF alone treatment.



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Rapid and partial crystallization to design ductile CuZr-based bulk metallic glass composites

Publication date: 5 February 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 139
Author(s): K.K. Song, X.L. Han, S. Pauly, Y.S. Qin, K. Kosiba, C.X. Peng, J.H. Gong, P.X. Chen, L. Wang, B. Sarac, S. Ketov, M. Mühlbacher, F. Spieckermann, I. Kaban, J. Eckert
Transformation-induced plasticity in CuZr-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) composites opens up a new perspective for the design of ductile BMG composites. In this work, rapid and partial crystallization of BMGs is proposed to tailor microstructures of ductile BMG composites. During the early crystallization stage, the precipitation of B2 CuZr crystals in the Cu42Zr42Al10Co6 BMGs is growth-controlled at low or high heating rates after having passed through a nucleation-dominated temperature region. Abundant nucleation is beneficial for the uniform precipitation of B2 crystals in the glassy matrix. Compared with annealing processes at slow heating, the degree of the free volume annihilation could be reduced to some content by employing a high heating rate. The microstructures of CuZr-based BMG composites can be effectively tuned by changing rapid annealing parameters, which enhances the ductility of the resulting BMG composites. This approach proves to be efficient for the development of ductile metastable alloys and composites.

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Additive manufacture of PEEK cranial implants: Manufacturing considerations versus accuracy and mechanical performance

Publication date: 5 February 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 139
Author(s): S. Berretta, K. Evans, O. Ghita
High temperature laser sintering is an Additive Manufacturing (AM) process that allows fabrication layer by layer of complex structures in high performance biomaterial polymers such as Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) with high design freedom and short lead time. While studies on new material candidates for HT-LS are increasingly appearing, the quality standards of the parts obtained in HT-LS with special attention to the effects of the build orientation are less explored, thus limiting the implementation of AM PEEK in the healthcare sector. This study investigates the effect of four manufacturing build orientations - horizontal, oblique, vertical and inverted horizontal - on the properties of patient-specific laser sintered PEEK cranial implants. The mechanical performance in uniaxial static compression mode, the density variation and dimensional accuracy compared to the original design model are discussed. The implants manufactured in the horizontal and inverted horizontal orientations were found to show the least deviation from the design model and the highest compressive strength resistance. The vertically built implant showed the lowest accuracy in design and more of 70% lower first failure compared to the inverted horizontal implant.

Graphical abstract

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Loose yarn of Ag-ZnO-PAN/ITO hybrid nanofibres: Preparation, characterization and antibacterial evaluation

Publication date: 5 February 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 139
Author(s): Yuefan Wei, Yong Bing Chong, Hejun Du, Junhua Kong, Chaobin He
Silver nanoparticles-attached zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods on polyacrylonitrile/indium tin oxide (Ag-ZnO-PAN/ITO) nanofibres with three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical nanostructures were facilely prepared via electrospinning followed by hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanorods and silver attachment with the assistance of polydopamine (PDA) thin layer. ZnO nanorods with different dimensions and silver nanoparticles with different loadings were introduced. The morphologies and structures of the nanostructures were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The effect of Ag-ZnO-PAN/ITO nanofibres with different loadings of ZnO nanorods and silver nanoparticles on their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated. It is shown that the hybrid nanofibres exhibit excellent antibacterial capability. The hierarchical structure benefits the attachment of a large amount of silver nanoparticles due to its large surface area, and the deposited PDA thin layer helps improve the structure stability for long-term antibacterial application through firmly anchoring silver nanoparticles onto the surface. This work offers an effective and straightforward "all-solution" strategy to incorporate Ag-ZnO combination into nanofibrous PAN. Moreover, the hierarchical nanostructure integrates the antibacterial function of both ZnO and silver, and renders itself a promising candidate as for sportswear and equipment.

Graphical abstract

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Tailoring the supercapacitance of Mn2O3 nanofibers by nanocompositing with spinel-ZnMn2O4

Publication date: 5 February 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 139
Author(s): A.V. Radhamani, M. Krishna Surendra, M.S. Ramachandra Rao
Mn2O3 is a pseudocapacitive material and a valuable member of the MnOx family with a theoretical specific capacitance of ~600Fg⁻¹. Despite its good material properties, low electronic conductivity (10⁻⁵Scm⁻¹) limits their usage in supercapacitor industries especially in high rate applications. To improve the material properties, Mn2O3 (NFs) composited with ZnMn2O4 (ZMO) were synthesised using a cost-effective electrospinning method and the resultant nanofibers were characterised by larger surface active reaction sites and enhanced charge-transfer kinetics. Phase fraction of ZMO in Mn2O3 NFs, for getting maximum specific capacitance was optimised as 1wt%. About 98% of the capacitance (82Fg⁻¹) was retained after 3000cycles at a higher current density of 20Ag⁻¹. Mn2O3 NFs and their composites are susceptible to electrochemical activation during charge-discharge cycles and cycling-protocol for maximum specific capacitance was found out. Nanofibers and their composites synthesised via electrospinning gives substantial hope in fiber based supercapacitor technology.

Graphical abstract

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