Search

Abstract: The morphology and structure of nanosized ceria particles prepared by several in vacuo deposition methods on a Au(111) template were investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy. Cerium metal nanoparticles on gold have limited reactivity toward molecular oxygen and NO2, due to the formation of Ce–Au alloys, and their oxidation leads to formation of non-uniform substoichiometric three-dimensional (3D) oxide particles. Cerium metal deposition onto condensed multilayers of water or NO2 generates fully oxidized but poorly ordered ceria particles after annealing. Ultra-thin flat and ordered ceria nanoislands were prepared by deposition of cerium metal on the gold surface at elevated temperatures under an oxygen background pressure. Atomically resolved images show an oxygen-terminated surface of CeO2(111) with oxygen vacancies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polymeric waste is an environmental problem, with an annual world production of approximately 368 million metric tons, and increasing every year. Therefore, different strategies for polymer waste treatment have been developed, and the most common are (1) redesign, (2) reusing and (3) recycling. The latter strategy represents a useful option to generate new materials. This work reviews the emerging trends in the development of adsorbent materials obtained from polymer wastes. Adsorbents are used in filtration systems or in extraction techniques for the removal of contaminants such as heavy metals, dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other organic compounds from air, biological and water samples. The methods used to obtain different adsorbents are detailed, as well as the interaction mechanisms with the compounds of interest (contaminants). The adsorbents obtained are an alternative to recycle polymeric and they are competitive with other materials applied in the removal and extraction of contaminants. [Display omitted] • Recycling of polymeric wastes is an option to generate adsorbent materials. • Adsorbents obtained from polymeric waste are employed in filtration systems removal and extraction techniques. • Polymeric waste can be reuse to generate adsorbents with several morphologies. • Adsorbents produced from plastic wastes are competitive with commercial synthetic adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This phase I study assessed the safety of first-in-class radioenhancer nanoparticles, NBTXR3, in elderly or frail patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), ineligible for chemoradiation. Patients with stage III or IVA (American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) guidelines, 7th edition, 2010) HNSCC of the oral cavity or oropharynx, aged ≥70 or ≥65 years and ineligible to receive cisplatin, amenable to radiotherapy (RT) with curative intent, received NBTXR3 as a single intratumoural (IT) injection followed by activation by intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT; 70 Gy). The NBTXR3 dose corresponded to a percentage of the baseline tumour volume, measured by magnetic resonance imaging. The primary objectives were to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D), dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Safety and tolerability were assessed using National Cancer Institute CTCAE version 4.0. Antitumour activity was assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours 1.1. Nineteen patients were enrolled: 3 at the dose level of 5%, 3 at the dose level of 10%, 5 at the dose level of 15% and 8 at the dose level of 22% of the tumour volume. The MTD was not reached, and no DLTs or serious adverse event (SAEs) related to NBTXR3 were observed. Four adverse events related to NBTXR3 and/or the IT injection were reported (grade I–II). NBTXR3 remained in the injected tumour throughout RT, with no leakage in the surrounding healthy tissues. Specific RT-related toxicity was as expected with IMRT. The RP2D was determined as 22% baseline tumour volume. Preliminary signs of antitumour activity were observed. Intratumoural injection of NBTXR3 followed by IMRT is feasible and demonstrated a good safety profile, supporting further evaluation at the RP2D in this patient population. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01946867. • We treated elderly patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx or oral cavity. • Radiotherapy (RT) was preceded by a single intratumoural injection of NBTXR3 nanoparticles. • The maximum tolerated dose was not reached, and neither DLT nor serious adverse events related to NBTXR3 were observed. • The recommended phase II dose was determined to be 22% of the baseline tumour volume. • The efficacy results support further evaluation of NBTXR3 activated by RT in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The host–guest complex of β-CD improved the REO characteristics. • Beverage containing β-CD nanoparticle-loaded REO has higher overall acceptability. • The RO/β-CD inhibited the growth of microbes. Rosa damascena essential oil (REO) is volatile and unstable. The host–guest complex of beta-cyclodextrin nanoparticles (β-CD) with REO was produced to improve REO characteristics. The REO/β-CD complex was characterized by entrapment efficiency, morphology, crystallinity, particle size, thermal stability, and antioxidant activity. Additionally, the structure of REO/β-CD was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Results confirmed the formation of REO/β-CD in which the REO, as a guest molecule, was entrapped within the β-CD as a host molecule. The encapsulated particles showed a spherical shape with an average diameter of 110 nm and no strong agglomerate. The entrapment of REO within β-CD led to changes in some physicochemical characteristics and enhancement of the antioxidant activity of REO. Furthermore, beverages with the addition of β-CD nanoparticle-loaded REO were produced. The beverage containing β-CD nanoparticle-loaded REO form showed significantly higher overall acceptability than samples containing free REO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]