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Layer multiplication co‐extrusion allows for creation of advance structures with highly tunable properties, with relative ease. Multi‐layer co‐extrusion using the layer multiplication technique was used to create 33‐layered structures of polymer microsphere‐filled layers alternating with unfilled layers. Cross‐linked polyurethane (PU) microspheres (of two different rigidities) and ultra‐highly cross‐linked polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres were used to examine the effect of particle rigidity in confinement on overall mechanical properties. Layer structures were successfully created with particle‐filled layers; once layer size approaches the particle size, the particles deform the unfilled counter‐layer. In certain conditions, impingement of the counter‐layer occurs, decreasing the mechanical properties. High‐density polyethylene‐grafted‐maleic anhydride (HDPE‐g‐MA) was subsequently utilized as a compatibilizer to improve the interface between the particles and the matrix. The HDPE‐g‐MA was effective in increasing the mechanical performance of the co‐extruded product made with the PU microspheres but inefficient in improving the product made with the PMMA microspheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia (PE) was first reported thousands of years ago, yet there is still a shortage of biomarkers to determine the severity and type of PE. The importance of the expanded endocannabinoid system, or endocannabinoidome (eCBome), has emerged recently in placental physiology and pathology, though the potential alterations of the eCBome in PE have not been fully explored. Analysis by qRT‐PCR using placental samples of normotensive and PE women demonstrate for the first time the presence of ABHD4, GDE1, and DAGLβ in both normotensive and PE placental tissues. Interestingly, NAPE‐PLD, FAAH‐1, DAGLα, MAGL, and ABHD6 mRNA levels were increased in the placental tissues of PE patients. Quantification in plasma and placental tissues showed a decrease for anandamide (AEA), N‐oleoylethanolamine (OEA), and N‐docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA) in the placenta, accompanied only by a decrease in plasma levels of AEA. In addition, a strong negative correlation was obtained between OEA and the biomarker of PE, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1. Given the inflammatory nature of PE and the anti‐inflammatory role of OEA and DHEA, the decrease in the local levels of these mediators may underlie the inflammatory component of this pathology. Additionally, lower AEA levels in both placenta and plasma may contribute to the atypical alterations of the spiral arteries in PE due to the vasorelaxation effects of AEA. These results add new information to the role of the eCBome members in placental development, while also pointing to a potential role as biomarkers of PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune dermatological disease that could be influenced by psychological factors as part of the pathophysiology of the illness. Aims: This review article aims to report on psychodermatological and psychopathological aspects involved in the etiopathogenesis and comorbidities of AA, as well as on the psychiatric and psychological management of affected patients. Methods: We conducted a literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar from January 1980 to May 2021 employing the search terms of alopecia areata, psychological factors, psychological impact, psychodermatology, and psychopathology. All lists of references from the identified articles were screened for further relevant studies. The search was limited to English and Spanish language articles and was supplemented with themed books and book chapters. No specific quality criteria were used for the studies selection. Results: Several authors have found a high comorbidity rate between AA and mental disorders, concluding that stress and psychological factors are involved in both the development and exacerbation of the illness. More evidences are needed in order to describe the associations between the immune response, stress, and the physiological factors observed in AA patients. Conclusion: AA is a complex illness characterized by multifactorial etiology. An interaction between genetic, autoimmune, hormonal, neural, and psychological factors is supposed. Psychopathological aspects of illness need to be better described and considered in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Part 1 of this work, the possibility of improving single‐screw extruders (SSE) better dispersive mixer was explored by harnessing extensional flows provided by the hyperbolic contracting–diverging channels of extensional mixing elements (EME). Addition of the EME to the pin screw generated enhanced breakup for polymer blends and nanocomposite systems without significant penalty in flow rate. In Part 2, experiments are performed on immiscible polymer blends (low‐viscosity ratio and high‐viscosity ratio) and nanocomposites on both SSE and twin‐screw extruder (TSE) with the same rotation speed and throughput. Morphological results show tremendous improvement in dispersive mixing capability of SSE when equipped with EME that are mainly comparable to conventional TSE that is, with kneading blocks as mixing sections, although not as good as TSEs equipped with EMEs. Mechanical results also show enhanced modulus when EME is used in SSE operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensional mixing elements (EMEs) were previously developed for twin‐screw extruders (TSEs) to incorporate extensional flows through stationary single‐plane or double‐plane hyperbolic convergence–divergence channels. In Part 1 of this work, the EME concept is extended to single‐screw extruders (SSEs), which are known for their good pumping characteristics but limited dispersive mixing capability, to enhance the latter. Flow simulations are performed to optimize the EME design for SSE. Experimental validations are performed on immiscible polymer blends (varying viscosity ratio) and nanocomposites. Morphological results show tremendous improvement in mixing capability of SSE when equipped with EME without significant throughput and pressure drop penalties. Rheological and crystallinity studies are observed to be in line with the morphological analysis. Morphological and mechanical results are benchmarked with TSE operations in Part 2 of this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delusional infestation is a primary psychiatric disorder characterized by a somatic‐type delusional disorder (primary delusional infestation) that may lead to self‐induced cutaneous lesions which are often difficult to recognize and treat properly. It may be also secondary to other psychiatric disorders, medical diseases, or substance abuse. Aims: This review will describe prevalence, common clinical features, different clinical presentations, differential diagnoses, and treatment recommendation. Special focus has been put on psychological aspects. Methods: We conducted a literature search on PubMed from January 2001 to June 2020 with the search terms of delusional parasitosis, delusional infestation, psychological, Reference lists of identified articles were examined for further relevant studies. The search was limited to English language articles. No specified quality criteria were used for study inclusion. Results: The clinical manifestations of delusional infestation are very important in the differential diagnosis and its psychological implications and management perspectives. Conclusion: This article presents an update regarding the clinical aspects and treatment options of delusional infestation in order to provide an up‐to‐date review for dermatologists and general practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to produce poly(ethylene terephthalate)/multilayer graphene oxide (mGO) nanocomposites via continuous melt mixing in twin‐screw extrusion, and to study the changes in crystallization and melt flow behavior. Three mGO contents (0.05, 0.1, and 0.3 wt%) were used. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed that at 0.1 wt%, mGO acted best as nucleating agent, increasing the crystallization kinetics as well as the melt crystallization temperature (Tmc) by more than 20%. It was also observed that mGO increases the crystals perfection. The nucleating behavior was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and small angle X‐ray scattering analyses, which showed a decrease in the composites' crystalline lamella thickness (lc) and long period. X‐ray microtomography data confirms that this behavior is significantly affected by the mGO agglomerates distribution and specific surface area inside the polymer matrix. The rheological behavior was studied under two different conditions. It was noticed that under lower shear stresses the mGO particles hinder the polymer flow, increasing the composites viscosity and the pseudo‐solid character. However, under higher shear stresses, for example, when flowing through a die, the nanomaterial enters its "superlubricity state," acting as a lubricant to the flow. This is industrially interesting, because it may allow the use of less severe processing parameters to produce the nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxane-derived drugs are antineoplastic agents used for the treatment of highly common malignancies. Paclitaxel and docetaxel are the most commonly used taxanes; however, other drugs and formulations have been used, such as cabazitaxel and nab-paclitaxel. Taxane treatment is associated with neurotoxicity, a well-known and relevant side effect, very prevalent amongst patients undergoing chemotherapy. Painful peripheral neuropathy is the most dose-limiting side effect of taxanes, affecting up to 97% of paclitaxel-treated patients. Central neurotoxicity is an emerging side effect of taxanes and it is characterized by cognitive impairment and encephalopathy. Besides impairing compliance to chemotherapy treatment, taxane-induced neurotoxicity (TIN) can adversely affect the patient's life quality on a long-term basis. Despite the clinical relevance, not many reviews have comprehensively addressed taxane-induced neurotoxicity when they are used therapeutically. This article provides an up-to-date review on the pathophysiology of TIN and the novel potential therapies to prevent or treat this side effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An advanced technology, presented in Part 1, was utilized with a custom annular die to produce structures having 9–129 layers. Two material systems were chosen to produce layer structures of viscosity and elasticity stratified type both with/without the application of a rotating boundary wall within the annular land. A maximum rotation window for nine‐layer structures was determined to maintain the layer structure while minimizing the appearance of the weld lines and achieving concentric layers. ANSYS Polyflow was utilized in conjunction to study trilayered systems of generic material properties in stratified forms, along with replication of the experimental systems. Combination of experimental and simulation approaches herein are allowing for the achievement of high layer number, low layer thickness, systems in annular form for the first time. The continued development of this technology can lead to application areas of tubes/pipes with advanced properties such as optical filtering, pressure resistance, and permeation reduction. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48684. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered annular structures produced with layer multiplication coextrusion, utilizing both a standard in‐line "spider" die, and a custom annular die, are compared in structures up to 129 layers. One multilayered system, of a Dow LDPE 5004I was utilized in generating experimental results to validate the custom die design performance. It was found that the custom design demonstrates successful extrusion of high layer number annular structures with substantial benefits over the standard spider die. Moreover, a design method incorporating angular rotation was implemented within the custom die to eliminate weld lines and attain concentric layer structures to further enhance commercial viability and mechanical integrity. Results indicate angular rotation may be utilized to generate idealized annular products with concentric layer structures. Additionally, exploration of flow through the annular die land was conducted with ANSYS Polyflow in under several conditions of angular rotation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48683. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control of the crystalline phase transition of polymers is critical to improve mechanical properties and to achieve good levels of thermal properties in polymer engineering. Current methods control the transition process by using thermal methods that is, annealing above the glass transition temperature (Tg) to get the targeting crystalline phase. It requires precise control of the temperature and process time and is limited to a small scale. In contrast, a novel processing‐based method developed in our group by combining the use of reactive processing technique and extensional mixing elements (EME) allows different sizes of minor phase droplets in immiscible polymer blends to be achieved by controlling the degree of aggressiveness of the EME. The use of EME can confine polyamide crystalline structure into the γ‐phase from the α‐phase. The reactive processing benefits in stabilizing these droplets and in freezing the corresponding crystalline morphologies in droplets. Crystalline phase transition of the minor phase in these droplets is therefore observed as the size of droplet decreases from micro to submicron. Furthermore, phase transition can be precisely controlled by tuning additives and EME blocks. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:1019–1028, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How is global‐North predominance in the making of organized knowledge affected by the rise of new domains of research? This question is examined empirically in three interdisciplinary areas – climate change, HIV‐AIDS, and gender studies – through interviews with 70 researchers in Southern‐tier countries Brazil, South Africa and Australia. The study found that the centrality of the North was reinstituted as these domains came into existence, through resource inequalities, workforce mechanisms, and intellectual framing. Yet there are tensions in the global economy of knowledge, around workforce formation, hierarchies of disciplines, neoliberal management strategies, and mismatches with social need. Intellectual workers in the Southern tier have built significant research centres, workforces and some distinctive knowledge projects. These create wider possibilities of change in the global structure of organized knowledge production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Agricultural conservation practices increase total organic carbon storage in soil (TOCS), a factor that is correlated with the physical and chemical qualities of highly weathered soils. In this study, we investigated the effects of TOCS on the physicochemical attributes of a Latosol after 10 years of no‐till management in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. RESULTS: TCOS was highly correlated (r = 0.92) with cation exchange capacity (CEC, pH = 7) and soil density. In the top 0.2 m soil layer, CEC increased by 25% with every 1.8 kg m−2 of stored organic carbon. Eliminating soil organic matter reduced CEC from an already low value of 8.40 cmolc kg−1 to 4.82 cmolc kg−1. Humus is therefore clearly important for the formation of a negative liquid charge in a predominantly electropositive but clayey soil. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that TOCS is an indicator related to the physiochemical characteristics of weathered soils. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the increased carbon storage under non‐tilling systems is essential for guaranteeing weathered soil fertility in tropical climates. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofouling is a major problem in water filtration units, which leads to premature system failure. Conventional treatment methods involving the use of chemicals or high-pressure hydraulics exert mechanical strain on filter materials, leading to shortened service lifetimes. In this study, a novel magnetic polymer nanocomposite is fabricated using a blend of high density/ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene with magnetite nanoparticle (MNP) fillers. The resulting magnetite-polyethylene nanocomposite (MPE-NC) is mechanically robust and can be externally actuated with an alternating magnetic field to generate localized heating that is effective in eradicating bacterial biofilms. The MNPs are functionalized with silane-based coupling agents and crosslinked onto the polyethylene backbone via a reactive extrusion approach, which results in a twofold enhancement in mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. Furthermore, the magnetic hyperthermia performance of the MPE-NC is improved eightfold by replacing undoped magnetite nanospheres with zinc-doped magnetite nanocube fillers, and the magnetic hyperthermia treatment approach is shown to be 12 times more effective in destroying bacterial biofilms compared to a direct heat-treatment method. During hyperthermia treatment, the mechanical integrity of the MPE-NC is preserved, thereby validating the potential of the MPE-NC as a new filter material with high efficiency in biofilm removal and extended durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on the need for a global call to action to get cystine licensed as a tobacco cessation medication as of 2016, and it mentions how cystine could be used to treat tobacco users in low- and middle-income countries around the world. According to the article, cystine is a partial agonist that aids in reducing the severity of withdrawal and the satisfaction that is associated with tobacco use. Low cost smoking cessation medications are assessed.

Background and Objectives: Despite scientific evidence that marijuana impairs performance and mental health, there is evidence that some athletes are at higher risk for use. This review aims to identify possible risk factors associated with marijuana use in athletes.Methods: A search was conducted in the PubMed database with the keywords: (marijuana OR cannabis OR tetrahydrocannabinol OR delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol OR THC) AND (sports OR sport OR athlete OR athletes). We retrieved 186 studies. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 15 studies remained for review.Results: The review revealed a number of potential risk factors for marijuana use among adult athletes, including being male, Caucasian, using sport performance-enhancing drugs, using marijuana to enhance recreation or non-sport performance, and practicing specific types of sports including skeleton, bobsleding, and ice hockey. Contrary to use patterns in the general population, among athletes marijuana appears to take the place of tobacco as the second most widely used drug, after alcohol. Many elite athletes denied the use of marijuana, which suggests that toxicological testing is an important tool for identifying users, because it is more accurate than self-report. Geography appears important, as in areas of high consumption, prevalence among athletes appears to be greater as well.Conclusion and Scientific Significance: Contrary to the image that athletes do not use psychoactive drugs, this review suggests that a number of athletic subgroups are at increased risk for marijuana use. Surprisingly, a common rationale for use appears to be to enhance sports performance. As in the general population, experimentation starts early-in pre-adolescence-at an age that prevention and guidance programs could have positive influences. (Am J Addict 2016;25:518-528). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are prepared with the aim of investigating the effect of soft-to-hard segment ratio on the phase transition and the resulting structure that forms upon isothermal exposure to temperatures near their phase transition temperature. The dynamic rheological properties of TPUs before exposure to these isothermal conditions show a phase transition at high temperatures that is directly related to the content of hard segments. The extensional viscosity data indicate a strain-hardening behavior that becomes less pronounced with the increase of hard segments. After isothermal treatment, the DSC results show that the high-temperature endotherm peak narrows and shifts to higher temperatures, suggesting a transition in structure. Small angle X-ray scattering, wide angle X-ray scattering, and atomic force microcopy results indicate a phase-separated system in which the hard domain sizes and crystallinity change during this process. The rheological data collected after recrystallization show a significant increase in both moduli, transitioning from viscoelastic fluid-like to glassy behavior. Concurrently, the uniaxial elongation viscosity presents a significant increase in absolute values, but with a shift from strain-hardening to strain-softening behavior for all strain rates. A transition from traditional phase separated viscoelastic melt behavior to more brittle rupture is also observed, marking a significant fundamental difference in properties before and after recrystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In recent years, an increasing number of cases of canine dirofilariasis have been reported worldwide. However, the rate of infection in dogs is largely unknown in many remote areas, and the importance of field studies for determination of the prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in such areas is well recognized. The detection of microfilariae by the modified Knott's test ( MKT) is a recommended screening method for canine dirofilariasis. Objectives The purposes of this study were to compare the diagnostic sensitivity of the MKT with the buffy coat smear method ( BCS), and to evaluate the utility of these 2 methods under field study conditions. Methods One hundred and fifty dogs of the Maio Island of Republic of Cabo Verde, were screened for microfilariae using MKT and BCS. The results of the 2 methods were generated in a blinded manner and statistically compared. Results The detection rate was 4.67% with the MKT and 5.33% with BCS, which is statistically not different. The latter allowed a morphologic identification of Dirofilaria repens (later confirmed by molecular biology methods) and an estimation of parasite load, which varied from 15 to 185 microfilariae/mL. Conclusions The methods MKT and BCS were comparable in terms of diagnostic sensitivity. However, the BCS was technically less demanding and produced permanent preparations, in which co-infection with other hematologic pathogens can easily be assessed. Overall, this method is well suited to assess microfilariae in a large number of animals, and it could replace the MKT in studies devoted to dirofilariasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this narrative review, we explore the history of tobacco smoking, its associations and portrayal of its use with luxury and glamour in the past, and intriguingly, its subsequent transformation into a mass consumption industrialized product encouraged by advertising and film. Then, we describe the next phase where tobacco in parts of the world has become an unwanted product. However, the number of smokers is still increasing, especially in new markets, and increasingly younger individuals are being attracted to it, despite the well-known health consequences of tobacco use. We also explore current smoking behaviors, looking at trends in the prevalence of consumption throughout the world, discrimination against smokers, light and/or intermittent smokers, and the electronic cigarette (e-cigarette). We place these changes in the context of neuroscience, which may help explain why the cognitive effects of smoking can be important reinforcers for its consumption despite strong anti-smoking pressure in Western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, covalently linked graphene oxide-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (GO-PEGMEMA-RAFT) and physically mixed GO-PEGMEMA hydrogel nanocomposites are synthesized. Spectroscopic and imaging techniques such as UV-vis, Fourier transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy show that the PEGMEMA is successfully grafted on GO sheets. The rheology of the nanocomposites is studied by small angle oscillatory shear, which shows a competition between reinforcement and lubrication behavior of GO. In the case where lubrication effect dominates reinforcement, the covalently linked GO--PEGMEMA-RAFT has higher G' compared to the physically mixed GO--PEGMEMA. Hence, in the covalently linked system, the grafted polymer chains appear to minimize the lubrication effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking immiscible polymer blends of polystyrene (PS)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as a case study, we present the capabilities of a small-scale experimental extrusion set-up for sightseeing the morphological evolution during processing and identify relationships between process-induced structure, blend rheology, and product (extruded sheet) properties. In-line rheo-optical data collected with an instrumented slit die coupled to the small-scale extrusion line are in agreement with the results reported elsewhere for model polymer blends studied with simpler and slower flow fields with less relevance to industrial application. Shear stress and first normal stress difference transients relate to the stretching, orientation, break up, and subsequent string arrangement of droplets probed in the die by in-line polarized optical microscopy and small-angle light scattering. The partially relaxed droplet morphology in extruded sheets has no impact on their mechanical properties which are essentially linked to those of PS and PMMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blends of nylon 6 and a silsesquioxane additive, aminopropyl isobutyl POSS containing 2.5% POSS by weight, were melt-compounded with different process conditions in order to test a previously proposed mechanism for reinforcement of PA6 by POSS. In this work, we proposed that above the POSS melting temperature of 267°C POSS becomes partially soluble in the nylon 6 matrix, leading to smaller domains upon cooling, and the remaining nondiffused POSS agglomerates need to have an acceptable size distribution, typically 16 µm2 or less in area. In this work, we test this hypothesis by producing blends with POSS existing as phase-separated aggregates of even smaller size than before and processing them under various thermomechanical conditions. Although there were no significant differences in the morphology and mechanical properties between the different extruded samples, the results from the spun fibers present significant improvements in tensile properties relative to previous reports. Our results suggest that in order to maximize the tensile strength of melt spun fibers, the extruded blends should be processed at temperatures above the POSS melting temperature and at intermediate shear rates, since these conditions lead to lower debonding between POSS particles and the matrix, and smaller average particle size. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1580-1588, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effect of processing and subsequent thermal treatment on the rheological behavior and microstructure aggregation of two different types of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are investigated. Elastomeric TPUs, which are segmented block copolymers composed of alternating soft and hard segments, and amorphous glassy TPU, predominantly composed of hard segments, were subjected to heating/cooling cycles after extrusion. All materials show rheological hystereses after the first thermal cycle; in amorphous glassy TPUs, there is an increase in dynamic moduli but the loss tangent remains unchanged, whereas in the elastomeric TPUs, there are both decreases in dynamic moduli and hystereses in the loss tangent. The changes in molecular weight during the thermal cycle were tracked by gel permeation chromatography and shown not to be responsible for the rheological hystereses. For both elastomeric and amorphous glassy TPUs, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicate that an increase in dynamic moduli, especially G′, is associated with a higher degree of hydrogen bonding. These results combined with X-ray data indicate that upon extrusion the elastomeric TPUs form a network in which hydrogen bonding plays an important role. This structure can be disrupted upon subsequent heating and cooling. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1383-1393, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the aging behavior of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastisols made with different types of resin. The results showed that the emulsion-based plastisol is more prone to aging than the microsuspension-based plastisol. For the emulsion plastisol, both the viscosity and the apparent yield stress increase while the microsuspension plastisol keeps the same viscosity, apparent yield stress, and gelation behavior. The microsuspension was found to be very stable in time.

A series of 16‐layer polypropylene/flame retardant (PP/FR) film/foam composite structures were produced by microlayer coextrusion. A highly branched PP was used in the foam layers to increase strain hardening and cell stability, while the PP used in the film layers was a high shear viscosity grade to confine bubble growth. In addition to improved tensile properties, the PP/FR composite film/foams exhibited five times the compression modulus of PP/FR composite foams at each FR loading level. The thermal stabilities of the composites were investigated, exhibiting three step decompositions. The FR particles were effective in decreasing flammability by forming intumescent char. The PP/FR‐film/foam‐20 showed self‐extinguishing behavior in a modified vertical burn test, while the PP/FR‐foam‐20 sample continued to burn. Cone calorimetry demonstrated that PP/FR film/foams had lower heat release than PP/FR foams due to the unique alternating film/foam structure of PP/FR film/foams. Scanning electron microscopy imaging of the residual chars from fire testing that the PP/FR composite film/foams showed a more continuous protective char surface when compared with PP/FR composite foams at each FR concentration. The combined data indicate that the formation of a surface film on top of a foam ensures a robust intumescent fire protective barrier for partly foamed materials and shows a new way toward lightweight materials with improved fire safety performance. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48552. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Aims: Given a scenario of intense discussion about the legal situation of cannabis users worldwide, this paper aims to investigate the role of cannabis within a drug use sequencing pattern.Design and Methods: Data came from a representative sample of college students from 27 Brazilian capitals (n = 12 711). We analysed the patterns of transition from/to the first use of cannabis to/from the first use of alcohol, tobacco and seven other illegal drugs. Survival analysis methods were used to analyse age of onset data on all potential drug pairs. Drugs that were not specified as the target drug pair tested in each survival model were included as time-varying covariates in all models.Results: We found significant transitions from alcohol [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-1.73, P < 0.001] and inhalants (aHR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.26-1.93, P < 0.001) to cannabis. Moreover, we found significant transitions from cannabis to alcohol (aHR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.47-3.91, P < 0.001), cocaine (aHR = 7.47, 95% CI = 4.26-13.09, P < 0.001), prescription opioids (aHR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.29-3.63, P < 0.01) and tranquilisers (aHR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.11-2.06, P < 0.01).Discussion and Conclusions: Overall, our findings point to a strategic role of cannabis within drug first use sequence pattern. We had an important and unexpected finding-the bi-directional relationship between alcohol and cannabis. In addition, the first use of cannabis still precedes the first use of cocaine and non-medical use of tranquilisers and prescription opioids. [Castaldelli-Maia JM, Nicastri S, Cerdá M, Kim JH, Oliveira LG, Andrade AG, Martins, SS. In-transition culture of experimentation with cannabis in Latin American college students: A new role within a potential drug use sequencing pattern. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000-000]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hair-pulling disorder (Trichotillomania) is a disabling mental disorder. Patient's behavior is characterized by the recurrent pulling of own hair with hair loss and a marked dysfunction in various areas of daily life. Trichotillomania is a relatively common disorder with pediatric onset, often associated with significant morbidity, comorbidity, and functional decline. Surprisingly, children or adolescents have been little studied in the research studies on the pathophysiology and psychopathology of trichotillomania. Furthermore, more evidences regarding the effective and evidence-based pharmacological interventions for the treatment of this condition are encouraged. This narrative review will report on the etiopathogenesis and clinical manifestations of trichotillomania including criteria for diagnosis and treatment issues of this complex mental disorder., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Psoriasis is a chronic disease, mediated by the human immune system, based on a polygenic vulnerability, with cutaneous and systemic manifestations and substantial negative effects on the quality of life of patients. The physical and psychological impacts of psoriasis affect all areas of patient's functioning. Likewise, the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with psoriasis is significantly higher than that in the general population, and the quality of life is lower when compared to patients with different dermatological conditions. Both anxiety and depression may increase the clinical severity of psoriasis. Although psychiatric disorders in patients with psoriasis may be secondary to the stress due to the shame and social anxiety related to the skin lesions, the high rate of comorbidity has led to hypothesize that there may be common pathophysiological (psychodermatological) mechanisms involved. Inflammation is a key factor, since alterations in inflammatory modulators such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system have been described. This narrative review of the literature highlights the psychodermatological aspects of the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis as well as the impact of illness on patients' personal identity, functioning, and professional, social, and family areas., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Excoriation disorder (ED) is a primary psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent skin picking, which may lead to self-induced cutaneous lesions and significant distress or functional impairment. The affected patient is aware of his/her self-destructive behavior but feels unable to give up this habit, despite having made repeated attempts to decrease or stop it. ED is a relatively frequent disorder, of notable heterogeneity and phenomenological complexity, accompanied by significant emotional and physical consequences. Therefore, further research is necessary to enhance the knowledge on its clinical manifestations, epidemiology, and comorbidities. This article presents an update regarding the etiopathogenesis, clinical aspects, and treatment options of ED to provide an up-to-date review for psychiatrists, dermatologists, and general practitioners., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)