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Curl propensity is a critical-to-quality (CTQ) property of paper, as it causes severe problems during printing and other final conversion operations. The main papermaking factor causing the curl phenomenon is the existence of a fiber orientation (FO) gradient across the thickness direction (or ZD), also known as two-sidedness. Therefore, a methodology that characterizes the FO across the ZD is fundamental for papermakers. In this work, we propose and validate an efficient and cost-effective protocol based on sheet splitting and image analysis. Besides assessing the level of FO two-sidedness, the methodology also provides insights into the flow dynamics in the draining zone of the forming section of the paper machine and the drying stresses built into the paper. This information is relevant for monitoring, optimizing, and troubleshooting activities in the paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss underlies several conditions which give rise to significant visual compromise, including glaucoma and ischaemic optic neuropathies. Neuroprotection of RGCs is a clinical well-defined unmet need in these diseases, and adenosine A 3 receptor (A 3 R) activation emerges as a therapeutic pharmacological approach to protect RGCs. A porous biodegradable intraocular implant loaded with 2-Cl-IB-MECA (selective A 3 R agonist) was used as a strategy to protect RGCs. Drug-loaded PCL implants released 2-Cl-IB-MECA for an extended period and the released 2-Cl-IB-MECA limited glutamate-evoked calcium (Ca 2+ ) rise in RGCs. Retinal thinning due to transient ischemia was not prevented by 2-Cl-IB-MECA-PCL implant. However, 2-Cl-IB-MECA-PCL implants decreased retinal cell death, promoted the survival of RGCs, preserved optic nerve structure and anterograde axonal transport. We further demonstrated that 2-Cl-IB-MECA-loaded PCL implants were able to enhance RGC function that was compromised by transient ischemia. Taking into consideration the beneficial effects afforded by 2-Cl-IB-MECA released from the PCL implant, this can be envisaged a good therapeutic strategy to protect RGCs., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This work reports the development of porous poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based intraocular implants, prepared by green supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ) foaming/mixing method (SFM), to produce implants that degrade faster than typical slow-degrading PCL-based implants. The higher porosities and surface areas of these implants led to faster degradation rates at in vitro accelerated alkaline conditions than low porosity/surface area implants prepared by hot melting processing. These porous implants also presented distinct (faster) release rates of a test-drug (dexamethasone). Additionally, these porous devices did not cause cell death and did not reduce the number of neurons, indicating that are not toxic to retinal cells. We further explored the impact of PCL-based implant to the retina by in vivo evaluation and histological analysis. Implants were surgically inserted in the vitreous of Wistar rats, and their presence did not change the function, structure and anatomy of the retina. These devices demonstrated a good intraocular tolerance, further confirming their viability for prolonged drug delivery applications. Further comprehensive studies based on this promising preliminary assessment and proof-of-concept could enable its future translation to clinical protective strategies for retinal diseases., (Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)