Explore the vast range of titles available.

This paper evaluates the properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) from bottle waste flakes for producing non-conductive injection-moulded composites for construction, specifically anchors and connectors. The work addresses the growing need for sustainable materials in civil engineering by exploring a high-value application of 100% recycled PET combined with alkaline-resistant glass fibres, suitable for use in cementitious and alkaline environments. Mechanical tests were conducted on composites reinforced with 30, 40 and 50 wt% fibres. Addition of fibres improved flow characteristics, crystallisation kinetics, and facilitated demoulding of the parts, enhancing mechanical properties (tensile modulus up to ~ 19 GPa, flexural strength up to ~ 234 MPa, and Charpy impact strength up to ~ 31 kJ/m²) and achieving properties comparable to commercial virgin PET composites. The micromechanical analysis and SEM observations confirmed the high quality and homogeneity of the composites. The favourable properties and processing characteristics pave the way for the application of these materials in injection-moulded construction components, including anchors, which are currently under further investigation.

Geopolymer concretes, synthesized from industrial by-products such as fly ash through alkaline activation, have attracted considerable attention due to their favorable thermal and microstructural properties. Incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into geopolymer matrices can improve thermal properties, making them suitable for various sustainable construction applications. The thermal properties of geopolymer concrete depend on the composition and structure of the materials used. Adding PCMs to geopolymer concrete can significantly improve its thermal properties by increasing its heat storage capacity. PCMs absorb and release thermal energy during phase transformations, which can help regulate temperature fluctuations in building materials. This feature is particularly beneficial in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations, where maintaining a stable indoor climate is crucial. Integrating organic PCMs into geopolymer matrices has been shown to improve thermal insulation. Furthermore, the microstructural analysis of geopolymer concrete containing organic PCM indicates that incorporating these materials can lead to a more homogeneous and denser microstructure. Integrating organic PCMs instead of inorganic into geopolymer concrete is a promising route to improve thermal properties and microstructural stability. The combination of geopolymer technology with PCM not only contributes to the sustainable development of building materials but also addresses the challenges of temperature regulation in buildings.

Foamed geopolymer materials are increasingly studied due to their inherent fire resistance. To date, these materials have primarily been produced by casting into moulds, with foaming occurring during mixing or within the moulds, shortly before setting. For practical applications, however, it is advantageous to apply these materials directly onto surfaces with complex geometries. Although several techniques for geopolymer spraying have been described in the literature, many exhibit limitations that restrict their practical implementation. This study presents a novel spraying technology developed on a dedicated process line, enabling in situ dosing of the foaming agent immediately before application. The system integrates infrared heating to ensure controlled curing of the geopolymer. This paper outlines the design of the process line and its core functionalities while presenting selected results of material tests conducted on the obtained geopolymer coatings. Tests performed on approximately 200 m2 of surface confirmed the functionality of the process. The thermal conductivity of the sprayed foams was about 0.07 W/m-K. The inclusion of a phase-change material (PCM) in the geopolymers further enhanced their ability to store and regulate thermal energy. The adhesion strength results, consistently exceeding 1 MPa across various substrates (steel, geopolymer, gypsum board), confirmed the practical suitability of the proposed solution. This was also demonstrated by the homogeneous foamed structure obtained.

This study aims to evaluate the influence of glass fibre (GF) type and content on the thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based composites containing post-consumer PET flakes, intended for mouldings exposed to cementitious environments (e.g., anchors). Two chemically resistant GFs were compared: alkali-resistant (AR) fibres with soft sizing (SGFs) and electrical-/chemical-resistant (ECR) fibres with hard sizing (HGFs). Composites with fibre contents of 10–60 wt.% were prepared, with detailed analysis focused on 30 to 50 wt.%—the range typical for practical applications. AR fibres experienced greater shortening during processing, and their actual fibre content was lower than the intended value. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed enhanced crystallisation kinetics for SGF composites, with higher crystallinity of the injection-moulded samples and elevated crystallisation temperatures (206–208 °C for SGF vs. 196–197 °C for HGF). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that thermal stability was primarily governed by fibre content; both SGF and HGF composites showed improved resistance compared to neat PET. Mechanical tests demonstrated that both fibre types effectively reinforced the matrix: HGF composites exhibited a higher elastic modulus (20.6 GPa for HGF-50 vs. 18.3 GPa for SGF-50), whereas SGF composites exhibited roughly 10–20% higher tensile, flexural, and impact strength, despite slightly lower fibre content. SEM analysis confirmed more uniform fibre distribution and fewer voids in SGF composites. These results highlight the importance of GF selection for PET composites in alkaline environments, taking into account the properties of the sizing film former and balancing trade-offs between mechanical performance, thermal stability, processability, and economic factors.

In this research, polylactide was hybrid-reinforced and heat-treated in order to obtain durable structural materials with the use of eco-friendly components. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, tensile tests at various temperatures, Vicat tests, impact tests, and microscopic observations were conducted on the annealed and non-heat-treated specimens. The theoretical and true density, as well as water absorption, were also determined. The simultaneous introduction of chopped carbon and basalt fibers in equal mass fractions of 7.5% and 12.5% resulted in satisfactory increases in stiffness and tensile strength. The reinforcing effect was more efficient for the heat-treated composites, especially at elevated temperatures. Heat treatment significantly increased the degree of crystallinity of the matrix, improving heat resistance and reducing water absorption. It also reduced the stress concentrations in the injection-molded specimens.

Chondromyxoid fibromas (CMF) are uncommon benign bone tumours, known for their moderate risk of local recurrence, that may manifest through various symptoms such as pain, swelling, tenderness, or be asymptomatic. Diagnosing CMF is challenging and requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary diagnostic approach because the tumour frequently resembles numerous other bone lesions. This report describes a case of a 66-year-old female patient with a tumour in her right fibula. The initial diagnosis of a neuroma of the right tibial nerve was based on a magnetic resonance imaging scan. The lesion was surgically removed. Preliminarily subsequent histopathological evaluation identified the mass as a parosteal osteosarcoma. However, due to the uncharacteristic presentation of the tumour, further investigation was carried out. Using immunohistochemical and genetic analyses focused on the expression of MDM-2 and RB-1, along with an examination for alterations in the GNAS gene, the mass has been finally and conclusively identified as a chondromyxoid fibroma. This case demonstrates the ambiguity of the CMF presentation, the accurate diagnosis of which may frequently rely on additional diagnostic measures, including histopathology and targeted genetic tests. Furthermore, this report illustrates an atypical diagnostic journey, from an initial neuroma through a low-grade osteosarcoma, to a final benign chondromyxoid fibroma.

Rationale The role of somatostatin and its receptors for the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders has been widely raised. Recently, we have also demonstrated the involvement of somatostatin receptor type 2-sst2R and dopamine receptor type 2-D2R in stress. Objective In this context, we decided to find if these receptors are involved in response to antidepressant treatment in animal model of depression—chronic mild stress (CMS). Methods Here, we report data obtained following 7-week CMS procedure. The specific binding of [125I]Tyr3-Octreotide to sst2R and [3H]Domperidone to D2R was measured in the rat brain, using autoradiography. Additionally, the level of dopamine and metabolites was measured in the rat brain. Results In the final baseline test after 7 weeks of stress, the reduced consumption of sucrose solution was observed (controls vs the stressed animals (6.25 0.16 vs. 10.39 0.41; p  < 0.05). Imipramine was administered for the next 5 weeks, and it reversed anhedonia in majority of animals (imipramine-reactive); however, in some animals, it did not (imipramine-non-reactive). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant effects of stress and treatment and time interaction [ F (16, 168) = 3.72; p  < 0.0001], n  = 10 per groups. We observed decreased binding of [125I]Tyr3-Octreotide in most of rat brain regions in imipramine non-reactive groups of animals. The decrease of D2R after stress in striatum and nucleus accumbens and no effect of imipramine were observed. In the striatum and prefrontal cortex, the significant role of stress and imipramine in dopamine levels was observed. Conclusions The results obtained in binding assays, together with dopamine level, indicate the involvement of sst2R receptors for reaction to antidepressant treatment. Besides, the stress context itself changes the effect of antidepressant drug.

Introduction:Treating a child with cancer in a family is a challenge that can have an impact on mental health. The study consists of determining the prevalence of psychological distress of parents of cancer children and exploring its correlations with their coping strategies.Material and methods:The survey was conducted between March and July 2023 among parents or guardians of children with cancer. The data collection tool was a version of the general health questionnaire (GHQ12) to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress and the coping orientation to problems experienced, to explore coping strategies. The correlation between the mean GHQ12 score and adaptation strategies is assessed through bivariate analyses and multiple regression.Results:232 parents or guardians of children participated in the study. The average GHQ12 score (0–36) was 22 ±6.83. Regarding coping strategies, religion was the most frequently used strategy. The general health questionnaire score showed significant negative correlations with active coping strategies with r = –0.14; p = 0.03, and acceptance with r = –0.51; p < 0.001, and significant positive correlations with denial with r = 0.25; p < 0.001, and self-blame with r = 0.24; p < 0,001. In multivariate analysis, acceptance (β = –1.9, p < 0.001) and denial strategy (β = 0.46, p = 0.02) are predictive factors of psychological distress.Conclusions:The study highlights the significant impact of coping strategies on the psychological distress experienced by parents of children undergoing cancer treatment in Morocco, by facilitating a more resilient adaptation and improved psychological well-being. These findings could form the basis for the development of culturally adapted mental health support programs for parents in similar contexts.

During the process of skin ageing, changes occur in all skin layers and all cells, including the Langerhans cells. To assess whether any quantitative difference in the number of CD1a LC cells/mm and HLA-DR LC cells/mm as well as in their morphological features can be observed during the course of different types of skin ageing. The study was conducted in a group of 60 women, which was divided into three independent groups: group I with symptoms of menopausal skin ageing, group II with symptoms of photoageing, group III with symptoms of chronological ageing. Skin biopsy samples were taken from the pre-auricular region from all of the participants. The number of CD1a LC cells/mm and HLA-DR LC cells/mm as well as their morphological features were evaluated. The frequency of CD1a LC and HLA-DR LC in all the studied groups was diverse. In groups I and III, the LC with large cell bodies and long, multi-branched processes were the majority. In group II, the LC had small cell bodies and their processes were mainly short and unbranched. The obtained results indicate the presence of quantitative and morphological changes of the CD1a LC and HLA-DR LC during the course of different types of skin ageing.