A novel dual-layer approach towards omniphobic polyurethane coatings

Omniphobic surfaces have a plethora of applications ranging from household paints to sensors. The predominant practice of fabricating those materials/surfaces is to use fluorinated materials which are environmentally harmful, and thus have limited practical applications. In this study, we report a novel dual-layer approach of fabrication towards omniphobic surfaces using polyurethane (PU) as a matrix and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a self-cleaning ingredient. This approach was also used to produce omniphobic PU nanocomposites, where nanofillers (e.g., nanoclay, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and graphene oxide (GO)) were incorporated. The resultant coatings were investigated for their performance, such as optical clarity, durability, and self-cleaning properties. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for microstructural analysis of the obtained coatings. The facile nature of fabrication and the use of PDMS, an environmentally benign material relative to fluorinated chemicals, thus offer an eco-friendly sustainable scheme for practical applications aimed at omniphobic purposes.

Omniphobic surfaces have a plethora of applications ranging from household paints to sensors.     

Cervical cancer: A comprehensive approach towards extermination

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted pathogen, globally. Oncogenic types of HPV are the causative agents of many neoplastic diseases, including cervical cancer, which ranks as the most common cancer affecting females in developing countries. HPV infection of the cervical epithelium and the subsequent integration of viral DNA into the host genome are the major risk factors for cervical cancer. The scientific discovery of HPV as the causal agent of cervical cancer has led to the development of HPV-based diagnostic tools. Prophylactic vaccines, based on the oncogenic HPV type virus-like particles have been introduced in several developed countries as a preliminary preventive approach. Nevertheless, it remains a continuous threat to women in developing countries, where the prophylactic vaccines are unaffordable and organized screening programmes are lacking. This warrants implementation of prevention strategies that will reduce cervical cancer-related mortality. In this review, we have discussed molecular pathogenesis of HPV infection and the risk factors associated with it. The diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies of HPV-related cervical cancer have also been discussed.

• Key messages

• HPV-related cervical cancer: risk factors, diagnosis and prevention strategies.

• HPV pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prevention strategies of cervical cancer.

• Risk factors, diagnosis and prevention strategies of HPV-related cervical cancer.

     

Modular design and self-assembly of multidomain peptides towards cytocompatible supramolecular cell penetrating nanofibers

The discovery of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) with unique membrane activity has inspired the design and synthesis of a variety of cell penetrating macromolecules, which offer tremendous opportunity and promise for intracellular delivery of a variety of imaging probes and therapeutics. While cell penetrating macromolecules can be designed and synthesized to have equivalent or even superior cell penetrating activity compared with natural CPPs, most of them suffer from moderate to severe cytotoxicity. Inspired by recent advances in peptide self-assembly and cell penetrating macromolecules, in this work, we demonstrated a new class of peptide assemblies with intrinsic cell penetrating activity and excellent cytocompatibility. Supramolecular assemblies were formed through the self-assembly of de novo designed multidomain peptides (MDPs) with a general sequence of K_x(QW)₆E_y in which the numbers of lysine and glutamic acid can be varied to control supramolecular assembly, morphology and cell penetrating activity. Both supramolecular spherical particles and nanofibers exhibit much higher cell penetrating activity than monomeric MDPs while supramolecular nanofibers were found to further enhance the cell penetrating activity of MDPs. In vitro cell uptake results suggested that the supramolecular cell penetrating nanofibers undergo macropinocytosis-mediated internalization and they are capable of escaping from the lysosome to reach the cytoplasm, which highlights their great potential as highly effective intracellular therapeutic delivery vehicles and imaging probes.

In this work, we demonstrated a facile supramolecular approach based on modularly designed multi-domain peptides to construct peptide-based nanomaterials with intrinsic cell penetrating activity and excellent cytocompatibility.     

A hybrid approach to automatic clustering of white matter fibers

Recently, the tract-based white matter (WM) fiber analysis has been recognized as an effective framework to study the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data of human brain. This framework can provide biologically meaningful results and facilitate the tract-based comparison across subjects. However, due to the lack of quantitative definition of WM bundle boundaries, the complexity of brain architecture and the variability of WM shapes, clustering WM fibers into anatomically meaningful bundles is nontrivial. In this paper, we propose a hybrid top-down and bottom-up approach for automatic clustering and labeling of WM fibers, which utilizes both brain parcellation results and similarities between WM fibers. Our experimental results show reasonably good performance of this approach in clustering WM fibers into anatomically meaningful bundles.     

A graphene oxide polymer brush based cross-linked nanocomposite proton exchange membrane for direct methanol fuel cells

Functional polymer brush modified graphene oxide (FPGO) with functional linear polysiloxane brushes was synthesized via surface precipitation polymerization (sol–gel) and chemical modification. Then, FPGO was covalently cross-linked to the sulfonated polysulfone (SPSU) matrix to obtain novel SPSU/FPGO cross-linked nanocomposite membranes. Meanwhile, SPSU/GO composite membranes and a pristine SPSU membrane were fabricated as control groups. Reduced agglomeration of the inorganic filler and better interfacial interaction, which are benefit to increase diffusion resistance of methanol and to generate continuous channels for fast proton transportation at elevated temperature, were observed in SPSU/FPGO cross-linked membranes. Moreover, the enhanced membrane stability (thermal, oxidative and dimensional stability) and good mechanical performance also guaranteed their proton conducting durability. It is noteworthy that the SPSU/FPGO-1 cross-linked membrane possesses the best comprehensive properties among all the prepared membranes and Nafion®117, it acquires the highest proton conductivity of 0.462 S cm⁻¹ at 90 °C under hydrated conditions together with a low methanol permeability of 1.71 × 10⁻⁶ cm² s⁻¹ at 30 °C. The resulting high membrane selectivity displays the great potential of the SPSU/FPGO cross-linked membrane for DMFCs application.

A novel proton exchange nanocomposite which was cross-linked by functional graphene oxide polymer brushes shows interesting and comprehensive advantages for DMFCs.     

Stigmatization and dehumanization perceptions towards psychiatric patients among nurses: A path-analysis approach

BackgroundPeople with mental illness are stigmatized and dehumanized, which contributes to disorders' maintenance. Dehumanization is associated with abuse/neglect and should thus be evaluated among healthcare workers. We compared nurses' stigmatizing/dehumanizing perceptions of people with psychiatric versus non-psychiatric disorders. We also investigated the impact of social contact's quality/frequency and identified the determinants of dehumanization.MethodsFrench-speaking hospitals and nurses' associations were contacted to disseminate the survey among their employees or members. Three hundred thirty-six nurses reported their perceptions of one among three clinical populations (people with severe alcohol use disorder, schizophrenia, or cardiovascular disease). Nurses' perception of patients was evaluated through stigmatization, dehumanization, quality of contacts, structural discrimination, and evaluation of patients' life, pain, consent, and diagnostic overshadowing. Nurses' well-being was evaluated through their own perception of being dehumanized by superiors and their burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress levels.ResultsNurses stigmatized and dehumanized people with a psychiatric disorder more than people without a psychiatric disorder. Nurses dehumanized patients more if they felt dehumanized by their hierarchical superiors and less if they had qualitative contacts with patients.ConclusionsStigmatization and dehumanization are widespread among nurses in psychiatry, which advocates for less stigmatizing practices in healthcare settings. We propose concrete perspectives to reduce stigma/dehumanization among nurses.     

Shampoo assisted aligning of carbon nanotubes toward strong,stiff and conductive fibers

High alignment and densification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are of key importance for strengthening CNT fibers, whereas direct stretching has a very limited effect when CNTs are highly entangled. We report that by lubricating CNT surfaces with viscous alcohols, the relative motion between CNTs improves because of the reduced sliding energy barrier; thus non-stretched regions are effectively eliminated. Owing to the very efficient optimization of the assembled structure, the stretched CNT fibers exhibited an average tensile strength of 2.33 GPa (1.82 N per tex) and modulus of 70.1 GPa (54.8 N per tex). Other fundamental properties, such as electrical and thermal conductivities, were also remarkably improved. Such a strategy can be readily used for manufacturing high-performance CNT assemblies and composites.

Entangled carbon nanotubes can be effectively aligned by introducing a lubricating agent, as inspired by the life experience of hair detangling.     

A new kind of nanocomposite Xuan paper comprising ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires and cellulose fibers with a unique ink wetting performance

In the history of civilization, Xuan paper with its superior texture, durability and suitable characteristics for writing and painting, has played an important role in the dissemination of culture and art. Xuan paper has won the reputation of “the king of paper that lasts for 1000 years” and was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization of the United Nations in 2009. However, the surface of the commercial unprocessed Xuan paper has a large number of large-sized pores with a poor resistance to water, allowing ink droplets to easily spread during the writing and painting process. In this study, we report a new kind of nanocomposite Xuan (HNXP) paper comprising ultralong hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowires and plant cellulose fibers with unique ink wetting performance, high whiteness and excellent durability. The as-prepared HNXP paper sheets with various weight ratios of ultralong HAP nanowires ranging from 10% to 100% are all superhydrophilic with a water contact angle of zero. In contrast, the ink contact angle of the HNXP paper can be well controlled by adjusting the weight ratio of ultralong HAP nanowires, and the ink contact angle of the HNXP paper increases with increasing weight ratio of ultralong HAP nanowires. The experimental results show the unique ink wetting behavior of the as-prepared HNXP paper, which is absent in the traditional Xuan paper. This new kind of nanocomposite Xuan paper comprising ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires and plant cellulose fibers is promising for applications in calligraphy and painting arts.

A new kind of Xuan paper comprising hydroxyapatite nanowires and plant fibers with a unique ink wetting performance is reported.     

A bioartificial environment for kidney epithelial cells based on a supramolecular polymer basement membrane mimic and an organotypical culture system

Renal applications in healthcare, such as renal replacement therapies and nephrotoxicity tests, could potentially benefit from bioartificial kidney membranes with fully differentiated and functional human tubular epithelial cells. A replacement of the natural environment of these cells is required to maintain and study cell functionality cell differentiation in vitro. Our approach was based on synthetic supramolecular biomaterials to mimic the natural basement membrane (BM) on which these cells grow and a bioreactor to provide the desired organotypical culture parameters. The BM mimics were constructed from ureidopyrimidinone (UPy)‐functionalized polymer and bioactive peptides by electrospinning. The resultant membranes were shown to have a hierarchical fibrous BM‐like structure consisting of self‐assembled nanofibres within the electrospun microfibres. Human kidney‐2 (HK‐2) epithelial cells were cultured on the BM mimics under organotypical conditions in a custom‐built bioreactor. The bioreactor facilitated in situ monitoring and functionality testing of the cultures. Cell viability and the integrity of the epithelial cell barrier were demonstrated inside the bioreactor by microscopy and transmembrane leakage of fluorescently labelled inulin, respectively. Furthermore, HK‐2 cells maintained a polarized cell layer and showed modulation of both gene expression of membrane transporter proteins and metabolic activity of brush border enzymes when subjected to a continuous flow of culture medium inside the new bioreactor for 21 days. These results demonstrated that both the culture and study of renal epithelial cells was facilitated by the bioartificial in vitro environment that is formed by synthetic supramolecular BM mimics in our custom‐built bioreactor. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Attitudes of Korean adults towards human dignity: A Q methodology approach

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the perceived attitudes of Korean adults towards human dignity in order to determine the relationship of human dignity to its social and cultural background. Methods: The Q methodology research technique was used to explore perceived attitude typology on the basis of the respondents' ranking order for different statements. A convenience sampling method was used to select 40 Korean adults who were interested in human dignity to create statements. From the questionnaires, in‐depth interviews, and a literature review, a total of 158 statements was obtained. The final 34 Q samples were selected from a review by two nursing professors and a Q methodology expert. Moreover, 38 respondents participated as P samples by sorting 34 Q statements on a nine‐point normal distribution scale. The data were analyzed by using the QUANL software package. Results: The following four types of attitudes about human dignity were identified in Korea: a happiness‐oriented–self‐pursuit type, relationship‐oriented–self‐recognition type, reflection‐oriented–self‐unification type, and discrimination‐oriented–self‐maintenance type. Conclusions: The results indicate that approaches to developing human dignity education need to take this typology into account and the characteristics of the participants who fall into each category. These results provide general guidelines to understand Korean values for professional practice in various healthcare settings.     

A study of nurses' attitudes towards research: a factor analytic approach

Despite considerable top-down pressure on nurses to undertake research, the available evidence suggests that relatively few nursing studies are submitted for publication Given the need to increase the degree to which research informs practice, this shortfall in output must of necessity constitute a cause for concern Therefore, it seems timely that a full-scale investigation into the possible reasons for non-submission is conducted This study, therefore, in an attempt to meet this aim, used factor analysis on the scores from an attitude-to-research scale completed by 230 nurses The results suggested that five coherent factors underpinned the sample's general attitudes to research These were labelled 'nurses' subjective barriers to research', 'organizational/structural barriers to research', 'doctors' reactions to Nursing Research', 'health care professionals' reactions to research' and 'impact of Nursing Research' The variables clustering on two of these factors suggested a predictive relationship with two relevant outcome behaviours relating to research When this was tested, the predictions were supported, indicating that these factors could be used as a quick and simple screening tool to highlight individuals or groups of nurses who might benefit maximally from specific attitude change programmes In this way, it might be possible to increase Nursing Research activities and output     

Flexible translucent chitosan–glycerin/QD nanocomposite glue for anti-counterfeiting films with strong adhesion and stability

With the rapid development of commodity circulation, more attention has been paid to the anticounterfeiting technology of commodities, including stability, universality and ease of distinguishing. The authors report the use of gelatin–chitosan–glycerin/QD nanocomposite-functionalized glue for luminescent anti-counterfeiting labels. As the blend and plasticizer, the addition of chitosan and glycerin effectively improved the flexibility and formability of the gelatin–chitosan–glycerin/QD composite films, which show excellent mechanical properties, including high transparency, luminescence and flexibility, and they are easy to prepare on a large scale, providing certain reference values for new anticounterfeiting technology applying a variety of morphologies.

Flexible translucent anticounterfeiting QD films with strong adhesion and stability.     

β-Cyclodextrin: a supramolecular catalyst for metal-free approach towards the synthesis of 2-amino-4,6-diphenylnicotinonitriles and 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one

β-Cyclodextrin, a green and widespread supramolecular catalyst, has been explored as a highly proficient promoter for the metal-free one-pot multi-component synthesis of a vast range of highly functionalized bioactive heterocyclic moiety, 2-amino-4,6-diphenylnicotinonitriles and 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one, from easily available precursor aldehydes. The main endeavor of these protocols is to explore this organic supramolecule in one-pot multi-component synthesis. Absence of metal catalyst or toxic acid and harsh reaction conditions, excellent functional group tolerance, inexpensive, greener and environmentally safe protocol are the key advantages of this work.

A vast range of 2-amino-4,6-diphenylnicotinonitrile and 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one were synthesized through a metal-free one-pot multi-component synthesis using β-cyclodextrin as an efficient supramolecular organocatalyst.     

Cultural and political limitations within a rational approach towards educational change

This paper considers the use of a rational curriculum planning model within nurse education. It suggests that the process of change within the model is oversimplified and mechanistic. As such it denies or ignores the experience of individuals involved in the change process by reducing their personal, cultural and political realities to a level of idealogical control. The unrestrained or unmodified application of a rational approach may, by this control, inhibit the development of change arising from subjective experiences. It may further be viewed as a political strategy which benefits powerful groupings within the school thus institutionalizing this power and maintaining the status quo in terms of power and influence.     

Histatin-derived monomeric and dimeric synthetic peptides show strong bactericidal activity towards multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in vivo

Homodimerization of histatin-derived peptides generally led to improved bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. In vivo, monomers and dimers were equally active in killing bacteria in mice with a soft tissue infection. Altogether, these peptides are promising compounds for the development of novel therapeutics against infections with drug-resistant bacteria.     

Quantum dot decorated polyaniline plastic as a multifunctional nanocomposite: experimental and theoretical approach

AgO, CoO, and ZnO (ACZ) mixed metal quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by the sol–gel process. Polyaniline (PANI) was prepared by the chemical-oxidative technique. An in situ approach was used for the synthesis of ACZ decorated PANI plastic nanocomposites (NCs). TEM, FTIR, FESEM, UV-visible, DSC, Raman, photoluminescence, and XRD techniques were used for characterizing the QDs, PANI, and ACZ decorated PANI NCs. Experimental and theoretical (DFT) studies were used to support the results. NCs were studied for their adsorption, magnetic, photocatalytic, electrical, thermal, photoluminescence, antibacterial, and anticorrosive activities. The plastic NCs of size 35 nm (observed from XRD and TEM) were found to be paramagnetic. UV-visible spectroscopy and DFT techniques were used to observe the optical band gap of NCs and show an almost equal band gap i.e., 2.75 eV. In 1.0 M H₂SO₄, the NCs show an 82.0% corrosion inhibition efficiency for mild steel. The adsorption power of the silica gel + NCs packed column was higher than normal silica gel column. A very small low-intensity D band in the Raman spectra confirms defect-free NCs. The photocatalytic activity was observed against methyl-red dye in visible light. The thermal stability of plastic NCs was higher than pure PANI and QDs. The NCs were investigated for bactericidal activity against Gram (positive and negative) microorganisms. The ACZ decorated PANI NCs acted as good nanomaterials for adsorption, separation, magnetic, photocatalytic, photoluminescence, antibacterial, electrical, thermal insulator, and anticorrosive agent.

PANI based plastic NCs shows good adsorption power, anticorrosive and thermal stability. The photocatalytic activity was observed against methyl-red dye. The NCs also shows good magnetic, antibacterial, and electrical properties.     

Attitudes towards people with disabilities across different healthcare undergraduate students: A cluster analysis approach

Background and Purpose

Negative attitudes towards disability amongst healthcare professionals endanger social inclusion of people with disabilities (PwD). This study aimed to investigate the attitude of undergraduate healthcare students of various disciplines towards PwD, including specific aspects of their attitude.

Methods

We assessed the attitudes of university students, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, nursing, social work and medical students, through the Greek Interaction with Disabled Person Scale (IDPS) in a survey. Data were analysed using a two-step clustering technique.

Results

Four hundred-eighty undergraduate healthcare students (21.4 ± 5.3 years-old; 135 males, 345 females) were recruited. Two-step cluster analysis identified three homogenous subgroups labelled Least positive attitude (42.3%), Moderately positive attitude (26.9%), and Most positive attitude (30.8%) groups. Τhe main differences in healthcare students' attitudes between the three distinct groups appeared to be in feelings of sympathy, fear and susceptibility towards disability, suggesting that these aspects of attitude needed to be primarily addressed. Results also revealed that females, being in higher semester/year of studies, having completed a clinical module with PwD and having frequent contact with PwD were related to more positive attitudes.

Conclusion

Taking into account that the majority of the healthcare students' sample yielded least and moderately positive attitudes, towards PwD, further actions should be taken for promoting more positive attitudes towards disability. A social model in teaching to increase student's awareness of PwD and skills to work with these people, having PwD themselves teaching such modules, focussing on positive experiences and reminding the students of the benefits of having positive attitudes towards PwD, as well as promoting ways to increase the contact of healthcare students with PwD (such as teaching in co-operation with organisations of PwD or finding alternative clinical placements with PwD), can be beneficial in promoting more positive attitudes towards disability.