Modifying hydrophilic properties of polyurethane acryl paint substrates by atomic layer deposition and self-assembled monolayers

A process of atomic layer deposition (ALD) combined with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) was used to investigate the possible modification of the wetting properties of polyurethane (PUR) paint surfaces without altering their original hue. First, we used an ALD process to produce thin and uniform Al₂O₃ coatings of these surfaces at temperatures as low as 80 °C. We then successfully achieved the addition of 16-phosphono-hexadecanoic acid (16-PHA) SAMs to the Al₂O₃-coated paint samples. Given initial hydrophobicity, which however was not stable over time, Al₂O₃ coatings reduced the contact angle of the PUR surfaces from 110 to 10°. Addition of SAMs on the Al₂O₃ coatings induced a sustained reduction in their contact angles to 60–70°, and aging of the samples revealed a further decrease to 25–40°. Testing of the Al₂O₃/16-PHA coating in a Weather-Ometer (WOM) revealed its durability even under harsh outdoor conditions. These experimental results show that by combining ALD with SAMs it is possible to produce durable coatings with modified hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties that are stable over time. The use of SAMs with different end-groups may allow fine-tuning of the coating''s wetting properties.

A process of atomic layer deposition (ALD) combined with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) was used to investigate the possible modification of polyurethane (PUR) paint surface wetting properties without altering their original hue.     

5‐Azacitidine Monotherapy Followed by Related Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Achieves Durable Remission in a Pediatric Patient With Acute Undifferentiated Leukemia Refractory to High‐Dose Chemotherapy

Patients with acute leukemias of undifferentiated lineage (AUL) generally have guarded prognosis. Here, we describe the first reported pediatric patient with AUL refractory to high‐dose chemotherapy who achieved clinical remission with ALL maintenance therapy and 5‐azacitidine. His induction remission was followed by consolidation with reduced toxicity haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). At 9 months post‐HSCT, the patient is alive and in remission. This combination therapy of remission induction with ALL maintenance therapy and 5‐azacitidine and consolidation with reduced toxicity haploidentical HSCT is novel and promising for patients who lack conventional donors and are not candidates for myeloablative therapy.     

Expression of type 1 and type 2 mucins in colonic epithelial tumors

Expression of MUC-1 and MUC-2 was investigated with immunohistochemical staining (PAP-method) in 5 cases of adenomas and in 60 cases of colorectal adenocarcinomas. The expression of MUC-1 and MUC-2 can be useful for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with colorectal carcinoma.     

Primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome masquerading as progressive supranuclear palsy

We report a case of a patient with clinical features of progressive supranuclear palsy and raised titres of anticardiolipin antibodies in blood, thrombocytopenia and livedo reticularis on skin. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain and isotope scan of brain were distinctive of vascular disorder.