Sedigeh Mohamadnejad Zanjani, Ali Basti, Reza Ansari,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (June 2021)
Abstract
Phenomenological methods are more diagnostic tools than a predictor, so multi-crystalline material approaches based on their microstructures have been proposed during the last years. The purpose of this research is to review methods taking into account the effect of microstructures and texture deformation on predicting the behavior of sheet metals. These methods can be categorized into six general groups: Taylor-type models, crystal plasticity finite element methods, strain gradient methods, methods that consider dislocations, self-consistent methods, methods based on fast Fourier transform. This paper attempts to explain and compare these methods that have been used to forecasting forming limits or stress-strain curves.
Fiza Ur Rehman, Syeda Sohaila Naz, Muhammad Junaid Dar, Annum Malik, Maimoona Qindeel, Francesco Baino, Fazli Wahid, Abbas Rahdar, Saeeda Munir, Sara Qaisar, Kifayat Ullah Shah, Mahtab Razlansari,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (June-Biomaterials Special Issue- 2022)
Abstract
Neoplastic cells have co-opted inflammatory receptors and signaling molecules that potentiate inflammation. Activated inflammatory pathways lead to neo-angiogenesis, lymph-angiogenesis, immunosuppression, tumor growth, proliferation and metastasis. This cancer-sustaining inflammation is a critical target to arrest cancer growth. Multiple drug resistance, high cost, low oral bioavailability and serious side effects have rendered conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutics less impressive. The aim of this research was to achieve cancer debulking and proliferation prevention by limiting ‘cancer-sustaining’ tumor niche inflammation through non-conventional oral approach employing anti-inflammatory agents and avoiding conventional cytotoxic agents. Synergistic anti-inflammatory agents, i.e. celecoxib as selective COX-2 inhibitor and montelukast as cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, were selected. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used as nanocarriers because of their efficient synergistic anti-neoplastic effects and excellent oral drug delivery potential. Specifically, selected drugs were co-conjugated onto AgNPs. Synthesized nanoparticles were then surface-modified with poly(vinyl alcohol) to control particle size, avoid opsonization/preferred cellular uptake and improve dispersion. Surface plasmon resonance analysis, particle size analysis, DSC, TGA, XRD, FTIR and LIBS analysis confirmed the successful conjugation of drugs and efficient polymer coating with high loading efficiency. In-vitro, the nanoparticles manifested best and sustained release in moderately acidic (pH 4.5) milieu enabling passive tumor targeting potential. In-vivo, synthesized nanoparticles exhibited efficient dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity reducing the dose up to 25-fold. The formulation also manifested hemo-compatibility, potent anti-denaturation activity and dose-dependent in-vitro and in-vivo anti-cancer potential against MCF-7 breast cancer and Hep-G2 liver cancer cell lines in both orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft cancer models. The anti-inflammatory nanoparticles manifested tumor specific release potential exhibiting selective cytotoxicity at cancerous milieu with slightly acidic environment and activated inflammatory pathways. The formulation displayed impressive oral bioavailability, sustained release, negligible cytotoxicity against THLE-2 normal human hepatocytes, low toxicity (high LD50) and wide therapeutic window. Results suggest promise of developed nanomaterials as hemo-compatible, potent, cheaper, less-toxic oral anti-inflammatory and non-conventional anti-cancer agents.
Hamid Ansari, Saeed Banaeifar, Reza Tavangar, Alireza Khavandi, Soheil Mahdavi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (September 2022)
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the effect of replacing copper as a multi-functional ingredient in the brake pad material with potassium titanate platelet (PTP) and a particular type of ceramic fiber (CF) copper-free composite. Chase dynamometer tests were conducted to compare a brake padchr('39')s tribological behavior when PTP and CF are added to the composition with that of the copper-bearing pad. The results concluded that PTP and CF demonstrated promising outcomes such as a stable coefficient of friction (COF), lower wear rate, and better heat resistance in copper-free friction composite. Scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) analysis was conducted to investigate the role of main elements such as Ti, Fe, K, O, and C on the formation of contact plateaus (CPs) upon the worn surface of friction composites. PTP maintained both continuous contact and smooth friction braking application of a brake pad. The uniform distribution of Ti on the wear track on the disc worn surface depicts the role of PTPs on stabilizing the friction film formation and eventually on the stability of COF.
