Search Results (330)

Cold-water immersion (CWI), as a common recovery method, has been widely used in the field of post-exercise fatigue recovery. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and systematic scientific evaluation of the combined effects of cold-water immersion combined with other therapies (CWI + Other). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of CWI and CWI + Other in post-exercise fatigue recovery and to explore the potential benefits of CWI + Other. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EBSCO databases to include 24 studies (475 subjects in total) and performed a meta-analysis using standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results showed that both CWI + Other (SMD = −0.68, 95% CI: −1.03 to −0.33) and CWI (SMD = −0.37, 95% CI: −0.65 to −0.10) were effective in reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In subgroup analyses of athletes, both CWI + Other (SMD = −1.13, 95% CI: −1.76 to −0.49) and CWI (SMD = −0.47, 95% CI: −0.87 to −0.08) also demonstrated significant effects. In addition, CWI + Other significantly reduced post-exercise C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (SMD = −0.62, 95% CI: −1.12 to −0.13), and CWI with water temperatures higher than 10 °C also showed a CRP-lowering effect (MD = −0.18, 95% CI: −0.30 to −0.07), suggesting a potential benefit in anti-inflammation. There were no significant differences between the two interventions in the metrics of creatine kinase (CK; CWI: SMD = −0.01, 95% CI: −0.27 to 0.24; CWI + Other: SMD = 0.26, 95% CI: −0.51 to 1.03) or countermovement jump (CMJ; CWI: SMD = 0.22, 95% CI: −0.13 to 0.57; CWI + Other: SMD = 0.07, 95% CI: −0.70 to 0.85). Full article

Hernia is a physiological condition that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Surgical treatment for hernias often involves the use of specialized meshes to support the abdominal wall. While this method is highly effective, it frequently leads to complications such as pain, infections, inflammation, adhesions, and even the need for revision surgeries. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hernia recurrence rates can reach up to 11%, surgical site infections occur in up to 21% of cases, and chronic pain incidence ranges from 0.3% to 68%. These statistics highlight the urgent need to improve mesh technologies to minimize such complications. The design and material composition of meshes are critical in reducing postoperative complications. Moreover, integrating drug-eluting properties into the meshes could address issues like infections and inflammation by enabling localized delivery of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents. Mesh design is equally important, with innovative structures like auxetic designs offering enhanced mechanical properties, flexibility, and tissue integration. These advanced designs can distribute stress more evenly, reduce fatigue, and improve performance in areas subjected to high pressures, such as during intense coughing, sneezing, or heavy lifting. Technological advancements, such as 3D printing, enable the precise fabrication of meshes with tailored designs and properties, providing new opportunities for innovation. By addressing these challenges, the development of next-generation mesh implants has the potential to reduce complications, improve patient outcomes, and significantly enhance quality of life for individuals undergoing hernia repair. Full article

Modern aerospace engineering places increasing emphasis on materials that combine low weight with high mechanical performance. Fiber metal laminates (FMLs), which merge metal layers with fiber-reinforced composites, meet this demand by delivering improved fatigue resistance, impact tolerance, and environmental durability, often surpassing the performance of their constituents in demanding applications. Despite these advantages, inspecting such thin, layered structures remains a significant challenge, particularly when they are difficult or impossible to access. As with any new invention, they always come with challenges. This study examines the effectiveness of the fundamental anti-symmetric Lamb wave mode (A0) in detecting weak interfacial defects within Carall laminates, a type of hybrid fiber metal laminate (FML). Delamination detectability is analyzed in terms of strong wave dispersion observed downstream of the delaminated sublayer, within a region characterized by acoustic distortion. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model is developed to simulate mode trapping and full-wavefield local displacement. The approach is validated by reproducing experimental results reported in prior studies, including the author’s own work. Results demonstrate that the A0 mode is sensitive to delamination; however, its lateral resolution depends on local position, ply orientation, and dispersion characteristics. Accurately resolving the depth and extent of delamination remains challenging due to the redistribution of peak amplitude in the frequency domain, likely caused by interference effects in the acoustically sensitive delaminated zone. Additionally, angular scattering analysis reveals a complex wave behavior, with most of the energy concentrated along the centerline, despite transmission losses at the metal-composite interfaces in the Carall laminate. The wave interaction with the leading and trailing edges of the delaminations is strongly influenced by the complex wave interference phenomenon and acoustic mismatched regions, leading to an increase in dispersion at the sublayers. Analytical dispersion calculations clarify how wave behavior influences the detectability and resolution of delaminations, though this resolution is constrained, being most effective for weak interfaces located closer to the surface. This study offers critical insights into how the fundamental anti-symmetric Lamb wave mode (A0) interacts with delaminations in highly attenuative, multilayered environments. It also highlights the challenges in resolving the spatial extent of damage in the long-wavelength limit. The findings support the practical application of A0 Lamb waves for structural health assessment of hybrid composites, enabling defect detection at inaccessible depths. Full article

Objectives: Recently, increased attention has been given to pumpkin due to its proved nutritional components, which include antioxidant, antifatigue, and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the present work was to assess the impact of Cucurbita pepo L. (CP) on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced changes in lymphoid organs through evaluating its effect on the histological structure of spleen, thymus gland, and lymph nodes compared to the antidepressant fluoxetine (FLU). Materials and Methods: Fifty male albino rats equally distributed into five groups that included control, control + CP, CUMS-exposed, FLU-treated, and CP-treated groups were used in this study. Rats were exposed to CUMS for 4 weeks, and treatment (either with FLU or CP) was started after 14 days of exposure. Behavior of the rats, serum corticosterone, oxidants/antioxidants profile, proinflammatory cytokines, and gene expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and β-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) were assessed after 28 days. Spleen, thymus gland, and lymph nodes were histopathologically assessed. Results: CP administration significantly reduced the CUMS-induced behavioural changes evident by the significant reduction in immobility time (p = 0.02) and corticosterone level (p < 0.001). Biochemically, CP reduced TNF-α and IL-6 (p < 0.001) and markedly alleviated the changes in oxidants/antioxidants in the serum and lymphoid organs compared to fluoxetine. CP significantly (p < 0.001) reduced CUMS-induced changes in GR and (β2-AR). Histopathologically, CP alleviated changes observed in the spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus gland. It significantly reduced the number of CD4, CD8, CD68, CD20, and caspase-3 immunopositive cells in the studied organs. Conclusions: This study proved the potential efficacy of CP in alleviating depression-associated immunodysregulation either alone or in combination with antidepressant therapy. Full article

With the increasing demand for highway maintenance, enhancing the resource utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has become an urgent and widely studied issue. Although foam asphalt cold recycling technology offers significant benefits in terms of resource utilization and energy saving, it still faces challenges, particularly the poor stability of foam asphalt mixtures. This study focuses on optimizing the performance of foam asphalt recycled mixtures through interface modification, aiming to promote the widespread application of foam asphalt cold recycling technology. Specifically, the research follows these steps: First, the optimal mix ratio of the recycled mixtures was determined based on the fundamental properties of foam asphalt and RAP. Then, zinc oxide, silane coupling agents, and amine anti-stripping agents were introduced to modify the recycled mixtures. At last, a series of tests were conducted to comprehensively evaluate improvements in road performance. The results indicate that the silane coupling agent enhances the low-temperature performance and fatigue. The fracture energy reached 526.71 J/m². Zinc oxide improves the low-temperature cracking resistance and dry shrinkage performance. Amine anti-stripping agents have minimal impact on the low-temperature performance. The linear shrinkage was reduced by 2.6%. The results of TOPSIS indicated that silane coupling agent modification exhibits superior fatigue resistance and low-temperature performance, achieving the highest comprehensive score of 0.666. Although amine-based anti-stripping agents improve fatigue life, they are not suitable for modifying foamed asphalt mixtures due to their detrimental effects on low-temperature performance and moisture resistance. Full article

Background: Optimal nutrition and training regimens are essential for athletes to maximize performance and recovery. Probiotic supplementation, through the modulation of the gut microbiota, and omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, may enhance physiological adaptations when combined with targeted training. This study evaluated the effects of probiotics and omega-3 supplementation, alongside ultra-short race pace training (USRPT), on performance metrics in competitive sprint swimmers. Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 male sprint swimmers (age: 19.2 ± 3.6 years; height: 182.2 ± 5.2 cm; weight: 81.6 ± 4.4 kg) with a minimum of five years of training experience, were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10 per group): (1) Control (CON), (2) USRPT only, (3) Placebo + USRPT (PLA + USRPT), (4) Probiotics + USRPT (PRO + USRPT), (5) Omega-3 + USRPT (OMEGA + USRPT), and (6) Probiotics + Omega-3 + USRPT (PRO + OMEGA + USRPT). Over the eight-week intervention, the participants in PRO + USRPT consumed one multi-strain probiotic capsule daily (4.5 × 10¹¹ CFU) and a placebo capsule. Those in OMEGA + USRPT ingested 1000 mg of fish oil after lunch (500 mg EPA and 180 mg DHA per capsule) paired with a placebo capsule. The combined supplementation group (PRO + OMEGA + USRPT) received both probiotic and omega-3 capsules. The PLA + USRPT group consumed two starch capsules daily. The USRPT protocol was implemented across all the training groups, where the swimmers performed 17 sets of 25 m and 12.5 m sprints based on weekly recorded race times. Performance assessments included pre- and post-test measurements of sprint times (50 m and 100 m freestyle), vertical jump tests (both in water and on dry land), and other strength and endurance metrics (reaction time, agility T-test, sprint index, fatigue index, and velocity). Results: The combined intervention of probiotics and omega-3 with USRPT produced the greatest improvements in performance. The PRO + OMEGA + USRPT group reduced 50 m freestyle time by 1.92% (p = 0.002, pEta² = 0.286) and 100 m freestyle time by 2.48% (p = 0.041, pEta² = 0.229), demonstrating significant Time × Group interactions consistent with a synergistic effect. Additionally, the sprint index improved (pEta² = 0.139, p = 0.013) and reaction time decreased (pEta² = 0.241, p = 0.009) in the combined group, indicating enhanced anaerobic capacity and neuromuscular responsiveness compared to single interventions. Conclusions: This study suggests that combining probiotics and omega-3 supplementation with USRPT leads to synergistic improvements in sprint swimming performance, enhancing anaerobic power and recovery beyond what is achieved with individual interventions. This integrated approach may provide a practical strategy for competitive swimmers seeking to optimize their performance. Future studies should incorporate mechanistic markers, longer intervention durations, and diverse athlete populations to clarify further and extend these findings. Full article

Prolonged ultraviolet (UV) exposure accelerates aging and degradation, while conventional constant-intensity UV simulations do not reflect the variable nature of outdoor radiation. Aging duration and film thickness are both key factors affecting Rubber-Modified Asphalt (RMA), but how their combination influences RMA remains unclear. To address this limitation, this research employed accelerated aging experiments under variable-intensity UV radiation to investigate the performance and aging mechanism of RMA across different aging durations and asphalt film thicknesses. Rheological properties were analyzed through rheological tests, and the UV aging mechanisms of RMA were revealed using FTIR and SEM. The results revealed that crumb rubber improved RMA’s UV aging resistance, including high-temperature performance, fatigue life, and low-temperature cracking resistance. Aging effects were more influenced in RMA with thinner films under prolonged UV exposure. After nine cycles of ultraviolet aging, the rutting resistance, elastic recovery, fatigue life, and low-temperature cracking resistance of RMA with a 1 mm film thickness were 1.33, 1.11, 0.54, and 0.67 times, respectively, those of RMA with a 2 mm film thickness subjected to three UV aging cycles. RMA demonstrated comparable high-temperature performance and elastic recovery under UV aging conditions corresponding to a 1.5 mm film thickness aged for three cycles and a 2.0 mm film thickness aged for six cycles, as well as a 1.0 mm film thickness aged for six cycles and a 1.5 mm film thickness aged for nine cycles. FTIR showed that the increased activity of C=C and C-H under photo-oxidative aging caused a greater impact on the carbonyl groups than the sulfoxide groups. Under high-intensity UV radiation, RMA with thinner films exhibited greater rubber powder detachment, increased surface oxidation, and a substantial widening of cracks. The rubber powder absorbed UV radiation, enhancing the stability of RMA. The maximum crack width of the 1 mm NA was twice that of RMA. These provided insight into the microstructural pattern of cracking resistance degradation caused by aging. This research provides theoretical support for the optimization of the anti-aging performance of RMA. Full article

Aiming at the problems of serious pavement temperature diseases, low efficiency and high loss of ice-breaking methods, high occupancy rate of waste tires and the low utilization rate and insufficient durability of rubber particles, this paper aims to improve the service level of roads and ensure the safety of winter pavements. A pavement material with high efficiency, low carbon and environmental friendliness for active snow melting and ice breaking is developed. Firstly, NaOH, NaClO and KH550 were used to optimize the treatment of rubber particles. The hydrophilic properties, surface morphology and phase composition of rubber particles before and after optimization were studied, and the optimal treatment method of rubber particles was determined. Then, the optimized rubber particles were used to replace the natural aggregate in the polyurethane gel mixture by the volume substitution method, and the optimum polyurethane gel dosages and molding and curing processes were determined. Finally, the influence law of the road performance of RPGM was compared and analyzed by means of an indoor test, and the ice-breaking effect of RPGM was explored. The results showed that the contact angles of rubber particles treated with three solutions were reduced by 22.5%, 30.2% and 36.7%, respectively. The surface energy was improved, the element types on the surface of rubber particles were reduced and the surface impurities were effectively removed. Among them, the improvement effect of the KH550 solution was the most significant. With the increase in rubber particle content from 0% to 15%, the dynamic stability of the mixture gradually increases, with a maximum increase of 23.5%. The maximum bending strain increases with the increase in its content. The residual stability increases first and then decreases with the increase in rubber particle content, and the increase ranges are 1.4%, 3.3% and 0.5%, respectively. The anti-scattering performance increases with the increase in rubber content, and an excessive amount will lead to an increase in the scattering loss rate, but it can still be maintained below 5%. The fatigue life of polyurethane gel mixtures with 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% rubber particles is 2.9 times, 3.8 times, 4.3 times and 4.0 times higher than that of the AC-13 asphalt mixture, respectively, showing excellent anti-fatigue performance. The friction coefficient of the mixture increases with an increase in the rubber particle content, which can be increased by 22.3% compared with the ordinary asphalt mixture. RPGM shows better de-icing performance than traditional asphalt mixtures, and with an increase in rubber particle content, the ice-breaking ability is effectively improved. When the thickness of the ice layer exceeds 9 mm, the ice-breaking ability of the mixture is significantly weakened. Mainly through the synergistic effect of stress coupling, thermal effect and interface failure, the bonding performance of the ice–pavement interface is weakened under the action of driving load cycle, and the ice layer is loosened, broken and peeled off, achieving efficient de-icing. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the profound and lasting impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on the nervous system. Beyond acute infection, SARS-CoV-2 acts as a potent immunomodulatory agent, disrupting immune homeostasis and contributing to persistent inflammation, autoimmunity, and neurodegeneration. Long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is characterized by a spectrum of neurological symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, neuropathy, and mood disturbances. These are linked to immune dysregulation involving cytokine imbalance, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, glial activation, and T-cell exhaustion. Key biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NFL) correlate with disease severity and chronicity. This narrative review examines the immunopathological mechanisms underpinning the neurological sequelae of long COVID, focusing on neuroinflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and molecular mimicry. We also assess the role of viral variants in shaping neuroimmune outcomes and explore emerging diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including biomarker-guided and immune-targeted interventions. By delineating how SARS-CoV-2 reshapes neuroimmune interactions, this review aims to support the development of precision-based diagnostics and targeted therapies for long COVID-related neurological dysfunction. Emerging approaches include immune-modulatory agents (e.g., anti-IL-6), neuroprotective drugs, and strategies for repurposing antiviral or anti-inflammatory compounds in neuro-COVID. Given the high prevalence of comorbidities, personalized therapies guided by biomarkers and patient-specific immune profiles may be essential. Advancements in vaccine technologies and targeted biologics may also hold promise for prevention and disease modification. Finally, continued interdisciplinary research is needed to clarify the complex virus–immune–brain axis in long COVID and inform effective clinical management. Full article

Background: Quasipaa spinosa crude extract (QSce), a natural source rich in proteins such as parvalbumin (PV), has been traditionally used to promote physical recovery. However, its mechanisms in mitigating exercise-induced fatigue remain unclear. Methods: Using a murine treadmill exhaustion model, we evaluated the effects of QS-derived Parvalbumin (QsPV) (30 and 150 mg/kg/day) on endurance capacity, oxidative stress, tissue injury, and muscle function. Indicators measured included time to exhaustion, intracellular calcium levels, antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)], lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), injury markers [creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac troponin I (cTnI)], renal function (blood urea), and muscle force. Results: QsPV-150 significantly increased time to exhaustion by 34.6% compared to the exercise-only group (p < 0.01). It reduced MDA by 41.2% in skeletal muscle and increased SOD and GSH-Px levels by 35.4% and 28.1%, respectively. Serum CK, LDH, and cTnI were reduced by 39.5%, 31.7%, and 26.8%, respectively, indicating protection against muscle and cardiac injury. QsPV also decreased blood urea by 22.3% and improved renal histology, with reduced glomerular damage and tubular lesions. At the molecular level, QsPV restored calcium balance and downregulated calpain-1/2 and atrophy-related genes (MuRF-1, MAFbx-32). Muscle contractile force (GAS and SOL) improved by 12.2–20.3%. Conclusions: QsPV attenuates exercise-induced fatigue through multi-organ protection involving calcium buffering, oxidative stress reduction, and anti-atrophy effects. These findings support its potential as a natural recovery-enhancing supplement, pending further clinical and pharmacokinetic studies. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to explore the unmet palliative care needs among young and middle-aged (YMA) Chinese patients with advanced cancer. Methods: We used the principle of maximum difference. A total of 16 YMA patients with advanced cancer from cancer hospital were recruited. Semi-structured, in-depth, and face-to-face interviews were conducted from 28 August 2023 to 23 October 2023. The recorded audio of each interview was typed into Word software with each personal code. The interview transcripts were coded using the method of inductive content analysis. Results: Four themes and 14 sub-themes were identified in participants’ descriptions of care needs: (1) symptom management needs: need for pain relief, need for anti-emetics, and need for aid in managing fatigue; (2) psychological support needs: help reducing fear of pain, help achieving a better death, and help with parents’ negative reactions; (3) social support needs: taking care of children, emotional support from family members, consultation and emotional support from other cancer patients, and company and guidance of healthcare personnel; (4) information needs: better understanding of disease trajectory and future care needs, better access to palliative care information, and more participation in medical decision-making. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, the unmet palliative care needs of YMA patients with advanced cancer are diverse, but they have not been fully recognized and met. Therefore, medical staff should develop effective management strategies and explore patients’ needs in an all-around way. Future studies will further develop the scale of unmet needs for palliative care to accurately identify needs and improve patients’ quality of life. Full article

Objectives Depression is characterized by a lack of energy, social withdrawal, and fatigue, and it is also associated with increased inflammation in the brain. Some studies suggest that adropin may have anti-inflammatory effects and could reduce the inflammatory processes contributing to depression. Methods: We included 54 newly diagnosed patients experiencing their first episode of depression and 56 healthy volunteers in this study. The participants with depression were divided into three subgroups based on DSM-5 and BDI-II criteria. The focus of the study was to compare adropin levels between depressive patients and healthy volunteers, as well as to monitor changes in adropin levels after six months of treatment for depressive patients. Results: Initial measurements showed no significant differences in standard laboratory parameters or adropin levels between the depression and control groups. However, adropin and vitamin D levels increased in the group of depressive patients during the six-month follow-up. Conclusions: Our research indicates that adropin plays a significant role in the development of depression and may influence the effectiveness of depression treatments. Full article

Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma (C. deserticola), a holoparasitic desert plant traditionally revered as “desert ginseng”, has emerged as a versatile resource with significant applications in both medicinal and dietary contexts. This comprehensive review systematically explores its bioactive constituents, including phenylethanol glycosides (PhGs), iridoids, lignans, and polysaccharides, and elucidates their multifaceted pharmacological properties. Contemporary research substantiates the therapeutic potential of C. deserticola, demonstrating its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Mechanism analysis elucidated its anti-fatigue and immune-enhancing activities, primarily through the modulation of pivotal signaling pathways, including NF-κB, AMPK, and TLR4. The review also highlights recent regulatory advancements in China, which have approved C. deserticola as a functional food ingredient, complementing its traditional uses in kidney yang tonification and promoting intestinal health. Despite its promising attributes, challenges related to sustainable cultivation and clinical application remain. By integrating ethnopharmacological wisdom with modern scientific evidence, this work lays a robust foundation for advancing the applications of C. deserticola in nutraceuticals and therapeutics. Full article

Crumb rubber modification of bituminous binders for asphalt concrete mixture production has been shown to provide significant environmental benefits, in terms of reduced embodied carbon, as well as improvement in the mechanical performance properties of asphalt mixtures. Furthermore, even at low dosages of crumb rubber, significant anti-ageing benefits have been reported, in terms of oxidation and ultra-violet light exposure. However, the effect of low dosage crumb rubber modification on the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures must be understood. This research compared otherwise nominally identical dense-graded asphalt mixtures produced with crumb rubber modified binder at 5%, 10%, and 15% (by weight of the bitumen) and, using short digestion (reflecting field blending) and long digestion (reflecting terminal blending), to two control asphalt mixtures across a range of mechanical properties indicative of stiffness, rutting resistance, fatigue cracking resistance, cold fracture resistance, and moisture damage resistance. It was concluded that 10% was the optimum crumb rubber content and that crumb rubber modification generally improved the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures, particularly the deformation resistance and the fatigue cracking resistance, which were both improved significantly. However, the effect of crumb rubber content and digestion times was variable. Consequently, the decision to field blend (short duration) or terminal blend (long duration) should be based on logistics, and not on asphalt mechanical properties and the associated mixture performance. Full article

This study investigates the effects of two separation processes: traditional separation technology (TST) and refined separation technology (RST), on the characteristics of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and the performance of cold patching asphalt mixtures (CPAM). The research evaluates the RAP separation efficiency, focusing on asphalt content and agglomeration degree, and examines the mechanical, high- and low-temperature, moisture susceptibility, anti-stripping, and fatigue performance of CPAM with varying RAP content (0–75%). A key innovation of this study is the exploration of using RST-RAP for CPAM production in comparison to TST-RAP. The findings reveal that the RST process significantly enhances the separation of coarse aggregates from asphalt mortar, leading to improved gradation, reduced agglomeration, and better overall RAP quality compared to TST. Incorporating RAP into CPAM improved the Marshall stability, with RST-RAP showing higher performance gains than TST-RAP, particularly at higher RAP content. Additionally, the dynamic stability, low-temperature cracking resistance, moisture resistance, and fatigue life of CPAM were positively influenced by RST-RAP, with optimal performance achieved at 25–50% RAP content. In contrast, excessive RAP content, especially with TST-RAP, negatively impacted the mixture’s properties, leading to higher brittleness and reduced stability. This study highlights the novelty of using RST-RAP to enhance CPAM performance, suggesting that the RST process is more effective in improving CPAM performance. However, RAP content should be carefully controlled (25–50% for RST-RAP and ≤25% for TST-RAP) to meet technical standards and ensure optimal durability. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing RAP utilization in sustainable pavement maintenance practices. Full article