Search Results (83)

Corrosion of reinforcing steel remains a major cause of premature deterioration in concrete infrastructure, motivating the development of inhibitors with lower toxicity and reduced environmental impact. This review critically examines recent advances in green and bio-based corrosion inhibitors for reinforced concrete, including plant extracts, agro-industrial residues, naturally occurring organic compounds, proteins, polysaccharides, bio-based coatings, hybrid formulations, and microbial systems. The available evidence is synthesized in terms of chemical functionality, delivery route, adsorption and film-forming mechanisms, electrochemical response, compatibility with cementitious materials, and durability under chloride- and carbonation-related exposure. Many formulations provide substantial inhibition under optimized laboratory conditions through interfacial adsorption, coordination with iron species, passive-film stabilization, suppression of anodic and cathodic reactions, and restriction of aggressive-species transport. However, reported efficiencies are not directly comparable because experimental scale, exposure conditions, dosage, steel preparation, and calculation methods vary considerably. Moreover, long-term reinforced-concrete and field studies remain scarce, while extract standardization, cement compatibility, toxicity, biodegradability, and life-cycle performance are frequently insufficiently addressed. Green and bio-based inhibitors therefore represent a promising but heterogeneous technology class. Their practical implementation requires chemically reproducible formulations, complementary electrochemical and surface evidence, concrete-scale durability assessment, environmental validation, and stage-gated progression toward monitored field applications. Full article

Background: This non-randomized, observational study compared early postoperative inflammation in total hip arthroplasty using standard polymethyl methacrylate cement, pre-chilled polymethyl methacrylate cement, and cementless fixation. Methods: 72 patients (mean age 66.9 ± 8.8) undergoing total hip arthroplasty were divided into three groups (n = 24 each): standard antibiotic-loaded polymethyl methacrylate cement, pre-chilled polymethyl methacrylate cement, and cementless fixation. Serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were measured preoperatively and 24 h postoperatively. Results: All biomarkers increased significantly after surgery (p < 0.001). Postoperative levels were significantly higher in both cemented groups versus the cementless group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the standard and pre-chilled groups for most markers. Conclusions: Cemented arthroplasty was associated with higher early systemic inflammation than cementless fixation, although these differences were heavily confounded by baseline characteristics, including older age, poorer bone quality, and greater comorbidity burden. Addressing limited comparative data on pre-chilled PMMA cement, this prospective observational pilot study found no significant reduction in systemic inflammatory markers with pre-chilling, although local thermal protection cannot be excluded. Only biochemical markers were evaluated; no clinical endpoints were assessed. Consequently, no clinical conclusions can be drawn, and the findings are hypothesis-generating with limited current translational impact. Full article

Enhancing the freeze–thaw resistance of cement-based materials in a green and efficient manner is crucial for hydraulic structures in cold regions. This study investigated the effects of soybean antifreeze protein (AFP) on the freeze–thaw durability of cement mortar through mechanical testing, low-temperature microscopy, NMR analysis, and frost-heaving stress monitoring. The results show that AFP improves freeze–thaw durability, with 0.5% dosage outperforming 1.0%. Relative to the control, the relative ice content at −20 °C decreased from 62.81% to 40.01%, and frost-heaving stress declined from 321.15 kPa to 123.04 kPa. Microscopy and pore structure analyses revealed that AFP transforms ice crystals from needle-like to fine granular forms, inhibiting ordered growth and retarding pore coarsening. A frost-heaving stress model based on the Gibbs–Thomson effect and ice-crystal fractal characteristics indicated that AFP suppresses stress development by reducing effective ice formation, weakening stress transfer, and increasing ice-crystal boundary complexity. This study offers insights for developing green antifreeze admixtures for cement-based materials in cold regions. Full article

Hydroxyapatite–calcium sulfate (HACaS) bone cements have been clinically established. Combining HACaS with an antiresorptive (zoledronic acid, ZA) and osteoanabolic agent (bone morphogenic protein 2; BMP-2) may enhance the performance of HACaS bone cements in challenging indications, but it must be ensured that this does not impair their setting and mechanical properties. This study established a Vicat/Gillmore-inspired indentation protocol to quantify force-based endpoints and the setting of HACaS with biological adjuvants. HACaS was mixed with or without ZA and/or BMP-2 at 0 min and after a 2 min pre-setting phase with reduced NaCl content (lower liquid-to-powder ratio). For each time point (3–90 min), three cylindrical pellets (Ø 4 mm, height 6 mm) underwent single indentation. Setting was defined as the maximum force at needle penetration, and endpoint hardness was defined as peak force at failure. For 24 h endpoints, specimens were incubated in blood at 37 °C. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s H post hoc test was performed per time point (n = 3; 24 h endpoints n = 5). All 2 min protocols showed accelerated setting, consistent with the initial lower liquid-to-powder ratio. ZA significantly delayed setting and remained lowest at 90 min and after 24 h in blood. Mixing sequence and vehicle composition critically influenced early mechanical properties and should be considered in the further preclinical evaluation of HACaS with osteoanabolic or antiresorptive agents. Full article

Treatment for large critical-sized bone defects and impaired fracture healing remain challenging. Clinically used protein-based osteoinductive factors, such as recombinant bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), can be effective; however, they are costly and limited by stability, dose-delivery issues, and safety concerns. Preclinical small molecules offer an alternative because they are chemically stable, scalable to manufacture, and readily integrated for systemic administration or localized release from scaffolds, hydrogels, cements, and implant coatings. With an emphasis on delivery formats and mechanistic themes, this review examines small molecules that have been shown to improve bone regeneration in preclinical models, contrasting those of biological origin with synthetic and repurposed compounds. Across studies, these selected compounds promote osteoblast commitment, differentiation, and matrix mineralization via BMP/Smad signaling and Wnt/beta-catenin (β-catenin) activation, often through glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) inhibition or relief of pathway antagonism or Hedgehog (Hh) pathway stimulation. Beyond osteoinduction, several candidates address issues that commonly limit repair, including angiogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammatory tone, osteoimmune regulation, and suppression of osteoclast-mediated resorption. Direct head-to-head comparisons are rare across both classes and reporting heterogeneity complicates interpretation. Key translational gaps include limited cytotoxicity and immunologic profiling, dose and release optimization, durability of benefit, and insufficient evaluation of rational combinations. More rigorous in vivo studies, including larger animal models and standardized outcome metrics, are needed to prioritize promising candidates and guide clinical development. Full article

Objective: The aim of this case series was to investigate the safety and efficacy of vancomycin–gentamicin embedded PMMA beads (VGPB) in the setting of acute pyogenic soft tissue infections (STIs) of the extremities. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 19 cases diagnosed with pyogenic STIs of the lower or upper extremity in two academic institutions was conducted between January 2017 and December 2023. All patients underwent surgical debridement, systemic antibiotics and intrawound deposition of vancomycin and gentamicin embedded cement beads (2 g of vancomycin plus 1 g of gentamicin diluted in 40 g of PMMA). Upon second look (4th–7th day post-index surgery) the cement beads were removed, serum samples from the surgical site of infection and from peripheral blood were obtained and the concentration of eluted vancomycin and gentamicin was measured. Furthermore, the white blood cell count (WBC), C reactive protein serum levels (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured before the surgical debridement and after the end of the bead therapy. All patients were reevaluated after discharge with a mean follow-up of 4.4 years (range, 1 to 7.6). Results: Wound vancomycin and gentamicin levels were significantly higher than those measured in the serum (34.01 ± 4.47 μg/mL versus 11.96 ± 2.79 μg/mL, p < 0.001 and 5.75 ± 1.22 μg/mL versus 0.51 ± 0.14 μg/mL, p < 0.001 respectively). Serum vancomycin and gentamicin concentrations were below the level of toxicity and no adverse events related to antibiotic-embedded bead treatment were documented. Serum WBC, ESR and CRP levels before debridement (13,446 ± 935.7 c/μL, 42.3 ± 18.7 mm/h and 113.9 ± 20.26 mg/L respectively) were significantly higher than those after the end of treatment (7889 ± 1203.6 c/μL, p < 0.001; 30.3 ± 9.14 mm/h, p = 0.017; and 22.7 ± 6.68 mg/L, p < 0.001 respectively). Two cases (10.5%) had a local recurrence of their STIs. Both of them relapsed within 4 months after their treatment and both had Gram-negative pathogens. Conclusions: Vancomycin–gentamicin PMMA bead pouch therapy appears to be a safe and effective adjuvant treatment for pyogenic soft tissue infections, offering high local antibiotic availability without systemic adverse effects. Full article

Background: Following the earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye in 2023, the resulting demolition dust (DD) negatively impacted air quality and led to an increase in respiratory diseases. Although the harmful effects of crystalline and amorphous silica are known, the effects of hydrated cement dust (HCD), autoclaved aerated concrete dust (AACD), and DD on the lungs have not been sufficiently investigated. This rat study presents the first experimental data on the toxicity of these dusts. Methods: In the study, the structural properties of dust particles smaller than 5 µm were characterized using XRD analysis. Subsequently, 48 female rats were divided into four groups: HCD, AACD, DD, and control. The relevant dust suspensions were administered to the experimental groups, and physiological saline was administered to the control group intranasally a total of five times over a 15-day period, once every 3 days. Subsequently, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, blood, and lung tissues were analyzed. Results: An increase in emphysema was observed in all exposure groups, and this increase was significant in the AAC and HC groups. Inflammation and alveolar wall thickness increased in the HC and DD groups. Goblet cell hyperplasia was detected only in the HC group; increases in CD68⁺ macrophages and TGF-β, as well as elevated hydroxyproline, were detected only in the DD group and supported the fibrotic response (p < 0.05). Neutrophil increase was specific to the AAC group. In all exposure groups, Akt/NF-κB pathway proteins, caspase-9, and MPO levels increased, while Bcl-xl levels decreased (p < 0.05). The findings indicate that the examined dusts trigger inflammation and apoptosis. Conclusion: Exposure to HCD, AACD, and DD causes lung damage by modulating the Akt/NF-κB signaling cascade; it enhances the apoptotic process through Bcl-xl suppression and caspase-9 increase. DD also induces a marked fibrotic response. Full article

Hydraulic calcium silicate cements (HCSCs) are contemporary materials in vital pulp therapy (VPT) and regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) due to their favorable effects on pulpal and periodontal cells, including cell differentiation and hard tissue formation. Recent studies also indicated the involvement of several S100A proteins in inflammatory, differentiation, and mineralization processes of the pulp. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of HCSCs on S100A gene expression in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Human DPSCs were isolated and characterized by multi-lineage stem-cell markers and differentiation protocols. In stimulation experiments hDPSCs were exposed to ProRoot^®MTA, Biodentine^®, IL-1β, and dexamethasone. Cell viability was determined by XTT assay. IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression was measured to analyze proinflammatory response. In addition, odontogenic differentiation and biomineralization assays were conducted (DSPP- and ALP-mRNA expression, ALP activity, and Alizarin Red staining). Differential expression of 13 S100A genes was examined using qPCR. Low concentrations of HCSCs enhanced the proliferation of hDPSCs, whereas higher concentrations exhibited cytotoxic effects. HCSCs induced a pro-inflammatory response and led to odontogenic differentiation and biomineralization. This was accompanied by significant alterations in the expression levels of various S100A genes. ProRoot^®MTA and Biodentine^® significantly affect the expression of several S100A genes in hDPSCs, supporting their role in inflammation, differentiation, and mineralization. These findings indicate a link between the effects of HCSCs on human pulp cells during VPT or RET and S100A proteins. Full article

The massive influx of pelagic Sargassum in the Caribbean poses a serious environmental, social, and economic problem, as the stranded biomass is often treated as waste and deposited in landfills. This literature review synthesizes recent research highlighting its potential for valorization in various industries, turning this challenge into an opportunity. Sargassum has low levels of protein and lipids. Still, it is particularly rich in carbohydrates, such as alginates, fucoidans, mannitol, and cellulose, as well as secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, pigments, and phytosterols with antioxidant and bioactive properties. These biochemical characteristics allow for its application in renewable energy (bioethanol, biogas, biodiesel, and combustion), agriculture (fertilizers and biostimulants), construction (composite materials, cement additives, and insulation), bioremediation (adsorption of heavy metals and dyes), and in the health sector (antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and pharmacological uses). A major limitation is its high bioaccumulation capacity for heavy metals, particularly arsenic, which increases environmental and health risks and limits its direct use in food and feed. Therefore, innovative pretreatment and bioprocessing are essential to mitigate these risks. The most promising approach for its utilization is a biorefinery model, which allows for the sequential extraction of multiple high-value compounds and energy products to maximize benefits, reduce costs, and sustainably transform Sargassum from a coastal pest into a valuable industrial resource. Full article

This review summarizes recent advances in biomolecule-mediated exfoliation of graphene and related materials, and discusses their emerging applications in dental medicine. Natural biomolecules, including polyphenols, proteins and polysaccharides, are evaluated as exfoliating agents, emphasizing their influence on the structural and biological properties of graphene and related materials. Particular attention is given to how the synthesis methodologies affects physicochemical properties of the resulting materials and, in turn, biological and mechanical properties. The practical relevance of these materials in dentistry is demonstrated through their applications as functional fillers in dental cements, luting agents, endodontic sealers, and restorative composites, as well as advanced protective coatings for dental substrates and devices. Mechanistic insights into how exfoliation-driven structural modifications dictate material performance in specific dental applications are provided. Collectively, the findings highlight that biomolecule-mediated approaches represent a sustainable, scalable, and versatile strategy for engineering graphene-based materials that simultaneously meet functional requirements and biocompatibility standards essential for successful dental applications. Full article

Introduction: Genes in the endolysosome and autophagy pathways are major contributors to hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). A pathogenetic link between HSP and Alzheimer disease (AD) involving macroautophagy is well established. Sortilin-related receptor 1 (SORL1), an endosomal trafficking protein, plays a key role in glutamatergic neuron homeostasis and white matter tract integrity. Until now, SORL1 has only been associated with dominant AD and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Methods: A case of HSP with cerebroretinal vasculopathy (CRV) negative on exome sequencing was further investigated using whole-genome sequencing. RNA-seq, Western blot, and immunofluorescence imaging were performed to explore a potential loss-of-function mechanism. Results: Sequencing revealed a biallelic SORL1 splice donor variant (c.1211 + 1G > A). Transcriptomics confirmed nonsense-mediated decay and aberrant splicing, predicting a disrupted reading frame. Reduced SORLA protein levels and significant enlargement of endolysosomes in patient-derived fibroblasts further cemented the pathogenicity of the variant. Conclusions: The probability that SORL1 acts as a recessive disease-causing gene gathers support from the following data: SORL1 genomic constraint score pRec = 1, high meiotic recombination rates on the locus, phenotype of Sorl1^−/− mice reminiscent of HSP with CRV, and endolysosomal enlargement in SORL1^−/− glutamatergic neurons in vitro. Taken together, SORL1 is probably a new candidate for a recessive form of complicated HSP. Full article

Biopolymers, owing to their environmentally friendly and sustainable characteristics, have become a promising alternative for soil stabilization in geotechnical engineering. The application of protein-based biopolymers as binders for soil stabilization is less prevalent in geotechnical engineering compared to polysaccharide-based biopolymers. This study explores the potential of gelatin, a protein-based biopolymer derived from animal collagen, for stabilizing silty sand and improving its geotechnical properties. Gelatin was mixed into the soil at concentrations ranging from 0.25% to 2% of the dry weight of soil, and its effects on various soil characteristics were evaluated. The tests conducted include liquid limit, plastic limit, compaction behavior, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS); the addition of 1% gelatin led to an approximate 1.69 times increase in the strength of the unamended soil. After 28 days of curing, the UCS improved by approximately 5.03 times compared to the untreated soil, and the treated soil exhibited increased resistance to deformation under load. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that gelatin facilitated the formation of a cohesive matrix, enhancing particle bonding and reducing void spaces within the soil. Carbon footprint analysis (CFA) conducted on an isolated footing stabilized with gelatin showed that the carbon emissions were reduced by 99.8% and 99% compared to traditional stabilizers such as lime and cement. Additionally, the interaction between the biopolymer and the fine-grained soil is distinctly evident in the FTIR and XRD analysis through hydrogen bonding and the formation of cementitious compounds. Full article

The tilapia (Oreochromis) aquaculture industry in Malaysia has expanded rapidly to meet the increasing demand for animal protein. However, this growth is challenged by microbial infections, particularly those caused by the emerging pathogen Aeromonas dhakensis. This study aimed to investigate the microbial community composition across four distinct tilapia farming systems and assess associated water physicochemical parameters, with a focus on detecting the presence of A. dhakensis and elucidating its environmental associations. Water physicochemical parameters were measured to evaluate environmental conditions, microbial communities were characterized through 16S rDNA metabarcoding, and A. dhakensis was detected using both microbiological and molecular approaches. Principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were employed to explore the influence of environmental variables and microbial community dynamics on pathogen occurrence. Our results indicated that floating cages exhibited higher levels of temperature, ammonium, and fecal coliform, while cement tanks showed signs of nutrient accumulation. PCA revealed that both systems were associated with degraded water quality. A total of 45 A. dhakensis strains with distinct fingerprints were isolated. The 16S metabarcoding revealed Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Planctomycetota as the dominant phyla. Alpha diversity did not differ significantly among pond systems, while beta diversity revealed variations in microbial assemblages across aquaculture systems. CCA identified dissolved oxygen, temperature, macronutrients (phosphate, ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite), and turbidity as significant environmental drivers shaping the microbial community structure across the pond systems. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of environmental factors, particularly dissolved oxygen, temperature, and nutrient levels, in shaping microbial community composition and potentially influencing the presence of pathogenic bacteria such as A. dhakensis. These findings underscore the need for improved environmental management in tilapia aquaculture to mitigate disease risks and support fish health. Full article

Biodentine, a tricalcium silicate cement, has emerged as a retrograde root-end filling material to promote periapical lesion (PL) healing after apicoectomy. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that Biodentine stimulates the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from PLs. The Biodentine extract (B-Ex) was prepared by incubating polymerized Biodentine in RPMI medium (0.2 g/mL) for three days at 37 °C. B-Ex, containing both released microparticles and soluble components, was incubated with PL-MSCs cultured in either a basal MSC medium or suboptimal osteogenic medium. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by Alizarin Red staining and the expression of 20 osteoblastogenesis-related genes. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of B-Ex stimulated the proliferation of PL-MSCs and induced their osteogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, with a significantly enhanced effect in suboptimal osteogenic medium. B-Ex upregulated most early and late osteoblastic genes. However, the differentiation process was prolonged, as indicated by the delayed expression of wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 2 (WNT2), bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein (BGLAP), bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), growth hormone receptor (GHR), and FOS-like 2, AP-1 transcription factor subunit (FOSL2), compared with their expression under optimal osteogenic conditions. The stimulatory effect of B-Ex was primarily calcium dependent, as it was reduced by 85% when B-Ex was treated with the calcium-chelating agent EGTA. In conclusion, Biodentine promotes the osteogenic differentiation of PL-MSCs in a calcium-dependent manner, supporting its stimulatory role in periapical healing. Full article

A feeding trial was conducted for 120 days in a pilot field condition to evaluate ginger powder (GP; Zingiber officinale) as a feed supplement for Labeo rohita to improve immunity, blood metabolic profile, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila bacterial infection. The study was conducted following a complete randomized design in outdoor cemented tanks (20 m²) with a stocking density of 30 fish (average weight: 20.5 g) per tank. L. rohita fingerlings were divided into five groups and fed a diet with no GP supplementation (control diet; C) or a diet supplemented with 5 g (GP5), 10 g (GP10), 15 g (GP15), or 20 g (GP20) of GP per kg of the control diet. The results showed that fish well-being, determined by measuring the condition factor, remained higher than 1.0 for all the experimental groups. The condition factors of all the groups were not significantly different between the groups, suggesting GP had no negative impact on overall fish health. Immune responses significantly improved in the groups fed with diets supplemented with GP at doses of 10 to 15 g per kg of their diet, as seen in respiratory burst activity, total immunoglobulins, and lysozyme activity at 60 and 120 days. Blood metabolic variables, particularly the albumin level, tended to show some level of improvement in the GP15-fed group. However, the effect was not significant. Total protein and globulin levels and the albumin/globulin ratio were not significantly affected by dietary GP. Importantly, fish fed the GP15 diet showed the highest resistance to the A. hydrophila challenge. In conclusion, ginger powder holds promise as a health-promoting nutraceutical for farmed L. rohita, contributing to their sustainable farming. Full article