Search Results (38)

Rosa damascena Mill., widely recognized for its remarkable skincare benefits, is extensively used in the cosmeceutical industry. This study introduces a novel green approach to extract bioactive compounds from R. damascena for cosmeceutical applications while also evaluating its stability in terms of physical, chemical, and biological properties. R. damascena petals were extracted using deionized water instead of organic solvents, using various green extraction methods, including infusion, microwave, ultrasound, pulsed electric field, and micellar extraction. Their chemical composition was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The extract with the highest concentration of bioactive compounds was further evaluated for its cosmeceutical properties and stability and compared with its individual chemical components. Various factors influencing stability were evaluated, including pH level (5, 7, and 9), temperature (4 °C, 30 °C, and 45 °C), and light exposure. The findings indicate that the extract obtained through microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) contained the highest concentration of bioactive constituents, with corilagin being the most abundant, followed by cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, gallic acid, ellagic acid, L-ascorbic acid, and rutin, respectively. Additionally, MAE exhibited excellent antioxidant, whitening, and anti-skin-aging effects, demonstrating significantly higher activities than both the positive control (L-ascorbic acid for antioxidant effects, kojic acid for anti-tyrosinase effects, and epigallocatechin gallate and oleanolic acid for anti-skin-aging effects) and the individual chemical constituents. However, the physico-chemical and biological stability of MAE was influenced by pH, temperature, and light exposure, and as such, light-protected and controlled temperature (not exceeding 30 °C) is essential to maintain the extract’s efficacy in skincare products, and optimal formulation strategies are strongly recommended to ensure long-term stability. Full article

Background: An over-the-counter vasoconstrictive nasal solution with oxymetazoline (NS-OXY, 0.05%) has the potential to be used as a dental pulpal hemostatic medicament. A molecular engineering approach examined NS-OXY and its molecular constituent’s antimicrobial and blood biomass removal efficacy. Methods: An ex vivo cavity model was developed where standardized prepared teeth were exposed overnight to a model dentinal caries pathogen, S. mutans, and then exposed to sheep’s blood for 10 min, which simulated a pulpal exposure. Cavity preparations were rinsed with OXY (0.05%), benzalkonium chloride (BKC-0.025%), NS-OXY (with OXY-0.05% and BKC), ferric sulfate (20%;ViscoStat, FS), and distilled water (DI). For examining the bactericidal effect of NS-OXY, a disk diffusion antimicrobial assay was used where S. mutans was grown (20 h) on brain heart infusion (BHI) w/0.5% glucose agar plates and exposed to the treatment groups. Results: NS-OXY-treated samples had a lower residual bacterial or blood biomass than FS (p = 0.003). The diffusion test showed that NS-OXY, BKC, and FS had zones of inhibition greater than 10 mm, with NS-OXY having higher activity against S. mutans than FS (p = 0.0002), but lower than BKC (p = 0.0082). Conclusions: NS-OXY may be considered as a dental hemostatic agent after traumatic and carious pulpal exposure owing to NS-OXY’s antimicrobial and vasoconstrictive properties. Full article

The dialysis membrane based on a hydrophilic polymer (Hydrolink NV) was designed to enhance the movement of adsorbed water at the blood–membrane interface, aiming to achieve antithrombogenic and antifouling effects. This study aimed to assess the performance and albumin loss of the Hydrolink NV dialyzer in hemodialysis (HD) and post-dilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) with different infusion flows (Qis) and compare it with the hydrophilic FX CorAL dialyzer in post-dilution HDF. A prospective study was carried out in 20 patients. Patients underwent five dialysis sessions with the same routine dialysis parameters: four sessions with the Toraylight NV 2.1 (HD, post-dilution HDF with 50, 75 or auto-substitution Qi) and one with the FX CorAL 800 (post-dilution HDF with auto-substitution Qi). The reduction ratios’ (RRs’) wide range of molecular weight molecules were assessed and the dialysate albumin loss was quantified. The lowest β₂-microglobulin, indoxyl-sulfate, and p-cresyl sulfate RR values were observed with the Toraylight NV 2.1 in HD, and they improved progressively with an increased Qi, without differences being observed between the two dialyzers in auto-substitution. A different removal profile was observed in terms of myoglobin, kFLC, prolactin, α₁-microglobulin, α₁-acid glycoprotein, and λFLC, whose RRs also improved progressively with an increased Qi but were significantly higher with the Toraylight NV than the CorAL in the same convective condition. There were significant differences in the albumin dialysate losses, with the highest value obtained with the Toraylight NV in auto-substitution HDF, with more than 50% of patients surpassing 5 g per session. The Toraylight NV dialyzer has great potential for efficacy but should be used at the optimal convective volume (Qi not exceeding 75 mL/min or FF not exceeding 25%) to avoid excessive albumin loss. Full article

Clostridioides difficile is widely recognised as one of the most common causes of healthcare-associated C. difficile infections due to the ability of spores to survive for prolonged periods in the hospital environment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of UV-C 254 nm light in the inactivation of the spores of different C. difficile ribotypes on brain heart infusion (BHI) agar plates or in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with varying spore densities. Furthermore, the effectiveness of a sporicidal surface disinfectant against C. difficile spores was determined on different surfaces. Spore suspensions of different C. difficile strains in the range of 10⁵–10⁷ colony-forming units (CFUs) mL⁻¹ were inoculated on BHI agar plates or in PBS and exposed to UV-C light for up to 30 min. Additionally, a spore suspension of 10³–10⁵ CFUs was spread over a 1 cm² test area on different surfaces, and sporicidal surface wipes were used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The findings demonstrated that spores of C. difficile ribotypes exhibited a complete reduction in log₁₀ CFU on BHI agar plates and PBS following 20 min of exposure to a UV-C dose of 2208 mJ cm⁻². The surface wipes with sporicidal properties demonstrated efficacy in reducing the number of C. difficile spores on the Formica, stainless steel, and plastic surfaces by 2.03–3.53 log₁₀. The present study demonstrates that moist surfaces or liquids can enhance the efficacy of UV-C treatment in reducing C. difficile spores. This approach may be applicable to the surfaces of healthcare facilities and to water disinfection systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Schisandra chinensis Fructus (SCF) is a traditional medicinal herb containing lignans that improves glucose metabolism by mitigating insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential and action mechanism of SCF for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using a network pharmacology analysis, followed by experimental validation in an AD rat model. Methods: The biological activities of SCF’s bioactive compounds were assessed through a network pharmacology analysis. An AD rat model was generated by infusing amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) (25–35) into the hippocampus to induce Aβ accumulation. The AD rats were fed either 0.5% dextrin (AD-Con) or 0.5% SCF (AD-SCF group) in a high-fat diet for seven weeks. The rats in the normal/control group received an Aβ (35–25) infusion (no Aβ deposition) and were fed a control diet (Normal-C). Aβ deposition, memory function, inflammation, and glucose/lipid metabolism were evaluated. Results: The network analysis revealed significant intersections between AD-related targets and bioactive SCF compounds, like gomisin A, schisandrin, and longikaurin A. Key AD genes prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 (PTGS2, cyclooxygenase-2) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were linked to SCF compounds. In the rats with AD induced by bilaterally infusing amyloid-β (25–35) into the hippocampus, the 0.5% SCF intake mitigated hippocampal amyloid-β deposition, neuroinflammation, memory deficits, and dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism versus the AD controls. SCF reduced hippocampal AChE activity, inflammatory cytokine expression related to PTGS2, and malondialdehyde contents and preserved neuronal cell survival-related factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor similar to normal rats. The neuroprotective effects validated the network analysis findings. Conclusions: SCF could be a potential AD therapeutic agent by activating the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce hippocampal oxidative stress and inflammation, warranting further clinical investigations of its efficacy. Full article

Straw, a predominant agricultural residue, represents a significant waste product. Harnessing its potential is of paramount importance both in terms of research and economic value. In this study, chemically pretreated corn straw was infused with distinct microbial fungal mycelium variants and subsequently transformed into a series of biochars through a process involving carbonization and activation. The findings revealed enhancements in the specific surface area and total pore volume of mycelium-doped straw biochars compared to the original corn straw biochar (BCS). Additionally, discernible disparities were observed in their physical and chemical attributes, encompassing functional groups, surface chemistry, and micro-morphology. Notably, in water-based antibiotic removal experiments focusing on tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) and chloramphenicol (CP), the mycelium-doped straw biochars outperformed BCS. Their maximum adsorption capacities for TH and CP surpassed those of alternative adsorbents, including other biochars. Impressively, even after five cycles, the biochar exhibited a removal rate exceeding 80%, attesting to its robust stability. This study successfully emphasized the efficacy of incorporating fungal mycelium to enhance the adsorption properties of straw-based biochar, introducing a new theoretical basis for the development of lignocellulosic materials. Full article

Retinaldehyde (RAL), or retinal, is a vitamin A derivative that is widely used for several skin conditions. However, it is light sensitive and has low water solubility, limiting its efficiency in transdermal delivery. This study developed a novel delivery system for retinal (RAL) using flexible liposomes (FLPs) infused with α-tocopherol succinate (α-TS) to improve stability, and enhance skin permeability. The RAL-FLPs were embedded in pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) hydrogels, creating a delivery platform that supports prolonged skin residence and efficient permeation of RAL. The stability and skin permeation as well as human skin irritation and adhesion capabilities were assessed to determine the formulation’s safety and efficacy. Our findings suggested that the addition of α-TS could improve liposomal stability and RAL chemical stability. Moreover, the skin permeation and fluorescence microscopic-based studies suggested that the addition of α-TS could enhance skin permeability of RAL through hair follicles. The RAL-FLP was embedded in PSA hydrogels fabricated from 25% Gantrez^TM S-97 (GT) and 1% hyaluronic acid (Hya) with aluminum as a crosslinker. The PSA hydrogel exhibited desirable peeling and tacking strengths. The developed hydrogels also demonstrated greater skin deposition of RAL compared with its aqueous formulation. Additionally, the RAL-FLP-embedded PSA hydrogels showed no skin irritation and maintained better adhesion for up to 24 h compared to commercial patches. Hence, the developed hydrogels could serve as a beneficial platform for delivering RAL in treating skin conditions. Full article

In recent years, various drug delivery systems circumventing the blood–brain barrier have emerged for treating brain tumors. This study aimed to improve the efficacy of brain tumor treatment in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation to deliver boronophenylalanine (BPA) to targeted tumors. Previous experiments have demonstrated that boron accumulation in the brain cells of normal rats remains comparable to that after intravenous (IV) administration, despite BPA being administered via CSF at significantly lower doses (approximately 1/90 of IV doses). Based on these findings, BNCT was conducted on glioma model rats at the Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute (KUR), with BPA administered via CSF. This method involved implanting C6 cells into the brains of 8-week-old Wistar rats, followed by administering BPA and neutron irradiation after a 10-day period. In this study, the rats were divided into four groups: one receiving CSF administration, another receiving IV administration, and two control groups without BPA administration, with one subjected to neutron irradiation and the other not. In the CSF administration group, BPA was infused from the cisterna magna at 8 mg/kg/h for 2 h, while in the IV administration group, BPA was intravenously administered at 350 mg/kg via the tail vein over 1.5 h. Thermal neutron irradiation (5 MW) for 20 min, with an average fluence of 3.8 × 10¹²/cm², was conducted at KUR’s heavy water neutron irradiation facility. Subsequently, all of the rats were monitored under identical conditions for 7 days, with pre- and post-irradiation tumor size assessed through MRI and pathological examination. The results indicate a remarkable therapeutic efficacy in both BPA-administered groups (CSF and IV). Notably, the rats treated with CSF administration exhibited diminished BPA accumulation in normal tissue compared to those treated with IV administration, alongside maintaining excellent overall health. Thus, CSF-based BPA administration holds promise as a novel drug delivery mechanism in BNCT. Full article

This study aims to assess the functionality of a bio-derived additive, comprising rice bran wax infused with green tea, as an environmentally sustainable and adaptable pigment for wood coatings. Additionally, the effectiveness of the bio-based additive, in conjunction with a specialized UV absorber to enhance color consistency under harsh conditions, was examined. Aesthetic impact was analyzed through evaluations of color, gloss, and surface roughness. Moreover, the stability of the wax-based powder in aggressive environments was characterized by subjecting samples to UV-B and climatic chamber exposure. The barrier properties of the additive were investigated using a water uptake test and contact angle measurements, while liquid resistance tests were conducted to gauge its efficacy. Lastly, the protective role of the bio-based additive was analyzed through scrub tests and surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy. Findings underscored the versatility of the green additive as a multifunctional pigment, offering not only color enhancement but also robust protective capabilities. Its unique combination of color, mattifying effect, barrier enhancement, and protective function position it as an attractive bio-based additive for wood coatings with functional applications. Full article

The global demand for energy is on the rise, accompanied by increasing requirements for low-carbon environmental protection. In recent years, China’s “double carbon action” initiative has brought about new development opportunities across various sectors. The concept of energy pile foundation aims to harness geothermal energy, aligning well with green, low-carbon, and sustainable development principles, thus offering extensive application prospects in engineering. Drawing from existing research globally, this paper delves into four key aspects impacting the thermodynamic properties of energy piles: the design of buried pipes, pile structure, heat storage materials within the pipe core, and soil treatment around the pile using carbon fiber urease mineralization. Leveraging the innovative mineralization technique known as urease-induced carbonate mineralization precipitation (EICP), this study employs COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software to analyze heat transfer dynamics and establish twelve sets of numerical models for energy piles. The buried pipe design encompasses two types, U-shaped and spiral, while the pile structure includes concrete solid energy piles and tubular energy piles. Soil conditions around the pile are classified into undisturbed sand and carbon fiber-infused EICP mineralized sand. Different inner core heat storage materials such as air, water, unaltered sand, and carbon fiber-based EICP mineralized sand are examined within tubular piles. Key findings indicate that spiral buried pipes outperform U-shaped ones, especially when filled with liquid thermal energy storage (TES) materials, enhancing temperature control of energy piles. The carbon fiber urease mineralization technique significantly improves heat exchange between energy piles and surrounding soil, reducing soil porosity to 4.9%. With a carbon fiber content of 1.2%, the ultimate compressive strength reaches 1419.4 kPa. Tubular energy piles mitigate pile stress during summer temperature fluctuations. Pile stress distribution varies under load and temperature stresses, with downward and upward friction observed at different points along the pile length. Overall, this research underscores the efficacy of energy pile technologies in optimizing energy efficiency while aligning with sustainable development goals. Full article

Tannins, present in numerous plants, exhibit a binding affinity for proteins. In this study, we aimed to exploit this property to reduce the concentration of allergenic egg white proteins. Tannins were extracted, using hot water, from the lyophilized powder of underutilized resources, such as chestnut inner skin (CIS), young persimmon fruit (YPF), and bayberry leaves (BBLs). These extracts were then incorporated into an egg white solution (EWS) to generate an egg white gel (EWG). Allergen reduction efficacy was assessed using electrophoresis and ELISA. Our findings revealed a substantial reduction in allergenic proteins across all EWGs containing a 50% tannin extract. Notably, CIS and BBL exhibited exceptional efficacy in reducing low allergen levels. The addition of tannin extract resulted in an increase in the total polyphenol content of the EWG, with the order of effectiveness being CIS > YPF > BBL. Minimal color alteration was observed in the BBL-infused EWG compared to the other sources. Additionally, the introduction of tannin extract heightened the hardness stress, with BBL demonstrating the most significant effect, followed by CIS and YPF. In conclusion, incorporating tannin extract during EWG preparation was found to decrease the concentration of allergenic proteins while enhancing antioxidant properties and hardness stress, with BBL being particularly effective in preventing color changes in EWG. Full article

The development of slippery surfaces has been widely investigated due to their excellent icephobic properties. A distinct kind of an ice-repellent structure known as a slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) has recently drawn attention due to its simplicity and efficacy as a passive ice-protection method. These surfaces are well known for exhibiting very low ice adhesion values (τice < 20 kPa). In this study, pure Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers were fabricated using the electrospinning process to produce superhydrophobic (SHS) porous coatings on samples of the aeronautical alloy AA6061-T6. Due to the high fluorine–carbon bond strength, PTFE shows high resistance and chemical inertness to almost all corrosive reagents as well as extreme hydrophobicity and high thermal stability. However, these unique properties make PTFE difficult to process. For this reason, to develop PTFE fibers, the electrospinning technique has been used by an PTFE nanoparticles (nP PTFE) dispersion with addition of a very small amount of polyethylene oxide (PEO) followed with a sintering process (380 °C for 10 min) to melt the nP PTFE together and form uniform fibers. Once the porous matrix of PTFE fibers is attached, lubricating oil is added into the micro/nanoscale structure in the SHS in place of air to create a SLIPS. The experimental results show a high-water contact angle (WCA) ≈ 150° and low roll-off angle (αroll-off) ≈ 22° for SHS porous coating and a decrease in the WCA ≈ 100° and a very low αroll-off ≈ 15° for SLIPS coating. On one hand, ice adhesion centrifuge tests were conducted for two types of icing conditions (glaze and rime) accreted in an ice wind tunnel (IWT), as well as static ice at different ice adhesion centrifuge test facilities in order to compare the results for SHS, SLIPs and reference materials. This is considered a preliminary step in standardization efforts where similar performance are obtained. On the other hand, the ice adhesion results show 65 kPa in the case of SHS and 4.2 kPa of SLIPS for static ice and <10 kPa for rime and glace ice. These results imply a significant improvement in this type of coatings due to the combined effect of fibers PTFE and silicon oil lubricant. Full article

Aquatic environments face contamination by pharmaceuticals, prompting concerns due to their toxicity even at low concentrations. To combat this, we developed an ecologically sustainable biosurfactant derived from a microorganism and integrated it into bacterial cellulose (BC). This study aimed to evaluate BC’s efficacy, with and without the biosurfactant, as a sorbent for paracetamol and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in water. We cultivated BC membranes using Gluconacetobacter xylinus ATCC 53582 and synthesized the biosurfactant through pre-inoculation of Bacillus subtilis in a synthetic medium. Subsequently, BC membranes were immersed in the biosurfactant solution for incorporation. Experiments were conducted using contaminated water, analyzing paracetamol concentrations via spectrophotometry and EE2 levels through high-performance liquid chromatography. Results indicated BC’s superior adsorption for EE2 over paracetamol. Incorporating the biosurfactant reduced hormone adsorption but enhanced paracetamol sorption. Notably, original and freeze-dried BC exhibited better adsorption efficacy than biosurfactant-infused BC. In conclusion, BC showed promise in mitigating EE2 contamination, suggesting its potential for environmental remediation. Future research could focus on optimizing biosurfactant concentrations to enhance sorption capabilities without compromising BC’s inherent effectiveness. Full article

The overall prevalence of hyponatremia in cirrhotics is around 50%. Hypovolemic hyponatremia is a result of excessive fluid loss caused mostly by diuretic treatment or diarrhea. More common is hypervolemic hyponatremia, which results from excessive activation of water and sodium-retaining mechanisms caused by effective arterial hypovolemia. This review focuses on the associations of hyponatremia with clinical outcomes and reviews the available data on its management. Hyponatremia is a strong predictor of mortality and is also associated with an increased probability of hepatorenal syndrome, disturbance of consciousness, infections, and unfavorable post-transplant outcomes. In the management of hyponatremia, it is crucial to distinguish between hypovolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia. The treatment of hypervolemic hyponatremia should be started only in symptomatic patients. The cessation of the treatment with traditional diuretics and fluid restriction may prevent further decrease in natremia. Pharmacological treatment is directed towards cirrhosis itself, precipitating factor, or hyponatremia directly. Currently, only albumin infusions can be recommended routinely. Other possibilities, such as vaptans, splanchnic vasoconstrictors, niravoline, or osmotic diuretics, are restricted to specific use cases (e.g., imminent liver transplantation) or need more research to determine their efficacy. We tried to summarize the management of hyponatremia into a concise flowchart. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deposition of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) and subsequent oxidative inflammatory response, leading to brain damage and memory loss. This study explores the potential of Antrodia cinnamomea (AC), a Taiwan-native fungus known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The metabolites of AC, including dehydroeburicoic acid (DEA), 4-acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB), dehydrosulphurenic acid (DSA), and polysaccharides, were of particular interest. In the experiment, deep ocean water (DOW) was used to facilitate the solid-state fermentation of Antrodia cinnamomea NTTU 206 (D-AC), aiming to enhance its functional components. The impact of D-AC on the modulation of AD-related risk factors and the augmentation of cognitive abilities was subsequently evaluated in an AD rat model. This model was established via consecutive infusions of Aβ40 into the brain over a 28-day period. The administration of D-AC resulted in remarkable improvements in the rats’ reference memory, spatial probe test, and working memory. Notably, it restored the hippocampal magnesium levels by upregulating the expression of the magnesium transporter MAGT1. Concurrently, D-AC significantly downregulated the expressions of β-secretase 1 (BACE1) and the phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau), which were both implicated in AD progression. Additionally, it mitigated inflammatory responses, as suggested by the decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Ultimately, the ability of D-AC to restore the brain magnesium levels, attenuate inflammatory responses, and reduce hippocampal Aβ40 deposition led to significant improvements in the cognitive decline of AD rats. D-AC demonstrated a comparable efficacy with its counterpart, AC fruiting bodies (F-AC group), despite their componential differences. This study underscores the potential of D-AC, enriched through fermentation, as a novel dietary strategy for Alzheimer’s disease prevention. Full article