Search Results (10,965)

Pancreatic islet (PI) transplantation (Tx) to the portal vein is an established therapeutic modality for selected type 1 diabetic patients. However, a comprehensive review considering the effects of PIs on surrounding liver tissue is lacking. Typical interactions can be detected in the early and delayed phases. This review summarizes known side effects of PI transplantation. In early phase the interaction occurs immediately upon contact of the PI into portal vein blood. Mechanical obstruction, exacerbated by thrombosis as part of the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR), leads to ischemic injury to adjacent liver tissue. Delayed changes, such as focal steatosis and glycogen accumulation appear days to weeks after Tx and are caused by local overstimulation of hepatocytes by insulin in supraphysiological concentrations. In animal models these lesions could progress over months to cystic cholangiomas or hepatocellular carcinomas. Such neoplastic changes have been observed in experimental animals; they have not been reported in human patients. In conclusion, while PITx into the liver is not an optimal procedure, it currently represents the site offering the best functional integration of the graft. The adverse effects discussed are pronounced but generally not severe, nor do they appear to compromise the overall health status of the recipients. Full article

To address the challenge of removing copper from copper–ammonia complex wastewater in the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, this study employed natural chitosan (CTS) as the base material. Dithiocarbamate (DTC) groups were grafted onto CTS, followed by further carboxylation (-COOH) to produce two novel adsorbents: DTC-CTS and DTC-CTS-COOH. The materials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), SEM, and related techniques. The effects of solution pH, adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and regeneration performance were systematically investigated. Characterization results confirmed the successful introduction of DTC and carboxyl (-COOH) groups. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that DTC-CTS-COOH exhibited superior Cu²⁺ adsorption performance across pH 5–8, achieving a removal efficiency of (97.67 ± 1.3)% at pH 7. Its adsorption behavior followed the Langmuir model, with a maximum adsorption capacity (Q_m) of 234.8 mg·g⁻¹ at 318.15 K, significantly higher than that of DTC-CTS (183.6 mg·g⁻¹). Adsorption kinetics conformed to a pseudo-second-order model, indicating rapid adsorption rates. After five adsorption-desorption cycles, DTC-CTS-COOH maintained a Cu²⁺ removal rate above 68.41%. The synergistic interaction between -COOH and DTC functional groups enhanced the adsorbent’s capacity, rate, and pH adaptability, demonstrating that DTC-CTS-COOH holds strong potential for application in the treatment of complex copper–ammonia wastewater. Full article

Nanomaterial-based hole transport layers (HTLs) play a vital role in regulating interfacial charge extraction and recombination in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To improve PSC efficiency, hydrothermally synthesized CeO₂@MoS₂ nanocomposites (CM NCs) were incorporated as an interfacial buffer layer into a NiO_X/MeO-2PACz HTL. The introduction of CM NCs induces strong interfacial interactions, where Mo sites in MoS₂ interact with NiO_X, modulating the Ni²⁺/Ni³⁺ ratio and reducing the interfacial trap density. Moreover, CeO₂ promotes the formation of oxygen vacancies, collectively improving the conductivity and hole transport capability of the NiO_X HTL. The MoS₂-grafted CeO₂ interlayer effectively tailors the interfacial energetics and creates an effective channel for hole transfer, thereby reducing open-circuit voltage (V_OC) loss and enhancing device performance. This interface modification efficiently enhances hole extraction, and non-radiative recombination is effectively suppressed at the NiO_X/MeO-2PACz/perovskite interface. Thereby, incorporating 2 vol% CM NCs into PSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.93%, compared to 17.50% for a 1 vol% CM NCs-based device and 17.01% for the unmodified control device. The enhanced performance at the optimized CM NCs concentration is attributed to effective defect passivation, reduced V_OC loss, and improved interfacial band alignment, which together facilitate hole extraction and suppress non-radiative recombination. However, excessive CM NCs incorporation (4 vol%) leads to increased interfacial resistance, partial hole blocking effects associated with the n-type nature of CeO₂, and aggravated recombination, resulting in degraded device performance. These results demonstrate that precise control over CM NCs interlayer thickness and concentration is critical for maximizing device performance, providing a robust strategy for designing high-efficiency and stable NiO_X-based PSCs and advancing nanocomposite-enabled interfacial engineering for photovoltaic applications. Full article

Drought is one of the most limiting abiotic stresses for agricultural production, especially in horticultural crops grown in arid and semi-arid areas. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of bacterial isolates obtained from coastal environments in Chile to improve drought tolerance in Lagenaria siceraria, a plant species increasingly used as a rootstock for cucurbit cropping. Rhizosphere bacteria were isolated from Sicyos baderoa, the only native cucurbit species of the Chilean coast, from which four isolates with plant growth-promoting traits, such as indole-3-acetic acid production, phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and siderophore production, were selected. These isolates were inoculated on two L. siceraria genotypes, Illapel and Osorno, under both normal irrigation and water deficit conditions. The results showed that Peribacillus frigoritolerans showed a clearer positive effect on biomass and net photosynthesis under water deficit in the Illapel genotype, increasing shoot biomass by up to ~75% and restoring net photosynthetic rates by up to ~260% relative to non-inoculated drought-stressed plants. In contrast, responses associated with Staphylococcus succinus and those observed in the Osorno genotype were mainly expressed as trait- and tissue-specific adjustments, consistent with a more stabilizing response rather than broad growth stimulation. Additionally, malondialdehyde levels were reduced by up to ~25%, while free proline accumulation increased by more than 100% under water deficit. In contrast, total phenolic compounds showed more variable responses, indicating genotype- and strain-specific adjustment of antioxidant metabolism. Overall, the observed responses were heterogeneous and strongly dependent on the specific strain–genotype–trait combination and, therefore, should be interpreted as preliminary evidence supporting the potential value of native rhizobacteria for improving early drought-related traits in cucurbit rootstocks. Among the tested strains, Peribacillus frigoritolerans emerged as the most promising candidate for enhancing early drought tolerance in responsive genotypes such as Illapel, while highlighting the need for follow-up studies under replicated nursery and field conditions, including grafted plants, multiple drought intensities and combined inoculant strategies. Full article

Table grapes are among the main fruit crops cultivated in Brazil, supported by cultivar diversity, technological advances, and adaptation to diverse edaphoclimatic conditions. Rootstock selection is critical in viticulture, influencing phenology, yield, and fruit quality. This study evaluated yield- and fruit-related production parameters, cluster characteristics, and biochemical composition of ‘BRS Núbia’ table grape grafted onto different rootstocks. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (UNESP), São Manuel, São Paulo, Brazil, using a randomized block design in a split-plot scheme (three rootstocks × three seasons) with seven replicates. Rootstocks included ‘IAC 572 Jales’, ‘IAC 766 Campinas’, and ‘Paulsen 1103’, while subplots corresponded to the first three production seasons after grafting. Evaluated variables comprised bud fruitfulness, yield, productivity, physical attributes of clusters, berries, and rachises, and in 2022, berry biochemical traits, including total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity. Rootstocks did not significantly affect bud fruitfulness or yield-related parameters. In contrast, production season markedly influenced vine performance, with the third (2023) season showing higher cluster and berry mass and size. Regarding fruit composition, vines grafted onto ‘Paulsen 1103’ and ‘IAC 766 Campinas’ showed greater accumulation of total phenolics and anthocyanins than those grafted onto ‘IAC 572 Jales’, overall. Full article

Cardiac rehabilitation is strongly recommended in secondary cardiovascular prevention. In patients after coronary artery bypass grafting, this intervention is suggested to reduce mortality, morbidity, and disability. In addition, rehabilitation programs improve quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness. Modern cardiac rehabilitation programs include structured exercise training, education, nutritional counseling, psychosocial support, and management of cardiovascular risk factors, each tailored to the specific needs of post-coronary artery bypass grafting patients who often face a high burden of comorbidities and surgical recovery challenges. For these reasons, cardiac rehabilitation should be regarded as standard of care. Evidence supports early cardiac rehabilitation initiation and individualized multidisciplinary plans, which have shown to improve exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, and medication adherence. Long-term follow-up is essential, as studies have demonstrated a clear association between sustained cardiac rehabilitation engagement and decreased rates of rehospitalization and all-cause mortality. Therefore, this comprehensive review presents recent advances and updates on the management of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting during cardiac rehabilitation, with a focus on the core components and long-term follow-up. Full article

Polyethylene is widely used in flexible packaging, but its hydrophobic and inert surface limits its compatibility with environmentally friendly water-based inks and paints. Conventional methods improve wettability only temporarily and with limited control. Here, we introduce a surface functionalization method in which salicylic acid is grafted onto polyethylene films through an aluminum-mediated alkylation process compatible with continuous film processing. Infrared-softened polyethylene films were sequentially sprayed with AlCl₃ and salicylic acid. Reaction occurrence was confirmed by chemical and morphological analyses, revealing the in situ formation of aluminum salicylate complexes anchored to the polyethylene surface. Wettability tests demonstrated enhanced compatibility with water-based paints. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) graft material on the stability and osseointegration of dental implants placed in anatomically compromised bone. Materials and Methods: Six healthy sheep were used following ethical approval. Osteotomies were created in the tibial region and divided into three groups: Group A (control, n = 12) with standard osteotomy; Group B (n = 12) with enlarged and deepened osteotomy; and Group C (n = 36), where osteotomy sites were filled with TTCP prior to implant placement. Implant stability was measured using the resonance frequency analysis (RFA), and osseointegration was evaluated histologically by bone-to-implant contact percentage (BIC%). Animals were sacrificed at the 3rd and 6th weeks for histological analysis. Results: Initial RFA values exceeded 42.5 in all groups. Group C demonstrated the highest RFA at Week 6 (79) and significantly higher RFA values at Week 3 compared to other groups, while Group B consistently showed the lowest stability. At Week 3, Group A exhibited the highest BIC% (28.04 ± 5.05%). By Week 6, BIC% increased in all groups, with no significant intergroup differences. Robust ANOVA revealed significant effects of time and group on both RFA and BIC%. Conclusions: TTCP significantly enhanced implant stability and osseointegration in compromised bone, providing improved secondary stability and suggesting its potential clinical benefit in challenging anatomical conditions. Full article

Fiber-forming polymers are increasingly used to control blood coagulation, either by accelerating the onset of hemostasis or by limiting thrombogenic events in contact with blood. Despite rapid progress in materials engineering, a unified view linking the molecular mechanisms of the coagulation cascade with specific design strategies of procoagulant and anticoagulant polymeric fibers is still missing. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on how natural and synthetic polymers interact with plasma proteins, platelets, and coagulation factors, emphasizing the role of fiber morphology, surface chemistry, charge distribution, and functionalization. Particular attention was paid to systems based on natural polysaccharides (e.g., chitosan, alginate, and cellulose derivatives), as well as synthetic polymers (e.g., PLA, PCL, polyurethanes, and zwitterionic materials). Two possible courses of action were described: their bioactivity may activate the contact pathway and/or support platelet adhesion or their ability to minimize protein adsorption and inhibit thrombin generation. We discuss how metal–polymer coordination, surface immobilization of heparin or nitric oxide donors, and nanoscale texturing modulate coagulation kinetics in opposite directions. Finally, we highlight emerging fiber-based strategies for achieving either rapid hemostasis or long-term hemocompatibility and propose design principles enabling precise tuning of coagulation responses for wound dressings, vascular grafts, and blood-contacting devices. This general compendium of knowledge on blood–material interactions provides a foundation for further design of biomaterials based on fiber-forming polymers and the development of manufacturing processes. Full article

Novel colourimetric sensors are readily devised by combining multifunctional (nano)materials with miniature optoelectronic components. The demand to detect and monitor metal ions has resulted in the invention of new colourimetric sensing schemes, especially for use at the Point-of-Need (PoN). Nonetheless, the design of fully reversible optical materials for continuous real-time ion monitoring remains a bottleneck in the practical realisation of sensors. Magnesium ion is vital to physiological and environmental processes, but monitoring can be challenging, particularly in the presence of Ca²⁺ as a cross-sensitive interferent in real samples. In this work, a chromophore molecule Hyphan I (1-(2-hydroxy-5-ß-hydroxyethylsulfonyl-phenyl-azo)-2-naphthol) has been grafted onto a cellulose matrix with a simple one-pot vinylsulfonyl process, to form a transparent, biocompatible and highly flexible thin-film colourimetric magnesium ion sensing material (Cellulose Film with Hyphan-CFH). The CFH film has a pH response time of <60 s over the pH range 4 to 9, with a pK_a1 = 5.8. The LOD and LOQ for Mg²⁺ at pH 8 are 0.089 mM and 0.318 mM, respectively, with an RSD = 0.93%. The CFH film exhibits negligible interference from alkaline and alkaline earth metals, but irreversibly binds certain transition metals (Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺). The CFH material has a fast and fully reversible colourimetric response to pH and Mg²⁺ over physiologically relevant ranges without interference by Ca²⁺, demonstrating good potential for integration into microfluidic systems and wearable sensors for biofluid monitoring. Full article

Intimal hyperplasia (IH) at vascular anastomosis sites arises from endothelial injury, thrombin activation, and the subsequent proliferation and phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Existing clinically used systemic pharmacologic regimens (e.g., antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy) and reported local material-based strategies in the literature (e.g., drug-eluting sutures, hydrogels, or coatings) largely rely on drug release, which can result in burst kinetics, finite duration, and off-target/systemic exposure. We developed a covalently immobilized, non-releasing biointerface in which mitomycin C (MMC) is stably anchored onto polypropylene sutures via low-pressure, non-thermal acetic-acid plasma (AAP) activation. AAP functionalization introduced reactive oxygen-containing groups on polypropylene, enabling amide-bond immobilization of MMC while preserving suture mechanics. Anchored MMC exhibited potent contact-mediated regulation of VSMC fate, reducing metabolic activity to 81% of control, suppressing G₂/M progression, and inducing a dominant sub-G1 apoptotic population (66.3%), consistent with MMC-induced DNA crosslinking, p21 upregulation, and cyclin B1–CDK1 inhibition. In vivo, in a rat infrarenal aortic anastomosis model (male Wistar rats, 10–12 weeks, 300–350 g), MMC-anchored sutures markedly reduced arterial wall thickening and α-SMA and PCNA accumulation at 4 and 12 weeks, without overt evidence of systemic toxicity. Notably, no measurable MMC release was detected under the tested conditions, supporting that the observed bioactivity is consistent with an interface-confined mechanism rather than bulk diffusion. This work establishes a non-releasing suture-based platform that delivers sustained molecular regulation of vascular healing through interface-confined control of VSMC behavior. Covalent drug anchoring transforms a clinically used suture into an active therapeutic interface, providing a promising strategy to prevent pathological vascular remodeling and anastomotic IH. Full article

In patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), emerging evidence suggests that the oral microbiota may serve as a predictive biomarker. We conducted a systematic review to provide a critical overview of oral microbiota research in the allo-HSCT setting. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to December 2025 to identify studies assessing the oral microbiota in allo-HSCT settings. We included all articles reporting detailed data on the oral microbiota in this context and conducted a qualitative synthesis. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tools. From 8160 initially identified records, 35 studies evaluating the oral microbiota in 1964 allo-HSCT patients were included. Of these, 27 studies (77%) assessed temporal oral microbiota dynamics and reported dysbiosis in the early post-transplantation period, followed by gradual recovery. Additionally, 27 studies (77%) evaluated the prognostic value of the oral microbiota, identifying associations with key clinical outcomes such as oral mucositis, overall survival, and graft-versus-host disease. Finally, substantial methodological heterogeneity was observed across studies, including differences in sampling techniques, sampling timepoints, and analytical strategies. This systematic review highlights the prognostic and therapeutic potential of the oral microbiota in allo-HSCT and underscores the need for standardized methodologies. Full article

Owing to the substantial polarity difference and weak interfacial interaction, the large-scale application of fly ash (FA) in rubber materials still faces substantial challenges. To solve this issue, this study prepared a modified hybrid SSBR@FA filler through a solution mechanochemical reaction between solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR) and FA in a lab planetary ball mill. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses demonstrated the in situ grafting-neutralization between the carboxyl in the SSBR chains and metal oxides in FA. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that surface-grafted SSBR formed a rubber-constrained layer on FA particle surfaces, which can reduce their surface energy and improve the wettability between FA and SBR matrix. Compared with the SBR vulcanizate, the mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and flame-retardant properties of the SBR/SSBR@FA vulcanizates were obviously improved. This was because of the uniform distribution of FA and the improved interfacial interaction between FA and the rubber matrix. For example, the tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation at break increased by 66.3%, 52.9%, and 17.7%, respectively. This easy, efficient, and environmentally modified method for FA was expected offer a practical and creative solution for its application in rubber manufacturing. Full article

Large bone defects and loss present major orthopedic challenges. In preclinical research, femoral bone defects in rats are commonly used as in vivo models to evaluate new osteoregenerative biomaterials. These test items are typically compared to negative and positive controls. This review aims to summarize the different control groups used to evaluate new osteoregenerative test items in preclinical rat femoral defect models and to identify potential pitfalls related to these controls, ultimately to enhance the future translational success. The protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO, and no specific funding was received for this work. The systematic search comprised publications between January 2001 and January 2023. 436 studies were included for analysis. The choice of control groups was inconsistent across studies. A negative (e.g., empty defects or inert carriers) and positive (e.g., bone grafts or commercially available bone substitutes) control group was included in 56% (n = 245/436) and 34% (n = 149/436) of the included studies, respectively. Notably, 25% (n = 109/436) of the studies did not include any control group. Bone grafts were used as positive controls in 50% of the studies that included positive controls (n = 74/149), mainly of allogeneic origin (45%, n = 33/74). The control groups used to evaluate the test item impacted the healing comparison, with 81% of studies showing better healing of their test items compared to negative control (n = 198/245) versus 54% compared to positive control (n = 80/149). A qualitative risk-of-bias and reporting assessment was performed using an integrated ARRIVE–SYRCLE framework. Most studies demonstrated moderate concern in several domains, with frequent absence of randomization (67%, high concern) and blinding (84%, high concern), incomplete reporting of inclusion/exclusion criteria (74%, moderate concern), and variable clarity regarding animal characteristics and statistical methodology. The variability in the choice of control groups appears to influence study outcomes. Inadequate control group selection can lead to misleading conclusions regarding the efficacy of new biomaterials. Therefore, standardizing control group selection is crucial to enhance the reliability and comparability of preclinical research findings. Full article

Prolonged tooth loss causes alveolar ridge atrophy, complicating implantation, especially in patients with impaired mineral metabolism. This study aimed to develop a personalized titanium mesh for guided bone regeneration and qualitatively evaluate its local tissue response in a vitamin D3-deficient rabbit model. A titanium mesh design has been developed in the form of a plate-shaped profile frame of a truncated pyramid with a solid upper base and perforated side faces. For testing in a rabbit model with vitamin D3 deficiency, a bone defect was created and repaired in the mandible using hydroxyapatite, an individual titanium mesh and a collagen membrane. Histological analysis was performed in the Laboratory of Digital Microscopic Analysis. The optimized geometry and parameters of the mesh openings contributed to effective vascularization and osteogenesis. In the postoperative period (3, 5 and 7 days), moderate edema and hyperemia were noted with their complete leveling by the 7th day (p < 0.05). According to the histological examination, 3 months after the installation of the titanium mesh, the formation of dense connective tissue with signs of active osteogenesis was observed in the defect area, including zones of mineralized bone trabeculae, osteocytes and osteon elements. The findings of this study indicate acceptable biocompatibility of the developed titanium structure and suggest osteoconductive potential, which, however, needs to be confirmed in controlled, quantitatively powered studies. Full article