Search Results (2,109)

The membrane oxygenator serves as the core component of extracorporeal life support systems, and its gas exchange efficiency critically influences clinical outcomes. However, gas transfer is predominantly limited by the diffusion barrier within the blood-side boundary layer, where saturated red blood cells accumulate. Current research focuses mainly on static approaches such as optimizing fiber bundle configuration to promote passive blood mixing or modifying material properties, which are fixed after fabrication. In contrast, dynamic blood flow control remains an underexplored avenue for enhancing oxygenator performance. This study proposes an active pulsatile flow control method that disrupts the boundary layer barrier by optimizing periodic flow profiles, thereby directly improving gas exchange. A deep reinforcement learning framework integrating proximal policy optimization and long short-term memory networks was developed to autonomously search for optimal flow waveforms under constant flow conditions. A simplified stacked-plate membrane oxygenator was specially designed as the experimental platform to minimize flow path interference. Experimental results demonstrate that the optimized pulsatile profile increases the oxygen transfer rate by $20.64\%$ without compromising hemocompatibility. Full article

This work investigates the modification of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) film properties for food packaging applications through the incorporation of modified gelatin (Gel-mod) and a choline chloride/glycerol deep eutectic solvent (DES). PLA/Gel-mod/DES materials were melt-processed and evaluated with respect to structure, morphology, thermal and mechanical behavior, processability, wettability, barrier performance, and compostability. Two incorporation routes were investigated for adding Gel-mod into the PLA matrix: direct incorporation and masterbatch preparation. FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed improved interfacial interactions and more homogeneous dispersion when Gel-mod was directly incorporated, compared with the masterbatch route. DES acted as an effective plasticizer and nucleating agent, reducing Tg, increasing crystallinity, and enhancing processability while maintaining thermal stability. Mechanical properties decreased relative to neat PLA, primarily due to increased crystallinity and chain scission. PLA_4Gel-mod demonstrated a more balanced performance, with higher elongation at break and improved processability than the other formulations, likely due to its single processing cycle, which minimized PLA degradation. Increased hydrophilicity led to higher water vapor transmission rates, correlating with accelerated biodegradation. Overall, the synergistic incorporation of DES and gelatin provides a viable strategy to tailor PLA properties, enabling the development of compostable packaging films suitable for sustainable food contact applications. Full article

This article presents a comparative study of mechanical properties and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance of bare AW-5083 aluminum alloy and the same alloy coated by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). Although Al–Mg alloys of the 5XXX series have been extensively studied with respect to SCC behavior, data concerning their performance after PEO treatment under mechanical loading in chloride-containing environments remain scarce. Prior to SCC testing, potentiodynamic polarization measurements were performed to assess the barrier properties of the PEO coating against general corrosion. The results demonstrate that the PEO coating significantly modifies the electrochemical response of the alloy and improves its resistance to corrosion processes in the presence of chloride ions. SCC tests revealed that the application of the PEO coating leads to enhanced resistance to stress-assisted degradation of the AW-5083 alloy, while distinct features of coating cracking under tensile loading were observed and discussed. The study provides new experimental insight into the combined mechanical and electrochemical behavior of PEO-coated AW-5083 alloy exposed to chloride environments. Full article

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is an important livestock disease caused by Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). The recent incursion and wide distribution of EHDV in Europe have increased the need for effective vaccine candidates. Background/Objectives: The VP2 protein of EHDV forms the outer capsid layer of the virion and is essential for viral assembly and host cell entry. Owing to its antigenic properties, VP2 represents a major target for vaccine development. However, the recombinant production of VP2 is limited by low stability and poor yields, representing a significant barrier for the generation of safe and effective subunit vaccines. Methods: To overcome these limitations, the VP2 protein from EHDV serotype 8 (EHDV-8) was rationally engineered with targeted modifications at both the amino and carboxyl termini of its coding sequence. Recombinant expression was performed using a baculovirus vector-mediated system in Trichoplusia ni pupae (CrisBio^® technology), employed as living biofactories. Results: The engineering of VP2 resulted in up to a tenfold increase in protein yields compared with the wild-type sequence, while maintaining the trimeric structural integrity of the recombinant protein. Both wild-type and engineered VP2 protein variants were formulated and used to immunize IFNAR(−/−) mice, a model susceptible to EHDV infection. Both engineered and wild-type VP2 formulations elicited comparable neutralizing antibody responses in vaccinated animals. Furthermore, immunization with either formulation conferred full protection against lethal EHDV-8 challenge. Conclusions: In this work, we demonstrated that the rational engineering of the VP2 protein significantly improved recombinant expression yields in a baculovirus-based system without compromising structural integrity or immunogenicity. These findings additionally demonstrate the feasibility of producing high-quality VP2 antigens in T. ni pupae using CrisBio^® technology and support their potential application in the development of subunit vaccines against EHDV. Full article

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a biodegradable polyester considered for food packaging, though its mechanical and barrier limitations pose challenges. This study assessed PHBV/TiO₂ nanocomposites for packaging applications. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed reduced crystallinity and lower melting points with an increase in TiO₂ content. Thermal stability improved at 1% and 3% TiO₂, raising onset temperatures to 283 °C and 284 °C, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and FTIR confirmed uniform nanoparticle dispersion without agglomeration. Tensile tests showed decreasing strength and modulus from 1% to 7% TiO₂, with peak elongation at 3%, whereas viscosity behavior declined with higher nanoparticle loading. Low portions of nanoparticles (1% and 3%) induced the improvement in barrier properties against oxygen and water vapor. The highest biodegradation rate occurred at 7% TiO₂. Overall, the nanocomposites’ properties tend to deteriorate with the addition of higher portions of TiO₂. Thus, despite some improvements, the nanocomposites did not deliver consistent, multi-property enhancements to justify use in food packaging. Key metrics like sealability and appearance were not evaluated. Future research should explore surface-treated TiO₂, alternative fillers, compatibilizers, and optimized processing, alongside standardized safety assessments for food-contact applications. Full article

This study investigates the fire behaviour of building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) claddings, focusing on the progression from glass failure to ignition under different cavity conditions. Experimental tests were conducted on two common PV cladding types: bifacial dual-glass (GG) and monofacial glass–plastic (GP) modules. Results revealed that GP modules exhibited faster burning and higher peak heat release rates (HRR), reaching up to 600 kW, while GG modules burned more slowly with peak HRR between 50 and 100 kW. Cavity conditions, including depth, ventilation, and operational energization, were found to be vital in determining glass breakage, occurring between 400 and 550 °C, and cavity ignition and subsequent flame spread. The relationship between cavity fire dynamics and glass breakage suggests the importance of system design, particularly regarding cavity ventilation and flame barriers, for mitigating upward fire propagation. These results establish a basis for advancing numerical fire models through integration of critical parameters such as material properties, glass breakage, cavity ignition, and cavity configuration. This approach supports comprehensive real-scale analysis to guide the development of effective design recommendations, ultimately improving fire safety in PV-integrated construction. Full article

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains a devastating brain tumor with poor prognosis, traditionally viewed as non-metastatic. The recent detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in glioblastoma challenges this long-held view and opens new opportunities for liquid biopsy in neuro-oncology. This review summarizes current understanding of glioblastoma CTCs, emphasizing their unique properties, detection technologies, and differences compared to CTCs in extracranial cancers. Key challenges include their rarity, the absence of epithelial markers, and the presence of the blood–brain barrier. Despite the need for specialized enrichment approaches, CTC analysis in glioblastoma can offer helpful information regarding tumor heterogeneity, treatment response, and minimal residual disease. We discuss emerging clinical studies leveraging CTCs for early relapse detection and therapy monitoring. Integrating CTC phenotyping with molecular and functional characterization may enhance future personalized treatment strategies in glioblastoma. Refined CTC methodologies combined with other liquid biopsy modalities may transform glioblastoma management, improving patient outcomes through less invasive, dynamic tumor surveillance. Full article

Silymarin, a polyphenolic flavonolignan complex extracted from Silybum marianum (milk thistle), has long been recognized for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Among its constituents, silybin is the most pharmacologically active and has been extensively studied in both preclinical and clinical settings. However, the clinical application of silymarin-based therapies remains limited by poor aqueous solubility, low oral bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and physicochemical instability. This review systematically outlines the pharmacokinetic challenges of silymarin and highlights recent advancements in formulation strategies designed to overcome these barriers. Key innovations include nanotechnology-enabled delivery systems, lipid-based carriers, water-soluble derivatives, bioavailability enhancers, parenteral and transdermal formulations, as well as controlled and synchronous release technologies. These approaches significantly improve tissue targeting, intracellular uptake, and pharmacological efficacy. Additionally, this review evaluates currently marketed silymarin formulations and recent clinical/preclinical evidence, revealing a persistent gap between laboratory advances and commercially available products. By synthesizing the mechanistic, regulatory, and manufacturability barriers that hinder translation, we delineate the key challenges that must be addressed to enable clinically deployable next-generation silymarin products. Collectively, these insights illustrate a paradigm shift in the modernization of phytomedicine, positioning silymarin as a model compound for the transformation of traditional herbal remedies into precision therapeutics through interdisciplinary drug delivery innovations. Full article

(1) Background: Negative attitudes toward mental health problems remain a barrier for help-seeking, especially in collectivist, lower-middle-income countries like Nepal. While the Attitudes Towards Mental Health Problems Scale (ATMHPS) has been used globally, it has not been formally validated for Nepalese populations. This study aimed to culturally adapt and psychometrically validate a concise Nepalese version of the scale. (2) Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and recruited participants through an opportunity sampling method. We developed the Nepalese Short Version of the Attitudes Towards Mental Health Problems Scale (N-SATMHPS) using Dataset 1 (n = 384) and validated it with Dataset 2 (n = 803). Items were selected based on internal consistency indices. Fourteen items showing the strongest reliability were retained from the original seven subscales. A confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency testing were used to assess psychometric properties. (3) Results: The N-SATMHPS showed a strong internal consistency (α = 0.74–0.92) and excellent model fit (χ²/df = 1.92, CFI = 0.982, TLI = 0.970, RMSEA = 0.049, SRMR = 0.026). Correlations with the full version ranged from r = 0.79 to 0.96. Discriminant validity with Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire—Young Adults (MHLQ-YA) showed weak but significant correlations, confirming construct distinction. (4) Conclusions: The scale captured key Nepalese cultural constructs, such as shame and family honor. It also aligned with collectivist cultural expectations. The N-SATMHPS demonstrates strong psychometric performance and cultural relevance. It is suitable for research and intervention work aimed at reducing stigma and improving mental health in Nepal. Full article

Biocomposite films based on polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) extracted from Salicornia ramosissima by-products were developed and characterised using solvent casting (SC) and electrospinning (ES) techniques. The primary objective was to assess their suitability as sustainable food packaging materials that are compatible with high-pressure processing (HPP). The SC films exhibited a transparent, homogeneous morphology with superior ductility and water vapour barrier performance, whereas the ES films displayed a fibrous, porous structure with enhanced tensile strength and rigidity. The incorporation of CNFs significantly improved the mechanical properties, particularly the tensile strength and Young’s modulus, with optimal reinforcement achieved at a loading of 0.5%. Thermal and spectroscopic analyses confirmed the effective integration of CNF without compromising the thermal stability of PLA. Pouch-type packages from CNF-reinforced SC films withstood industrial HPP conditions without rupture or leakage, demonstrating their technical feasibility for food packaging applications. This study presents the first demonstration of Salicornia ramosissima by-product valorisation for CNF production and its application in HPP-compatible food packaging, addressing both circular economy goals and emerging food processing technologies. Full article

Flexible packaging often consists of multilayer films that combine different materials to achieve high barrier performance, but these structures are incompatible with current recycling technologies. Polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) offer more recyclable alternatives but require additional oxygen-barrier materials that do not compromise recyclability. This study investigates the influence of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), Ormocer^® barrier coating, and PP labels with different adhesives on PP recyclability. Recyclates were produced using twin-screw extruder to simulate the recycling process and then injection-molding to make tensile test specimens. Mechanical properties, melt flow rate (MFR), oxygen induction time (OIT), and odor were evaluated. Findings showed that low label content (5–12.5%) has minimal impact on recyclate quality. The addition of 10% EVOH increased the elastic modulus of PP granulate and cast-PP (cPP) film by 26% and 14%, respectively, and improved oxidation stability by 9%, while reducing cPP film impact strength by 77%. Ormocer^® decreased mechanical performance, particularly elongation at break (−18%), likely due to defect-inducing particles, but had limited influence on MFR. Labels and Ormocer^® also introduced odor variations. Overall, the findings indicate that EVOH up to 10% and labels up to 12.5% yield promising results, providing guidance for designing recyclable, monomaterial packaging. Full article

Cellular senescence is defined as a state of permanent cell cycle arrest, providing a natural barrier against cancer. However, senescent cells are very metabolically active and secrete a complex mixture of bioactive molecules collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which play a dual role in cancer biology. While the SASP can suppress tumors by facilitating immunosurveillance, it can also promote tumor progression by fostering a pro-inflammatory milieu, stimulating angiogenesis, enhancing invasiveness, and enabling immune evasion. In Head and Neck Cancers (HNCs), a highly heterogeneous group of malignancies, SASP has emerged as a critical player in disease progression and treatment resistance. Persistent DNA damage response (DDR) signaling drives SASP and thereby contributes to the progression of head and neck cancer by modulating the tumour microenvironment. It influences the tumor microenvironment (TME) by facilitating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), promoting cancer stem cell-like properties, and impairing the efficacy of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. These effects underscore the need for targeted interventions to regulate SASP activity. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying SASP generation and its effects on HNCs. We discuss the dual roles of SASP in tumor suppression and progression, its contribution to therapy resistance, and emerging therapeutic strategies, including novel senolytic and senomorphic drugs. Finally, we highlight key challenges and future directions for translating SASP-targeted therapies into clinical practice, emphasizing the need for biomarker discovery, and a deeper understanding of SASP heterogeneity. By targeting the SASP, there is potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes and improve the management of HNCs. Full article

It is well known that food waste, especially perishable fruits, is one of the pressing issues worldwide, and as much as 50% of harvested fruits are wasted in developing countries as a result of poor preservation methods. Other traditional options such as plastic films or chemical preservatives are harmful to the environment and to our health. In this work, the limitations are overcome through the fabrication of an innovative camellia saponin/sodium alginate (CS/SA) composite hydrogel film that not only recycles agricultural waste but also improves fruit protection. CS/SA films were prepared by ionic crosslinking with CaCl₂ with different CS content (0–10% w/v, corresponding to 0–3.1 wt% in air-dried films). Detailed SEM, FTIR, XRD and rheological studies indicated that CS addition led to a gradual microstructural densification, stronger intermolecular interactions (involving hydrogen bonding and electrostatic complexation) and superior viscoelasticity, with the best performance at 8% CS (2.5 wt% in dried film). Mechanical tests confirmed that the stable CS/SA film showed higher tensile strength (152 kPa) and compressive strength (353 kPa) than pure SA (10 kPa) with a relatively low Young’s modulus (0.82 MPa) and high elongation at break (116.33%), which could be easily peeled off from fruit surfaces—an essential benefit of this over stiff chitosan/alginate composites. Structure: The composite film exhibited lower porosity (103.2%), reduced moisture content (94.7%), a controlled swelling ratio (800%) and improved barrier property with a water vapor permeability of 1.3 $\times {10}^{-6}$ g·m⁻¹·s⁻¹·kPa⁻¹ and an oxygen permeability of 1.9 × cm³$·\mathsf{\mu }$m·m⁻²·d⁻¹·kPa⁻¹. The 8% CS film showed very strong antioxidant activity (86% DPPH scavenging). Results of application tests on bananas and strawberries indicated that the ripening process was delayed by the CS/SA coatings, the decay rate was decreased from 99.9% (uncoated control) to 55.6% after 9 days, the weight loss was reduced to 29.3%, and the fruit’s firmness and titratable acidity were maintained. This degradable, multifunctional hydrogel film has the potential to be a sustainable measure to simultaneously mitigate food waste, valorize agricultural byproducts, and protect the environment, which could offer substantial benefit for enhancing global food security as well as fruit shelf life. Full article

The research employed Caenorhabditis elegans to compare the anti-infection and lifespan-extending properties of Bifidobacterium. The results demonstrated that BL-99 and YLGB-1496 intervention improved the nematodes’ resistance to Staphylococcus aureus infection, resulting in lifespan extensions of 5.90% and 14.38%, respectively, accompanied by the alleviation in the decline of pharyngeal pumping rate and locomotor capacity. Furthermore, both probiotic strains significantly extended the mean lifespan of nematodes by 10.96% and 12.14%, and significantly alleviated pharyngeal pumping and locomotion. Importantly, BL-99 and YLGB-1496 have different underlying mechanisms of action. Transcriptomic analyses indicated that the BL-99 strain enhanced nematode resistance to Gram-positive pathogens through the upregulation of lysozyme, saposin-like antimicrobial peptides, and c-type lectin family genes. Conversely, YLGB-1496 improved the epidermal permeability barrier by upregulating genes involved in collagen synthesis and assembly. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the species-specific effects of Bifidobacteria on pathogen resistance and lifespan extension. Full article

This study introduces a novel oxygenating facial mask enriched with hemp seed extract, which uniquely combines advanced bubble-generating technology with botanically derived antioxidants for enhanced skin care. The innovative mask forms microbubbles that simulate targeted oxygen delivery, accelerating cell renewal and improving active ingredient absorption. In a randomized, controlled trial, forty participants used either the hemp seed extract mask (F1) or a placebo (F2) over eight weeks. Both formulations demonstrated excellent physical stability for 60 days, maintaining consistent pH, color, fragrance, viscosity, and foaming properties. Notably, F1 demonstrated superior foam persistence and product stability. Clinically, the hemp mask significantly increased skin hydration (up to 65.7%, p < 0.05), reduced sebum levels (32.9%), and lowered erythema (up to 46.9 AU or 12.9%, p < 0.01), without altering skin color or causing adverse effects. Consumer satisfaction with F1 exceeded F2 by 10.7%. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of oxygenating bubble technology and hemp seed extract—demonstrating synergistic effects on skin barrier function, hydration, sebum control, and erythema reduction. These findings highlight the mask’s potential as a next-generation cosmeceutical with meaningful clinical and commercial value. Full article