Search Results (11,099)

Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality in the United States, driving the need for advanced cardiovascular devices and pharmaceuticals. Mock Circulatory Loops (MCLs) have emerged as essential tools for in vitro testing, replicating pulsatile pressure and flow to simulate various physiological and pathological conditions. While many studies focus on custom MCL designs tailored to specific applications, few have systematically reviewed their use in device testing, and none have assessed their broader utility across diverse biomedical domains. This comprehensive review categorizes MCL designs into three types: mechanical, computational, and hybrid. Applications are classified into four major areas: Cardiovascular Devices Testing, Clinical Training and Education, Hemodynamics and Blood Flow Studies, and Disease Modeling. Most existing MCLs are complex, highly specialized, and difficult to reproduce, highlighting the need for simplified, standardized, and programmable hybrid systems. Improved validation and waveform fidelity—particularly through incorporation of the dicrotic notch and other waveform parameters—are critical for advancing MCL reliability. Furthermore, integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence holds significant promise for enhancing waveform analysis, diagnostics, predictive modeling, and personalized care. In conclusion, the development of MCLs should prioritize standardization, simplification, and broader accessibility to expand their impact across biomedical research and clinical translation. Full article

Hydrophobins are small, surface-active protein biosurfactants secreted by filamentous fungi with potential applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, sanitation, and biomaterials. Additionally, hydrophobins are known to stabilize enzymatic processing of biomass for improved catalytic efficiency. In this study, Pichia pastoris was used to recombinantly express hydrophobin HFBI from Trichoderma reesei, a well-characterized fungal system used industrially for bioethanol production. Iterative optimization was performed on both the induction and purification of HFBI, ultimately producing yields of 86.6 mg/L HFBI and elution concentrations of 48 μM HFBI determined pure by SDS-PAGE, over a five-day methanol-fed batch shake flask induction regiment followed by a single unit operation multimodal cation exchange purification. This final purified material represents an improvement over prior approaches to enable a wider range of potential applications for biosurfactants. Full article

Despite the significant antitumor potential of doxorubicin and its widespread use in the treatment of various oncological diseases, its application is associated with side effects, among which the most common are cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and gonadotoxicity. In contemporary times, innovative strategies to overcome the toxicity of doxorubicin and improve the effectiveness of therapies are intensively researched. The aim of this review is to discuss different approaches to alleviate the common toxic effects of doxorubicin, with an emphasis on oxidative stress. In particular, the review analyzes the significance of pharmaceutical nanotechnology for reducing doxorubicin toxicity while maintaining its antitumor effect (e.g., encapsulation of doxorubicin in passively and/or actively targeted nanoparticles to tumor tissue and cells). Other strategies commented in the review are the simultaneous delivery of doxorubicin with antioxidants and the administration of its derivatives with lower toxicity. Full article

Wild edible plants, historically valued for their medicinal properties, can be a sustainable source of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The blue berries of Prunus spinosa L., known as blackthorns, have antioxidant, astringent, and antimicrobial benefits. To preserve these properties after harvesting, understanding the best storage methods is essential. In this study, blackthorns were preserved using different methods (air-drying, freezing, or freeze-drying) to determine the optimal procedure for preserving their antioxidant activity. The fruits were extracted using a 50:50 (V/V) mixture of ethanol and water. The different extracts were phytochemically characterized for their phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The Folin–Ciocalteu test revealed total phenolic contents of 7.97 ± 0.04, 13.99 ± 0.04, and 7.39 ± 0.08 (mg GAE/g raw material) for the three types of extracts, respectively. The total flavonoid contents were 2.42 ± 0.16, 3.14 ± 0.15, and 2.32 ± 0.03 (mg QE/g raw material), respectively. In line with the polyphenol analysis, the antioxidant activity as determined by DPPH method was higher for the frozen extract, with a value of 91.78 ± 0.80%, which was confirmed by the ROS test on keratinocytes. These results show that both air-drying and freeze-drying processes negatively impact the preservation of antioxidant activity in blackthorns, suggesting that freezing may be the best preservation method before bioactive compound extraction. Full article

Jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba (Vell.) O. Berg) peel is a native Brazilian fruit by-product recognized for its high anthocyanin (ANC) content and strong antioxidant potential, making it a valuable natural source for food applications. This study aimed to optimize the extraction and spray drying-based encapsulation of ANCs from the peels of Sabará jabuticaba. Extraction was performed using ethanol acidified with HCl (6 M) under varying conditions of pH (1.0–3.0), temperature (14–50 °C), and solvent volume (100–250 mL). The highest anthocyanin yield (328.13 mg/100 g dry basis) was achieved at pH 1.0, 50 °C, and 250 mL solvent volume. For encapsulation, gum arabic and maltodextrin were used as wall materials at different mass ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 w/w). The 1:2 ratio (gum arabic/maltodextrin) resulted in the highest retention of anthocyanins (315.37 mg/100 g dry basis), with encapsulation efficiency of approximately 96%, low water activity (0.27), and reduced moisture content (3.6%). These characteristics are essential for ensuring product stability during storage. The optimized anthocyanin-rich microparticles present promising potential for application as natural colorants and functional ingredients in food formulations or as antioxidant carriers in pharmaceutical products. Full article

Widespread antibiotic residues are accumulating in the environment, potentially causing adverse effects for humans, animals, and the ecosystem, including an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, resulting in worldwide concern. There are various commonly used physical, chemical, and biological treatments for the degradation of antibiotics. However, the elimination of toxic end products generated by physicochemical methods and the need for industrial applications pose significant challenges. Hence, environmentally sustainable, green, and readily available approaches for the transformation and degradation of these antibiotic compounds are being sought. Herein, we review the impact of sustainable fungal laccase-based bioremediation strategies. Fungal laccase enzyme is considered one of the most active enzymes for biotransformation and biodegradation of antibiotic residue in vitro. For industrial applications, the low laccase yields in natural and genetically modified hosts may constitute a bottleneck. Methods to screen for high-laccase-producing sources, optimizing cultivation conditions, and identifying key genes and metabolites involved in extracellular laccase activity are reviewed. These include advanced transcriptomics, proteomics, and metagenomics technologies, as well as diverse laccase-immobilization technologies with different inert carrier/support materials improving enzyme performance whilst shifting from experimental assays to in situ monitoring of residual toxicity. Still, more basic and applied research on laccase-mediated bioremediation of pharmaceuticals, especially antibiotics that are recalcitrant and prevalent, is needed. Full article

Parabens—specifically methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), propylparaben (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP)—are widely used substances in everyday life, particularly as preservatives in pharmaceutical and food products. However, these compounds are not effectively removed by conventional water and wastewater treatment processes, potentially causing disruptions to human homeostasis and the endocrine system. This study conducted a transport and dimensional analysis through simulation of the adsorption process for these parabens, using zinc chloride-activated carbon derived from spent coffee grounds (ACZnCl₂) as the adsorbent, implemented via Aspen Properties^® and Aspen Adsorption^®. Simulations were performed for two inlet concentrations (50 mg/L and 100 mg/L) and two adsorption column heights (3 m and 4 m), considering a volumetric flow rate representative of a medium-sized city with approximately 100,000 inhabitants. The results showed that both density and surface tension of the parabens varied linearly with increasing temperature, and viscosity exhibited a marked reduction above 30 °C. Among the tested conditions, the configuration with 50 mg∙L⁻¹ inlet concentration and a 4 m column height demonstrated the highest adsorption capacity and better performance under adsorption–desorption equilibrium. These findings indicate that the implementation of adsorption beds on an industrial scale in water and wastewater treatment systems is both environmentally and socially viable. Full article

Sewage sludge (SS) is commonly applied as a soil amendment. This practice has raised concern about the dissemination of emerging pollutants (EPs). EPs include compounds such as flame retardants, plasticizers, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, among others, which may pose risks to human health and ecosystems. The complexity of the SS matrix, combined to the absence of an international legislation framework, makes it necessary to evaluate the techniques available for detecting these contaminants. Detection is typically performed using sensitive analytical techniques; however, the extraction strategy selected remains a crucial step. This review aims to compile different methodologies for the determination of EPs in SS, focusing on extraction strategies reported between 2010 and 2025. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) are the most widely used strategies for EPs. UAE is considered the most preferable option, as it enables the extraction of a wide range of compounds without the need for expensive equipment. Among novel techniques, the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method is especially promising, as it is applicable to multiple target compounds. This review provides up-to-date information that can support the development of routine and standardized methodologies for the characterization of EPs in SS. Full article

Introduction. Larvae of the insect Hermetia illucens can represent an alternative source for low-molecular-weight chitosan (CS) production compared with CS from crustaceans (CS_crustac), making it appealing in terms of pharmaceutical applications. Hence, the performances of CS_larvae and CS_crustac were compared herein by investigating the in vitro features of nanoparticles (NPs) made from each polysaccharide and administered with the antioxidant quercetin (QUE). Methods. X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy enabled the identification of each type of CS. Following the ionic gelation technique and using sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin as a cross-linking agent, NPs were easily obtained. Results. Physicochemical data, release studies in PBS, and the evaluation of antioxidant effects via the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test were studied for both CS_larvae and CS_crustac. QUE-loaded NP sizes ranged from 180 to 547 nm, and zeta potential values were between +7.5 and +39.3 mV. In vitro QUE release in PBS was faster from QUE-CS_larvae NPs than from CS_crustac, and high antioxidant activity—according to the DPPH test—was observed for all tested NP formulations. Discussion. The agar diffusion assay, referring to Escherichia coli and Micrococcus flavus, as well as the microdilution assay, showed the best performance as antimicrobial formulations in the case of QUE-CS_larvae NPs. QUE-CS_larvae NPs can represent a promising vehicle for QUE, releasing it in a sustained manner, and, relevantly, the synergism noticed between QUE and CS_larvae resulted in a final antimicrobial product. Conclusions. New perspectives for low-molecular-weight CS are disclosed by adopting renewable sources from insects instead of the commercial CS_crustac. Full article

Background. Physicomechanical properties and clinical service of bulk-fill composites depend on their adequate polymerization and depth of cure. Some manufacturers claim that these composites can be adequately cured when used in bulks exceeding 4 mm. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare Vickers microhardness (VMH) and depth of cure (DOC) of six contemporary bulk-fill resin composites at depths of 4 mm and 6 mm. Material and methods. Six bulk-fill composites were evaluated in this study: 1. Tetric EvoCeram Bulk (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), (TEC); 2. Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior (3M ESPE Dental Products Division, St. Paul, MN, USA), (FBF); 3. Filtek One Bulk Fill (3M ESPE Dental Products Division, St. Paul, MN, USA, (FOB); 4. SonicFill 2 (Kerr, Orange, CA, USA), (SF2); 5. Admira Fusion X-tra (Voco, GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), (AFX); 6. GrandioSO X-tra (Voco, GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), (GSX). The 18 specimens (3 of each composite) were prepared in split Teflon moulds of 4 mm diameter and 6 mm thickness. All composites were cured in standard mode for 20 s using LED LCU (D-Light Duo, RF-Pharmaceuticals Sarl, Geneva, Switzerland; 1200–1300 mW/cm). The VMH was measured using a digital Micro Hardness Tester Shimadzu (HMV-2T E, Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan). A 50 g (0.5 N) load force was applied for 30 s. Each specimen was measured at five places selected by chance at each level (N = 15). The hardness ratio or DOC was calculated for all samples as the ratio of bottom and surface microhardness at levels of 4 and 6 mm. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results. Significant reduction in VMH was observed for all tested materials when comparing top surface and bottom (p < 0.01). The highest VMH was obtained for GSX and AFX, and the lowest for TEC. The results show that the degree of polymerization was adequate for all tested materials at a depth of 6 mm, since the hardness ratio exceeded 0.80 in all cases. The hardness ratio at 4 mm was high for all tested composites ranging from 0.91 for TEC to 0.98 for GSX. All composites showed adequate DOC at the bottom of the 6 mm bulk samples. However, the hardness ratio was the highest for Admira Fusion X-tra (0.96) and GrandioSO X-tra (0.97). Conclusions. All tested materials showed a significant decrease in microhardness from the top surface to the bottom. The DOC was adequate for all bulk-fill composites at a depth of 6 mm cured under standard mode for 20 s. All bulk-fill resin composites evaluated in this study can be used in bulk, up to 6 mm. Full article

The increasing use of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), and personal care products (PCPs) has led to the widespread presence of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in aquatic environments, posing a significant global challenge for environmental conservation. In recent years, advanced materials-based nanofiltration (NF) technologies have emerged as a promising solution for water and wastewater treatment. This review begins by examining the sources of OMPs, as well as the risk of OMPs. Subsequently, the key criteria of NF membranes for OMPs are discussed, with a focus on the roles of pore size, charge property, molecular interaction, and hydrophilicity in the separation performance. Against that background, this review summarizes and analyzes recent advancements in materials such as metal organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), graphene oxide (GO), MXenes, hybrid materials, and environmentally friendly materials. It highlights the porous nature and structural diversity of organic framework materials, the advantage of inorganic layered materials in forming controllable nanochannels through stacking, the synergistic effects of hybrid materials, and the importance of green materials. Finally, the challenges related to the performance optimization, scalable fabrication, environmental sustainability, and complex separation of advanced materials-based membranes for OMP removal are discussed, along with future research directions and potential breakthroughs. Full article

The Caco-2 in vitro model of the intestinal barrier is a well-established system for the investigation of the intestinal fate of orally ingested chemicals and drugs, and it has been used for over ten years by pharmaceutical industries as a model for absorption in preclinical studies. The Caco-2 model shows a fair correlation with in vivo drug absorption, though some inherent biases remain unresolved. Its main limitation lies in the lack of structural complexity, as it does not replicate the diverse cell types and mucus layer present in the human intestinal epithelium. Consequently, the development of advanced in vitro models of the intestinal barrier, that more structurally resemble the human intestinal epithelium physiology, has increased the potential applications of these models. Recently, Caco-2-based advanced intestinal models have proven effective in predicting nanomaterial uptake and transport across the intestinal barrier. The aim of this review is to provide a state-of-the-art of human in vitro intestinal barrier models for the study of translocation/uptake of nanoparticles relevant for oral exposure, including inorganic nanomaterials, micro/nano plastic, and fiber nanomaterials. The main effects of the above-mentioned nanomaterials on the intestinal barrier are also reported. Full article

Behavioral issues in domestic dogs represent a significant welfare concern affecting both canines and their caregivers, with prevalence rates reported to range from 34 to 86% across the population. Current treatment options, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, often present limitations including adverse effects and delayed efficacy. This randomized, placebo-controlled (maltodextrin) study investigated the effects of a novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain (LP815^TM) on canine behavioral concerns through gut–brain axis modulation. Home-based dogs (n = 40) received either LP815^TM (n = 28) or placebo (n = 12) daily for 4 weeks, with behavioral changes assessed using the comprehensive Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and continuous activity monitoring. After the intervention period, dogs receiving LP815^TM showed significant improvements in aggression (p = 0.0047) and anxiety (p = 0.0005) compared to placebo controls. These findings were corroborated by objective activity data, which demonstrated faster post-departure settling, reduced daytime sleep, and improved sleep consistency in the treatment group. Throughout >1120 administered doses, no significant adverse events were reported, contrasting favorably with pharmaceutical alternatives. The concordance between our findings and previous research using different L. plantarum strains suggests a consistent biological mechanism, potentially involving GABA production and vagal nerve stimulation. These results indicate that LP815^TM represents a promising, safe alternative for addressing common canine behavioral concerns with potential implications for improving both canine welfare and the human–animal bond. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D testing has increased significantly in developed countries in recent decades. We aimed to describe trends in vitamin D testing rates and factors associated with testing and vitamin D deficiency in Queensland, Australia (2011–2019). Methods: We used data from the QSkin Sun and Health Study (n = 40,417), a prospective population-based cohort study with linkage to the Medicare Benefits Schedule, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and pathology laboratories. Main outcomes included age-standardized incidence rate of vitamin D testing; having ≥1 vitamin D test during follow-up; vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration <50 nmol/L) in the first vitamin D test; and repeat vitamin D tests. Results: The age-standardized incidence rate of testing increased by 2% per quarter during follow-up. Of the 35,250 participants analyzed for associations with testing (median age of 57 years, 52% female), 45% had ≥1 vitamin D test. Among those tested, 56% had no apparent clinical indication for their initial vitamin D test, 21% were vitamin D deficient in their initial test, and 58% had a repeat test. Repeat testing occurred in 56% who were not deficient in their prior test, while only two-thirds of those deficient received a follow-up assessment. Participants who visited a general practitioner ≥2 times in the year prior to follow-up were 60% more likely to have ≥1 vitamin D test compared with those with no visit, but general practitioner (GP) visits were not associated with risk of vitamin D deficiency. Conclusions: These results suggest that initiatives are needed to help clinicians target vitamin D testing in alignment with clinical guidelines. Full article

Appropriate carriers or templates are crucial for maintaining the stability, biological activity, and bioavailability of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). Selecting suitable templates remains challenging for fully utilizing SeNPs functionalities and developing applicable products. Exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) have gained importance in drug delivery systems, yet research on selenium products prepared using exosomes remains limited. To address this gap, we utilized Cyperus bean ELNs to deliver SeNPs, investigated three preparation methods for SeNPs-ELNs, identified the optimal approach, and performed characterization studies. Notably, all three methods successfully loaded SeNPs. Ultrasonic cell fragmentation is the optimal approach, achieving significant increases in selenium loading (5.59 ± 0.167 ng/μg), enlargement of particle size (431.17 ± 10.78 nm), and reduced absolute zeta potential (−4.1 ± 0.43 mV). Moreover, both exosome formulations demonstrated enhanced stability against aggregation during storage at 4 °C, while their stability varied with pH conditions. In vitro digestibility tests showed greater stability of SeNP-ELNs in digestive fluids compared to ELNs alone. Additionally, neither ELNs nor SeNP-ELNs exhibited cytotoxicity toward LO₂ cells, and the relative erythrocyte hemolysis remained below 5% at protein concentrations of 2.5, 7.5, 15, 30, and 60 μg/mL. Overall, ultrasonic cell fragmentation effectively loaded plant-derived exosomes with nano-selenium at high capacity, presenting new opportunities for their use as functional components in food and pharmaceutical applications. Full article