Search Results (110)

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the effect of direct (probe) and indirect (bath) ultrasound treatments on the physicochemical and structural properties of red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) tissue. Ultrasound was applied under controlled conditions to induce structural modification without excessive thermal or mechanical damage. The treated samples were evaluated using chemical (polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, sugars), microbiological (total viable count (TVC) and total yeast and mold count (TYM)), spectroscopic (FTIR, NMR), thermal (TGA), and microscopic (SEM, micro-CT) analyses. Both ultrasound modes affected the tissue, but their effects differed in intensity and character. Direct ultrasound caused stronger cavitation and mechanical stress, resulting in greater cell wall disruption, higher permeability, and enhanced release of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, vitamin C and antioxidants from the tissue matrix to the surroundings. Indirect ultrasound acted more gently, preserving cellular integrity and sugar profile while moderately increasing antioxidant activity. Cluster and correlation analyses confirmed that ultrasound mode was the main factor differentiating the samples. Short-term direct sonication enhanced the release of antioxidant compounds, whereas prolonged exposure led to their degradation, resulting in an overall decline in antioxidant capacity, and indirect ultrasound better preserved texture and sugar composition. This demonstrates that ultrasound mode and duration can be tailored to balance tissue integrity and enhance bioactive compounds in plant-based materials. Full article

Scholarship on representations of sonic events in the medieval world has often focused on literary productions, analysing the ways in which texts describe sounds and their effects with words. What has not been thoroughly examined is the relationship between such literary representations and their manifestations in material culture, most prominently in the form of manuscript images. Employing a combined approach drawing from neurobiological predictive processing and Liam Lewis’s framework of the ‘sound milieu’, this article examines representations of sonic events in British Library, Harley MS Y.6, which pictorially depicts the life of St Guthlac in 18 roundels, in conversation with textual depictions in various vitae of the saint. Through this analysis, the article demonstrates that early medieval images were encountered multimodally, with sound milieus created from the sonic information in illustrations allowing an immersive interaction with subjects like St Guthlac. Full article

Background/Objectives: Important goals of endodontic treatment procedures are to effectively eliminate microorganisms from the root canal system and prevent reinfection. Despite advances in techniques, these goals continue to be difficult to achieve due to the complex anatomy of the root canal system and bacterial invasion into the dentinal tubules of the surrounding root dentin. This pilot study aimed to refine a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) model with LIVE/DEAD staining to quantitatively assess the depth of effective disinfection by endodontic disinfection measures. Methods: Thirty caries-free human teeth underwent standardized chemo-mechanical root canal preparation and were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. Following treatment, CLSM-guided imaging with LIVE/DEAD staining allowed for differentiation between vital and dead bacteria and quantification of the depth of effective disinfection. Results: An average depth of bacterial eradication of 450 µm for conventional and 520 µm for sonically activated irrigation (EDDY) could be observed with significant differences (p < 0.05) in the coronal and medial positions. Conclusions: The results indicated that sonically activated irrigation (EDDY) provided a more homogeneous (omnidirectional) irrigation pattern compared to conventional irrigation. The study highlights the importance of effective disinfection strategies in endodontics, emphasizing the need for further research on the depth of effective disinfection of endodontic disinfection measures and the optimization of disinfection protocols. Full article

The rapid development of nanomedicine is driving extensive research and the synthesis of new nanomaterials. Biocompatible nanoparticles have the potential to serve as both imaging agents for medical diagnostics and carriers for targeted therapy. Among the various nanocomplexes investigated for cancer theranostics, gold nanoparticles stabilized by polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers have proven to be a promising platform. The unique physicochemical properties of gold nanoparticles, when combined with the branched architecture of PAMAM dendrimers, enhance stability, biocompatibility, and functionalization capability, enabling precise tumour targeting, improved imaging contrast, and controlled drug release. In this paper, we demonstrate the synthesis of gold nanoparticles stabilized by 2nd generation PAMAM dendrimers using three different methods: sonication, microwave, and unassisted techniques. The described synthesis approaches provide a rapid and straightforward method to achieve monodisperse particle size distribution and high colloidal stability up to 3 months. Physicochemical characterization of the nanocomplexes was carried out using ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering with zeta potential analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, the effects of selected concentrations of PAMAM:HAuCl₄ nanoparticles for all types of synthesis on human breast adenocarcinoma and human osteosarcoma cell lines were investigated using cytotoxicity assays. The results of the conducted tests show cytotoxicity values at a similar level. However, the sample synthesized using the sonication technique exhibited the lowest toxicity. Full article

In 1973, British musician, social anthropologist, and ethnomusicologist John Blacking published his seminal work, How Musical is Man? In this book, Blacking describes his 1950s ethnographic study of the Venda people in South Africa, which explores how humans develop and interact with music. For this transcendent autoethnography, I transform Blacking’s book title into a transcendent research question and ask, “How musical is God?” Springboarding off four of Blacking’s principles, I answer this question from the perspective of a Christian and music educator who believes the Bible is the foundation of truth. I explore the mystery of God, humans, and music by referring to the account of the creation in Genesis 1 and 2 and other related verses in the Bible. The exploration encompasses the sonic order wisely created by God, the cognitive system that reflects humans as God’s image bearers, how music is structured reality for things unseen and necessary for faith, and beauty as a God-ordained component for rest. I conclude the paper by answering, “How musical is God?” by reconciling my response to biblical truth in the Christian tradition. Full article

The success of root canal treatment depends on the proper execution of each phase. However, the instrumentation and irrigation phase is especially important. During this phase, the interior of the root canal system must be removed to facilitate the next phase, obturation, achieving the most airtight seal possible, resulting in the success of the endodontic treatment. This study aimed to compare the chelating capacity and smear layer removal effectiveness of two irrigants—17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 9% hydroxyethylidene bisphosphonate (HEBP)—when activated using two different irrigant activation systems: sonic and ultrasonic. Additionally, the study assessed the relationship between these variables and the average diameter of dentinal tubules in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the root canal. A total of 105 single-rooted human teeth were decoronated and instrumented using a rotary system. Teeth were randomly assigned to four experimental groups based on the irrigant (EDTA or HEBP) and the activation method (sonic or ultrasonic). Final irrigation was performed with the corresponding protocol. Samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Smear layer removal was quantified using the Carvalho method, and dentinal tubule diameter was measured with image analysis software. Data were statistically analyzed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and non-parametric tests, with a significance level set at α = 0.05. EDTA showed superior smear layer removal in the coronal and middle thirds, particularly when activated ultrasonically. In contrast, HEBP was more effective in the apical third, especially when used with sonic activation. There were no statistically significant differences in the overall tubule diameter between the two chelating agents; however, HEBP resulted in significantly larger tubule openings in the apical third. Activation systems played a critical role, with ultrasonic irrigation being more effective for EDTA and sonic irrigation favoring HEBP in specific canal regions. The combination of chelating agent and activation system influences both smear layer removal and dentinal tubule morphology. HEBP demonstrated promising results in the apical third with minimal structural damage, supporting its use as a viable alternative to EDTA in continuous chelation protocols. Full article

Background: Pain is a complex phenomenon characterized by unpleasant experiences with profound heterogeneity influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 50.2 million U.S. adults (20.5%) experience pain on most days, with the annual cost of prescription medication for pain reaching approximately USD 17.8 billion. Theranostic pain nanomedicine therefore emerges as an attractive analgesic strategy with the potential for increased efficacy, reduced side-effects, and treatment personalization. Theranostic nanomedicine combines drug delivery and diagnostic features, allowing for real-time monitoring of analgesic efficacy in vivo using molecular imaging. However, clinical translation of these nanomedicines are challenging due to complex manufacturing methodologies, lack of standardized quality control, and potentially high costs. Quality by Design (QbD) can navigate these challenges and lead to the development of an optimal pain nanomedicine. Our lab previously reported a macrophage-targeted perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion (PFC NE) that demonstrated analgesic efficacy across multiple rodent pain models in both sexes. Here, we report PFC-free, biphasic nanoemulsions formulated with a biocompatible and non-immunogenic plant-based coconut oil loaded with a COX-2 inhibitor and a clinical-grade, indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye for parenteral theranostic analgesic nanomedicine. Methods: Critical process parameters and material attributes were identified through the FMECA (Failure, Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) method and optimized using a 3 × 2 full-factorial design of experiments. We investigated the impact of the oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) with three different surfactant systems on the colloidal properties of NE. Small-scale (100 mL) batches were manufactured using sonication and microfluidization, and the final formulation was scaled up to 500 mL with microfluidization. The colloidal stability of NE was assessed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and drug quantification was conducted through reverse-phase HPLC. An in vitro drug release study was conducted using the dialysis bag method, accompanied by HPLC quantification. The formulation was further evaluated for cell viability, cellular uptake, and COX-2 inhibition in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Results: Nanoemulsion droplet size increased with a higher oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) but was no significant impact by the type of surfactant system used. Thermal cycling and serum stability studies confirmed NE colloidal stability upon exposure to high and low temperatures and biological fluids. We also demonstrated the necessity of a solubilizer for long-term fluorescence stability of ICG. The nanoemulsion showed no cellular toxicity and effectively inhibited PGE2 in activated macrophages. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first instance of a celecoxib-loaded theranostic platform developed using a plant-derived hydrocarbon oil, applying the QbD approach that demonstrated COX-2 inhibition. Full article

This study explores the optimisation of nozzle design for external twin fluid, single-stage atomisation in handling high-viscosity, shear-thinning polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). A single PDMS grade was employed and atomised using unheated sonic air and the viscosity was varied by the fluid temperature. A systematic experimental approach was used, varying nozzle geometry—specifically apex angle, gas nozzle diameter, and number of gas nozzles—to identify the optimal nozzle configuration (ONC). The spray qualities of the nozzle configurations were evaluated via high-speed imaging at 75,000 FPS. Shadowgraphy was employed for the optical characterisation of the spray, determining the optimal volumetric air-to-liquid ratio (ALR), a key parameter influencing energy efficiency and operational cost, and for assessing droplet size distributions under varying ALR and viscosity of PDMS. The ONC yielded a Sauter mean diameter $d_{32}$ of 570 × 10⁻⁶$\mathrm{m}$, at an ALR of 8532 and a zero-shear viscosity of 15.9 $\mathrm{Pa}$ $\mathrm{s}$. The results are relevant for researchers and engineers developing twin fluid atomisation systems for challenging industrial fluids with similar physical properties, such as those in wastewater treatment and coal–water slurry atomisation (CWS). This study provides design guidelines for external twin fluid atomisers to enhance atomisation efficiency under such conditions. Full article

Exploring the neurogenic potential of extraneural stem cells under the actions of proneurogenic biomolecules may enhance the success of autologous cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. Neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) from extraneural tissues have emerged as potential sources of functional dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to generate DA neurons from ovarian cortical cells (OCC)-derived NSPCs to elucidate whether follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) can enhance this process and to evaluate the electrophysiological functionality of differentiated neural cells using the patch-clamp technique. Methods: OCC-NSPCs were differentiated towards the DA pathway during the neurosphere (NS) assay after two culture periods for cell expansion (CEP-1, CEP-2) with one of these media: M1 (positive control with epidermal growth factor, EGF, and fibroblast growth factor2, FGF2), M2 (control), and M3 (M2 with FSH, 50 ng/mL). Image analysis, morphometric evaluation, cell proliferation assays, and gene expression analysis of NSPC-specific transcripts were performed. After CEP-2, NS cells were cultured for 30 days in a serum-free medium containing Sonic-Hedgehog, FGF2, FGF8, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for differentiation. At the end of culture, expression, and immunolocalization of GFAP, Olig2, NeuN, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were analyzed in cells, along with patch-clamp recordings in differentiated neurons. Results: Cell proliferation and NS development were larger in OCC-NSPCs from groups M1 and M3 than in M2. Expression of NSPC-related transcripts was higher in M2; however, M1 and M3 cultures showed greater expression of differentiation markers NeuN, GFAP, Olig2, and TH. NeuN, GFAP, and TH were immunolocalized in differentiated cells and NS that were generated during differentiation. TH was localized in neural precursor cells, some neurons, core cells of small-, medium-, and large-sized NS, and in cells close to the outer cell layer of large NS, with greatest immunolocalization percentages in NS primed with FSH during CEP-1/2 (M3). Electrophysiological recordings revealed a major incidence of plateau potentials and a significant proportion of complete action potentials, reflecting successful functional neuronal differentiation. Conclusions: DA precursors and functional neurons can be successfully obtained after OCC-NSPCs-directed differentiation. FSH priming during the expansion period enhances the neurogenic potential of these cells towards the DA pathway. Future research will explore the eventual therapeutic use of these findings for neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

In this study, borophene and nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc): borophene nanocomposites were prepared using the sonication method. The NiPc: borophene nanocomposite was uniformly obtained as a 10–80 nm-sized spherically shaped particle. Electrical conductivities (s) were measured as 3 × 10⁻¹³ Scm⁻¹ and 9.5 × 10⁻⁹ Scm⁻¹ for NiPc and the NiPc: borophene nanocomposite, respectively. The SEM image showed that borophene was homogeneously distributed in the NiPc matrix and increased the charge transport pathways. This is the main reason for a 10⁶-fold increase in electrical conductivity. An indium tin oxide (ITO)/NiPc: borophene nanocomposite-based thermoelectric generator (TEG) was prepared and characterized. The Seebeck coefficients (S) were calculated to be 5 μVK⁻¹ and 30 μVK⁻¹ for NiPc and the NiPc: borophene nanocomposite, respectively. A positive Seebeck coefficient value for the NiPc: borophene showed the p-type nature of the nanocomposite. The power factors (PF = sS2) were calculated as 7.5 × 10⁻¹⁶ μW m⁻¹ K⁻² and 8.6 × 10⁻¹⁰ μW m⁻¹ K⁻² for NiPc and the NiPc: borophene nanocomposite, respectively. Compositing NiPc with borophene increased the power factor by ~10⁶-fold. It has been concluded that the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of the NiPc: borophene material increases due to energy band convergence because of combining p-type NiPc with p-type borophene. Therefore, the NiPc: borophene nanocomposite is a promising material for TEG. Full article

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a well-established treatment for severe aortic stenosis across all levels of surgical risk. While transfemoral access remains the default approach, complications arising from vascular access—especially in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD)—pose significant challenges. Hostile vascular access, characterized by narrow vessel diameters, severe calcification, and tortuosity, complicates the procedure and necessitates alternative strategies. Recent advancements, such as intravascular lithotripsy (IVL), have shown promise in managing severely calcified arteries, improving the feasibility of transfemoral TAVR in patients previously considered ineligible. IVL uses pulsatile sonic waves to fragment arterial calcifications, enhancing vessel compliance and facilitating safe device delivery. Studies have demonstrated that IVL-assisted TAVR improves procedural success and reduces complications in patients with PAD. Additionally, orbital atherectomy, an adjunctive therapy targeting both concentric and eccentric calcifications, may complement the management of complex arterial calcification. The Hostile and passage–puncture scores offer valuable risk stratification tools for predicting vascular complications, aiding in better access site selection. Post-procedural echocardiography, particularly femoral artery sonography, may also play a role in detecting vascular complications early, enabling timely intervention. Finally, alternative access sites are increasingly being explored, with emerging data helping to guide the final access site decision. As TAVR continues to expand into lower risk populations, optimizing vascular access strategies remains essential to improving procedural outcomes. This review highlights the importance of preoperative imaging, endovascular techniques, and post-procedural monitoring in overcoming vascular challenges and ensuring successful TAVR outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors. Surgery and radiation therapy are the cornerstones of treatment and no standard of care therapy exists for refractory meningiomas. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches against these tumors. Methods: A search for the existing literature on systemic therapies for meningiomas was performed on PubMed and a search for presently accruing clinical trials was performed on ClinicalTrials.gov. Results: Systemic treatments, including chemotherapy, somatostatin analogs, anti-hormone therapy, and anti-angiogenic therapy, have been extensively studied with marginal success. Targeted therapies are actively being studied for the treatment of meningiomas, including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), sonic hedgehog signaling pathway, phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) inhibitors. These driver mutations are present only in a subset of meningiomas. In stark contrast, somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) is ubiquitously expressed in meningiomas and was formerly targeted with somatostatin analogs with modest success. Theranostic SSTR2-targeting via [⁶⁸Ga]DOTATATE for PET imaging and β-emitting [¹⁷⁷Lu]DOTATATE for the treatment of meningiomas are currently under active investigation. Conclusions: A nuanced approach is needed for the treatment of refractory meningiomas. Targeted therapies show promise. Full article

Objectives: This work aimed to develop and investigate liposomes incorporating Rhein (Lip-Rh) into the liposomal membrane to enhance the compound’s water solubility and oral bioavailability. Methods: Liposomes were produced by the thin lipid film technique, with a phosphatidylcholine-to-cholesterol molar ratio of 5:1, dissolved in chloroform and methanol, and thereafter hydrated with ultrapure water and subjected to sonication. The resultant liposomes were studied from a physicochemical perspective using DLS, zeta potential, STEM, UV–Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies, while oral bioavailability was assessed by fluorescence imaging. Additionally, cell viability assays were performed on tumour cells (MCF-7) in comparison to normal cells (HGFs). Results: The resultant nanoparticles exhibited relatively uniform sizes and narrow size distribution. In vivo fluorescence imaging studies performed on Wistar rats demonstrated significantly enhanced oral bioavailability for Lip-Rh, with rapid absorption into the bloodstream observed one hour after administration, in contrast to the free compound dissolved in vegetable oil. Cell viability assays demonstrated higher cytotoxicity of Lip-Rh towards MCF-7 cells compared to HGF cells, highlighting the selective therapeutic potential of the product. Moreover, we determined that the optimal dose of Rhein per kilogram of body weight, when encapsulated in liposomes, is approximately 2.5 times less than when Rhein is delivered in its unencapsulated form. Conclusions: Lip-Rh is a promising candidate for oncological treatments, presenting three key advantages: increased cytotoxicity towards tumour cells, protection of normal tissues, and the practicality of oral delivery. Additional investigation is required to explore its application in anticancer therapy, whether as monotherapy or as a complementary treatment. Full article

Two-dimensional (2D) cine imaging is essential in routine clinical cardiac MR (CMR) exams for assessing cardiac structure and function. Traditional cine imaging requires patients to hold their breath for extended periods and maintain consistent heartbeats for optimal image quality, which can be challenging for those with impaired breath-holding capacity or irregular heart rhythms. This study aims to systematically assess the performance of a deep learning-based reconstruction (Sonic DL Cine, GE HealthCare, Waukesha, WI, USA) for accelerated cardiac cine acquisition. Multiple retrospective experiments were designed and conducted to comprehensively evaluate the technique using data from an MR-dedicated extended cardiac torso anatomical phantom (digital phantom) and healthy volunteers on different cardiac planes. Image quality, spatiotemporal sharpness, and biventricular cardiac function were qualitatively and quantitatively compared between Sonic DL Cine-reconstructed images with various accelerations (4-fold to 12-fold) and fully sampled reference images. Both digital phantom and in vivo experiments demonstrate that Sonic DL Cine can accelerate cine acquisitions by up to 12-fold while preserving comparable SNR, contrast, and spatiotemporal sharpness to fully sampled reference images. Measurements of cardiac function metrics indicate that function measurements from Sonic DL Cine-reconstructed images align well with those from fully sampled reference images. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Sonic DL Cine is able to reconstruct highly under-sampled (up to 12-fold acceleration) cine datasets while preserving SNR, contrast, spatiotemporal sharpness, and quantification accuracy for cardiac function measurements. It also provides a feasible approach for thoroughly evaluating the deep learning-based method. Full article

Among the many methods of joining different materials, gluing is characterized by its most specific nature. In comparison with, for example, welded, screwed, or overlapped connections, a glued connection depends on the largest number of factors. Many of them are related to the phenomenon of adhesion, which is complicated by definition. It has many shapes and forms, and its existence determines not only the durability of such a joint but also the possibility of its execution. Epoxy polymers are among the most commonly used adhesives. Their extremely good parameters can be easily modified by additives in the form of fillers. Compatibility between the filler and the adhesive allows for further improving the adhesive parameters in the glued joint. However, in order to effectively combine the adhesive and the filler, different, often specific mixing methods must be used. The following study presents the results obtained in an experimental research program, the aim of which was to increase the adhesion of epoxy resin to a properly prepared concrete substrate. As a method to increase the final adhesion, the addition of microsilica and carbon nanotubes in an experimentally determined amount was selected. The use of sonication as a mixing method together with cavitation allowed for improving the parameters which determine the final adhesion of the adhesive to concrete. The parameters which were selected to describe the course of changes in the adhesion of the adhesive to the concrete substrate were the viscosity, free surface energy, surface parameters, adhesion, and SEM images of the tested resin in various modification configurations. The obtained results make it possible to form stronger and more durable adhesive joints during the reinforcement of concrete structural elements using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Full article