Search Results (1,400)

Casein, the main phosphoprotein in milk, has a multifaceted molecular structure and unique physicochemical properties that make it a viable candidate for biomedical use, particularly in wound healing. This review presents a concise analysis of casein’s structural composition that comprises its hydrophobic and hydrophilic nature, calcium phosphate nanocluster structure, and its response to different pH, temperature, and ionic conditions. These characteristics have direct implications for its colloidal stability, including features such as gelation, swelling capacity, and usability as a biomaterial in tissue engineering. This review also discusses industrial derivatives and recent advances in casein biomaterials based on different fabrication types such as hydrogels, electrospun fibres, films, and advanced systems. Furthermore, casein dressings’ functional and biological attributes have shown remarkable exudate absorption, retention of moisture, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in both in vivo and in vitro studies. The gathered evidence highlights casein’s versatile bioactivity and dynamic molecular properties, positioning it as a promising platform to address advanced wound dressing challenges. Full article

Low-commercial-value natural pistachios (broken, closed, or immature) can be revalorised through oil extraction, obtaining a high-quality oil and partially defatted flour as by-product. This study evaluated the techno-functional and nutritional properties of the flours obtained by hydraulic press (HP) and single-screw press (SSP) systems, combined with pretreatment at 25 °C and 60 °C. The extraction method significantly influenced flour’s characteristics, underscoring the need to tailor processing conditions to the specific technological requirements of each food application. HP-derived flours presented lighter colour, greater tocopherol content, and higher water absorption capacity (up to 2.75 g/g), suggesting preservation of hydrophilic proteins. SSP-derived flours showed higher concentration of protein (44 g/100 g), fibre (12 g/100 g), and minerals, and improved emulsifying properties, enhancing their suitability for emulsified products. Pretreatment at 25 °C enhanced functional properties such as swelling power (~7.0 g/g) and water absorption index (~5.7 g/g). The SSP system achieved the highest oil extraction yield, with no significant effect of pretreatment temperature. The oils extracted showed high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid (~48% of ω-9), highlighting their nutritional and industrial value. The findings support the valorisation of pistachio oil extraction by-products as functional food ingredients, offering a promising strategy for reducing food waste and promoting circular economy approaches in the agri-food sector. Full article

Prolonged drought and soil degradation severely affect soil fertility and limit crop productivity. Superabsorbent hydrogels offer an effective solution for improving water retention in soil and supporting plant growth. In this work, we examined the performance of superabsorbent hydrogels based on sodium alginate, acrylic acid (AA), and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) cross-linked with 12.5 kGy using e-beam irradiation. The hydrogels were assessed in various aqueous environments by examining network characteristics, swelling capacity, and swelling kinetics to evaluate the impact of water’s electrical conductivity (which ranges from 0.05 to 321 μS/cm). Morphological and chemical structure changes were evaluated using SEM and FTIR techniques. The results demonstrated that water conductivity significantly affected the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels. Swelling behavior showed notable sensitivity to electrical conductivity variations, with swelling degrees reaching 28,400% at 5 μS/cm and 14,000% at 321 μS/cm, following first-order and second-order kinetics. FTIR analysis confirmed that structural modifications correlated with water conductivity, particularly affecting the O–H, C–H, and COOH groups sensitive to the ionic environment. SEM characterization revealed a porous morphology with an interconnected microporous network that facilitates efficient water diffusion. These hydrogels show exceptional swelling capacity and are promising candidates for sustainable agriculture applications. Full article

The production of bionanocomposite films based on carboxymethyl derivatives of starch and cellulose with sodium montmorillonite (MMT-Na) as a filler was described. The developed films with high absorbency can be used in the preparation of adhesive dressings for wounds oozing as a result of abrasions or tattoos. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl starch (CMS), and potato starch were used as the raw materials for film manufacturing. Citric acid was used as a crosslinking agent and glycerol as a plasticizer. The following parameters were evaluated for the obtained films: solubility in water, swelling behavior, moisture absorption, and mechanical durability (tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus). This study revealed that filler concentration has a significant influence on the stability, durability, and moisture absorption parameters of films. The best nanocomposite with a high absorption capacity was a two-component film CMS/CMC containing 5 pph of sodium montmorillonite and can be used as a base material for wound dressing, among other applications. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder primarily targeting joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. RA results from the body’s own immune system attacking its own tissues. Currently, there are various treatments available for RA including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and NSAIDs. Leflunomide (LEF) is a USFDA-approved synthetic DMARD which is being widely prescribed for the management of RA; however, it faces several challenges such as prolonged drug elimination, hepatotoxicity, and others. LEF exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), thereby suppressing pyrimidine synthesis and modulating immune responses. Emerging nanotechnology-based therapies help in encountering the current challenges faced in LEF delivery to RA patients. This review enlists the LEF’s pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and clinical efficacy in RA management. A comparative analysis with methotrexate, biologics, and other targeted therapies, highlighting its role in monotherapy and combination regimens and the safety concerns, including hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal effects, and teratogenicity, is discussed alongside recommended monitoring strategies. Additionally, emerging trends in novel formulations and drug delivery approaches are explored to enhance efficacy and minimize adverse effects. Overall, LEF remains a perfect remedy for RA patients, specifically individuals contraindicated with drugs like methotrexate. The therapeutic applicability of LEF could be enhanced by developing more customized treatments and advanced drug delivery approaches. Full article

Castration remains a common surgical procedure in equids, yet postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, infection, and eventration persist, influencing surgical outcomes. This retrospective study introduced a novel modified semi-closed castration technique aimed at minimizing these complications. Eighty-five sexually intact mature male equids (including horses, ponies, and donkeys) underwent the described inguinal castration procedure under general anesthesia. The technique involved a carefully managed opening and subsequent secure closure of the parietal vaginal tunic, enabling direct inspection of tunic contents while reducing risks associated with fully open or closed approaches. The median surgery duration was 60 min (range, 45–95), with no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, only two equids (2.35%) exhibited scrotal swelling, which was resolved rapidly with NSAIDs. No cases of hemorrhage, pyrexia, or infection occurred. Follow-up, conducted via owner interviews after a minimum of three months, confirmed complete recovery and primary intention healing in all patients, who returned to normal activity within two days post-surgery. Compared to previously documented complication rates ranging from 2% to 48%, the present approach demonstrates superior results. Additionally, this study proposes refining existing castration technique classifications, focusing explicitly on the vaginal tunic’s status post-procedure (open, semi-closed, closed) for clarity and consistency. This novel semi-closed inguinal technique effectively integrates inspection advantages with closed technique safety, offering significantly reduced complication rates and enhanced postoperative recovery profiles in equids undergoing castration. Full article

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, natural polymeric patches have attracted increasing attention as a promising therapeutic platform for myocardial tissue repair. This study explored the fabrication and evaluation of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) on chitosan film as a novel platform for cardiac patch applications. Chitosan is a biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymer that provides an ideal substrate for SPEs, providing mechanical stability and promoting cell adhesion. Silver ink was employed to enhance electrochemical performance, and the electrodes exhibited strong adhesion and structural integrity under wet conditions. Mechanical testing and swelling ratio analysis were conducted to assess the patch’s physical robustness and aqueous stability. Silver ink was employed to enhance electrochemical performance, which was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry. In vitro, electrical stimulation through the chitosan–SPE patch significantly increased the expression of cardiac-specific genes (GATA-4, β-MHC, troponin I) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), indicating early cardiogenic differentiation potential. In vivo, the implantation of the chitosan–SPE patch in a rat MI model demonstrated good tissue integration, preserved myocardial structure, and enhanced ventricular wall thickness, indicating that the patch has the potential to serve as a functional cardiac scaffold. These findings support the feasibility of screen-printed electrodes fabricated on chitosan film substrates as a cost-effective and scalable platform for cardiac repair, offering a foundation for future applications in cardiac tissue engineering. Full article

This work proposes an effective control technique for enhancing the stability of Doubly Fed Induction Generator-Based Wind Turbines (DFIG-WTs) connected to the grid during voltage sag and swell events, ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of wind energy systems integrated with the grid. The proposed approach integrates a Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) in series with a Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) output terminal to enhance the Fault Ride-Through (FRT) capability during grid disturbances. To develop a flexible control strategy for both unbalanced and balanced fault conditions, a combination of feedforward and feedback control based on a sliding mode control (SMC) for DVR converters is used. This hybrid strategy allows for precise voltage regulation, enabling the series compensator to inject the required voltage into the grid, thereby ensuring constant generator terminal voltages even during faults. The SMC enhances the system’s robustness by providing fast, reliable regulation of the injected voltage, effectively mitigating the impact of grid disturbances. To further enhance system performance, Model Predictive Control (MPC) is implemented for the Rotor-Side Converter (RSC) within the back-to-back converter (BTBC) configuration. The main advantages of the predictive control method include eliminating the need for linear controllers, coordinate transformations, or modulators for the converter. Additionally, it ensures the stable operation of the generator even under severe operating conditions, enhancing system robustness and dynamic response. To validate the proposed control strategy, a comprehensive simulation is conducted using a 2 MW DFIG-WT connected to a 120 kV grid. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control approach successfully limits overcurrent in the RSC, maintains electromagnetic torque and DC-link voltage within their rated values, and dynamically regulates reactive power to mitigate voltage sags and swells. This allows the WTG to continue operating at its nominal capacity, fully complying with the strict requirements of modern grid codes and ensuring reliable grid integration. Full article

In the present study, for the first time, a biodegradable and non-toxic polyphosphoramidate glycohydrogel (PPAGHGel) was prepared by crosslinking a polyphosphoramidate glycoconjugate (PPAG) with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) under mild conditions. Poly(oxyethylene H-phosphonate) (POEHP) was used as a precursor and was converted into PPAG via the Staudinger reaction with glucose-containing azide (2-p-azidobenzamide-2-deoxy-1,3,4,6-tetra-O-trimethylsilyl-α-D-glucopyranose). Then, crosslinking of PPAG was performed to yield PPAGHGel, which was thoroughly characterized. The gel showed a gel fraction of 83%, a swelling degree of 1426 ± 98%, and G″ = 1560 ± 65 Pa. The gel was fully degraded by alkaline phosphatase (400 U/L, pH 9) in 19 days, while hydrolytically, up to 52% degradation was observed under similar conditions. Multivalent studies of the obtained hydrogel with lectin–Concanavalin A were performed. PPAGHGel binds 92% of Concanavalin A within 24 h and the complex remains stable until the amount of glucose reaches 0.3 mM. PPAGHGel acts as a stabilizer for silver nanoparticles (12 nm). SEM shows pores measuring 10 µm (surface) and 0.1 mm (interior) with capillary channels, confirming the gel’s suitability for biosensors, drug delivery, or wound dressings. The cytotoxic (IC50) and cell-adhesive properties of the obtained hydrogel were investigated on human cell lines (HeLa). Antibacterial activity tests were also performed with gel containing silver nanoparticles against skin-associated pathogenic bacteria. The results show that PPAGHGel possesses excellent biocompatibility, non-adhesive properties and antibacterial activity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is commonly associated with postoperative muscle atrophy and weakness, while traditional rehabilitation is often limited by pain and patient compliance. Passive blood flow restriction (pBFR) training may offer a safe, low-threshold method to attenuate muscle loss in this early phase. This pilot study examined the feasibility, safety, and early effects of pBFR initiated during hospitalization on muscle mass, swelling, and functional recovery after TKA. Methods: In a prospective, single-blinded trial, 26 patients undergoing primary or aseptic revision TKA were randomized to either a control group (CON: sham BFR at 20 mmHg) or intervention group (INT: pBFR at 80% limb occlusion pressure). Both groups received 50 min daily in-hospital rehabilitation sessions for five consecutive days. Outcomes, including lean muscle mass (DXA), thigh/knee circumference, 6 min walk test (6 MWT), handgrip strength, and patient-reported outcomes, were assessed preoperatively and at discharge, six weeks, and three months postoperatively. Linear mixed models with Bonferroni correction were applied. Results: The INT group showed significant preservation of thigh circumference (p = 0.002), reduced knee swelling (p < 0.001), and maintenance of lean muscle mass (p < 0.01), compared with CON, which exhibited significant declines. Functional performance improved faster in INT (e.g., 6 MWT increase at T3: +23.7%, p < 0.001; CON: −7.2%, n.s.). Quality of life improved in both groups, with greater gains in INT (p < 0.05). No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Initiating pBFR training on the first postoperative day is feasible, safe, and effective in preserving muscle mass and reducing swelling after TKA. These findings extend prior BFR research by demonstrating its applicability in older, surgical populations. Further research is warranted to evaluate its integration with standard rehabilitation programs and long-term functional benefits. Full article

Introduction: Breast cancer therapy is a common cause of lymphedema. The accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the affected extremity leads to a progressive path—swelling, inflammation, and fibrosis—namely, irreversible changes. Methods: A scientific literature analysis was performed on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) from inception until 30 June 2024. Results: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is indeed an important healthcare burden both due to the significant patient-related outcomes and the overall social impact of this condition. Even though lymphedema is not life-threatening, the literature underlined harmful consequences in terms of pain, infections, distress, and functional impairment with a subsequent and relevant decrease in quality of life. Currently, since there is no cure, the therapeutic approach to BCRL aims to slow disease progression and prevent related complications. A comprehensive overview of postmastectomy lymphedema is offered. First, the pathophysiology and risk factors associated with BCRL were detailed; then, diagnosis modalities were depicted highlighting the importance of early detection. According to non-negligible changes in patients’ everyday lives, novel criteria for patients’ functioning assessment are reported. Regarding the treatment modalities, a wide array of conservative and surgical methods both physiologic and ablative were analyzed with their own outcomes and downsides. Conclusions: Combined strategies and multidisciplinary protocols for BCRL, including specialized management by reconstructive surgeons and physiatrists, along with healthy lifestyle programs and personalized nutritional counseling, should be compulsory to address patients’ demands and optimize the treatment of this harmful and non-curable condition. The Lymphedema-specific ICF Core Sets should be included more often in the overall outcome evaluation with the aim of obtaining a comprehensive appraisal of the treatment strategies that take into account the patient’s subjective score. Full article

Objective: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and life-threatening disease. Adverse events (AEs) related to its drug treatment seriously damaged the patient’s health. This study aims to clarify the causal relationship between PAH drugs and these AEs by combining pharmacovigilance signal detection with the Bayesian causal network model. Methods: Patient data were obtained from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), covering reports from 2013 to 2023. In accordance with standard pharmacovigilance methodologies, disproportionality analysis was performed to detect signals. Target drugs were selected based on the following criteria: number of reports (a) ≥ 3, proportional reporting ratio (PRR) ≥ 2, and chi-square (χ²) ≥ 4. Bayesian causal network models were then constructed to estimate causal relationships. The do-calculus and adjustment formula were applied to calculate the causal effects between drugs and AEs. Results: Signal detection revealed that Ambrisentan, Bosentan, and Iloprost were associated with serious AEs, including death, dyspnea, pneumonia, and edema. For Ambrisentan, the top-ranked adverse drug events (ADEs) based on average causal effect (ACE) were peripheral swelling (ACE = 0.032) and anemia (ACE = 0.021). For Iloprost, the most prominent ADE was hyperthyroidism (ACE = 0.048). Conclusions: This study quantifies causal drug–event relationships in PAH using Bayesian causal networks. The findings offer valuable evidence regarding the clinical safety of PAH medications, thereby improving patient health outcomes. Full article

Paulownia elongata wood is characterized by rapid mass gain, but its limited mechanical strength hinders engineering applications. This study aimed to determine the effect of thermal modification in a steam atmosphere (at temperatures of 180 °C and 190 °C for 12 or 6 h with 3 or 6 h of steam dosing) on wood’s selected physicochemical and aesthetic properties. Color changes (CIELAB), chemical composition (FTIR), density, and compressive strength parallel to the grain were evaluated. The results showed a clear darkening of the wood, a shift in hues towards red and yellow, and an increase in color saturation depending on the treatment parameters. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed a reduction in hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, indicating thermal degradation of hemicelluloses and extractives. Wood density remained relatively stable, despite observed mass losses and reduced swelling. The most significant increase in compressive strength, reaching 27%, was achieved after 6 h of modification at 180 °C with a concurrent 6 h steam dosing time. The obtained results confirm that thermal treatment can effectively improve the functional and visual properties of paulownia wood, favoring its broader application in the furniture and construction industries. Full article

Lost circulation is a major challenge in oil and gas drilling operations, severely restricting drilling efficiency and compromising operational safety. Conventional bridging and plugging materials rely on precise particle-to-fracture size matching, resulting in low success rates. Self-healing gels penetrate loss zones as discrete particles that progressively swell, accumulate, and self-repair in integrated gel masses to effectively seal fracture networks. Self-healing gels effectively overcome the shortcomings of traditional bridging agents including poor adaptability to fractures, uncontrollable gel formation of conventional downhole crosslinking gels, and the low strength of conventional pre-crosslinked gels. This work employs stearyl methacrylate (SMA) as a hydrophobic monomer, acrylamide (AM) and acrylic acid (AA) as hydrophilic monomers, and graphene oxide (GO) as an inorganic dopant to develop a GO-based self-healing organic–inorganic hybrid plugging material (SG gel). The results demonstrate that the incorporation of GO significantly enhances the material’s mechanical and rheological properties, with the SG-1.5 gel exhibiting a rheological strength of 3750 Pa and a tensile fracture stress of 27.1 kPa. GO enhances the crosslinking density of the gel network through physical crosslinking interactions, thereby improving thermal stability and reducing the swelling ratio of the gel. Under conditions of 120 °C and 6 MPa, SG-1.5 gel demonstrated a fluid loss volume of only 34.6 mL in 60–80-mesh sand bed tests. This gel achieves self-healing within fractures through dynamic hydrophobic associations and GO-enabled physical crosslinking interactions, forming a compact plugging layer. It provides an efficient solution for lost circulation control in drilling fluids. Full article

Asphalt–rubber binders (A-RBs) have a long and deep history of use; however, little is known regarding the interrelated chemical behaviors and miscibility of rubber with the asphalt fractions [saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA)]. This study comprehensively attempted to address this knowledge deficiency by employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to investigate the chemical evolution of A-RBs. A-RB interacted at 190 °C and 3000 min⁻¹ for 8 h was deemed to have the optimal rheological performance. FTIR of the liquid fractions of A-RB 190–3000 showed a prominent chemical shift in the SARA fractions, with new peaks that showed rubber polybutadiene (PB) and polystyrene migration into asphaltenes. Meanwhile, decreases in peaks with C–H aromatic bending and S=O stretching for the A-RB 190–3000 saturates showed that the rubber absorbed low-molecular-weight maltenes during swelling. Peaks associated with C=C aromatic appeared in saturates and aromatics, respectively, emphasizing that unsaturated components migrated from the rubber into the asphalt. Thermal analysis showed that rubber dissolution for this sample reached 82%. While a PB peak existed in asphaltenes of A-RB 220–3000, its intensity was diminished by depolymerization, thus compromising the integrity of the migrated rubber structure and generating less rheological enhancement. This study concludes that FTIR characterization of SARA fractions offers valuable insights into the interactions between asphalt and rubber, and that regulated processing conditions are essential for enhancing binder performance. Full article