Search Results (1,630)

Okara, a fiber-rich soybean byproduct, can improve the sustainability of plant-based meats but may compromise texture when used at high levels. This study investigated the effects of okara flour (0–40%) on the structure–function relationships of high-moisture meat analogues (HMMA) formulated with soy protein isolate, wheat gluten, and corn starch. Analyses included composition, macrostructure, instrumental texture (cutting tests and TPA, evaluated by PCA), SDS-PAGE, and pasting behavior under both pressurized and atmospheric conditions. Increasing okara decreased protein density but increased fiber and fat, resulting in nutritional trade-offs. Fibrous anisotropy was preserved up to 20% okara but declined at higher levels, producing dense, isotropic matrices. Texture analyses revealed reduced firmness, cohesiveness, and elasticity, consistent with SDS-PAGE evidence of diminished 7S and 11S subunits. Rheological tests indicated suppressed starch swelling yet greater viscosity stability under pressure. Overall, moderate okara incorporation increased dietary fiber without fully compromising texture, whereas higher levels disrupted protein alignment and gel functionality. Full article

This study investigates the structural optimization of lightweight three-layer panels made from industrial hemp shives (core) and hemp fibers (faces) as a sustainable alternative to wood-based materials in furniture manufacturing. Panels with target densities of 400–600 kg·m⁻³ and face-layer contents of 30%–50%were produced and tested to European standards. The optimal configuration—600 kg·m⁻³ with ~37%–41% face layers—achieved a modulus of elasticity up to 3750 N·mm⁻² and a bending strength (MOR) up to 21.57 N·mm⁻². Across the design space, water absorption ranged from ~83% to 162%, and the minimum thickness swelling was ~29%, indicating that while the mechanical properties meet the requirements for P2 particleboards (EN 312) and in some cases approach MDF benchmarks for dry use, thickness swelling remains above the EN 622-5 limit (12%) and thus precludes MDF classification. These findings demonstrate the technical feasibility of hemp shive–fiber panels and underscore the need to balance density and face-layer ratio to avoid loss of core densification at excessive face contents. From a sustainability perspective, the use of rapidly renewable hemp and agricultural residues highlights the potential of these composites to support resource-efficient, low-carbon furniture production, while future work should target improved water resistance through binder and process modifications. Full article

To address the challenge of long-term stiffness retention of subgrades in humid–hot climates, this study evaluates expansive soil stabilized with construction and demolition waste (CDW), focusing on the resilient modulus (M_r) under coupled stress states and wetting–drying histories. Basic physical and swelling tests identified an optimal CDW incorporation of about 40%, which was then used to prepare specimens subjected to controlled. Wetting–drying cycles (0, 1, 3, 6, 10) and multistage cyclic triaxial loading across confining and deviatoric stress combinations. M_r increased monotonically with both stresses, with stronger confinement hardening at higher deviatoric levels; with cycling, M_r exhibited a rapid then gradual degradation, and for most stress combinations, the ten-cycle loss was 20%–30%, slightly mitigated by higher confinement. Grey relational analysis ranked influence as follows: the number of wetting–drying cycles > deviatoric stress > confining pressure. A Lytton model, based on a modified prediction method, accurately predicted M_r across conditions (R² ≈ 0.95–0.98). These results integrate stress dependence with environmental degradation, offering guidance on material selection (approximately 40% incorporation), construction (adequate compaction), and maintenance (priority control of early moisture fluctuations), and provide theoretical support for durable expansive soil subgrades in humid–hot regions. Full article

Mucosal drug delivery is gaining attention for its ability to provide localized treatment with reduced systemic side effects. The vaginal route has been proven effective for managing gynecological conditions, though it poses certain limitations. Biopolymers can help overcome these challenges by enhancing therapeutic efficiency and offering beneficial properties. This study aimed to develop and evaluate hydrogels and their freeze-dried forms (wafers) based on collagen, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and gellan gum. Initially, a collagen gel was obtained by extraction from calfskin, which was brought to a concentration of 1% and a physiological pH with 1 M sodium hydroxide solution. This gel was combined with either 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose gel, 1.2% gellan gum gel, or both, in different proportions. Thus, five mixed hydrogels were obtained, which, along with the three individual gels (controls), were lyophilized to obtain wafers. Furthermore, the hydrogels were assessed for rheological behavior, while the collagen structural integrity in the presence of the other biopolymers was evaluated using circular dichroism and FT-IR spectroscopy. The wafers were characterized for morphology, wettability, swelling capacity, enzymatic degradation resistance, and in vitro biocompatibility. All hydrogels exhibited non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic behavior and showed collagen structure preservation. The wafers’ characterization showed that gellan gum enhanced the hydrophilicity and enzymatic stability of the samples. In addition, the extracts from the tested samples maintained cell viability and did not affect actin cytoskeleton morphology, indicating a lack of cytotoxic effects. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating both the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of biopolymeric supports as a key preliminary step in the development of vaginal drug delivery platforms with biomedical applications in the management of gynecological conditions. Full article

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a biphasic tissue in which the extracellular matrix (ECM) acts as a structural scaffold and regulates hydration and solute transport. The influence of hydration on the swelling and mechanical properties of the IVD, particularly the annulus fibrosus (AF), is not fully described in the literature. Hydration is assumed to affect inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding and hydrophilic interactions, thereby modulating tissue mechanics. This study aimed to assess the effect of hydration time on free swelling of AF and its impact on mechanical performance. AF specimens were divided into five groups, hydrated for 0, 10, 20, 30, or 40 min and subjected to uniaxial tensile testing until failure. Swelling-related geometric changes were correlated with tensile properties. Results demonstrated that hydration duration significantly influenced AF’s structural and mechanical characteristics in anterior and posterior IVD regions. Hydration increases rapidly within 10–20 min, causing cross-sections to swell, stress capacity to decrease, and stiffness to remain unchanged. However, after 40 min, the tissue becomes swollen beyond physiological balance. These findings identify hydration duration as a critical factor regulating AF function and provide important insights for experimental standardization, numerical modeling, and hydrogels designed for intervertebral disc regeneration. Full article

The influence of temperature on soil behavior has traditionally attracted attention for geotechnical engineers, especially in the design of engineering works and nuclear facilities located in regions with severe cold climates. This research emphasizes exploring how temperature variations affect essential soil properties that are significant for the resilience and long-term stability of geotechnical structures. For this reason, the influence of temperature on the soil’s mechanical and physical attributes was comprehensively evaluated. To achieve this, soil mixtures consisting of two blends prepared as 70% bentonite with 30% sand and 70% sand with 30% bentonite (70B30S and 70S30B) were exposed to temperatures ranging from –45 °C to +105 °C for durations of 24 and 48 h. The study examined how temperature variations affect the mechanical, physical, and mineralogical features of soil through consistency limit tests, direct shear tests, swelling pressure tests, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. It was observed that the internal friction angle (Φ) declined as temperature increased in both mixtures, particularly in specimens with higher sand content. Similarly, cohesion (c) values decreased with increasing temperature, more significantly in mixtures with higher bentonite content. Additionally, the consistency limits and swelling pressure decreased as temperature rose. This trend was evident in both mixtures. Swelling pressure results showed that from 20 °C to 105 °C, the pressure rose with temperature in bentonite-rich soils, while it decreased in sand-rich soils. Conversely, at subzero conditions (–10 to –45 °C), swelling pressure increased as temperature decreased in mixtures dominated by bentonite, while it dropped in those rich in sand. Full article

In this study, hemolytically safe and antibacterial polyvinyl alcohol/kaolinite/chitosan (PVA/KAO/CS) hydrogels were obtained using the freeze–thaw method. The structure of the chemical bonds present in the developed hydrogels was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy study results showed the morphological and structural characteristics of the hydrogels’ surface. The thermal stability and phase transitions of the obtained hydrogel samples were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Porosity, swelling, gel fractions, and mechanical properties were also examined. Biomedical properties of the samples were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo tests such as hemolytic activity, inhibition of protein denaturation, antimicrobial activity, and hemostatic activity. The obtained hydrogels demonstrated safe hemolytic activity, pronounced hemostatic activity, the ability to prevent thermal denaturation of albumin, as well as antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC BAA-39 and Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615 and Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. All the obtained characteristics confirmed the promising biomedical applications of the obtained hydrogels. Full article

In this work, redox-responsive chitosan derivatives were prepared by crosslinking with disulfide-bridged dicarboxylic acids. Taking into account that structural variations in diacids can lead to significant differences in properties, especially swelling capacity, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of increasing alkyl chain length and hydrophobicity. Two dicarboxylic acids of different hydrophobic character and chain length were used: dithiodiglycolic acid (DTGA) and dithiopropionic acid (DTPA). The resulting materials were fully characterized. Despite their structural similarity, the derivatives exhibited distinct behaviors: DTGA derivatives formed stable hydrogels, whereas DTPA ones remained compact upon contact with water. These results were confirmed by swelling measurements and oscillatory rheology. The EDC:COOH molar ratio was also evaluated, revealing a strong effect on the degree of crosslinking. Moreover, DTGA systems prepared at a 1:1 ratio showed significantly higher swelling than those synthesized at 3:1. Regarding redox responsiveness, it was assessed by quantifying thiol content before and after reduction with sodium borohydride, and reversibility was assessed through reduction–oxidation cycles. Finally, preliminary experiments evaluated the materials’ ability to incorporate benzalkonium chloride as a model biocide, and their release was tested in the presence of thiosulfate-reducing bacteria, providing initial insight into their behavior in redox-responsive delivery systems. Full article

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs) are widely utilized in pesticide formulations and industrial products but are known for their endocrine-disrupting properties. Consequently, substitutes such as tristyrylphenol ethoxylates (TSPEOs) have been introduced as inert ingredients in pesticide formulations. Here, we showed that TSPEOs exhibited subacute toxicity in male mice. For the first time, we studied the differences in subacute toxicity (28-day exposure) and the potential toxic effects of TSPEOs with varying polymerization degrees, specifically agricultural emulsifier (AE) #602 and AE #604, in male mice. We demonstrate that AE #602 can induce liver injury, as evidenced by hepatocyte swelling and vacuolar degeneration across all treated groups, along with significant hepatocellular necrosis in the high-dose group. These pathological changes were associated with alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers, including a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels (0.57 times in the high-dose group, p < 0.05) and increased activities of glutathione peroxidase (up to 1.27 times, p < 0.05) and glutathione, suggesting a potential adaptive compensatory response. Both TSPEOs were found to cause gastric injury according to the results of organ indices and histopathological analyses. AE #604, with lower polymerization degree, caused more severe gastric injury than AE #602. Our findings indicate that NPEO substitutes should be tested for hepatotoxicity and gastrotoxicity and highlight the need for further research into the toxicity differences induced by varying degrees of polymerization of TSPEOs on human health. Full article

Chitosan is a promising biopolymer for drug delivery due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. However, its limited dispersibility in water restricts applications, which can be improved through organic acid salts. This study examined how acetic, lactic, glutamic, and citric acids influence the physicochemical, rheological, swelling, bioadhesive, stability, and cytotoxicity properties of chitosan hydrogels. Gels were prepared using varying chitosan-to-acid molar ratios (1:1; 1:1.2 for citrate) and characterized by NMR, FTIR, TGA, and XRD. Despite identical chitosan concentrations (2%, 3%, 3.5%), gels displayed distinct viscosity, swelling, and adhesion profiles depending on the acid. Lactate gels exhibited the most favorable overall performance, combining high viscosity (1555–6665 mPa·s), structural stability, and strong bioadhesion. Citrate gels showed the lowest viscosity (825–3550 mPa·s), cell viability, and stability but the highest bioadhesiveness, likely due to multivalent ionic interactions. Short-term stability tests revealed that low pH accelerated chitosan degradation, leading to viscosity loss up to ~90–95% within 30 days, particularly in citrate hydrogels. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed high biocompatibility, with all formulations maintaining cell viability above 80%. Overall, the findings highlight that organic acid selection is a critical determinant of chitosan gel behavior, offering guidance for tailoring safe, stable, and bioadhesive drug delivery systems. Full article

A novel glucose biosensor is developed based on a tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) functionalized with a pH-responsive polyelectrolyte multilayer membrane, onto which glucose oxidase (GOD) is immobilized. The sensing film is constructed via layer-by-layer self-assembly of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), which undergoes reversible swelling and refractive index (RI) changes in response to local pH variations. These changes are transduced into measurable shifts in the resonance wavelengths of TFBG cladding modes. The catalytic action of GOD oxidizes glucose to gluconic acid, thereby modulating the interfacial pH and actuating the polyelectrolyte membrane. With an optimized (PEI/PAA)₄(PEI/GOD)₁ structure, the biosensor achieves highly sensitive glucose detection, featuring a wide measurement range (10⁻⁸ to 10⁻² M), a low detection limit of 27.7 nM, and a fast response time of ~60 s. It also demonstrates excellent specificity and robust performance in complex biological matrices such as rabbit serum and artificial urine, with recovery rates of 93–102%, highlighting its strong potential for point-of-care testing applications. This platform offers significant advantages in stability, temperature insensitivity, and miniaturization, making it well-suited for clinical glucose monitoring and disease management. Full article

Coffee processing generates large volumes of spent coffee grounds (SCGs), which contain 30–40% hemicellulose, 8.6–13.3% cellulose, and 25–33% lignin, making them a promising lignin-rich filler for biocomposites. Conventional wood composites rely on urea-formaldehyde (UF), melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF), and phenol–formaldehyde resins (PF), which dominate 95% of the market. Although formaldehyde emissions from these resins can be mitigated through strict hygiene standards and technological measures, concerns remain due to their classification as category 1B carcinogens under EU regulations. In this study, fiber-based biocomposites were fabricated from thermomechanical wood fibers, SCGs, and ammonium lignosulfonate (ALS). SCGs and ALS were mixed in a 1:1 ratio and incorporated at 40–75% of the oven-dry fiber mass. Hot pressing was performed at 150 °C under 1.1–1.8 MPa to produce panels with a nominal density of 750 kg m⁻³, and we subsequently tested them for their physical properties (density, water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS)), mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and internal bond (IB) strength), and thermal behavior and biodegradation performance. A binder content of 50% yielded MOE ≈ 2707 N mm⁻² and MOR ≈ 22.6 N mm⁻², comparable to UF-bonded medium-density fiberboards (MDFs) for dry-use applications. Higher binder contents resulted in reduced strength and increased WA values. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG) revealed an inorganic residue of 2.9–8.5% and slower burning compared to the UF-bonded panels. These results demonstrate that SCGs and ALS can be co-utilized as a renewable, formaldehyde-free adhesive system for manufacturing wood fiber composites, achieving adequate performance for value-added practical applications while advancing sustainable material development. Full article

Background/Objectives: P. odoratissimum has been traditionally used for its antiseptic and astringent qualities, as well as for treating burns, shingles, ulcers, and wounds. This study sought to explore the chemical profile, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties of P. odoratissimum essential oils extracted from different parts. Methods: The essential oils from fresh and dry P. odoratissimum leaves and twigs were extracted using a hydrodistillation method and their chemical profile was elucidated by a GC-MS. In addition, rats were used to test the essential oils’ analgesic effects by submerging the tail in hot water. Paw edema caused by egg albumin was utilized to evaluate the anti-inflammatory impact of the oils; oral dosages of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were used in both biological assays. Results: The essential oils were found to contain forty-seven different compounds. Among these, the following compounds were some of the oil’s principal compounds: 1.8–4.9% α-selinene, 0.6–5.2% γ-cadinene, 0.6–9.2% γ-selinene, 3.6–10.0% piperitone, 45.7–46.3% isomenthone, and 41.8–63.9% menthone. Pharmacological investigation of the essential oils revealed that even the highest dosage of 5000 mg/kg showed no acute toxicity-related deaths. The oils significantly enhanced the time of reaction in analgesic evaluation at dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Moreover, the essential oils also substantially suppressed (p < 0.01–0.001) the paw swelling caused by egg albumin at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg dosages. Conclusions: These results confirmed the great potential of P. odoratissimum essential oils and their application in traditional medicine. Full article

Background: Deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) is an underdiagnosed cause of sciatica-like pain, involving the entrapment of the sciatic nerve by various structures within the subgluteal space. While cases of ossification or calcification in the context of severe pelvic imbalance have been rarely reported, isolated SSL calcification as a primary cause of DGS remains largely unexplored and undocumented. This case report presents the first documented instance of sacrospinous ligament (SSL) calcification identified as the primary cause of DGS and its successful management with ultrasound-guided prolotherapy. Case Presentation: A 51-year-old female presented with severe, worsening left-sided sciatica of several months’ duration. Physical examination revealed an antalgic gait, positive sacroiliac joint tests, and multiple positive DGS-specific provocative tests (FAIR, Pace sign, Seated Piriformis Stretch). Radiographs and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) confirmed calcification within the left sacrospinous ligament, with associated sciatic nerve swelling. The patient underwent three sessions of ultrasound-guided prolotherapy (dextrose 10% with lidocaine) targeting the calcification site, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. Results: The patient reported a significant reduction in pain, from a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of 10/10 to 1/10 within one month. All previously positive provocative tests converted to negative, indicating a resolution of the nerve entrapment. Functional mobility was fully restored. Conclusions: This case highlights isolated sacrospinous ligament calcification as a potential and previously overlooked pathological entity responsible for deep gluteal syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first report to implicate ligamentous calcification as a primary etiological factor in DGS. Musculoskeletal ultrasound proved indispensable for both diagnosis and treatment guidance. Furthermore, ultrasound-guided prolotherapy emerged as a successful and minimally invasive therapeutic option in this case, potentially by stabilizing the ligament and reducing neurogenic inflammation. This case expands the differential diagnosis of sciatica, introduces a new target for intervention in refractory cases, and underscores the need for future studies in larger patient cohorts to validate these findings. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), a gluten-free pseudocereal of increasing interest in food applications, remain underutilized due to limited knowledge of its nutritional and techno-functional properties, particularly following processing. This study investigated the impact of roasting on these properties of tri-color quinoa. Roasting resulted in non-significant increases in the content of protein, lipid, and starch fractions, while carbohydrate and energy contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 3.74 and 3.30%, respectively, compared to native tri-color quinoa flour (NTQF). Notably, total dietary fiber, phytic acid, and oxalate contents were decreased by 13.11, 36.05, and 28.78%, respectively, contributing to improvements in in vitro protein digestibility and in vitro protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score in roasted tri-color quinoa flour (RTQF). Although lysine remained the limiting amino acid, its content increased in RTQF. Techno-functional properties were also affected by roasting; water and oil absorption capacities increased by 24.26 and 2.76% (p < 0.05), while emulsifying, foaming, and swelling capacities declined by 47.58, 34.96, and 17.74%, respectively (p < 0.05). RTQF exhibited consistently lower protein solubility across all pH tested, and higher a least gelation concentration, likely due to protein denaturation. Color analysis showed darker (L*), redder (a*), and more yellow (b*) hues in RTQF, with minor but perceptible color difference (ΔE = 1.26) relative to NTQF. Scanning electron microscopy revealed greater starch disruption, increased porosity and fragmentation in RTQF than NTQF. FTIR confirmed structural alterations, with the spectrum of RTQF showing less intense bands and higher transmittance compared to NTQF, associated thermal modification of carbohydrate, moisture content and other components. These findings suggest that dry roasting can be used to modify the nutritional and techno-functional properties of tri-color quinoa, offering expanded opportunities for tailored food applications. Full article