Degree Of Swelling Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL FACTORS ON BINARY SYSTEMS DURING RAFT POLYMERIZATION

The article discusses the method of radical copolymerization as an effective way to obtain new polymer compounds with practically valuable properties. This method is based on the free radical mechanism, in which the sequential addition of molecules of an unsaturated monomeric compound to a growing macroradical occurs. Due to the relative simplicity of this method, it makes it possible to produce a large number of polymers for various purposes on an industrial scale. Unsaturated polyesters of various compositions and molecular weights, which can significantly affect the properties of the final products, are considered promising coreagents capable of entering into radical copolymerization reactions with vinyl monomers. The article discusses the results of studies of polymer gels obtained on the basis of unsaturated carboxylic acids. The author refers to previous studies, showing that such gels have high sorption capacity, while the starting material does not have similar properties. The following describes the structure analysis of p-PGFPh copolymers with these acids, where important characteristics such as the presence of ionized units in vinyl monomers are discussed. The significance of these studies for the creation of materials with the necessary properties of sorption and interaction with other substances. Study of the influence of environmental pH on the behavior of copolymers based on polypropylene glycol fumarate phthalate with acrylic and methacrylic acids. The equilibrium degree of swelling of the studied copolymers in aqueous solutions at different temperatures was also determined by the gravimetric method. In general, analysis of the swelling curve when varying the acidity/alkalinity of the external solution indicates that the gels we synthesized are polyelectrolytes; analysis of the curve when exposed to temperature, the resulting copolymers are thermosensitive. Thus, the main idea of the article is the importance of using unsaturated carboxylic acids to create polymer gels with high sorption capacity and emphasizes the importance of analyzing the structure of such materials to understand their properties and application possibilities.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MUTUAL ACTIVATION OF AN INTERGEL SYSTEM BASED ON HYDROGEL POLYMETHACRYL ACID AND POLY-4-VINYL PYRIDINE

The electrochemical properties of mutual activation of polymer networks as a result of remote interaction in an intergel system have been studied. An intergel system consisting of hydrogels of rare crosslinked polymethacrylic acid (hPMAA) and poly-4-vinylpyridine (hP4VP) was chosen as the object of study [1,2]. The purpose of the work is to study the mutual activation features of the intergel system of rare crosslinked hPMAA: hP4VP. The obtained results as the contact time of hydrogels with water increased, zones of maximum and minimum conductivity were observed at the highest points of initial conductivity for different ratios of hPMAA:hP4VP hydrogel systems. In the 6:0 ratio of hPMAA hydrogel, the specific conductivity of the aqueous medium reached its maximum value after one day, and the pH value of the medium decreased relatively to about 4.95. The swelling degree of hPMAA hydrogel was constant at 6:0 different time intervals. In this system, only one polymer, namely hPMAA showed that the hydrogel's water absorption capacity was limited. In the 5:1 ratio of the intergel system, the specific conductivity of the medium reached a high value, and the pH value decreased in the 5:1 ratio. After 2.5 hours of study, a decrease in the conductivity of the aqueous medium was observed at 4:2 hydrogel ratio. After 6 hours, the highest degree of swelling was maintained at 1:5 ratio. In the presence of hP4VP hydrogel at a ratio of 0:6, the pH of the medium increased from 5 to a maximum value of 6.6 within 24 hours. Conclusion. The electrochemical properties of hPMAA:hP4VP hydrogel system were studied by remote interaction. Based on the systematic work, we synthesized the required acidic hydrogel hPMAA:hP4VP and carried out various studies on their properties. To create an intergel system, the obtained hydrogels in seven different proportions were made into an intergel system and their interactions were studied using various physicochemical methods. As a result of the study, the remote interaction of hydrogels in the intergel system leads to conformational changes in their intercellular bonds which undergo additional swelling. As a result of mutual activation, the hydrogels move to a highly ionized state.

The Development of Sustainable Biocomposite Materials Based on Poly(lactic acid) and Silverskin, a Coffee Industry By-Product, for Food Packaging Applications

Aligned with the principles of the circular economy and aiming at the production of environmentally friendly materials for food packaging applications, sustainable biocomposite films based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and coffee silverskin (SS), were developed. Coffee silverskin is a by-product of the coffee roasting process, while PLA is one of the most promising bio-based polymers. Several composites were prepared with different loadings of SS, ranging from 2.5 to 20 wt.%, via the solution casting method. The findings indicated that the effective dispersion of coffee silverskin in PLA was successfully accomplished and that a bleaching treatment of the filler leads to better interfacial interaction. The addition of silverskin, in any proportion, did not affect the melting point and glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix or the oxygen permeability of the film. Moreover, the degree of swelling was increased, more so for the films with modified particles, whereas the water vapor transmission rate and permeability increased only after the addition of high amounts (>10%) of surface-treated silverskin. A gradual decrease in color lightness was measured with the increasing concentration of silverskin, and the color was more intense in the untreated samples. The antioxidant activity of the films increased gradually with increasing additions of coffee silverskin due to the presence of compounds such as polyphenols. The chemical treatment of coffee silverskin resulted in the films having improved mechanical properties, as the chemical treatment facilitated stronger bonding between the base material and the additive. Therefore, sustainable composites with enhanced antioxidant activity can be produced by the incorporation of a food industry by-product into a PLA matrix.

Mineral powder based on basalt insulation waste for asphalt concrete

The article discusses the composition and production technology of mineral powder using waste basalt insulation. This study aims to confirm the hypothesis about the possibility of using basalt waste in the production of mineral powder with technical parameters corresponding to approved standards for the production of asphalt concrete. For definition of qualitative indicators of the received product in comparison with the control sample the researches of the basic indicators of mineral powder according to operating norms are given. Such indicators as grain composition of mineral powder, porosity and density were determined, indicating a more dense structure of the developed composition: the content of particles finer than 0.125 mm – 91.4 %, finer than 0.063 mm – 82.2 % with porosity index 28.1 % and true density 2.49 g/cm3. It was found that the mineral powder from waste basalt mineral slabs has a uniform and balanced grain distribution. At moisture content of samples less than 0.1 % by weight the bitumen capacity index of the tested mineral powder sample in comparison with the control sample showed better value by 2 g, at the same time the degree of swelling of samples from the mixture of powder and bitumen showed better result by 0.1 %. The obtained results indicate that the mineral powder on the basis of waste is able to hold bitumen well on its surface, which contributes to the improvement of adhesion between bitumen and mineral particles. The lower degree of swelling characterizes the increased water resistance and frost resistance of asphalt concrete with the use of this mineral powder. Considering that basalt mineral slabs are waste, their use in the production of mineral powder for asphalt concrete fits into the concept of sustainable construction and can contribute to waste reduction and environmental sustainability of the construction process.

Influence of Crosslinking Concentration on the Properties of Biodegradable Modified Cassava Starch-Based Films for Packaging Applications.

Chitosan/modified cassava starch/curcumin (CS/S/Cur) films with a crosslinker were developed via the solvent casting technique for the application of food packaging. The effects of citric acid (CA) as a natural crosslinker were assessed at different concentrations (0-10.0%, w/w, on a dry base on CS and S content). To measure the most favorable film, chemical structure and physical, mechanical, and thermal properties were investigated. Successful crosslinking between CS and S was seen clearly in the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra. The properties of the water resistance of the CS/S/Cur films crosslinked with CA were enhanced when compared to those without CA. Furthermore, it was found that the addition of CA crosslinking would improve the mechanical properties of composite films to some extent. It had been reported that the CA crosslinking level of 7.5 wt% of CS/S/Cur film demonstrated high performance in terms of physical properties. The tensile strength of the crosslinked film increased from 8 ± 1 MPa to 12 ± 1 MPa with the increasing content of CA, while water vapor permeability (WVP), swelling degree (SD), and water solubility (WS) decreased. An effective antioxidant scavenging activity of the CS/S/Cur film decreased with an increase in CA concentrations. This study provides an effective pathway for the development of active films based on polysaccharide-based film for food packaging applications.

Natural wound dressing films prepared from acetylated starch/κ-carrageenan blend incorporated with mandelic acid

Due to several limitations of acetylated starch film for wound dressing applications such as low mechanical properties and no antibacterial activity, acetylated starch film was, therefore, modified by different contents of κ-carrageenan and mandelic acid. Infrared spectra confirmed the presence of κ-carrageenan and mandelic acid in the modified acetylated starch films. In addition, the decreased crystallinity of the carrageenan modified acetylated starch films led to more smooth film, as observed by scanning electron images. Besides, the addition of various amounts of κ-carrageenan in the modified acetylated starch films caused the improvement of mechanical properties, moisture uptake, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and degree of swelling. Moreover, κ-carrageenan modified acetylated starch film loaded with 20 wt% of mandelic acid exhibited antibacterial property against both S.aureus and E.coli bacteria. Additionally, degree of crystallinity, mechanical properties, moisture uptake, WVTR, degree of swelling, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity of κ-carrageenan modified acetylated starch films added by different amounts of mandelic acid were also studied.

Synthesis and characterization of composite membranes based on bacterial cellulose and coral powder

Preparation of bacterial cellulose and coral powder composite membranes has been carried out. Composite membranes were made by mixing bacterial cellulose with coral powder at different mass ratios at temperatures of 25 ºC, 40 ºC, 60 ºC and At 80 ºC, the composite membrane was evaluated for Fourier Transformation of Infrared, X-Ray Diffraction, degree of swelling, proton conductivity and methanol permeability. From the FT-IR analysis it was found that in the absorption area around 1461.385 – 911cm-1 showing the Si-O-Si stretching functional group, and in the absorption area around 3000 - 3500 cm-1 showing the (O-H) group which shows the semicrystalline composite membrane for each mass variation, according to the results of X-Ray Diffraction. The maximum proton conductivity has been measured as 3.32 x 10-3 S.cm-1 at 60°C, produces a degree of swelling of 31.14% and methanol permeability of 3.72 × 10-9 mol/cm.s for a mass ratio of bacterial cellulose:coral powder composite membrane 4:1.

Honokiol alleviates monosodium urate-induced gouty pain by inhibiting voltage-gated proton channels in mice.

To investigate whether honokiol (HNK) acted as an analgesic in connection with inhibiting the voltage-gated proton channel (Hv1). The model of gouty arthritis was induced by injecting monosodium urate (MSU) crystals into the hind ankle joint of mice. HNK was given by intragastric administration. Ankle swelling degree and mechanical allodynia were evaluated using ankle joint circumference measurement and von Frey filaments, respectively. Hv1 current, tail current, and action potential in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were recorded with patch-clamp techniques. HNK (10, 20, 40mg/kg) alleviated inflammatory response and mechanical allodynia in a dose-dependent manner. In normal DRG neurons, 50µM Zn2+ or 2-GBI significantly inhibited the Hv1 current and the current density of Hv1 increased with increasing pH gradient. The amplitude of Hv1 current significantly increased on the 3rd after MSU treatment, and HNK dose-dependently reversed the upregulation of Hv1 current. Compared with MSU group, 40mg/kg HNK shifted the activation curve to the direction of more positive voltage and increased reversal potential to the normal level. In addition, 40mg/kg HNK reversed the down-regulation of tail current deactivation time constant (τtail) but did not alter the neuronal excitability of DRG neurons in gouty mice. HNK may be a potential analgesic by inhibiting Hv1 current.

Synthesis and study of the structure of copolymers of rarely crosslinked polyacrylic acid

The effect of synthesis conditions on the structure of acrylic acid and N,N-methylene bisacrylamide copolymers has been investigated. Optimal conditions for the synthesis of polymers with linear, tree-like, and crosslinked macromolecular structures have been established. The properties of the synthesized polymers, namely density, degree of swelling, gel fraction, etc., were investigated. It has been shown that copolymers with crosslinked macromolecules form hydrogels, the swelling degree of which considerably depends on the synthesis conditions. For copolymers forming hydrogels, the density of crosslinking units was determined based on the dependence of the density and equilibrium swelling degree.

Mechanism of Mailuo Shutong Pills on posterior limb muscle swelling caused by femoral fracture in rats based on network pharmacology and experimental verification

This study aims to investigate the mechanism of Mailuo Shutong Pills(MLST) on posterior limb muscle swelling caused by femoral fracture(SCFF) through network pharmacology and animal experiments. The plasma components of MLST were analyzed by LC-MS, and the target and signal pathway of SCFF were predicted by network pharmacology and verified by molecular docking. SCFF model rats were established through animal experiments, and different doses of MLST were administered to detect the degree of limb swelling. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in muscle tissue, and interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-1β(interleukin-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in peripheral blood were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression of relevant signaling pathways was measured by Western blot. Network pharmacological results showed that MLST and SCFF had a total of 153 disease targets, and the key targets were IL-6, TNF, etc., involving mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT) signaling pathway, etc. The binding energies of the main components and key targets were lower than-7.0 kcal·mol~(-1), indicating that the network analysis results were reliable. The results of animal experiments showed that MLST could reduce the swelling degree and pathological damage of the posterior limb muscles of SCFF rats compared with the model group. ELISA results showed that MLST could reduce the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the serum of SCFF rats. Western blot results showed that MLST can reduce the expression of p-AKT, p-PI3K, p-NF-κB, p-p38 MAPK, and p-ERK in SCFF rats. MLST may reduce the content of inflammatory factors in serum by regulating the expression of PI3K/AKT and MAPK-related signaling pathway protein and improving posterior limb muscle SCFF in rats.

Fabrication of pH-stimuli hydrogel as bioactive materials for wound healing applications

Hydrogels exhibit exceptional suitability as wound dressing due to their remarkable three-dimensional (3D) characteristics. Here, we have reported the fabrication of hydrogels from biopolymers carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and gelatin via a simple blending method to mimic the natural extracellular matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact meters (WCM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to evaluate the chemical structural, morphological, and wettability behavior. The wetting and degradation behavior were also found to be different for different formulations (Min. (51.60o) and Max. (113.60o)) and (Min. (38.82 mg) and Max. (3.72 mg)), respectively. Swelling was investigated in different media, including phosphate buffer saline solution (PBS) and aqueous media. It was observed that the hydrogel displayed the highest degree of swelling in an aqueous medium (Min. (597.32–1121.49 %) and Max. (1089.51–2139.73 %)) compared to PBS media (Min. (567.01–1021.85 %) and Max. (899.13–1639.17 %)). The release of Neomycin was studied in a PBS medium via the Franz diffusion method at 37 °C. The maximal release in various media demonstrated pH-responsive behavior. The viability and proliferation of fibroblast (3T3) cell lines were examined in vitro to evaluate cytocompatibility. Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 cells were used to evaluate the hydrogels' ability to promote vascularization and angiogenesis. Therefore, the data demonstrate that hydrogels that have been manufactured have qualities that make them promising for use as wound dressings in wound healing applications.

Unveiling the swelling behavior of κ-carrageenan hydrogels: Influence of composition and physiological environment on drug delivery potential

This study aims to develop a biodegradable hydrogel wound dressing film based on carrageenan and agar loaded with tetracycline (TC), which exhibits high antibacterial properties and accelerates wound healing. The swelling behavior of κ-carrageenan/agar and tetracycline-loaded hydrogel films was examined, with a focus on the hydrogel’s efficacy in various physiological fluids, as well as the effects of polysaccharide ratio, cross-linker concentration, and surfactant concentration. The results revealed that the polysaccharide ratio significantly influenced the hydrogel swelling capacity of hydrogel, and a 1:1 ratio of agar to κ-carrageenan achieved the highest swelling degree of 1386 %. Addition of KCl, as a cross-linker, increased swelling capacity to 1713 %. Furthermore, surfactant concentration also influenced swelling behavior, and higher concentrations resulted in an increase in hydrophilicity and swelling. Hydrogel swelling performance varied across physiological fluids, with the highest and lowest swellings observed in deionized water (DIW) and simulated wound fluid (SWF), respectively. The swelling process in DIW and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) exhibited second-order kinetics, whereas non-Fickian diffusion mechanisms were observed in SWF. The drug release of the κC/AG/TC hydrogel film was controlled by its swelling capacity and the pH of medium. The hydrogels’ mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, and water vapor permeability were also investigated.

Cellulose acetate/chitosan composite film loaded with ground cinnamon for active packaging: water vapor sorption kinetic, compounds release, and antimicrobial effect

This study evaluated structural, physical, and water sorption properties of cellulose acetate/chitosan composite film incorporated with ground cinnamon as an antimicrobial. The controlled release of antimicrobial compounds and antimicrobial effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were also monitored. The composite film formed highly porous and fibrous materials with higher thermal resistance. A higher ratio of chitosan in the film improved the swelling degree and water-vapor absorption capacity but reduced adsorption rates. Consequently, antimicrobial compounds, including eucalyptol, naphthalene, and β-caryophyllene, were more quickly released from the composite film with a larger chitosan ratio, affecting stronger antimicrobial effects. The inclusion of ground cinnamon with residual fat content in the film contributed to an extended inhibition of microbial growth in an indirect packaging system. Understanding the chitosan/cellulose acetate ratio in the film composite formation and the incorporation of ground cinnamon is important to control the compounds' release and generate long-term antimicrobial effects of active packaging materials on fresh food products.

Preparation of iota-carrageenan@bentonite@4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide ternary hydrogel for adsorption of Losartan potassium and sulfamethoxazole

A rising quantity of drugs has been discharged into the aquatic environment, posing a substantial hazard to public health. In the current work, a novel hydrogel (i.Carr@Bent@PTC), comprised of iota-carrageenan, bentonite, and 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide, was successfully prepared. The introduction of 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide and bentonite in iota-carrageenan significantly increased the mechanical strength of iota-carrageenan hydrogel and improved its degree of swelling, which can be attributed to the hydrophilic properties of PTC and Bent. The recorded contact angle was 70.8°, 59.1°, 53.9°, and 34.6° for pristine i.Carr, i.Carr@Bent, and i.Carr@Bent@PTC, respectively. The low contact angle measurement of the Bent and PTC loaded-i.Carr hydrogel was attributed to the hydrophilic Bent and PTC. The ternary i.Carr@Bent@PTC hydrogel demonstrated broad pH adaptability and excellent adsorption capacities for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and losartan potassium (LP), i.e., 467.61 mg. g−1 and 274.43 mg. g−1 at 298.15 K, respectively. The pseudo-first-order (PSO) model provided a better fit for the adsorption kinetics. The adsorption of SMX and LP can be better explained by employing the Sips and Langmuir isotherm models. As revealed by XPS and FTIR investigations, π-π stacking, complexation, electrostatic interaction, and hydrogen bonding were primarily involved in the adsorption mechanisms.

Polyaniline/Graphene oxide composite as an Ultra-Sensitive humidity sensor

This paper investigated the humidity-sensing response of polyaniline/Graphene oxide (PGO) composites. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesised using the improvised hummers method, and polyaniline (PANI) was synthesised using the chemical in-situ polymerisation process. By adding different weights per cent (wt%) of Graphene oxide (GO) to the polymer matrix, PGO composites were prepared. Structural and morphological properties of GO were confirmed by XRD, RAMAN, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and HR-TEM (elementary mapping) characterisations. The XRD, FTIR SEM and EDX proficiencies were employed to characterise the PGO composites. To experience the humidity response performance, the film of PANI, GO, and PGO samples was groomed by wedging the sample on an IDT substrate using a drop casting technique. Among the samples, the PGO-3 composite (polyaniline/Graphene oxide 15 wt%) depicted a maximum sensing response (SH) of 93.4 % with a dynamic timing behaviour of 4 s and 7 s. The Nobel characters, such as low accurate Sensing response, fewer detection limits (LOD), negligible hysteresis and perfect stability, were observed in the PGO-3 composite. The physical properties such as porosity, water content, and degree of swelling have been outstandingly enhanced in the PGO-3 composite compared to PANI and GO. The mechanism for sensing the PGO-3 composites was deliberately explained based on establishing superficial physisorption, chemisorption layers, and later capillary condensation.

Phase behavior of rubber and supercritical CO2: Operating parameters and swelling characteristics

AbstractThis study aims to compare the difference in the swelling process between styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and natural rubber (NR) in ScCO2. A high‐pressure visual stainless‐steel autoclave was used to carry out swelling measurements based on the sample dimensions. The swelling rates for both rubbers followed a first‐order kinetic model. The diffusion coefficient for CO2 was determined from the change in the swelling degree with time. The shrinking process for the expanded rubber obeyed a second‐order kinetic model. A 2‐level full factorial experimental design was employed to discuss the influence of variables on rubber swelling and CO2 diffusion. Temperature and pressure were found to have a great influence on the equilibrium swelling degree, swelling rate and diffusion coefficient. For both SBR and NR, the maximum equilibrium swelling degrees were observed at 120°C and 20 MPa, yielding values of 1.18 and 1.16, respectively. The maximum diffusion coefficient reached approximately 3 × 10−9 m2 s−1 for both types of rubber at 120°C and 8 MPa. The crosslink density failed to affect these three responses, but the volume of expansion and the shrinkage rate were found to significantly decrease and increase, respectively, with increasing crosslink density. The motion of polymer segments forced by ScCO2 led to rearrangement of the material structure, which governed the nature of swelling, expansion, and shrinkage. Due to a lower number of entanglements and a weak electrostatic interaction exists between CO2 and the π‐system, SBR can absorb more CO2 and easily restructure than NR under the same conditions, resulting in higher equilibrium swelling degree, larger expansion and faster shrinkage than NR.Highlights Swelling of nature rubber and styrene‐butadiene rubber in ScCO2 is compared. Swelling degree is positively correlated with temperature and pressure. Diffusion coefficient increases with temperature but decreases with pressure. Swelling degree varies with rubber type, while CO2 diffusion dose not. Crosslink density significantly affects expansion and shrinkage of rubber.

Effect of lipase addition on inhibition of starch retrogradation in rice

We investigated whether the production of the free fatty acids (FFAs) by the addition of lipase during rice cooking inhibits starch retrogradation, and to examine whether proteins are involved in this process. Rice milled with milling ratios of 90%, 80%, 70%, and 60% and alkaline-soaked raw rice (AS) were prepared to obtain samples with different protein content. The protein content decreased from 8.24% to 5.83% as the milling ratio decreased from 90% to 60%, and AS contains 4.58% of protein. The prepared rice was cooked with and without lipase, and then treated with two freeze-thaw cycles to accelerate starch retrogradation. The addition of lipase increased the FFAs content and the peroxide value form 1.65 meq/kg to 4.75 meq/kg and decreased the free thiol (SH) content in cooked rice. The degree of swelling was reduced by 0.14 during cooking with the addition of lipase in cooked rice with a milling ratio of 90%. The degree of starch retrogradation (Dr) tended to increase as the milling ratios decreased from 90% to 60% and AS showed Dr similar to milling ratio of 60%. The degree of amylose-lipid complexes formation, which is involved in the inhibition of starch retrogradation, did not change with or without lipase, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of lipase became smaller as protein decreased. These results suggest that the FFAs produced by lipase converted the free SH of the protein into disulfide bonds, which altered the swelling characteristics of the starch and eventually inhibited the starch retrogradation.

Activation of Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy alleviates exertional heat stroke-induced acute lung injury in rats.

To investigate the role of Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy in exertional heat stroke-induced acute lung injury in rats. Sixty SD rats were divided into four groups: normal group (CON group), normal Parkin overexpression group (CON + Parkin group), exertional heat stroke group (EHS group), and exertional heat stroke Parkin overexpression group (EHS + Parkin group). Adeno-associated virus carrying the Parkin gene was intravenously injected into the rats to overexpress Parkin in the lung tissue. An exertional heat stroke rat model was established, and survival curves were plotted. Lung micro-CT was performed, and lung coefficient and pulmonary microvascular permeability were measured. Compared with the EHS group, the survival rate of rats in the EHS + Parkin overexpression group was significantly increased, lung coefficient and pulmonary microvascular permeability were reduced, and pathological changes such as exudation and consolidation were significantly reduced. The levels of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, TNF- α, and ROS were significantly decreased; the degree of mitochondrial swelling in type II alveolar epithelial cells was reduced, and no vacuolization was observed. Lung tissue apoptosis was reduced, and the colocalization fluorescence of Pink1 and Parkin, as well as LC3 and Tom20, were increased. The expression of Parkin and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio in lung tissue were both increased, while the expression of P62, Pink1, MFN2, and PTEN-L was decreased. Impairment of Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy function is one of the mechanisms of exertional heat stroke-induced acute lung injury in rats. Activation of the Pink1/Parkin pathway can alleviate acute lung injury caused by exertional heat stroke.

Effect of Early Rehabilitation Exercise on Lower Limb Function and Psychological State After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: While early rehabilitation exercise has been shown to improve cardiopulmonary function and functional outcomes after revascularization in individuals who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), further research is still needed to fully understand the importance of psychological status and limb functional rehabilitation following CABG. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of early rehabilitation exercise on lower limb function and mental health after coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: Eighty patients who underwent CABG were randomly divided into a routine exercise group and an early rehabilitation exercise group. The degree of lower limb swelling, the amount of incision complications, the first time the patient got out of bed after the operation, the length of postoperative hospital stay, activity tolerance and postoperative psychological state were compared between the two groups. Results: The incidence of postoperative lower extremity oedema was 30% in the early rehabilitative exercise group as compared to 52.5% in the routine exercise group. Between the two groups, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the incidence of postoperative lower limb edema as well as the amount of swelling in the thighs and ankles on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. In the routine exercise group, the first time the patients got out of bed was 3.45 ± 1.09 days, and the length of postoperative hospitalization was 12.75 ± 5.06 days. In the early rehabilitation exercise group, the first time the patients got out of bed was 1.93 ± 0.57 days, and the length of postoperative hospitalization was 9.50 ± 2.92 days. There were statistically significant differences in these two indices between the two groups (p < 0.05). The activity tolerance of patients in the routine exercise group was 46.10 ± 19.09 min at 2 months after surgery and 69.88 ± 19.05 min at 3 months after surgery. The activity tolerance of patients in the early rehabilitation exercise group was 56.40 ± 17.42 min at 2 months after surgery and 105 ± 23.04 min at 3 months after surgery, and there was a significant difference in activity tolerance between the two groups at these time points following surgery (p < 0.05). In addition, there were statistically significant differences in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale-7 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Early rehabilitation exercises can promote the recovery of lower limb function after CABG to a certain extent, shorten the postoperative bed rest time and hospital stay, and effectively improve postoperative psychological well-being and sleep quality.

Early effectiveness of local injection of multimodal drug cocktail during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and its influence on cartilage

To explore the early effectiveness and influence on cartilage of local injection of multimodal drug cocktail (MDC) during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Between February 2022 and August 2023, patients undergone arthroscopic ACLR using autologous hamstring tendons were selected as the study subjects. Among them, 90 patients met the selection criteria and were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n=30) according to the different injection drugs after ligament reconstruction. There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, body mass index, surgical side, disease duration, preoperative thigh circumference, and preoperative levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), MMP-13, and aggrecan (ACAN) in synovial fluid between groups ( P>0.05). After the ligament reconstruction during operation, corresponding MDC (consisting of ropivacaine, tranexamic acid, and betamethasone in group A, and ropivacaine, betamethasone, and saline in group B) or saline (group C) were injected into the joint and tendon site, respectively. The length of hospital stay, postoperative tramadol injection volume, incidence of complications, degree of knee joint swelling and range of motion, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lyshlom score, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score were recorded and compared between groups. The T2 * values in different cartilage regions were detected by MRI examination and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, and ACAN in synovial fluid were detected by ELISA method. The patients in group A, B, and C were followed up (12.53±3.24), (13.14±2.87), and (12.82±3.32) months, respectively. All incisions healed by first intention. Compared with group C, group A and group B had shorter length of hospital stay, less tramadol injection volume, and lower incidence of complications, showing significant differences ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference between group A and group B ( P>0.05). The degree of knee swelling in group A was significantly less than that in group B and group C ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between group B and group C ( P>0.05). At 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after operation, VAS scores of group A and group B were significantly lower than those of group C ( P<0.05); at 72 hours after operation, there was no significant difference among the three groups ( P>0.05). At 3 days, 14 days, and 1 month after operation, the range of motion of knee joint in group A were significantly better than those in group C ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the other groups ( P>0.05). At 1 month after operation, the IKDC score of group A and group B was significantly higher than that of group C ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference among the three groups at other time points ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Lyshlom score and HSS score among the three groups at each time point ( P>0.05). At 14 days after operation, the levels of IL-1 and IL-6 in the synovial fluid in groups A and B were significantly lower than those in group C ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the levels of TNF-α, MMP-3, MMP-13, and ACAN between groups A and B ( P>0.05). At 1 month after operation, there was no significant difference in the above indicators among the three groups ( P>0.05). At 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, there was no significant difference in the T2 * values of different cartilage regions among the three groups ( P>0.05). Injecting MDC (ropivacaine, tranexamic acid, betamethasone) into the joint and tendon site during ACLR can achieve good early effectiveness without significant impact on cartilage.