Graupel Research Articles

In‐vitro evaluation of antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory efficacy of the gelatin‐β‐cyclodextrin hydrogels as biodegradable carriers for rutin

AbstractThis work targeted synthesizing covalently crosslinked gelatin‐βcyclodextrin (Gel‐βCD) hydrogels via the Schiff‐base reaction between the amino groups of Gel and aldehydic groups of βCD produced from periodate oxidation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, scanning electron microscope (SEM), water uptake (WU) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the chemical structure, surface morphology and thermal properties of the crosslinked Gel‐βCD hydrogels. Rutin was loaded into the crosslinked hydrogels (Gel‐βCD‐R) and release profile was investigated. The antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activities of Gel‐βCD‐R hydrogels were assessed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative), Staphylococcus aureus (gram positive) and Candida albicans (fungal strain) and human red blood cells membrane protection as well. Results of FTIR spectra, SEM, WU and TGA analysis showed the successful Schiff‐base Gel‐βCD hydrogels synthesis having porous structure, high swelling behavior and good thermal stability. Rutin release behavior was controlled in the developed hydrogels and after 24 h at pH 7.4 about 88 % and 95 % for Gel‐βCD2‐R and Gel‐βCD4‐R, respectively. The formulation Gel‐βCD2‐R hydrogel showed a significant antimicrobial activity; 98.35 %, 75.26 % and 94.67 % inhibition growth for P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans respectively. Besides, the anti‐inflammatory result was 92 % that nominates the formulation Gel‐βCD2‐R hydrogel as a promising antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory alternative in drug delivery.

Effectiveness of Topical Ozone Gel Application in the Management of Postextraction Wound Healing: An In Vivo Study.

The purpose of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of topical ozone gel application in the management of postextraction wound healing. The current study involved a total of 40 participants. The patients were randomly placed into two groups with sample size estimated as n = 20 in each group. Group A: Control: patients received only saline irrigation and group B: patients receiving topical ozone gel. The surgical procedure was standardized for all groups, and local anesthesia was used during the procedure. After the removal of the mandibular third molar, the control group irrigated the socket with saline, whereas in the study group, the socket was filled with ozone gel. On the first, third, fifth, and seventh postoperative days, a single examiner evaluated each participant for postoperative mouth opening, discomfort, and patient satisfaction. The t-test was used to analyze quantitative data, whereas the Fisher exact test was employed to analyze qualitative data. Statistical significance was defined as a p value less than 0.05. On comparison of patient satisfaction, in the ozone gel group, 13 patients were very satisfied but in the control group, 8 patients were very satisfied. On comparison of pain intensity, on the 5th day, the complete absence of pain patients was more in the ozone gel group (12 patients) compared with the control group (4 patients). There was a statistically significant difference found between these two groups (p < 0.001). On comparison of mouth opening, on the 3rd and 5th day, mouth opening was better in the ozone gel group (29.22 ± 1.28 and 34.06 ± 0.09) compared with the control group (27.38 ± 1.03 and 31.14 ± 0.82), respectively. And there was a statistically significant difference found between these two groups (p < 0.001) on both the days. The current study came to the conclusion that using ozone gel significantly improves postoperative pain, mouth opening range, and promotes faster wound healing. The primary goals of postoperative care for exodontia patients have always been pain management and infection control. The most frequent postoperative consequences are pain and edema. Hence, ozone therapy can be used as an effective topical agent to manage postextraction pain and swelling in healthy patients without the need for excess medications. How to cite this article: Varghese LJ, Lahiri B, Penumatsa NV, et al. Effectiveness of Topical Ozone Gel Application in the Management of Postextraction Wound Healing: An In Vivo Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(11):887-890.

Understanding the impact of formulation design on microstructure and drug release from porous microparticle-based tretinoin topical gels

For proportionally formulated intermediate strengths of a topical product, the relationship of drug release across multiple strengths of a given product is not always well understood. The current study aims to assess the proportionality of tretinoin release rates across multiple strengths of tretinoin topical gels when manufactured using two different methods to understand the impact of formulation design on drug product microstructure and tretinoin release rate. Two groups of tretinoin gels of 0.04 %, 0.06 %, 0.08 % and 0.1 % strengths were manufactured. Gels in Group I were prepared by incorporating 4–10 % g/g of 1 % w/w tretinoin-loaded microparticles into a gel base. Gels in Group II were manufactured using 10 % g/g of the microparticles that were loaded with increasing amounts (0.4–1 % w/w) of tretinoin. The two groups of gels were characterized by evaluating microstructure using a polarized microscope, rheology using an oscillatory rheometer, and drug release using Vison® Microette™ Hanson vertical diffusion cells. The microscopic images were used to discriminate between the two groups of gels based on the abundance of microparticles in the gel matrix observed in the images. This abundance increased across gels of Group I and was similar across gels of Group II. The rheology parameters, namely viscosity at a shear rate of 10 s−1, shear thinning rate, storage, and loss modulus, increased across gels of Group I, and were not significantly different across gels of Group II. The release rate of tretinoin from the drug products was proportional to the nominal strength of the drug product in both Group I and Group II, with a correlation coefficient of 0.95 in each case, although the absolute release rates differed. Overall, changing the formulation design of tretinoin topical gels containing porous microparticles may change the physicochemical and structural properties, as well as the drug release rate of the product. Further, keeping the formulation design consistent across all strengths of microparticle-based topical gels is important to achieve proportional release rates across multiple strengths of a given drug product.

Dual Network Hydrogels Based on PRP and SA Promote the Retention Rate and Vascularization of Transplanted Fat.

Autologous adipose tissue often experiences ischemia and hypoxia after transplantation, leading to low retention rates and unstable operative impacts due to necrotic absorption. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can enhance fat regeneration and increase the fat retention rate after transplantation. However, the quick release of growth factors (GFs) in PRP decreases therapeutic efficiency. This study aimed to achieve a slow release of PRP to promote fat retention. We prepared a dual-network hydrogel (DN gel) based on FDA-approved PRP and sodium alginate (SA) through a simple "one-step" activation process. In vivo study, adipose tissue with saline (control group), SA gel (SA gel group), PRP gel (PRP gel group), and DN gel (DN gel group) was injected subcutaneously into the dorsum of nude mice. At 4 and 12 weeks after injection, tissues were assessed for volume and weight. Hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE) and immunofluorescence staining were performed for histological assessment. DN gel exhibits long-lasting growth factor effects, surpassing conventional clinical PRP gel regarding vascularization potential. In fat transplantation experiments, DN gel demonstrated improved vascularization of transplanted fat and increased retention rates, showing promise for clinical applications. DN gel-assisted lipofilling can significantly improve the retention rate and quality of transplanted fat. DN gel-assisted lipofilling, which is considered convenient, is a promising technique to improve neovascularization and fat survival. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

The Synergetic Roles of Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) and Extracellular Matrix (ECM) on Fat Graft Retention in Nude Mice

Background. Both stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and extracellular matrix (ECM) are of great concern to adipogenesis and angiogenesis. SVF and ECM are rich in adipose tissue and may provide structural and biochemical support and form a microenvironment for free granular fat. The present study was to investigate whether SVF‐gel, a mixture of SVF and ECM harvested by mechanical emulsification, could improve the long‐term volume retention of fat grafts. Methods. Human SVF‐gel of different percentages was mixed with microfat. According to the percentages of SVF‐gel into microfat, 4 groups were included in the study; they are the microfat group, 10% gel group, 30% gel group, and gel group. The fat grafts were transplanted in the subcutaneous layer on each flank in nude mice. The sample volume was measured to evaluate the fat retention rate 90 days post‐transplantation. Tissue integrity, collagen content, numbers of viable adipocytes, and density of blood vessels were examined by further detection. Results. The retention volume rates in the 30% gel group and gel group were significantly higher than the microfat group and the 10% gel group (p &lt; 0.05). Equivalent fat integrity was observed in the four groups. Higher collagen volume, enhanced mRNA expression of VEGF, TNF‐α and adiponectin, more CD31‐positive blood vessels, and more regenerative adipocytes were observed in the 30% gel group and the gel group. The fat tissue in the 30% gel group showed similar structures as the normal fat tissue, while almost of the tissue in the gel group exhibited as fibrous tissue. Conclusion. SVF‐gel could improve fat graft retention while it came to a certain ratio into microfat via proangiogenic effect and fat regeneration which may be provided by SVF and ECM synergistically. SVF‐gel‐assisted fat grafting is a promising strategy to be used in clinical operations.

In vitro comparison to study the antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles gel and its various combinants as an intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis.

Endodontic infections have been clearly described as biofilm-mediated infections. Bacteria and their by-products have been known to cause these infections. With the introduction of new drugs and the use of nanoparticles in recent times, there has been a significant reduction in the bacterial load in endodontic infections. The in vitro study focuses on checking the antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles and its combination with other medicaments against the root canal pathogen - Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). In the present study, 140 extracted human teeth were used. The teeth were sectioned, and biomechanical preparation was done. The root canals of the extracted teeth were inoculated with the culture of E. faecalis. The teeth were divided into six groups based on the intracanal medicament used: Group 1 - Silver nanocure gelGroup 2 - Silver nanocure gel + Cavisept gel (1:1)Group 3 - Silver nanocure gel + Aveu-Cal gel (1:1)Group 4 - Silver nanocure gel + Cavisept gel + Aveu-Cal gel (1:1:1)Group 5 - Positive control (specimens were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and left untreated to confirm the presence of infection)Group 6 - Negative control (no bacterial contamination of specimens). The colony-forming units were recorded after 48 h of incubation. The statistical analysis of the colony-forming units was done using the Kruskal-Wallis tests. Silver nanocure gel + Cavisept gel + Aveu-Cal gel (1:1:1) showed the least colony-forming units. The present study is an in vitro study, in which we concluded that the combination of all the intracanal medicaments is the best for the elimination of E. faecalis biofilm from the root canal. The above findings need to be tested in vivo also.

Effect of a Nano-hydroxyapatite Toothpaste on Enamel Erosive Lesions of Third Molars Induced by Exposure to Orange Juice.

This study aimed to assess the effect of a nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) toothpaste on erosive enamel lesions of third molars induced by exposure to orange juice. In this in vitro, experimental study, the microhardness of 24 sound-extracted third molars was measured by a Vickers tester. The teeth were then randomly assigned to three groups (n = 8) of nano-HA toothpaste (Pharmed), 1.23% sodium fluoride gel, and artificial saliva. The teeth were exposed to orange juice for 5 min daily for 7 days and were then exposed to nano-HA toothpaste, fluoride gel, or artificial saliva (depending on their group allocation) for 10 min a day. The microhardness of the teeth was measured again after 7 days. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, analysis of variance, and Bonferroni test (alpha = 0.05). Within-group comparisons showed a significant reduction in microhardness of the teeth after the intervention in artificial saliva (P = 0.000), and fluoride gel (P = 0.002) groups. However, no significant reduction occurred in the microhardness of the nano-HA group, compared with the baseline (P = 0.132). Between-group comparisons revealed no significant difference in the microhardness of the three groups at baseline (P > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the microhardness of the nano-HA group was significantly higher than that of other groups (P < 0.05). However, the difference in secondary microhardness between fluoride gel and artificial saliva groups was not significant (P = 1.00). Pharmed toothpaste containing nano-HA has optimal efficacy for remineralization of enamel erosive lesions induced by exposure to orange juice.

A randomized clinical trial of transdermal (gel) versus oral estrogen for endometrial preparation in frozen embryo transfer cycle.

The aim of this study was to compare endometrial thickness with the use of transdermal estrogen (gel) versus oral estrogen (pills) for endometrial preparation in the frozen embryo transfer cycle and serum estrogen concentrations during the preparation cycle, side effects, and chemical and clinical pregnancy rates. This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of women undergoing endometrial preparation for cryopreserved blastocyst transfer. A total of 88 women were randomized, of which 82 completed the study protocol. Of this group, 44 received 6 mg/day of estradiol valerate orally (pills group) and 38 received 4.5 mg/day of estradiol hemihydrate transdermally (gel group). Endometrial thickness was measured using transvaginal ultrasound between the 7 and 10th day of the cycle. Serum estradiol concentrations were measured on the day of initiating the cycle, on control transvaginal ultrasounds, and on the day of embryo transfer. Side effects were documented at each study visit. p<0.05 were adopted as statistically significant. The groups were compared using Student's t-test for continuous variables and chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. There were no significant group differences (p>0.05) in endometrial thickness, biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rate, blood estradiol concentrations, duration of estradiol administration, or cycle cancellation rates. Endometrial preparation with transdermal estrogen yielded similar reproductive outcomes to oral estrogen with fewer side effects.

Comparison of a preservative‐free bimatoprost 0.01% ophthalmic gel with a preserved bimatoprost 0.01% ophthalmic solution: A phase III, randomized, multicentre, 3‐month study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering efficacy and safety of a novel preservative‐free bimatoprost 0.01% ophthalmic gel (PFB 0.01% gel) compared with preserved bimatoprost 0.01% (PB 0.01%) in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma.Methods: This was a randomized, multicentre (90 centres), investigator‐masked, 3‐month treatment duration, phase III trial. Following a 7‐week run‐in/washout period, patients were randomized to receive once‐daily PFB 0.01% gel (n = 236) or PB 0.01% (n = 249) for 3 months. The primary efficacy measure was change from baseline IOP at Week 12 at 3 timepoints. Noninferiority was based on a predetermined criteria (upper 95% confidence interval margin of 1.5 mmHg at all timepoints). Safety evaluations included conjunctival hyperaemia, ocular symptoms and occurrence of adverse events (AEs).Results: Mean change from baseline in IOP at Week 12 in the PFB 0.01% gel and PB 0.01% were − 9.72 ± 2.97 and − 9.47 ± 3.06 mmHg, respectively at 8 am, −9.41 ± 3.03 and − 9.19 ± 3.12 mmHg at 10 am, and − 8.99 ± 3.36 and − 8.54 ± 3.44 mmHg at 4 pm. Noninferiority of PFB 0.01% gel to PB 0.01% was demonstrated at Week 12 at all timepoints. The percentage of patients experiencing a worsening from baseline in conjunctival hyperaemia score was lower with PFB 0.01% gel compared to PB 0.01% at Week 12 (18.3% vs 30.4%, respectively). Ocular symptoms upon instillation were less frequent in the PFB 0.01% gel group compared to the PB 0.01% group at Week 12 for irritation/burning (12.7% vs 21.2%, respectively), itching (5.4% vs 10.4%) and eye dryness feeling (7.3% vs 14.3%). The most frequent treatment‐related AE was hyperaemia, reported in 15 (6.4%) patients in the PFB 0.01% gel group and 26 (10.4%) patients in the PB 0.01% group.Conclusions: PFB 0.01% ophthalmic gel had the same efficacy in lowering IOP as PB 0.01%, demonstrated less aggravation of conjunctival hyperaemia at Week 12 and less ocular symptoms upon instillation.

Comparative study on the efficacy of PRP gel and UC-MSCs gel as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of DFU wounds.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common and serious complication of diabetes, and its treatment is challenging. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) gel have been concerned as new therapies for DFU in recent years, and comparative studies on the efficacy and mechanisms of these methods, however, are rarely reported. Thirty patients with DFU were selected and divided into the PRP group and the UC-MSCs group, and wound healing, foot blood vessels (ABI index), infection index (CRP), neuropathy symptoms (TCSS score), and foot skin temperature before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. SPSS 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that the efficacy of the UC-MSCs gel group was significantly better than that of the PRP group in terms of wound healing rate, time to complete wound closure, ABI index, CRP level and TCSS score. No statistically significant difference in foot skin temperature was observed between the two groups. The efficacy of UC-MSCs gel is significantly superior to that of PRP gel in the treatment of DFU, with shortened time to complete wound closure, increased wound healing rate, better pain and infection control, and improved vascular and neurological symptoms.

Ameliorative effect of transfersome gel of kepok banana peel extract (Musa balbisiana) against photoaging in Wistar rat skin.

Repeated acute exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can cause photoaging. Musa balbisiana peel contains flavonoid compounds which act as antioxidants. However, the physicochemicals of flavonoids are unstable, have high molecular weight, and are easily oxidized, causing their use is still limited and transdermal delivery to be inefficient. To investigate the ameliorative effect of transfersome gel of M. balbisiana peels against photoaging in Wistar rat skin. Transfersome gel was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vivo research was used to determine the ameliorative effects of M. balbisiana peel. The composition of transfersome consists of ethanol extracts of M. balbisiana peel, soybean phosphatidylcholine, and tween 80. The gel was applied three times a week for 4 weeks with a total UVB radiation dose of 840 mJ/cm2. To evaluate the repair mechanism by measuring the degree of wrinkles, epidermal thickening, dermal thinning, collagen fiber irregularity, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression, malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) levels. TEM results show that gel transfersome M. balbisiana peel has a round morphology with a diameter of ±50 nm and no aggregation, which are defined as nanoparticles. Transfersome gel ameliorated the degree of wrinkle, epidermal thickening, dermal thinning, and irregularity of collagen fibers caused by UVB exposure, suppresses lipid peroxidation by decreasing MDA and TNFα level, also collagen imbalance by inhibiting MMP-1 expression and activating TGF-β expression, which was found statistically significantly different from non-transfersome gel group. Transfersome gel of M. balbisiana peel can act as an alternative medicine to ameliorate clinical photoaging due to exposure to UVB.

Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin on Dermatitis Induced by Acetone in Female Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate different concertation of curcumin on induced atopic dermatitis in female Albino rats, particularly, immunomodulatory effect of curcumin in induced dermatitis by pure acetone 99.9% in female rats. Thirty rats were divided into two groups, control negative group (contain 6 female rats), control positive group (contain 24 female rats) include, dermatitis treated with curcumin 3% group, dermatitis treated with curcumin 5% group, dermatitis treated with pure gel group, the histopathological results of atopic dermatitis treatment by curcumin 5%, showed re-epithelialization activity maintained the epidermis layer, which showed normal thickness. Also, no inflammatory cells were observed in examined skin section. However, sloughing epithelial cells debris was observed above epidermis layer, the curcumin 5% group has a better healing effect comparison with curcumin 3%, determination of Interleukin 13. the study showed a significant increase in the control (+), At the curcumin gel 5% group of the experiment the result showed significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) Interleukin 13 level than untreated group (+), pure gel group and there were decrease in other treated groups when compared to the untreated but slight. In atopic dermatitis the curcumin 5% gives best result in comparison with control positive groups because of it gives better therapy results. This study concluded that 5% curcumin effectively treats rat dermatitis, exhibiting superior therapeutic effects within 10 days, with IL-13 serving as a potential efficacy marker, while demonstrating safety and reducing complication risk.

Nano-emodin mediated photodynamic therapy for wound healing of donor site after free gingival graft: A parallel clinical trial

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nano-emodin (n-Emo) mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunctive therapy to conventional wound care in patients undergoing free gingival graft (FGG) treatment. The study employed a single-center, parallel, two-blind, randomized, controlled trial design. Method and materialA total of 53 patients requiring FGG treatment were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the n-Emo mediated PDT group, the n-Emo gel group, and the control group. The n-Emo mediated PDT group received n-Emo gel on donor site followed by LED (450 nm, 1000 ± 1400 mW/cm2, 60–80 J/cm2, 60 s), the n-Emo gel group received only n-Emo gel on donor site, and the control group received a placebo gel on donor site. All groups received treatment immediately and 48 h after FGG surgery. Wound healing was assessed based on wound area, bleeding, color match, and epithelialization. Postoperative pain perception was evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intakes was recorded. ResultsThe results showed that all groups demonstrated significant improvement in wound healing by day 28, with the n-Emo mediated PDT exhibiting significantly better healing on the 14th, 21st, and 28th day compared to the control group. Additionally, on the 28th day, the n-Emo mediated PDT showed significantly better healing than the n-Emo gel group. The n-Emo mediated PDT also had significantly lower pain scores than the control group. There were no significant differences in the number of NSAID intakes, bleeding, or color match among the groups, but all groups showed improved color match during follow-up. By the third week, all groups had fully epithelialized without significant differences, and no secondary bleeding incidents were reported. ConclusionThe study concludes that n-Emo mediated PDT is an effective adjunctive therapy to conventional wound care for managing complication after surgery at donor site after FGG surgery.

Effect of Aloe vera gel versus olive oil in the prevention of pressure ulcers among bedridden patients: A pilot study

Given the high occurrence of pressure ulcers in healthcare settings, this research sought to determine the efficacy of using Aloe vera gel or olive oil to prevent them in bedridden patients. Nurses often work long hours to avoid pressure ulcers, making it critical to investigate alternate remedies. Previous research revealed that Aloe vera gel and olive oil might accelerate pressure ulcer healing by lowering microbial presence and maintaining skin integrity, making them possible preventative strategies. The research included thirty volunteers who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Aloe vera gel, olive oil, or regular skincare. Over an 11-day period, the efficacy of each therapy in avoiding pressure ulcers was measured using the EPUAP (European Pressure Ulcers Advisory Panel) and Braden scales. Although direct comparison between the two treatment groups was restricted due to the small sample size, the Aloe vera gel and olive oil groups revealed a considerably decreased incidence of pressure ulcers compared to the control group. In conclusion, using olive oil and Aloe vera gel to the skin of bedridden patients showed promise in lowering the incidence of pressure ulcers. More study is needed to validate these results and make herbal treatments essential to preventative skincare practices for skin disorders in hospital settings.

Clinical Efficacy of Topical Kenacort and Aloe Vera Gel in Minor Aphthous Stomatitis: A Comparative Study.

The aim of the study is to compare the clinical efficacy of both the topical agents-aloe vera gel and Kenacort oral paste (0.1% triamcinolone acetonide) in patients with minor aphthous stomatitis. 60 patients were recruited for the study and were randomly divided into two groups-Group A (aloe vera gel group) and Group B (Kenacort oral paste group). The baseline parameters were taken and recorded on the day of the first visit which included ulcer size, pain, and burning sensation. Evaluation of reduction in ulcer size, pain, and burning sensation were made on day 3 and day 7. The results of the present study revealed that both the study groups showed no significant difference in the size of ulcer at day 1, day 3, and day 7 when compared using independent t-test as P > 0.05 at all study intervals. Therefore, both the agents were found to be equally effective against reducing the size of ulcer, pain, and burning sensation. The present study findings demonstrate that topical application of the aloe vera gel was able to decrease the ulcer size, intensity of pain, and burning sensation, thereby accelerating the healing without any side effects. Thus, topical aloe vera could be safe and a better alternative to topical steroid for RAS.

Egg yolk powder-starch gel as novel ink for food 3D printing: Rheological properties, microstructure and application

This study investigated the multiscale properties and 3D printing performance of egg yolk powder-starch gel using egg yolk powder as the main material and adding potato starch (PS) and corn starch (CS) with different content (10%, 15%, and 20%), respectively. The results showed that the egg yolk powder-starch gel with higher starch content showed higher storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), apparent viscosity, and hardness. Egg yolk powder-corn starch (EYP-CS) gels were tested for stronger gel strength and denser microstructure. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed no significant difference in functional groups and chemical bonding between various groups of yolk powder-starch gel. From the 3D printing results. EYP-20%PS and EYP-10%CS showed the best 3D printing performance. Lastly, the dysphagia test was additionally conducted and the results showed that EYP-10%CS, EYP-15%CS, and EYP-20%CS could be identified as Level 5 swallowed foods that have good swallowing performance.

Green Preparation, Characterization, Wound Healing Assessment, and Histopathological Evaluation of Vitamin A Encapsulated in Niosome and Solid Lipid Nanoparticle

Background: The purpose of the current work was to manufacture vitamin A (Vit A) niosome and solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) using an ultrasonic approach and to evaluate its effect on wound healing. Methods: The nanoparticles were prepared through an ultrasonication technique and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Further, the nanoparticles were evaluated for their various parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, stability, in-vitro drug release study, in-vitro cytotoxicity, and in-vivo wound healing. Results: TEM confirmed the spherical nature of the Vit A-niosome and SLN. The Vit A formulations (niosome and SLN) were stable in the accelerated stability test (freeze-thaw cycle). Vit A release from the SLN gel and niosome gel was significantly higher (almost 70 and 80%, respectively) than simple Vit A gel. According to the animal study, the wound healing closure in the Vit A niosomal gel and Vit A SLN gel was greater than the other groups during the 21 days after surgery (P &lt; 0.05) and was close to each other over time and on day 21. Based on histological data, wounds treated with Vit A niosome gel and Vit A-SLN gel had more collagen than the other groups. MDA malondialdehyde (MDA, an end-product of lipid peroxidation) significantly decreased in the Vit A-niosome and Vit A-SLN gel group after 21 days, while glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD, an endogenous antioxidant), and hydroxyproline levels demonstrated an increase. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that the prepared Vit A nano-formulations could be used as a possible and safe nano-vesicle for Vit A cutaneous delivery thus potentially opening up new prospects for the treatment of wound disorders.

Advanced platelet-rich fibrin promotes healing of induced corneal ulcer in donkeys (Equus asinus)

Ulcerative keratitis is a common disease in horses which may cause blindness. To prevent secondary bacterial and fungal infections and promote quick re-growth of the epithelial layer, different treatment approaches have been employed. This study aimed to examine the effects of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) gel on the healing process of experimentally induced corneal ulcers in donkeys. Nine healthy adult donkeys were used for the study. The donkeys were divided into two groups: the control group, where no medication was applied to the corneal ulcer, and the A-PRF gel group, where A-PRF gel was applied once a day on specific days after ulcer induction. The healing process was evaluated through various examinations and analyses. The results demonstrated that the A-PRF gel group showed significant improvement in the corneal ulcer area, with epithelial and stromal regeneration. At day 35, about 60% of the A-PRF group showed negative fluorescein uptake. Additionally, fewer complications were observed during the healing process compared to the control group. In conclusion, A-PRF gel is an important and safe therapeutic option for controlling ocular surface infection and promoting corneal healing. We recommend using A-PRF gel as an alternative approach, avoiding eyelid suturing, and minimizing corneal irritation.

Oral glucose gel in the prevention of neonatal hypoglycemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) is the most prevalent metabolic disorder in neonates and glucose gel in oral solution is a relatively new treatment option for NH. We aimed to determine whether oral glucose gel can prevent NH. We conducted an open literature search using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. We used relative risk as the statistical data, expressed each outcome effect as a 95% confidence interval, and conducted a heterogeneity test. If heterogeneity statistics indicated that I2 was ≥ 50%, the random effects model analysis was used; otherwise, the fixed effects model analysis was conducted, and sensitivity analyses were conducted for all outcomes. In this review, we included a total of 10 studies involving 4801 neonates. Meta-analysis revealed that there were no significant differences between the preventive oral glucose gel group and the control group in terms of blood glucose concentration, glucose concentration 30 minutes after the first breastfeeding, length of stay, Bayley-III composite score, subsequent need for intravenous injection of glucose, 24-hour glucose > 50 mg/dL, separation from mother for treatment of hypoglycemia/admitted to neonatal intensive care unit for hypoglycemia, normoglycemia after 1 to 2 treatments, or normoglycemia after more than 2 treatments, breastfeeding at discharge, delayed feeding, neurosensory impairment, parental satisfaction, developmental delay, and seizure. The subsequent intake was significantly lower in the glucose gel group compared to the control group. The use of oral glucose gel as a preventative measure may not reduce the incidence of NH. In order to assess the efficacy of glucose gel in preventing NH, a more high-quality, large-sample, and rigorously designed randomized controlled trial is required.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Metformin Hydrochloride Hydrogels Developed with Experimental Design in the Treatment of Burns.

Burns alter the normal skin barrier and affect various host defense processes that help prevent infections. An ineffective repair process can lead to serious damage, such as the onset of an infection or skin loss, which can then harm the surrounding tissues and ultimately the entire organism. This study aims to prepare in situ gels containing metformin hydrochloride, a compound known for its wound healing properties. To achieve this, in situ gels were prepared using three different gelling agents (Poloxamer 407®, Carbopol 934®, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC)) and three different concentrations of metformin hydrochloride (4 mg/g, 6 mg/g, and 8 mg/g), which were optimized through experimental design. Metformin concentration and gelling agent type were independent variables, and the loaded amount and the percentage of metformin released after 150 min were chosen as dependent variables in the optimization process. After determining the optimum values of the dependent variables according to the ANOVA analysis results, in vivo studies were conducted with optimized hydrogel formulations. Two groups, each consisting of seven Wistar rats with a burn model, were treated with metformin-poloxamer 407® gels at doses of 4 mg/g and 8 mg/g for 29 days. The results were then compared to untreated and placebo gel groups. Rats treated with in situ Poloxamer 407® hydrogels containing metformin hydrochloride showed a significant reduction in the size of the burned area after 29 days of treatment. However, for a comprehensive understanding of the wound healing mechanism, further studies such as immuno-histochemical and cell culture studies are needed.