Swelling Measurements Research Articles

Leishmania Parasite: the Impact of New Serum-Free Medium as an Alternative for Fetal Bovine Serum

Background:Flagellated protozoan of the genus Leishmania is the causative agent of vector-borne parasitic diseases of leishmaniasis. Since the production of recombinant pharmaceutical proteins requires the cultivation of host cells in a serum-free medium, the elimination of FBS can improve the possibility of large-scale culture of Leishmania parasite. In the current study, we aimed at evaluating a new serum-free medium in Leishmania parasite culture for future live Leishmania vaccine purposes. Methods:Recombinant L. tarentolae secreting PpSP15-EGFP and wild type L. major were cultured in serum-free (CSFM) and serum-supplemented medium. The growth rate, protein expression, and infectivity of cultured parasites in both conditions was then evaluated and compared. Results:Diff-Quick staining and epi-fluorescence microscopy examination displayed the typical morphology of L. major and L. tarentolae-PpSP15-EGFP promastigote grown in CSFM medium. The amount of EGFP expression was similar in CSMF medium compared to M199 supplemented with 5% FBS in flow cytometry analysis of L. tarentolae-PpSP15-EGFP parasite. Also, a similar profile of PpSP15-EGFP proteins was recognized in Western blot analysis of L. tarentolae-PpSP15-EGFP cultured in CSMF and the serum-supplemented medium. Footpad swelling and parasite load measurements showed the ability of CSFM medium to support the L. major infectivity in BALB/C mice. Conclusion:This study demonstrated that CSFM can be a promising substitute for FBS supplemented medium in parasite culture for live vaccination purposes.

Therapeutic Effect of Matrine on Collagen-Induced Arthritis Rats and Its Regulatory Effect on RANKL and OPG Expression.

Objective To investigate the effect of matrine on rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and its regulatory effect on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression. Methods Wistar rats (n = 6) and CIA rats (n = 30) were randomly divided into six groups: healthy, CIA control, low/medium/high matrine (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg, once per day for six weeks), and methotrexate (MTX) (2 mg/kg, once per week for six weeks). The degree of joint damage was evaluated by X-ray and HE staining. Bone marrow suppression was assessed by routine blood analysis. In addition, the levels of serum RANKL and OPG in the rats were measured by ELISA. Results The level of joint swelling and degree of joint damage assessed by ankle swelling measurements, AI score, X-ray, and HE staining were alleviated in the CIA rats treated with MTX or different doses of matrine. Furthermore, no obvious inhibitory effect was observed on the bone marrow of the CIA rats, regardless of the dose of matrine or treatment with 2 mg/kg MTX (P > 0.05). The levels of OPG in serum and the ratio of OPG/RANKL were higher, and RANKL expression was lower in the low/medium/high matrine group compared with that of the CIA control group. The serum levels of OPG and OPG/RANKL ratio increased with the matrine dose, while the opposite was observed for RANKL expression. Conclusion Matrine treatment was associated with a lower degree of bone destruction, increased OPG expression and OPG/RANKL ratio, and decreased RANKL expression in CIA rats. Thus, matrine may represent a novel drug candidate for the treatment of RA.

Impervious synthetic layered silicates coating to restrict the swelling of clay‐rich shales

AbstractAn incremental demand towards the use of water‐based fluids for drilling oil and gas wells has generated numerous challenges in the field of shale inhibition characteristics. One of the major problems associated with the use of water‐based drilling fluids is the interaction of water with clay‐rich shales that leads to hydration and swelling of reactive clays. We have developed functionalized nanoplatelets composed of amine functionalities anchored on the nanometre‐thick magnesium silicates (LMS‐NH2). A facile synthetic approach was employed to synthesize lab‐scale quantity of LMS‐NH2 through combination of sol–gel and precipitation techniques. The structural characterization was conducted using powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis to evaluate generation of anticipated LMS‐NH2. Shale stabilization characteristics of LMS‐NH2 were tested and compared with other commercial shale inhibitors. Clay swelling and clay dispersion tests were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the impermeable coating of nano‐platelets on to the clay‐rich shales. The LMS‐NH2 demonstrated 87% recovery of swellable shales after dispersion tests. The microscopic study conducted on shales revealed the formation of inorganic film, which provide impervious coating to protect the water‐susceptible clays. The linear swelling measurements were also performed to understand the effectiveness of LMS‐NH2 over 72 h. LMS‐NH2 demonstrated linear swelling of 31.7% when compared with drilling fluid without shale inhibitor. The newly developed inhibitor in the current study has outperformed conventional shale inhibitors (a 18.7% reduction in linear swelling), wherein the presence of inorganic constituents aids stronger film formation compared to solely organic inhibitors.

Quantitative phase microscopy monitors subcellular dynamics in single cells exposed to nanosecond pulsed electric fields.

A substantial body of literature exists to study the dynamics of single cells exposed to short duration (<1μs), high peak power (~1MV/m) transient electric fields. Much of this research is limited to traditional fluorescence-based microscopy techniques, which introduce exogenous agents to the culture and are only sensitive to a single molecular target. Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) is a coherent imaging modality which uses optical path length as a label-free contrast mechanism, and has proven highly effective for the study of single-cell dynamics. In this work, we introduce QPI as a useful imaging tool for the study of cells undergoing cytoskeletal remodeling after nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) exposure. In particular, we use cell swelling, dry mass and disorder strength measurements derived from QPI phase images to monitor the cellular response to nsPEFs. We hope this demonstration of QPI's utility will lead to a further adoption of the technique for the study of directed energy bioeffects.

Hydroxyapatite incorporated bacterial cellulose hydrogels as a cost-effective 3D cell culture platform

ABSTRACT For cell and tissue physiology research, drug discovery, and growing replacement tissues for regenerative medicine, accurate and cost-efficient in vitro techniques are increasingly demanded. The conventional model for in vitro cell culture is the two-dimensional (2D) culture. Yet, cells have been found to be more native when they are grown in 3D conditions. We present here the development and evaluation of biological properties of bacterial cellulose/hydroxyapatite (BC/HA) nanocomposite hydrogel as a potential 3D cell-culture platform. The synthesized composites were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Swelling measurements and Celltiter 96® Aqueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS) using mouse fibroblast cell line (L – 929). The arrangement of composites shown in SEM and AFM images closely resembles the native extracellular matrices (ECM) showing the potential to act as a viable substrate for cell culture. The composites exhibited high swelling ratio (5.31–5.81), indicating enhanced moisture absorption and potential for nutrient exchange. The in vitro biocompatibility results indicated significantly high percentage cell proliferation (85.20%-88.30%). These findings indicate that the BC/HA composites are potential candidates for 3D cell-culture applications.

A Comparative Analysis on the Effect of Variety of Grape Pomace Extracts on the Ice-Templated 3D Cryogel Features.

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in developing functional packaging materials from renewable resources containing bioactive compounds (such as polyphenols) in order to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics and their impact on the environment. In this regard, the effect of a variety and concentration of grape pomace extracts (Feteasca Neagra or Merlot) incorporated within ice-templated 3D xanthan-based composites was evaluated by considering their water content, surface and texture properties, radical scavenging and microbiological activities. The embedding of Feteasca Neagra or Merlot grape pomace extracts was studied by static water swelling and contact angle measurements, and SEM, EDX, and TGA analyses. The water contact angle results showed an increase in the surface hydrophobicity of the extract-loaded cryogels with an increase in extract content from 10 to 40 v/v%. SEM micrographs indicated that the entrapment of grape pomace extracts affected the morphology of the pore walls and reduced the pore sizes. The antioxidant activity of grape pomace extract-loaded composite cryogels was closely related to the total phenolic content of grape variety and to their concentration into matrices. The highly hydrophobic character of composite cryogels containing Merlot grape pomace extract and their remarkable antimicrobial activity indicates a great potential of these materials for food packaging applications.

Selectively Cross-Linked Tetra-PEG Hydrogels Provide Control over Mechanical Strength with Minimal Impact on Diffusivity.

Synthetic hydrogels formed from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are widely used to study how cells interact with their extracellular matrix. These in vivo-like 3D environments provide a basis for tissue engineering and cell therapies but also for research into fundamental biological questions and disease modeling. The physical properties of PEG hydrogels can be modulated to provide mechanical cues to encapsulated cells; however, the impact of changing hydrogel stiffness on the diffusivity of solutes to and from encapsulated cells has received only limited attention. This is particularly true in selectively cross-linked “tetra-PEG” hydrogels, whose design limits network inhomogeneities. Here, we used a combination of theoretical calculations, predictive modeling, and experimental measurements of hydrogel swelling, rheological behavior, and diffusion kinetics to characterize tetra-PEG hydrogels’ permissiveness to the diffusion of molecules of biologically relevant size as we changed polymer concentration, and thus hydrogel mechanical strength. Our models predict that hydrogel mesh size has little effect on the diffusivity of model molecules and instead predicts that diffusion rates are more highly dependent on solute size. Indeed, our model predicts that changes in hydrogel mesh size only begin to have a non-negligible impact on the concentration of a solute that diffuses out of hydrogels for the smallest mesh sizes and largest diffusing solutes. Experimental measurements characterizing the diffusion of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran molecules of known size aligned well with modeling predictions and suggest that doubling the polymer concentration from 2.5% (w/v) to 5% produces stiffer gels with faster gelling kinetics without affecting the diffusivity of solutes of biologically relevant size but that 10% hydrogels can slow their diffusion. Our findings provide confidence that the stiffness of tetra-PEG hydrogels can be modulated over a physiological range without significantly impacting the transport rates of solutes to and from encapsulated cells.

Cross-linking of poly (ether-block-amide) by poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate to prepare plasticizing-resistant CO2-selective membranes

In this study, poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) comprising CO2-philic ether oxygen groups was used as a cross-linking agent to develop plasticizing-resistant poly (ether-block-amide) (Pebax-1657) composite membranes with high performance for CO2 separation. The effect of PEGDA concentration on the structure and properties of the membranes as well as gas separation efficiency was investigated. The FT-IR analysis and swelling measurements confirmed the influential role of PEGDA as the cross-linking agent in the prepared membranes. Based on the performed characterization analyzes, it was found that the concentration of the cross-linking agent strongly affects the structural and CO2 separation properties of the cross-linked Pebax membranes. By introducing a cross-linking reaction, the tightness and crystallinity of modified Pebax membranes enhanced compared to the uncross-linked Pebax membrane. The DSC analysis indicated the Tg of the prepared Pebax membranes increased from −54.7 °C to −52.45 °C by increasing the PEGDA content. When the PEGDA concentration increased from 0 wt% to 6 wt%, the selectivity of CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, and CH4/N2 enhanced by 294%, 105%, and 92%, respectively, while the gas permeabilities slightly decreased. The cross-linked Pebax-1657 membrane containing 6 wt% of PEGDA surpassed the Robeson’s upper bound and denoted a prosperous separation performance in the case of CO2 separation from CH4 and N2, compared to the uncross-linked Pebax.

Poly (Lactic Acid)/Ground Tire Rubber Blends Using Peroxide Vulcanization.

Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA)/Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) blends using Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a crosslinking agent were prepared with the following aims: propose a new route to recycle wastes rubber from the automotive industry and improve the toughness and impact strength of the inherently brittle bio-based PLA. The GTR were subjected to two types of grinding process (cryo- and dry ambient grinding). Swelling measurements revealed the grinding to be associated with a mechanical damage of the rubber chains, independently on the type of grinding or on the GTR size (from <400 µm to <63 µm). Moreover, the finest GTR contains the largest amount of reinforcing elements (carbon black, clay) that can be advantageously used in PLA/GTR blends. Indeed, the use of the finest cryo-grinded GTR in the presence of DCP showed the least decrease of the tensile strength (−30%); maintenance of the tensile modulus and the largest improvement of the strain at break (+80%), energy at break (+60%) and impact strength (+90%) as compared to the neat PLA. The results were attributed to the good dispersion of both fine GTR and clay particles into the PLA matrix. Moreover, a possible re-crosslinking of the GTR particles and/or co-crosslinking at PLA/GTR interface in presence of DCP is expected to contribute to such improved ductility and impact strength.

Effectiveness of ionic stabilization in the mitigation of soil volume change behavior

Ionic stabilization is one of the non-traditional methods of soil stabilization. It is an advantageous stabilization method of being economic and utilizing liquid agents that can easily diffuse through soil and stabilize it. While several studies have been undertaken on ionic stabilization, the experience is still not sufficient enough and thus more research work is needed to understand the mechanism of ionic stabilization. This paper presents experimental results of soils treated in the field and the laboratory by an ionic acidic stabilizer. The experimental tests involve one-dimensional swelling, three-dimensional shrinkage, and suction measurements on treated and native natural soils from Texas and Oklahoma.The results show that the stabilizer minimized the percent swell at least to the half but had no considerable effect on the shrinkage. The results of wetting–drying cycles showed a significant reduction of the volume change rate of treated soils. Treated soil in the field revealed a noticeable reduction in suction. However, suction at high values obtained by a chilled-mirror psychrometer of treated soils manifested no considerable change from natural soils. Overall, the variation in suction measurements came consistent with the volume change results. The latter finding provides an encouragement in utilizing suction as a tool to examine the effectiveness of ionic stabilization.

A Hyphenated Approach Combining Pressure-Decay and In Situ FT-NIR Spectroscopy to Monitor Penetrant Sorption and Concurrent Swelling in Polymers

A new hyphenated technique based on simultaneous in situ FT-NIR spectroscopy and pressure-decay measurements has been implemented to study sorption of low-molecular-weight compounds in polymeric membranes and the induced swelling of the matrix. The FT-NIR measurements are performed in the transmission mode and, besides sorption equilibrium and kinetics, allow also the straightforward measurement of polymer swelling. The pressure decay method is used to provide quantitative information on the concentration of penetrant sorbed in the polymer. This measurement, once combined with the photometric data, allows an accurate estimation of the molar absorptivity of the analytical peaks as well. To validate the new experimental approach, sorption of CO₂ in polydimethylsiloxane at 35 °C and at pressures up to 9 bar has been investigated and the results are compared with available literature data.

Cross-linked Poly(Octadecyl Acrylate)/Polybutadiene Shape Memory Polymer Blends Prepared by Simultaneous Free Radical Cross-linking, Grafting and Polymerization of Octadecyl Acrylate/Polybutadiene Blends.

A semi-crystalline, shape memory polymer (SMP) is fabricated by free radical cross-linking, polymerization, and grafting in a blend of n-octadecyl acrylate and polybutadiene (PB). Poly(n-octadecyl acrylate) (PODA) is a side-chain crystalline polymer, which serves as the structure-fixing network counterbalancing the elastically deformed, cross-linked polymer network. At a constant 50/50 ratio of monomer and polymer the amount of free radical initiator, dicumyl peroxide (DCP) is varied from 1% to 5%w/w PB. From swelling measurements and calculation of the cross-link density it is determined that DCP produces greater than one cross-link per DCP molecule. It is found that lower cross-linking efficiency is favorable for higher shape fixity. This lower efficiency is found to produce a higher degree of crystallinity of the PODA in the 2-5% DCP samples, which is determined to be the main driver of higher shape fixity of the polymer. A SMP with >90% fixity and 100% recovery at uniaxial strains from 34-79% is achieved. This material should be useful for mold processing of shape memory articles. This approach provides a method to decouple the elastomeric and thermoplastic portions of a SMP to convert commodity elastomers into SMPs and tailor the shape memory response.

Mechanical characteristics and hydrophobicity of alkyl ketene dimer compatibilized hybrid biopolymer composites

AbstractIn this study, the effect of alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) on the mechanical and physical properties of natural fiber (NF) and glass fiber (GF) reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were investigated in detail. The hybrid PLA composites were manufactured by extrusion method followed by hot press molding. AKD was used to improve the hydrophobicity of hybrid PLA composites and compatibility of NF and PLA in the polymer matrix. The tensile and flexural tests, thickness swelling, water absorption, and contact angle measurements were accomplished for determining the performance of the hybrid PLA composites. The surface morphology of the hybrid PLA composites was also performed by scanning electron microscopy. The incorporation of AKD and NF into PLA matrix improved the mechanical strengths by 40% and above compared to those of samples without AKD. But, tensile and flexural moduli decreased as 7% and 14% of the samples with NF and AKD, respectively. Contact angle was higher for the hybrid PLA composites with AKD compared with the composites without AKD. However, the results revealed that in the presence of GF, AKD had no significant effect on overall properties of the hybrid PLA composites. In the light of the findings, AKD may have a potential usage as coupling agent in the NF filled PLA composites.

Surgical treatment of midfoot charcot neuroarthropathy review of literature and our results after superconstruct reconstruction of midfoot charcot neuroarthropathy

BackgroundCharcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of the midfoot was traditionally treated non-operatively with off-loading in a total contact cast (TCC). After introduction of the super construct concept, promising results were reported, however there is a need for further studies on this concept. Analysis of non-operative versus operative treatment is presented as well as our results from a consecutive series of 20 patients operated with the superconstruct concept. MethodsTwenty patients were operated from July 2017 until June 2020. Mean age was 58 years (50–80), mean weight was 116 kg (68–156), giving a BMI of 31 (26–45). Preoperative patients off-loaded in a TCC until decreased swelling and skin temperature measurement or ulcer had healed, mean 16 weeks immobilization. Surgery was without tourniquet, using a standard medial and lateral incision. Mean follow up is 24 (5–40) months. ResultsMean operation time was 227 (150–315) minutes. Medial column fusion was mandatory, in five cases as an isolated procedure, in 12 cases in combination with lateral column fusion and in three cases with a talocalcaneal fusion. Preoperative lateral Meary angle decreased from 23.5 to 9.6°, antero-posterior Meary angle decreased from 16.0 to 4.7°. Eight patients had postoperative incisional wound problems. Four patients had partial implant removal. All healed with a good clinical result. Two patients had an acute Charcot attack in the ankle joint during postoperative mobilization. One had a severe collapse of the talus resulting in a below knee amputation, giving an amputation rate of 5%. Radiographic examination at follow up, showed bone union of all patients. Nineteen patients are ambulated in orthopedic shoes at latest follow up, giving a 95% satisfactory result. ConclusionSuperconstruct reconstruction of CN midfoot collapse is a safe procedure. There are incisional wound problems, recognition and fast treatment of these complications is important to achieve good results. There is a risk for overloading the ankle, initiating a new acute Charcot attack. Attention must be on this problem. The surgical technique is demanding and should be performed by experienced foot and ankle surgeons in a multidisciplinary team set up.

Intervention of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Expression Alters Joint Inflammation and Th17/Treg Imbalance in Collagen-Induced Arthritis.

Neuroendocrine dysregulation has been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a rate-limiting enzyme for synthesis of neuroendocrine hormones such as epinephrine, is also expressed in T lymphocytes and regulates balance between helper T (Th) 17 cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells. Herein, we aimed to show that TH expression in joints alleviates joint inflammation and Th17/Treg imbalance in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), an animal model of RA, and these effects may be implemented by the mechanism of epinephrine action on α1-adrenoreceptor (α1-AR) in T cells. CIA was prepared by intradermal injection of collagen type II in tail base of DBA1/J mice. On the 33rd day post-immunization, lentiviral vectors encoding TH or TH shRNA were injected into ankle joints of CIA mice. Limb inflammation of the mice was assessed beginning from day 21 until day 69 post-immunization by measurement of limb swelling, erythema and rigidity. Th17 and Treg differentiation and function in ankle joints were assessed on day 69 post-immunization by test of the expression of Th17 transcriptional factor ROR-γt and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-22 as well as the expression of Treg transcriptional factor Foxp3 and the levels of antiinflammatory cytokines transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and IL-10. T cells were obtained from the spleen of mice that had been immunized with collagen type II 41 day earlier and treated with epinephrine or α1-AR agonist phenylephrine in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the percentages of CD25-IL-17+ cells and CD25+Foxp3+ cells in CD4+ T cells. TH gene overexpression in ankle joints of CIA mice reduced limb inflammation and Th17-related transcription factor expression and inflammatory cytokine production but increased Treg-related antiinflammatory cytokine production in the joints. In contrast, TH gene silence in ankle joints of CIA mice enhanced limb inflammation and Th17 cell activity but decreased Treg cell function in the joints. Epinephrine upregulated α1-AR expression in T cells derived from CIA mice. Both epinephrine and phenylephrine reduced CIA-induced Th17 transcription factor expression and inflammatory cytokine production but enhanced Treg antiinflammatory cytokine production in vitro. Upregulating TH expression in joints alleviates joint inflammation and Th17/Treg imbalance in CIA at least partially by enhancing epinephrine action on α1-AR in T cells.

Highly efficient adsorptive membrane for heavy metal removal based on Ulva fasciata biomass

New composite adsorptive membranes were prepared from non-living Ulva fasciata (U), marine algae and cellulose acetate (CA) as polymer matrix to develop CA–U composite membranes with different ratios using the phase inversion technique. These CA–U membranes were used for cadmium (Cd2+) and zinc (Zn2+) ion removal from aqueous media. The prepared membranes were characterized via different instrumental techniques as ATR-FTIR, SEM and EDX in addition to swelling and porosity measurements. Afterwards, they were optimized for Cd2+ and Zn2+ removal through one factor at a time (OFAT) trials followed by full factorial design. The morphology and porosity measurements were highly affected by the addition of Ulva fasciata biosorbent and showed a large increase of the size and density of pores of the CA–U membrane. Maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) of 95.2 and 91.7 mg/g were obtained for Cd2+ and Zn2+ ions, respectively. Results established that all isotherm models attained R2 more than 0.9, where the Langmuir isotherm achieved the highest one with R2 0.9993 for Cd2+ and 0.9965 for Zn2+, and the adsorption process belongs to the pseudo-1st-order kinetic model. The CA–U membrane displayed a higher affinity for Cd2+ and Zn2+ ion removal by three to four times than the blank CA membrane. Furthermore, 3R processes (removal, recovery and re-use) were applied and indicated the suitability of this system in heavy metal removal with high efficiency.

Influence of the addition of organo-montmorillonite nanofiller on cross-linking of polysiloxanes – FTIR studies

The main aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of organo-montmorillonite nanofiller on the cross-linking process of polysiloxane. Two series of model polysiloxane nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating organoclay at different amounts such as 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 wt% in relation to the weight of the polymer matrix. Poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) was cross-linked with two linear vinylsiloxanes of different chain lengths between functional end-groups through hydrosilylation. This reaction was carried out in the presence of Karstedt’s catalyst at equimolar ratios of reactive groups. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic measurements obtained during the cross-linking processes as well as for the reaction products revealed that the rate of hydrosilylation and its efficiency are influenced by the type of the cross-linking agent used and the amount of organo-montmorillonite introduced into the polysiloxane network. Quantitative analysis of the recorded FTIR spectra showed that as the amount of nanofiller in the polysiloxane matrix increased, the rate and efficiency of the cross-linking process decreased. Swelling measurements confirmed that the increase in the amount of unreacted Si-H groups in the system resulted in a lower cross-link density of the studied materials. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were performed to determine the nature of dispersion of organoclay within the studied systems.

Preliminary Evaluation of 3D Printed Chitosan/Pectin Constructs for Biomedical Applications

In the present study, chitosan (CS) and pectin (PEC) were utilized for the preparation of 3D printable inks through pneumatic extrusion for biomedical applications. CS is a polysaccharide with beneficial properties; however, its printing behavior is not satisfying, rendering the addition of a thickening agent necessary, i.e., PEC. The influence of PEC in the prepared inks was assessed through rheological measurements, altering the viscosity of the inks to be suitable for 3D printing. 3D printing conditions were optimized and the effect of different drying procedures, along with the presence or absence of a gelating agent on the CS-PEC printed scaffolds were assessed. The mean pore size along with the average filament diameter were measured through SEM micrographs. Interactions among the characteristic groups of the two polymers were evident through FTIR spectra. Swelling and hydrolysis measurements confirmed the influence of gelation and drying procedure on the subsequent behavior of the scaffolds. Ascribed to the beneficial pore size and swelling behavior, fibroblasts were able to survive upon exposure to the ungelated scaffolds.

The Impact of Using Kinesio Tape on Non-Infectious Complications after Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery.

Non-infectious complications such as post-extraction pain, trismus, and swelling are extremely common after impacted wisdom tooth removal. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of using kinesio tape on the level of the postoperative swelling of soft tissues, trismus, and pain in patients undergoing the surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar. One hundred patients undergoing the surgical extraction of a lower wisdom tooth were randomly divided into two groups: a study group with kinesio taping (KT) (n = 50) and a control group without kinesio taping (NKT) (n = 50). The surgical procedure was performed according to the same repeatable scheme. Kinesio tape was applied immediately after surgery in the KT group. In both groups, measurements of swelling, trismus, and pain were performed before the surgery and on the third and seventh postprocedural days. Kinesio tape had a significant effect on the decrease in facial swelling on the third day after surgery and a decrease in trismus and pain severity levels on the third and seventh days after surgery. The kinesio tape method is non-invasive, continuously active throughout the entire application period, and requires no additional patient appointments. KT application is an effective method for reducing postoperative edema, pain, and trismus after impacted mandibular wisdom teeth surgery.

Alien Wood Species as a Resource for Wood-Plastic Composites

Since invasive alien species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss in the region and thus of changes in ecosystem services, it is important to find the best possible solution for their removal from nature and the best practice for their usability. The aim of the study was to investigate their properties as components of wood-plastic composites and to investigate the properties of the wood-plastic composites produced. The overall objective was to test the potential of available alien plant species as raw material for the manufacture of products. This would contribute to sustainability and give them a better chance of ending their life cycle. One of the possible solutions on a large scale is to use alien wood species for the production of wood plastic composites (WPC). Five invasive alien hardwood species have been used in combination with polyethylene powder (PE) and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) to produce various flat pressed WPC boards. Microstructural analyses (confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy) and mechanical tests (flexural strength, tensile strength) were performed. Furthermore, measurements of density, thickness swelling, water absorption and dimensional stability during heating and cooling were carried out. Comparisons were made between the properties of six WPC boards (five alien wood species and mixed boards). The results showed that the differences between different invasive alien wood species were less obvious in mechanical properties, while the differences in sorption properties and dimensional stability were more significant. The analyses of the WPC structure showed a good penetration of the polymer into the lumens of the wood cells and a fine internal structure without voids. These are crucial conditions to obtain a good, mechanically strong and water-resistant material.