Sustained Ability Research Articles

A Quantified Methodology for Evaluating Engineering Sustainability: Ecological Footprint Measurement Modeling

With the gradual increase in public awareness of ecological environmental protection, how to manage the increasingly tight supply of natural ecological energy and resources and the more evident greenhouse effect, how to properly treat and deal with the relationship between people, engineering and the ecological environment during the construction phase of engineering projects as well as how to evaluate the degree of environmental friendliness and sustainable development ability of engineering projects will become an urgent issue. Stakeholders in engineering projects must seriously consider these vital issues. Existing studies on the evaluation of engineering–ecology sustainable development capacity mainly focus on the regional and industry levels, with less research focusing on the sustainability of individual engineering projects; furthermore, they are primarily concentrated on the qualitative evaluation perspective. In order to refine these shortcomings, based on the viewpoint of the ecosystem of construction projects, this paper integrates the concept of whole life cycle with the ecological footprint measurement model and defines the notion of the ecological footprint of the whole life cycle of construction projects. Subsequently taking the above concept as the foundation and making the ecological footprint of various activities throughout the life cycle of a construction project a specific study object, the research establishes the ecological footprint measurement model of the whole life cycle of the project, and comprehensively evaluates the impacts on the surrounding environment, which include the consumption of energy resources, CO2 and the absorption of solid wastes across the whole life cycle of the project. We then measure the sustainable development ability of engineering projects by comparing the ecological footprint with the ecological carrying capacity of a certain surrounding region. Finally, the practicability and reliability of the model is verified through the example’s application. Thus, the results of the study have significant theoretical and practical implications: (1) the introduction of the ecological footprint addresses the gap about the quantitative evaluation of the sustainability of individual engineering projects from a micro perspective; (2) it compensates for the shortcomings of other evaluation methods that only evaluate a single element, such as only CO2, resources, energy or solid waste and so on; and (3) stakeholders can use the measured model to quantitatively assess the sustainability of new projects or urban renewal projects, providing strong support for project feasibility studies and project-establishment.

Physically crosslinked chitosan/αβ–glycerophosphate hydrogels enhanced by surface-modified cyclodextrin: An efficient strategy for controlled drug release

This study reports physically crosslinked chitosan/αβ–glycerophosphate (CS/GP) hydrogels containing surface-modified cyclodextrin for efficient controlled drug release. Highly water-soluble β–cyclodextrin-grafted L–serine (CD–g–Ser) compounds were synthesized, and employed as an effective carrier of berberine hydrochloride (Ber) for CS/GP hydrogels. Various characterizations, including gelation time determination, scanning electron microscopy, and viscosity measurement, indicated that the introduction of CD–g–Ser led to increased crosslinking degree, improved temperature sensitivity, and shortened sol–gel phase transition time of the hydrogel. Meanwhile, the sustained release ability for Ber was achieved due to the hydrophobic association between cyclodextrin and Ber. It was observed that within 4 h, the hydrogel containing CD–g–Ser released 40 % of Ber, while the CS/GP hydrogel without CD–g–Ser released 65 % of Ber. Furthermore, in vitro bacteriostasis experiments confirmed the drug-loaded hydrogel had an excellent antibacterial effect against E. coli and S. aureus (diameter of the inhibition zone up to (16.4 and 34.7) mm, respectively), low hemolysis rate (<2 %), and high cell viability (>90 %). The findings indicate that the physical crosslinked CS hydrogel can be used as a new drug delivery system, and its excellent antibacterial effect makes it a potential wound dressing candidate.

Goal-Oriented Attentional Self-Regulation Training in Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury is Linked to Microstructural Plasticity in Prefrontal White Matter.

Impaired attention is one of the most common, debilitating, and persistent consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which impacts overall cognitive and executive functions in these patients. Previous neuroimaging studies, trying to understand the neural mechanism underlying attention impairment post TBI, have highlighted the role of prefrontal white matter tracts in attentional functioning in mild TBI (mTBI). Goal-Oriented Attentional Self-Regulation (GOALS) is a cognitive rehabilitation training program that targets executive control functions in participants by applying mindfulness-based attention regulation and goal management strategies. GOALS training has been demonstrated to improve attention and executive functioning in patients with chronic TBI. However, its impact on microstructural integrity of attention-associated prefrontal white matter tracts is still unclear. Here, using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging in a pilot randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effect of GOALS training on prefrontal white matter microstructure in 19 U.S. military veterans with chronic mTBI, compared with a matched control group of 14 veterans with chronic mTBI who received standard of care brain health education. We also tested for an association between microstructural white matter changes and sustained attention ability in these patients pre- and post-GOALS training. Our results show significantly better white matter microstructural integrity in left and right anterior corona radiata (ACR) in the GOALS group compared with the control group post-training. Moreover, we found a significant correlation between sustained attention ability of GOALS training participants and white matter integrity of their right ACR pre- and post-training. Finally, our findings indicated that the improved white matter integrity of the ACR in GOALS training participants was the result of increased neurite density and decreased fiber orientation dispersion within this tract.

Evaluation of bacterial anti-adhesion and sustained antimicrobial abilities of chlorhexidine gluconate-loaded phase-transited lysozyme nanoparticle suspension on dentine: An exvivo study.

To evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate-loaded phase-transited lysozyme (CHG@PTL) coating on inhibiting bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation in an exvivo root canal dentine model. The physicochemical and structural characteristics of CHG@PTL nanoparticle suspension and its coating formed on the dentine surface were analysed by thioflavin T fluorescence assay, transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The sustained chlorhexidine release profile of the CHG@PTL coating on the dentine surface was compared with that of the 2% CHG solution. By comparing with phosphate-buffered saline, 1% sodium hypochlorite and 2% CHG solutions, the sustained antibacterial ability of the CHG@PTL coating and its effects on adhesion and biofilm formation of three types of bacteria (E. faecalis, S. mutans, and A. viscous) were analysed in exvivo root canal dentine models using the serial plate transfer test (SPTT) and CLSM with live/dead bacterial staining, respectively. CHG promoted the lysozyme protein to form a higher proportion of β-sheet structure during phase transition. In the CHG@PTL nanoparticle suspension, characteristic drug-loaded nanospheres with a high concentration of CHG molecules inside and an outer PTL nanofilm were observed, and they formed a thinner and tighter coating on the dentine surface. The CHG@PTL coating on the dentine surface showed a significantly higher cumulative release amount of chlorhexidine than that of 2% CHG (p < .05). The results of SPTT showed that the CHG@PTL coating had a longer antibacterial duration than the control groups. After 12 h of incubation, a higher number of bacteria were agglutinated on the CHG@PTL coating surface compared to the control groups (p < .05). After 7 days of incubation, the number of agglutinated bacteria significantly decreased. At two time points, the percentage of dead bacteria on the CHG@PTL coating surface was the highest among all experimental groups based on CLSM observation (over 99.9% for all three bacteria, p < .001). CHG@PTL nanoparticle suspension could form an antimicrobial coating on the surface of dentine with a novel 'agglutinating bacteria and sterilizing' mode.

Social network, sustainable livelihood capital and risk response: an empirical analysis of rural China

ABSTRACT In rural China, farmers who have been “lifted out of poverty” still at risk of returning to poverty. The sustainable livelihood and risk coping ability of farmers are of great significance for rural development, and social networks have a distinctive effect on livelihood and risk coping ability of farmers. Based on full-coverage survey in a village, this paper adopts the entropy weight method, Social Network Analysis, and aims to build a social network model and reveal the impact of social networks on farmer’s livelihood and risk coping ability. The results show that the farmers’ livelihood capital based on social network has a significant amplification. Furthermore, social relationships can directly affect farmers’ ability to cope with livelihood risks. And, for farmers with higher social, information, human and financial capital, the effectiveness of social networks in enhancing their risk coping capacity is more significant. Overall, it is suggested that more attention should be paid to the positive role of social networks on the livelihood in the future. For rural development, social relationship networks should be continuously enriched and to strengthen its multiplier effect on farmers’ livelihood. And for farmer development, it should take measures to improve the mobilising capacity of social relations. And to amplify the effectiveness of various types of livelihood capital in risk response.

Internal Drive or External Pull: Independent Innovation and Sustainable Growth of Chinese Agricultural Enterprises

The independent innovation of agricultural enterprises ensures national food security through enhancing food production efficiency and optimizing food nutritional quality. Independent innovation is an important way for the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises. However, in this process, there are issues such as long cycles and high risks. Based on this, using the panel data of China’s listed agricultural enterprises from 2007 to 2021, this study empirically examined the impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises, as well as the moderating effects of internal drivers (digital transformation) and external pull factors (government subsidies) through a two-way fixed effects model. The findings are the following: (1) The impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises exhibits an “inverted U-pattern”. When the R&amp;D investment of agricultural enterprises accounts for 77.85% of operating income, the sustainable growth ability of agricultural enterprises is the highest. (2) Compared with large agricultural enterprises, small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises reach the threshold of independent innovation ability later, and the incentive effect range of independent innovation is longer. (3) Independent innovation exerts a more significant “inverted U” effect on the sustainable growth of non-state-owned agricultural enterprises and agricultural enterprises in the mature stage, while its impact on the sustainable growth of state-owned agricultural enterprises and agricultural enterprises in the growth and decline stages is not significant. (4) Government subsidies can help enhance the positive impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises when it does not exceed the threshold but cannot alleviate the negative impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises when it exceeds the threshold; investment in digital transformation not only helps to enhance the positive impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises when it does not exceed the threshold but also helps to alleviate the negative impact of independent innovation on the sustainable growth of agricultural enterprises when it exceeds the threshold. The research results provide data support for agricultural enterprises to carry out innovation activities under internal drive and external pull. At the same time, it is of great significance for the national implementation of the strategy of storing food in technology and food security strategy.

Preparation and characterization of ovomucin self-assembly nanoparticles under glycerol compression for astaxanthin delivery: Sustained release and antioxidant activity.

Astaxanthin (AST) is a natural hydrophobic nutrient with various biological activities, but its low solubility limits its application. In this study, self-assembly nanoparticles were prepared by ovomucin (OVM) and Ca2+ with the enhancement of glycerol to deliver AST. Glycerol compressed the particle size of nanoparticles from 175.7±1.8 to 142.9±0.6nm, and the nanoparticles had a strong negative charge (-28.9±0.6mV). Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the successful encapsulation of AST in an amorphous form with a high encapsulation efficiency (82.9%±2.1%). Fourier transform infrared and circular dichroism analyses demonstrated that nanoparticles formation mainly involved electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic interactions. AST in nanoparticles presented excellent gastric juice resistance and sustained release ability, whereas free radical scavenging efficiency reached up to 75%. In addition, the nanoparticles had no apparent toxicity to cell viability. This study is expected to provide a new insight into the safe and efficient delivery of AST, while demonstrating the potential of OVM as a delivery carrier in the food and health industries.

Correlation Analysis of ESG Ratings and Enterprise Performance

ESG (environment, society and governance) evaluation system, as a tool to comprehensively consider the sustainable development ability of enterprises, is increasingly receiving attention. In the context of the promotion of the concept of global sustainable development and the pursuit of high-quality economic development, many third-party evaluation institutions and index research organizations at home and abroad are actively building and improving the ESG rating framework. Through systematic review of domestic and foreign academic circles of ESG rating and enterprise performance correlation research results, this paper reveals an important discovery: ESG rating mechanism not only provides the mirror of self, make it can accurate positioning and optimization in environmental protection, social responsibility and corporate governance, also became the driving enterprises to the direction of more green, harmonious and efficient key force, and promote the long-term sustainable development of the enterprise.

Outlines of a State policy for sustainable education

Subject. This article analyzes the peculiarities of the behavior of complex socio-economic systems, which include the education system. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the Sustainability (S) and Resilience (R) ability concepts. Methods. For the study, we used the general scientific research methods. Results. The article finds that from the point of view of the development of the education system, the concept of Resilience (R), which is characterized by an increase in the ability of complex systems to change synchronously with the needs of society, is the most preferable. Conclusions. The system of educational trajectories should be flexible, which will help get prepared for possible changes and act in new conditions.

Use of Triboelectric Nanogenerators in Advanced Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for High Efficiency in Sustainable Energy Production: A Review

Renewable energy is the best choice for clean and sustainable energy development. A single renewable energy system reveals an intermittent disadvantage during the energy production process due to the effects of weather, season, day/night, and working environment. A generally hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) is an energy production scheme that is built based on a combination of two or more single renewable energy sources (such as solar energy, wind power, hydropower, thermal energy, and ocean energy) to produce electrical energy for energy consumption, energy storage, or a power transmission line. HRESs feature the outstanding characteristics of enhancing energy conversion efficiency and reducing fluctuations during the energy production process. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology transduces wasted mechanical energies into electrical energy. The TENG can harvest renewable energy sources (such as wind, water flow, and ocean energy) into electricity with a sustainable working ability that can be integrated into an HRES for high power efficiency in sustainable renewable energy production. This article reviews the recent techniques and methods using HRESs and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) in advanced hybrid renewable energy systems for improvements in the efficiency of harvesting energy, sustainable energy production, and practical applications. The paper mentions the benefits, challenges, and specific solutions related to the development and utilization of HRESs. The results show that the TENG is a highly potential power source for harvesting energy, renewable energy integration, application, and sustainable energy development. The results are a useful reference source for developing HRES models for practical applications and robust development in the near future.

Development and application of a bacteriophage cocktail for Shigella flexneri biofilm inhibition on the stainless steel surface

Food contamination and biofilm formation by Shigella in food processing facilities are major causes of acute gastrointestinal infection and mortality in humans. Bacteriophages (phages) are promising alternatives to antibiotics in controlling plankton and biofilms in food matrices. This study isolated two novel phages, S2_01 and S2_02, with lytic activity against various Shigella spp. From sewage samples. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that phages S2_01 and S2_02 belonged to the Caudovirales order. On characterizing their lytic ability, phage S2_01 initially exhibited relatively weak antibacterial activity, while phage S2_02 initially displayed rapid antibacterial activity after phage application. A combination of these phages in a 1:9 ratio was selected, as it has been suggested to elicit the most rapid and sustained lysis ability for up to 24 h. It demonstrated lytic activity against various foodborne pathogens, including six Shigella spp. The phage cocktail exhibited biofilm inhibition and disruption abilities of approximately 79.29% and 42.55%, respectively, after 24 h in a 96-well microplate. In addition, inhibition (up to 23.42%) and disruption (up to 19.89%) abilities were also observed on stainless steel surfaces, and plankton growth was also significantly suppressed. Therefore, the phage cocktail formulated in this study displays great potential as a biological control agent in improving food safety against biofilms and plankton.

A Group Intuitionistic Fuzzy Exponential TODIM Method Considering Attribute Interactions Applied to Green Building Material Supplier Selection

Green building, driven by the goal of sustainable development, has prompted extensive attention to be paid to the environmental impact of its materials. However, some of the traditional methods of evaluating building material suppliers and attribute systems are not able to adapt to the new issues arising from the green context. This paper aims to provide a new solution for selecting green building material suppliers to enhance the green efficiency of buildings. Specifically, this paper presents a framework for evaluating and selecting suppliers of green building materials that meet the criteria of environmental friendliness and sustainability. A comprehensive evaluation attribute system is established, encompassing cost, quality, service level, delivery capability, and green and sustainable ability. Additionally, a group decision-making method based on the exponential TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for Interactive and Multi-attribute Decision Making) and intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is developed to integrate expert opinions from diverse domains. Intuitionistic fuzzy numbers represent an extension of traditional fuzzy sets, offering a means of more fully and accurately responding to the inherent vagueness and hesitancy of human thinking. They can often prove invaluable when faced with problems containing uncertainty. Moreover, to obtain more precise attribute weights, the λ-fuzzy measure, Choquet integral, and Shapley value are employed to consider attribute interactions. Subsequently, a selection case involving six timber suppliers was proposed. Subsystem analysis was employed to ascertain the relative strengths and weaknesses of the various suppliers, with a view to facilitating future improvements. The findings indicated that green and sustainability capability attributes exert a considerable influence on the selection of green building material suppliers. Consequently, suppliers distinguished under this standard may encounter challenges in attaining exemplary rankings. Comparative analysis and robustness analysis have demonstrated the efficacy, superiority, and stability of the proposed framework. The findings of this paper can provide a reference for companies engaged in or planning to develop green buildings and help them choose green building material suppliers, which can help them achieve the expected green building efficiency and promote the sustainable development of the industry.

Investigation and Analysis of McDonald's Market Development

As a large restaurant chain, McDonald's is affected by different external and internal factors, which makes investors begin to question its sustainable operation ability. This study takes McDonald's as an example to explore the development issues of the catering industry through its business situation. This article studies the sustainability of McDonald's stock price in the future and evaluates its continued investment potential. Therefore, based on the financial data of McDonald's and its competitors during the period from 2020 to 2023, the expected value is estimated by combining quantitative research methods and relative value evaluation methods. The results of the study show that McDonald's financial performance in the past few years has been good, including good capital structure, short-term debt repayment ability and profitability. Investors can make a long-term investment in McDonald's stock based on a sound financial position and good market expectations. This study has important practical significance for the healthy development of catering.

Research on Financial Management Issues and Countermeasures in Chinese Higher Education Institutions

With the continuous deepening of educational reform and the rapid development of higher education, as an important battlefield for knowledge dissemination, scientific research innovation, and social services, the financial management level of universities directly affects the efficiency of resource allocation, improvement of teaching quality, and sustainable development ability of the school. However, in the context of rapid expansion and diversified development, financial management in universities faces many challenges and problems. If not solved, it will inevitably negatively impact the management of universities and restrict their development. This article aims to deeply analyze the main problems in current financial management in universities and propose corresponding countermeasures and suggestions, to provide reference for improving the efficiency of financial management in universities.

IS THIS (TELE)WORKING? A path model analysis of the relationship between telework, job demands and job resources, and sustainable employability.

Technological advancements and the COVID-19 crisis have accelerated the adoption of telework, impacting employees' work dynamics. Moreover, an aging workforce emphasises the need for sustainable employability. With reference to the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, this study explores how telework relates to job demands and job resources and, subsequently, to sustainable employability. The present study investigates the repercussions of increased telework on employees' sustainable employability. Hypotheses posit direct and indirect (i.e., mediated) relationships, providing insights for evidence-based telework policies. Data from 552 government employees was collected through an online survey. Data collection occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when widespread teleworking was prevalent. A path model was employed to analyse associations between telework, job demands (specifically work pressure), job resources (social support, workplace communication, and role clarity), and sustainable employability dimensions, including vitality, work ability, and employability. Our path model reveals that heightened telework was associated with elevated work pressure and diminished role clarity. Surprisingly, a positive association emerges between work pressure and sustainable employability. Notably, no significant relationship is found between telework, social support, and workplace communication. Role clarity is likely to be pivotal, positively influencing vitality and employability. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of telework on job demands, resources, and sustainable employability. The unexpected positive association between work pressure and sustainable employability challenges conventional stressor paradigms. The relationships between telework, job demands, job resources, and sustainable employability uncovered in this study can contribute to evidence-based teleworking policies and strategies that support employee health and employability amidst evolving work structures.

Myristic Acid Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Enhance the Oral Bioavailability and Therapeutic Efficacy of Rifaximin against MRSA Pneumonia.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death and an immense financial burden on healthcare systems. Rifaximin (RFX) has good antibacterial activity against MRSA, but its clinical application is limited due to its poor oral absorption. Solid lipid nanoparticles have good biocompatibility, high drug loading, sustained release performance, and the inertia of lipids in gastric acid, which facilitates oral drug delivery. In order to improve the oral bioavailability of rifaximin and expand the clinical application of RFX for MRSA pneumonia, this study developed RFX-loaded myristic acid solid lipid nanoparticles (RFX-SLNs). This study first prepared RFX-SLNs through hot melt emulsification and ultrasonic methods and selected the optimal formula of RFX-SLNs through single-factor screening. Afterward, the particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI) of the RFX-SLNs were measured, the morphology of RFX-SLNs was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and drug loading capacity (LC) of RFX-SLNs were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. Then, the sustained release ability and oral bioavailability of RFX-SLNs were studied through in vitro release and pharmacokinetics. Finally, the therapeutic effect of RFX-SLNs on MRSA pneumonia infection was studied by using a mouse MRSA pneumonia infection model. The optimal formulation of RFX-SLNs was 1% RFX with water (3% PVA) and oil (myristic acid) ratio of 1:19. RFX-SLNs were spherical in shape with a smooth surface and uniform size. The EE and LC of three different batches of RFX-SLNs were 89.35±2.47%, 90.45±3.69%, 88.72±1.18%, and 9.50 ± 0.01%, 10.09±0.01%, and 9.68±0.00%, respectively. In vitro release and pharmacokinetic studies showed that the myristic acid solid lipid nanoparticles showed excellent sustained release as expected and increased the oral bioavailability of RFX by 2.18 times. This indicates that RFX-SLNs can be used for the oral treatment of bacterial infections. Compared to RFX, RFX-SLNs showed good therapeutic effects in a mouse MRSA pneumonia infection model. This study indicates that the myristic acid solid lipid nanoparticles might be an effective way to enhance the oral absorption and therapy effects of RFX and other insoluble drugs. This not only opens up avenues for the clinical application of RFX but also provides a way for the development of new dosage forms of water-soluble drugs and the expansion of their clinical application scope.

Tunicate cellulose nanocrystal reinforced multifunctional hydrogel with super flexible, fatigue resistant, antifouling and self-adhesive capability for effective wound healing

Hydrogels as skin wound dressings have been extensively studied owing to their good flexibility and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, the mechanical performance, adhesive capability, antifouling and antibacterial properties of conventional hydrogels are still unsatisfactory, which hinder the application of hydrogel for cutaneous healing. Here, we developed a novel biocompatible multifunctional hydrogel with super flexible, fatigue resistant, antifouling and self-adhesive capability for effective wound healing, where naturally rigid polymers including quaternized chitosan (QCS) and Tunicate cellulose nanocrystals (TCNCs) are used as bioactive cross-linkers and reinforcers to endow the hydrogel with excellent mechanical and antibacterial property, and the synergistic contributions from the poly(acrylic acid/methacrylate anhydride dopamine/sulfobetaine methacrylate) (poly(AA/DMA/SBMA)) chains and QCS endow the hydrogel with excellent adhesive property, antioxidant, antifouling and pH-responsive sustained drug release capabilities. The optimized hydrogel exhibited high tensile strength (77.69 KPa), large tensile strain (889.9 %), large toughness (307.51KJ.m−3), high adhesive strength (35.57 KPa) and ideal compressive property. The in vivo infected full-thickness skin model demonstrated that the hydrogel with vanvomycin sustained release ability efficiently improved the granulation tissue formation, facilitating collagen deposition and reducing inflammatory expression, thus effectively accelerating wound healing. This superiorly skin-adhesive antibacterial biocompatible hydrogel appears to be a promising candidate for wound therapy.

A multifunctional injectable, self-healing, and adhesive hydrogel-based wound dressing stimulated diabetic wound healing with combined reactive oxygen species scavenging, hyperglycemia reducing, and bacteria-killing abilities

The proficient handling of diabetic wounds, a rising issue coinciding with the global escalation of diabetes cases, poses significant clinical difficulties. A range of biofunctional dressings have been engineered and produced to expedite the healing process of diabetic wounds. This study proposes a multifunctional hydrogel dressing for diabetic wound healing, which is composed of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and N1-(4-boronobenzyl)-N3-(4-boronophenyl)-N1, N1, N3, N3-teramethylpropane-1, 3-diaminium (TSPBA), and a dual-drug loaded Gelatin methacryloyl (GM) microgel. The GM microgel is loaded with sodium fusidate (SF) and nanoliposomes (LP) that contain metformin hydrochloride (MH). Notably, adhesive and self-healing properties the hydrogel enhance their therapeutic potential and ease of application. In vitro assessments indicate that SF-infused hydrogel can eliminate more than 98% of bacteria within 24 h and maintain a sustained release over 15 days. Additionally, MH incorporated within the hydrogel has demonstrated effective glucose level regulation for a duration exceeding 15 days. The hydrogel demonstrates a sustained ability to neutralize ROS throughout the entire healing process, predominantly by electron donation and sequestration. This multifunctional hydrogel dressing, which integrated biological functions of efficient bactericidal activity against both MSSA and MRSA strains, blood glucose modulation, and control of active oxygen levels, has successfully promoted the healing of diabetic wounds in rats in 14 days. The hydrogel dressing exhibited significant effectiveness in facilitating the healing process of diabetic wounds, highlighting its considerable promise for clinical translation.Graphical

Effect of Specific Surface Area and Hydrophobicity of Electrospun Nanofibers on the Sustained Release Performance of Diclofenac Sodium.

Nanofibers produced by electrospinning are suitable options for slow-release materials. Diclofenac sodium (DS) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication with a brief half-life that can serve as an effective sustained-release agent. This paper presents a novel method for producing DS-sustained release nanofibers by electrostatic spinning processes. During the preparation, the slow-release capabilities of biodegradable materials poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) are investigated. A composite drug-carrying scaffold is prepared to enhance the sustained-release performance. The sustained release ability is affected by the specific surface area of the nanofibers and the hydrophobicity of the polymer. The findings indicate that the composite nanofiber with a PLA/PCL ratio of 1:1 demonstrates the most effective sustained-release performance. The release rate is mostly influenced by the hydrophobicity of the polymer at this point. Sustained-release kinetic simulations were performed and revealed that the release of nanofibers follows a first-order release paradigm. This work presents a straightforward approach for creating a sustained-release formulation of DS.

Development of novel humanized CD19/BAFFR bicistronic chimeric antigen receptor T cells with potent antitumor activity against B-cell lineage neoplasms.

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy has shown remarkable efficacy in treating advanced B-cell malignancies by targeting CD19, but antigen-negative relapses and immune responses triggered by murine-derived antibodies remain significant challenges, necessitating the development of novel humanized multitarget CAR-T therapies. Here, we engineered a second-generation 4-1BB-CD3ζ-based CAR construct incorporating humanized CD19 single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) and BAFFR single-variable domains on heavy chains (VHHs), also known as nanobodies. The resultant CAR-T cells, with different constructs, were functionally compared both invitro and invivo. We found that the optimal tandem and bicistronic (BI) structures retained respective antigen-binding abilities, and both demonstrated specific activation when stimulated with target cells. At the same time, BI CAR-T cells (BI CARs) exhibited stronger tumour-killing ability and better secretion of interleukin-2 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha than single-target CAR-T cells. Additionally, BI CARs showed less exhaustion phenotype upon repeated antigen stimulation and demonstrated more potent and persistent antitumor effects in mouse xenograft models. Overall, we developed a novel humanized CD19/BAFFR bicistronic CAR (BI CAR) based on a combination of scFv and VHH, which showed potent and sustained antitumor ability both invitro and invivo, including against tumours with CD19 or BAFFR deficiencies.