Swelling Index Research Articles

Development of phage-containing hydrogel for treating Enterococcus faecalis-infected wounds.

Chronic wound infections caused by Enterococcus faecalis pose formidable challenges in clinical management, exacerbated by the emergence of vancomycin-resistant strains. Phage therapy offers a targeted approach but encounters delivery hurdles. Due to their biocompatibility and controlled release properties, hydrogels hold promise as carriers. This study aimed to fabricate phage-containing hydrogels using sodium alginate (SA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and hyaluronic acid (HA) to treat E. faecalis-infected wounds. We assessed the efficacy of these hydrogels both in vitro and in vivo. The hydrogel was prepared using SA-CMC-HA polymers. Phage SAM-E.f 12 was incorporated into the SA-CMC-HA hydrogel. The hydrogel's swelling index was measured after 24 h, and degradation was assessed over seven days. Surface morphology and composition were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial activity was tested via optical density (OD) and disk diffusion assays. Phage release and stability were evaluated over a month. In vivo efficacy was tested in mice through wound healing and bacterial count assays, with histopathological analysis. Hydrogels exhibited a swelling index of 0.43, a water absorption rate of %30, and 23% degradation over seven days. FTIR confirmed successful polymer incorporation. In vitro studies demonstrated that phage-containing hydrogels significantly inhibited bacterial growth, with an OD of 0.3 compared to 1.1 for the controls. Hydrogels remained stable for four weeks. In vivo, phage-containing hydrogels reduced bacterial load and enhanced wound healing, as shown by improved epithelialization and tissue restoration. Phage-containing hydrogels effectively treat wounds infected with E. faecalis-infected wounds, promoting wound healing through controlled phage release. These hydrogels can improve clinical outcomes in the treatment of infected wounds.

Utilizing Coconut Biochar as a Bio‐reinforcing Agent in Natural Rubber Composites

AbstractThis research investigates the pyrolysis of biochar from different parts of residual aromatic young coconut waste, namely coconut fruit, coconut bunch, and coconut leaf, to be used as fillers in natural rubber (NR). Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy reveals that biochar has a flake‐like structure with a high carbon content (67%–77%). The biochar is mixed with NR using a two‐roll mill at filler contents of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 phr (part per hundred of rubber). Adding coconut fruit biochar at 40 phr increases the Shore A hardness to 59.62, a remarkable 47% improvement compared with unfilled NR. The maximum tensile strength occurs at 20 phr, while the highest tensile modulus (4.53 MPa) and tear strength (17,344 N m−1) are observed at 40 phr. Moreover, the swelling index of composites in toluene decreases slightly as biochar content increases, and the crosslink density is higher for NR filled with coconut fruit biochar than for other biochar types. Based on these results, coconut fruit biochar is identified as the most effective reinforcement filler for NR among the biochar types studied. Consequently, it can be used as a bio‐reinforcing agent in NR composites, contributing to sustainability and eco‐friendliness.

Impact of cocoa variety on merchant quality and physicochemical characteristics of raw cocoa beans and roasted cocoa mass

Cocoa, a widely cultivated crop in tropical countries, is a crucial raw material in the food industry, particularly in chocolate production. Its quality is influenced by various factors, including variety, cultivation practices, fermentation, and drying. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of the cocoa variety on the merchant quality and the physicochemical properties of raw cocoa beans and roasted cocoa mass produced in the urban commune of Pokola (Republic of the Congo) . Cocoa pods were sorted into three varieties (Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario) according to the physical identification criteria given in the literature. Cocoa samples were prepared according to the same process: each variety was separated into three 50-kg samples placed in cubic crates with 40 cm edges covered with banana leaves for 6 days of fermentation, then sun-dried at 28–32 °C for 7 days, leading to dried cocoa beans. Roasted cocoa masses were obtained by roasting at 140 °C followed by grinding. Merchant quality analyses were carried out on raw cocoa beans and physicochemical analyses were performed on raw cocoa beans and roasted cocoa masses. Cocoa variety had the greatest impact on graining, Villtrop swelling index, proportion of brown beans, pH, total acidity, and protein content. The beans of all cocoa varieties were of intermediate merchant quality (grade II). Roasting resulted in an increase in pH and total carbohydrate content, and a decrease in water content, total acidity, protein content, and colorimetric parameters. Overall, the cocoa variety had a weaker influence on the quality and physicochemical properties of raw and roasted cocoa than roasting.

Preparation of Oxidized Pellets of Vanadium Titanium Magnetite and Direct Reduction Behavior in Hydrogen‐Based Shaft Furnace

Herein, the optimized process parameters for the preparation of vanadium‐titanium magnetite (VTM) pellets are determined, and an efficient and green utilization technology for VTM based on the integration of oxidation roasting‐hydrogen‐based shaft furnace direct reduction is established. The results indicate that the preferable VTM oxidized and pre‐reduced pellets can be prepared by preheating at 925 °C for 18 min and roasting at 1200 °C for 25 min, followed by the reduction temperature of 1050 °C at the reduction atmosphere of 4% CO2 and H2/CO = 8. The corresponding compressive strength of the preheated and roasted pellets is 516 N per pellet and 2028 N per pellet, respectively. In addition, the LTD+6.3 and LTDUP of roasted pellets are 80.86% and 93.90%, and the corresponding reducibility index, reduction swelling index, and the reduction sticking index are 0.0428, 2.32%, and 2.50%, respectively. All of which meet the production requirements of hydrogen‐based shaft furnace.

Synergistic Effects of Psidium Guajava and Copper Nanoparticles Reinforced Hybrid Hydrogel for Tissue Engineering

Hydrogels are biopolymers proficient in engrossing much water in their 3D network structure. However, single-polymer hydrogels frequently experience poor physio-mechanical properties, confining their border applications. The present work concentrated on developing chemically crosslinked hydrogels using the terpolymerization of gelatin (GEL), guar gum (GGM), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava leaf (EPG) and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were added to enhance the biomechanical properties of the developed hydrogels. Hydrogels' viscoelastic, mechanical, swelling, and cytotoxicity properties were assessed. All the hydrogels exhibited a porous-like structure with a swelling index of 230 to 280%. A compressive strength of 5 MPa with splendid chondrocyte viability was noticed in the hydrogels comprised of EPG and CuNPs. The multiple interactions among the polymer chains impart better frequency and shear strain-dependent behavior. The time-dependent frictional behavior of hydrogel under the lubrication of artificial synovial fluid reveals the decreased coefficient of friction over time. The performance of the hybrid hydrogel enhanced with EPG and CuNPs was superior, making it a promising material for tissue engineering applications.

Evaluation of the Impact of Pistacia atlantica Desf. Oleo-gum Resin on Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-induced Arthritis in a Wistar Rat Model

Background: Pistacia atlantica Desf., also known as Atlantic pistachio or Mt. Atlas mastic tree, has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis. Additionally, the tree's resin possesses antioxidant properties that can help protect against oxidative stress. The anti-arthritic efficacy of Pistacia atlantica oleo-gum resin extract (PAG) remains unvalidated, as its potential therapeutic benefits have not been substantiated. In the current investigation, we have substantiated the inhibitory properties of the PAG in mitigating the development of rheumatoid arthritis induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats weighing 160±10 g were subjected to immunization through intradermal injection of 0.1 mL of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) into the left hind metatarsal footpad. Following the induction of adjuvant arthritis, oral administration of PAG was initiated at doses of 10, 400, and 800 mg/kg once a day. Prednisolone (10 mg/kg, daily) was employed as a positive control in this study. Various parameters, including paw swelling, arthritic index, body weight loss, spleen index, thymus index, serum cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and histological alterations, as well as nitrite glutathione and catalase level, were measured. Furthermore, the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were evaluated. Results: PAG exhibited noteworthy efficacy in attenuating paw swelling and reducing the arthritic index. Moreover, it resulted in enhanced body weight loss and a consequential reduction in the thymus index. PAG (400mg/kg) significantly decreased the level of serum nitrite in the intervention group, as well as the levels of serum glutathione. On the other hand, catalase activity increased, the activity of MMP-9 decreased, and the level of MMP-2 increased compared to the intervention group. The histopathological results revealed that PAG (at doses of 400 mg/kg) had the best therapeutic effects. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study confirms the anti-arthritic activity of PAG in rats. The extract of PAG was found to prevent rheumatoid arthritis induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant, as evidenced by the significant suppression of paw swelling and arthritic index.

Influence of Plasticizers Concentration on Thermal, Mechanical, and Physicochemical Properties on Starch Films

The increasing demand for sustainable packaging materials has driven the exploration of biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics. This study investigates the thermal and mechanical properties of starch-based films plasticized with varying concentrations of glycerol and sorbitol. Cornstarch films were prepared with glycerol and sorbitol plasticizers in different ratios, and their physical characteristics, including swelling index, water solubility, and thermal stability, were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing. The results indicate that the incorporation of plasticizers significantly influenced the films’ properties. Films with higher glycerol content exhibited greater flexibility and solubility, while sorbitol-plasticized films showed enhanced thermal stability. The combination of both plasticizers yielded films with balanced properties suitable for food packaging applications. This study demonstrates the potential of glycerol and sorbitol as effective plasticizers in developing biodegradable starch-based films, offering a promising alternative to conventional plastic packaging.

A novel formulation of an eco-friendly calcium nitrate-based heavy completion fluid

Calcium-nitrate-based transparent completion fluids are widely used in the oil and gas industry for well completion and stimulation operations in carbonate reservoirs. These fluids have many advantages, such as medium density, low corrosion, good temperature stability, low clay swelling, and high wettability. However, the density of calcium nitrate brine is limited by its solubility, which can be increased by the addition of alcohols. This study investigated the effects of adding different types of alcohols (G1, G2, and G3) to calcium nitrate brine on the properties and performance of the completion fluid for carbonate reservoirs. The fluid properties and performance were evaluated through a series of laboratory tests, including density measurement, corrosion test, viscosity measurement, rheology test, temperature stability test, clay swelling test, wettability test, and compatibility test. The results showed that the addition of alcohols to brine can improve or reduce the fluid density, viscosity, corrosion, temperature stability, clay swelling, wettability, and compatibility, depending on the type and amount of alcohols. The optimum fluids have been selected based on their highest density, lowest viscosity, lowest corrosion, highest temperature stability, lowest clay swelling, highest wettability change, and highest compatibility with formation fluids. The densities of the fluids CN4, CNG14, CNG24, and CNG34 were respectively 96, 101, 101.5, and 100 pounds per cubic foot (pcf). Their rates of corrosion on L80 steel were respectively 0.829, 0.589, 0.720, and 0.599 mils per year (mpy). Their apparent viscosities at 62.4 °F were respectively around 15, 120, 100, and 60 centipoise (cp). Their apparent viscosities at 176 °F were all around 10 to 25 mpy. The fluids remained clear with no evidence of suspended solid particles at 20 °F, indicating their resilience to low-temperature conditions and suitability for use in cold weather operations. The fluid CNG24 becomes cloudy at 285 °F, and the fluid CNG34 becomes cloudy from 212 °F onward, but the CN4 fluid remains clear and transparent at all temperatures. In the tested high temperatures, the effect on their pH was around the same. The fluids CN4, CNG24, and CNG34 had a lower swelling index than 5 ml per 2 g of bentonite clay. The contact angles of oil and carbonate-type thin sections after their wettabilities were affected by the fluids were also 99.5, 36.54, and 46.03°, respectively. Finally, they’re all relatively compatible with formation fluids. The best completion fluid for carbonate reservoirs was CNG24, which contained calcium nitrate and G2 alcohol. This fluid had the best overall performance and safety of the fluids tested.

Desiccated state free swell index – a simple method for classification of soil expansivity

Desiccated state free swell index – a simple method for classification of soil expansivity

Sustainable soil stabilization of expansive soil subgrades through lime-fly ash admixture

Expansive soils, known for their significant volume changes with moisture variation, pose severe challenges for construction and pavement integrity. This study investigates the stabilization of expansive subgrade soils using a lime-fly ash mixture, aiming to enhance engineering properties and reduce associated risks. Soil samples from Nashik, Maharashtra, India, were analyzed for their geotechnical properties, revealing high plasticity and expansive nature. The study utilized different proportions of lime-fly ash mixtures to assess improvements in the stabilized soils' Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). Laboratory tests, including granulometry, SEM, and XRF, indicated significant changes in the soil's physical and chemical composition. The stabilization process showed a marked reduction in the Free Swell Index (FSI) and swelling pressure attributed to flocculation. The optimum mix ratio of 1:4 (lime: fly ash) demonstrated the most substantial improvement, with UCS increasing to 224 kPa and CBR values reaching 8%. Additionally, the elastic modulus of the stabilized subgrade showed considerable enhancement, indicating better load-bearing capacity and durability. A flexible pavement design was implemented on both untreated and treated subgrades, demonstrating a 28% cost reduction for the stabilized section. This research underscores the effectiveness of using a sustainable lime-fly ash blend in mitigating the challenges posed by expansive soils, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for road construction. The findings provide a robust framework for engineers to improve the stability and longevity of pavements on expansive soils.

Acetylation of Aspen and Alder Wood - Preliminary Tests

An experimental study of the physical and mechanical properties of untreated and acetylated wood was conducted. The effect of acetylation on wood density was investigated. It was established that the density of the samples generally decreases after acetylation. As the level of acetylation increases, the fiber saturation point decreases in both conifers and hardwoods. Acetylation of wood helps to reduce the sorption properties of wood. The amount of swelling was analyzed. For untreated wood (aspen and alder), the volume swelling index is at the level of 7.5 %. Acetylation contributes to the stability of the geometric dimensions of structures, as the volume swelling index for aspen decreased by 4 times, for alder – by 2 times. An increase in the amount of swelling along the fibers is observed in all samples. Regarding the nature of the destruction of the samples during compression, the aspen (both untreated and acetylated) only crumples without visible signs of destruction. In some samples of alder, partial exfoliation is visible. It was found that acetylation has an ambiguous effect on the mechanical properties of wood of both species.

Nuciferine inhibits TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling axis and alleviates adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition primarily affecting the joints. Nuciferine (NCF), a key bioactive aporphine alkaloid biosynthesized in lotus leaves, exhibits promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated whether NCF could alleviate inflammatory arthritis conditions in a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-mediated arthritis model in rats. The arthritis model was established through intradermal injection of CFA (100 μL) in the sub-plantar region of the right hind paw. The arthritic animals were treated orally with NCF at 5 and 10 mg/kg and indomethacin (Indo) at 5 mg/kg body weight as reference control. NCF treatment remarkably alleviated inflammatory joint swelling and arthritic index. The radiological and histological analysis revealed evidence of the beneficial effects of NCF. NCF treatment decreased the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and restored the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the paw joints. The serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were also markedly reduced in the NCF (10 mg/kg) treatment group. Moreover, the arthritis-induced inflammatory mediators, including cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling proteins were substantially decreased in the NCF treatment groups. NCF treatment also restored the antioxidant defense enzymes and abrogated lipid peroxidation in the paw tissue. Our findings strongly suggest that NCF is a promising therapeutic molecule for rheumatoid arthritis, inspiring further research, and development in this area.

Development of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Chitosan Nanoparticles Mixed-Matrix Membrane

The blend of PVA-CSNP is widely used in many industries and research fields such as packaging in the food industry, medical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as separation industries. Polymer blending can improve the membrane by combining two or more polymers in suitable ratios. CSNP was blended with PVA membrane to improve its properties. In this study, the CSNP polymer and PVA/CSNP membrane were synthesized and characterized. The synthesis of CSNP involved the application of CS at 0.5 wt.% and 1.0 wt.% at 1:1 and 1:2 ratios to STPP. The particle size and zeta potential for the 0.5 wt.% ratios showed significant outcomes for the study. The particle sizes were 892 nm and 975 nm, whereas the zeta potential showed significant cation values of +50.4 and +43.7 mV for the 1:1 and 1:2 ratios, respectively. The PVA membrane was developed using these nanofillers, and the functional group analysis showed molecular bonding throughout the membrane. The developed membrane also exhibited a smooth and dense structure, supporting good dispersion of CSNP within the membrane. To evaluate the physical strength of the membrane, the swelling index was measured, and a low degree of swelling confirmed the forecast that CSNP would reduce the hydrophilicity of the PVA membrane, subsequently providing good membrane strength.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) mucilage: A versatile stimuli–responsive functional biomaterial for pharmaceuticals and healthcare

The present review is novel as it discusses the main findings of researchers on the topic and their implications, as well as highlights the emerging research in this particular area and its future prospective. The seeds of Flax (Linum usitatissimum) extrude mucilage (FSM) that has a diverse and wide range of applications, especially in the food industry and as a pharmaceutical ingredient. FSM has been blended with several food and dairy products to improve gelling ability, optical properties, taste, and user compliance. The FSM is recognized as a foaming, encapsulating, emulsifying, suspending, film–forming, and gelling agent for several pharmaceutical preparations and healthcare materials. Owing to stimuli (pH) –responsive swelling–deswelling characteristics, high swelling indices at different physiological pHs of the human body, and biocompatibility, FSM is considered a smart material for intelligent, targeted, and controlled drug delivery applications through conventional and advanced drug delivery systems. FSM has been modified through carboxymethylation, acetylation, copolymerization, and electrostatic complexation to get the desired properties for pharma, food, and healthcare products. The present review is therefore devoted to the isolation techniques, structural characterization, highly valuable properties for food and pharmaceutical industries, preclinical and clinical trials, pharmacological aspects, biomedical attributes, and patents of FSM.

Geotechnical and microstructural analysis of high-volume fly ash stabilized clayey soil and machine learning application

The weak soil stabilization using solid wastes is one of the most common solutions for improving geotechnical characteristics as well as for problematic waste dumping in landfills. The present experimental study aims to examine the effect of high-volume Class-F fly ash on the geotechnical and microstructural properties of clayey soil by adding them in ranges between 5 % and 50 %. The results show that as the amount of fly ash in clayey soil increases, properties like the specific gravity, plasticity index, permeability, optimum moisture content, maximum dry density and free swelling index improves. Moreover, these geotechnical properties were analyzed to develop machine learning models using three different algorithms, namely K-nearest neighbor regression, random forest, and support vector regression, for obtaining the optimum amount of fly ash contents in weak expansive soils. The predicted and experimental results found to be in close-relation for predicting the geotechnical behavior of modified clayey soil. Furthermore, the performance of the ML models degrades as the number of components reduces, with KNN regression consistently outperforming SVR and RF but suffering significantly with fewer components. The results of the testing set in the case of four components are MSE of 77, R² of 0.896, RMSE of 0.846, MAE of 0.327, and SEE of 0.858, indicating precise and consistent predictions. However, the prediction accuracy considering lesser components shows MSE as 262, R² as 0.648, MAE as 5.606, SEE as 16.707, and GPI as 1.056, confirming the elevated error rates. Overall, it has been concluded that combining comprehensive experimental work and machine learning techniques outperforms in enhancing geotechnical data processing, optimized waste contents in weak soils, improves sustainability in construction, saves resources, reduces the possibility of human mistakes, and increases reliability.

Toward Metallized Pellets for Steelmaking by Hydrogen Cooling Reduction: Effect of Gas Flow Rate.

This study proposed a strategy to prepare metalized pellets for direct steelmaking by hydrogen cooling reduction (HCR) of iron ore pellets with a focus on the effect of H2 flow rate on the process. It was demonstrated that increasing H2 flow rate could effectively enhance the reduction performance of iron ore pellets. However, due to the influence of the countercurrent diffusion resistance of gas molecules, too high H2 flow rate no longer promoted the reduction of the pellets when the maximum reduction rate was reached. The reduction swelling index (RSI) of the pellets initially increased and then decreased with increasing H2 flow rate. This change was associated with the decreased content of Fe2SiO4 in the metalized pellets and the changes in porosity and iron particle size. The compressive strength (CS) decreased continuously, showing a sharp decline when the H2 flow rate reached 0.6 L/min. It was attributed to the significant increases in porosity and average pore size of the metalized pellets, with the presence of surface cracks. When the H2 flow rate was 0.8 L/min, the metalized pellets had the optimal performance, namely, reduction degree of 91.45%, metallization degree of 84.07%, total iron content of 80.67 wt%, RSI of 4.66%, and CS of 1265 N/p. The findings demonstrated the importance of controlling the H2 flow rate in the preparation of metallized pellets by HCR.

Sanguiin inhibits cerebral hemorrhage in rats by protecting the blood-brain barrier.

The aim of the study was to observe the effect of Sanguiin on cerebral edema and behavior in a rat cerebral hemorrhage model. A rat collagenase-induced cerebral hemorrhage model was established to detect the effects of drugs on brain edema. Through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis and brain weight content (BWC) determination, it was found that Sanguiin could significantly reduce the brain swelling index and BWC of the affected hemisphere after cerebral hemorrhage. Sanguiin can significantly improve the neurological deficits in rats with cerebral hemorrhage, and down-regulate the expression of MMP-9 after cerebral hemorrhage, suggesting that Sanguiin has a certain protective effect on the blood-brain barrier after cerebral hemorrhage.

Integration of levofloxacin-loaded spanlastics and prednisolone into a buccal mucoadhesive sponge for combating severe pneumonia: In-vitro/ex-vivo assessment, qRT-PCR analysis, and quantification of the HMGB-1/NF-қB signaling pathway

Pneumonia induced by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a grave pathological state that bears profound implications for morbidity and mortality rates. It is marked by an exaggerated inflammatory response in the lung tissue, resulting in lung damage. Accordingly, combining Levofloxacin hemihydrate (LV) with Prednisolone (PD) could potentially reduce the inflammatory response associated with severe pneumonia and save patients’ lives. Therefore, this study aimed to develop LV-loaded spanlastics (SPs)/PD buccal mucoadhesive sponge for the treatment of severe pneumonia. For LV SPs fabrication and optimization, a full 32 factorial design was utilized to examine the impact of the type of edge activator (EA) and Span 60: EA ratio on vesicle size (VS) and encapsulation efficiency percent (EE%). The optimum formula was determined by recording the minimum VS and maximum EE%. It was then tested microbiologically, followed by integration into a mucoadhesive sponge with the addition of PD, forming LV SPs/PD sponge that was evaluated via in-vivo study. The optimum LV SPs was formulation 3 (F3), which was fabricated using Tween 80 as an EA with a Span 60: EA ratio of 80:20. F3 exhibited an EE% of 92.40 ± 0.01 %, a VS of 248.60 ± 2.05 nm, highly elastic spherically shaped nanovesicles with a controlled release profile, and enhanced drug permeation. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of F3 was reduced by a factor of 8 compared to Levoxin®. Moreover, F3 revealed superiority over Levoxin® by 10, 20, and 10 percentage points increase in downregulating gyrA, gyrB, and parC gene expression in K. pneumoniae, respectively. The LV SPs/PD sponge revealed a spongy structure with well-defined pores. It had a surface pH of 6.93 ± 0.06, a swelling index of 3.52 ± 0.35, an ex-vivo mucoadhesion residence time of 3.01 ± 0.61 h, and a drug content of 97.39 ± 1.82 % for LV and 98.06 ± 1.34 % for PD. As well, the release pattern of the LV SPs/PD sponge was significantly slower than that of the F3 for LV and the Epicopred® for PD. The in-vivo study of the LV SPs/PD sponge demonstrated a prevalence effect in restoring the typical lung histology in rats. Additionally, it returns high mobility group box (HMGB)-1 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-қB) biomarkers to their normal levels, surpassing the effects observed with Levoxin®/Epicopred®. Collectively, the LV SPs/PD sponge might hold great potential as a promising treatment approach for the management of severe pneumonia.

Expansive clay subgrade soil improvement using municipal solid waste fly ash: Experimental and numerical approach

The expansive soil under investigation has caused damage to lightweight structures due to its swelling and shrinkage characteristics in response to changing moisture content. The study aims to assess the impact of municipal solid waste (MSW) fly ash on the engineering properties of subgrade expansive soils and its influence on pavement structure deformation. The influence of municipal solid waste fly ash on expansive soils was evaluated using laboratory tests and finite element methods. The Abaqus software was used to investigate the effects of MSW fly ash on pavement structure deformation. The input parameters employed for this analysis were elastic modulus, Poisson ratio, load, contact area dimension, and pavement layer thickness. To mitigate this issue, MSW fly ash was used as a stabilizing agent at varying percentages (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, 25 %, and 30 % of the dry mass of the soil sample).According to the AASHTO soil classification, the soil is classified as A-7, has a high free swell, a low soaked CBR value, and a high soaked CBR swell, and does not meet the ERA manual standard for subgrade materials. The laboratory tests shown several improvements in the engineering properties of expansive soil when MSW fly ash were mixed. These improvements included a reduction of soaked CBR swelling, free swell index, plasticity index, specific gravity, optimum moisture content. Additionally, the maximum dry density and soaked CBR values increased. Numerical analysis using Abaqus software focused on vertical deformation of the pavement structure. The results showed that as the percentage of MSW fly ash in form 0 % to 25 % of soil dry weight, the vertical deformation of the pavement structure decreased from 0.84 mm to 0.67 mm. This demonstrates that the addition of MSW fly ash reduced the deformation of expansive sub-grade soil and improved the engineering qualities of pavement structure. In conclusion, the study revealed that the use of MSW fly ash as stabilizing agent effectively reduced the deformation of expansive subgrade soil and improved the engineering qualities of pavement structure.

The anti-rheumatoid arthritic activity of Artemisia ordosica Krasch. (traditional Chinese/Mongolian medicine) extract in collagen-induced arthritis in rats.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) seriously affects the daily life of people. The whole plant of Artemisia ordosica Krasch. (AOK) has been used in folk medicine. This study aimed to investigate the in vivo anti-RA effects of AOK extract (AOKE) on collagen-induced arthritisin rats. AOKE (400, 200, or 100mg/kg) was administered orally to animals for 30 days. Body weight, paw swelling, arthritis index, thymus, and spleen indices, and pathological changes were assessed for effects of AOKE on RA. Furthermore, the inflammatory cytokines in rat serum were detected. In addition, the expressions of STAT3, Caspase-3, Galectin-3, and S100A9 in synovial tissue were researched using immunohistochemistry. The AOKE significantly reduced the arthritis indices, paw swelling, spleen, and thymus indices. Meanwhile, AOKE (400mg/kg) decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and increased the level of IL-10 in rat serum. Histopathological examination showed that AOKE reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and cartilage erosion. Then, AOKE decreased the expressions of STAT3, Galectin-3, S100A9, and increased the expression of Caspase-3. AOKE had interesting anti-RA activity in rats, which deserved further research for the development and clinical use of this medicinal resource.