Enhanced physicochemical and antifungal properties of starch bionanocomposites reinforced with nanocellulose and functionalized with AgNPs derived from cocoa bean shell.

This study explored the synergistic combination of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), eucalyptus-derived nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and cassava starch to develop bionanocomposites with advanced properties suitable for sustainable and antifungal packaging applications. The influence of AgNPs synthesized through a green method using cocoa bean shell combined with varying concentrations of NFC were investigated. Morphological (scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy), optical (L*, C*, °hue, and opacity), chemical (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), mechanical (puncture force, tensile strength, and Young's modulus), rheological (flow curve and frequency sweeps, strain, and stress), barrier, and hydrophilicity properties (water vapor permeability, solubility, wettability, and contact angle), as well as the antifungal effect against pathogens (Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, Colletotrichum musae, and Fusarium semitectum), were analyzed.

In silico biophysics and rheology of blood and red blood cells in Gaucher Disease.

Gaucher Disease (GD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, leading to the accumulation of glucosylceramide in various cells, including red blood cells (RBCs). This accumulation results in altered biomechanical properties and rheological behavior of RBCs, which may play an important role in blood rheology and the development of bone infarcts, avascular necrosis (AVN) and other bone diseases associated with GD. In this study, dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations are employed to investigate the biomechanics and rheology of blood and RBCs in GD under various flow conditions.

Impact of Radiation on Invasion and Migration of Glioma In Vitro and In Vivo.

Glioblastoma (GBM) constitutes the most common primary brain tumor and it remains incurable despite therapeutic advances. The high infiltration/invasion potential of GBM cells is considered to be one of the reasons for the inevitable recurrence of the disease. Radiotherapy (RT) is part of the standard care for patients with GBM, and its benefits on overall survival are extensively reported.

An e-learning program improves low back pain beliefs of physiotherapists: a randomised trial.

Question: How effective is an e-learning program based on international clinical guidelines in promoting beliefs more aligned with the current evidence for the management of low back pain among physiotherapists?

Design: Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation and intention-to-treat analysis.

Participants: 106 physiotherapists who treat patients with low back pain.

Interventions: The experimental group received access to an e-learning program, based on recommendations of clinical practice guidelines for the management of low back pain, over a 6-week period.