Development of carboxymethyl cellulose-based nanocomposite incorporated with ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by cress seed mucilage as green surfactant.

This study aimed to enhance carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based films by incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and cress seed mucilage (CSM), with a view to augmenting the physical, mechanical, and permeability properties of the resulting nanocomposite films. For the first time, CSM was exploited as a green surfactant to synthetize ZnO NPs using hydrothermal method. Seven distinct film samples were meticulously produced and subjected to a comprehensive array of analyses. The findings revealed that the incorporation of CSM/ZnO-5 % improved the physical properties of the films, demonstrating a significant reduction in moisture content and water vapor permeability (WVP). Increasing the concentration of NPs in conjunction with CSM markedly decreased the solubility of the nanocomposites by up to 56 %. The films containing CSM/ZnO showed higher tensile strength and elongation at the break values. The UV absorption of the films exhibited a substantial rise with the addition of ZnO NPs, particularly with an increased content in the presence of CSM. The thermal stability of nanocomposites containing a high concentration of CSM/ZnO exhibited an improvement compared to the control sample. In light of these results, the CMC/CSM/ZnO-5 % film emerges as a promising candidate for a biocompatible packaging material, exhibiting favorable physical characteristics.

Postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting among pre- and postmenopausal women undergoing cystocele and rectocele repair surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postoperative pain are among the most common side-effects of surgery. Many factors, such as a change in the level of sex hormones, are reported to affect these complications. This study aimed to evaluate the probable effects of the menopause on PONV and postoperative pain. METHODS: Prospective study, in which a total number of 144 female patients undergoing cystocele or rectocele repair surgery under standardized spinal anesthesia were included. Patients were divided into two equally sized sample groups of pre- and postmenopausal women (n = 72). The occurrence of PONV, the severity of pain as assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and the quantity of morphine and metoclopramide required were recorded at 2, 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: The mean VAS pain score and the mean quantity of morphine required was higher among premenopausal women (P = 0.006). Moreover, these patients required more morphine for their pain management during the first 24 h after surgery compared to postmenopausal women (P < 0.0001). No difference was observed between the two groups regarding the incidence of PONV (P = 0.09 and P = 1.00 for nausea and vomiting, respectively) and the mean amount of metoclopramide required (P = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: Premenopausal women are more likely to suffer from postoperative pain after cystocele and rectocele repair surgery. Further studies regarding the measurement of hormonal changes among surgical patients in both pre- and postmenopausal women are recommended to evaluate the effects on PONV and postoperative pain.