RESUMO
This study reports a strategy for developing a biohybrid complex based on a natural/synthetic polymer conjugate as a gel-type structure. Coupling synthetic polymers with natural compounds represents an important approach to generating gels with superior properties and with potential for biomedical applications. The study presents the preparation of hybrid gels with tunable characteristics by using a spiroacetal polymer and alginate as co-partners in different ratios. The new network formation was tested, and the structure was confirmed by FTIR and SEM techniques. The physical properties of the new gels, namely their thermal stability and swelling behavior, were investigated. The study showed that the increase in alginate content caused a smooth increase in thermal stability due to the additional crosslinking bridges that appeared. Moreover, increasing the content of the synthetic polymer in the structure of the gel network ensures a slower release of carvacrol, the encapsulated bioactive compound.
RESUMO
The article reviews the possibilities of encapsulating essential oils EOs, due to their multiple benefits, controlled release, and in order to protect them from environmental conditions. Thus, we present the natural polymers and the synthetic macromolecular chains that are commonly used as networks for embedding EOs, owing to their biodegradability and biocompatibility, interdependent encapsulation methods, and potential applicability of bioactive blend structures. The possibilities of using artificial intelligence to evaluate the bioactivity of EOs-in direct correlation with their chemical constitutions and structures, in order to avoid complex laboratory analyses, to save money and time, and to enhance the final consistency of the products-are also presented.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Many studies have been reported on replantation of an upper extremity after traumatic amputation, but there are only a few case reports on replantation of the lower extremities rather than amputation surgery. This is due to preoperative factors, complications and the possibility of good prosthetic substitution.We describe here the dynamic evaluation necessary for a continuous rehabilitation treatment in a subject with replanted left foot after traumatic amputation. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old male person with amputation of the left leg at the level of the left talocrural joint, with talar dome and bimalleolar fractures and complete section of the blood vessels, nerves and tendons was considered for replantation surgery 7 hours after a traumatic injury.For an accurate evaluation of the postoperative conditions over time, clinical functional assessment combined with imaging and neurophysiological examination were conducted.Rehabilitation program is aimed to train the motor and sensory function of the replanted foot and to prevent undesired biomechanical changes that limit person's ability to perform everyday tasks. During the rehabilitation program there were a progressive recovery of the patient's protective sensation, active motion angles of the left ankle joint and muscle power of the replanted leg. Those are sufficient for walking activity and help the patient considerably in performing his everyday minimal housework. CONCLUSIONS: A well designed postoperative dynamic rehabilitation program is necessary in order to regain functionality after successful distal leg replantation surgery. The clinical and imaging evaluation support a dynamic rehabilitation program adapted to different stages of functional recovery.
