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The Healing Potential of Platelet-Rich Plasma: Advances in Preparation Methods, Biomedical Applications, and Emerging Challenges
No full textPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising therapeutic approach in regenerative medicine that has gained considerable attention due to its capability to enhance tissue repair and regeneration. Initially introduced for managing thrombocytopenia, PRP now has broad clinical applications across various biomedical fields, ranging from dermatology to neurology. Its therapeutic effects rely on delivering concentrated platelets that release critical growth factors and cytokines, thereby enhancing natural healing processes such as cellular proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis. Despite promising clinical outcomes, PRP therapy faces challenges due to inconsistencies in preparation methods, limiting its standardization and clinical efficacy. Unlike previous studies that focus narrowly on individual applications, this comprehensive review presents a multidisciplinary overview that integrates the latest advancements in PRP preparation methods and their implications for broader clinical translation, such as orthopedics, nerve regeneration, dermatology, dentistry, and skin aging treatment. Additionally, the article addresses ongoing issues related to standardizing PRP use, ethical considerations, and identifies critical areas for future research. Through this evaluation, the review aims to provide valuable insights for clinicians and researchers, contributing to improved clinical outcomes and broader therapeutic utilization of PRP in regenerative medicine.</p
Environmental Impact Across Life Cycle Stages of Offshore Wind Farms - A Systematic Review
No full textOffshore wind farms (OWFs) have emerged as a key technology towards the global renewable energy transition, offering significant potential for mitigating climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels (Rezaei et al., 2023). The rapid expansion of OWFs, driven by the need for clean energy, has been accompanied by growing concerns about their environmental impacts at different stages of their life cycle (Ouro et al., 2024). While OWFs are considered as clean energy source, their development and operation raise various environmental issues, including habitat disruption, emissions from production, and risks to marine ecosystems (Amponsah et al., 2014; Kouloumpis & Azapagic, 2021). Previous studies have highlighted that the environmental footprint of OWFs varies significantly across different life cycle stages, including material extraction, manufacturing, construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning (Pena et al., 2023). Understanding the full scope of these impacts is crucial for optimizing OWF designs, improving sustainability practices, and guiding informed policy decisions (Rezaei et al., 2023). Despite their promise to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is a lack of comprehensive studies that systematically evaluate the environmental impacts across these stages, thus highlighting the need for a review (Ouro et al., 2024). By synthesizing findings from existing research, there is a thriving need to analysis the environmental impacts of OWFs. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the environmental impacts of offshore wind farms across their life cycle, focusing on the key stages from material extraction to decommissioning. By collating data from literature, this review aims to investigate the environmental impacts of OWFs across life cycle stages.</p
Effects of Grain Size, Density, and Contact Angle on the Soil–Water Characteristic Curve of Coarse Granular Materials
No full textThe soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) is essential for understanding hydraulic behavior in geotechnical applications involving coarse granular materials. However, existing models often overlook the coupled effects of key factors. This study systematically investigates the influence of grain size distribution, density, and contact angle on the SWCC using a numerical approach that combines the discrete element method (DEM) with an enhanced pore morphology method incorporating locally variable contact angles (Lvca-PMM). The results show that smaller uniformity coefficients (Cu), larger median grain sizes (D50), higher porosity (φ), and larger contact angles (θ) shift the SWCC to the left, reducing both the air entry value (Ψa) and residual suction (Ψr). Specifically, linear relationships were identified between Ψa, Ψr, Cu, φ, and cos(θ), while a power-law relationship was observed with D50. Furthermore, the interaction of these factors plays a critical role, where a change in one property can amplify or diminish the effects of others. Based on these findings, empirical equations for predicting Ψa and Ψr were developed, offering practical tools for engineers to efficiently estimate the SWCC. This research provides deeper insight into the water retention properties of coarse soils and supports the optimized design of granular fills and drainage systems.</p
Bright the Below (exhibition catalogue)
No full textResearch BackgroundScience fiction is a difficult genre for a fine artist to employ by virtue of its perceived 'ownership' by popular culture. In response, artists employ a variety of strategies. For example, Sarah Sze's filagree installations [www.sarahsze.com] imply a cosmic cyberspace, yet can be read in many other ways. By installing his paintings in abandoned buildings, Joshua Hagler [www.joshuahagler.com] implies post-apocalyptic dissolution. Glenn Brown piggybacks on the sublime nature of the sci-fi artist Chris Foss by directly visually quoting him [https://glenn-brown.co.uk/artworks/38/]. What is missing is an artist who employs science fiction imagery unapologetically and without resorting to such oblique strategies.Research ContributionThe artwork shown in the exhibition 'Bright the Below' is not ashamed of its visual wellspring. The 12 artworks on show, variously depict rockets, robots, spaceship interiors and post-apocalyptic ruins.Research SignificanceThe fine art scene of Vietnam is still developing and the opportunities to exhibit experimental artwork in managed project spaces is limited. Despite this, I was invited by the artist/curator Ha Ninh Pham to exhibit in A Space: one of the few independent project spaces in Vietnam. The director of this space is Vân Đỗ, one of Vietnam's only full-time professional curators. The solo show featured eight paintings, three videos and one sculpted object. The opening was well-attended, as was the accompanying artist’s talk. The show was invited to be part of the 2024 Hanoi Creative Design Festival. There was no press associated to this exhibition as there is a complete lack of art press in Vietnam.</p
RF sputtered Ga2O3 thin-films for solar-blind UV-C detection: Investigating effects of crystallinity, stoichiometry, and ambient
No full textThe ultraviolet photo-responses of metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) devices formed on RF sputtered thin film gallium oxide have been investigated as a function of the stoichiometry and crystallinity of the films and the ambient conditions during illumination. Stoichiometry was altered via the oxygen pressure during growth, and crystallinity was altered via the growth surface; amorphous Ga2O3 films were grown on Si3N4, while polycrystalline β-Ga2O3 films were grown on a-plane sapphire. Interdigitated Pt–Ga2O3–Pt MSM photodetectors were fabricated on the Ga2O3 films, and selective UV-C detection was consistently observed. Under an incident optical power of 0.09 mW/cm2, on/off current ratios (IUV-C:Idark) in the best devices exceeded 103:1. Other figures of merit included responsivity as high as 2.0 A/W and detectivity up to 1.2 × 1013 Jones. Operation in air of 90% relative humidity produced the fastest UV-C response times but the highest dark current, attributed to interaction between water and oxygen surface adsorbates, which affected surface band-bending. Comparison with encapsulated devices enabled identification of trap and surface adsorbate limited components of the device response and recovery. Finally, a self-powered (zero bias) interdigitated Pt–Ga2O3–C UV-C photodetector was tested, and this device exhibited a responsivity of 1.1 × 10−2 A/W and a detectivity of 3.7 × 1010 Jones under 0.09 mW/cm2 UV-C illumination.</p
Bioengineered polymeric mesh with imaging contrast for enhanced urogynaecological applications
No full textPelvic floor disorders affect up to 50 % of women, with prevalence increasing significantly in those over 65. While transvaginal mesh (TVM) implantation remains a common treatment, its use has been associated with complications, including inflammation, infection, and poor integration, prompting the need for safer alternatives. This study introduces a novel composite mesh designed to enhance clinical outcomes by significantly improving the mechanical properties of the TVM, its biocompatibility, and enabling its visibility. The mesh consists of polymethylmethacrylate and thermoplastic polyurethane, with embedded iodine-doped carbon nanoparticles for contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging and coated with a phosphorylcholine-based polymer to reduce protein adsorption and hence support tissue regeneration. The composite mesh showed a tensile modulus of approximately 2.7 MPa, closely matching vaginal tissue, and reduced non-specific protein adsorption by ~78 %. In vitro analysis confirmed high biocompatibility and minimal protein adsorption. Conducted in vivo mouse studies showed no adverse overall health effects or systemic inflammation based on spleen weight; however, elevations in some cytokine levels in the iodinated mesh group indicate a potential area for optimisation of mesh properties. Fecal microbiome diversity was stable in both sham and iodinated groups. Further, the mesh mimics native tissue mechanics and enables clear CT visibility for at least 14 days post-implantation, allowing non-invasive monitoring. This novel TVM presents a multifunctional platform able to address key limitations of conventional TVMs by improving CT imaging, minimising inflammation, and supporting integration, offering a promising solution for safer and more effective pelvic floor repair.</p
The relationship between self-compassion and depression in young adults: the mediating role of gratitude
No full textBackgroundPrevious studies have indicated that depression is common among young adults. However, these studies have mainly focused on risk factors rather than protective factors, especially in the context of Vietnam.AimsTo explore protective factors such as self-compassion and the mediating role of gratitude, crucial for informing targeted interventions aimed at reducing depression in this population.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2023 using convenience sampling of individuals aged 18–25 years (n = 356, mean age 21.23 years) living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, recruited via online surveys distributed through social networks. The required sample size was determined using Monte Carlo power analysis to ensure adequate statistical power for mediation analysis. Data were analysed to examine the mediating role of gratitude (Gratitude Questionnaire – Six Item Form, GQ-6) in the relationship between self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form, VSCS-SF) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9).ResultsSelf-compassion showed a significant negative association with depression (β = −0.50, t = −11.42, p ConclusionsThe pivotal roles of self-compassion and gratitude in mitigating depression among young adults were explored, informing tailored intervention strategies for mental health practitioners.</p
Recent advances in bioactive wound dressings
No full textTraditional wound dressings, despite their widespread use, face limitations, such as poor infection control and insufficient healing promotion. To address these challenges, bioactive materials have emerged as a promising solution in wound care. This comprehensive review explores the latest developments in wound healing technologies, starting with an overview of the importance of effective wound management, emphasising the need for advanced bioactive wound dressings. The review further explores various bioactive materials, defining their characteristics. It covers a wide range of natural and synthetic biopolymers used to develop bioactive wound dressings. Next, the paper discusses the incorporation of bioactive agents into wound dressings, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents, alongside regenerative components like growth factors, platelet-rich plasma, platelet-rich fibrin and stem cells. The review also covers fabrication techniques for bioactive wound dressings, highlighting techniques like electrospinning, which facilitated the production of nanofibre-based dressings with controlled porosity, the sol–gel method for developing bioactive glass-based dressings, and 3D bioprinting for customised, patient-specific dressings. The review concludes by addressing the challenges and future perspectives in bioactive wound dressing development. It includes regulatory considerations, clinical efficacy, patient care protocol integration and wound healing progress monitoring. Furthermore, the review considers emerging trends such as smart materials, sensors and personalised medicine approaches, offering insights into the future direction of bioactive wound dressing research.</p
Dietary supplementation of male mice with inorganic, organic or nanoparticle selenium preparations: evidence supporting a putative gut-thyroid-male fertility axis
No full textSelenium (Se) is linked to physiological homeostasis. Male mice (n = 8/group) were fed control (AIN93G) or diets enriched in sodium selenite (NaSe, 5.6 ppm), methylselenocysteine (Met, 4.7 ppm), diphenyl diselenide (DPDS, 14.2 ppm), or nanoselenium (NanoSe, 2.7 ppm); dietary Se ascertained by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. At 4 weeks testes, sperm, thyroids, blood and stool were collected to assess histoarchitecture, circulating hormones (thyroxine, T4; triiodothyronine, T3; thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH) and gut microbiome (16S rRNAV3-V4 amplicon sequencing). Supplemented NaSe, Met, and NanoSe increased plasma testosterone and testis glutathione peroxidases (GPx-1/4) while testicular superoxide dismutase and catalase increased slightly in the NanoSe group indicating a selective antioxidant response. Overall, NanoSe and NaSe enhanced male reproductive factors. All thyroids isolated from Se-supplemented mice contained marginal vacuoles and a lower follicle area vs control. Nano-Se enhanced thyroidiodothyronine deiodinase-1 (DIO1) expression however, thyroid GPx-1/4 remained unchanged. Supplemented NaSe and DPDSl increased plasma T3/T4 ratio, while plasma TSH was unchanged. Microbiome analyses showed that NanoSe was most efficacious in altering composition (judged by α-diversity, Shannon index and taxon richness) while the NaSe diet showed the greatest overall change in α-diversity. Dietary Se supplementation, particularly encapsulated NanoSe, may improve male fertility factors by enhancing the gut-thyroid-fertility axis.</p
Navigating the Multiverse: a Hitchhiker’s guide to selecting harmonization methods for multimodal biomedical data
No full textThe application of machine learning (ML) techniques in predictive modelling has greatly advanced our comprehension of biological systems. There is a notable shift in the trend towards integration methods that specifically target the simultaneous analysis of multiple modes or types of data, showcasing superior results compared to individual analyses. Despite the availability of diverse ML architectures for researchers interested in embracing a multimodal approach, the current literature lacks a comprehensive taxonomy that includes the pros and cons of these methods to guide the entire process. Closing this gap is imperative, necessitating the creation of a robust framework. This framework should not only categorize the diverse ML architectures suitable for multimodal analysis but also offer insights into their respective advantages and limitations. Additionally, such a framework can serve as a valuable guide for selecting an appropriate workflow for multimodal analysis. This comprehensive taxonomy would provide a clear guidance and support informed decision-making within the progressively intricate landscape of biomedical and clinical data analysis. This is an essential step towards advancing personalized medicine. The aims of the work are to comprehensively study and describe the harmonization processes that are performed and reported in the literature and present a working guide that would enable planning and selecting an appropriate integrative model. We present harmonization as a dual process of representation and integration, each with multiple methods and categories. The taxonomy of the various representation and integration methods are classified into six broad categories and detailed with the advantages, disadvantages and examples. A guide flowchart describing the step-by-step processes that are needed to adopt a multimodal approach is also presented along with examples and references. This review provides a thorough taxonomy of methods for harmonizing multimodal data and introduces a foundational 10-step guide for newcomers to implement a multimodal workflow.</p