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Exploring new ecological and simultaneous processes to modify wood fibers (WF) by-products is a required pathway toward circular economy and sustainability. Thus, plasma-activated water (PAW) and ultrasound (U) were employed as alternative methods to modify WF in a continuous process. Such treatments promoted the etching and cavities on the WF surface that destabilized the hydrogen bonds of the hemicellulose and lignin molecules, increasing the cellulose fraction. The addition of modified WF in the PLA matrix increased the storage modulus (2937 up to 5834) and Young modulus (3990 up to 6000 MPa), indicating well fiber/matrix interactions. The results corroborated that the use of modified WF as fillers could reduce the cost of extruded PLA-based composites and expand the production of bio-based materials for the mobility or packaging field., (© 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Individuals on tube-feeding experience significant lifestyle changes and social isolation, but the barriers and support for travelling out while on tube-feeding to reintegrate into the community have not been studied. This research explores the factors influencing the decisions of individuals on tube-feeding and their carers to travel outside of their homes, their experiences, and perceived barriers and support when performing tube-feeding in public settings., Methods: A qualitative design using purposive sampling explored the experiences of three individuals and five carers living at home on long-term tube-feeding. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted via open coding and merging of recurring codes to form themes., Results: Six themes emerged: (1) Motivators and deterrents to going out: Motivators include desire for social normalcy. Deterrents include physical health, logistics and psychosocial considerations, such as fear of negative public perception and the loss of travelling and dining as motivating social activities. (2) Going out requires meticulous preparation and planning. (3) Inadequate tube-feeding facilities in the community contribute to ambivalence and discomfort to tube-feeding outside. Participants must accept potential negative emotions when confronted with public reaction to tube-feeding. (4) Ideal tube-feeding facilities should be private and hygienic, in highly frequented locations. (5) Community support and awareness are needed to support tube-feeding. (6) Adaptability is crucial when satisfactory feeding locations are absent during local and overseas travel., Conclusions: Carers and healthcare professionals are pivotal in encouraging patients to disregard public curiosity, planning tube-feeding logistics, and advocating for the right to tube feed in public spaces without shame. Public awareness, carer support, and availability of tube-feeding facilities should be improved for patients to live, work and engage meaningfully in the community., (© 2025 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.)

The case involves a 61-year-old female patient with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus, who sought urgent medical attention due to abdominal pain and an abdominal tomography consistent with colonic obstruction. Exploratory laparotomy followed by transverse colectomy was performed. The pathological examination of the specimen revealed a colonic diaphragmatic ring secondary to chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This condition primarily affects elderly women exposed to chronic NSAID therapy. It results from mucosal ulceration followed by submucosal inflammation and fibrosis. Management involves, in addition to discontinuation of the medication, surgical resection in acute cases, or diagnostic-therapeutic endoscopy in uncomplicated cases.