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The primary contribution of this paper is to identify the optimal cross-section size and span diameter for large-grained hydraulic asphalt concrete materials in trabecular bending tests. First, three-point bending tests were conducted on asphalt concrete with maximum aggregate sizes of 19 mm (Dmax = 19 mm), 26.5 mm, and 31.5 mm, using six distinct cross-section sizes and span diameters. These experiments served to analyze the influence of varying cross-section sizes and span diameters on the mechanical properties of the materials. Secondly, the Image-Pro Plus (IPP) software was utilized to analyze and confirm the cross-sectional areas of the chosen samples. Then, by considering the optimal cross-section size and span diameter, the impact of temperature on the flexural characteristics of asphalt concrete with a maximum aggregate size of 31.5 mm was explored. This investigation enabled the proposal of a temperature cut-off interval governing the transformation of large-grained asphalt concrete from brittle to plastic damage. The validity of the experimental data was substantiated through image analysis, providing a benchmark for the testing methodology of the flexural performance of large-grained hydraulic asphalt concrete aggregate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to develop an amorphous solid dispersion for a high melting point compound, griseofulvin (GRF), with an enhanced solubility and a controlled release pattern utilizing hot melt extrusion (HME) technology. Hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS, Shin-Etsu AQOAT®, medium particle size) was explored as the polymeric carrier, while hypromellose (HPMC, Metolose® SR) was chosen as the release rate control agent. GRF presented an HPMCAS grade-dependent solubility: AS-HMP > AS-MMP > AS-LMP. At 10 wt.% loading, the release of GRF was prolonged to 6 h with the incorporation of 10% HPMC 90SH-100SR, while its solubility was enhanced up to sevenfold. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) identified the H-bonding between drug and polymers. Element analysis utilizing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) discovered that less GRF aggregated on the surface of binary powders compared with ternary powders containing HPMC, indicating the relatively poor wettability of the latter one. The morphology of extrudates was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), illustrating a much smoother and uniform surface of binary extrudates. Immediate release tablets including 10% super-disintegrant L-HPC were able to achieve identical dissolution profile as the powders of extrudates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, nanocrystal formulations have evolved as promising drug delivery systems owing to their ability to enhance the bioavailability and maintain the stability of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, conventional methods of preparing nanocrystal formulations, such as spray drying and freeze drying, have some drawbacks including high cost, time and energy inefficiency, traces of residual solvent, and difficulties in continuous operation. Therefore, new techniques for the production of nanocrystal formulations are necessary. The main objective of this study was to introduce a new technique for the production of nanocrystal solid dispersions (NCSDs) by combining high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and hot-melt extrusion (HME). Efavirenz (EFZ), a Biopharmaceutics Classification System class II drug, which is used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type I, was selected as the model drug for this study. A nanosuspension (NS) was first prepared by HPH using sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Kollidon® 30 as a stabilizer system. The NS was then mixed with Soluplus® in the extruder barrel, and the water was removed by evaporation. The decreased particle size and crystalline state of EFZ were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, zeta particle size analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The increased dissolution rate was also determined. EFZ NCSD was found to be highly stable after storage for 6 months. In summary, the conjugation of HPH with HME technology was demonstrated to be a promising novel method for the production of NCSDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the processing parameters and formulation factors on the bioadhesive properties, temperature stability properties, and drug release properties of miconazole in PolyOx® and Klucel® matrix systems produced by Hot-melt Extrusion (HME) technology. Miconazole incorporated into these matrix systems were found to be stable for 8 months by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The addition of miconazole increased area under the curve (AUC) at contact time intervals of 30 and 60 sec, while the bioadhesion decreased with an increase in processing temperatures. The release profiles suggest that a sustained release of miconazole was observed from all of the tested HME film formulations for approximately 10 h. The release from the optimal HME film extruded at 205°C was found to be significantly different than that extruded at 190°C. Therefore, this matrix system may address the present shortcomings of currently available therapy for oral and pharyngeal candidiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Functional traits are crucial drivers of litter decomposition, yet the links between functional traits of fine roots and decomposition remains relatively understudied compared to that of leaf litter. This study aimed to explore how functional traits of fine roots affect decomposition and nitrogen (N) loss.Functional traits of living plants and litter chemical components of fine roots from 24 species from a desertified grassland were measured. The fine root litter was incubated for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 24 months to investigate fine root decomposition and N dynamics.The combination of fine root N content (RN), tissue density (RTD) and specific root length (SRL) was positively correlated with N-related substances of fine root litter. Carbon content (RC) was positively correlated with recalcitrant components, while dry matter content (RDMC) was negatively correlated with water-soluble substances. Legumes with higher RN and RTD and lower SRL exhibited greater rates of fine root decomposition and N loss than that of non-legumes. Functional traits had no direct effect on decomposition rates in the whole decomposition period and mass loss in the early decomposition stages, while RC and the combination of RN, RTD and SRL restrained and facilitated fine root decomposition directly by influencing recalcitrant components and N-related substances respectively. SRL directly facilitated mass loss in the later decomposition stages. For N loss, RN directly facilitated fine root N loss, and the combination of RN, RTD and SRL indirectly facilitated it through a negative effect on C:N of fine root litter.The generality of higher RN and RTD, lower SRL, as well as faster fine roots decomposition and N loss of legumes highlights the importance of legumes in sand fixation, nutrient supply, and ecological restoration in N-limited desertified grasslands. Our findings imply that global changes potentially altering the functional traits of fine roots and functional types of community composition, which may affect below-ground C and nutrient cycle significantly.Methods: Functional traits are crucial drivers of litter decomposition, yet the links between functional traits of fine roots and decomposition remains relatively understudied compared to that of leaf litter. This study aimed to explore how functional traits of fine roots affect decomposition and nitrogen (N) loss.Functional traits of living plants and litter chemical components of fine roots from 24 species from a desertified grassland were measured. The fine root litter was incubated for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 24 months to investigate fine root decomposition and N dynamics.The combination of fine root N content (RN), tissue density (RTD) and specific root length (SRL) was positively correlated with N-related substances of fine root litter. Carbon content (RC) was positively correlated with recalcitrant components, while dry matter content (RDMC) was negatively correlated with water-soluble substances. Legumes with higher RN and RTD and lower SRL exhibited greater rates of fine root decomposition and N loss than that of non-legumes. Functional traits had no direct effect on decomposition rates in the whole decomposition period and mass loss in the early decomposition stages, while RC and the combination of RN, RTD and SRL restrained and facilitated fine root decomposition directly by influencing recalcitrant components and N-related substances respectively. SRL directly facilitated mass loss in the later decomposition stages. For N loss, RN directly facilitated fine root N loss, and the combination of RN, RTD and SRL indirectly facilitated it through a negative effect on C:N of fine root litter.The generality of higher RN and RTD, lower SRL, as well as faster fine roots decomposition and N loss of legumes highlights the importance of legumes in sand fixation, nutrient supply, and ecological restoration in N-limited desertified grasslands. Our findings imply that global changes potentially altering the functional traits of fine roots and functional types of community composition, which may affect below-ground C and nutrient cycle significantly.Results: Functional traits are crucial drivers of litter decomposition, yet the links between functional traits of fine roots and decomposition remains relatively understudied compared to that of leaf litter. This study aimed to explore how functional traits of fine roots affect decomposition and nitrogen (N) loss.Functional traits of living plants and litter chemical components of fine roots from 24 species from a desertified grassland were measured. The fine root litter was incubated for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 24 months to investigate fine root decomposition and N dynamics.The combination of fine root N content (RN), tissue density (RTD) and specific root length (SRL) was positively correlated with N-related substances of fine root litter. Carbon content (RC) was positively correlated with recalcitrant components, while dry matter content (RDMC) was negatively correlated with water-soluble substances. Legumes with higher RN and RTD and lower SRL exhibited greater rates of fine root decomposition and N loss than that of non-legumes. Functional traits had no direct effect on decomposition rates in the whole decomposition period and mass loss in the early decomposition stages, while RC and the combination of RN, RTD and SRL restrained and facilitated fine root decomposition directly by influencing recalcitrant components and N-related substances respectively. SRL directly facilitated mass loss in the later decomposition stages. For N loss, RN directly facilitated fine root N loss, and the combination of RN, RTD and SRL indirectly facilitated it through a negative effect on C:N of fine root litter.The generality of higher RN and RTD, lower SRL, as well as faster fine roots decomposition and N loss of legumes highlights the importance of legumes in sand fixation, nutrient supply, and ecological restoration in N-limited desertified grasslands. Our findings imply that global changes potentially altering the functional traits of fine roots and functional types of community composition, which may affect below-ground C and nutrient cycle significantly.Conclusion: Functional traits are crucial drivers of litter decomposition, yet the links between functional traits of fine roots and decomposition remains relatively understudied compared to that of leaf litter. This study aimed to explore how functional traits of fine roots affect decomposition and nitrogen (N) loss.Functional traits of living plants and litter chemical components of fine roots from 24 species from a desertified grassland were measured. The fine root litter was incubated for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 24 months to investigate fine root decomposition and N dynamics.The combination of fine root N content (RN), tissue density (RTD) and specific root length (SRL) was positively correlated with N-related substances of fine root litter. Carbon content (RC) was positively correlated with recalcitrant components, while dry matter content (RDMC) was negatively correlated with water-soluble substances. Legumes with higher RN and RTD and lower SRL exhibited greater rates of fine root decomposition and N loss than that of non-legumes. Functional traits had no direct effect on decomposition rates in the whole decomposition period and mass loss in the early decomposition stages, while RC and the combination of RN, RTD and SRL restrained and facilitated fine root decomposition directly by influencing recalcitrant components and N-related substances respectively. SRL directly facilitated mass loss in the later decomposition stages. For N loss, RN directly facilitated fine root N loss, and the combination of RN, RTD and SRL indirectly facilitated it through a negative effect on C:N of fine root litter.The generality of higher RN and RTD, lower SRL, as well as faster fine roots decomposition and N loss of legumes highlights the importance of legumes in sand fixation, nutrient supply, and ecological restoration in N-limited desertified grasslands. Our findings imply that global changes potentially altering the functional traits of fine roots and functional types of community composition, which may affect below-ground C and nutrient cycle significantly.Graphical abstract: Functional traits are crucial drivers of litter decomposition, yet the links between functional traits of fine roots and decomposition remains relatively understudied compared to that of leaf litter. This study aimed to explore how functional traits of fine roots affect decomposition and nitrogen (N) loss.Functional traits of living plants and litter chemical components of fine roots from 24 species from a desertified grassland were measured. The fine root litter was incubated for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 24 months to investigate fine root decomposition and N dynamics.The combination of fine root N content (RN), tissue density (RTD) and specific root length (SRL) was positively correlated with N-related substances of fine root litter. Carbon content (RC) was positively correlated with recalcitrant components, while dry matter content (RDMC) was negatively correlated with water-soluble substances. Legumes with higher RN and RTD and lower SRL exhibited greater rates of fine root decomposition and N loss than that of non-legumes. Functional traits had no direct effect on decomposition rates in the whole decomposition period and mass loss in the early decomposition stages, while RC and the combination of RN, RTD and SRL restrained and facilitated fine root decomposition directly by influencing recalcitrant components and N-related substances respectively. SRL directly facilitated mass loss in the later decomposition stages. For N loss, RN directly facilitated fine root N loss, and the combination of RN, RTD and SRL indirectly facilitated it through a negative effect on C:N of fine root litter.The generality of higher RN and RTD, lower SRL, as well as faster fine roots decomposition and N loss of legumes highlights the importance of legumes in sand fixation, nutrient supply, and ecological restoration in N-limited desertified grasslands. Our findings imply that global changes potentially altering the functional traits of fine roots and functional types of community composition, which may affect below-ground C and nutrient cycle significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]