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The European Commission (EC) has tasked the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to provide a recommendation towards the acceptability of titanium dioxide (TiO 2) in pharmaceutical products by early 2024 to inform on final decision in early 2025[1]. Unlike the already implemented ban of TiO 2 in foods, removing this excipient from pharmaceutical products will likely have significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, and patients. This commentary explores the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry tasked with supporting the development and registration of TiO 2 free (TF) drug products. Specifically, justification of formulation changes and potential impact to in vitro and in vivo performance, as well as differences in global regulatory comparative dissolution requirements to justify changing to TF drug product are discussed. Particularly, the uncertainties around how a formulation change such as removal of TiO 2 from immediate release solid oral dosage forms will be viewed in Europe compared to other regions is discussed. To respond to these challenges and avoid disruption to the medicines supply chain in case in vitro data such as dissolution is either too challenging or insufficient to justify changing to TF product, pharmaceutical companies may have to decide if the level of risk is worth the effort needed to reformulate, develop, and register a new TF product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: The postpartum period is often accompanied by significant pain which affects maternal well-being and care of newborns. With an increasing interest in natural and safe alternatives to conventional pain management strategies, this study was performed with the aim to evaluate the efficacy of ginger extract and lavender oil capsules in managing postpartum pain. Materials & Methods: This single-blind, randomized clinical trial study was conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq in 2023-2024. Ninety postpartum women were allocated to receive either ginger extract (250 mg per capsule) or lavender oil (100 μL per capsule) capsules orally (n=45 in each group). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline and one-hour post-intervention, with follow-up over the first 24 hours post-delivery. The changes in pain scores, maternal satisfaction, and the incidence of side effects were compared between the two groups. Results: Both ginger extract and lavender oil capsules significantly reduced postpartum pain scores compared to baseline (P<0.001), with the lavender oil group experiencing a marginally greater reduction (from 6.1 ± 1.2 to 2.8 ± 1.0) compared to the ginger extract group (from 6.2 ± 1.3 to 3.4 ± 1.1) (P=0.035). Side effects were minimal and not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.29). Maternal satisfaction was significantly higher in the lavender oil group (91%) compared to the ginger extract group (82%) (P=0.044). Conclusion: Orally administered ginger extract and lavender oil capsules are effective in reducing postpartum pain, with lavender oil showing marginally higher efficacy and greater maternal satisfaction. These findings support the integration of these natural remedies into postpartum care, offering safe and effective alternatives for pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D printing is a versatile technology for creating objects with custom geometries and compositions and is increasingly employed for fabricating hybrid solid–liquid composites (SLCs). These composites, comprising solid matrices with integrated liquid components, showcase unique properties such as enhanced flexibility and improved thermal and electrical conductivities. This review focuses on methods to fabricate SLCs directly by different 3D printing techniques, e.g. without needing to backfill or impregnate a porous matrix. The techniques of extrusion, vat photopolymerization and material jetting combined with microfluidics, inkjet printing, vacuum filling and ultraviolet light curing to produce SLCs are emphasized. We also discuss the development of feedstocks, focusing on emulsions and polymer capsules as fillers, and analyze current literature to highlight their significance. The review culminates in a perspective on new directions, highlighting the potential of bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (bijels) to facilitate the printing of continuous liquid pathways, alongside the importance of understanding ink formulation and stability. Concluding with future perspectives, we underline the transformative impact of 3D‐printed SLCs in diverse applications, signaling a significant advancement in the field. © 2024 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame seeds and their edible oil are highly nutritious and rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Bioactive compounds such as sterols, tocopherols, and sesamol provide significant medicinal benefits. The high oil content (50%) and favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid balance, as well as resilience to water stress, make sesame a promising candidate crop for global agricultural expansion. However, sesame production faces challenges such as low yields, poor response to agricultural inputs, and losses due to capsule dehiscence. To enhance yield, traits like determinate growth, dwarfism, a high harvest index, non-shattering capsules, disease resistance, and photoperiod sensitivity are needed. These traits can be achieved through variation or induced mutation breeding. Crossbreeding methods often result in unwanted genetic changes. The gene editing CRISPR/Cas9 technology has the potential to suppress detrimental alleles and improve the fatty acid profile by inhibiting polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Even though sesame is an orphan crop, it has entered the genomic era, with available sequences assisting molecular breeding efforts. This progress aids in associating single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) with key economic traits, as well as identifying genes related to adaptability, oil production, fatty acid synthesis, and photosynthesis. Additionally, transcriptomic research can reveal genes involved in abiotic stress responses and adaptation to diverse climates. The mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) can identify loci linked to key traits such as capsule size, seed count per capsule, and capsule number per plant. This article reviews recent advances in sesame breeding, discusses ongoing challenges, and explores potential strategies for future improvement. Hence, integrating advanced genomic tools and breeding strategies provides promising ways to enhance sesame production to meet global demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of intelligence has many applications, such as in coatings and cyber security. Smart coatings have the ability to sense and/or respond to external stimuli and generally interact with their environment. Self-healing coatings represent a significant advance in improving material durability and performance using microcapsules and nanocontainers loaded with self-healing agents, catalysts, corrosion inhibitors, and water-repellents. These smart coatings can repair damage on their own and restore mechanical properties without external intervention and are inspired by biological systems. Properties that are affected by either momentary or continuous external stimuli in smart coatings include corrosion, fouling, fungal, self-healing, piezoelectric, and microbiological properties. These coating properties can be obtained via combinations of either organic or inorganic polymer phases, additives, and pigments. In this article, a review of the advancements in micro/nanocapsules for self-healing coatings is reported from the aspect of extrinsic self-healing ability. The concept of extrinsic self-healing coatings is based on the use of capsules or multichannel vascular systems loaded with healing agents/inhibitors. The result is that self-healing coatings exhibit improved properties compared to traditional coatings. Self-healing anticorrosive coating not only enhances passive barrier function but also realizes active defense. As a result, there is a significant improvement in the service life and overall performance of the coating. Future research should be devoted to refining self-healing mechanisms and developing cost-effective solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The layer-by-layer (LbL) assembling of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes was studied using semi-synthetic polysaccharide derivatives, namely the polycations 6-aminoethylamino-6-deoxy cellulose (ADC) and cellulose (2-(ethylamino)ethylcarbamate (CAEC), as well as the polyanion cellulose sulfate (CS). The synthetic polymers poly(allylamine) (PAH) and poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) were employed as well for comparison. The stepwise adsorption process was monitored by whispering gallery mode (WGM) experiments and zeta-potential measurements. Distinct differences between synthetic- and polysaccharide-based assemblies were observed in terms of the quantitative adsorption of mass and adsorption kinetics. The LbL-approach was used to prepare µm-sized capsules with the aid of porous and non-porous silica particle templates. The polysaccharide-based capsule showed a switchable permeability that was not observed for the synthetic polymer materials. At ambient pH values of 7, low-molecular dyes could penetrate the capsule wall while no permeation occurred at elevated pH values of 8. Finally, the preparation of protein-loaded LbL-capsules was studied using the combination of CAEC and CS. It was shown that high amounts of protein (streptavidin and ovomucoid) can be encapsulated and that no leaking or disintegration of the cargo macromolecules occurred during the preparation step. Based on this work, potential use in biomedical areas can be concluded, such as the encapsulation of bioactive compounds (e.g., pharmaceutical compounds, antibodies) for drug delivery or sensing purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsules with microparticle shells became of great interest due to their potential in many fields. Those capsules can be fabricated at high temperatures from particle-stabilized emulsions (Pickering emulsions) by sintering together particles that cover droplets. One of the problems with such an approach is accurately controlling whether particles are already sintered and creating the rigid capsule shell of a capsule. Here, we propose using a non-destructive ultrasound method for monitoring Pickering emulsion-based capsules prepared using heating under an alternating magnetic field. The polyethylene microparticles that were responsive to temperatures higher than 112 °C were used as droplet stabilizers together with iron oxide nanoparticles. During the coalescence of the droplets, facilitated by an external electric field, the ultrasonic attenuation increased, giving evidence that the ultrasound method detects structural changes in Pickering emulsions. The main change was the difference in the droplets' size, which was also observed via optical microscopy. The attenuation of ultrasound increased even more when measured after magnetic heating for the same concentration of particle stabilizers. Simultaneously, the values of ultrasonic velocity did not exhibit similar variety. The results show that the values of the attenuation coefficient can be used for a quantitative evaluation of the capsule formation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. Dioscorea is one of the most important tuberous crops worldwide and is highly diverse across tropical and subtropical forests. Time-calibrated phylogenies and biogeographic reconstructions based on hypotheses derived solely from data on extant plants have suggested an east Laurasian origin during the Late Cretaceous to Eocene. However, the origin of the genus remains poorly understood because of the lack of unambiguous early Paleogene fossils. Methodology. Well-preserved capsular fin-winged fruits with three wings, crowned by epigynous stigmatic remnants with in situ seeds, from the early Eocene Fossil Butte Member of the Green River Formation in Fossil Lake Basin (of southwestern Wyoming) are described. The new fossils were photographed with reflected light and fluorescence microscopy and were compared with living Dioscoreaceae fruits. Pivotal results. These fossils can be placed confidently in Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae), and they are recognized as two new species: Dioscorea lindgrenii Herrera et Manchester sp. nov. and Dioscorea shermanii Herrera et Manchester sp. nov. Conclusions. These new early Eocene Dioscorea species enrich our understanding of the climbing elements of the Butte Member flora of Fossil Lake. They also document the long history of the genus in subtropical early Eocene forests and support a potential origin of Dioscorea in North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium- and high-entropy alloys (M/HEAs) mix several principal elements with near-equiatomic composition and represent a model-shift strategy for designing previously unknown materials in metallurgy1-8, catalysis9-14 and other fields15-18. One of the core hypotheses of M/HEAs is lattice distortion5,19,20, which has been investigated by different numerical and experimental techniques21-26. However, determining the three-dimensional (3D) lattice distortion in M/HEAs remains a challenge. Moreover, the presumed random elemental mixing in M/HEAs has been questioned by X-ray and neutron studies27, atomistic simulations28-30, energy dispersive spectroscopy31,32 and electron diffraction33,34, which suggest the existence of local chemical order in M/HEAs. However, direct experimental observation of the 3D local chemical order has been difficult because energy dispersive spectroscopy integrates the composition of atomic columns along the zone axes7,32,34 and diffuse electron reflections may originate from planar defects instead of local chemical order35. Here we determine the 3D atomic positions of M/HEA nanoparticles using atomic electron tomography36 and quantitatively characterize the local lattice distortion, strain tensor, twin boundaries, dislocation cores and chemical short-range order (CSRO). We find that the high-entropy alloys have larger local lattice distortion and more heterogeneous strain than the medium-entropy alloys and that strain is correlated to CSRO. We also observe CSRO-mediated twinning in the medium-entropy alloys, that is, twinning occurs in energetically unfavoured CSRO regions but not in energetically favoured CSRO ones, which represents, to our knowledge, the first experimental observation of correlating local chemical order with structural defects in any material. We expect that this work will not only expand our fundamental understanding of this important class of materials but also provide the foundation for tailoring M/HEA properties through engineering lattice distortion and local chemical order.

Objectives: Scientific data on the occurrence, distribution, risk and sources of endocrine disruption chemicals such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in herbal medicines (HMs) is rare in Nigeria. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the levels, risks and sources of OCPs in HMs from Bayelsa State, Nigeria to ascertain their safety. Methods: Fifty HMs were obtained and analyzed for OCPs using a gas chromatograph combined with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Results: The OCPs were detected in all the samples analyzed. The levels of ∑20 OCPs in the HMs ranged from 12.0 to 128 ng L−1 for liquid HMs, 21.2–112 ng g−1 for powder HMs and 26.0–72.7 ng g−1 for capsule HMs. The levels of OCPs obtained in these HMs were below their respective maximum residue limits (MRLs). Aldrin, γ-chlordane and β-BHC were the dominant OCPs in the liquid, powder and capsule HMs respectively. The values of both cumulative non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for humans were < 1 and 1 × 10–6 respectively suggesting that there are no potential health risks via the ingestion of the HMs. The source identification revealed that OCPs in the HMs originated from historical and recent use confirming that the residues of these endocrine-disrupting OCPs are in continuous applications despite being banned. Conclusion: Although, the results generally indicated no current health risk implication to public consumption of the herbal medicines regarding OCP levels, however, we suggest a future risk assessment of susceptible groups, considering their concurrent exposure to all contaminants that have endocrine disrupting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to examine the electrospray properties of the acid fraction of potato protein (AFPP). The potential of AFPP in solution to form capsules of a vegetal extract through electrospraying was evaluated both independently and in conjunction with the use of adjuvants. The physical properties of the solutions were analyzed to determine their conductivity, surface tension, and pH levels. The capsules were then evaluated in terms of their morphological, structural, photoprotective, and thermal properties. The physical characteristics of the solutions with the AFPP alone indicated that it was susceptible to electrospraying. However, the AFPP did not remain stable in the electrospray process for extended periods. The inclusion of the adjuvants resulted in a reduction in conductivity and surface tension, thereby enhancing the stability of the electrospraying process. The AFPP formed capsules with a spherical shape, a smooth surface, and no cracks or protuberances. The capsules were also found to be below 1 micron in size. The capsules containing 20 and 30% AFPP with adjuvants demonstrated encapsulation efficiency values exceeding 50%. Furthermore, the capsules demonstrated photoprotective properties against polyphenolic compounds. FTIR spectra verified the absence of chemical reactions between the materials during the electrospray treatment. The thermal resistance of AFPP was substantiated by thermal analysis, indicating its suitability as an encapsulation material for hydrophilic compounds in electrospraying processes. Physicochemical analysis showed that the acid fraction of potato protein could be used as an encapsulating medium in the electrospining process of food and pharmaceutical compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The layer-by-layer (LbL) assembling of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes was studied using semi-synthetic polysaccharide derivatives, namely the polycations 6-aminoethylamino-6-deoxy cellulose (ADC) and cellulose (2-(ethylamino)ethylcarbamate (CAEC), as well as the polyanion cellulose sulfate (CS). The synthetic polymers poly(allylamine) (PAH) and poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) were employed as well for comparison. The stepwise adsorption process was monitored by whispering gallery mode (WGM) experiments and zeta-potential measurements. Distinct differences between synthetic- and polysaccharide-based assemblies were observed in terms of the quantitative adsorption of mass and adsorption kinetics. The LbL-approach was used to prepare µm-sized capsules with the aid of porous and non-porous silica particle templates. The polysaccharide-based capsule showed a switchable permeability that was not observed for the synthetic polymer materials. At ambient pH values of 7, low-molecular dyes could penetrate the capsule wall while no permeation occurred at elevated pH values of 8. Finally, the preparation of protein-loaded LbL-capsules was studied using the combination of CAEC and CS. It was shown that high amounts of protein (streptavidin and ovomucoid) can be encapsulated and that no leaking or disintegration of the cargo macromolecules occurred during the preparation step. Based on this work, potential use in biomedical areas can be concluded, such as the encapsulation of bioactive compounds (e.g., pharmaceutical compounds, antibodies) for drug delivery or sensing purposes.

Objective: Modified starch was used to mix with gelatin to prepare the capsule shell, and the cost of preparing the capsule shell was reduced. Methods: Oxidized corn starch prepared by using 15% hydrogen peroxide was used as raw material to mix with part of gelatin. The oxidized corn starch/gelatin composite film and capsules were prepared by casting method and impregnation method, respectively, and were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FT-IR）, X-ray diffraction （XRD） and Scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. Results: The results showed that the ratio of oxidized corn starch and gelatin was 5∶5, the drying weight loss of oxidized corn starch/gelatin composite capsules was 13.0%～15.0%, the disintegration time in distilled water and simulated artificial gastric juice was less than 10min, and the crunchability was not more than 5 granules. Conclusion: The properties of the composite capsule prepared by blending oxidized corn starch with gelatin met the requirements of Chinese Pharmacopoeia （2020）.

[Display omitted] Microcapsules with osmotically-inflated elastic shells exhibit an ultrafast release of encapsulants while mechanically stimulating the microenvironments, akin to popping balloons. To prepare elastic shells with uniform thickness and size, monodisperse water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double-emulsion drops are produced in a capillary microfluidic device. The polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-containing oil phase is thermally cured to create the elastic shell. The elastic shells are inflated by pumping water into the lumen in hypotonic conditions. The inflated microcapsules produced undergo mechanical compression, and their release properties are studied. By controlling the osmotic pressure difference, Microballoons are inflated into a diameter of 200 μm – 316 μm and shell thickness of 7.8 μm – 0.7 µm, respectively. The inflated shell pops due to mechanical failure when subjected to mechanical stress above a certain threshold, resembling a balloon. During popping, the stretched shell rapidly retracts to the original uninflated state, resulting in an ultrafast release of encapsulants from the lumen within a millisecond. This process converts elastic potential energy stored in the shell into mechanical energy with substantial power. The microballoons mechanically stimulate the local environment, leading to the direct and rapid release of encapsulants. This has the potential to improve absorption efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of self-healing materials and the development of encapsulated curing agents represent a cutting-edge approach to enhancing the longevity and reducing the maintenance costs of cementitious structures. This systematic literature review aims to shed light on the parameters involved in the autonomous self-healing of cementitious materials, utilizing various encapsulated healing agents such as pellets, granules, and capsules. This review also identifies and selects studies that offer additional insights into the efficacy of the self-healing process in cementitious materials and the influence of these specific encapsulated healing agents on the physical mechanical properties of mortars. This comprehensive approach provides a deep understanding of the interplay between self-healing and the physical–mechanical properties of mortars containing these encapsulated healing agents. The main findings indicate that the cement-to-sand ratio, characteristics of fine aggregates, and encapsulation methods significantly impact crack control, self-healing efficiency, and properties of mortar in both fresh and hardened states. The content of encapsulated healing agents within the cementitious matrix affects both the initial workability or flow and subsequent mechanical properties. While pellets coated with PVA film typically reduce workability in the fresh state and compressive strength, capsules coated with Portland cement and sodium silicate mitigate these effects and improve crack sealing in fresh and hardened states without compromising the self-healing capacity of cracks. The three-point flexural test has emerged as the preferred method for a pre-crack assessment over 28 days, with variations depending on the type of healing agent used. As noted in the literature, water has been identified as the optimal environment for autonomous healing. These findings underscore the potential of encapsulation techniques to enhance self-healing capabilities through the controlled release of agents within the cementitious matrix, thereby advancing the research on and development of intelligent construction materials and increasing the durability of cement-based structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dabigatran (DBG), marketed as Pradaxa, is an anticoagulant medication prescribed for the treatment and mitigation of blood clots and to lower the risk of stroke in individuals with the heart condition known as atrial fibrillation. This medication is specifically indicated for preventing blood clots post hip or knee replacement surgeries and in patients with a prior history of clots. Compared to warfarin, dabigatran serves as a viable alternative that does not necessitate routine blood monitoring tests. The complimentary benefits associated with SALL (salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction) and the fluorogenic capabilities of benzofurazan. These methods were combined to provide an affordable and sensitive DBG assaying method. The spectral strength of the yellow luminous product was examined at 533.8 nm and by adjustment of a wavelength of 474.7 nm for excitation. To assess its linearity, the calibration chart was tested across a DBG concentration range of 30–500 ng/ml. Via accurate computation based on ICH, the detection limit (LD) was determined to be 9.5 ng/ml, and the strategy can quantify the DBG to a limit of 28 ng/ml. To ensure success, various crucial parameters for method implementation have been extensively studied and adapted. The validation of the strategy adhered to the policies outlined by ICH, affirming its precision in quantifying DBG in capsules. Furthermore, the inclusion of SALLE steps facilitated accurate monitoring of DBG in plasma samples, introducing a unique and advanced methodology for analyzing this compound in biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Over the last few decades, there have been remarkable strides in endoscopy and radiological imaging that have advanced gastroenterology. However, the management of neurogastroenterological disorders has lagged behind, in part handicapped by the use of catheter-based manometry that is both non-physiological and uncomfortable. The advent of capsule technology has been a game changer for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Recent Findings: Here, we discuss several capsule devices that are available or under investigation. There are three technologies that are FDA approved. Wireless motility capsule measures pH and pressure and provides clinically impactful information regarding gastric, small intestine and colonic transit, without radiation that has been demonstrated to guide management of gastroparesis, dyspepsia and constipation. Wireless ambulatory pH monitoring capsule is currently the gold standard for assessing gastroesophageal acid reflux. In the therapeutics arena, an orally ingested vibrating capsule has been recently FDA approved for the treatment of chronic constipation, supported by a robust phase 3 clinical trial which showed significant improvement in constipation symptoms and quality of life. There are several capsules currently under investigation. Smart capsule bacterial detection system and Capscan® are capsules that can sample fluid in the small or large bowel and provide microbiome analysis for detection of small intestinal bacterial (SIBO) or fungal overgrowth (SIFO). Another investigational gas sensing capsule analyzing hydrogen, CO2, volatile fatty acids and capsule orientation, can measure regional gut transit time and luminal gas concentrations and assess gastroparesis, constipation or SIBO. Therapeutically, other vibrating capsules are in development. Summary: Innovations in capsule technology are poised to transform our ability to investigate gut function physiologically, and non-invasively deliver targeted treatment(s), thereby providing both accurate diagnostic information and luminally-directed, safe therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer concentration and aging time of polymeric solutions are crucial factors that can influence their viscosity, playing an essential role in the fabrication of electrospun nanofibers. Based on this, herein we evaluated the impact of aging time (24 and 48 h) and pea starch concentration (10%, 20%, and 30%, wt/vol) on the polymeric solutions to produce electrospun nanofibers. Solutions were evaluated by rheology, electrical conductivity, and degree of substitution. The nanofibers were analyzed by morphology, size distribution, chemical nature, and thermal properties. The degree of substitution of starches varied from 1.17 to 1.56. Overall, electrical conductivity decreased with increasing starch concentration and aging time of the polymeric solutions. The use of 10% starch displayed a transition from capsules to fibers, while 20% and 30% starch were able to manufacture homogenous, cylindrical, and random nanofibers with diameters varying from 89 to 373 nm. A significant impact of viscosity was not observed; on the other hand, aging time increased the average diameter of nanofibers. Besides, the fabricated nanofibers showed a lower decomposition temperature than raw starch. The fabricated nanofibers have great potential as wall materials for the encapsulation of different compounds and applications in the biomedical and food sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Structural simulations play a crucial role in the development of new products, particularly in the early design phase, where insights into performance under different load conditions can significantly influence design choices. This paper explores the application of structural simulations in developing the " Emergencies Safety Capsules", an innovative housing solution, highlighting the necessity and benefits of these simulations in creating safe, reliable, and efficient designs

Breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) is a rare but serious disease that originates from the lining of the breast implant capsule. Alongside BIA-anaplastic large cell lymphoma, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety communication in 2022 regarding BIA-SCC to alert healthcare providers and patients. Although only a few cases have been reported, the high mortality and poor prognosis associated with BIA-SCC underscore the severity of the disease. This review discusses the current knowledge of BIA-SCC, including its pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, and treatment options based on reported cases.

Background/Aims Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is the most common GI condition requiring hospitalization. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using the PillSense system (EnteraSense Ltd.), a novel diagnostic tool designed for the rapid in vivo detection of UGIB, in human volunteers. Methods In the present study, 10 volunteers swallowed a PillSense capsule, followed by 2 servings of an autologous blood preparation. Participants were monitored for capsule passage, overall tolerability of the procedure, and adverse events. Results The procedure was completed per the protocol established in the present study in 9/10 cases. In 9 of the subjects, after capsule ingestion, the device indicated the absence of blood with sensor output values of 1. After the ingestion of the first blood mixture, the sensor outputs of all devices increased to a range from 2.8 to 4, indicating that each sensor capsule detected blood. The sensor output remained within that range after the ingestion of the second mixture; however, in one case, the baseline capsule signal was positive, because of a preexisting condition. The passage of the capsule was verified in all patients, and no adverse events were reported. Conclusions The first trial of the PillSense system in human subjects demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of utilizing this product as a novel, noninvasive, and easy-to-use triage tool for the diagnosis of patients suspected of having UGIB.

The efficient oral delivery of aqueous suspensions to the distal intestine or the colon is a significant pharmaceutical challenge because few capsules are sufficiently stable to protect aqueous suspensions while enduring the conditions during gastrointestinal (GI) transit. Herein, a design is introduced for enteric capsules intended to transport aqueous media to the distal part of the intestine. These capsules consist of a water‐insoluble body and lid that encapsulate the solution and are held together by an enteric water‐soluble locking cap. The capsules are fabricated using a combination of 3D printing methods enabling design control and precision. Mechanical testing reveals that the capsules are soft, strong, and could withstand forces generally encountered during GI transit. The capsules also exhibit resistance to proton diffusion, which is important for protecting their content from gastric acidity. In vitro dissolution assessments and in vivo imaging studies demonstrate that the capsules release their content in the later stages of the GI tract. This unique design has potential applications in targeted delivery of aqueous suspensions of live bacterial suspensions to the colon, offering a promising platform for therapeutic interventions and research in gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study introduces a practical and cost‐effective method for tracking diltiazem (DLZ) analytically. It utilizes a fluorimetric approach that relies on the modulation of fluorescence intensity of a dye called erythrosine B. Through a one‐pot experiment performed in an acidic environment, a complex is rapidly formed between DLZ and erythrosine B. By observing the decrease in erythrosine B emission, a linear calibration plot is established, enabling the detection and quantification of DLZ concentrations ranging from 40 to 850 ng/ml. The estimated limits of detection and quantitation were 10.5 and 32.1 ng/ml, respectively. The variables affecting the DLZ‐dye complex system were carefully adjusted. The validity of the approach was confirmed through a thorough evaluation based on the criteria set by ICH guidelines. The accuracy and precision of the methodology were evaluated, and the standard deviation and relative standard deviation were below 2. The strategy was successfully employed to analyze DLZ in tablets and capsules, and no significant variation between the proposed and reported methods as the values of the estimated t‐test and F‐test at five determinations were below 2.306 and 6.338, respectively. Notably, the method adheres to the principle of green chemistry by utilizing distilled water as the dispersing medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic matter-induced mineralization is a green and versatile method for synthesizing hybrid nanostructured materials, where the material properties are mainly influenced by the species of natural biomolecules, linear synthetic polymer, or small molecules, limiting their diversity. Herein, we adopted dendrimer poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) as the inducer to synthesize organosilica-PAMAM network (OSPN) capsules for mannose isomerase (MIase) encapsulation based on a hard-templating method. The structure of OSPN capsules can be precisely regulated by adjusting the molecular weight and concentration of PAMAM, thereby demonstrating a substantial impact on the kinetic behavior of the MIase@OSPN system. The MIase@OSPN system was used for catalytic production of mannose from D-fructose. A mannose yield of 22.24% was obtained, which is higher than that of MIase in organosilica network capsules and similar to that of the free enzyme. The overall catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of the MIase@OSPN system for the substrate D-fructose was up to 0.556 s−1·mmol−1·L. Meanwhile, the MIase@OSPN system showed excellent stability and recyclability, maintaining more than 50% of the yield even after 12 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defence theories provide predictions about trade‐offs in the allocation of resources to defence and growth. However, very little is known about how pressure from herbivores influences the allocation of resources during reproduction.Two common peatland bryophyte species, Sphagnum angustifolium and S. capillifolium, were chosen as study species. Vegetative and reproductive shoots of both Sphagnum species were subjected to treatments with and without herbivores in a lab experiment. After 4 weeks of exposure to herbivores in a growth chamber, we measured biomass production, net photosynthesis rate, defence traits (phenolics in leachate and phenolics in extract), nonstructural carbohydrates (soluble sugar and starch), and reproductive traits (capsule number, weight and diameter, and spore germination) of both Sphagnum species.Reproductive shoots had higher constitutive defence than vegetative shoots in S. angustifolium, and a similar pattern was observed in S. capillifolium. With herbivory, reproductive shoots showed stronger induced defence (released more phenolics) than vegetative shoots in S. capillifolium, but not in S. angustifolium. Herbivory had no effect on capsule number, weight, or diameter, but reduced spore germination percentage by more than half in both species.Our study highlights the hidden effects of herbivory on reproduction of Sphagnum and indicates the presence of maternal effects in bryophytes. Ecologists will benefit from examining both quality‐ and quantity‐based traits when attempting to estimate the herbivory effect on plant fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is the most common GI condition requiring hospitalization. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using the PillSense system (EnteraSense Ltd.), a novel diagnostic tool designed for the rapid in vivo detection of UGIB, in human volunteers. Methods: In the present study, 10 volunteers swallowed a PillSense capsule, followed by 2 servings of an autologous blood preparation. Participants were monitored for capsule passage, overall tolerability of the procedure, and adverse events. Results: The procedure was completed per the protocol established in the present study in 9/10 cases. In 9 of the subjects, after capsule ingestion, the device indicated the absence of blood with sensor output values of 1. After the ingestion of the first blood mixture, the sensor outputs of all devices increased to a range from 2.8 to 4, indicating that each sensor capsule detected blood. The sensor output remained within that range after the ingestion of the second mixture; however, in one case, the baseline capsule signal was positive, because of a preexisting condition. The passage of the capsule was verified in all patients, and no adverse events were reported. Conclusions: The first trial of the PillSense system in human subjects demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of utilizing this product as a novel, noninvasive, and easy-to-use triage tool for the diagnosis of patients suspected of having UGIB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of micromotors for active drug delivery via oral administration has recently gained considerable interest. However, efficient motor-assisted delivery into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract remains challenging, owing to the short propulsion lifetime of currently used micromotor platforms. Here, we report on an efficient algae-based motor platform, which takes advantage of the fast and long-lasting swimming behavior of natural microalgae in intestinal fluid to prolong local retention within the GI tract. Fluorescent dye or cell membrane-coated nanoparticle functionalized algae motors were further embedded inside a pH-sensitive capsule to enhance delivery to the small intestines. In vitro, the algae motors displayed a constant motion behavior in simulated intestinal fluid after 12 hours of continuous operation. When orally administered in vivo into mice, the algae motors substantially improved GI distribution of the dye payload compared with traditional magnesium-based micromotors, which are limited by short propulsion lifetimes, and they also enhanced retention of a model chemotherapeutic payload in the GI tract compared with a passive nanoparticle formulation. Overall, combining the efficient motion and extended lifetime of natural algae-based motors with the protective capabilities of oral capsules results in a promising micromotor platform capable of achieving greatly improved cargo delivery in GI tissue for practical biomedical applications.

With the continuous penetration of Internet applications in our lives, the ever-increasing data on clicking behavior has made online services a critical component of the economic sectors of internet companies over the past decade. This development trend has brought a large amount of information that reflects user needs but is relatively chaotic. Extracting user interests and needs from complex click behaviors is crucial for advancing online business development and precisely targeting product information The interactive attention-based capsules (IACaps) network is proposed in this paper to collate and analyze complex and changing click information for user behavior representation. Specifically, an interactive attention dynamic routing mechanism is proposed to mine the potential association information among different browsing behaviors, which facilitates the extraction and understanding of seemingly irrelevant information hidden in massive click data. To ensure the practicability of the proposed method, three different types of datasets were selected from Amazon Dataset for experiments, and the results of which shows the superior performance of the proposed method when compared with other models. Specifically, the reasonableness and effectiveness of the reported model are further proved by improvements of metrics obtained in the main experiments and ablation studies. Optimization of Hyper-parameters is also analyzed from the number of iterations, the number of capsules, and the dimension of capsules for better understanding of operating principles.

Introduction. Gout treatment drugs are widely represented on the pharmaceutical market of the Russian Federation, including those with INN febuxostat. These drugs differ in excipients composition, in the dosage form (tablets and capsules) and production technology. The Dissolution Kinetics Test was chosen to assess the rate and extent of active ingredient release for drugs with INN febuxostat for different manufacturers as in vitro test dissolution allows to suggest the release from the dosage form in vivo. The rate and percent of active substance release are factors that have a direct impact on the bioavailability of drugs. Drug release was studied in a phosphate buffer solution pH 6.8, sampling was carried out at time points 0 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 30 and 45 min. The analysis of the obtained solutions was carried out using the UV spectrophotometry method at a wavelength of 317 nm. The comparison of dissolution profiles was carried out in accordance with the requirements of Decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission dated November 3, 2016 N 85 "On approval of the Rules for conducting bioequivalence studies of medicinal products within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union". The purpose of the study. The purpose of this study was to compare the kinetics of the release of the active substance febuxostat from drugs registered in the territory of the Russian Federation in the form of tablets and capsules. Materials and methods. Drug release studies were performed using the Sotax dissolution tester AT Xtend, Switzerland. Each drug was analyzed in 12 repetitions in a pH 6.8 phosphate buffer dissolution medium, on a "Paddle apparatus", special sinkers were used for capsule dosage forms. The selected samples were analyzed on a Shimadzu UV 1800 UV spectrophotometer, Japan, at a wavelength of 317 nm. Results. Dissolution profile studies for three drugs with the active substance febuxostat were conducted in a phosphate buffer solution pH 6,8. For the studied drugs, the release of febuxostat was observed to be more than 85 % at 15 minutes. The release profiles can be recognized as equivalent without further mathematical processing. Conclusion. Based on the results of dissolution profile studies, no differences were found in dissolution profiles of febuxostat from drugs with different dosage forms (tablets and capsules).

Training and certification of personnel in capsule preparation are essential procedures, overseen by the pharmacist who delegates these tasks. These procedures aim not only to ensure the efficacy and safety of operations but also to establish a clear chain of responsibility. They align with established best practices. Certification grants formal authorization to qualified individuals to perform specific tasks. For new hires, a comprehensive training program is designed to facilitate their integration and empower them from the onset. We propose training objectives structured around a competency-based approach, highlighting objective evaluation criteria applicable in real-world practical settings. These training objectives address critical aspects such as the handling of hazardous substances, weighing and mixing of powders, and capsule filling. They also emphasize the importance of documentation and traceability. Specialized preparations and tools are offered to facilitate the assessment of learning outcomes.

Introduction. The development of dosage forms of sedative action is an urgent task of pharmaceutical technology in view of the prevalence of diseases of the nervous system. Peony rhizomes and roots dry extract in combination with glycine have a sedative and anxiolytic effect, which is associated with an improvement in the psycho-emotional state. Taking into account the physicochemical characteristics and composition of biologically active substances of peony rhizomes and dry extract roots, it is necessary to select auxiliary substances that improve its technological properties.Aim. Development of the composition and technology of hard gelatin capsules containing dry peony rhizomes and roots, dry extract and glycine.Materials and methods. Objects of research – dry peony rhizomes and roots (LLC "Kazan Extract Plant", Russia), glycine (JSC "Biokhimik", Russia). Excipients: apple pectin (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), starch (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), aerosil (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), lactose (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), microcrystalline cellulose (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), basic magnesium carbonate (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia), magnesium oxide (LLC TD "HIMMED", Russia).Results and discussion. The composition and technology for obtaining capsules containing dry peony rhizomes and roots, dry extract and glycine, have been substantiated. The quality indicators of peony rhizomes and roots of dry extract in combination with glycine and developed capsules were determined.Conclusion. The composition of capsules of peony rhizomes and roots of dry extract and glycine has been developed, auxiliary substances have been selected to ensure satisfactory technological properties of the mass for filling the capsules.

Introduction. Nowadays liquid combined therapeutic and prophylactic bacteriophages produced by various manufacturers are widely used. In order to expand the Russian market with highly effective antibacterial phagopreparations it is urgent to develop solid dispersed dosage forms of bacteriophages in the form of solid capsules.Aim. Optimization of biomass composition for encapsulation of antibacterial drug Sekstafag® (Piobacteriophage polyvalent) capsules.Materials and methods. The object of research for the development of encapsulated antibacterial drug is liquid combined polyvalent bacteriophage Sekstafag® (Piobacteriophage polyvalent), which is a mixture of sterile filtrates of six phagolysates of bacteria Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. Pharmaceutical-technological tests were carried out according to GF. Granulate was investigated according to the following parameters: description, bulk density, friability. Solid capsules Sekstafag® were tested by the following parameters: mass uniformity, disintegration, acid resistance of bacteriophages in capsules, dissolution. The lytic activity of bacteriophages was evaluated by Appelman’s method. Optimization of Sekstafag® drug formulation in the form of capsules was carried out using generalized Harrington’s desirability function.Results and discussion. In order to optimize the composition of biomass for encapsulation, pharmaceutical compositions consisting of combined bacteriophage Sekstafag® and auxiliary substances were prepared. The influence of excipients on the technological quality parameters of mixtures and capsules of model compositions was studied. According to the empirical system of preferences (desirability) it was revealed that the optimal pharmaceutical-technological characteristics (granulate description, bulk density, bulkiness, capsule mass uniformity, disintegrability, lytic activity, acid resistance of bacteriophage, dissolution) are possessed by the model composition containing combined polyvalent Sekstafag®, methylcellulose, sorbitol, lactose, pectin, sodium alginate, calcium carbonate, magnesium stearate. Originality of the developed composition Sekstafag® (Piobacteriophage polyvalent) in the form of capsules is confirmed by the patent of the Russian Federation № 2660355 "Antibacterial pharmaceutical composition for oral use containing bacteriophages". The drug Sekstafag® (Piobacteriophage polyvalent) capsules, is stable when stored for 18 months at temperatures from 2 to 8 °C.Conclusion. As a result of the conducted complex pharmaceutical-technological research using Harrington’s desirability function the optimal composition of antibacterial preparation Sekstafag® (Piobacteriophage polyvalent) in the form of hard capsules No. 2 was developed.

Sesame seeds and their edible oil are highly nutritious and rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Bioactive compounds such as sterols, tocopherols, and sesamol provide significant medicinal benefits. The high oil content (50%) and favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid balance, as well as resilience to water stress, make sesame a promising candidate crop for global agricultural expansion. However, sesame production faces challenges such as low yields, poor response to agricultural inputs, and losses due to capsule dehiscence. To enhance yield, traits like determinate growth, dwarfism, a high harvest index, non-shattering capsules, disease resistance, and photoperiod sensitivity are needed. These traits can be achieved through variation or induced mutation breeding. Crossbreeding methods often result in unwanted genetic changes. The gene editing CRISPR/Cas9 technology has the potential to suppress detrimental alleles and improve the fatty acid profile by inhibiting polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Even though sesame is an orphan crop, it has entered the genomic era, with available sequences assisting molecular breeding efforts. This progress aids in associating single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) with key economic traits, as well as identifying genes related to adaptability, oil production, fatty acid synthesis, and photosynthesis. Additionally, transcriptomic research can reveal genes involved in abiotic stress responses and adaptation to diverse climates. The mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) can identify loci linked to key traits such as capsule size, seed count per capsule, and capsule number per plant. This article reviews recent advances in sesame breeding, discusses ongoing challenges, and explores potential strategies for future improvement. Hence, integrating advanced genomic tools and breeding strategies provides promising ways to enhance sesame production to meet global demands.

The concept of intelligence has many applications, such as in coatings and cyber security. Smart coatings have the ability to sense and/or respond to external stimuli and generally interact with their environment. Self-healing coatings represent a significant advance in improving material durability and performance using microcapsules and nanocontainers loaded with self-healing agents, catalysts, corrosion inhibitors, and water-repellents. These smart coatings can repair damage on their own and restore mechanical properties without external intervention and are inspired by biological systems. Properties that are affected by either momentary or continuous external stimuli in smart coatings include corrosion, fouling, fungal, self-healing, piezoelectric, and microbiological properties. These coating properties can be obtained via combinations of either organic or inorganic polymer phases, additives, and pigments. In this article, a review of the advancements in micro/nanocapsules for self-healing coatings is reported from the aspect of extrinsic self-healing ability. The concept of extrinsic self-healing coatings is based on the use of capsules or multichannel vascular systems loaded with healing agents/inhibitors. The result is that self-healing coatings exhibit improved properties compared to traditional coatings. Self-healing anticorrosive coating not only enhances passive barrier function but also realizes active defense. As a result, there is a significant improvement in the service life and overall performance of the coating. Future research should be devoted to refining self-healing mechanisms and developing cost-effective solutions for a wide range of industrial applications.

Capsules with microparticle shells became of great interest due to their potential in many fields. Those capsules can be fabricated at high temperatures from particle-stabilized emulsions (Pickering emulsions) by sintering together particles that cover droplets. One of the problems with such an approach is accurately controlling whether particles are already sintered and creating the rigid capsule shell of a capsule. Here, we propose using a non-destructive ultrasound method for monitoring Pickering emulsion-based capsules prepared using heating under an alternating magnetic field. The polyethylene microparticles that were responsive to temperatures higher than 112 °C were used as droplet stabilizers together with iron oxide nanoparticles. During the coalescence of the droplets, facilitated by an external electric field, the ultrasonic attenuation increased, giving evidence that the ultrasound method detects structural changes in Pickering emulsions. The main change was the difference in the droplets’ size, which was also observed via optical microscopy. The attenuation of ultrasound increased even more when measured after magnetic heating for the same concentration of particle stabilizers. Simultaneously, the values of ultrasonic velocity did not exhibit similar variety. The results show that the values of the attenuation coefficient can be used for a quantitative evaluation of the capsule formation process.

The aim of the work was to develop a simple, rapid, economic spectrophotometric method for the determination of meldonium in capsules based on the reaction with alizarin. Materials and methods. Analytical equipment: double-beam UV-visible spectrophotometer Shimadzu UV 1800 (Japan), a pair of 1 cm matched quartz cells, software UV-Probe 2.62, laboratory electronic balance RAD WAG AS 200/C, pH-meter I-160 I. Pharmacopoeial standard sample (CRS) of meldonium dihydrate (Sigma-Aldrich, (=98 %, HPLC)), alizarin (Synbias), capsules Metamax (Darnytsia) 250 mg, Vasopro (Farmak) 500 mg, Mildronate (Grindex) 500 mg, dimethylformamide ("Honeywell Riedel-de Haen"). Results and discussion. A spectrophotometric method for determining meldonium in capsules by reaction with alizarine has been developed. The absorption maximum of the formed complex in dimethylformamide was at a wavelength of 517 nm. Stoichiometric ratios of reactive components «meldonium-alizarin » were 1:1. Validation of the developed analytical method for the determination of meldonium in medicines was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the SPhU. The optimal conditions for performing the quantitative determination of meldonium have been established: concentration of alizarin solution - 0.8 %, volume 0.8 % alizarin solution - 0.5 ml, heating time - 20 min, temperature - 95±2 °C. Linearity has been in the concentration range of 0.0402-0.1073 mg/mL, the limit of detection - 2.84 µg/mL, and the limit of quantification - 8.59 µg/mL. The eco-friendliness of the developed analytical method was carried out using the analytical eco-scale, AGREE, and GAPI methods. Conclusions. The developed method can be used as an arbitration method for the routine analysis of meldonium capsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causes of cracks in concrete are varied, and regardless of their origin, these cracks invariably have a detrimental impact on the durability of concrete structures and escalate their maintenance costs. This paper presents a comprehensive review of current knowledge regarding the methods of self-healing in concrete, ranging from autogenic and improved autogenic self-healing to the autonomous self-healing of concrete. Particular emphasis is placed on the methods of autonomous concrete self-healing: the bacterial healing method, the crystalline hydrophilic additives healing method, and the capsule-based self-healing method. The hypothesis is that applying these self-healing methods could potentially prevent damages or cracks in concrete caused by freeze–thaw cycles, thereby extending the lifespan of concrete structures. The mechanism of action and current achievements in the field are provided for each method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antacids affects the gastrointestinal absorption of levothyroxine sodium (LT4) tablets. Patients with hypothyroidism taking LT4 and PPIs or antacids, thus, require appropriate monitoring. The objective of this study was to determine whether a soft gelatin capsule of LT4 (Tirosint®) would obviate the effect of PPIs on LT4 absorption. The objective was achieved by assessing the effects of a switch from a conventional LT4 tablet form to the same dose as soft capsules in thyroidectomized patients on treatment with LT4 and PPIs. Methods: Patients with history of hypothyroidism due to total thyroidectomy on stable treatment with LT4 tablets, and with gastrointestinal disease treated with PPIs, were switched to a 12-week treatment with Tirosint at the same dose of the LT4 tablets, while maintaining treatment with PPIs. Serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels were the primary endpoint of the study. Secondary efficacy endpoints were: serum levels of free thyroxine (fT4), total thyroxine (TT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), total triiodothyronine (TT3), creatine-phosphokinase (CPK), sex-hormone binding globulin, ferritin, angiotensin converting enzyme, and a lipid panel. Results: Forty-seven patients (36 females and 11 males, mean age 55.4 years) were enrolled and 45 of them completed the study (2 patients withdrew consent). During treatment with Tirosint, mean TSH levels demonstrated a statistically significant decrease (mean changes from baseline: −0.32 mIU/L at week 6 and −0.68 mIU/L at week 12) and concomitant increases in thyroid hormone (TH) levels from baseline to week 12, which were statistically significant for fT3 and TT3 (mean changes from baseline: 0.26 pmol/L and 0.10 nmol/L, respectively). Significant decreases of serum low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and CPK levels were observed at week 12. No signs/symptoms arose during the study that could be specifically correlated to either hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Conclusions: In thyroidectomized patients taking PPIs and replacement LT4, a switch from conventional LT4 tablets to LT4 soft capsules at the same dose was associated with a significant decrease in TSH and increase in TH, indicating that LT4 absorption may be less affected by PPIs when given in the form of soft capsules. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03094416. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Envelopes are an important topic in the study of architecture and urbanism and have a profound impact on our daily lives. They form boundaries, edges, enclosures and joints with ecological, territorial and representational functions that have social, cultural, economic, technological, environmental and political significance. Referring to warnings about capsular civilisation, this paper promotes the metaphorically telling concept of capsularity, in order to overcome terminological inconsistency as a characteristic phenomenon that denotes enclosures at different scales. It includes both capsules as small-scale cellular units on an architectural or industrial design scale - referred to as units of individual capsularity - and extended structures and territorial enclosures as manifestations of collective capsularity. Furthermore, a typology of collective capsularity is proposed. While complete and permeable envelopes entail physical spatial demarcation, diffuse envelopes are based on a technological system of control and surveillance. However, diffuse envelopes also complement both complete envelopes and permeable envelopes, forming masked capsular hybrids. After contextualising the proposed typology according to accessibility and its representation, the ambivalences of collective capsularities are considered through the lens of three selected and distinctive co-existing effects: Freedom/Control, Reality/Simulation and Seclusion/Exclusion. These effects present the concept and associated discourse as critical, pertinent and stimulating for imagining, inventing, proposing and implementing democratic, participatory and caring urban(istic) activities. The exposed typology and narratives of antagonisms involved in the operation of capsularities propose further research, policy development and planning directed towards the decapsularisation of contemporary space and promote democratic and caring possibilities for urban living in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulated rejuvenators embedded in asphalt mixtures are a promising technology to extend the service life of asphalt pavements. However, their effects on the asphalt mixture's performance still need to be properly understood. A recently developed three-dimensional discrete element method framework enables the evaluation of non-homogeneous distributions of the rejuvenator, closely resembling real conditions. This includes different scenarios involving capsule content and release efficiency. The presented numerical results show that the rejuvenator-to-mastic ratio and the number of rejuvenator-modified contacts influence the stiffness properties of asphalt mixtures. In cases where a homogeneous rejuvenator distribution is assumed, the three-dimensional DEM model predicts a significant reduction in the asphalt mixture's stiffness that compromises the pavement's performance. Simulations show that the diffusion effect needs to be considered for predicting the post-healed behavior of asphalt mixtures. For cases considering more suitable modified mastic amounts (less than 1.20 wt%), the effect on the asphalt mixture's stiffness modulus is less pronounced, and the phase angle is not significantly affected. Additionally, the presented simulations suggest that the capsule content can be increased up to 0.75 wt%, and capsules with a release rate higher than 48% can be used without compromising the rheological performance of asphalt mixtures, possibly improving their self-healing properties. These numerical insights should be considered in future designs to achieve optimal post-healed behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop two simple and selective visible spectrophotometric methods for the determination of antihistamine drug triprolidine hydrochloride (TRH) in the capsules. The methods were based on the formation of ion-pair complexes between TRH and two dyes, namely, bromocresol green (BCG) and bromophenol blue (BPB). The produced ion-pair complexes were measured at 415 and 410 nm for BCG and BPB methods, respectively. Beer’s law was applicable in the concentration ranges of 2.50-15.0 μg mL-1 TRH for both methods. The molar absorptivity values were found to be 2.12 × 104 and 2.07 × 104 L mol-1 cm-1 for the BCG method and BPB method, respectively, and the Sandell’s sensitivity values were 0.0149 and 0.0152 μg cm-2. The limits of detection and quantification were calculated and found to be 0.29 and 0.86 μg mL-1 for the BCG method and 0.31 and 0.95 μg mL-1 for the BPB method. The methods were applied successfully for TRH determination in bulk drug and in the capsules.

Scientific relevance. Rational phage therapy is a highly effective way to combat bacterial infections, especially in conditions of steadily increasing antibiotic resistance. Most bacteriophage preparations are formulated as oral and topical solutions. However, oral administration of liquid phage preparations results in significant inactivation in the stomach. To shield active ingredients from the acidic environment, Sextaphag® Pyobacteriophage, polyvalent, has been formulated into capsules.Aim. This study evaluated the polyvalent bacteriophage preparation in capsules in terms of its potency and biopharmaceutical properties.Materials and methods. The study compared the polyvalent bacteriophage preparation formulated as capsules with the polyvalent bacteriophage preparation formulated as a solution. The potency was evaluated by the Appelmans method, and phage particles were quantified by the Gratia method. To evaluate the acid-neutralising capacity, the authors placed test samples of the bacteriophage preparation in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and analysed their potency by the Appelmans method. Chinchilla rabbits were used to analyse anti-phage immune responses, and their antibody levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay test system developed by the authors. The pharmacokinetic parameters were studied in outbred white mice after oral dosing.Results. The polyvalent bacteriophage preparation exhibited high lytic activity towards Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aegidinosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which accounted for a dilution factor of 10-6. Following oral administration of the polyvalent bacteriophage preparation in capsules to mice, the level of absorption was 3.1–3.7 times higher than that observed with the solution. Repeated oral administration of therapeutic doses did not induce anti-phage antibodies in rabbits. The stability study showed that the polyvalent bacteriophage preparation retained high lytic activity for 18 months.Conclusions. According to the study results, the polyvalent bacteriophage preparation in capsules exerts significant antibacterial activity against the studied microorganisms, has a high level of absorption, retains its lytic activity for a long time, and does not induce anti-phage antibodies after oral dosing, which confirms its safety and efficacy.

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and type of microbial colonization of the pseudo-capsule (PC) that forms around sacral nerve stimulators (SNS) and consequently the significance of surgical excision of this PC at time of SNS revision or removal. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 31 patients who underwent SNS revision or removal from January 2018 to June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The baseline demographics, rate and type of PC microbial colonization and development of SNS insertion site infection were reported. Results: A cohort of 31 patients who underwent “InterStim device (Medtronic)” revision or removal were included. The majority were females (93.5%). The most common indication for SNS insertion was refractory overactive bladder (67.7%). Nine patients (29.0%) underwent SNS revision due to malfunctional device, and 9 patients had SNS removal for the need of MRI procedures. Four patients (12.9%) had positive tissue culture growing Coryneform bacillus (50.0%), Cutibacterium acnes (25.0%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.0%). Conclusions: PC colonization was uncommon at the time of SNS explant. However, more research is needed to better understand the role of PC-positive culture in increasing the risk of SNS device infections if strict adherence to sterile techniques is adopted.

While hypoxia promotes carcinogenesis, tumour aggressiveness, metastasis, and resistance to oncological treatments, the impacts of hyperoxia on tumours are rarely explored because providing a long-lasting oxygen supply in vivo is a major challenge. Herein, we construct micro oxygen factories, namely, photosynthesis microcapsules (PMCs), by encapsulation of acquired cyanobacteria and upconversion nanoparticles in alginate microcapsules. This system enables a long-lasting oxygen supply through the conversion of external radiation into red-wavelength emissions for photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. PMC treatment suppresses the NF-kB pathway, HIF-1α production and cancer cell proliferation. Hyperoxic microenvironment created by an in vivo PMC implant inhibits hepatocarcinoma growth and metastasis and has synergistic effects together with anti-PD-1 in breast cancer. The engineering oxygen factories offer potential for tumour biology studies in hyperoxic microenvironments and inspire the exploration of oncological treatments.

The concept of self-healing materials and the development of encapsulated curing agents represent a cutting-edge approach to enhancing the longevity and reducing the maintenance costs of cementitious structures. This systematic literature review aims to shed light on the parameters involved in the autonomous self-healing of cementitious materials, utilizing various encapsulated healing agents such as pellets, granules, and capsules. This review also identifies and selects studies that offer additional insights into the efficacy of the self-healing process in cementitious materials and the influence of these specific encapsulated healing agents on the physical mechanical properties of mortars. This comprehensive approach provides a deep understanding of the interplay between self-healing and the physical–mechanical properties of mortars containing these encapsulated healing agents. The main findings indicate that the cement-to-sand ratio, characteristics of fine aggregates, and encapsulation methods significantly impact crack control, self-healing efficiency, and properties of mortar in both fresh and hardened states. The content of encapsulated healing agents within the cementitious matrix affects both the initial workability or flow and subsequent mechanical properties. While pellets coated with PVA film typically reduce workability in the fresh state and compressive strength, capsules coated with Portland cement and sodium silicate mitigate these effects and improve crack sealing in fresh and hardened states without compromising the self-healing capacity of cracks. The three-point flexural test has emerged as the preferred method for a pre-crack assessment over 28 days, with variations depending on the type of healing agent used. As noted in the literature, water has been identified as the optimal environment for autonomous healing. These findings underscore the potential of encapsulation techniques to enhance self-healing capabilities through the controlled release of agents within the cementitious matrix, thereby advancing the research on and development of intelligent construction materials and increasing the durability of cement-based structures.