ABP 798 (rituximab-arrx, RIABNI®) is a biosimilar to rituximab available as a sterile, preservative-free solution (10 mg/mL) in a single-use vial for intravenous (IV) infusion. The purpose of this study was to assess the physicochemical stability of ABP 798 after dilution with 0.9% (w/v) saline or 5% (w/v) dextrose. Two experimental arms designated "preliminary hold" and "optimized storage condition" were assessed. For both arms, ABP 798 was diluted to 1 and 4 mg/mL with sterile 0.9% (w/v) saline or 5% (w/v) dextrose in IV bags. For the preliminary hold assessment, the IV bags were kept at 2°C to 8°C for up to 30 days, followed by storage at 30°C for 24 hours (h), and then infusion at ambient temperature. For the optimized storage condition assessment, the IV bags were kept at 2°C to 8°C for up to 30 days (saline-diluted) or up to 24 hours (dextrose-diluted), followed by storage at 30°C (saline-diluted) or 25°C (dextrose-diluted) for 24 hours and infusion at two different infusion rates. Samples collected at different time points were evaluated for various product quality attributes. Saline-diluted ABP 798 was physicochemically stable after 30 days of storage at 2°C to 8°C followed by storage at 30°C for 24 hours, and then infusion, as determined by the absence of changes to quality attributes. Degradation was observed in dextrose-diluted ABP 798 after 30 days of storage at 2°C to 8°C followed by 24 hours storage at 30°C. Dextrose-diluted ABP 798 remained physicochemically stable after 24 hours storage at 2°C to 8°C followed by 24 hours at 25°C. These results indicate that ABP 798 remains chemically and physically stable when diluted in IV bags with 0.9% (w/v) saline stored at 2°C to 8°C for 30 days or 5% (w/v) dextrose stored at 2°C to 8°C for 1 day. Overall, these findings provide strong evidence supporting the chemical and physical stability of ABP 798 under the tested conditions. It is essential for the end-user to ensure the overall quality of the prepared admixture by strictly adhering to the product's packaging insert instructions.
The use of three-compartment parenteral nutrition bags (3CPNBs) has widely expanded due to their potential time- and cost-saving advantages compared to hospital-compounded parenteral nutrition bags (HCPNBs). However, there is limited evidence of commercial 3CPNBs to adequately meet current nutritional guidelines. This study assessed the nutritional adequacy of all commercial 3CPNBs available in Spain, according to current European guidelines, across four clinical scenarios for adult patients. A simulation-based study was performed to evaluate the protein and caloric content of 3CPNBs commercially available in Spain. Four clinical scenarios were defined: early and late phases of intensive care (I1 and I2), surgical (Q), and medical (M) inpatients. Two sub-analyses were conducted: a 3CPNB-centered assessment of each formulation's theoretical adequacy for each scenario, and a patient-centered analysis involving 1,000 simulated adult patients per scenario (total: 4,000 simulations). Patients' weight was computer generated reflecting the published Spanish adult-population values (tested by the Anderson-Darling test and one-sample t-test). Nutritional requirements were calculated using ESPEN guidelines, and adequacy was defined as meeting protein and caloric targets within ±5% range. A total of 50 commercial 3CPNBs were identified, but 15 bags (30.0%) were excluded based on predefined criteria. Then, 35 were included in the study. While 51.4% formulations met adequacy criteria across all scenarios, 34.3% were suitable for only one, and 8.6% were unsuitable for any scenario. More than half (57.1%) failed to cover even 10% of patients in any scenario. ICU scenarios, I1 and I2, showed the lowest coverage, with only around 30% of patients with an appropriate 3CPNBs. Many weight strata showed less than 50% coverage depending on the scenario. In the 64-81,99 kg strata, around the population mean, 45.9% lacked an appropriate 3CPNBs across all scenarios. Substantial variability existed in the adequacy of commercial 3CPNBs to ESPEN guidelines. Many formulations failed to meet the criteria or were not usable across all scenarios. Many patients with body weight around population mean had no adequate 3CPNBs. These findings supported the need for critical evaluation of 3CPNBs and still place HCPNBs as a flexible alternative, especially in complex and critically ill populations.
This review article, developed within the framework of the Spanish consensus on parenteral nutrition (PN) preparation, analyzes the role of two technological approaches that have significantly transformed clinical practice in this field: automated compounding systems (ACS) and multi-chamber bags. ACS enable full individualization of PN formulations, improve dosing accuracy, and reduce errors associated with manual handling through the integration of peristaltic or volumetric pumps managed by dedicated software. However, their implementation requires substantial initial investment, technical validation, ongoing staff training, and a robust system for quality oversight. In contrast, multi-chamber bags provide a standardized and safe alternative in clinical settings where nutritional requirements are predictable, such as conventional hospitalization or home parenteral nutrition. Their low level of manipulation results in reduced operational costs, shorter preparation times, and a lower risk of compounding errors. This document reviews optimal conditions for use, advantages, limitations, and selection criteria for both strategies. When correctly implemented, both approaches represent a significant advancement in the safety, efficiency, and quality of parenteral nutrition services. The choice between them should be individualized based on patient profile, available technical resources, and the organizational structure of each healthcare facility.
The main aim of this study was to compare the costs of using standardized parenteral nutrition (PN) bags versus individualized PN bags for very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. A micro-costing analysis was conducted from November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2023 on both individualized and standard PN bags. During the analysis period, 660 individual bags and 3700 standard bags were used. The average cost per individualized PN bag versus standardized bag was $160.92 versus $62.92 respectively. Standard bags were found to be 60.9% more cost-effective. The study concluded that standard PN bags are more cost-effective for very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight preterm patients. These findings support the potential shift towards using standardized PN in hospitals to manage resources effectively. Pharmacists can utilize these results to promote guideline-based use of standardized PN.
ObjectiveThis study investigates the combined effects of storage environments and packaging materials on the seed quality of open-pollinated maize (Zea mays L.) (OPM) varieties intended for planting purposes after long-term storage.MethodsMelkassa-2, Melkassa-4, and Melkassa-6Q seeds were stored under cold and ambient storage conditions. Subsequently, the seeds were packed into Polypropylene woven bags and multilayer polyethylene lined hermetic (Super GrainPro (SGPr) and Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS)) bags and stored for 24 months. The combined analysis was done using a completely randomized design (CRD) with factorial arrangement replicated three times. The temperature of the refrigerator for cold storage was maintained at 5 ±3 °C with a relative humidity of 42 ±3%. In 2021, the annual mean temperature of ambient conditions ranged from 14.27 to 28.57 °C with relative humidity (RH) between 47% and 75%. In 2022, the annual mean temperature ranged from 13.97 to 29.51 °C with RH between 40.10% and 70.13%. The evaluation was conducted at Melkassa Agricultural Research Center. Seed quality traits were measured every 6 months for 24 months.ResultsThe study found significant interaction (P≤0.05) effects between storage environment, maize variety, and seed packaging material on seed germination after 18 and 24 months of storage. Hermetic bags under cold storage maintained seed quality for up to 24 months, while non-hermetic bag under ambient storage preserved seeds for up to 12 months. Non-hermetic storage bags led to a decline in seed quality after 12 months.ConclusionsHermetic bags (PICS) combined with cold storage can prolong the shelf life of EGS for open-pollinated maize varieties for up to 24 months. However, SGPr and PPW bags stored under the same conditions showed significant deterioration after 12 months. This approach can help improve seed quality and longevity, leading to accessibility for breeding programs, EGS producers, and smallholder farmers.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a major horticultural crop and an important model for studying fruit development and stress adaptation. Climate-induced stresses, including drought, salinity, heat, and oxidative damage, pose significant challenges to tomato productivity, emphasizing the need to understand molecular mechanisms that integrate stress responses with developmental processes. Bcl-2-associated athanogene (BAG) proteins, highly conserved co-chaperones, have emerged as key regulators at the intersection of proteostasis, signaling, and programmed cell death. However, despite their emerging importance, comprehensive studies reviewing BAG co-chaperones in tomato are still limited. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on BAG proteins in tomato, focusing on their structural features, evolutionary divergence from animal BAGs, and functional roles in development and stress tolerance. We examined how SlBAGs interact with Hsp70 chaperones, MAPK signaling cascades, calcium/calmodulin pathways, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system to coordinate cellular responses under diverse abiotic stresses. Special attention is given to their involvement in reactive oxygen species regulation, programmed cell death, senescence, and fruit ripening. Furthermore, we highlighted the gaps in functional characterization, post-translational regulation, and field-level validation of SlBAGs. Finally, we discussed the emerging strategies, including multi-omics approaches, genome editing, and translational breeding, to harness the genetic potential of SlBAGs for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and quality-enhanced tomato cultivars.
Brain clocks track the deviations between predicted brain age and chronological age (brain age gaps, BAGs). These BAGs can be used to measure accelerated aging, monitoring deviations from the healthy brain trajectories associated with brain diseases and different cumulative burdens. However, the underlying biophysical mechanisms associated with BAGs in aging and dementia remain unclear. Here, we combine source space connectivity (EEG) with generative brain modeling in healthy controls (HCs) from the global south and north, alongside Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) patients (N=1,399). BAGs in aging were influenced by geography (south>north), income (low>high), sex (female>male), and education (low>high), with larger BAGs in patients, especially females with AD. Biophysical modeling revealed BAGs related to hyperexcitability and structural disintegration in aging, while hypoexcitability and severe disintegration were linked to dementia. Our work sheds light on the biophysical mechanisms of accelerated aging and dementia in diverse populations.
In recent years, environmental policies aimed at reducing the use of plastic bags have received considerable attention. However, few studies have investigated whether these policies can effectively reduce vinyl waste generation over time. This study investigated the relationship between the number of retail stores selling reusable waste bags (RWB), their sales volume, and the amount of vinyl waste produced, using time-series cross-sectional (TSCS) data from 25 local governments in Seoul, South Korea, from 2010 to 2023. Data were subjected to a panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) regression analysis. The findings of this study revealed that higher sales of RWBs resulted in increased vinyl waste generation, whereas the number of retail stores selling RWBs did not significantly impact vinyl waste generation. Overall, within the scope of this study, the implementation of RWBs did not fulfill the policy objective of reducing vinyl waste. Implications for future research and practice are also discussed.Implications: The integration of reusable waste bags (RWBs) within South Korea's volume-based waste fee (VWF) system provides valuable insights for global strategies aimed at reducing vinyl and single-use plastic bag waste. While extensive literature has examined short-term impacts of plastic restrictions, few studies have assessed whether providing reusable alternatives under established incentive frameworks yields sustained reductions over the long term. This longitudinal analysis (2010-2023) across 25 Seoul local governments reveals a counterintuitive result: higher RWB sales volumes were positively associated with increased vinyl waste generation, whereas the number of retail stores selling RWBs showed no significant effect. Contrary to theoretical expectations and policy intent, the RWB policy did not achieve net reduction in vinyl waste and appears to have functioned more as a mandatory retail purchase than as a driver of genuine waste minimization.These findings highlight persistent challenges in preventing behavioral or material substitutions in waste streams, even in a policy environment with strong institutional support, retailer participation, and public acceptance. The significant contribution of this study lies in demonstrating that mandating reusable alternatives does not automatically translate to net environmental gains, offering a cautionary case for jurisdictions pursuing similar integrated approaches to single-use plastic reduction. For policymakers and waste management authorities, the results underscore the importance of monitoring end-use patterns, consumption shifts, and potential rebounds, and combining mandates with public awareness campaigns to enhance multi-use compliance and effectiveness.
This article provides a salmon fillet dataset to investigate the detection of distinct regions, undesirable spots, and possibly the higher nutrient content measurements. Since we know that the belly of salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, we can use computer vision and image processing to identify the belly areas of salmon fillets (for trim A, B, and C cuts, trim A cut has the largest belly area) and determine the percentage of these fatty acids. As a result, this dataset becomes essential for training models that identify and examine the belly regions. Datasets were acquired from Lerøy Aurora, a salmon processing plant in Skjervøy, Norway, as well as images taken in our lab during experiments. To acquire the images at the Lerøy plant, two settings were used: (i) using a stand with 3 Intel RealSense RGB-D cameras and (ii) using a stand with 1 Intel RealSense RGB-D camera, depending on the amount of space available to put our setup near the production line. The camera equipment was positioned close to the production line. In total, 712 RGB images, 10 ROS (Robot Operating System) bags with 3 camera settings, and 5 ROS bags with 1 camera setting were taken in the Lerøy plant, while 60 RGB images were captured at the NMBU lab. ROS nodes were utilized to capture both the ROS bags (which carried RGB-D information) and the RGB images. To facilitate further research on salmon fillets, this collection also contains 509 multispectral images of fish fillets. The dataset is intended primarily as a benchmarking and pre-training resource, demonstrating the potential of computer vision for salmon fillet analysis. In conclusion, this comprehensive dataset provides a solid base for potential research on automated salmon fillet analysis. This will enable computer vision and image processing to enhance quality control and nutritional evaluation of salmon fillets.
Separating food waste supports a more circular economy. As the most visible part of the value chain, the collection system plays a key role in waste management performance. This study quantifies the environmental impacts of various food waste collection methods using life cycle assessment, focusing on climate change and potential trade-offs across other impact categories. Two different treatment alternatives were explored: composting and anaerobic digestion (AD). The functional unit was defined as the management of the average amount of food waste generated per person during a year in Norway. The results show that the collection strategy affects both sorting rate and environmental performance. Climate change impacts range from -9.7 to -7.5 kg CO2 eq./person/year for AD and between -6.3 and 2.5 kg CO2 eq./person/year for composting. Collection in paper bags in separate containers results in the lowest climate change impact for both treatment pathways, but may increase other environmental impacts. For the AD pathway, there are relatively small differences between the results for the studied collection options. The use of paper bags, however, is likely to be the only option that eliminates the risk of plastic pollution in the soil from bags. The study identifies a potential "separate container effect": a higher separation rate is achieved with separate containers compared to the optical bag sorting system. This emphasizes how crucial the choice of collection method is for effective food waste management.
Postoperative drains are essential components of care in general surgery and intensive care units, where accurate monitoring of drain output is critical for detecting complications such as hemorrhage, anastomotic leakage, or infection. Despite its importance, output measurement is still performed manually, which is time-consuming, exposes staff to biohazardous fluids, and is prone to documentation errors. In this study, we present a deep learning based automated system for estimating postoperative drain output from clinical images of Jackson-Pratt drains and drainage bags collected under real hospital conditions. The dataset includes a wide range of effluents, such as blood, gastric content, and serous fluid, representing the visual variability encountered in daily clinical practice. The proposed pipeline combines object detection and semantic segmentation to localize drains and mark out fluid boundaries, enabling precise and contact-free volume estimation of the fluids inside the drainage bags. Our system achieved high segmentation accuracy, with Intersection over Union (IoU) scores of approximately 0.99 and clinically acceptable mean absolute errors (5.1 mL for Jackson-Pratt drains and 43.6 mL for drainage bags). Robustness analyses demonstrated consistent performance across varying lighting conditions and viewing angles commonly encountered at the bedside. This work introduces a novel approach for automated drain output measurement validated on real patient data. By reducing staff workload and minimizing exposure to potentially infectious fluids, our system has the potential to improve both patient safety and occupational safety in surgical and intensive care unit (ICU) workflows, and also supports early detection of postoperative complications in surgical and intensive care settings. Our data and code are available at https://zenodo.org/records/17599824.
The focus of this study is to investigate the role of diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index in brain aging. To address this, we first examined the association of DTI-ALPS with aging hallmarks among 40,488 UK Biobank (UKB) participants. Next, we developed normative brain age models incorporating the DTI-ALPS index from 12,401 healthy UKB adults and validated in UKB-ADNI and UKB-TALENT datasets. Finally, we explored the relationship between brain age gap (BAG) with peripheral organ function, chronic diseases, proteomics, and genetics, while identifying modifiable factors in a longitudinal cohort. The findings revealed that DTI-ALPS index correlated with chronological age, telomere length, brain structure, and cognition. A brain age model integrating the DTI-ALPS index achieved good accuracy in the UKB (r = 0.756) and replicated well in two independent datasets (UKB-ADNI: r = 0.766; UKB-TALENT: r = 0.724), with choroid plexus volume emerging as an additional contributor. Musculoskeletal health was a key driver for brain aging in females, while pulmonary metrics prevailed in males. Neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders increased BAGs, imparting increased mortality risk. Protein-wide and genome-wide analysis identified 154 BAG-related proteins and 11 loci. Modifiable factors, particularly systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg, were strongly associated with reduced BAGs. Overall, the DTI-ALPS index is a promising brain aging biomarker, offering insights into links between brain and peripheral health, and highlighting sex-stratified therapeutic strategies. Aggressive blood pressure control may mitigate brain aging and promote long-term brain health.
IntroductionThe purpose of this series of three studies was to identify the limitations of the 2015 NIOSH Vapor Containment Performance Protocol for Assessing Closed System Transfer Devices (CSTDs) as well as the variables that may impact results when testing CSTDs.MethodsTwo different lots of Equashield® CSTDs were tested in accordance with Task 2 of the protocol, using 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as a challenge agent and either a Gasmet™ DX5000 Terra multigas FTIR analyzer or MIRAN® SapphIRe XL Infrared analyzer to measure IPA vapor concentrations. All studies were conducted in NIOSH-designed, custom-built testing chambers. Variables assessed to determine impact on results included: user technique, brand of IV bag, brand of IV administration line, where (inside or outside the chamber) IV bags, IV lines, and y-site adapter CSTDs were assembled, CSTD manufacturing dates, and analyzer type.ResultsThe variables that impacted testing results included user technique and experience, use or non-use of bulky gloves during y-site adapter-to-IV-line assembly, and analyzer. Variations in the brands of IV bags and IV administration lines and manufacturing dates of CSTDs did not impact the results.ConclusionBased on the known limitations of the 2015 NIOSH protocol, an improved testing protocol - with a better hazardous drug (HD) surrogate than IPA - is needed for assessing the true effectiveness of CSTDs in containing HDs. In the meantime, this protocol can be used to help CSTD manufacturers and/or end users isolate and mitigate potential weaknesses in their CSTD products and/or the compounding techniques used.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of air-abrasion with two bioactive glasses (BAGs) on enamel surface against erosion/abrasion challenge. Thirty human third molars were collected, and enamel specimens were prepared and randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10): control group, where specimens received no treatment and BAG groups, where enamel was air-abraded once for 10 seconds with BioMinF® and ProSylc™, respectively. The operational parameters were: air pressure 20 psi, powder flow rate dial 1 g/min and nozzle-surface distance 5 mm. The samples were submerged in a 0.01 M HCl solution for 2 minutes and then placed in a remineralizing solution for 2 hours (five times daily). At the end of each day, the samples were stored in the remineralizing solution for 14 hours. Thirty minutes after the initial and final erosive challenges of the day, an abrasion challenge was conducted using an electric toothbrush. Erosive tooth wear (ETW) was evaluated by measuring enamel surface loss, while surface hardness and roughness were measured to provide an indirect assessment of ETW-related changes. Additional insights into the bioactivity of the treatments were obtained by analyzing alterations in enamel morphology and composition. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). BAG treatments significantly reduced surface loss (38.7-46.7%) and increased surface hardness (6.3-8.9%) and roughness in enamel (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two BAG treatments (p > 0.05). Alterations in enamel surface morphology and composition were detected in the BAG groups compared to the control. Air-abrasion treatment with BAGs can provide a protective effect against early ETW, particularly under conditions that simulate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related defects. Clinically, this implies that BAG air-abrasion may serve as a minimally invasive preventive treatment for patients at high risk of ETW, such as those with GERD.
Granulocytes are transfused to combat infections in neutropenic patients. Granulocytes are primarily collected through apheresis; however, the use of whole blood-derived buffy coats (BC) is on the rise as an alternative source for granulocyte transfusion. This study aimed to assess the differences in product characteristics and cost between BC granulocytes and apheresis granulocytes prepared at two tertiary care institutes in India. Between January 2013 and December 2022, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the operational considerations at two blood centers that prepared granulocyte concentrates using two different methods. In total, 321 apheresis granulocytes were collected at one institute, while 16,764 buffy coat (BC) granulocytes were prepared at another center. At the later facility, six individual BC bags from ABO-identical donors were processed simultaneously after receiving the request for transfusion. For apheresis donations, donor stimulation included steroids and G-CSF. The mean adult dose of granulocytes reported was 2.85 × 1010 for apheresis and 0.66 × 1010 for six units of BC granulocytes. There were significant differences in plasma volume, hematocrit, and platelet counts among the products prepared at the two centers (p < 0.001). The center providing BC granulocytes reported shorter times from request to delivery than the center using apheresis products, but the average number of infusions required per patient was higher in the BC group. BC granulocytes have the potential to serve as an affordable alternative to apheresis granulocytes in resource-limited settings. However, the number of BC bags administered at a time needs to be optimized for achieving adequate doses.
This study evaluates the functional and aesthetic outcomes of Blepharoplasty for orbital fat bags in patients diagnosed with inactive thyroid eye disease (TED). A prospective observational study was conducted on 40 patients (72 eyelids) with stable TED undergoing various types of blepharoplasty for visible orbital fat bags between January 2023 and January 2025. Patients were followed for 06 months. The primary outcomes were changes in marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD 1), marginal reflex distance 2 (MRD 2), and patient satisfaction as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Measurements were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively on day 1, 1 week, and at 1, 3, and 6 months. The secondary outcomes focused on the occurrence of postoperative complications during the 6-month postoperative follow-up. MRD 1 increased significantly postoperatively from a mean of 2.42 ± 0.70 to 4.28 ± 0.271 at 6 months (p < 0.001), indicating restoration of upper eyelid position and improved eyelid contour. MRD 2 decreased significantly from 6.04 ± 0.07 to 5.2 ± 0.353 mm (p < 0.001), reflecting correction of lower eyelid bulge. VAS scores improved markedly from a preoperative mean of 2.1 to 8.9 postoperatively (p < 0.001), indicating high patient satisfaction.Minor complications observed were transient chemosis and lid retraction. Asymmetry was noted in 2 eyelids (2.8%), which required revision surgery. No major complications were observed. All types of blepharoplasty can be safely and effectively used to manage orbital fat prolapse in TED when tailored to the patient's anatomy and disease status. Aesthetic and functional outcomes are excellent, especially with a conservative, anatomy-based approach.
The ecological impacts of plant-based single-use packaging on tropical freshwater ecosystems remain poorly understood. Here, we experimentally evaluated the decomposition rates and invertebrate colonization of emerging plant-based packaging materials (sugarcane bagasse packaging and starch-based bioplastic) compared to native leaf litter in Amazonian headwater streams over 201 days. Using coarse- and fine-mesh litterbags, we found that substrate type significantly influenced both decomposition dynamics, taxonomic diversity and community composition. Sugarcane bagasse decomposes faster than native leaves, particularly in coarse mesh bags, suggesting that its higher biodegradability and microbial processing may result from industrial pre-treatment. In contrast, starch-based bioplastic exhibited the slowest decomposition rates and supported a low-diversity community dominated by generalist taxa. Overall invertebrate abundance, richness and diversity (Shannon and Pielou) did not differ among substrates, leaf litter fostered a distinct composition of aquatic invertebrate species and ecological succession compared to sugarcane bagasse and starch bioplastic. These findings highlight that although plant-based packaging such as sugarcane bagasse may degrade more readily than conventional plastics, its ecological roles diverge markedly from those of natural detritus. Our results underscore the importance of considering substrate quality, invertebrate colonization, and temporal dynamics in environmental assessment of emerging biodegradable materials and plant-based packaging, especially in tropical freshwater systems.
Blood airdrop is a rapid transfusion supply for humanitarian, disaster relief, and military needs. Yet, large-scale, long-distance blood airdrops has never been explored. Twenty bags of suspended red blood cells were randomly divided into two groups. The control group RBCs were stored at (4 ± 2)°C in the storage refrigerator. The airdrop group was subjected to the procedures of airdrop that involved a 74 h transportation journey covering 8220 km. The storage-lesion including RBCs morphology, physiological and biochemical indicators were measured on days 5, 14, 28, and 35 from the day of blood collection. Compared with the control group, the massive and distant airdrop procedures did not cause significant differences in physical, chemical and metabolic properties of RBCs during the storage period. However, the airdrop group RBCs possessed the less Glu consumption and LAC accumulation (p < .05) on the 14th and 28th day compared with the control group. By the end of the storage period, each of the Glu consumption and LAC accumulation between the two groups tended to be the same. At the end of the storage period (35th day), the average hemolysis rate of the airdrop group RBCs was 0.12%, and the highest value was 0.24%, both of which were not higher than those of the control group and met the blood quality standard requirement that the hemolysis rate should be less than 0.8%. The blood large-scale long-distance airdrop did not have a significant negative impact on the quality of suspended RBCs products.
Floral waste from temples, markets and public events poses a growing environmental concern due to its high biodegradability and disposal challenges. In this study, a sustainable approach was employed to valorize marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flower waste into eco-friendly herbal gulal, offering a biodegradable and non-toxic alternative to synthetic colorants. The experiment followed a Completely Randomized Design (factorial) with two packaging materials (polythene bag and steel container), two storage conditions (ambient and cold storage at 4 °C), and three storage durations (4, 8, and 12 months), each replicated thrice. Gulal prepared from marigold petals of cv. 'Laddu Gainda', harvested in August and December, was assessed for physico-chemical and sensory attributes. Storage in steel containers under cold conditions for 4 months preserved the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, maintained optimal pH, and minimized IC50, microbial load, and colour change (Δe). In contrast, prolonged storage in polythene bags under ambient conditions led to quality deterioration. Nonetheless, herbal gulal retained appreciable properties up to 12 months, remaining superior to commercial gulal that exhibited elevated pH, microbial contamination, and heavy metal residues. The findings demonstrate that value addition of floral waste through herbal gulal production supports circular bioeconomy principles and contributes to sustainable waste management.
Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a complex therapeutic intervention, particularly in pediatric and critically ill patients, requiring strict standards of safety, stability, and compatibility during its preparation. To update and harmonize clinical practice, the Pharmacy Working Group of the Spanish Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (SENPE) and the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH) have developed a new multidisciplinary consensus. This document addresses key practical questions and provides recommendations grounded in scientific evidence and clinical experience. The consensus focuses on six key areas related to PN preparation: lipid emulsion stability and lipid peroxidation; calcium-phosphate precipitation risk; stability of amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements; quality control and labeling; automated compounding systems and multi-chamber bags; and drug-PN compatibility. It outlines strategies to minimize physicochemical instability, including guidelines on analytical techniques, the recommended sequence of component addition, and preventive measures to avoid destabilization phenomena. This document serves as a practical guide for healthcare professionals involved in the compounding and administration of PN across various clinical settings. Recommendations were developed using a structured consensus methodology (adapted Delphi technique) and were unanimously endorsed by all participating experts. The result is a reference tool that supports safety, quality, and efficiency in PN preparation throughout Spain.