Journal of Morphology and Anatomy

Gelatine, a biopolymer widely utilized in food, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical sectors, possesses excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility but is limited by insufficient mechanical strength and stability in aqueous environments. Enhancing these properties is crucial for broadening gelatine's application scope. Graphene Oxide (GO), a functionalized form of graphene with superior mechanical strength and a large surface area, offers potential for fortifying gelatine through non-covalent interactions. This paper explores the reinforcement of gelatine by GO, focusing on the non-covalent interactions between GO and the amorphous regions of gelatine. Through a series of experimental analyses, including spectroscopy, microscopy, and mechanical testing, we demonstrate that the incorporation of GO significantly enhances the mechanical properties and thermal stability of gelatine without compromising its biocompatibility. The findings suggest a promising approach for developing advanced biopolymer composites suitable for various high-performance applications.

Hydrogels, with their unique ability to retain large quantities of water, have garnered significant interest in various scientific and industrial applications. Inulin-based hydrogels represent a novel category of these materials, capitalizing on the natural, biodegradable, and biocompatible properties of inulin, a fructan polysaccharide derived from plants. This paper explores the recent advances in the manufacturing and utilization of inulin-based hydrogels. Emphasis is placed on the methods of synthesis, including chemical and physical cross-linking techniques, as well as their functional modifications to enhance properties like mechanical strength, swelling capacity, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli. The diverse applications of inulin-based hydrogels in biomedical fields, agriculture, food industry, and environmental engineering are discussed, highlighting their potential in drug delivery systems, wound healing, controlled release fertilizers, and water purification. The review underscores the promising future of inulin-based hydrogels, driven by their sustainable origins and versatile functionality.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent condition during pregnancy with significant implications for maternal and fetal health. Traditional predictors of GDM, such as maternal age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and family history, are well-known, but emerging evidence suggests that Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) depth may serve as a novel and more precise predictor. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the relationship between VAT depth and the risk of GDM. We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, for studies published up to June 2024. Studies were included if they measured VAT depth through imaging techniques and assessed its association with GDM. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 10,500 participants. Meta-analysis revealed that increased VAT depth is significantly associated with higher odds of developing GDM .The findings suggest that VAT depth is a robust predictor of GDM, outperforming traditional measures such as BMI. This review underscores the importance of considering VAT depth in clinical settings for early identification and management of GDM risk.

Endovascular Aortic Repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure employed to treat Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA). However, the presence of challenging iliac artery anatomy can complicate the procedure, making effective cannulation crucial. This paper compares two cannulation techniques: Contralateral Snare Cannulation (CSC) and Retrograde Gate Cannulation (RGC), in the context of EVAR performed on patients with difficult iliac artery anatomy. The study evaluates the technical success, procedural time, fluoroscopy time, and complication rates associated with each technique. Through a comprehensive review of clinical cases and literature, the findings suggest that while both techniques have distinct advantages and limitations, the choice of method should be tailored to the patient's specific anatomical challenges and the surgeon's expertise.