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Polypyrrole is functionalized by deprotonation of its oxidized state, followed by a thiol-Michael addition reaction. It is found that this process produced emissive compositions. This feature is found to be diagnostic of the functionalization and relative solvation by water, wherein enhanced interactions with the solvent gave higher emission intensities. The thiol-conjugation method is shown to be general and can be extended to a range of polar, nonpolar, and aromatic materials. Thiol-conjugated materials retain the electroactivity characteristic of polypyrrole. The dual fluorescence and electroactivity of these thiol-conjugated nanoparticles suggest their potential as a sensing platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Flow battery is a safe and scalable energy storage technology in effectively utilizing clean power and mitigating carbon emissions from fossil fuel consumption. In the present work, we demonstrate an aqueous colloid flow battery (ACFB) with well-dispersed colloids based on nano-sized Prussian blue (PB) cubes, aiming at expanding the chosen area of various nano redox materials and lowering the cost of chemicals. Taking advantage of the two redox pairs of PB, the developed all-PB cell employing a low-cost dialysis membrane with the synthesized PB on both sides displays an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.74 V. Moreover, when paired with an organic tetra pyridine macrocycle the cell with PB as positive electrolyte exhibits an OCV of 1.33 V and a capacity fade rate of 0.039 %/cycle (0.8 %/day). Redox-active colloids exhibit enduring physicochemical stability, with no evident structural or morphological changes after extensive cycling, highlighting their potential for cost-effective and reliable ACFB energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Decades of research on cannabidiol (CBD) have identified thousands of purported cellular effects, and many of these have been proposed to correlate with a vast therapeutic potential. Yet despite the large volume of findings fueling broad optimism in this regard, few have translated into any demonstrable clinical benefit or even notable side effects. Therein resides the great paradox of CBD: a drug that appears to affect almost everything in vitro does not clearly do much of anything in a clinical setting. Areas covered: Comparative critical evaluation of literature searched in PubMed and Google Scholar discovers multiple instances of inconsistent and contradictory findings regarding the pharmacology and clinical effects of CBD, as well as several uncelebrated reports that suggest potential explanations for these observations. Many of those effects attributed to the ostensible pharmacologic activity of cannabidiol are almost certainly the product of false-positive experimental results and artifactual findings that are unlikely to be realized under physiologic conditions. Expert opinion: Concerns regarding the physiological relevance and translational potential of in vitro findings across the field of cannabinoid research are both far-reaching and demanding of attention in the form of appropriate experimental controls that remain almost universally absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the synthesis of Zinc sulfide quantum dots (ZnS QDs) by chemical precipitation method using air‐stable complex of hydrazine hydrate‐sulfur is reported. The hydrazine hydrate‐sulfur complex plays a vital role in the growth of ZnS QDs. The structural studies confirm that ZnS QDs are highly stable, spherical in shape, monodisperse, and exhibit wurtzite structure. The estimated particle size is in the range of 3–6 nm. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the ZnS QDs for the photodegradation of methyl orange is explored. The ZnS QDs exhibit interesting size dependent degradation performance. The photodegradation efficiency increases with increase in the size of ZnS QDs and the highest observed photodegradation efficiency is 66.31%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the reaction mechanism of neutralization precipitation and the kinetics of precipitation, as well as the equilibrium of adsorption of germanium. The investigation examines the impact of various experimental parameters, including reaction temperature, reaction duration, iron-germanium mass ratio, and the final pH of the reaction, on the rate of germanium precipitation. The findings suggest that optimal precipitation conditions are attained at a reaction temperature of 60 °C, a precipitation duration of 120 min, an iron-germanium mass ratio of 40:1, and a pH of 5.5 at the reaction endpoint. Under these conditions, the precipitation efficiency can achieve 99.42%. Kinetics and adsorption equilibrium were analyzed, revealing that the germanium precipitation reaction adhered to the pseudo-second-order model for kinetics and the Freundlich adsorption isothermal model for adsorption equilibrium. Based on theoretical analysis and detection of precipitate, the precipitation reactions can be divided into three parts: (1) GeO2 reacts with water to form small amounts of germanic acid, which then hydrolyzes to form colloidal precipitates; (2) colloidal ferric hydroxide, adsorbing germanium, precipitates spontaneously; (3) due to the addition of NaOH to adjust pH both at the outset and during the experiment, a portion of the solution will have a high pH region for a certain period of time, leading to the presence of germanium in the forms of HGeO3− and GeO32− within these localized areas. The HGeO3− and GeO32− at this point will form a small amount of colloid in the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance may be reduced using a novel approach, i.e. microenvironment-targeted administration of antibiotics. This study shows excellent photodynamic antimicrobial activity of the polydiacetylene crystal nanostructure. The polydiacetylene nanocrystal (NC-DCHD) only binds to the cell membrane of E. coli in dark incubation with minimal damage to bacterial cells. Still, the same reaction mixture placed in photodynamic light highly damaged the bacterial cells was observed due to high photocatalytic activity. The NC-DCHD bacterial minimum inhibition concentration was observed at 0.8 µM after 5 h incubation in the photoregion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Dengue virus remains a major public health problem with one of the hallmark pathologies is the vascular leakage caused by endothelial dysfunction which can lead to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) manifestation. In the status quo, no specific therapy has been discovered but rather heavily relies on judicious and frequent monitoring of intravenous fluids administration. The current guideline has discussed the roles of fluid therapy during the Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) stage, however, administration of early fluid intervention for DHF grade I and II remains uncharted territory. In addition, the choice and timing of colloid administration remains underexplored. As one of the widely available colloids, 5% albumin has known physiological properties that potentially minimize plasma leakage. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the benefit of early intervention of 5% albumin in adults with DHF in the hope of preventing the lethal progression to DSS and further, shorten the length of stay (LOS) for patients. Methods We conducted a multicenter, open-labeled, randomized controlled trial in Jakarta and Banten to compare the effect of early intervention with 5% albumin in adult patients with DHF compared to Ringer’s Lactate (RL). Statistical analyses were conducted using unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney for normally and abnormally distributed data respectively. Results Adult patients with a diagnosis of DHF grade I and II that being hospitalized to receive the early intervention of 5% albumin had significantly lower levels of hemoconcentration 4, 12, and 24 h (p = 0.002, 0.001, 0.003, respectively), higher platelet counts 4 h (p = 0.036), higher serum albumin levels 48 h (p = 0.036), lower proteinuria 24 and 48 h post-albumin administration (p

Doping semiconductor nanomaterials with manganese ion (Mn2+) introduce a well‐defined photoactive d‐d level within the band structure, paving the way for diverse applications. Although Mn doping in single‐layer 2D hybrid perovskites (n = 1) has been extensively studied, limited research has been conducted on doping with modulation of the layer thickness. Herein, Mn2+ doping in hybrid 2D perovskite nanoplatelets (NPLs), L2An‐1[Pb1‐xMnx]nBr3n+1 (where L = butylammonium, A = methylammonium), with variations in Mn concentration (x = 0–0.60) and layer thickness (n = 1–3) is reported. Substitutional doping of Mn significantly increases the photoluminescence quantum yield as well as the rate of energy transfer efficiency, which strongly depends on the layer thickness of NPLs. The Mn concentration in 2D NPLs determines the rate of forward and backward energy transfer. Low‐temperature emission spectra allow to determine thickness‐dependent exciton binding energy for Mn‐doped 2D NPLs (x = 0.5) with values of 410 ± 11 meV (n = 1), 188 ± 9 meV (n = 2), and 151 ± 17 meV (n = 3). The faster dissociation of band‐edge excitons into free carriers at Mn2+ sites results in high brightness with an excellent CRI of 89.2 for the white light‐emitting diode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)‐derived pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) management is generally extrapolated from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN)‐derived PDAC guidelines. However, these are biologically divergent, and heterogeneity further exists between tubular and colloid subtypes. Methods: Consecutive upfront surgery patients with PanIN‐derived and IPMN‐derived PDAC were retrospectively identified from international centers (2000–2019). One‐to‐one propensity score matching for clinicopathologic factors generated three cohorts: IPMN‐derived versus PanIN‐derived PDAC, tubular IPMN‐derived versus PanIN‐derived PDAC, and tubular versus colloid IPMN‐derived PDAC. Overall survival (OS) was compared using Kaplan–Meier and log‐rank tests. Multivariable Cox regression determined corresponding hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: The median OS (mOS) in 2350 PanIN‐derived and 700 IPMN‐derived PDAC patients was 23.0 and 43.1 months (P < 0.001), respectively. PanIN‐derived PDAC had worse T‐stage, CA19‐9, grade, and nodal status. Tubular subtype had worse T‐stage, CA19‐9, grade, nodal status, and R1 margins, with a mOS of 33.7 versus 94.1 months (P < 0.001) in colloid. Matched (n = 495), PanIN‐derived and IPMN‐derived PDAC had mOSs of 30.6 and 42.8 months (P < 0.001), respectively. In matched (n = 341) PanIN‐derived and tubular IPMN‐derived PDAC, mOS remained poorer (27.7 vs 37.4, P < 0.001). Matched tubular and colloid cancers (n = 112) had similar OS (P = 0.55). On multivariable Cox regression, PanIN‐derived PDAC was associated with worse OS than IPMN‐derived (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.44–1.90) and tubular IPMN‐derived (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.32–1.77) PDAC. Colloid and tubular subtype was not associated with OS (P = 0.16). Conclusions: PanIN‐derived PDAC has worse survival than IPMN‐derived PDAC supporting distinct outcomes. Although more indolent, colloid IPMN‐derived PDAC has similar survival to tubular after risk adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the safety of repeated administration of a lyophilized canine‐specific albumin (CSA) product and to quantify its effect on serum albumin concentrations and colloid osmotic pressure (COP) in healthy dogs. Design: Prospective study. Setting: University research facility. Animals: Six healthy, adult, purpose‐bred Beagles. Interventions: Dogs received 1 g/kg of 16% CSA intravenously on days 1, 2, and 14 and were observed, with serial measurement of vital parameters during and for 2 hours after each infusion, to monitor for adverse events or evidence of a hypersensitivity reaction. Serum albumin concentration and COP were measured at predetermined time points before and after each infusion. Results: One dog experienced a single episode of vomiting approximately 1 hour after completion of the second infusion. No other adverse reactions were observed during the 28‐day study period. Serum albumin concentration was increased by a mean of 0.57 g/dL (5.7 g/L) (P = 0.003) when measured 2 hours after the first CSA infusion, and albumin concentration remained significantly higher than baseline at 24 hours after infusion, with a mean difference of 0.42 g/dL (4.2 g/dL) (P < 0.001). The second and third CSA infusions similarly increased serum albumin concentration at 2 hours (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) and 24 hours (P = 0.012 and P = 0.007, respectively) after infusion. COP increased by a mean of 2.03 mm Hg at 2 hours after the first infusion (P = 0.013) and remained significantly higher than baseline at 24 hours after infusion, with a mean difference of 1.52 mm Hg (P = 0.002). The second CSA infusion similarly increased COP at 2 hours (P < 0.001) and 24 hours (P = 0.017) after infusion. The third CSA infusion increased COP at 2 hours after infusion (P = 0.004) but did not achieve statistical significance at 24 hours after infusion (P = 0.053). Conclusions: A 1‐g/kg dose of lyophilized CSA was effective at increasing serum albumin concentration and COP. Repeated infusions of CSA appear safe in healthy dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few studies of mass transfer to nanospheres (1 nm ≤ dp ≤ 100 nm). We have experimentally investigated the electrocatalytic reduction of hexacyanoferrate (III) to hexacyanoferrate (II) on gold nanospheres. The surface flux is insensitive to particle sizes of dp ≥ 30 nm and is essentially identical to that for a diffusion‐limited system. However, the measured fluxes in the range 5 nm ≤ dp ≤ 30 nm were one to three orders of magnitude smaller than predicted by a purely diffusion‐limited model. Using mathematical modeling, we evaluated six mechanisms affecting mass transfer to a nanoparticle in our experimental system. Among potential acceleratory effects, the curvature effect sharply increased the surface flux by a factor of 20. Other acceleratory effects of Brownian advection and enhanced surface reactivity played negligible roles, the latter due to screening by a charged stabilizing layer. Deceleratory effects of increased tortuosity by stabilizing layers and particle aggregation also played negligible roles. Electrostatic repulsion dominated mass transfer for dp ≤ 30 nm. This finding suggests tuning the charge and the tortuosity of the stabilizer layer to potentiate the flux will be useful in engineering nanosuspensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the real world, active agents interact with surrounding passive objects, thus introducing additional degrees of complexity. The relative contributions of far-field hydrodynamic and near-field contact interactions to the anomalous diffusion of passive particles in suspensions of active swimmers remain a subject of ongoing debate. We constructed a quasi-two-dimensional microswimmer–colloid mixed system by taking advantage of Serratia marcescens' tendency to become trapped at the air–water interface to investigate the origins of the enhanced diffusion and non-Gaussianity of the displacement distributions of passive colloidal tracers. Our findings reveal that the diffusion behavior of colloidal particles exhibits a strong dependence on bacterial density. At moderate densities, the collective dynamics of bacteria dominate the diffusion of tracer particles. In dilute bacterial suspensions, although there are multiple dynamic types present, near-field contact interactions such as collisions play a major role in the enhancement of colloidal transport and the emergence of non-Gaussian displacement distributions characterized by heavy exponential tails in short times. Despite the distinct types of microorganisms and their diverse self-propulsion mechanisms, a generality in the diffusion behavior of passive colloids and their underlying dynamics is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn metal as a promising anode for aqueous batteries suffers from severe zinc dendrites, anion‐related side reactions, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and narrow electrochemical stable window (ESW). Herein, an "anions‐in‐colloid" hydrated deep eutectic electrolyte consisting of Zn(ClO4)2 ⋅ 6H2O, β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), and H2O with mass ratio of 7 : 4.5 : 3 (ACDE‐3) is designed to improve the stability of zinc anode. The ACDE‐3 reconfigures the hydrogen‐bond (HB) network and regulates the solvation shell. More importantly, the hydroxyl‐rich β‐cyclodextrins (β‐CDs) in ACDE‐3 self‐assemble into micelles, in which the steric effect between adjacent β‐CDs in micelles restricts the movement of anions. This unique "anions‐in‐colloid" structure enables the eutectic system with a high Zn2+ transference number (tZn2+) of 0.84. Thus, ACDE‐3 inhibits the formation of dendrite, prevents the anion‐involved side reactions, suppresses the HER, and enlarges the ESW to 2.32 V. The Zn//Zn symmetric cell delivers a long lifespan of 900 hours at 0.5 mA cm−2, and the Zn//Cu half cells have a high average columbic efficiency (ACE) of 97.9 % at 0.5 mA cm−2 from cycle 15 to 200 with a uniform and compact zinc deposition. When matched with a poly(1,5‐naphthalenediamine) (poly(1, 5‐NAPD)) cathode, the full battery with a low negative/positive capacity (N/P) ratio of 2 can still cycle steadily for 200 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g−1. Additionally, this electrolyte has been proven to be operative over a wide temperature range from −40 °C to 40 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue virus remains a major public health problem with one of the hallmark pathologies is the vascular leakage caused by endothelial dysfunction which can lead to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) manifestation. In the status quo, no specific therapy has been discovered but rather heavily relies on judicious and frequent monitoring of intravenous fluids administration. The current guideline has discussed the roles of fluid therapy during the Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) stage, however, administration of early fluid intervention for DHF grade I and II remains uncharted territory. In addition, the choice and timing of colloid administration remains underexplored. As one of the widely available colloids, 5% albumin has known physiological properties that potentially minimize plasma leakage. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the benefit of early intervention of 5% albumin in adults with DHF in the hope of preventing the lethal progression to DSS and further, shorten the length of stay (LOS) for patients. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, open-labeled, randomized controlled trial in Jakarta and Banten to compare the effect of early intervention with 5% albumin in adult patients with DHF compared to Ringer's Lactate (RL). Statistical analyses were conducted using unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney for normally and abnormally distributed data respectively. Results: Adult patients with a diagnosis of DHF grade I and II that being hospitalized to receive the early intervention of 5% albumin had significantly lower levels of hemoconcentration 4, 12, and 24 h (p = 0.002, 0.001, 0.003, respectively), higher platelet counts 4 h (p = 0.036), higher serum albumin levels 48 h (p = 0.036), lower proteinuria 24 and 48 h post-albumin administration (p < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively), and shorter LOS (p < 0.001) when compared to the RL group. Conclusion: Early intervention of 5% albumin showed better control on vascular integrity and function compared to ringer lactate in hospitalized adults with grade I & II DHF, thus halting the progression of DHF into DSS and other related complications which leads to faster recovery and shorter length of stay. Trial registration: The study was registered to www.clinicaltrial.gov with trial registration number NCT04076254, and registration date October 31st 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid phase exfoliation of non-van der Waals materials has generated renewed interest in fundamental optical and electronic materials discovery and processing. However, such approaches can limit access to novel two-dimensional materials due to the chemistry of exfoliation and processing conditions employed (e.g., processing temperature, mechanical energy input, volatile organic compounds, and sensitive redox chemistries). Here, we demonstrate the exfoliation of bulk hematite (α-Fe2O3) powder using a mild bath sonication methodology in liquid monomer media to form stable colloidal dispersions with quasi-two-dimensional hematene nanoflakes. These colloidal dispersions were further processed to form hematene poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix composite substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy was used for the structural characterization of 4-aminothiophenol molecules in silver and gold colloids. During the SERS experiment on silver nanoparticles, structural changes occurred in the molecules adsorbed on the metal surface. The observed changes were associated with the dimerization process of 4-aminothiophenol under the influence of laser radiation, leading to the formation of 4,4'-dimercaptoazobenzene. The use of excitation at 532 nm with radiation power that is quite low for traditional SERS measurements proved to be optimal for catalyzing the dimerization process, while using laser excitation at 785 nm less stimulated dimerization of the studied compound. Unlike silver, gold nanospheres proved to be less suitable substrates for catalyzing the dimerization process under the chosen experimental conditions. Unmodified, freshly prepared silver colloid proved to be an adequate substrate for stimulating the dimerization of 4-aminothiophenol during classical SERS measurements, even when an excitation radiation power of less than 5 mW was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the ability of bioreactance noninvasive cardiac output (BR‐NICO) with thermodilution cardiac output (TDCO) for the measurement of cardiac output (CO) in healthy adult horses receiving 2 different IV volume replacement solutions. Design: Prospective randomized crossover study from September to November 2021. Setting: University teaching hospital. Animals: Six university‐owned adult horses. Interventions: Horses were randomly assigned to receive 7.2% hypertonic saline solution (HSS) or 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) solution (HETA). BR‐NICO and TDCO were measured simultaneously at baseline, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, and 120 minutes before fluid administration and again at the same times after starting a bolus infusion of IV volume replacers. All solutions were administered within 10 minutes. Measurements and Main Results: BR‐NICO and TDCO were strongly correlated (Pearson r2 = 0.93; P < 0.01). Regression analysis showed the relationship between TDCO and BR‐NICO was BR‐NICO = 0.48 × TDCO + 0.6. For the corrected BR‐NICO values, the Bland–Altman agreement mean bias and lower/upper limits of agreement were −0.62 and −5.3 to 3.9 L/min, respectively. Lin's concordance (95% confidence interval) between methods was 0.894 (0.825–1.097). Compared with baseline, HSS increased the CO at 10 and 20 minutes (TDCO and BR‐NICO). Compared with baseline, HETA decreased the CO at 10 and 20 minutes (TDCO and BR‐NICO) and increased the CO at 90 (TDCO only) and 120 minutes (TDCO and BR‐NICO). Conclusions: BR‐NICO strongly agreed with TDCO in the measurement of CO in healthy unsedated adult horses. HSS administration significantly increased CO in the first 30 minutes, while HETA initially decreased CO at 10 minutes but increased CO to above baseline values by 90 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estrogens in river systems can significantly impact aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the multiphase partitioning of estrogens in Wulo Creek, Taiwan, which receives animal feedlot wastewater, to understand their distribution and potential environmental implications. Water samples were separated into suspended particulate matter (SPM), colloidal, and soluble phases using centrifugation and cross-flow ultrafiltration. Concentrations of estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) in each phase were analyzed using LC/MS/MS. Partition coefficients were calculated to assess estrogen distribution among phases. Estrogens were predominantly found in the soluble phase (85.8–87.3%). The risk assessment of estrogen equivalent (EEQ) values suggests that estrogen concentration in water poses a higher risk compared to SPM, with a majority of the samples indicating a high risk to aquatic organisms. The colloidal phase contained 12.7–14.2% of estrogens. The log KCOC values (4.72–4.77 L/kg-C) were significantly higher than the log KOC and log KPOC values (2.02–3.40 L/kg-C) for all estrogens. Colloids play a critical role in estrogen distribution in river systems, potentially influencing their fate, transport, and biotoxicity. This finding highlights the importance of considering colloidal interactions in assessing estrogen behavior in aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low student learning outcomes are a significant issue in high school colloid chemistry learning. Correspondingly, this research aimed to determine the effectiveness of scientific literacy-based student worksheets (LKPD) in colloid chemistry learning. A quasi-experimental approach, specifically the pretest-posttest control group design, was employed in this study. The experimental class, XI IPA-2, consisted of 15 students, while the control class, XI IPA-1, also included 15 students, with total sampling techniques used to select the sample. Test instruments were developed to collect student learning outcome data through pretest and posttest techniques. The effectiveness of student worksheets was analyzed using the N-gain test, independent sample t-test, and effect size tests. The N-gain results exhibited an average score of 0.7319, which was a high category for the experimental class, while the control class obtained a score of 0.5308, which was categorized as moderate. The independent sample t-test results indicated a 2-taliled significance score of 0.002 ( 0.05), demonstrating a significant difference between the learning outcomes of the experimental and control classes. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that scientific literacy-based student worksheets effectively improved student learning outcomes in colloid chemistry learning at the senior high school level.

Understanding the properties of the precursor can provide deeper insight into the crystallization and nucleation mechanisms of perovskites, which is vital for the solution‐process device performance. Herein, we conducted a detailed investigation into the photophysics properties of CsPbBr3 precursors in a broad concentration and various solvents. The precursor transformed from the solution state into the colloidal state and exhibited aggregation‐induced emission character as the concentration increased. The aggregative luminescence from the precursors originates from the polybromide plumbous that is formed through the coordination of solvent molecules to the lead metal center. Two adducts with monodentate (PbBr2 ⋅ solvent) and bidentate (PbBr2 ⋅ 2solvent) ligands can be obtained, accompanied by emission with photoluminescence at 610 and 565 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the aggregative luminescence intensity and color could be regulated by changing the solvent and precursor ratio. Besides, we discussed the difference between the molecular aggregate in the organic system and the ionic aggregate in the inorganic system: the ionic aggregate is composed of solvated ions rather than individual molecules as in organic systems, which could possess properties that ions do not have. The fluorescence that is sensitive to Pb2+ coordination reported here could be applied to screen perovskite additives and judge the precursor aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The formation of soft colloidal crystals, which are nonclose-packed ordered arrays of colloidal particles suspended in a solvent, is dictated by a single physical factor that yields a fixed threshold at order–disorder boundaries for different experimental conditions such as ion concentration, solvent type, and particle size. Identifying the determinant factor and its threshold value should enable the prediction of the critical concentrations of colloidal particles to form soft colloidal crystals. Soft colloidal crystals were fabricated using a series of monohydric alcohols as dispersion media and reflectance spectra were measured to locate order–disorder boundaries. The interaction forces acting between particles were also measured by employing atomic force microscopy. The interparticle forces at the order–disorder boundaries exhibited a universal threshold that was independent of the solvent types including alcohols and water. Therefore, the determinant factor for the formation of soft colloidal crystals was determined to be the force acting between the particles. Furthermore, a priori calculation of this critical force and consequently the critical particle concentration in colloidal systems was demonstrated by referring to the pressure at the liquid-to-solid transition in a hard sphere system (Alder transition). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over recent decades, natural and artificial colloids, as well as nanoparticles, have been increasingly used in various applications. Consequently, with this rising consumption, surface and subsurface environments are more exposed to these particles. The presence of these particles and the colloid-facilitated transport of microorganisms, the interactions between dissolved contaminants and mobile colloids in porous media, and the fate and transport of colloids through groundwater—one of the primary sources of water supply for human societies—have attracted extensive research. This study investigates the performance of several image processing methods in the field of colloid detection, which is a prerequisite for the subsequent steps in porous media research. We employed four different categories of image processing approaches on microscopy images—segmentation-based methods, background-detection-based methods, filter-based methods, and morphology-based methods—to conduct the detection process of colloids. Eight methods were applied and subsequently analyzed in terms of their drawbacks and advantages to determine the best ones in this domain. Finally, we proposed an ensemble approach that leverages the strengths of the three best methods using a majority vote to detect colloids more accurately. In experiments, Precision, Recall, F-measure, and TCR criteria were considered as evaluation tools. Experimental results demonstrate the high accuracy of image processing methods in recognizing colloids. Among all these methods, morphology-based methods were the most successful, achieving the best detection performance and improving the limited distinguishing features of small colloids. Moreover, our ensemble approach, achieving perfect scores across all evaluation criteria, highlights its superiority compared with other detection methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maintenance of tissue fluid homeostasis is an essential task in perioperative care. Fluid balance, when managed accurately and safely, can influence perioperative outcomes and reduce significant patient morbidity and mortality. Surgical and critically ill patients are subjected to disrupted physiology due to a combination of hypovolaemia, systemic inflammation and local glycocalyx damage, with resulting impairment of normal fluid regulation. To optimize fluid management and achieve adequate end-organ perfusion, cardiac output monitoring methods are increasingly employed to guide perioperative fluid therapy. In recent years, the additional importance of optimizing microcirculation has been of great interest. Fasting and perioperative fluid strategies are similarly integral in fast-track surgery pathways, despite aspects pertaining to volumes and types of fluid still up for clinical debate. Fluid burden commonly exceeds volumes consciously given due to hidden volumes used in drug delivery, and the importance of comprehensive overview on fluid prescription should not be understated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid halide perovskites (HHPs) are very promising absorber materials for solar cells due to their high power conversion efficiency and the low-cost solution-based processing methods. We applied small angle X-ray scattering to MAPbI3, FAPbI3 and MAPbBr3 precursor solutions in different solvents (GBL, DMF, and mixtures) to gain a deeper understanding of the building blocks during the early stage of HHP formation. We present a core–shell model where the core is formed by [PbX6] octahedra surrounded by a shell of solvent molecules, which explains the arrangement of the precursors in solution and how the solvent and the halide influence such arrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous proton batteries are promising candidates for the harvest and utilization of renewable yet intermittent energies. The redox couple of MnO2/Mn2+ is one of the most competitive cathodes to enable proton batteries with high voltage. However, electrolytic products of the MnO2/Mn2+ reactions tend to disperse into acidic electrolytes, and the composition of the electrolytic products as well as their influences on the counter electrode and the overall batteries are still unclear. Herein, the behaviors of the manganese electrolysis are studied with electrolytes of different proton concentrations and under variant current densities. The electrolytic products are disclosed to be ɛ‐MnO2 regardless of the acidities of electrolytes and report, for the first time, the dispersed MnO2 can chemically oxidize or dissolve the anode materials and subsequently induce self‐discharging. A membrane‐assisted protection strategy is proposed to prevent the free‐shuttle of MnO2 particles and mitigate the battery self‐discharging. Accordingly, a much‐enhanced shelf‐life performance (61.3% capacity retention over a one‐week rest) is achieved for pyrene‐4,5,9,10‐tetraone//MnO2 full‐cell. Furthermore, a customized device is developed with Nafion membrane, reaching excellent cycling stability (3000 cycles, 54 days) and a low self‐discharging rate. The findings and strategies for mitigating the self‐discharging issues are anticipated to advance the MnO2/Mn2+‐based aqueous batteries and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although colloidal Janus nanoparticles have significant biomedical application potential, their interaction with cells has been relatively less studied. Here we have demonstrated enhanced cellular interaction and uptake of nanoparticles due to Janus functionalization. In particular, we have synthesized 50–100 nm porous silica particles where one side of each particle is terminated with arginine and the other side is terminated with dextran. These Janus nanoparticles exhibit lower colloidal stability compared to isotropically functionalized arginine/dextran, and this property induces enhanced cellular interaction/uptake. The porous structure of these Janus nanoparticles is used for the loading of small-molecule drugs and then for enhanced cell delivery of drugs with enhanced therapeutic performance. Results suggest that Janus nanoparticles with anisotropic functionalization have a wide range of biomedical application potentials that are yet to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experimental work, a procedure was introduced to redisperse WO3 nanoparticles in NMP. The primary nanoparticles were non-dispersible in NMP and the method includes dissolving the nanoparticles into an appropriate solution and adding ethylene glycol as dispersing agent. The optimum temperature and drying time to obtain a transparent and high stable colloidal dispersion were achieved. The final product powder redispersed in NMP and spin-coated on glass substrates. The surface of the layers was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique was used to study the distribution, charge and zeta potential of the nanoparticles in the NMP matrix. Also, Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) of the sample after dispersing and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were taken. The results show a high stability of the final WO3 nanoparticles in NMP solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern strategies to deliver drugs efficiently via less toxic non-aqueous carriers like deep eutectic solvents (DES) has grown tremendously. Herein, we develop several synthetic and natural DES to improve solubility of poorly soluble drug, docetaxel (DTX). Menthol:thymol-based natural DES showed 1500-folds higher solubility for DTX than that in water. FTIR-spectroscopy confirmed reduced crystallinity and stable encapsulation of DTX in DES through formation of hydrogen-bond. DTX-DES was developed further into self-emulsified formulation that upon dilution formed nanostructured globules (< 200 nm) and released 20-folds higher DTX than pure drug thereby highlighting the potential of DES for designing formulations of poorly soluble drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bentonite, as a buffering and backfilled material in high level radioactive waste disposal repository, will produce colloids when interacting with groundwater in near field. Colloids play an important role on the diffusion and migration behavior of radioactive nuclides. Therefore, study on bentonite releasing colloids is one of important issues in disposal safety assessment. GMZ bentonite, short for Gaomiaozi bentonite, is identified as the most promising backfill material in China. GMZ bentonite was taken as research object in this paper, and factors and mechanisms affecting bentonite releasing colloids were studied using turbidimetric method because of good linear relationship between turbidity and colloid concentration. The effects of ion strength, ion types, acid-base property and temperature on releasing colloids were researched. Sample bottle of turbidimeter was special customized in order to avoid disturbance caused by frequent sampling which would affect measurement results. Bentonite was pressed by tableting firstly, then placed in a restricted container made of granite for simulating the real situation of disposal repository. Relationship curves of ion type, ionic strength, pH and temperature with turbidity were obtained, and the mechanisms of all factors affecting colloids releasing were analyzed. The results show that order of cationic species inhibiting the release of colloids from bentonite is Li+＜Na+＜K+＜NH4+＜Zn2+＜Mg2+＜H+＜Ca2+. The cations with higher charge have stronger suppression ability except H+ which could protonate the edge of montmorillonite and reduce the swelling ability of bentonite significantly. The effect of cations on bentonite releasing colloid depends on the ion hydration radius, agglomeration capacity, ability to neutralize negative charges, and adsorption capacity. OH- among four kinds of anions could promote the release of colloids significantly, while others have little effect on the release of colloids basically. The ability of solution to inhibit bentonite releasing colloids would be stronger, when the ionic strength of the solution is higher. Bentonite generates colloids much easier in neutral condition, weak acid and weak base conditions take second place, while strong acid and alkali conditions have the strongest inhibitory effect on colloid release. Acidic environment is more effective in inhibiting colloid release from bentonite than alkaline environment. Increasing the temperature is conducive to the release of bentonite colloid under 20-50 ℃. The reason lied in raising temperature could increase the internal energy of montmorillonite, improve probability of collision between colloidal particles,and reduce the ability of neutralizing negative charges which is beneficial for the swelling of montmorillonite. The results have important guiding significance for analyzing the retardation of nuclide migration by bentonite colloid and understanding the geochemical behavior of bentonite in the near-field correctly.

Abstract Background Acute microcirculatory perfusion disturbances and organ edema are important factors leading to organ dysfunction during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Priming of the CPB system with crystalloid or colloid fluids, which inevitably leads to hemodilution, could contribute to this effect. However, there is yet no optimal evidence-based strategy for this type of priming. Hence, we will investigate different priming strategies to reduce hemodilution and preserve microcirculatory perfusion. Methods The PRIME study is a single-center double-blind randomized trial. Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery with CPB will be randomized into three groups of prime fluid strategy: (1) gelofusine with crystalloid, (2) albumin with crystalloid, or (3) crystalloid and retrograde autologous priming. We aim to include 30 patients, 10 patients in each arm. The primary outcome is the change in microcirculatory perfusion. Secondary outcomes include colloid oncotic pressure; albumin; hematocrit; electrolytes; fluid balance and requirements; transfusion rates; and endothelial-, glycocalyx-, inflammatory- and renal injury markers. Sublingual microcirculatory perfusion will be measured using non-invasive sidestream dark field video microscopy. Microcirculatory and blood measurements will be performed at five consecutive time points during surgery up to 24 h after admission to the intensive care unit. Discussion PRIME is the first study to assess the effect of different prime fluid strategies on microcirculatory perfusion in cardiac surgery with CPB. If the results suggest that a specific crystalloid or colloid prime fluid strategy better preserves microcirculatory perfusion during on-pump cardiac surgery, the current study may help to find the optimal pump priming in cardiac surgery. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05647057. Registered on 04/25/2023. ClinicalTrials.gov PRS: Record Summary NCT05647057, all items can be found in the protocol.

The article discusses the ongoing debate between using colloid or crystalloid solutions for resuscitation in sepsis patients. Colloids, such as albumin, have been used for their ability to improve oncotic pressure and treat hypoalbuminemia. However, recent randomized control trials have shown that albumin does not improve survival in critically ill septic patients, although it also does not cause harm. The optimal approach to fluid management in septic patients remains uncertain, and the most recent guidelines recommend initial resuscitation with crystalloids. A recent feasibility study comparing albumin and balanced crystalloid in early sepsis found no difference in mortality, but further research is needed to determine the best fluid choices in early sepsis. [Extracted from the article]

This work presents for the first time one-step ultrafast (precursor-free) synthesis of 1D MnFe 2 O 4 (MFO) nanorods and soft magnetic colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) using microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) methods, with or without citric acid (CA) as a surfactant (in situ synthesis), respectively. The mechanism of growth of spinel MFO nanostructures during the MAH synthesis was studied by varying synthesis duration (3–6 h) and temperature (180–200 °C). An increase in both the duration and temperature improved the purity of the samples, up to 97%. On the other hand, a temperature increase by 20 °C notably shortened the formation time of MFO nanorods, which have an average diameter and length of less than 20 nm and 350 nm, respectively, as observed at 200 °C after 6 h. All the fabricated MFO NPs with spherical and rod-like morphologies manifested high saturation magnetization in the range of 54–64 emu/g. The chelation of lattice metal ions by CA resulted in the formation of a stable colloid comprising 100% pure spinel MFO NPs with a size of ≤32 ± 10 nm (mean ± SD) and featuring very soft magnetic properties. This colloid was generated by the MAH synthesis at 175 °C within 30 min. Notably, an increase in synthesis duration from 30 min to 3 h diminished MFO phase purity from 100% to 52% and saturation magnetization from 43.4 ± 0.7 to 33.9 ± 2.0 emu/g for CA-functionalized MFO NPs owing to CA degradation increasing during the in situ MAH synthesis with longer duration. This study indicates good potential of ultrafast MAH synthesis for the development of 1D magnetic spinel nanostructures with controllable morphology, size, magnetic properties, and colloidal stability, thereby offering a wide range of applications within the fields of adsorption, catalysis, electronics, and biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Among the methods for onsite detection of specific biomolecules, the use of retroreflective Janus particles (RJPs) is a simple and efficient method for biophotonic probes to detect biotarget molecules with spatioselectivity, which can make the RJPs align toward light sources after capturing the target biomolecules, enhancing retroreflection. Because RJP has two distinct regions with different properties, specific reagents can be easily functionalized through chemical reactions between the functional groups and biotarget molecules. The number of functional groups on RJP will be the critical parameter for efficiency of sensing ability. Here, clickable (azide) polymer brush is introduced on surface of RJP via different surface polymerization methods (grafting to and grafting from method). Azide groups allow for the easy modification of dibenzocyclooctyne‐linked biomolecules onto silica particles through click chemistry. RJPs are prepared with different quantities of azide functional groups on their surfaces via solvent volatilization method and metal deposition. Using a retroreflective immunosensing system, sensitive detection of target biomolecules is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recipe for making Turkish coffee in some parts of former Yugoslavia calls for the dilution of the turbid liquid with lukewarm water just before the boiling point is reached. The enigmatic gastronomic purpose of this step notwithstanding, here it is being used as an inspiration for deriving a simple stabilization step for protocols for the synthesis of fine particle colloids. The dilution step inspired by coffee-making was performed in a protocol for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles by their precipitation from supersaturated alkaline aqueous solutions. The implementation of this step in the post-precipitation stage, concurrently with boiling, evidently improved the stability of the nanoparticle colloids. The stabilization effect was limited to the suspensions where the parent solution was equilibrated with the fresh precipitate and was not reproduced in colloids comprising HAp nanoparticles redispersed in deionized water. The dilution step produced a mild and counterintuitive increase in crystallinity, suggesting complex recrystallization mechanisms driven by mutually antagonistic dissolution caused by the dilution and reprecipitation caused by the heating to be responsible for the observed increase in stability. Incongruent dissolution favoring a less entropic surface order and reduced charge screening entailing the expansion of the Debye lengths were suggested as complementary mechanisms explaining the improvements in stability caused by adding this simple and economical, yet very efficacious touch to the synthesis. It is concluded that unconventional protocols in spheres other than the scientific and heritages routinely discarded as disreputable could be sources of insight relevant to a plethora of distant domains and disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]