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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]

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]

Turbidity has been one of the most typical problems in urban rivers, accompanied by eutrophication. Though the colloid is a nonnegligible factor associated with turbidity and nutrient enrichment in urban rivers, the characteristics of nitrogen enrichment and bacterial communities of colloids under different turbidity conditions of urban rivers have not been well understood. In this study, colloids of low and high molecular weights (LMW, 30 kDa–0.2 μm, and HMW, 0.2–1 μm) were separately collected from the bulk water (<1 μm) of several typical urban rivers in China. Since the colloidal concentration presented the significantly highest correlation with turbidity, colloidal characteristics were further explored under three turbidity gradients with two cutoffs of 10 and 30 NTU. Results showed that colloidal organic matter in medium and high turbidity rivers was mainly sourced from the release of endogenous plankton and the proportion of colloidal organic carbon in dissolved organic carbon increased from 33% to 38% with increased turbidity. Colloidal ammonia nitrogen in medium turbidity accounted for the highest proportion (an average of 60%) in bulk water, which could be explained by the significantly positive correlation of colloidal ester groups and ammonia nitrogen (R2 = 0.47). Bulk water, HMW, and LMW colloids presented different dominant bacterial genera and LMW colloids also contained three unique dominant filterable genera: Flavobacterium, Acinetobacter, and Limnohabitans. LMW colloidal filterable bacteria under medium and high turbidities presented the greatest potential for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, which might further enhance the enrichment of ammonia nitrogen in colloids. This study provides a primary understanding of the characteristics of colloids and colloidal bacterial communities in urban rivers from the perspective of turbidity and puts a new insight on the remediation of rivers under medium turbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [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]

Summary: Purple corn anthocyanins have rich nutritional value, but anthocyanins have low stability. The main objective of this study was to screen compounds from the common co‐pigments (polysaccharides, organic acids and colloids) that could improve the stability of anthocyanins and to investigate the effect of different co‐pigments on the stability of anthocyanins in purple corn during heat treatment. There were significant differences in copigmentation effects among different types of co‐pigments. The total anthocyanin retention rate of purple corn without co‐pigments was 15.02%. After copigmentation treatment with different compounds, among the polysaccharides, the total anthocyanin retention rates of 15% fructose and 15% glucose were 37.29% and 52.18% respectively. The copigmentation effects of monosaccharides were better than those of disaccharides, sugar alcohols and cyclodextrins. Among the organic acids, the six co‐pigments were all organic acids containing phenolic rings. The retention rates of anthocyanins were 71.47% and 68.21% for 0.06% tannic acid and 0.1% tartaric acid, respectively, indicating high copigmentation effects. The a* value of purple corn was significantly increased after these treatments, indicating that organic acids had stronger copigmentation effects than polysaccharides. In the colloids, the total anthocyanin retention rate of 2.0% pectin was 43.72%, while 0.5% guar gum had a retention rate of 9.82%. However, low concentrations of guar gum promoted the degradation of anthocyanins, indicating weak copigmentation effects for colloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

[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]

Nano‐sized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) colloidal dispersions of 44.6 ± 8.3 nm prepared by the modified emulsion polymerization method are utilized for gas separation. The emulsion (o/w) polymerization using organic solvent instead of precipitation polymerization is utilized, and both the size of the colloidal particle and the zeta potential could be controlled by the content of the material constituting emulsion. Thus, the solubility of CO2 is dependent on the zeta potential on the surface of colloids, resulting in that the degree of absorption of CO2 is controllable. Then, N2/CO2 separation experiment is carried out by applying the synthesized PAN colloidal dispersions into a polymer composite. The composite membranes are prepared by adding PAN colloidal dispersions based on poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). It is observed that the neat PVP membrane has no separation performance, while the PVP/PAN colloidal composite film shows the improved N2/CO2 selectivity of 17. This improved separation performance is due to the fact that the solubility of CO2 decreased by absorption to specific functional groups, resulting in the enhancement of N2 separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride ions in water were effectively removed by adding soluble lanthanum salt to form La-F colloid and then using ferric chloride-calcium oxide-polyacrylamide(PAM) coagulation system. Under a certain reaction conditions, e. g., La3+ : F- (molar ratio) =2: 3, pH =5, PAM: F- (mass ratio) =5: 1, F--containing wastewater with initial concentration of 20 ~ 200 mg/L could be well controlled to F < 1 mg/L. Due to the strong affinity between La3+ and F-, they could form colloidal particles in the form of LaFx(OH)3-x in water, and the subsequent addition of ferric chloride and calcium oxide destroyed the stable colloidal system. Through the coagulation effect brought by Fe3+ and PAM, fluoride ions in water were eventually removed. The as-formed precipitate by-product could be adopted as adsorbent for organic dye removal from water, which showed an adsorption capacity of 337.8 mg/g for model dye of Congo red. And most of the effective adsorption occurred in the first reaction stage of 3 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oscillations are frequently observed on plasma dilution curves during intravenous fluid therapy. This study aimed to examine how common these oscillations are and what they represent. Methods: Fourier transforms were used to analyze the residuals obtained during fitting of a volume kinetic model to 269 plasma dilution curves. Oscillating patterns were identified in two-thirds of the fluid infusion experiments. Results: The wave frequency usually had a dominating frequency of 1 h or multiples thereof. The wave amplitudes varied between 1% and 4% of the plasma volume. The "peak-to-peak" amplitudes were then twice as large, which corresponded to blood volume changes of 60–240 mL. A population kinetic analysis of the distribution of infused fluid between body fluid compartments was then applied to search for clues that could explain the oscillations. This analysis showed that amplitudes >1.5% were associated with doubled turnover of fluid in a fast-exchange interstitial fluid compartment and, together with data on plasma albumin, suggested that oscillations might represent bursts of efferent lymph. Conclusions: Oscillations with very low frequency were often observed on plasma dilution-time curves obtained during fluid therapy. They were associated with fast turnover of interstitial fluid and can possibly have resulted from accelerated lymphatic flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most experiments into colloidal transport and retention in lab-scale columns are performed in the up-flow mode of liquid movement in order to minimize air entrapment, but ignore the effects both of gravity and of the complex actual hydro-geological regime. In contrast, this study evaluated the roles of gravitational force and liquid flow direction on the transport of two types of colloid (2-μm-diameter microplastic and silica microspheres) through sand columns arranged in various orientations. Analysis of breakthrough curves, transport modeling, calculations of the contact efficiency, DLVO interaction energy, and particle settling velocities were combined to quantify the effect of gravity on each flow regime. Both types of microsphere were observed to experience frequent collisions with sand surfaces, and attachment to matrix particles with energies corresponding to the secondary minimum of DLVO energy contributed to their retention. Due to the larger collector efficiency elicited by greater material density and gravity, a higher retention of SiO2 than PS microspheres was observed under the same flow conditions, and the average attachment coefficient of the former was 4.77 times higher than the latter. Greater deposition was observed under upward mode operation versus that under downward mode. The average attachment coefficient under upward mode was approximately 2.0 times that found under downward mode, for both types of microsphere. The calculation of settling velocity and effective particle velocity verified that the deposition of two microspheres was affected by gravity, and it had a greater influence on the transport of SiO2 than on the PS microspheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is frequently employed for cardiac surgery, and selecting a suitable priming fluid is a prerequisite for CPB. Currently, the commonly used priming fluids in clinics are classified as crystalloids and colloids, including balanced crystalloids, albumin, dextran, gelatin and hydroxyethyl starch (HES). This network meta-analysis compared the effects of eight fluids used during CPB in adults to determine optimal priming fluid during CPB surgery. Randomised controlled trials assessing priming fluids for CPB in adult cardiac surgery published before 13 April 2023 were searched across Ovid MEDLINE(R) ALL, OVID EMbase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Various priming fluids were classified into eight categories, including balanced crystalloids, 0.9% NaCl, iso-oncotic human albumin, hyperoncotic human albumin, HES with molecular weight 130k, HES with molecular weight 200k, gelatin and dextran. The NMA of platelet counts revealed no significant differences in any result. In direct comparison results, only the comparison of HES with molecular weight 130k vs. gelatin (standard mean difference = −0.40, 95% confidence interval [95%CI: −0.63, −0.16) revealed a significant difference. According to the SUCRA, balanced crystalloids had the highest platelet count, followed by gelatin, and HES with a molecular weight of 130k had the lowest platelet, followed by HES with a molecular weight of 200k. Patients using dextran have a low mortality rate and a short mean CPB time, the use of balanced crystalloids is beneficial in terms of platelet count, and HES with molecular weight 130k is beneficial for postoperative urine volume at 24h. However, all priming fluids have pros and cons quite, and the optimal choice of priming fluids remains unsupported by current evidences. When performing CPB surgery, the type of priming fluid should be selected according to the actual situation in CPB for adult cardiac surgery. When dextran was used as the CPB priming fluid, patients had the lowest mortality and shortest mean CPB time. With iso-oncotic HA, patients had the shortest length of ICU stay, the least blood loss 24h after surgery, and the lowest chest tube output 24h after surgery. The use of balanced crystalloids was beneficial for platelet count, the use of L-HES was beneficial for urine output 24h after surgery, and the use of H-HES resulted in the shortest hospital stay. In summary, each of these fluids has pros and cons quite, and an optimal choice of priming fluids during CPB surgery remains unsupported by current evidence. When performing CPB surgery, the type of priming fluids should be selected according to the actual condition of the patient's body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on assessing the safety and efficacy of albumin and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, conducting a retrospective propensity score matched cohort study. Topics include the controversy surrounding albumin use in TBI based on previous studies, the inclusion of FFP in the analysis, and the evaluation of various outcomes such as hospital mortality, crystalloid intake, ICU length of stay, and more in TBI patients receiving colloid products.

A major challenge in the study of active systems is to harness their non-equilibrium dynamics into useful work. We address this by showing how to design colloids with controllable spontaneous propulsion or rotation when immersed in active nematics. This is illustrated for discs with tilted anchoring and chiral cogs, for which we determine the nematic director through conformal mappings. Our analysis identifies two regimes of behaviour for chiral cogs: orientation-dependent handedness and persistent active rotation. Finally, we provide design principles for active nematic colloids to achieve desired rotational dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense suspensions of fine particles are significant in numerous biological, industrial, and natural phenomena. They are often out-of-equilibrium and display various rheological features including liquid–solid phase transition under external deformation being one of the most interesting one. Developing an understanding of the mechanisms that drive these phenomena has over the last several years led to a surge in research activity at the intersection of fluid mechanics, granular materials, driven disordered systems, tribology, and soft condensed matter physics. One central aspect that emerged is that these phenomena occur due to a shear-activated or deactivated network of contacts between particles. The perspective briefly presents the current state of understanding and challenges associated with relating the flow of material at the bulk scale with the microscopic physics at the particle scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the role that pore structure plays in colloid retention across scales with a novel methodology based on image analysis. Experiments were designed to quantify–with robust statistics–the contribution from commonly proposed retention sites toward colloid immobilization. Specific retention sites include solid-water interface, air-water interface, air-water-solid triple point, grain-to-grain contacts, and thin films. Variable conditions for pore-water content, velocity, and chemistry were tested in a model glass bead porous medium with silver microspheres. Concentration signals from effluent breakthrough and spatial profiles of retained particles from micro X-ray Computed Tomography were used to compute mass balances and enumerate pore-scale regions of interest in three dimensions. At the Darcy-scale, retained colloids follow non-monotonic deposition profiles, which implicates effects from flow-stagnation zones. The spatial distribution of immobilized colloids along the porous medium depth was analyzed by retention site, revealing depth-independent partitioning of colloids. At the pore-scale, dominance and overall saturation of all retention sites considered indicated that the solid-water interface and wedge-shaped regions associated with flow-stagnation (grain-to-grain contacts in saturated and air-water-solid triple points in unsaturated conditions) are the greatest contributors toward retention under the tested conditions. At the interface-scale, xDLVO energy profiles were in agreement with pore-scale observations. Our calculations suggest favorable interactions for colloids and solid-water interfaces and for weak flocculation (e.g., at flow-stagnation zones), but unfavorable interactions between colloids and air-water interfaces. Overall, we demonstrate that pore-structure plays a critical role in colloid immobilization and that Darcy-, pore- and interface-scales are consistent when the pore structure is taken into account.

Abstract Sepsis is a condition with high morbidity and mortality. Prompt recognition and initiation of treatment is essential. Despite forming an integral part of sepsis management, fluid resuscitation may also lead to volume overload, which in turn is associated with increased mortality. The optimal fluid strategy in sepsis resuscitation is yet to be defined. Hyaluronan, an endogenous glycosaminoglycan with high affinity to water is an important constituent of the endothelial glycocalyx. We hypothesized that exogenously administered hyaluronan would counteract intravascular volume depletion and contribute to endothelial glycocalyx integrity in a fluid restrictive model of peritonitis. In a prospective, blinded model of porcine peritonitis sepsis, we randomized animals to intervention with hyaluronan (n = 8) or 0.9% saline (n = 8). The animals received an infusion of 0.1% hyaluronan 6 ml/kg/h, or the same volume of saline, during the first 2 h of peritonitis. Stroke volume variation and hemoconcentration were comparable in the two groups throughout the experiment. Cardiac output was higher in the intervention group during the infusion of hyaluronan (3.2 ± 0.5 l/min in intervention group vs 2.7 ± 0.2 l/min in the control group) (p = 0.039). The increase in lactate was more pronounced in the intervention group (3.2 ± 1.0 mmol/l in the intervention group and 1.7 ± 0.7 mmol/l in the control group) at the end of the experiment (p

OBJECTIVES: Concise definitive review of the physiology of IV fluid (IVF) use in critically ill patients. DATA SOURCES: Available literature on PubMed and MEDLINE databases. STUDY SELECTION: Basic physiology studies, observational studies, clinical trials, and reviews addressing the physiology of IVF and their use in the critically ill were included. DATA EXTRACTION: None. DATA SYNTHESIS: We combine clinical and physiologic studies to form a framework for understanding rational and science-based use of fluids and electrolytes. CONCLUSIONS: IVF administration is among the most common interventions for critically ill patients. IVF can be classified as crystalloids or colloids, and most crystalloids are sodium salts. They are frequently used to improve hemodynamics during shock states. Many recent clinical trials have sought to understand which kind of IVF might lead to better patient outcomes, especially in sepsis. Rational use of IVF rests on understanding the physiology of the shock state and what to expect IVF will act in those settings. Many questions remain unanswered, and future research should include a physiologic understanding of IVF in study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a method to immobilize aqueous colloidal dispersions using polymer gels, which was used in the space experiment "Colloidal Clusters" project. The association structure of colloidal particles formed under microgravity conditions on the International Space Station was successfully immobilized by the gel, even after a long storage period of more than 8 months. Gelation was performed through radical polymerization under ultraviolet irradiation. The gelation technique had already been used in the JAXA 3D Photonic Crystal Project on colloidal crystallization, and we found that gelation was possible on the ISS about one month after the sample preparation. On the other hand, since the Colloidal Clusters Project assumed a long waiting time of several months or more, it was necessary to develop a gelation method that could be used over a longer period of time. Thus, we used a gel monomer (N,N-dimethylacrylamide) that is more resistant to aging. In addition, the reaction initiator and gel monomer were injected into separate bags and mixed in space. The colloidal samples could be fixed in the gel successfully and returned to the ground for analysis. We expect the present gelation technique to be useful for space experiments on various soft matter systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, biochar nanoparticles have been the subject of intense debates due to having conflicting influences on the environment. Therefore, acquiring knowledge about the contributing factors affecting their characteristics is all-important. This study aimed to investigate the effects of production techniques (sonication/centrifugation and hydrothermal using H2SO4/HNO3) of biochar nanoparticles derived from two feedstock types (corn (Zea mays L.) residues and Conocarpus erectus L. wood) and pyrolysis temperatures (400 °C and 700 °C) on their physicochemical properties. Furthermore, hydrodynamic size distribution, morphology, elemental compositions, aromaticity, polarity, pH, ash content, yield, zeta potential, specific surface area, pore volume, average pore diameter, and surface functional groups of biochar nanoparticles and bulk types were investigated. The results revealed that all biochar nanoparticles generated by the hydrothermal method had the most polarity (O/C), surface functional groups, stability (negative zeta potential), and surface area compare to those of nanoparticles prepared by the other method and even the bulk biochars. However, their aromaticity (H/C), pH, and ash contents were the least. The results also showed that woody biochar nanoparticles contained higher surface area, pore volumes, stability, polarity, and acidic functional groups than corn-based biochar nanoparticles, but lower yield and ash content, regardless of production approach type. In all samples, the elevation of pyrolysis temperature influenced their properties by reducing size, polarity, yield, and increase of surface area, pH, aromaticity, and ash content. Overall, biochar nanoparticle characteristics ultimately depend on production technique, pyrolysis temperature, and feedstock type. Moreover, considering each factor as a variable should be based on the type of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is a condition with high morbidity and mortality. Prompt recognition and initiation of treatment is essential. Despite forming an integral part of sepsis management, fluid resuscitation may also lead to volume overload, which in turn is associated with increased mortality. The optimal fluid strategy in sepsis resuscitation is yet to be defined. Hyaluronan, an endogenous glycosaminoglycan with high affinity to water is an important constituent of the endothelial glycocalyx. We hypothesized that exogenously administered hyaluronan would counteract intravascular volume depletion and contribute to endothelial glycocalyx integrity in a fluid restrictive model of peritonitis. In a prospective, blinded model of porcine peritonitis sepsis, we randomized animals to intervention with hyaluronan (n = 8) or 0.9% saline (n = 8). The animals received an infusion of 0.1% hyaluronan 6 ml/kg/h, or the same volume of saline, during the first 2 h of peritonitis. Stroke volume variation and hemoconcentration were comparable in the two groups throughout the experiment. Cardiac output was higher in the intervention group during the infusion of hyaluronan (3.2 ± 0.5 l/min in intervention group vs 2.7 ± 0.2 l/min in the control group) (p = 0.039). The increase in lactate was more pronounced in the intervention group (3.2 ± 1.0 mmol/l in the intervention group and 1.7 ± 0.7 mmol/l in the control group) at the end of the experiment (p < 0.001). Concentrations of surrogate markers of glycocalyx damage; syndecan 1 (0.6 ± 0.2 ng/ml vs 0.5 ± 0.2 ng/ml, p = 0.292), heparan sulphate (1.23 ± 0.2 vs 1.4 ± 0.3 ng/ml, p = 0.211) and vascular adhesion protein 1 (7.0 ± 4.1 vs 8.2 ± 2.3 ng/ml, p = 0.492) were comparable in the two groups at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, hyaluronan did not counteract intravascular volume depletion in early peritonitis sepsis. However, this finding is hampered by the short observation period and a beneficial effect of HMW-HA in peritonitis sepsis cannot be discarded based on the results of the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the PBG theory, the crystallization of monodisperse colloidal solutions and a method which enables to build three-dimensional periodic structures using polystyrene microspheres. Two techniques which increase the refractive index contrast are also described. One is based on the inverse-opal method and the other on the incorporation of silver between the interstices of a colloidal crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The hyalinizing trabecular tumor (HTT) is a rare benign neoplasm of the thyroid gland. This neoplasm has overlapping cytological features with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, Medullary Carcinoma and Follicular Neoplasm with Nuclear Features of Papillary Carcinoma. This can lead to misdiagnosis of malignancy in fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology specimens with unnecessary total thyroidectomy. The aim of this study is to determine if there are some cytological features that could help us to suspect HTT on FNA specimens and avoid radical surgery. Material and Methods: With this purpose we have collected 6 cases diagnosed of HTT in Hospital Clínico San Carlos of Madrid (Spain) in the last 10 years and reviewed the cytological specimens. Result: We conclude that the presence of hyaline material in FNA specimens of HTT is a constant feature being a diagnostic clue. We must be cautious not to confuse it with dense colloid or amyloid material, the latter seen in Medullary Carcinoma. Papillary architecture and fibrovascular cores are not present in a HTT. Special stains as ki-67, calcitonin and Congo Red staining could help us in achieving the correct diagnosis. Conclusion: We feel the cytopathologists must be aware of the distinguishing features of this lesion, mainly the typical hyaline material to achieve a proper diagnosis and be able to reduce unnecessary aggressive management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-dose authentication (ODA) enhances security by incorporating customized molecular or micro-tags into each pill, preventing counterfeit products in genuine packages. ODA's security relies on tag non-replication and non-reverse engineering. Combining ODA with graphical Physical Unclonable Functions (PUF) promises maximum security. PUF uses intrinsic micro or nanoscale randomness as a unique ‘fingerprint’. However, current graphical PUFs have limitations like specific illumination requirements and the use of toxic materials, restricting their use in pharmaceuticals.In this study, we propose a novel approach called on-dose PUF. This method involves embedding microspheres randomly within micro biocompatible hydrogel particles. We showcase two distinct types of such on-dose PUFs. The first type utilizes randomly distributed superparamagnetic colloids (SPC) of identical diameters, while the second type utilizes vortexed sunflower oil drops of various diameters. The diameter and coordinates of the microspheres serve as input for generating cryptographic keys. A universal circle identification and binning program is used for extracting this information. One advantage of this approach is that it enables imaging using white light illumination and low-magnification microscopy, as color and signal intensity information are not crucial. This method enables patients to verify their medication by using their mobile phones from home.To assess the performance of the proposed on-dose PUF, we conducted canonical investigations on the single-diameter system. This system can only generate one layer of cryptographic keys, making it potentially more vulnerable than the multiple-diameter system. However, the single-diameter system successfully passed NIST Statistical tests and exhibited sufficient randomness, ideal bit uniformity, Hamming distance, and device uniqueness. Furthermore, we found that the encoding capacity of the single-diameter system was 9.2×1018, providing ample labeling potential.

AbstractBackground Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is frequently employed for cardiac surgery, and selecting a suitable priming fluid is a prerequisite for CPB. Currently, the commonly used priming fluids in clinics are classified as crystalloids and colloids, including balanced crystalloids, albumin, dextran, gelatin and hydroxyethyl starch (HES). This network meta-analysis compared the effects of eight fluids used during CPB in adults to determine optimal priming fluid during CPB surgery.Methods Randomised controlled trials assessing priming fluids for CPB in adult cardiac surgery published before 13 April 2023 were searched across Ovid MEDLINE(R) ALL, OVID EMbase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Various priming fluids were classified into eight categories, including balanced crystalloids, 0.9% NaCl, iso-oncotic human albumin, hyperoncotic human albumin, HES with molecular weight 130k, HES with molecular weight 200k, gelatin and dextran.Results The NMA of platelet counts revealed no significant differences in any result. In direct comparison results, only the comparison of HES with molecular weight 130k vs. gelatin (standard mean difference = −0.40, 95% confidence interval [95%CI: −0.63, −0.16) revealed a significant difference. According to the SUCRA, balanced crystalloids had the highest platelet count, followed by gelatin, and HES with a molecular weight of 130k had the lowest platelet, followed by HES with a molecular weight of 200k.Conclusion Patients using dextran have a low mortality rate and a short mean CPB time, the use of balanced crystalloids is beneficial in terms of platelet count, and HES with molecular weight 130k is beneficial for postoperative urine volume at 24h. However, all priming fluids have pros and cons quite, and the optimal choice of priming fluids remains unsupported by current evidences. When performing CPB surgery, the type of priming fluid should be selected according to the actual situation in CPB for adult cardiac surgery.

Turbidity has been one of the most typical problems in urban rivers, accompanied by eutrophication. Though the colloid is a nonnegligible factor associated with turbidity and nutrient enrichment in urban rivers, the characteristics of nitrogen enrichment and bacterial communities of colloids under different turbidity conditions of urban rivers have not been well understood. In this study, colloids of low and high molecular weights (LMW, 30 kDa–0.2 μm, and HMW, 0.2–1 μm) were separately collected from the bulk water (2 = 0.47). Bulk water, HMW, and LMW colloids presented different dominant bacterial genera and LMW colloids also contained three unique dominant filterable genera: Flavobacterium, Acinetobacter, and Limnohabitans. LMW colloidal filterable bacteria under medium and high turbidities presented the greatest potential for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, which might further enhance the enrichment of ammonia nitrogen in colloids. This study provides a primary understanding of the characteristics of colloids and colloidal bacterial communities in urban rivers from the perspective of turbidity and puts a new insight on the remediation of rivers under medium turbidity.

Finding of vivianite is first described in a sediment core raised from the Cambridge Strait, western Franz Josef Land. The vivianite is represented by similar spherules mainly of 200–400 µm in diameter and their rare aggregates. Distribution of vivianite grains in the core is characterized by three maxima (up to 2.7 grains/g of dry bulk sediment) within the time interval of the last 4.1 ka. Linear and flat shapes of the aggregates indicate the generation of vivianite at the sediment–water interface. It takes place in the reduced condition at sulfide sulfur deficit relative to divalent iron in the bottom water. The structure of vivianite grains varies from the cryptocrystalline porous to the fully crystalline dense variety, reflecting stages of the vivianite crystallization, likely after coagulation of the ferrous phosphate colloid formed due to the bacterial activity. Signs of vivianite microconcretions mentioned by some authors are not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of nanoparticles has been reported to be an effective strategy for enhancing seed germination, but the underlying mechanisms whereby this occurs are unclear. In the present study, we added silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) to an aqueous growth medium in which tomato seeds were germinated. We examined the effects of SiNPs on growth and possible mechanisms of action. SiNPs had a diameter of 10–17 nm and 110–120 nm. SiNPs shortened the mean germination time from 5.24 ± 0.29 days to 4.64 ± 0.29 days. Seedling vigor, measured by criteria including length and weight, was also improved compared to the control condition. The presence of SiNPs in the seedlings was assessed using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The nanoparticles may have promoted germination by enhancing water imbibition by the seeds or altering the external microenvironment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed changes in the seed coat during germination, many of which were only observed in the presence of nanoparticles. Soil bacteria affect germination; specifically, Bacillus sp. may promote germination. The number of Bacillus sp. changed in the germination medium with SiNPs compared to the control. This suggested that these bacteria could interact with SiNPs to promote germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vat photopolymerization (VP) and direct ink write (DIW) additive manufacturing (AM) provide complex geometries with precise spatial control employing a vast array of photo‐reactive polymeric systems. Although VP is recognized for superior resolution and surface finish, DIW provides versatility for higher viscosity systems. However, each AM platform presents specific rheological requirements that are essential for successful 3D printing. First, viscosity requirements constrain VP polymeric materials to viscosities below 10 Pa s. Thus, this requirement presents a challenging paradox that must be overcome to attain the physical performance of high molecular weight polymers while maintaining suitable viscosities for VP polymeric materials. Second, the necessary rheological complexity that is required for DIW pastes requires additional rheological measurements to ensure desirable thixotropic behavior. This manuscript describes the importance of rheological measurements when designing polymeric latexes for AM. Latexes effectively decouple the dependency of viscosity on molecular weight, thus enabling high molecular weight polymers with low viscosities. Photo‐crosslinking of water‐soluble monomers and telechelic oligomeric diacrylates in the presence of the latex enables the fabrication of a scaffold, which is restricted to the continuous aqueous phase and effectively surrounds the latex nanoparticles enabling the printing of otherwise inaccessible high molecular weight polymers. Rheological testing, including both steady and oscillatory shear experiments, provides insights into system properties and provides predictability for successful printing. This perspective article aims to provide an understanding of both chemical functionality (photo‐ and thermal‐reactivity) and rheological response and their importance for the successful design and evaluation of VP and DIW processable latex formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific papers written as dialogues evoke Platonist philosophical discourses and are foreseen as elementary forms of expression in neoclassical scientific renaissance. Here we report on a study of the Brazil nut effect in a series of macroscopic and microscopic systems in the form of a play in three acts. The nut effect predicting the segregation of smaller grains at the bottom of the mixture and larger ones at the top was observed in a polydisperse mix of manually shaken playground pebbles, albeit following different kinetics than in an agitated pile of chess pieces. Common sense predicts that vertical, gravity-driven segregation in colloidal dispersions with heterogeneous particle size distributions is such that larger particles would settle toward the bottom and the lighter ones cream at the top. Here we refute this expectation and demonstrate that segregation of colloidal particles in the vertical direction conforms to the Brazil nut effect when the agitation is delivered in the forms of vortex mixing or audio vibration, but not when the colloids are manually shaken. The effect is demonstrated on aqueous dispersions of hydroxyapatite and iron oxide nanoparticles. Kinetic experiments showed that segregation increases with the agitation time in mixtures of pebbles and with the post-agitation aging time in fine particle colloids. The particle size gradient established due to agitation-induced segregation led to a corresponding gradient in optoelectronic properties—band gap, conductivity, lattice acoustics—in the vertical direction of the colloidal column for both types of nanoparticles. Such morphological gradients induced by the Brazil nut effect can be harnessed as affordable and facile templates for the synthesis of functionally gradient materials. Discussion of the mechanism and the application potential of the observed effect in colloidal and coarse systems is enriched with a literature review of this curious effect and entwined with the literary elements of the dramaturgical narrative involving a family of scientist in exile from mainstream scientific institutions: the mother, the father, an elementary school boy and a kindergarten girl. The narrative conforms in its structure to the shape of a Brazil nut and presents the first research study whose findings are enacted through a dream. The play questions the humaneness and creative prospects of modern science and celebrates children's science projects performed with meager resources and a plentiful of imagination, showing that they could be gateways to important scientific discoveries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: The thyroid gland regulates the basal metabolic rate, somatic growth, and physical growth. The thyroid gland plays a major role in the normal growth of a foetus during the prenatal period. There are few literatures on foetal thyroid gland. Aim: To study the various morphometric and histological changes during intrauterine life in both gender of human foetuses. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Sushila Tiwari Hospital Government Medical College, Haldwani (UK) and Saraswati Medical College, Unnao in the period of August 2015-2022. Government Medical College, Haldwani for duration of three years on medically terminated 70 foetus of both sexes of known gestational age ranging from 10 to 40 weeks. These foetuses were divided among three groups as group 1 (10-20 weeks), group 2 (21-30 weeks), group 3 (31-40 week). Midline dissection of neck was done to expose the thyroid gland. Morphometric parameters like length, width, and thickness of each lobe and the isthmus were measured by digital Vernier caliper, weight was also taken by digital weighing machine, then tissue processing was done and paraffin blocks were prepared. All sections were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin stain (H&E) and studied under the microscope aided camera. By using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test and Independent sample test (t-test) comparison among different age groups and gender has been done. Results: There was a significant increase in foetal thyroid weight, length and widths of the right and left lobes, and length of the isthmus with increase in gestational age, while no significant relation was found between male and female foetuses of measured morphometric parameter. The histological features revealed that development of thyroid gland starts earlier and thin capsule was seen at 12 week and it became thicker and more vascular till 35 weeks. Follicles started to form at 14 week and matured follicle were seen at the age of 24 weeks, at 25th week, the lining epithelium of follicles was low columnar to cuboidal, colloid material was seen almost in every follicle. C cells were found at 22 weeks. At the 36 weeks, the follicles were seen spherical and reached to maturity level. Conclusion: As the gestational age increases, the morphometric parameters must increase, if not so, it means the growth of gland is hampered. The knowledge of the growth and differentiation of foetal thyroid will be helpful for clinicians, to judge the thyroid structure prenatally.

Depletion attraction is a common entropy force observed in colloidal systems. As a common phenomenon in colloidal and bacterial systems, studying the mechanism and application of depletion attraction is of great value for controlling the state of colloidal solutions, regulating the morphology of colloidal particles, disease treatment, and water pollution treatment. Based on the current research status, we briefly introduce the calculation and measurement methods of depletion attractions. And we review the application of depletion attractions in colloidal systems, and summarize the different phenomena and aggregation mechanisms caused by depletion attraction in active colloidal particle-bacterial systems. Understanding the specific role of depletion aggregation in colloidal and bacterial systems provides more possibilities for further exploring depletion aggregation mechanisms and utilizing depletion aggregation phenomena in nature.

BackgroundFluid loading is an essential component of treatment for reducing the incidence of post-spinal anesthesia hypotension and is necessary to maintain intravascular volume, perfuse tissues, and control spinal anesthesia hypotension after sympathetic blockade. We performed a randomized sequential allocation dose-finding study to compare the effects of 10 mL/kg crystalloid and 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) co-load on the ED90 of prophylactic norepinephrine infusion for preventing post-spinal anesthesia hypotension during cesarean delivery.MethodsEighty patients were randomly allocated to receive either a 10 mL/kg crystalloid (Crystalloid Group, n = 40) or 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) (Colloid Group, n = 40) co-load combined with prophylactic norepinephrine infusion during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. The first patient received an initial prophylactic norepinephrine infusion rate of 0.025 μg/kg/min. Subsequent patients received a 0.005 μg/kg/min gradient dose of prophylactic norepinephrine. This dose was administered as a gradient based on its effectiveness for preventing post-spinal anesthesia hypotension (defined as SBP