Applicable Method Research Articles

Sampling technique to pool genetic materials of microorganism communities in blue-swimming crab processing plant industry

The crab and seafood processing industry must fulfill standard requirements for sanitation, hygiene, and good manufacturing methods to ensure the safety of the products and free from foodborne bacteria. However, equipment and processing unit surfaces are challenging to clean optimally, which can cause persistent bacteria to emerge. Eliminating persistent bacteria is the latest challenge in the fish processing industry for optimal disinfection, preventing cross-contamination, and controlling foodborne outbreaks. Microbiological testing in industry has been limited to selective culture-media techniques; thus, a rapid, sensitive, accurate, and routine applicable analytical method is urgently needed. The significant reduction in the costs of high-throughput sequencing technologies supports the possibility of routine applications in the industry. This study aimed to determine the profile of the microbial community on the surface of the production room and blue-swimming crab processing unit equipment using short-read metagenomic techniques. The analysis included the stages of sampling, bacterial incubation, bacterial DNA isolation, sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis. The first important step to increase the possibility of routine adoption in the seafood industry is to reduce the cost, complexity, and time required to complete the analysis. Therefore, in this protocol, we generate a scalable, flexible, cost-effective, and auditable workflow.• Collection of bacterial samples by swabbing the surface of the equipment using a sterile cotton swab and sterile cloth, which is easy to apply and follow in the blue-swimming crab processing plant industry.• Effective and efficient sample-pooling is an important step in identifying bacterial communities by metagenomic analysis.

Dynamic Behavior of Systemic Insecticide Residues in Snapdragons

Pesticide application is used in horticulture to reduce plant damage from organisms such as insects and mites. Systemic insecticides are highly efficacious and readily taken up by plant tissues. However, pesticide-treated plants may impose risks to nontarget insects or other organisms within ecosystems. In this study, insecticide residues in nectar, leaves, and flower petals of the horticulturally significant herbaceous annual snapdragon, Antirrhinum majus (Lamiales: Plantaginaceae), were assessed at two locations over several weeks following foliar and drench treatment with five systemic insecticides. Concentrations of the insecticides were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The independent effects Application Method, Application Rate, and Time were statistically significant among all active ingredients in the three matrices in both sites in California (CA) and New Jersey (NJ). The interaction effects were also generally statistically significant in the CA site but less consistently so in the NJ site, dependent on the active ingredient and matrix. Post hoc analyses found the highest residue concentrations in leaves and the lowest in nectar, a trend generally consistent over time regardless of active ingredient for both the CA and NJ sites. The results of this study are discussed in the context of conserving pollinators and other beneficial insects. It is recommended that similar studies should be implemented in different geographical regions and climates, along with multiyear studies for perennial ornamental plants.

Understanding and Application of Antibiotics: Analysis among Students of Health Science in Sarajevo with an Emphasis on Gender Distribution

Antibiotics are medications that inhibit bacterial growth and are used in the treatment of bacterial infections, both gram-positive and gram-negative. Antibiotics also represent products of metabolism of certain microorganisms that adversely affect the development and reproduction of other microorganisms. They are one of the greatest discoveries of modern medicine; however, in today's age, the greatest challenge is the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. There are numerous reasons for the emergence of antibiotic resistance. One reason lies in inadequate education about antibiotics, their application, and usage. The aim of this study was to survey students of the University of Sarajevo's Faculty of Health Sciences about their general knowledge of antibiotics and their methods of application. A total of 151 students participated in this study, including 125 females (83%) and 26 males (17%). The questions consisted of two parts: the first part covered general knowledge about antibiotics, while the second part addressed bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Biophoton emission-based approach of the effects of systemic insecticides on the survival of Eurydema ventralis Kolenati, 1846 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and on the photosynthetic activity of oilseed rape

The choice of effective crop protection technologies is a key factors in the economical production of oilseed rape. Insecticides belonging to the group of active substances butenolides and diamides are active substances available as seed treatments in oilseed rape and promising control tools in the crop protection technologies. Our laboratory experiment demonstrated that the experimental insecticides flupyradifurone and cyantraniliprole are both effective against Eurydema ventralis (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) when used as a seed and in-crop treatments, but there is a fundamental difference in their insect mortality inducing effects. Flupyradifurone was found to have a total mortality 96 h after application based on basipetal translocation. In the case of cyantraniliprole, the insecticidal effect of the same treatment was 27% less. The experiment showed that the acropetal translocation of the tested active substances after seed treatment did not induce efficacy comparable to that of the basipetal translocation. The study of the biophoton emission of the plants demonstrated a verifiable correlation between the different application methods of the insecticides and the photon emission intensity per unit plant surface area. In conclusion, the systematic insecticides tested, in addition to having the expected insecticidal effect, interfere with plant life processes by enhancing photosynthetic activity.

Phytochemical profile and antifungal activity of essential oils obtained from different Mentha longifolia L. accessions growing wild in Iran and Iraq

BackgroundMentha longifolia L. is a perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family that has a wide distribution in the world. M. longifolia has many applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its terpenoid and phenolic compounds. The phytochemical profile and biological activity of plants are affected by their genetics and habitat conditions. In the present study, the content, constituents and antifungal activity of the essential oil extracted from 20 accessions of M. longifolia collected from different regions of Iran and Iraq countries were evaluated.ResultsThe essential oil content of the accessions varied between 1.54 ± 0.09% (in the Divandarreh accession) to 5.49 ± 0.12% (in the Khabat accession). Twenty-seven compounds were identified in the essential oils of the studied accessions, which accounted for 85.5-99.61% of the essential oil. The type and amount of dominant compounds in the essential oil were different depending on the accession. Cluster analysis of accessions based on essential oil compounds grouped them into three clusters. The first cluster included Baziyan, Boukan, Sarouchavah, Taghtagh, Darbandikhan, Isiveh and Harir. The second cluster included Khabat, Kounamasi, Soni and Mahabad, and other accessions were included in the third cluster. Significant correlations were observed between the essential oil content and components with the climatic and soil conditions of the habitats. The M. longifolia essential oil indicated antifungal activity against Fusarium solani in both methods used. In all studied accessions, the fumigation method compared to the contact method was more able to control mycelia growth. In both methods, the inhibition percentage of essential oil on mycelia growth increased with an increase in essential oil concentration. Significant correlations were found between the essential oil components and the inhibition percentage of mycelium growth.ConclusionThe studied M. longifolia accessions showed significant differences in terms of the essential oil content and components. Differences in phytochemical profile of accessions can be due to their genetic or habitat conditions. The distance of the accessions in the cluster was not in accordance with their geographical distance, which indicates the more important role of genetic factors compared to habitat conditions in separating accessions. The antifungal activity of essential oils was strongly influenced by the essential oil quality and concentration, as well as the application method. Determining and introducing the elite accession in this study can be different depending on the breeder’s aims, such as essential oil content, desired chemical composition, or antifungal activity.

Calcium Zirconate: Methods of Synthesis and Applications of Ceramic and Refractory Materials Based Thereon — A Review. Part 2. Applications of Ceramic and Refractory Materials Based on Calcium Zirconate

Calcium Zirconate: Methods of Synthesis and Applications of Ceramic and Refractory Materials Based Thereon — A Review. Part 2. Applications of Ceramic and Refractory Materials Based on Calcium Zirconate

Co-created augmented reality app and its impact on the effectiveness of learning a foreign language and on cultural knowledge

This paper addresses the limited exploration of the impact of virtual and augmented reality on the learning process, particularly within the context of foreign language learning among young learners. Motivated by this research gap, the EULALIA, conducted from 2019 to 2023 (2019-1-IT02-KA203-063228), sought to evaluate the efficacy of integrating technology in language education. Specifically, the study investigates the influence of virtual and augmented reality on foreign language learning, examining its effects on subjectively assessed cultural knowledge, and workflow during classes, as perceived by educators. Involving 239 learners, the study employed a pre/post survey methodology, wherein participants provided feedback before and after working with the EULALIA application or traditional learning methods. The quantitative analysis of survey data was complemented by semi-structured interviews with participating teachers, providing additional insights. The results indicate a statistically significant increase in cultural knowledge among the group utilizing augmented reality. The findings suggest a positive impact on students’ learning progression, and workflow during classes. This research contributes valuable insights into the potential of integrating virtual and augmented reality in language education, offering a foundation for future pedagogical advancements.

Exploring the conformational landscapes of protein kinases: perspectives from FRET and DEER.

Conformational changes of catalytically-important structural elements are a key feature of the regulation mechanisms of protein kinases and are important for dictating inhibitor binding modes and affinities. The lack of widely applicable methods for tracking kinase conformational changes in solution has hindered our understanding of kinase regulation and our ability to design conformationally selective inhibitors. Here we provide an overview of two recently developed methods that detect conformational changes of the regulatory activation loop and αC-helix of kinases and that yield complementary information about allosteric mechanisms. An intramolecular Förster resonance energy transfer-based approach provides a scalable platform for detecting and classifying structural changes in high-throughput, as well as quantifying ligand binding cooperativity, shedding light on the energetics governing allostery. The pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance technique double electron-electron resonance provides lower throughput but higher resolution information on structural changes that allows for unambiguous assignment of conformational states and quantification of population shifts. Together, these methods are shedding new light on kinase regulation and drug interactions and providing new routes for the identification of novel kinase inhibitors and allosteric modulators.

Flood Timing and Flood Loss Impact on Effectiveness of Florpyrauxifen-benzyl Coated on Urea in Rice

ABSTRACT Florpyrauxifen-benzyl applications generated complaints and concerns around rice injury and off-target movement to soybean after the commercial launch in 2018. A precise application method for florpyrauxifen-benzyl was imperative for its continued use. Experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 to evaluate rice weed control as influenced by preflood application interval and flood loss following florpyrauxifen-benzyl at 30 g ai ha-1 applied as a spray or coated on urea. In the preflood application experiment, coating florpyrauxifen-benzyl on urea and applying it the day of flood establishment, 5, and 10 d prior to flooding (DPTF) resulted in lower yellow nutsedge, broadleaf signalgrass, and barnyardgrass control than when the herbicide was spray at 3 and 5 wk after final treatment (WAFT). Coating florpyrauxifen-benzyl on urea only provided 61 to 63% yellow nutsedge control at 3 and 5 WAFT, which was 35 to 37 percentage points lower than when spray applied at 5 or 10 DPTF. Likewise, rice yields following applications of florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated on urea were 1200 kg ha-1 less than yields following spray applications. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated on urea and clomazone provided lower levels of weed control than spraying the herbicide, suggesting an explanation for the yield losses. The timing of flood loss experiment suggested that when florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated on urea at 30 g ai ha-1 was applied preflood and flood was relinquished at 2 hours, 24 hours, and 7 d after flood establishment, hemp sesbania and yellow nutsedge control were not affected. However, loss of floodwater 2 hours after flood establishment resulted in lower barnyardgrass control than when the flood was lost 24 hours and 7 d after flooding. Generally, the period between a herbicide application and flooding completion should be minimized to aid in weed control. These results indicate the importance of maintaining a flood for weed control and nutrient management.

Cultivars and Method of Application Influences the Effect of Silicon on Incidence and Damage of Phloem Feeders, Induction of Defense Reaction, Attraction of Natural Enemies and Yield in Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Cultivars and Method of Application Influences the Effect of Silicon on Incidence and Damage of Phloem Feeders, Induction of Defense Reaction, Attraction of Natural Enemies and Yield in Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Highly Efficient Flexible Photodetectors Based on Pb-Free CsBi3I10 Perovskites.

Perovskites have made remarkable advancements in optoelectronics owing to their high light absorption coefficient, tunable bandgap, and long charge diffusion. Nonetheless, the practical applications of Pb-based perovskites have been hindered by the instability and toxicity of Pb, especially in flexible electronics, which require high biosecurity and low toxicity. Hence, the development of stable Pb-free perovskite materials has gained increasing attention. In this study, we synthesized stable CsBi3I10 Pb-free perovskites outside the glovebox and improved the optoelectronic and mechanical performances of the CsBi3I10-based flexible devices through polyvinylcarbazole (PVK) doping. Flexible photodetectors with the device structure of PET/ITO/PEDOT:PSS/CsBi3I10:PVK/Au was fabricated. The results indicated that the introduction of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) reduced the surface roughness of the flexible PET substrate, while PVK doping further improved the surface smoothness of CsBi3I10 thin films, thereby enhancing the interfacial charge transportation. Moreover, PEDOT:PSS and PVK acted as stepwise hole transport layers in the photodetectors. The device demonstrated a maximum responsivity of 0.3 A/W, detectivity of 2.6 × 1011 Jones, and a response time of 102 μs at 650 nm. After subjecting it to 1000 bending tests, the light current retained 80% of its initial value. This study presents a universally applicable method for controlling the surface morphology of a flexible perovskite thin film.

A meta-analysis of photosynthetic efficiency and stress mitigation by melatonin in enhancing wheat tolerance

BackgroundOur meta-analysis examines the effects of melatonin on wheat under varying abiotic stress conditions, focusing on photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf water status, and photosynthetic pigments. We initially collected 177 publications addressing the impact of melatonin on wheat. After meticulous screening, 31 published studies were selected, encompassing 170 observations on photosynthetic parameters, 73 on chlorophyll fluorescence, 65 on leaf water status, 240 on photosynthetic pigments.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant heterogeneity across studies (I² > 99.90%) for the aforementioned parameters and evidence of publication bias, emphasizing the complex interaction between melatonin application and plant physiological responses. Melatonin enhanced the overall response ratio (lnRR) for photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, transpiration rates, and fluorescence yields by 20.49, 22.39, 30.96, and 1.09%, respectively, compared to the control (no melatonin). The most notable effects were under controlled environmental conditions. Moreover, melatonin significantly improved leaf water content and reduced water potential, particularly under hydroponic conditions and varied abiotic stresses, highlighting its role in mitigating water stress. The analysis also revealed increases in chlorophyll pigments with soil drenching and foliar spray, and these were considered the effective application methods. Furthermore, melatonin influenced chlorophyll SPAD and intercellular CO2 concentrations, suggesting its capacity to optimize photosynthetic efficiency.ConclusionsThis synthesis of meta-analysis confirms that melatonin significantly enhances wheat’s resilience to abiotic stress by improving photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf water status, and photosynthetic pigments. Despite observed heterogeneity and publication bias, the consistent beneficial effects of melatonin, particularly under controlled conditions with specific application methods e.g. soil drenching and foliar spray, demonstrate its utility as a plant growth regulator for stress management. These findings encourage focused research and application strategies to maximize the benefits of melatonin in wheat farming, and thus contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Lime for Lyme: Treatment of Leaf Litter with Dolomitic Lime Powder Impairs Activity of Immature Ixodes scapularis Ticks.

Background: Tick-borne diseases are an emerging threat to public health throughout the temperate world, leading to a growing field of research aimed at developing and testing intervention strategies for reducing human-tick encounters or prevalence of infection in ticks. Various wide-spectrum chemical acaricides have proven effective for controlling tick populations, but many of these have potential deleterious side-effects on health and the environment. In addition to chemical acaricides, certain compounds such as diatomaceous earth have been shown to have physical acaricidal properties. We hypothesized that dolomitic lime (CaMg(CO3)2, a corrosive, desiccant mineral that is already used extensively in agricultural and forestry contexts to balance the pH of soils, may affect ticks' locomotory activity, habitat position, or survival and that this should manifest as a reduction in the number of questing ticks collected by dragging. Objective: This study aimed to formally assess this hypothesis in a controlled laboratory setting. Methods: We carried out a microcosm experiment, with one control and three treated microcosm trays, each replicating the natural substrate characterizing I. scapularis habitat in northeastern North America. Each tray was infested with 200 living larvae and 50 nymphs, and then treated with 0 (control), 50, 100, or 500 g/m2 of lime powder. Ticks were collected by microdragging 24 and 72 h postliming. Results: Efficacy of liming at reducing the number of collected questing ticks ranged from 87% to 100% for larvae and 0% to 69% for nymphs 24 h postliming and from 91% to 93% for larvae and -47% to 65% for nymphs 72 postliming. Conclusion: This study provides the first experimental evidence of the potential efficacy of liming for impairing activity of questing immature ticks. Given that lime is a low-cost material, that methods for widespread application in deciduous woodlands already exist, and that it has been documented as having a limited negative impact on the environment, further assessment of lime application as a public health risk reduction intervention for tick-borne diseases is warranted.

A critical review of polymer support‐based shape‐stabilized phase change materials for thermal energy storage applications

AbstractPhase change materials (PCMs) have drawn considerable attention in recent years due to their capability of storing and releasing thermal energy during phase transformation. However, traditional PCMs face challenges like limited thermal conductivity, leakage while phase transformation from solid to liquid, thermal degradation, and durability. Researchers have concentrated on creating shape‐stabilized PCMs (SSPCMs) employing polymers as the supporting matrix to overcome these difficulties and incorporating highly thermally conductive additives to improve thermal conductivity. Compared to conventional PCMs, polymer‐based SSPCMs are often more flexible, lightweight, and durable and may be easily customized according to specific applications. Various factors like PCM loading, thermal cyclability, cost‐effectiveness and environmental concerns must be considered while constructing polymer‐based SSPCMs. This review paper comprehensively explored various polymers, including polyurethane, polyacrylates, polyolefin, and so on, as promising supporting materials for SSPCMs due to their relatively high mechanical strength, compatibility with PCM, excellent thermal stability, and chemical resistance. Natural polymers like chitosan, cellulose, and starch are also considered for eco‐friendly solutions. We have also discussed about specific properties of each polymer, their cost‐effectiveness, and the environmental impact while developing such SSPCMs to guide researchers in material selection. Applications of polymer‐based SSPCMs in solar energy storage, medical devices, building materials, electronics, transportation industry, and waste heat recovery are briefly discussed. Finally, some future development areas have been discussed to attract the attention of new researchers in this field. The information provided in this review will assist readers in understanding polymer‐based SSPCM and selecting their desired polymer for support material with diverse application methods.

Manual and ventilator hyperinflation parameters used by intensive care physiotherapists in Sri Lanka: An online survey.

Hyperinflation is a common procedure to clear secretion, increase lung compliance and enhance oxygenation in mechanically ventilated patients. Hyperinflation can be provided as manual hyperinflation (MHI) or ventilator hyperinflation (VHI), where outcomes depend upon the methods of application. Hence it is crucial to assess the application of techniques employed in Sri Lanka due to observed variations from recommended practices. This study is aimed to evaluate the application and parameters used for MHI and VHI by physiotherapists in intensive care units (ICUs) in Sri Lanka. An online survey was conducted among physiotherapists who are working in ICUs in Sri Lanka using WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms. A total of 96 physiotherapists responded. The survey comprised of three sections to obtain information about socio-demographic data, MHI practices and VHI practices. Most of the respondents (47%) worked in general hospitals and 74% of participants had a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy; 31.3% had 3-6 years of experience; 93.8% used hyperinflation, and 78.9% used MHI. MHI was performed routinely and as needed to treat low oxygen levels, abnormal breath sounds, and per physician orders while avoiding contraindications. Self-inflation bags are frequently used for MHI (40.6%). Only a few participants (26%) used a manometer or tracked PIP. In addition to the supine position, some participants (37.5%) used the side-lying position. Most physiotherapists followed the recommended MHI technique: slow squeeze (57.3%), inspiratory pause (45.8%), and quick release (70.8%). VHI was practised by 19.8%, with medical approval and it was frequently performed by medical staff compared to physiotherapists. Treatment time, number of breaths, and patient positioning varied, and parameters were not well-defined. The study found that MHI was not applied with the recommended PIP, and VHI parameters were not identified. The study indicates a need to educate physiotherapists about current VHI and MHI practice guidelines.

Integrating gated recurrent unit in graph neural network to improve infectious disease prediction: an attempt

ObjectiveThis study focuses on enhancing the precision of epidemic time series data prediction by integrating Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) into a Graph Neural Network (GNN), forming the GRGNN. The accuracy of the GNN (Graph Neural Network) network with introduced GRU (Gated Recurrent Units) is validated by comparing it with seven commonly used prediction methods.MethodThe GRGNN methodology involves multivariate time series prediction using a GNN (Graph Neural Network) network improved by the integration of GRU (Gated Recurrent Units). Additionally, Graphical Fourier Transform (GFT) and Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) are introduced. GFT captures inter-sequence correlations in the spectral domain, while DFT transforms data from the time domain to the frequency domain, revealing temporal node correlations. Following GFT and DFT, outbreak data are predicted through one-dimensional convolution and gated linear regression in the frequency domain, graph convolution in the spectral domain, and GRU (Gated Recurrent Units) in the time domain. The inverse transformation of GFT and DFT is employed, and final predictions are obtained after passing through a fully connected layer. Evaluation is conducted on three datasets: the COVID-19 datasets of 38 African countries and 42 European countries from worldometers, and the chickenpox dataset of 20 Hungarian regions from Kaggle. Metrics include Average Root Mean Square Error (ARMSE) and Average Mean Absolute Error (AMAE).ResultFor African COVID-19 dataset and Hungarian Chickenpox dataset, GRGNN consistently outperforms other methods in ARMSE and AMAE across various prediction step lengths. Optimal results are achieved even at extended prediction steps, highlighting the model’s robustness.ConclusionGRGNN proves effective in predicting epidemic time series data with high accuracy, demonstrating its potential in epidemic surveillance and early warning applications. However, further discussions and studies are warranted to refine its application and judgment methods, emphasizing the ongoing need for exploration and research in this domain.

Rural Tourism Design Strategy Under The Immersive Experience——A Case Study of Terraced Fields in Qingkou Village, Yuanyang, Yunnan, China

Objective: The objective of this study is to explores the current problems of rural tourism in Yuanyang Turnip Kou through the study of the immersion concept, and its main purpose is to explore the development strategy of rural tourism in Turnip Kou under the immersion concept, and its ultimate goal is to promote the economic Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Immersive experience stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises case study, and the specific practice and effect of immersive experience in rural tourism improvement are analyzed through interviews and observations. Focus on examining the immersive experience concept, implementation process, participant feedback and impact on local economic, social and cultural development of art projects. Results and Discussion: Combining rural tourism and immersive experience is conducive to creating colorful rural tourism activities and enhancing the interest of tourists in the tourism process. Research Implications: This study provides valuable concept of immersive experience, this paper will analyze the characteristics of immersive experience and the development of tourism in Qingkou Village, and discuss the application method of immersive experience in rural tourism, so as to promote the sustainable development of rural tourism in Qingkou Village in Yuanyang. Originality/Value: This study has great significance to study the design strategy of immersive rural tourism using the terraced fields of Turnip Kou Village in Yuanyang, China as a case study. Combining local culture with the concept of immersive experience, creatively designing rich experience programmes, such as farming interaction and handicraft experience, will deepen tourists' understanding of local culture. Enhance the experience with the help of modern technology, such as virtual reality. This move not only taps into local culture, but also promotes the sustainable development of rural tourism.

An attainable site suitability index for utility-scale solar facilities

Large, utility-scale solar energy facilities are increasingly being deployed throughout the United States, with nearly 10 000 projects over 1 megawatt completed by the end of 2023. One understudied aspect of the decision making process for these solar projects concerns site suitability. The current body of literature on this topic has identified core infrastructure, such as substations or transmission lines, as important in this process, yet other variables serve as potentially important drivers. This research aims to provide policymakers, planners, and regulators with a practically applicable method to better identify areas that are suitable candidates for such solar facilities. In particular, this paper develops a replicable method that produces a site suitability index that accounts for a suite of variables that are considered key, positive factors in where solar facilities ought to locate, including: (1) economic factors; (2) critical infrastructure and high energy users; and (3) workforce. Ultimately, our work is valuable to government and local officials such as policymakers and planners with limited resources and in-house capacity to understand the suitability for energy infrastructure. In fact, providing an attainable index for the site suitability of utility-scale solar facilities reduces the burden on policy and planning related stakeholders to understand the competitive advantage of their regions and to convey it to interested developers.

Mechanical-enhanced and Durable Zwitterionic Hydrogel Coating for Inhibiting Coagulation and Reducing Bacterial Infection.

Blood-contact medical devices are indispensable for clinical interventions, yet their susceptibility to thrombosis and bacterial infections poses substantial risks to treatment efficacy and patient well-being. In this study, we introduce a polysulfobetaine/alginate-CuII (SAC) zwitterionic hydrogel coating on polyurethane (PU) surfaces. This approach retained the superhydrophilic and antifouling nature of pSBMA while conferring the antibacterial effects of copper ions. Meanwhile, the copper alginate network intertwines with the polysulfobetaine (pSBMA) network, enhancing its mechanical properties and overcoming inherent weaknesses, thereby improving coating durability. Compared to the substrate, the SAC hydrogel coating significantly reduces thrombus adhesion mass by approximately 81.5% during extracorporeal blood circulation and effectively prevents bacterial biofilm formation even in a high-concentration bacterial milieu over 30 days. Moreover, the results from an isolated blood circulation model in New Zealand white rabbits affirm the impressive anticoagulant efficacy of the SAC hydrogel coating. Our findings suggest that this hydrogel coating and its application method hold promise as a solution for blood-contact material surface modification to address thrombosis and bacterial biofilm formation simultaneously. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Nanosponges: A Targeted Drug Delivery System

The latest advances in nanotechnology have resulted in the development of a targeted drug delivery system. However, in order to efficiently target a molecule to a specific place with a drug delivery system, a specialized drug delivery system is required. The discovery of nanosponge has been a big step toward overcoming challenges such as drug toxicity, low bioavailability, and predictable drug release because they can accept both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Nanosponges, a newly developed colloidal system, have the potential to address concerns such as medicine toxicity, lower bioavailability, and drug release over a large region because they can be adjusted to operate with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic pharmaceuticals. Nanosponges are small structures with a three-dimensional network and porous hollow. Nanosponges are small structures with a three-dimensional network and porous hollow. They can be easily created by crosslinking cyclodextrins with various chemicals. Because of Cyclodextrin's excellent biocompatibility, stability, and safety, a number of Cyclodextrin-based drug delivery systems have been rapidly developed. The nanosponge drug delivery system has a wide range of applications, including cancer, autoimmune illnesses, theranostic uses, increased bioavailability, and stability. This review delves into the benefits and downsides, preparation procedures, factors influencing their preparation, characterisation techniques, applications, and the most recent advancements in nanosponges. Nanosponges can also act as an efficient carrier of enzymes, proteins, vaccines, and antibodies. The current review focuses on the method of preparation, characterisation, and possible application in drug delivery systems.