Loading Capability Research Articles

What can be observed in intervertebral cartilage endplate with aging? An animal model study of excessive axial mechanical loading.

The cartilage endplate (CEP) plays a crucial role as both a mechanical barrier and nutrient channel for the intervertebral disc, but it is vulnerable to excessive axial loading. We modified the Ilizarov external fixator and applied it to the CEP of the rat tail to impose diurnal, controllable excess axial loading. The objective was to measure morphological changes in the CEP when subjected to loading during the aging process. Two Kirschner wires were, respectively, inserted into the center of the eighth and ninth coccygeal vertebrae (Co8/9) of rat (n = 54) to apply axial loading to the CEP. A remote control device was used to establish the diurnal loading schedule. At the end of 4, 8, and 12-week periods, the Co8/9 CEPs in each group were analyzed using MRI, histological staining, and immunohistochemical staining techniques. The novel Ilizarov model that we modified successfully induced degeneration of the rat coccygeal CEP. MRI analysis revealed significant degenerative changes in the loaded Co8/9 CEP, including decreased signal intensity and the formation of Schmorl's nodes at 8 and 12 weeks. Histological examination showed progressive CEP degeneration (CEPD), characterized by decreased microporosity, thinning, and structural irregularities. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in Aggrecan and Collagen II expression in the CEP and nucleus pulposus over time. Control and sham groups maintained normal CEP structure and composition throughout the study period. Excessive axial loading induced CEPD in the rat tail, primarily characterized by the formation of Schmorl's nodes and a reduction in CEP microporosity in this study. Our modified Ilizarov rat tail compression model, featuring stable and controllable axial loading capabilities, provided an alternative experimental paradigm for further investigation into CEPD.

Unlocking of Hidden Mesopores for Enzyme Encapsulation by Dynamic Linkers in Stable Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Mesoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising supports for the immobilization of enzymes, yet their applications are often limited by small pore apertures that constrain the size of encapsulated enzymes to below 5 nm. In this study, we introduced labile linkers (4,4',4''-(2,4,6-boroxintriyl)-tribenzoate, TBTB) with dynamic boroxine bonds into mesoporous PCN-333, resulting in PCN-333-TBTB with enhanced enzyme loading and protection capabilities. The selective breaking of B-O bonds creates defects in PCN-333, which effectively expands both window and cavity sizes, thereby unlocking hidden mesopores for enzyme encapsulation. Consequently, this strategy not only increases the adsorption kinetics of small enzymes (<5 nm) such as cytochrome c (Cyt C) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), but also enables the immobilization of various large-sized enzymes (>5 nm), such as glycoenzymes. The glycoenzymes@PCN-333-TBTB platform was successfully applied to synthesize thirteen complex oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, demonstrating high activity and enhanced enzyme stability. The dynamic linker-mediated enzyme encapsulation strategy enables the immobilization of enzymes exceeding the inherent pore size of MOFs, thus broadening the scope of enzymatic catalytic reactions achievable with MOF materials.

Unlocking of Hidden Mesopores for Enzyme Encapsulation by Dynamic Linkers in Stable Metal‐Organic Frameworks

AbstractMesoporous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising supports for the immobilization of enzymes, yet their applications are often limited by small pore apertures that constrain the size of encapsulated enzymes to below 5 nm. In this study, we introduced labile linkers (4,4′,4′′‐(2,4,6‐boroxintriyl)‐tribenzoate, TBTB) with dynamic boroxine bonds into mesoporous PCN‐333, resulting in PCN‐333‐TBTB with enhanced enzyme loading and protection capabilities. The selective breaking of B−O bonds creates defects in PCN‐333, which effectively expands both window and cavity sizes, thereby unlocking hidden mesopores for enzyme encapsulation. Consequently, this strategy not only increases the adsorption kinetics of small enzymes (&lt;5 nm) such as cytochrome c (Cyt C) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), but also enables the immobilization of various large‐sized enzymes (&gt;5 nm), such as glycoenzymes. The glycoenzymes@PCN‐333‐TBTB platform was successfully applied to synthesize thirteen complex oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, demonstrating high activity and enhanced enzyme stability. The dynamic linker‐mediated enzyme encapsulation strategy enables the immobilization of enzymes exceeding the inherent pore size of MOFs, thus broadening the scope of enzymatic catalytic reactions achievable with MOF materials.

Chitosan-melanin complex microsphere: A potential colonic delivery system for protein drugs

The characteristics and performance of chitosan-based colon delivery systems are significantly influenced by the method of preparation. Insect chitosan-melanin complex (CMC) may offer superior attributes over traditional shrimp and crab chitosan (CS) for colon-targeted administration. This study used dung beetle CMC as the carrier matrix and comprehensively examined the impact of various crosslinking techniques on the colonic drug delivery efficacy of microspheres, encompassing drug loading, swelling, drug release behavior, adhesion, enzymatic degradation, and absorption enhancement. The results indicate that F-TPPLC microspheres, crosslinked with a combination of formaldehyde and sodium tripolyphosphate, exhibit superior drug loading capabilities, optimal swelling behavior, and controlled in vitro drug release profiles in the colonic environment, along with excellent adhesion and enzymatic degradation properties within intestinal tract. Notably, these F-TPPLC microspheres increase paracellular permeability, possibly by disrupting the calcium-dependent adhesion junctions. In comparison to commercial CS, CMC demonstrates superior drug encapsulation efficiency, enhanced colonic drug release, adhesion, and absorption promotion, rendering it a favorable candidate as a carrier in colon-targeted drug delivery systems. Consequently, F-TPPLC microspheres derived from CMC are highly suitable for colon drug delivery applications and show promising potential for the oral delivery of peptide and protein-based therapeutics to the colon.

A market-based load regulation method for heterogeneous residential air-conditioning loads under cloud-edge collaboration

Residential air-conditioning load on the power demand side has gradually increased. The air-conditioning loads have thermal storage characteristics, and adjusting their temperature settings will not cause significant negative impacts to users, making them well-suited for demand response. In existing studies, load aggregators usually serve as demand response implementors, and reducing the energy consumption levels of air conditioning loads directly. However, this method often lacks a clear definition of the flexibility of individual air-conditioning units and fails to account for their variations. The absence of well-defined commodity characteristics for the flexible regulation potential complicates pricing, making it difficult to safeguard the interests of the load aggregator and each air-conditioning user. Furthermore, the diversity among residential air-conditioning loads introduces high-dimensional variables into demand response optimization, making it challenging to balance data security with computational efficiency. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a market-based load reduction method for heterogeneous residential air-conditioning loads using cloud-edge collaboration. First, the flexible adjustment capability of air-conditioning loads is defined as a tradable commodity. Then, a cloud-edge collaborative trading scheme is proposed to guarantee the benefits of the load aggregator and each air-conditioning user in a data-neutrality manner. Finally, a hybrid method based on encrypted clustering is developed to compute the optimal trading strategy, ensuring data security and computational efficiency. Simulation results based on data from the Austin area show that Pareto improvement is achieved compared to other load reduction schemes, and the proposed encrypted clustering method reduces computational complexity and data security risks compared to traditional analytical and iterative approaches.

Carrier-Free Biomimetic Organic Nanoparticles with Super-High Drug Loading for Targeted NIR-II Excitable Triple-Modal Bioimaging and Phototheranostics.

Multimodal near-infrared II (NIR-II) theranostics combined with nanotechnology have emerged as promising treatments for cancer due to their noninvasive and high spatiotemporal nature. Traditional NIR-II theranostics typically comprise useless and massive inert carriers, resulting in low drug loading capacity, reduced therapeutic effects, and potential biotoxicity. To overcome these limitations, this work reports carrier-free NIR-II theranostics simultaneously with high drug loading capacity and multimodal NIR-II imaging capabilities for cancer phototheranostics in the NIR-II window. Carrier-free BTA nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared by self-assembling the NIR-II responsive conjugated oligomer BTA without adding coating agents; these NPs exhibited 100% drug loading and high-performance NIR-II theranostic capabilities. Cancer cell membranes are camouflaged on carrier-free BTA NPs to provide homologous targeting ability, enhanced stability, and 77.8% drug loading. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that biomimetic NPs provide efficient triple-modal guidance for NIR-II fluorescence, photoacoustic, and photothermal imaging and complete tumor elimination via photothermal therapy (PTT). Additionally, theranostics-based treatments with good biosecurity are demonstrated. This study contributes a new strategy for the design of high-drug-loading NIR-II theranostics and further promotes the clinical translation of theranostic agents.

Dual Frequency-Regulated Magnetic Vortex Nanorobots Empower Nattokinase for Focalized Microvascular Thrombolysis.

Magnetic nanorobots are emerging players in thrombolytic therapy due to their noninvasive remote actuation and drug loading capabilities. Although the nanorobots with a size under 100 nm are ideal to apply in microvascular systems, the propulsion performance of nanorobots is inevitably compromised due to the limited response to magnetic fields. Here, we demonstrate a nattokinase-loaded magnetic vortex nanorobot (NK-MNR) with an average size around 70 nm and high saturation magnetization for mechanical propelling and thermal responsive thrombolysis under a magnetic field with dual frequencies. The nanorobots are stable in suspension and undergo the magneto-steered assembly into chain-like NK-MNRs, which are regulated to generate magnetic forces to mechanically damage and penetrate the thrombus by the low-frequency rotating magnetic field. Synergistically, enhanced magnetic hyperthermia is triggered by an alternating magnetic field of high frequency, enabling heat-induced NK release and fibrinolysis. In this dual frequency-regulated magnetothrombolysis (fRMT) strategy, nanorobots collaborate under the dual magnetic energy conversion model to achieve the vasculature recanalization rate of 81.0% in thrombotic mice. Overall, the nanorobot with the special magnetic vortex property and multimodel controls is a promising nanoplatform for in vivo focalized microvascular thrombolysis.

Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Fluorescent Polystyrene Nanospheres for Homogeneous Light-Initiated Chemiluminescence Immunoassay.

Homogeneous light-initiated chemiluminescence technology (LICA) is widely used in clinical diagnostics due to the advantages of high sensitivity, minimal reagent usage, and no need for washing. Luminescent microspheres receive singlet oxygen emitted by photosensitive microspheres to generate optical signals. Therefore,1O2-initiated luminescent nanospheres are crucial, but there are few reports on the preparation of 1O2-initiated luminescent nanospheres. Herein, monodisperse luminescent Eu/C-28@PS (Eps) nanospheres were prepared and optimized using chelate Eu (TTA)3phen and 4-(2-phenyl-5,6-dihydro1,4-oxathiin-3-yl)-N, N-ditetradecylbenzenamine (C-28) as probe dye via THF/water swelling-shrinking procedure. Various swelling parameters were studied to obtain the swelling conditions that produce the minimum particle size and narrow size distribution, which shows good results in uniform particle size distribution (~ 250nm, a PDI of 0.03), surface carboxylate content (1.18mmol/g), and BSA loading capability (129.8mg/g) in the case of 20mg total probe dosage and 2h of incubation at 40°C using 14% THF/water mixture as a co-solvent system. The composition of the entrapped probe has a gain effect on the 1O2-initiated fluorescent signal and the optimal ratio of Eu (TTA)3phen: C-28 (1:1) was obtained on a commercial analyzer using IgG and anti-human IgG as models in PBS buffer. These results indicate that monodisperse luminescent Eps nanospheres are suitable as light-initiated chemiluminescence sensors and have great application potential in early detection, screening tests, and prognostic evaluation of patients.

Efficiently Improving Laboratory Workflow with Continuous Sample Loading by Validating the COBAS 5800 for HIV and HCV Viral Loads

Abstract Introduction/Objective A regional veteran affairs medical center (VAMC) was using the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS Taqman (Roche, Basel Switzerland) with a throughput of 72 tests/8 hours without continuous loading capability. However, a newer cobas 5800 System (Roche, Basel Switzerland) was validated to allow for continuous loading with better parameters for workflow including 144 tests/per 8 hours with a capacity for continuous loading of samples without batching. As validation experiences between the two instruments is sparse in the literature, the validation is described. Methods/Case Report The validation process included a linearity study using 24 samples with levels (100, 600, 6,000, 60,000, 600,000, 2,000,000, and 6,000,000 copies/mL for HIV and 100, 300, 3,000, 30,000, 300,000, 3,000,000, and 30,000,000 copies/mL for HCV) across the analytical range, a precision study at a low (1,000 copies/mL) and high (100,000 copies/mL for HIV, 1,000,000 copies/ML for HCV) values of a triplicate run over 5 days, an accuracy study based on the precision study, a limit of detection study using 20 control samples at the limit of detection, control monitoring (high and low positive controls) over 9 runs, and a method correlation between the Cobas 5800 and the Cobas AmpliPrep/COBAS Taqman. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The validation study resulted as expected. For the method correlation, the results were plotted and evaluated with an R2 of 0.937 (HIV from 91 samples) and 0.9646 (HCV from 74 samples). Linearity across the analytical range had an R2 of 0.9967 (HIV) and 0.9950 (HCV). All samples were detected at the limit of detection study. Both the accuracy and precision yielded expected results. The values from running the controls (high and low positive) over 9 runs remained within the expected range and within two standard deviations for all runs. Conclusion The COBAS 5800, which has improved capabilities compared to the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS Taqman, was validated for clinical use successfully.

Metal Complexation for the Rational Design of Gemcitabine Formulations in Cancer Therapy.

Nanoformulation of chemotherapies represents a promising strategy to enhance outcomes in cancer therapy. Gemcitabine is a chemotherapeutic agent approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of various solid tumors. Nevertheless, its therapeutic effectiveness is constrained by its poor metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic profile. Nanoformulations of gemcitabine in lipid and polymer nanocarriers usually lead to poor loading capability and an inability to effectively control its release profile due to the physicochemical characteristics of the drug and matrices. Here, we propose metal-gemcitabine complexation with biorelevant metal cations as a strategy to alter the properties of gemcitabine in a noncovalent manner, paving the way for the development of novel nanoformulations. A speciation study on gemcitabine and Mn2+, Zn2+, and Ca2+ was performed with the aim of investigating the extent of the interaction between the drug and the proposed metal cations, and selecting the best conditions of temperature, pH, and drug-to-metal molar ratio that optimize such interactions. Also, a series of density functional theory calculations and spin-polarized ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to achieve insights on the atomistic modalities of these interactions. Mn2+-gemcitabine species demonstrated the ability to maintain gemcitabine's biological activity in vitro. The scientific relevance of this study lies in its potential to propose metal-gemcitabine as a valuable strategy for developing nanoformulations with optimized quality target product profiles. The work is also clinically relevant because it will lead to improved treatment outcomes, including enhanced efficacy and pharmacokinetics, decreased toxicity, and new clinical possibilities for this potent therapeutic molecule.

Synergizing Proton‐Dominated Storage and Electron Transfer for High‐Loading, Fast‐Rate Organic Anode in Metal‐Free Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

AbstractDeveloping suitable anode materials to fabricate metal‐free Zinc ion battery is a promising strategy to solve the issues of Zn metal anode, such as dendrite growth and side reactions. However, the reported anode materials face shortcomings such as unsatisfactory rate performance, low mass loading, etc. Herein, featuring synergetic proton‐dominated storage and electron transfer, a conjugated polyimide nanocomposite trapped by multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (PPN‐MWCNT) is developed for high‐loading, fast‐rate organic anode materials in metal‐free Zinc ion battery. Specifically, abundant hydrophilic active sites and nonplaner conjunctional structure in PPN achieve proton‐dominated storage with two steps four electrons mechanism, leading to fast ion diffusion, and the intimate contact between the polymer and MWCNT via in situ polymerization ensures the excellent charge transfer and robust structure. Thus, the PPN‐MWCNT electrode delivers low redox potential, ultrahigh rate performance (50 A g−1), superior loading capability (≈40 mg cm−2) and exceptional long‐term cyclability (over 12 000 cycles). More importantly, the full batteries assembled with PPN‐MWCNT anode and different cathodes deliver a high energy density of 106.4 Wh kg−1 (PPN‐MWCNT//MnO2) and 83.7 Wh kg−1 (PPN‐MWCNT//active carbon‐I2), exceeding the most reported metal‐free Zinc ion batteries.

Web-Based DICOM Viewers: A Survey and a Performance Classification.

The standard for managing image data in healthcare is the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) protocol. DICOM web-viewers provide flexible and accessible platforms for their users to view and analyze DICOM images remotely. This article presents a comprehensive evaluation of various web-based DICOM viewers, emphasizing their performance in different rendering scenarios, browsers, and operating systems. The study includes a total of 16 web-based viewers, of which 12 were surveyed, and 7 were compared performance-wise based on the availability of an online demo. The criteria for examination include accessibility features, such as available information or requirements for usage, interface features, such as loading capabilities or cloud storage, two-dimensional (2D) viewing features, such as the ability to perform measurements or alter the viewing window, and three-dimensional (3D) viewing features, such as volume rendering or secondary reconstruction. Only 4 of the viewers allow for the viewing of local DICOM files in 3D (other than MPR(Multiplanar reconstruction)). Premium software offers a large amount of features with overall good performance. One of the free alternatives demonstrated the best efficiency in both 2D and 3D rendering but faces challenges with missing 3D rendering features in its interface, which is still in development. Other free options exhibited slower performance, especially in 2D rendering but have more ready-to-use features on their web app. The evaluation also underscores the importance of browser choice, with some browsers performing much better than the competition, and highlights the significance of hardware when dealing with rendering tasks.

Advancement in Soft Hydrogel Grippers: Comprehensive Insights into Materials, Fabrication Strategies, Grasping Mechanism, and Applications.

Soft hydrogel grippers have attracted considerable attention due to their flexible/elastic bodies, stimuli-responsive grasping and releasing capacity, and novel applications in specific task fields. To create soft hydrogel grippers with robust grasping of various types of objects, high load capability, fast grab response, and long-time service life, researchers delve deeper into hydrogel materials, fabrication strategies, and underlying actuation mechanisms. This article provides a systematic overview of hydrogel materials used in soft grippers, focusing on materials composition, chemical functional groups, and characteristics and the strategies for integrating these responsive hydrogel materials into soft grippers, including one-step polymerization, additive manufacturing, and structural modification are reviewed in detail. Moreover, ongoing research about actuating mechanisms (e.g., thermal/electrical/magnetic/chemical) and grasping applications of soft hydrogel grippers is summarized. Some remaining challenges and future perspectives in soft hydrogel grippers are also provided. This work highlights the recent advances of soft hydrogel grippers, which provides useful insights into the development of the new generation of functional soft hydrogel grippers.

Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of Monosaccharide Tagged Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Targeting of Etravirine to Macrophagic AIDS Viral Reservoirs.

Purpose of the study: The present study aimed to develop and examine monosaccharide-decorated nanoparticles specifically designed for macrophage targeting of etravirine. Methods: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared with stearylamine as such or after tagging with mannose and galactose as one of the lipid components of NLC. Prior to synthesis, a docking study was used to analyze the potential for interaction of the stearylamine- sugar conjugates with respective lectin receptors. Mannose and galactose-conjugated stearylamine were separately synthesized. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies were used to assess successful reactions. Etravirine-loaded non-targeted nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were synthesized with the emulsification solvent evaporation method and characterized for parameters such as zeta potential, in-vitro release, entrapment efficiency and particle size. To create targeted nanoparticles, stearylamine was replaced with either of the conjugated lipids in the formulation. For stability, all NLC dispersions were lyophilized. In-vitro investigations included cellular uptake and cytotoxicity assessments in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Following intravenous administration of the NLCs in Wistar rats, in-vivo biodistribution was evaluated. Results: The docking studies showed good binding potential of both conjugated lipids for respective receptors. Evaluation of synthesized products showed successful conjugation of sugars to stearylamine. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated impressive etravirine loading capabilities and exhibited a circular shape with a mean size of approximately 260 nm. Drug release from all NLC formulations persisted for over 24 hours and remained stable after lyophilization. In-vitro evaluations in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line revealed that mannosylated nanoparticles had enhanced uptake when compared to non-targeted and galactosylated counterparts. In-vivo plasma and tissue distribution studies corroborated the in-vitro findings, as the mannosylated NLCs displayed a higher distribution into organs with a rich presence of macrophages. Conclusion: The studies indicate that while sugar tagging of nanoparticles can prove to be an effective strategy for targeting drugs to macrophagic tissue for tackling latent AIDS virus, the choice of sugar is critical.

Force-velocity profiling in elite luge athletes during the simulated luge start

Introduction &amp; Purpose The idea of some athletes having high strength levels but being too slow for a particular movement while others are fast but not strong enough for the demands of their sport exists among many coaches. Therefore, planning decisions are often based on the measurement results of speed and force capabilities and the interest in the relationships between additional load, force, velocity and power during the required movement is high. The luge start is a ballistic movement that requires both high forces and velocities to reach maximal performance (i.e. fast starting times). Examining the load, force, velocity and power capabilities of elite luge athletes during the luge start could deliver insights for training prescription to improve individual weak points and improve performance. This study investigated the relationship between the calculated maxima of force-velocity (FV), load-velocity (LV) and power-velocity (PV) profiles during a simulated luge start and on-ice start times in elite luge athletes. Methods Eleven Austrian national luge team athletes (1 female, 10 male, 25 [4.4] y, 182.4 [7.3] cm, 86.65 [10.4] kg) participated in this study. Measurements were conducted during a single testing session on a specially designed start simulator. Each athlete performed starts against 5 increasing resistances relative to their bodyweight (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). For each pull, relative maximum force (Fmax), maximum power (Pmax) and maximum velocity (Vmax) were calculated using the measurements of a linear position transducer (GymAware PowerTool). An experimental approach was used to create the FV-, LV- and PV-profiles showing the highest R2. On-ice start times [s] were measured by photoelectric sensors (ALGE). A correlation matrix (p &lt; 0.05) was used to analyze the relationships between the theoretical Pmax, Fmax (i.e. theoretical isometric maximum force), theoretically unloaded Vmax (Vmax(F0)), theoretical relative maximum loads (Lmax(V0)) and starting times obtained from the profiles. Results Ten linear FV profiles and 11 exponential LV were created (Figure 1; FV: R2mean = 0.9532 ± 0.06; LV: R2mean = 0.9918 ± 0.01). There were significant negative relationships between Vmax(F0) and on-ice starting times (r(9) = -.74, p &lt; .05; r(9) = -.71, p &lt; .05; r(9) = -.74, p &lt; .05) and significant positive correlations between Lmax(V0) and ice start times (r(9) = .71, p &lt; .05; r(9) = .71, p &lt; .05; r(9) = .72, p &lt; .05). Discussion The FV relationship during a simulated luge start can be represented mostly through a linear regression line, supporting the findings of former studies which showed a quasilinear relationship between force and velocity in multi-joint movements (Bobbert, 2012; Jaric, 2015). In line with earlier approaches, PV relationships could be represented quite accurately by use of second-degree polynomial regressions (Allison et al., 2013; Padulo et al., 2017). Contradictory to the linear LV relationships found in other movements (García-Ramos et al., 2018), the luge start LV profile can be better represented by exponential regression curves which could be due to the minimized friction in the luge start setup. Conclusion The abilities of accelerating high external loads and producing high velocities both affect luge start time.

Development of a Polymer Ultrasound Contrast Agent Incorporating Nested Carbon Nanodots

Polymer microbubbles have garnered broad interest as potential theranostic agents. However, the capabilities of polymer MBs can be greatly enhanced, particularly regarding the imaging performance and functional versatility of the platform. This study investigates integrating fluorescent carbon nanodots within polylactic acid (PLA) microbubbles. First, the formulations are characterized by their size, microbubble counts, zeta potential, and resonance frequency. Then, the fluorescence capabilities, nanoparticle loading, and acoustic capabilities are examined. Unmodified (U-), carboxylated (C-), and aminated graphene quantum dots (A-GQDs) were separately suspended and synthesized at a 2% w/w ratio with PLA in the organic phase of the water/oil/water double emulsion process. The new microbubbles were characterized using an AccuSizer, Zetasizer, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and fluorimetry, a custom-built acoustic setup, and clinical ultrasound. The GQD microbubbles were sized between 1.4 and 1.9 µm (U = 1.90, C = 1.44, A = 1.72, Unloaded = 2.02 µm). The U-GQD microbubble exhibited a higher bubble concentration/mg PLA ( p &lt; .05) and the A-GQD microbubbles exhibited the greatest shift in zeta potential. Electron microscopy revealed smooth surfaces and a spherical shape, showing that the nanoparticle addition was not deleterious. The A-GQD microbubbles were specifically detectable using DAPI-filtering with fluorescence microscopy and had the highest TRITC-filtered fluorescence. The C-GQD microbubbles had the highest loading efficiency at 59.4% ( p &lt; .05), and the lowest max acoustic enhancement at 5 MHz (U = 19.8, C = 17.6, A = 18.9, Unloaded = 18.5 dB; p &lt; .05). Additionally, all microbubbles were visible and susceptible to inertial cavitation utilizing clinical ultrasound. The A-GQDs showed promise toward improving the theranostic capabilities of the microbubble platform. They have imbued the most advantageous fluorescence capability and slightly improved backscatter enhancement while retaining all the necessary capabilities of an ultrasound contrast agent. Future studies will investigate the coloading potential of A-GQDs and drug within microbubbles.

Performance analysis of a medical waste gasification-based power generation system integrated with a coal-fired power unit considering dispatching optimization

This paper collects into a medical waste plasma gasification, a cleaning system, a gas turbine, a syngas storage tank and a coal-fired power unit to establish the medical waste plasma hybrid peak shaving system. In this system, medical waste is transported into a plasma gasification furnace and prepared as syngas by reaction. Then, the syngas is delivered to the gas turbine after cooling and deacidification. Finally, the flue gas from the combustion of the gas turbine is used to heat the condensate of a coal-fired power unit. Compared to the coal-fired power unit, the system has a larger range of peak load capability. Establish the integrated regional power grid dispatching model. The paper selects five typical days, which combine the actual data to comprehensively consider many factors. Then analyze the optimal economy of the regional power grid and propose the optimal dispatch scheme for the regional power grid. After modification, the system energy efficiency is 37.38 %, and system exergy efficiency is 36.19 %. After the dispatching optimization, the average daily profit is 140.78 k$, the profitability can reach initial cost in 6.20 years, and the net present value generated by the medical waste plasma hybrid peak shaving system is 178,410.43 k$.

3D-Printed Latticed Microneedle Array Patches for Tunable and Versatile Intradermal Delivery.

Using high-resolution 3D printing, a novel class of microneedle array patches (MAPs) is introduced, called latticed MAPs (L-MAPs). Unlike most MAPs which are composed of either solid structures or hollow needles, L-MAPs incorporate tapered struts that form hollow cells capable of trapping liquid droplets. The latticestructures can also be coated with traditional viscous coating formulations, enabling both liquid- and solid-state cargo delivery, on a single patch. Here, a library of 43 L-MAP designs is generated and in-silico modeling is used to down-select optimal geometries for further characterization. Compared to traditionally molded and solid-coated MAPs, L-MAPs can load more cargo with fewer needles per patch, enhancing cargo loading and drug delivery capabilities. Further, L-MAP cargo release kinetics into the skin can be tuned based on formulation and needle geometry. In this work, the utility of L-MAPs as a platform is demonstrated for the delivery of small molecules, mRNA lipid nanoparticles, and solid-state ovalbumin protein. In addition, the production of programmable L-MAPs is demonstrated with tunablecargo release profiles, enabled by combining needle geometries on a single patch.

PH-Responsive supramolecular vesicles for imaging-guided drug delivery: Harnessing aggregation-induced emission.

The water-soluble tribenzotriquinacene-based hexacarboxylic acid ammonium salt, TBTQ-C 6 , acts as the host component (H) forming host-guest complexes with tetraphenylethylene (TPE)-functionalized monotopic and tetratopic quaternary ammonium derivatives, G1 and G2, to yield supra-amphiphiles. These supra-amphiphiles self-assemble to form pH-responsive fluorescent vesicles, which have allowed us to capitalize on the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect for imaging-guided drug delivery systems. These systems exhibit efficient drug loading and pH-responsive delivery capabilities. Upon encapsulation of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX), both the TPE and DOX chromophores undergo dual-fluorescence deactivation due to the energy transfer relay (ETR) effect. Under acidic conditions, the release of DOX interrupts the ETR effect, resulting in the fluorescence recovery of TPE fluorogens and DOX, allowing for real-time visual monitoring of the drug release process. Cytotoxicity experiments confirmed the low toxicity of the unloaded vectors to normal cells, while the DOX-loaded vectors were found to significantly enhance the anticancer activity of DOX against cancer cells in vitro. The AIE-featured supramolecular vesicles presented in this research hold great potential for imaging-guided drug delivery systems.

Bridging shores: Leveraging green finance, financial globalization, and human capital for a cleaner environment in G-20 marine ecosystems using the fishing ground capability curve theory

The G-20 nations, that are industrializing at the fastest rate in the world, are dealing with serious environmental issues, particularly those pertaining to marine habitats. Because economic activity is affecting these environmental and marine ecosystems drastically, it is necessary to probe the factors that can promote sustainable development in developed and developing nations. Thus, understanding the possible effects of financial globalization (FG), green finance (GFN), and economic expansion on marine health is paramount. The study uses advanced methodologies to examine potential intersections between economic growth (GDP) and FG on the marine ecosystem of the G-20 countries between 2000 and 2022 in the context of fishing grounds load capability Curve (FGLCC) framework by showing a nonlinear relationship between marine conditions and income levels. Human capital is exerting positive impacts of (5.640–6.743 %) but FG is impacting (-4.182 to −5.490) on FGLCC. Furthermore, the work emphasizes the necessity of policies that strike a balance between the G-20's marine environmental sustainability and economic development, stressing the significance of deliberate legislative and strategic interventions. It is necessary to enact laws that favor sustainable fishing methods rather than focusing solely on boosting GDP through intensive fishing. Possible actions may involve allocating resources towards research and development in efficient fishing techniques, advocating for the adoption of environmentally friendly fishing equipment, and helping for the adoption of technologies that minimize unintended catch and damage to habitats. These discoveries have important ramifications for marine policymakers as they tackle marine environmental issues in the face of economic development. They are essential for improving marine requirements and safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations.