Hasil untuk "General. Including alchemy"

Sa Rang Choi, Jung Myoung Lee

This study presents a simple method for producing chemically crosslinked porous materials from lignocellulosic fibers with different particle sizes and lignin contents. Porous materials were prepared from organosolv pulp (OP), kneaded organosolv pulp (KOP), lignin-rich microfibrillated cellulose (LMFC), and enzyme cellulose nanofiber (ECNF) and were crosslinked using epichlorohydrin, glutaraldehyde, and glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDE). Among the crosslinkers, GDE provided the best dimensional stability and elastic recovery after repeated compression–recovery cycles in water. Notably, KOP-based porous materials outperformed those derived from LMFC and ECNF, despite being produced via a simple kneading process without energy-intensive fibrillation. KOP-derived materials exhibited excellent dimensional stability and high water absorption exceeding 5890%, demonstrating strong potential for bio-based absorbent applications such as hygiene and packaging.

Emanuela Longo, Elena Giuliano, Agnese Gagliardi et al.

In ophthalmology, developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial to overcome anatomical and physiological barriers, such as rapid tear turnover and blinking, which limit the efficacy of conventional formulations like eye drops. Poloxamers, especially the derivatives 407 (P407) and 188, are amphiphilic triblock copolymers characterized by an intriguing thermo-reversible behavior, making them ideal candidates for the development of in situ hydrogels for ocular applications. Various thermo-sensitive poloxamer-based hydrogels were designed to be easily instilled as liquids at room temperature, gelling promptly upon contact with the corneal surface. These systems promoted a controlled release of active compounds, significantly improving their adhesion to the ocular surface. This review discusses the most relevant scientific literature on the topic, with particular attention to studies published in recent years. The results demonstrated that poloxamer formulations are capable of overcoming typical ocular barriers, thereby increasing drug bioavailability. The intrinsic biocompatibility of poloxamers contributes to the safety and tolerability of the system. Furthermore, P407 showed additional wound healing features. The combination of biocompatibility and thermo-reversible behavior makes poloxamer-based hydrogels a promising platform for the development of innovative ocular drug delivery systems able to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient comfort.

Francisca Araújo, Solange Magalhães, Bruno Medronho et al.

Chitosan films with potential application in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a promising approach to replace non-biobased materials in these innovative devices. In the present work, chitosan with varying molecular weights (MW) and degrees of deacetylation was dissolved in aqueous acetic acid (AA) at different acid concentrations. It was observed that the MW had a greater influence on the viscosity of the solution compared to either the acid concentration or deacetylation degree. Gel formation occurred in high-MW chitosan solutions prepared with low AA concentration. Films prepared from chitosan solutions, through solvent-casting, were used to prepare TENGs. The power output of the TENGs increased with higher concentrations of AA used in the chitosan dissolution process. Similarly, the residual AA content in the dried films also increased with higher initial AA concentrations. Additionally, hot-pressing of the films significantly improves the TENG power output due to the decrease in morphological defects of the films. It was demonstrated that a good selection of the acid concentration not only facilitates the dissolution of chitosan but also plays a key role in defining the properties of the resulting solutions and films, thereby directly impacting the performance of the TENGs.

Iryna S. Protsak, Yevhenii M. Morozov

This review summarizes the fundamental concepts, recent advancements, and emerging trends in the field of stimuli-responsive hydrogels. While numerous reviews exist on this topic, the field continues to evolve dynamically, and certain research directions are often overlooked. To address this, we classify stimuli-responsive hydrogels based on their response mechanisms and provide an in-depth discussion of key properties and mechanisms, including swelling kinetics, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility/biodegradability. We then explore hydrogel design, synthesis, and structural engineering, followed by an overview of applications that are relatively well established from a scientific perspective, including biomedical uses (biosensing, drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering), environmental applications (heavy metal and phosphate removal from the environment and polluted water), and soft robotics and actuation. Additionally, we highlight emerging and unconventional applications such as local micro-thermometers and cell mechanotransduction. This review concludes with a discussion of current challenges and future prospects in the field, aiming to inspire further innovations and advancements in stimuli-responsive hydrogel research and applications to bring them closer to the societal needs.

Andreea Pușcaș, Anda Elena Tanislav, Andruța Elena Mureșan et al.

Hydrogels (Hy) were obtained with a ternary system of proteins (pea (P) or soy isolate (S) 2%), guar (0.5%), and xanthan gums (0.5%) and were subjected to thermal treatment (70 °C/20 min or 85 °C/15 min, or not) prior to structure formation. The FTIR spectra of the hydrogels and the turbidity test (spectrophotometrically red at 600 nm) were used for studying protein–polysaccharide interactions. Amplitude sweeps (0.01–100%) and flow behavior tests (0.1–100 s⁻¹) were conducted for structure analysis. Emulgels were obtained by emulsification of the Hy with 40% or 60% sunflower oil. The centrifugal stability and texture (TPA test) of the emulgels were assessed and SND_40% exhibited the highest hardness (5.30 ± 0.23 N). Based on the results, SND_40%, PND_40%, SD70_40%, and PD_70% were chosen as fat-replacing systems in biscuit formulation. The textural, color, and stability attributes of the reformulated samples were compared with a reference containing margarine. Increased hardness and fracturability were determined for the emulgel-based biscuits, while the color parameters were statistically similar to the reference. Thermal treatments applied to enhance protein–polysaccharide interactions increased the structural performances of some emulgels, while their application as fat-replacing systems should be further evaluated since no statistical differences were recorded in the sensory evaluation of the reference and reformulated biscuits. Emulgels with tuned technological properties have the potential to replace saturated fats in foods.

Yating Xiao, Yingying Jiang, Ting Bao et al.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) restructure collagen hydrogels via actomyosin-driven fibril bundling and crosslinking, increasing polymer density to generate mechanical stress that accelerates tumor proliferation. Conventional hydrogel models lack spatial heterogeneity, thus obscuring how localized stiffness gradients regulate cell cycle progression. To address this, we developed a collagen hydrogel-based microtissue platform integrated with programmable microstrings (single/double tethering), enabling real-time quantification of gel densification mechanics and force transmission efficiency. Using this system combined with FUCCI cell cycle biosensors and molecular perturbations, we demonstrate that CAF-polarized contraction increases hydrogel stiffness (350 → 775 Pa) and reduces pore diameter (5.0 → 1.9 μm), activating YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation via collagen–integrin–actomyosin cascades. This drives a 2.4-fold proliferation increase and accelerates G1/S transition in breast cancer cells. Pharmacological inhibition of YAP (verteporfin), actomyosin (blebbistatin), or collagen disruption (collagenase) reversed mechanotransduction and proliferation. Partial rescue upon CYR61 knockdown revealed compensatory effector networks. Our work establishes CAF-remodeled hydrogels as biomechanical regulators of tumor growth and positions gel-based mechanotherapeutics as promising anti-cancer strategies.

Sun Mi Zo, Ankur Sood, So Yeon Won et al.

Cultured meat is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal agriculture, with scaffolds playing a central role in supporting cellular attachment, growth, and tissue maturation. This review focuses on the development of gel-based hybrid biomaterials that meet the dual requirements of biocompatibility and food safety. We explore recent advances in the use of naturally derived gel-forming polymers such as gelatin, chitosan, cellulose, alginate, and plant-based proteins as the structural backbone for edible scaffolds. Particular attention is given to the integration of food-grade functional additives into hydrogel-based scaffolds. These include nanocellulose, dietary fibers, modified starches, polyphenols, and enzymatic crosslinkers such as transglutaminase, which enhance mechanical stability, rheological properties, and cell-guidance capabilities. Rather than focusing on fabrication methods or individual case studies, this review emphasizes the material-centric design strategies for building scalable, printable, and digestible gel scaffolds suitable for cultured meat production. By systemically evaluating the role of each component in structural reinforcement and biological interaction, this work provides a comprehensive frame work for designing next-generation edible scaffold systems. Nonetheless, the field continues to face challenges, including structural optimization, regulatory validation, and scale-up, which are critical for future implementation. Ultimately, hybrid gel-based scaffolds are positioned as a foundational technology for advancing the functionality, manufacturability, and consumer readiness of cultured meat products, distinguishing this work from previous reviews. Unlike previous reviews that have focused primarily on fabrication techniques or tissue engineering applications, this review provides a uniquely food-centric perspective by systematically evaluating the compositional design of hybrid hydrogel-based scaffolds with edibility, scalability, and consumer acceptance in mind. Through a comparative analysis of food-safe additives and naturally derived biopolymers, this review establishes a framework that bridges biomaterials science and food engineering to advance the practical realization of cultured meat products.

Kultida Kaewpetch, Saowapa Yolsuriyan, Terd Disayathanoowat et al.

Gelatin is commonly used as a gelling agent in gummy candy. Honey and bee products are valuable and rich sources of biologically active substances. In this study, the influence of gelatin and propolis extract on honey gummy jelly (HGJ) properties was investigated. Honey (28–32%), xylitol (13–17%), and gelatin (6–10%) were utilized to develop HGJ products by mixture design methodology. Subsequently, the optimized formulation of HGJ was fortified with 1% and 2% propolis extract to enhance its phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities. The variation in the ingredients significantly affected the physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of the HGJ. The optimized HGJ formulation consisted of honey (32%), xylitol (14%), and gelatin (7%) and exhibited 13.35 × 10³ g.force of hardness, −0.56 × 10³ g.sec of adhesiveness, 11.96 × 10³ N.mm of gumminess, 0.58 of resilience, and a moderate acceptance score (6.7–7.5). The fortification of HGJ with propolis extract significantly increased its phytochemical properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of propolis extract (2%) into the HGJ was able to significantly inhibit the growth of Gram-positive (<i>Streptococcus mutans</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>) and Gram-negative (<i>Escherichia coli</i>) bacteria. The mixture of gelatin, xylitol, honey, and propolis extract can be utilized to develop a healthy gummy product with acceptable physicochemical, textural, and sensory qualities.

Taisei Kawate, Yehao Wang, Kayee Chan et al.

Recently, cellulose and other biomass nanofibers (NFs) have been increasingly utilized in the design of sustainable materials for environmental, biomedical, and other applications. However, the past literature lacks a comparison of the macromolecular and nanofibrous states of biopolymers in various materials, and the advantages and limitations of using nanofibers (NF) instead of conventional polymers are poorly understood. To address this question, hydrogels based on interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) between carboxymethyl cellulose nanofibers (CMCNFs) and chitosan (CS) were prepared by ele+ctrostatic cross-linking and compared with the hydrogels of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and CS biopolymers. The presence of the rigid CMCNF altered the mechanism of the IPEC assembly and drastically affected the structure of IPEC hydrogels. The swelling ratios of CMCNF-CS hydrogels of ca. 40% were notably lower than the ca. 100–300% swelling of CMC-CS hydrogels. The rheological measurements revealed a higher storage modulus (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><msup><mrow><mi>G</mi></mrow><mrow><mo>′</mo></mrow></msup></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>) of the CMCNF-CS hydrogel, reaching 13.3 kPa compared to only 3.5 kPa measured for the CMC-CS hydrogel. Further comparison of the adsorption characteristics of the CMCNF-CS and CMC-CS hydrogels toward Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺ ions showed the slightly higher adsorption capacity of CMC-CS for Cu²⁺ but similar adsorption capacities for Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺. The adsorption kinetics obeyed the pseudo-second-order adsorption model in both cases. Overall, while the replacement of CMC with CMCNF in hydrogel does not significantly affect the performance of such systems as adsorbents, CMCNF imparts IPEC hydrogel with higher stiffness and a frequency-independent loss (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><msup><mrow><mi>G</mi></mrow><mrow><mo>″</mo></mrow></msup></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>) modulus and suppresses the hydrogel swelling, so can be beneficial in practical applications that require stable performance under various dynamic conditions.

Dalia S. Ali, Heba A. Gad, Rania M. Hathout

The current research investigated the use of gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) for enhancing the cytotoxic effects of nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor. The unique feature of GNPs is their biocompatibility and functionalization potential, improving the delivery and the efficacy of immunotherapeutic drugs with fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments. This exploration of GNPs represents an innovative direction in the advancement of nanomedicine in oncology. Nivolumab-loaded GNPs were prepared and characterized. The optimum formulation had a particle size of 191.9 ± 0.67 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.027 ± 0.02, and drug entrapment of 54.67 ± 3.51%. A co-culture experiment involving A549 target cells and effector Jurkat cells treated with free nivolumab solution, and nivolumab-loaded GNPs, demonstrated that the latter had significant improvements in inhibition rate by scoring 87.88 ± 2.47% for drug-loaded GNPs against 60.53 ± 3.96% for the free nivolumab solution. The nivolumab-loaded GNPs had a lower IC₅₀ value, of 0.41 ± 0.01 µM, compared to free nivolumab solution (1.22 ± 0.37 µM) at 72 h. The results indicate that administering nivolumab-loaded GNPs augmented the cytotoxicity against A549 cells by enhancing effector Jurkat cell activity compared to nivolumab solution treatment.

Stefano Baroni

The theory of band offsets at semiconductor interfaces has been one of Alfonso Baldereschi most cherished topics, to which he has made significant contributions, both directly and by enticing peers and disciples, including myself, to delve deeply into it. In this tribute, I recount how a brilliant idea of his for modeling band offsets in a class of semiconductor heterojunctions led to one of our most cited works and brought about the birth of pseudopotential alchemy. This model provides a powerful tool to both compute and fathom the electronic and structural properties of composite semiconductors, such as heterojunctions and alloys, by treating them as small perturbations with respect to a virtual crystal, a system in which different chemical elements occupying crystallographically equivalent lattice sites are represented by an average pseudopotential. This note is intended as a tribute to the fond memories I have of the time spent with, and the science learned from, Alfonso. No attempt will be made at bibliographic completeness in the niche field of pseudopotential alchemy, let alone the much broader one of semiconductor heterojunctions.

Cole Mathis, Devansh Patel, Westley Weimer et al.

How do complex adaptive systems, such as life, emerge from simple constituent parts? In the 1990s Walter Fontana and Leo Buss proposed a novel modeling approach to this question, based on a formal model of computation known as $λ$ calculus. The model demonstrated how simple rules, embedded in a combinatorially large space of possibilities, could yield complex, dynamically stable organizations, reminiscent of biochemical reaction networks. Here, we revisit this classic model, called AlChemy, which has been understudied over the past thirty years. We reproduce the original results and study the robustness of those results using the greater computing resources available today. Our analysis reveals several unanticipated features of the system, demonstrating a surprising mix of dynamical robustness and fragility. Specifically, we find that complex, stable organizations emerge more frequently than previously expected, that these organizations are robust against collapse into trivial fixed-points, but that these stable organizations cannot be easily combined into higher order entities. We also study the role played by the random generators used in the model, characterizing the initial distribution of objects produced by two random expression generators, and their consequences on the results. Finally, we provide a constructive proof that shows how an extension of the model, based on typed $λ$ calculus, could simulate transitions between arbitrary states in any possible chemical reaction network, thus indicating a concrete connection between AlChemy and chemical reaction networks. We conclude with a discussion of possible applications of AlChemy to self-organization in modern programming languages and quantitative approaches to the origin of life.

Abhijeet Parida, Antonia Alomar, Zhifan Jiang et al.

Deploying deep learning-based imaging tools across various clinical sites poses significant challenges due to inherent domain shifts and regulatory hurdles associated with site-specific fine-tuning. For histopathology, stain normalization techniques can mitigate discrepancies, but they often fall short of eliminating inter-site variations. Therefore, we present Data Alchemy, an explainable stain normalization method combined with test time data calibration via a template learning framework to overcome barriers in cross-site analysis. Data Alchemy handles shifts inherent to multi-site data and minimizes them without needing to change the weights of the normalization or classifier networks. Our approach extends to unseen sites in various clinical settings where data domain discrepancies are unknown. Extensive experiments highlight the efficacy of our framework in tumor classification in hematoxylin and eosin-stained patches. Our explainable normalization method boosts classification tasks' area under the precision-recall curve(AUPR) by 0.165, 0.545 to 0.710. Additionally, Data Alchemy further reduces the multisite classification domain gap, by improving the 0.710 AUPR an additional 0.142, elevating classification performance further to 0.852, from 0.545. Our Data Alchemy framework can popularize precision medicine with minimal operational overhead by allowing for the seamless integration of pre-trained deep learning-based clinical tools across multiple sites.

Ogaeze Onyedikachukwu Francis

This paper delves into the intricate nature of the different essence interactions that shape our perceived reality, leveraging a blend of existing empirical data and original experiments. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing quantum mechanics, general physics, metaphysics, philosophy, and spiritualism, it seeks to elucidate the fundamental interplays governing phenomena such as gravity, mass, electromagnetism, force, motion, and quantum mechanics. This exploration promises a reexamination and unification of these principles, offering novel perspectives on the extraordinary phenomena that underpin our reality. By comprehending and manipulating these interactions, the potential arises to orchestrate reality towards desired ends. This study not only unveils compelling avenues for scientific advancement but also proposes transformative technologies and concepts, including light-speed transportation, remote viewing, communication with the deceased, alchemy, and the realization of what is commonly perceived as magic. These visionary notions not only push the boundaries of current understanding but also provide a captivating glimpse into the future possibilities that may await humanity.

S. Roberts, Doug Leslie, Guodong Liu et al.

s from the 2020 Annual Meeting of the Society of General Internal Medicine "J OURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES” CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES AND COMPARATIVE PROBLEMS FACED BY AMERICAN GRADUATES DURING INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY TRAINING AT A COMMUNITY HOSPITAL IN ILLINOIS. Gauri Pethe. Internal Medicine, Amita Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL. (Control ID #3392714) BACKGROUND: International physicians make up 25% of the physician work force in the United States, a majority of international applicants pursue Internal Medicine. Based on their accents, religious symbolism or ethnicity, they are often perceived as being different. AmericanGraduates, although being in a familiar environment, face huddles such as student-loan debt and face challenges such as having to compete with International-Graduates who have more clinical experience. METHODS: A cross sectional study was done at Saint Francis Hospital. Questionnaires included a basic survey about questions including wellness, personal and work life balance, burnout, and discrimination at the workplace. International students had additional questions including ease of availability and access to basic necessities such as housing, cultural food, and community and learning curve. Questions also included communication barriers faced, and other perceived challenges. American Graduates were inquired about challenges and their perception regarding integration of international students. RESULTS: Total residents were 60; 39-IMGs-65%, 2-US-IMGs 3.33%, 19-AMG-31.66% with 22IMGs-56.4% and 10-AMGs-52.63% replied. Within IMGs: 12-females(54.54%) and 10-males(45.45%). AMGs: there were 5 females(50%) and 5 males(50%). 100%-IMGs applied for US residency match for: Better opportunities, 36.36%-Better pay, 90.9%Quality of life, 86.36%-Work hours. 95.45%-IMGs reported better work hours. 31.81%-IMGs stayed late for work vs 20%-AMGs. 22.73%-IMGs had difficulty finding apartment vs 0%-AMGs. 68.19%-IMGs reported difficulty in finding local food, 77.28%-reported difficulty finding home community. 90.9%-IMGs feel compensated enough for the work they do vs 60%-AMGs. 27.27%-IMGs face discrimination; 83.33%were discriminated based on race vs 30%-AMGs; 66.66% was racial and 33.33% sexual. 45.45%-IMGs reported depression vs 60% AMGs. 80% IMG and 83.33% AMGs are likely to seek help, mostly from family. Both IMGs and AMGs reported to feel burned out at least once a month, most during long-call days. 63.63%-IMGs reported ease in balancing work/personal life vs 80%AMGs. Most IMGs and AMGs interact with each other during work, and have no problems making friendsips, but rarely meet socially. 36.36%-IMGs think they are treated differently than AMGs. Biggest challenge for IMGs when adjusting to the US system was cultural change and getting used to EMRs. 81.81%IMGs and 90%AMGs stated that this is their intended specialty. Most IMGs are able to visit home 1-2 time/year, 4 cannot due to civil war. 100% IMGs do not regret their decision to pursue residency in USA. CONCLUSIONS: This study outlines different difficulties faced by IMGs and AMGs alike. IMGs reported more racial discrimination and the biggest challenge was to learn the Electronic-Medical-Records and culture. Despite these challenges, IMGs reported that 100% of them do not regret their decision to pursue residency in the United States. A MULTI-SITE FOCUS GROUP STUDY OF U.S. ADULT WOMEN’S BELIEFS AND ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT BLADDER HEALTH AND FUNCTION Beverly R. Williams; Missy D. Lavender; Kathryn L. Burgio; Yvette LaCoursiere; Diane K. Newman; Sonya S. Brady; Lisa K. Low; Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consoritum. Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; Medicine, Birmingham/Atlanta GRECC, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL; Independent Researcher, Chicago, IL; Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Health, UC San Diego Health La Jolla, La Jolla, CA; Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; NIH-NIDDK, District of Columbia, DC. (Control ID #3360438) BACKGROUND: The Study of Habits, Attitudes, Realities, and Experiences (SHARE), a qualitative study of the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium, explored women’s knowledge experiences, perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors about bladder health/function. The purpose of this analysis was to characterize women's lay beliefs and assumptions about bladder health and function. METHODS: Forty-four focus groups were conducted across seven U.S. research centers with 360 women and adolescents, organized by six age categories. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed. Following transcript and fieldnote coding, multi-level qualitative content analyses was used to classify emergent themes. A transdisciplinary lens and inductive approach guided data interpretation of the” bladder beliefs and assumptions code”. A team of investigators articulated interpretive insights, which were validated by a community engagement panel. RESULTS: Women exhibited limited understanding of bladder health and function, with assumptions and beliefs shaped by personal experience and hearsay. Except for the rare occasion when women had input from a medical professional, notions about bladder health and function were characterized by uncertainty, tentativeness, and unconfirmed impressions. Women speculated on (1)the function of the urinary tract system in cleansing or flushing the bodily system of impurities and toxins, (2) the functional relationship between and among the kidneys, bladder, urethra, vagina, pelvic floor and (3)the impact on bladder function of medications for chronic conditions. Women’s assumptions and beliefs about bladder healthwere framedwithin a “cause and effect” perspective, covering a wide array of habits/behaviors while conjecturing about the physiological mechanisms through such practices promote or deter bladder health. Finally, there was agreement on the importance of bladder friendly habits and the inadvisability of potentially harmful practices. This was acompanied by an assumption that bladder problems could be prevented by developing communitybased programs for educating women about bladder health and function, encouraging women to practice healthy bladder habits, eliminating taboos about discussing bladder health, and empowering women to speak out about their bladder-related experiences and concerns. S1 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-05890-3 © Society of General Internal Medicine 2020 J Gen Intern Med 35 :S1–S779 (Suppl 1) 8 Published online July 2 , 2020 CONCLUSIONS: Community-engaged public health messaging can inform women’s assumptions and beliefs about bladder health/function, educating women about the promotion of bladder health and the prevention of LUTS. BEHAVIORAL INCENTIVES TO IMPROVE MOBILITY AND DECREASE OPIOID USE IN VETERANS WITH CHRONIC PAIN Manik Chhabra; Krisda Chaiyachati; Peggy Compton. School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Corporal Michael Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. (Control ID #3389698) BACKGROUND: An estimated 88.5 million adults suffer from daily pain, resulting in an estimated cost of $635 billion in lost productivity and $300 billion in health care expenditures. To manage their chronic pain, 5 to 8 million Americans take an opioid medication daily. However, the risks associated with ongoing opioid use (overdose, abuse, diversion) temper their analgesic effects. Appreciating the gains in health outcomes that behavioral incentives produce, we tested the hypothesis that loss-framed financial incentives combined with technology enabled care (TEC) can improve patient mobility, reduce pain, and decrease opioid use in patients with chronic pain. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial, allocating 40 patients 1:1 to a lottery-based behavioral incentive program combined with TEC vs. TEC alone (e.g., text-message communication and activity trackers). Patients were eligible if they received care from a VA pain-focused primary care program, on opioid therapy, and had a cell phone with text messaging capabilities. Patients were excluded if they had cancer-related pain, sensory impairments precluding the use of TEC, or had mobility limitations precluding them from walking. The primary outcome was the change in mobility (number of steps taken), and secondarily, pain severity, physical function, and opioid use using self-reported questionnaires over 12-weeks. Data were collected weekly using activity trackers, and text-messaged questionnaires. We measured baseline mobility using a two-week pre-study period observation before randomization. For the lottery + TEC arm, participants were eligible for a weekly regret lottery if their steps increased by 5% from the prior week. Once the subject reached 150% of baseline, they were always entered into the lottery. The eligible lottery participants could win either $30 or $100; those not meeting the walking goals were told what they would have won had they met their goal. RESULTS: Forty subjects have been enrolled and 38 have completed the study. The remaining two subjects will complete the trial by January 31, 2020. The results of the full sample will be available for presentation. Based on interim data analyses on the first 20 subjects, the lottery + TEC arm increased weekly average by 2004 steps, whereas the TEC only arm decreased by 1239 steps. For secondary outcomes, the lottery + TEC arm had improvements in pain severity and physical function but not chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Combining a regret lottery incentive with TEC improved mobility in patients with chronic pain, as well as increased participation in exercise and decreased pain severity and interference. While additional interventions o

Martin Žemla

ABSTRACT In this paper, I will argue how Paracelsus's concept of the universal ensoulment of nature may relate to his understanding of the self-healing capacity of the body, as shown in his Grosse Wundartzney (1536). Here, his new approach to medicine is visible, focusing not on retaining or restoring the balance of bodily humours but on strengthening the inner “essence” of life (the so-called “balsam,” “mummy,” “astral spirit,” etc.). This is possible by means of life-endowed essences of healing substances which can affect the body’s vital principle by means of inner sympathies. Here, a link is established to medical alchemy as a way to produce more subtle medicines, the “essences” of things. Such an undertaking is possible only in the framework of the natural magic concept with its underlying microcosm-macrocosm analogy. It is my aim to show not only the principles of Paracelsus's new medicine, alchemy, and his worldview in general, but also how his theories may relate to his predecessors, including Marsilio Ficino, one of the few authors who escaped Paracelsus's harsh critique.

Takafumi Shiraogawa, Jun-ya Hasegawa

Fengbao Liu, Jinsheng Sun, Xiao Luo

Drilling fluid systems for deep and ultra-deep wells are hampered by both high-temperature downhole environments and lengthy cycle periods. Suppose that the gel particle-plugging agent, the primary treatment agent in the system, fails to offer durable and stable plugging performance. In such a scenario, the borehole wall is susceptible to instability and landslide after prolonged immersion, leading to downhole accidents. In this study, novel core-shell gel particles (modified ZIF) with ZIF particles employed as the core material and organosilicon-modified polyethylene polyamine (PEPA) as the polymer shell were fabricated using PEPA, in-house synthesized (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTS), and the ZIF-8 metal-organic framework (MOF) as the raw materials to enhance the long-term plugging performance of gel plugging agents. The modified ZIF particles are nanoscale polygonal crystals and differ from conventional core-shell gel particles in that they feature high molecular sieve catalytic activity due to the presence of numerous interior micropores and mesopores. As a result, modified ZIF exhibits the performance characteristics of both rigid and flexible plugging agents and has an excellent catalytic cross-linking effect on the sulfonated phenolic resin (SMP-3) and sulfonated lignite resin (SPNH) in drilling fluids. Consequently, a cross-linking reaction occurs when SMP-3 and SPNH flow through the spacings in the plugging layer formed by the modified ZIF particles. This increases the viscosity of the liquid phase and simultaneously generates an insoluble gel, forming a particle-gel composite plugging structure with the modified ZIF and significantly enhancing the long-term plugging performance of the drilling fluid.

Chuqi He, Yucheng Yang, Mi Zhang et al.

Using plant-based polysaccharide gels to produce hard capsules is a novel application of this technology in the medicinal field, which has garnered significant attention. However, the current manufacturing technology, particularly the drying process, limits its industrialization. The work herein employed an advanced measuring technique and a modified mathematical model to get more insight into the drying process of the capsule. Low field magnetic resonance imaging (LF-MRI) technique is adopted to reveal the distribution of moisture content in the capsule during drying. Furthermore, a modified mathematical model is developed by considering the dynamic variation of the effective moisture diffusivity (<i>D</i>_eff) according to Fick’s second law, which enables accurate prediction of the moisture content of the capsule with a prediction accuracy of ±15%. The predicted <i>D</i>_eff ranges from 3 × 10⁻¹⁰ to 7 × 10⁻¹⁰ m²·s⁻¹, which has an irregular variation with a time extension. Moreover, as temperature increases or relative humidity decreases, there is an increased acceleration of moisture diffusion. The work provides a fundamental understanding of the drying process of the plant-based polysaccharide gel, which is crucial for enhancing the industrial preparation of the HPMC-based hard capsules.

Hyeonah Lee, Hyeran Noh

Nanomedicine in gel or particle formation holds considerable potential for enhancing passive and active targeting within ocular drug delivery systems. The complex barriers of the eye, exemplified by the intricate network of closely connected tissue structures, pose significant challenges for drug administration. Leveraging the capability of engineered nanomedicine offers a promising approach to enhance drug penetration, particularly through active targeting agents such as protein peptides and aptamers, which facilitate targeted release and heightened bioavailability. Simultaneously, DNA carriers have emerged as a cutting-edge class of active-targeting structures, connecting active targeting agents and illustrating their potential in ocular drug delivery applications. This review aims to consolidate recent findings regarding the optimization of various nanoparticles, i.e., hydrogel-based systems, incorporating both passive and active targeting agents for ocular drug delivery, thereby identifying novel mechanisms and strategies. Furthermore, the review delves into the potential application of DNA nanostructures, exploring their role in the development of targeted drug delivery approaches within the field of ocular therapy.