Charles University

• Deposition methods govern the electrochemical performance of modified electrode • Structured protocol links electrode surface characterization to electrochemistry • Inkjet printing yields uniform functionalization versus drop-casting on electrodes • Coverage uniformity and layer thickness explain impedance and voltammetric response • Electrochemical response follows accessible active sites, not deposited mass The performance of functionalized electrochemical sensors is commonly linked to the intrinsic properties of the material used for electrode surface modification. However, the role of the deposition method itself is often overlooked, even though it critically defines the interfacial structure and batch-to-batch reproducibility. In addition, electrode functionalization is rarely accompanied by comprehensive surface characterization, which limits mechanistic interpretation and transferability of results. Here, we introduce a structured, multiscale characterization framework that isolates how deposition methods define the electrochemical interface on printed electrodes. A commercial screen-printed carbon electrode platform was functionalized with nitrogen-doped graphene acid using conventional drop-casting and inkjet printing as a controlled deposition strategy. Complementary local and electrode-scale analyses were used to quantify film homogeneity, thickness distribution, microtopography, wetting behavior, and coating integrity. These interfacial descriptors were systematically correlated with electrochemical performance using impedance spectroscopy and voltammetric benchmarking. Inkjet printing produced thin, laterally uniform coatings with enhanced wetting and significantly reduced electrode-to-electrode variability. In contrast, drop-casting resulted in edge-enriched films dominated by coffee-ring drying and pronounced interfacial heterogeneity. The electrochemical response was governed by the spatial accessibility and distribution of the functional layer rather than by the nominal deposited mass. This positions deposition technique among primary design parameters in electrochemical sensor development. The framework presented here provides a practical characterization and reporting protocol that supports reproducible and mechanistically interpretable optimization of functionalized electrochemical interfaces. Electrochemical performance is governed by how a functional layer is structured and coupled to the electrode: continuity, electronic connectivity, and mechanical robustness determine kinetics and reproducibility. Spatially resolved, complementary interface characterization is essential to translate surface architecture into reliable device performance.

In this paper, calibration results of the hypoplastic clay model are presented by means of correlation analyses. The calibrations were performed using the online calibration application ExCalibre. The study defined two main objectives. First, to evaluate the reliability of the calibration application and, second, to determine comprehensive correlations between the model parameters and soil properties, such as Atterberg’s limits and soil gradation characteristics. While the calibration results are in agreement with critical state soil mechanics, thus proving the credibility of ExCalibre, a comprehensive analysis of the stiffness parameter, with the aid of response envelopes, revealed that this parameter should be treated as state dependent, which will be considered in future developments. Although the correlations found can be used for prompt parameter estimation, in this case, it was determined that the correlations cannot qualitatively replace a comprehensive calibration procedure.

The proline-rich domain (PRD) of the tumor suppressor p53 plays a central role in modulating conformational dynamics and molecular interactions, yet its intrinsic structural behavior remains incompletely understood. Here, we combine extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations with biophysical validation to characterize the conformational ensemble of the p53 PRD. The domain behaves as an intrinsically disordered region, sampling a highly heterogeneous ensemble with average end-to-end distance and radius of gyration of 52.5 Å and 21.8 Å, respectively. Despite this disorder, transient local structure is prominent: unordered conformations dominate, followed by substantial polyproline II (PPII) content, with β-bends and turns linking conserved PXXP motifs. Circular dichroism and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments corroborate the largely disordered yet partially structured nature of the PRD. Ramachandran and contact analyses reveal that consecutive prolines, particularly Pro71-Pro72, impose steric constraints that stabilize locally extended conformations and restrict backbone collapse. To approximate the PRD within full-length p53, additional simulations were performed with restrained terminal distances, yielding reduced conformational variability and improved agreement with small-angle X-ray scattering data while preserving secondary-structure propensities. PPII helices emerge as particularly robust features, acting as stiff spacers linking the transactivation domain to downstream regions. Finally, simulations of clinically relevant variants reveal mutation-specific local perturbations: P72R disrupts consecutive proline rigidity and increases flexibility, whereas P82L abolishes a PXXP motif and its associated PPII helix. These results identify proline-mediated rigidity and transient PPII structure as key determinants of the dynamic conformational landscape of the p53 PRD.

The worldwide acceleration of digital transformation in healthcare underscores the need for professionals to continuously adapt and sustain robust digital health competence, shaped not only by individual characteristics and institutional environments but also by broader social, cultural, and geopolitical factors. This study aimed to identify distinct clusters of digital health competence among healthcare professionals across 19 diverse countries and regions, and to examine the factors influencing the development and distribution of these competence clusters. A cross-sectional international survey study was conducted between 2023 and 2024, using a validated survey instrument measuring digital health competence and its influencing factors. Data were collected from healthcare professionals in 19 countries and regions (n=6440; n=5945 used for this study), following a harmonised protocol with shared demographic templates and instruments. K-means cluster analysis was employed to derive digital competence profiles, with comparative analyses conducted to investigate associations between the identified clusters and individual characteristics (e.g., age, education, professional experience). Five distinct clusters of digital health competence were identified: (1) Beginners, (2) Developing Professionals, (3) Emerging Users, (4) Proficient Practitioners, and (5) Pioneers. Higher competence clusters (4 and 5) were associated with younger age, higher education, hospital-based work, and stronger perceived support from management, organisational structures, and colleagues. In contrast, lower-performing clusters reported limited digital engagement and minimal support. Perceived leadership influence, particularly managerial commitment to digital change, was a key differentiator across clusters. The findings demonstrate substantial variation in digital health competence across healthcare professionals internationally. Cluster-specific strategies, such as targeted upskilling, peer mentoring, and leadership engagement, are needed to address competence gaps. The results provide a foundation for policy development and workforce training frameworks aimed at strengthening digital readiness in global healthcare systems. Future research should explore longitudinal competence development and evaluate targeted interventions.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable clinical and research tool for patients managed using deep brain stimulation (DBS). Unfortunately, MRI under these conditions is associated with substantial risks, necessitating stringent regulations that limit its clinical and research utility. In addition, magnetic susceptibility differences between DBS hardware and surrounding tissues significantly compromise spatial encoding mechanisms of conventional MRI sequences, resulting in image signal loss and geometric distortions. The impact on gradient-recalled echo echo-planar imaging sequences commonly utilised for functional MRI in DBS settings is particularly severe. This review presents a range of mitigation strategies aimed at both safety and enhanced image quality, spanning innovations in DBS hardware design to advanced MRI sequences capable of addressing issues inherent to the presence of DBS hardware, such as electrode heating and susceptibility artefacts. Additionally, we highlight approaches incorporating the discussed novel postprocessing techniques and functional MRI acquisition protocols, along with their limitations and associated challenges to enable their wider dissemination, with the overarching objective of improving the quality of life of DBS patients.