Viral Culture Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Subgenomic RNA Value as a Good Surrogate Marker of Infectivity.

Determining SARS-CoV-2 viral infectivity is crucial for patient clinical assessment and isolation decisions. We assessed subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) as a surrogate marker of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in SARS-CoV-2-positive reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) respiratory samples (n = 105) in comparison with viral culture as the reference standard for virus replication. sgRNA and viral isolation results were concordant in 99/105 cases (94%), indicating highly significant agreement between the two techniques (Cohen's kappa coefficient 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78 to 0.97, P < 0.001). sgRNA RT-PCR showed a sensitivity of 97% and a positive predictive value of 94% to detect replication-competent virus, further supporting sgRNA as a surrogate marker of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. sgRNA RT-PCR is an accurate, rapid, and affordable technique that can overcome culture and cycle threshold (CT) value limitations and be routinely implemented in hospital laboratories to detect viral infectivity, which is essential for optimizing patient monitoring, the efficacy of treatments/vaccines, and work reincorporation policies, as well as for safely shortening isolation precautions.

Whole-genome analysis to describe a human adenovirus D8 conjunctivitis outbreak in a tertiary hospital.

Conjunctivitis is a frequent ocular disorder caused by human adenoviruses (HAdVs). Only a few of the 45 HAdV-D species are associated with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, including HAdV-D8. Nosocomial outbreaks due to HAdV-D8 have been rarely described, because keratoconjunctivitis cases are clinically diagnosed and treated without having to characterize the causative agent. Moreover, molecular typing is tedious when using classical techniques. In this study, a hospital outbreak of conjunctivitis caused by HAdV-D8 was characterized using the recently developed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) method. Of the 363 patients attending the Ophthalmology Department between July 13 and August 13, 2018, 36 may have acquired intrahospital conjunctivitis. Also, 11 of 22 samples sent to the Virology section were selected for WGS analysis. The WGS results revealed that 10 out of 11 HAdV-D8 strains were closely related. The remaining strain (Case 28) was more similar to a strain from an outbreak in Germany obtained from a public sequence database. WGS results showed that outbreak HAdV-D8 strains had a minimum percentage of identity of 94.3%. WGS is useful in a clinical setting, because it avoids carrying out viral culture or specific polymerase chain reaction sequencing. The public availability of sequence reads makes it easier to compare clusters in circulation. In conclusion, WGS can play an important role in standard routines to describe viral outbreaks.

Scattering of Microwaves by a Passive Array Antenna Based on Amorphous Ferromagnetic Microwires for Wireless Sensors with Biomedical Applications.

Co-based amorphous microwires presenting the giant magnetoimpedance effect are proposed as sensing elements for high sensitivity biosensors. In this work we report an experimental method for contactless detection of stress, temperature, and liquid concentration with application in medical sensors using the giant magnetoimpedance effect on microwires in the GHz range. The method is based on the scattering of electromagnetic microwaves by FeCoSiB amorphous metallic microwires. A modulation of the scattering parameter is achieved by applying a magnetic bias field that tunes the magnetic permeability of the ferromagnetic microwires. We demonstrate that the OFF/ON switching of the bias activates or cancels the amorphous ferromagnetic microwires (AFMW) antenna behavior. We show the advantages of measuring the performing time dependent frequency sweeps. In this case, the AC-bias modulation of the scattering coefficient versus frequency may be clearly appreciated. Furthermore, this modulation is enhanced by using arrays of microwires with an increasing number of individual microwires according to the antenna radiation theory. Transmission spectra show significant changes in the range of 3 dB for a relatively weak magnetic field of 15 Oe. A demonstration of the possibilities of the method for biomedical applications is shown by means of wireless temperature detector from 0 to 100 °C.

Antiferromagnetic FeMn alloys electrodeposited from chloride-based electrolytes.

The capability of synthesizing Fe-based antiferromagnetic metal alloys would fuel the use of electrodeposition in the design of new magnetic devices such as high-aspect-ratio spin valves or new nanostructured hard magnetic composites. Here we report the synthesis of high quality antiferromagnetic FeMn alloys electrodeposited from chloride-based electrolytes. We have found that in order to grow homogeneous FeMn films it is necessary to incorporate a large concentration of NH4Cl as an additive in the electrolyte. The study of the structure and magnetic properties shows that films with composition close to Fe50Mn50 are homogeneous antiferromagnetic alloys. We have established a parameter window for the synthesis of FeMn alloys that show antiferromagnetism at room temperature.

Candida nivariensis as a New Emergent Agent of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Description of Cases and Review of Published Studies.

Candida nivariensis is a new emergent agent related to human infections in the vaginal tract and other localizations, but the phenotypic characteristics are very similar to Candida glabrata and can be misidentified and underdiagnosed. We described four cases of vulvovaginitis identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and confirmed the results with PCR amplification and sequencing of the entire ITS genomic region (ITS1, ITS2 and 5.8 rRNA). We reinforce the need for new diagnostic tools for the correct identification of yeast infections.

[Evaluation of mass spectrometry for the identification of clinically interesting yeasts]. / Evaluación de la espectrometría de masas en la identificación de levaduras de interés clínico.

INTRODUCTION: Identification of yeasts is based on morphological, biochemical and nutritional characteristics, and using molecular methods. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, a new method for the identification of microorganisms, has demonstrated to be very useful. The aim of this study is to evaluate this new method in the identification of yeasts. METHODS: A total of 600 strains of yeasts isolated from clinical specimens belonging to 9 genera and 43 species were tested. Identification was made by sequencing of the ITS regions of ribosomal DNA, assimilation of carbon compounds (ID 32C), and mass spectrometry on a Microflex spectrometer (Bruker Daltonics GmbH, Germany). RESULTS: A total of 569 strains (94.8%) were identified to species level by ID 32C, and 580 (96.7%) by MALDI-TOF. Concordance between both methods was observed for 553 strains (92.2%), with 100% in clinically relevant species: C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and almost 100% in C. krusei. MALDI-TOF identified species requiring molecular methods: Candida dubliniensis, C. nivariensis, C. metapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis. Some irregularities were observed in the identification of arthroconidia yeast and basidiomycetes. CONCLUSION: MALDI-TOF is a rapid, effective and economic method, which enables the identification of most clinically important yeasts and the differentiation of closely related species. It would be desirable to include more species in its database to expand its performance.

Mapping the habitat refugia of Isidella elongata under climate change and trawling impacts to preserve Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in the Mediterranean.

The bamboo-coral Isidella elongata is a key habitat-forming species in the deep Mediterranean Sea. This alcyonacean is listed as an indicator of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) and as Critically Endangered due to bottom trawling impacts. In this work, a modeling approach was used to predict and map the habitat suitability of I. elongata in the Mediterranean Sea under current environmental conditions. Occurrence data were modeled as a function of environmental parameters. Using climate change scenarios and fishing effort data, the risk of climate change and fisheries impacts on habitat suitability were estimated, and climate refugia were identified. A drastic loss of habitat is predicted, and climate change scenarios suggest a loss of 60% of suitable habitats by 2100. In the central Mediterranean, climate refugia overlapped with active fishing grounds. This study represents the first attempt to identify hot spots for the protection of soft bottom Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems for the entire Mediterranean Sea, and highlights areas most at risk from trawling. This work is relevant to the objectives of the EU Marine Strategy Framework and Maritime Spatial Planning Directives, the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 regarding priority areas for conservation.

[Diagnosis of vaginitis-vaginosis by hibridization with DNA strands]. / Diagnóstico de vaginitis-vaginosis mediante hibridación con sondas de ADN.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal infections lie among the most common causes women ask for medical advice. In order of frequency bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis are responsible for 90% of vaginitis/vaginosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a DNA hybridization test for simultaneous molecular detection of Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida species and Trichomonas vaginalis, as an alternative to conventional microbiological methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cohort, cross-sectional, and comparative study of 1,003 vaginal samples from symptomatic women from our health-care area. Two swabs were obtained from each woman, one for routine microbiological diagnosis of vaginal infection (wet mount, Gram stain, and mycological culture) and the other for the DNA hybridization test (Affirm VPIII, Becton Dickinson). This method detects clinically significant levels of G. vaginalis (2 x 10(5) CFU/ml), Candida spp. (1 x 10(4) cells) and T. vaginalis (5x103 trichomonads). RESULTS: Out of the 1,003 women studied, 30.6% tested positive for bacterial vaginosis, 23.3% for vulvovaginal candidiasis, and 0.5% for trichomoniasis. The Affirm VPIII method turned out positive in 27.5%, 27.4% and 0.5% of cases, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the molecular technique and conventional methods for microbiological diagnosis of vaginitis/ vaginosis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Affirm VPIII test correlated well with wet mount, Gram stain and mycological culture. Although its cost is relatively high, it is fast, reproducible, easy, and can be done in either clinical laboratories or Gynecology offices, which permits prescribing a specific early treatment.

Effects of Partial Manganese Substitution by Cobalt on the Physical Properties of Pr0.7Sr0.3Mn(1-x)CoxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) Manganites.

We have investigated the structural, magnetic, and electrical transport properties of Pr0.7 Sr0.3 Mn(1-x)Cox O3 nanopowders (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15). The Pechini Sol-gel method was used to synthesize these nanopowders. X-ray diffraction at room temperature shows that all the nano powders have an orthorhombic structure of Pnma space group crystallography. The average crystallite size of samples x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 are 33.78 nm, 29 nm, 33.61 nm, and 24.27 nm, respectively. Semi-quantitative chemical analysis by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirms the expected stoichiometry of the sample. Magnetic measurements indicate that all samples show a ferromagnetic (FM) to paramagnetic (PM) transition with increasing temperature. The Curie temperature TC gradually decreases (300 K, 270 K, 250 K, and 235 K for x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15, respectively) with increasing Co concentrations. The M-H curves for all compounds reveal the PM behavior at 300 K, while the FM behavior characterizes the magnetic hysteresis at low temperature (5 K). The electrical resistivity measurements show that all compounds exhibit metallic behavior at low temperature (T < Tρ) well fitted by the relation ρ = ρ0 + ρ2T2 + ρ4.5T4.5 and semiconductor behavior above Tρ (T > Tρ), for which the electronic transport can be explained by the variable range hopping model and the adiabatic small polaron hopping model. All samples have significant magnetoresistance (MR) values, even at room temperature. This presented research provides an innovative and practical approach to develop materials in several technological areas, such as ultra-high density magnetic recording and magneto resistive sensors.

Generation of Defective Few-Layered Graphene Mesostructures by High-Energy Ball Milling and Their Combination with FeSiCuNbB Microwires for Reinforcing Microwave Absorbing Properties.

Defective few-layered graphene mesostructures (DFLGMs) are produced from graphite flakes by high-energy milling processes. We obtain an accurate control of the generated mesostructures, as well as of the amount and classification of the structural defects formed, providing a functional material for microwave absorption purposes. Working under far-field conditions, competitive values of minimum reflection loss coefficient (RLmin) = -21.76 dB and EAB = 4.77 dB are achieved when DFLGMs are immersed in paints at a low volume fraction (1.95%). One step forward is developed by combining them with the excellent absorption behavior that offers amorphous Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb microwires (MWs), varying their filling contents, which are below 3%. We obtain a RLmin improvement of 47% (-53.08 dB) and an EAB enhancement of 137% (4 dB) compared to those obtained by MW-based paints. Furthermore, a fmin tunability is demonstrated, maintaining similar RLmin and EAB values, irrespective of an ideal matching thickness. In this scenario, the Maxwell-Garnet standard model is valid, and dielectric losses mainly come from multiple reflections, interfacial and dielectric polarizations, which greatly boost the microwave attenuation of MWs. The present concept can remarkably enhance not only the MW attenuation but can also apply to other microwave absorption architectures of technological interest by adding low quantities of DFLGMs.

Viral culture and immunofluorescence for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in RT-PCR positive respiratory samples.

BACKGROUND: Knowing how long SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals can remain infective is crucial for the design of infection prevention and control strategies. Viral culture is the gold standard for detecting an active-replicative virus and evaluating its infectious potential. OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity with the number of days from symptom onset and the Ct value, using culture as a reference method. Also, to describe a detailed protocol for SARS-CoV-2 culture and immunofluorescence confirmation based on our experience with other respiratory viruses. STUDY DESIGN: 100 consecutive respiratory samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR from different subjects were inoculated into VERO E6 cells. RESULTS: Viral isolation was successful in 58% of samples. The median number of days from symptom onset for culture-positive samples was 2, and 15 for culture-negative samples. Six positive cultures were obtained in patients ≥14 days after symptom onset, all of whom were immunocompromised or with severe COVID-19. The mean Ct value was 12.64 units higher in culture-negative than in culture-positive samples. The probability of successfully isolating SARS-CoV-2 in samples with a Ct value <22 was 100%, decreasing to 3.1% when >27. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a significant positive correlation between the probability of isolating SARS-CoV-2 in culture, fewer days of symptoms and a lower RT-PCR Ct value. SARS-CoV-2 infectivity lasts no more than 14 days from symptom onset in immunocompetent individuals. In contrast, in immunocompromised patients or those with severe COVID-19 infectivity may remain after 14 days. Ct value <22 always indicates infectivity.

Epidemiology of Echovirus 30 Infections Detected in a University Hospital in Catalonia, Spain, in 1995-2020.

There is a growing interest in echovirus 30 (E30), an enterovirus responsible for neurological disease and hospitalization. There are multiple studies of outbreaks, but few that study the epidemiology over long periods of time. Our study aims to describe the clinical, epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of a series of E30 infections detected over 26 years. Data were retrospectively collected from a database of all enterovirus infections identified in our laboratory. They were detected by viral isolation or nucleic acid detection in patients presenting with respiratory or neurological infections, rash, sepsis-like syndrome, or gastroenteritis. Enterovirus genotyping was performed by amplification of the VP1 gene using RT-nested PCR, followed by sequencing and BLAST analysis. Of the 2402 enterovirus infections detected, 1619 were linked to at least one genotype and 173 were caused by E30. Clinical information was available for 158 (91.3%) patients. E30 was associated with neurological infection in 107 (67.8%) cases and it was detected almost every year. Phylogenetic analysis was performed with 67 sequences. We observed that E30 strains circulating in Catalonia from 1996 to 2016 belong to two lineages (E and F), although the majority cluster was in F. In 2018, lineage I emerged as the dominant lineage.

Tailoring Magnetic Properties of Fe0.65Co0.35 Nanoparticles by Compositing with RE2O3 (RE = La, Nd, and Sm).

Fe-Co alloys are the most important soft magnetic materials, which are successfully used for a wide range of applications. In this work, the magnetic properties of lanthanide-substituted (Fe0.65Co0.35)0.95(RE2O3)0.05 (RE = La, Nd, and Sm) nanoparticles, prepared by mechanical alloying, are reported. Our comprehensive studies (X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry, SQUID magnetometry and differential scanning calorimetry) have revealed different properties, depending on the dopant type. The RE2O3 addition led to a decrease in the crystallite size and to an increase in the internal microstrain. Moreover, because of the high grain fragmentation tendency of RE2O3, the cold welding between Fe-Co ductile particles was minimized, indicating a significant decrease in the average particle size. The parent Fe0.65Co0.35 alloy is known for its soft ferromagnetism. For the La-substituted sample, the magnetic energy product was significantly lower (0.450 MG·Oe) than for the parent alloy (0.608 MG·Oe), and much higher for the Sm-substituted compound (0.710 MG·Oe). The processing route presented here, seems to be cost-effective for the large-scale production of soft magnetic materials.

Real-Time Monitoring of Breath Biomarkers with A Magnetoelastic Contactless Gas Sensor: A Proof of Concept.

In the quest for effective gas sensors for breath analysis, magnetoelastic resonance-based gas sensors (MEGSs) are remarkable candidates. Thanks to their intrinsic contactless operation, they can be used as non-invasive and portable devices. However, traditional monitoring techniques are bound to slow detection, which hinders their application to fast bio-related reactions. Here we present a method for real-time monitoring of the resonance frequency, with a proof of concept for real-time monitoring of gaseous biomarkers based on resonance frequency. This method was validated with a MEGS based on a Metglass 2826 MB microribbon with a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofiber electrospun functionalization. The device provided a low-noise (RMS = 1.7 Hz), fast (<2 min), and highly reproducible response to humidity (Δf = 46−182 Hz for 17−95% RH), ammonia (Δf = 112 Hz for 40 ppm), and acetone (Δf = 44 Hz for 40 ppm). These analytes are highly important in biomedical applications, particularly ammonia and acetone, which are biomarkers related to diseases such as diabetes. Furthermore, the capability of distinguishing between breath and regular air was demonstrated with real breath measurements. The sensor also exhibited strong resistance to benzene, a common gaseous interferent in breath analysis.

Prevalence and seasonality of viral respiratory infections in a temperate climate region: A 24-year study (1997-2020).

BACKGROUND: Few long-term reports have been published on the epidemiology of respiratory viruses despite their frequent involvement in extremely common infections. The aim here was to determine the frequency and distribution of respiratory viruses in a temperate climate area (Barcelona, Spain) throughout a 24-year period. METHODS: We collected data on all respiratory viruses detected from 1997 to 2020 in our institution. Clinical specimens were analyzed mainly by conventional techniques, and molecular techniques were also used. RESULTS: Of the 59,579 specimens analyzed, 21,382 (35.9%) were positive for at least one virus. The number of positive samples during cold months was significantly higher than in warm months. Respiratory virus infections were detected in patients of all ages, above all in children under 3 years of age, who were most frequently infected with the respiratory syncytial virus, whereas Influenza A virus predominated in the other groups, especially in adults. A clear demographic and seasonal pattern was established for some viruses. Circulation of other respiratory viruses during the FLUAV H1N1pdm09 and SARS-CoV-2 pandemics was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This long-term study provides new knowledge about the prevalence of respiratory viruses in a Mediterranean region. Throughout the study period, the frequency of some viruses remained constant, whereas others varied with the year. A clear demographic and seasonal pattern was established for some viruses. Patients suffering from severe respiratory infections should be examined for a range of respiratory viruses regardless of gender, age, or season.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet reduces mortality in the Spanish cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-Spain).

Epidemiological studies show that adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) increases longevity; however, few studies are restricted to Mediterranean populations or explore the effect of a MD pattern that directly incorporates olive oil. Therefore the relationship between adherence to the MD and mortality was studied within the the Spanish cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-Spain). The EPIC-Spain analysis included 40 622 participants (37·7 % males) aged 29-69 years who were recruited from five Spanish regions in 1992-1996. During a mean follow-up of 13·4 years, 1855 deaths were documented: 913 from cancer, 399 from CVD, 425 from other causes and 118 from unknown causes of death. Risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality was assessed according to the level of adherence to a relative MD (rMED) score, measured using an 18-unit scale incorporating nine selected dietary components. A high compared with a low rMED score was associated with a significant reduction in mortality from all causes (hazard ratio (HR) 0·79; 95 % CI 0·69, 0·91), from CVD (HR 0·66; 95 % CI 0·49, 0·89), but not from overall cancer (HR 0·92; 95 % CI 0·75, 1·12). A 2-unit increase in rMED score was associated with a 6 % (P < 0·001) decreased risk of all-cause mortality. A high olive oil intake and moderate alcohol consumption contributed most to this association. In this Spanish cohort, following an olive oil-rich MD was related to a significant reduction in all-cause mortality, and reduced the risk of mortality from CVD. These results support the important role that the MD pattern has on reducing mortality in Mediterranean countries.

Urethritis due to Corynebacterium glucuronolyticum.

We describe a case of urethritis in a young man caused by Corynebacterium glucuronolyticum. This bacterium is a synonym of Corynebacterium seminale, a known agent of non-gonococcal urethritis, that cannot be regarded as commensal flora in the urogenital region when is isolated in a symptomatic clinical context. Accuracy in diagnosis and correct treatment is important for avoiding probable complications, for example prostatitis. Bacterial isolation is convenient, and an antimicrobial susceptibility test should be conducted to discover antimicrobial resistance. In our case the patient was successfully treated with fluoroquinolones and was symptom-free in 2 weeks.

Otomycosis due to filamentous fungi.

Otomycosis is common throughout the world but barely studied in Spain. Our objective was to determine the microbiological and epidemiological characteristics of this pathology in Cadiz (Spain) between 2005 and 2010. Samples from patients with suspicion of otomycosis underwent a direct microscopic examination and culture on different media for fungi and bacteria. Mycological cultures were incubated at 30°C for at least seven days. Identification of fungi was based on colonial morphology and microscopic examination of fungal structure. From a total of 2,633 samples, microbial growth was present in 1,375 (52.2%) and fungal isolation in 390 (28.4%). We identified 228 yeasts and 184 filamentous fungi (13.4% of positive cultures and 47.2% of otomycosis), associated with yeasts in 22 cases (5.6%). The most frequent species were Aspergillus flavus (42.4%), A. niger (35.9%), A. fumigatus (12.5%), A. candidus (7.1%), A. terreus (1.6%), and Paecilomyces variotii (0.5%). Infection was predominant in men (54.9%) and patients beyond 55 years old (46.8%). The most common clinical symptoms were itching (98.9%), otalgia (59.3%), and hypoacusis (56.0%). Fall season reported the lowest number of cases (20.1%). Incidence of otomycosis and fungi producing otomycosis vary within the distinct geographical areas. In Cadiz, this infection is endemic due to warm temperatures, high humidity, sea bathing, and wind, which contributes to disseminate the conidia. Despite Aspergillus niger has been reported as the main causative agent, A. flavus is predominant in Cadiz. Although infection is usually detected in warm months, we observed a homogeneous occurrence of otomycosis in almost all the seasons.

Boosting the Tunable Microwave Scattering Signature of Sensing Array Platforms Consisting of Amorphous Ferromagnetic Fe2.25Co72.75Si10B15 Microwires and Its Amplification by Intercalating Cu Microwires.

The following work addresses new configurations of sensing array platforms that are composed of Co-based amorphous ferromagnetic microwires (MWs) to obtain an enhanced modulation of the microwave scattering effects through the application of low strength DC or AC magnetic fields. An amorphous MW is an ultrasoft ferromagnetic material (coercivity ~0.2 Oe) with a circumferential magnetic anisotropy that provides a high surface sensitivity when it is subjected to an external magnetic field. Firstly, microwave scattering experiments are performed as a function of the length and number of MWs placed parallel to each other forming an array. Subsequently, three array configurations are designed, achieving high S21 scattering coefficients up to about -50 dB. The influence of DC and AC magnetic fields on S21 has been analyzed in frequency and time domains representation, respectively. In addition, the MWs sensing array has been overlapped by polymeric surfaces and the variations of their micrometric thicknesses also cause strong changes in the S21 amplitude with displacements in the frequency that are associated to the maximum scattering behavior. Finally, a new concept for amplifying microwave scattering is provided by intercalating Cu MWs into the linear Co-based arrays. The designed mixed system that is composed by Co-based and Cu MWs exhibits a higher S21 coefficient when compared to a single Co-based MW system because of higher electrical conductivity of Cu. However, the ability to modulate the resulting electromagnetic scattering is conferred by the giant magneto-impedance (GMI) effects coming from properties of the ultrasoft amorphous MWs. The mixed array platform covers a wide range of sensor applications, demonstrating the feasibility of tuning the S21 amplitude over a wide scattering range by applying AC or DC magnetic fields and tuning the resonant frequency position according to the polymeric slab thickness.

Magnetic and radio-labeled bio-hybrid scaffolds to promote and track in vivo the progress of bone regeneration.

This work describes the preparation, characterization and functionalization with magnetic nanoparticles of a bone tissue-mimetic scaffold composed of collagen and hydroxyapatite obtained through a biomineralization process. Bone remodeling takes place over several weeks and the possibility to follow it in vivo in a quick and reliable way is still an outstanding issue. Therefore, this work aims to produce an implantable material that can be followed in vivo during bone regeneration by using the existing non-invasive imaging techniques (MRI). To this aim, suitably designed biocompatible SPIONs were linked to the hybrid scaffold using two different strategies, one involving naked SPIONs (nMNPs) and the other using coated and activated SPIONs (MNPs) exposing carboxylic acid functions allowing a covalent attachment between MNPs and collagen molecules. Physico-chemical characterization was carried out to investigate the morphology, crystallinity and stability of the functionalized materials followed by MRI analyses and evaluation of a radiotracer uptake ([99mTc]Tc-MDP). Cell proliferation assays in vitro were carried out to check the cytotoxicity and demonstrated no side effects due to the SPIONs. The achieved results demonstrated that the naked and coated SPIONs are more homogeneously distributed in the scaffold when incorporated during the synthesis process. This work demonstrated a suitable approach to develop a biomaterial for bone regeneration that allows the monitoring of the healing progress even for long-term follow-up studies.