Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Activity of Bismuth Ferrite Hollow Spheres Synthesized via Evaporation-Induced Self-Assembly.

Semiconductor hollow spheres have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their unique structural properties and enhanced surface area, which are advantageous for various applications in catalysis, energy storage, and sensing. The present study explores the surfactant-assisted synthesis of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) hollow spheres, emphasizing their enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity. Utilizing a novel, facile, two-step evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) approach, monodisperse BiFeO3 hollow spheres were synthesized with a narrow particle size distribution. The synthesis involved Bi/Fe citrate complexes as precursors and the triblock copolymer Pluronic P123 as a soft template. The BiFeO3 hollow spheres demonstrated outstanding photocatalytic performance in degrading the emerging pollutants Rhodamine B and metronidazole under visible-light irradiation (100% degradation of Rhodamine B in <140 min and of metronidazole in 240 min). The active species in the photocatalytic process were identified through trapping experiments, providing crucial insights into the mechanisms and efficiency of semiconductor hollow spheres. The findings suggest that the unique structural features of BiFeO3 hollow spheres, combined with their excellent optical properties, make them promising candidates for photocatalytic applications.

Photochemical Reduction of Silver Nanoparticles on Diatoms.

In this work, the photochemical reduction method was used at 440 or 540 nm excitation wavelengths to optimize the deposition of silver nanoparticles on the diatom surface as a potential DNA biosensor. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), fluorescence microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Our results revealed a 5.5-fold enhancement in the fluorescence response of the nanocomposite irradiated at 440 nm with DNA. The enhanced sensitivity comes from the optical coupling of the guided-mode resonance of the diatoms and the localized surface plasmon of the silver nanoparticles interacting with the DNA. The advantage of this work involves the use of a low-cost green method to optimize the deposition of plasmonic nanoparticles on diatoms as an alternative fabrication method for fluorescent biosensors.

Cross my heart: ventriculoatrial shunt migration into the pulmonary arteries.

We present here a rare complication of ventriculoatrial shunt: migration of the distal catheter into both pulmonary arteries. The patient showed no cardiorespiratory symptoms. The catheter was removed by endovascular technic, the most usual procedure in these cases.

CoFe2O4-chitosan-graphene nanocomposite for glyphosate removal.

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides globally, and there are several concerns about its environmental impact. In this work, we revealed the molecular interaction between chitosan, graphene, and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with commercial glyphosate. The binding interaction was studied by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The structural and magnetic properties were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM). To quantify the removal of glyphosate from water, UV-vis spectroscopy was used. Our results demonstrate the strong interaction between glyphosate with the components of the nanocomposite by the coordination through the phosphate and carboxylic groups and a complex formation with the nanoparticles. The advantage of this work is the use of a low-cost nanocomposite as bioadsorbent and the understanding of the binding interactions for glyphosate removal.

Croton lechleri Extracts as Green Corrosion Inhibitors of Admiralty Brass in Hydrochloric Acid.

Croton lechleri, commonly known as Dragon's blood, is a tree cultivated in the northwest Amazon rainforest of Ecuador and Peru. This tree produces a deep red latex which is composed of different natural products such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and others. The chemical structures of these natural products found in C. lechleri latex are promising corrosion inhibitors of admiralty brass (AB), due to the number of heteroatoms and π structures. In this work, three different extracts of C. lechleri latex were obtained, characterized phytochemically, and employed as novel green corrosion inhibitors of AB. The corrosion inhibition efficiency (IE%) was determined in an aqueous 0.5 M HCl solution by potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel plots) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, measuring current density and charge transfer resistance, respectively. In addition, surface characterization of AB was performed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Chloroform alkaloid-rich extracts resulted in IE% of 57% at 50 ppm, attributed to the formation of a layer of organic compounds on the AB surface that hindered the dezincification process. The formulation of corrosion inhibitors from C. lechleri latex allows for the valorization of non-edible natural sources and the diversification of the offer of green corrosion inhibitors for the chemical treatment of heat exchangers.

Bimodal Ultrasound and X-ray Bioimaging Properties of Particulate Calcium Fluoride Biomaterial.

Ultrasound (US) and X-ray imaging are diagnostic methods that are commonly used to image internal body structures. Several organic and inorganic imaging contrast agents are commercially available. However, their synthesis and purification remain challenging, in addition to posing safety issues. Here, we report on the promise of widespread, safe, and easy-to-produce particulate calcium fluoride (part-CaF2) as a bimodal US and X-ray contrast agent. Pure and highly crystalline part-CaF2 is obtained using a cheap commercial product. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicts the morphology of these particles, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirms their chemical composition. Diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy highlights their insulating behavior. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern reveals that part-CaF2 crystallizes in the face-centered cubic cell lattice. Further analyses regarding peak broadening are performed using the Scherrer and Williamson-Hall (W-H) methods, which pinpoint the small crystallite size and the presence of lattice strain. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) solely exhibits specific peaks related to CaF2, confirming the absence of any contamination. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo maximum tolerated dose (MTD) tests prove the biocompatibility of part-CaF2. Finally, the results of the US and X-ray imaging tests strongly signal that part-CaF2 could be exploited in bimodal bioimaging applications. These findings may shed a new light on calcium fluoride and the opportunities it offers in biomedical engineering.

Analysis of the Increase in Bone Mineral Density After Surgical Treatment of Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

AIM: To analyze the effect of the surgery in bone mineral density (BMD) and to study the value of preoperative clinical and analytical factors as predictors of bone increase. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study. Postmenopausal women who were operated for primary hyperparathyroidism were included. A bone densitometry of the lumbar spine and femoral neck and analytical determinations (parathyroid hormone [PTH], alkaline phosphatase, albumin, phosphate, creatinine, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, creatinine clearance, and calciuria) were performed previous to the intervention and after 12 months from surgery. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-eight patients were operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism were considered for study, 108 postmenopausal women entered in the final analysis. The mean age was 63 ± 7 yr. After the intervention, a significant increase in BMD was observed in the two locations analyzed, although this increase was significant greater at the level of the lumbar spine. In the lumbar spine, 68 patients (63%) recorded a significant postoperative increase in bone density. Median postoperative BMD was 0.860 g/cm2 (interquartile range: 0.93). The observed average percentage of density increase was 6.63 ± 17.9. In femoral neck, 61 patients (56.6%) registered a significant increase in bone density. Median postoperative BMD value was 0.741 g/cm2 (interquartile range: 0.76). The average percentage of density increase was 3.19 ± 17.9. In the lumbar spine, patients with osteoporosis before surgery increased postoperative BMD more frequently than those with osteopenia or normal density. Patients who increased BMD preoperatively presented lower bone density levels both in the lumbar spine (median: 0.775, interquartile range: 0.882) and in the hip (median: 0.655, interquartile range: 0.562) than patients in whom it was not observed postoperative increase. PTH preoperative serum was lower among patients who increased bone density in the femur (median: 141 pg/ml, interquartile range: 291) than among those who did not (median: 152 pg/ml, interquartile range: 342) (p = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the increase in BMD in the lumbar spine was related to preoperative BMD (odds ratio [OR] 0.084, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.007-0.961); in femoral neck it was related to preoperative BMD (OR 0.001; 95% CI: 0.0-0.028) and to the preoperative PTH serum concentration (OR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: After surgery, a significant increase in BMD was observed in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative bone density was the factor that showed the highest predictive value of the increase in BMD after surgery.

[Primary intramedullary melanoma: Case report and literature review]. / Melanoma primario intramedular: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura.

A dark pigmented intramedullary mass is very rarely encountered in daily practice, and poses a diagnostic challenge. Several entities have to be considered, including melanin-containing tumours (melanotic ependymoma and melanotic schwannoma) and melanocyte-containing tumours (melanocytoma, primary melanoma and melanoma metastases). The case is presented of a 47 year-old male with a pigmented intramedullary tumour located at T7-T8 level. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) revealed a tumour with hyperintensity on T1 and hypointensity on T2. The tumour was resected partially and treated with adjuvant radiotherapy. The diagnosis of primary intramedullary melanoma (PIM) was established based on histology and the absence of other lesions outside of the CNS. A literature review is presented on the other 26 PIM cases reported. PIM are extremely rare tumours, but are the most frequent cause of pigmented intramedullary tumour. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice whenever possible, followed by radiotherapy.

Microporous Polymer-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes for the Electrochemical Detection of Metronidazole: Experimental and Theoretical Insights.

The persistence and potential toxicity of emergent pollutants pose significant threats to biodiversity and human health, emphasizing the need for sensors capable of detecting these pollutants at extremely low concentrations before treatment. This study focuses on the development of glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) modified by films of poly-tris(4-(4-(carbazol-9-yl)phenyl)silanol (PTPTCzSiOH), poly-4,4'-Di(carbazol-9-yl)-1,1'-biphenyl (PCBP), and poly-1,3,5-tri(carbazol-9-yl)benzene (PTCB) for the detection of metronidazole (MNZ) in aqueous media. The films were characterized using electrochemical, microscopy, and spectroscopy techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Monomers were electropolymerized through cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques. Computational methods at the B3LYP/def2-TZVP level were employed to investigate the structural and electrochemical properties of the monomers. The electrochemical detection of MNZ utilized the linear sweep voltammetry technique. Surface characterization through SEM and XPS confirmed the proper electrodeposition of polymer films. Notably, MPN-GCEs exhibited higher detection signals compared to bare GCEs up to 3.6 times in the case of PTPTCzSiOH-GCEs. This theoretical study provides insights into the structural, chemical, and electronic properties of the polymers. The findings suggest that polymer-modified GCEs hold promise as candidates for the development of electrochemical sensors.

Enhanced Chitosan Photoluminescence by Incorporation of Lithium Perchlorate.

An improvement in chitosan film photoluminescence was observed after adding LiClO4. FTIR spectra, XPS, DFT calculations, and XRD measurements show an alteration of the H-bonds and an increase in the amorphous character of chitosan. PL spectra display a growth in intensity in the visible region along with the incorporation of lithium, signaling a possible rise in the population density of tail states and, consequently, better photon absorption, as observed from UV-vis measurements. A mechanism through aggregation-induced emission effect is proposed to explain the different results. Although this work establishes the relation between structural changes provoked by LiClO4 incorporation and luminescence in the case of chitosan, we expect that the same approach could be generalized to similar polymeric structures.

Spontaneous acute bleeding within subdural effusion from dural metastasis of gastric cancer: A case report.

Dural metastases are uncommon findings and at diagnosis normally appear in disseminated stages of malignant tumors. Usually clinically silent, these could become symptomatic due to mass effect or after developing subdural collections. We present the case of a young woman recently operated from gastric cancer who presented consciousness deterioration and hemiparesis caused by subdural collection. During examination, the patient drastically worsens his neurological status due to an acute subdural bleeding within the subdural collection, which after pathological analysis was diagnosed of dural metastasis of gastric cancer. In malignancies associated with subdural collections it is important to suspect the coexistence of dural metastases and performing a contrast enhanced CT scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may help in the diagnosis. If surgery is indicated, it is mandatory to evacuate the tumor and involved dura which causes the accumulation of fluid and to coagulate the external tumor membrane to avoid re-bleeding.

Efficacy and safety of FOLFIRI/aflibercept (FA) in an elderly population with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after failure of an oxaliplatin-based regimen.

BACKGROUND: The VELOUR study showed the benefit of FOLFIRI-Aflibercept (FA) versus FOLFIRI in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in second-line treatment. However, only 36% of the included patients were ≥65 years. Thus, we seek to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FA in the elderly population in the context of routine practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an observational, retrospective, multicenter, observational study of patients ≥70 years with mCRC treated with FA after progression to oxaliplatin chemotherapy in routine clinical practice in 9 hospitals of the GITuD group. RESULTS: Of 388 patients treated with FA between June 2013 and November 2018, 75 patients ≥70 years were included. The median number of cycles was 10 and the objective response (ORR) and disease control rates (DCR) were 33.8% and 72.0%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 27.1 months, median Progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.6 months and median Overall Survival (OS) was 15.1 months. One third fewer metastasectomies were performed in the ≥75 years' subgroup (24 vs. 52%, p = 0.024) and more initial FOLFIRI dose reductions (68 vs. 36%, p = 0.014). ORR (23.8% vs. 38.3%), DCR (42.8% vs. 85.1%), and PFS (4 vs. 7.8 months; p = 0.017) were significantly less, without difference in OS (9.9 vs. 17.1 months; p = 0.129). The presence of prior hypertension (HT) (PFS 7.9 vs. 5.7 months, p = 0.049) and HT ≥ grade 3 during treatment (PFS 7.6 vs. 6.6 months, p = 0.024) were associated with longer PFS. The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events were: asthenia (21.3%), neutropenia (14.7%), and diarrhea (14.7%). 57.3% required FOLFIRI dose reduction; 34.7% of aflibercept, including discontinuation (5.3% and 18.7%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: FA combination is effective in patients ≥70 years. The occurrence of HT is predictive of efficacy. Close monitoring of toxicity and initial dose adjustment is recommended.

Bilateral central retinal artery occlusion: An exceptional complication after frontal parasagittal meningioma resection.

BACKGROUND: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a rare acute disease associated with great morbidity. It is reported as a complication of surgical procedures, but rarely associated with brain surgery and no reports before due to parasagittal meningioma resection. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 41-year-old female who underwent surgery for a parasagittal meningioma and developed a bilateral CRAO as an acute postoperative complication. Most common causes, such as cardiac embolism, carotid pathology and coagulation problems, were discussed and all clinical and neuroradiological exams performed were reported. CONCLUSION: Bilateral CRAO as results of brain surgery is extremely rare; however, if it occurs, it should be early recognized and treated to minimize its high morbidity.

Spontaneous acute bleeding within subdural effusion from dural metastasis of gastric cancer: A case report.

Dural metastases are uncommon findings and at diagnosis normally appear in disseminated stages of malignant tumors. Usually clinically silent, these could become symptomatic due to mass effect or after developing subdural collections. We present the case of a young woman recently operated from gastric cancer who presented consciousness deterioration and hemiparesis caused by subdural collection. During examination, the patient drastically worsens his neurological status due to an acute subdural bleeding within the subdural collection, which after pathological analysis was diagnosed of dural metastasis of gastric cancer. In malignancies associated with subdural collections it is important to suspect the coexistence of dural metastases and performing a contrast enhanced CT scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may help in the diagnosis. If surgery is indicated, it is mandatory to evacuate the tumor and involved dura which causes the accumulation of fluid and to coagulate the external tumor membrane to avoid re-bleeding.

Do Clinical Trials Meet Current Care Needs? Views of Digestive Oncology Specialists in Galicia (Spain) Using the Delphi Method.

Background: In recent years, abundant scientific evidence has been generated based on clinical trials (CT) in the field of oncology. The general objective of this paper is to find out the extent to which decision making is based on knowledge of the most recent CT. Its specific objectives are to pinpoint difficulties with decision making based on the CT performed and find out the motivations patients and clinicians have when taking part in a CT. Methodology: Combined, prospective study, based on the Delphi method. A lack of correspondence between the people who take part in CT and patients who come for consultation has been identified. A need for training in analysing and interpreting CT has also been identified and a lack of trust in the results of CT financed by the pharmaceutical industry itself has been perceived. Conclusions: There is a difficulty in selecting oncological treatment due to the lack of correspondence between the patients included in the CT and patients seen in consultation. In this process, real world data studies may be highly useful, as they may provide this group with greater training in interpreting CT and their results.

First-line panitumumab plus capecitabine for the treatment of older patients with wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer. The phase II, PANEL study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high morbidity and mortality of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in older patients, they have been underrepresented in clinical trials and their optimal treatment is yet to be determined. This open-label phase II study evaluated the benefits of panitumumab and capecitabine as a first-line chemotherapy regimen in older patients with wild-type [WT] RAS mCRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (≥70 years; ECOG≤2) received 3-week cycles of panitumumab (9 mg/kg on day 1) plus capecitabine (850 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1-14) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Response was evaluated every 9 weeks according to RECIST_1.1. Outcome measures were: objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DoR), time to response (TTR), progression (TTP) and treatment failure (TTF), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (11 women; median age: 78 years; ECOG: 0 [26%], 1 [67%], 2 [7%]) were evaluated. Median follow-up was 17.7 months. Confirmed ORR (95%CI) was 44.4% (25.7-63.2), with 25.9% of patients achieving at least stable disease. Median (95%CI) DoR was 8.7 (5.5-10.4) months, and median TTR was 2.2 (1.9-2.8) months. Median TTP was 9.6 (4.8-11.5) months, with a median TTF of 5.2 (2.8-7.2) months. The median PFS was 7.5 (4.4-10.4) months, and the median OS was 23.7 (7.4-27.5) months. Seventeen (63%) patients reported panitumumab and/or capecitabine-related adverse events grade 3-4, with skin toxicity (18.5%) being the most common. Two (7.4%) deaths were treatment-related. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that panitumumab plus capecitabine is a safe and effective regimen in older patients with WT RAS mCRC.

Toward a Predominant Substitutional Bonding Environment in B-Doped Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes.

B-doped single-walled carbon nanotubes have been synthesized from sodium tetraphenyl borate and record incorporation percentages of B heteroatoms have been found in this material as-synthesized. However, carbonaceous impurities, besides other byproducts, can still contain boron and therefore exhibit various types of competing bonding environments. To circumvent this issue, which has constantly hindered a conclusive insight to the existing bonding environments in materials alike, we have employed a purification method, which leaves ∼7% at. of B atoms of the total sample composition almost exclusively in the sp2 configuration. This record B substitutional doping, together with the identification of the competing bonding environments are revealed here unambiguously from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The doping level in the purified tubes is about an order of magnitude larger than in other B-doped single-walled tubes even without purification, and brings the state-of-the-art closer to the controlled applicability of this material.

Duodenal Rupture after Blunt Abdominal Trauma by Bicycle Handlebar: Case Report and Literature Review.

Blunt abdominal trauma is most frequent in the pediatric population. Duodenal lesions after abdominal trauma in children are infrequent and tend to be secondary to traffic accidents. It is up to five times more frequent in males, with an average age between 16 and 30 years. Bicycle accidents continue to lead to morbidity and mortality in children, representing between 5% and 14% of total blunt abdominal injuries. The diagnosis of duodenal injuries after trauma is difficult and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. We present the case of a 17-year-old patient seen in the emergency room after falling off his bicycle and presented a blunt trauma in the epigastric region. On physical examination, there was a swelling in the upper right abdominal quadrant and epigastrium with tenderness on deep palpation. He presented with hematemesis without hemodynamic repercussion. A contrast abdominal computed tomography was performed and he was diagnosed with third-part duodenal rupture. A resection of the perforated third-part duodenal rupture was performed, and the transit was reconstructed using a Roux-Y duodenojejunostomy. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged after 16 days of stay. Duodenal injury is very rare, produced by high-energy trauma. They rarely present as single lesions as other visceral lesions are usually associated. The early diagnosis is important to reduce the morbidity and mortality.

Detection of Candida Endophthalmitis in a Newborn Using Handheld Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

In a newborn with candidemia, two retinal lesions were seen without external inflammatory signs or reaction in the anterior chamber or vitreous. However, handheld spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (HH SD-OCT) images show that one of the retinal lesions had a "firework display" projecting to the vitreous that was not identified in indirect ophthalmoscopy. This finding suggested a Candida endophthalmitis. HH SD-OCT findings allowed us to make an accurate diagnosis and, therefore, modified the decision-making process in the treatment of the pathology.