ABSTRACT
The oxidation of tetraselenatetracene (TSeT) by tetracyanoquinodimethane in the presence of dysprosium(III) tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonate), DyIII(hfac)3, produces black crystals of {TSeT1.5}â+[DyIII(hfac)4]- (1) salt, which combines conducting and magnetic sublattices. It contains one-dimensional stacks composed of partially oxidized TSeT molecules (formal averaged charge is +2/3). Dimers and monomers can be outlined within these stacks with charge and spin density redistribution. The spin triplet state of the dimers is populated above 128 K with an estimated singlet-triplet energy gap of 542 K, whereas spins localized on the monomers show paramagnetic behavior. A semiconducting behavior is observed for 1 with the activation energy of 91 meV (measured by the four-probe technique for an oriented single crystal). The DyIII ions coordinate four hfac- anions in [DyIII(hfac)4]-, providing D2d symmetry. Slow magnetic relaxation is observed for DyIII under an applied static magnetic field of 1000 Oe, and 1 is a single-ion magnet (SIM) with spin reversal barrier Ueff = 40.2 K and magnetic hysteresis at 2 K. Contributions from DyIII and TSeTâ+ paramagnetic species are seen in EPR. The DyIII ion rarely manifests EPR signals, but such signal is observed in 1. It appears due to narrowing below 30 K and has g4 = 6.1871 and g5 = 2.1778 at 5.4 K.
Subject(s)
Dysprosium , Semiconductors , Dysprosium/chemistry , Anions/chemistry , Dimerization , Models, Molecular , Magnetic Phenomena , MagneticsABSTRACT
Magnetic motors are a class of out-of-equilibrium particles that exhibit controlled and fast motion overcoming Brownian fluctuations by harnessing external magnetic fields. The advances in this field resulted in motors that have been used for different applications, such as biomedicine or environmental remediation. In this Perspective, an overview of the recent advancements of magnetic motors is provided, with a special focus on controlled motion. This aspect extends from trapping, steering, and guidance to organized motor grouping and degrouping, which is known as swarm control. Further, the integration of magnetic motors in soft robots to actuate their motion is also discussed. Finally, some remarks and perspectives of the field are outlined.
Subject(s)
Robotics , Robotics/methods , Motion , Magnetic Fields , Magnetics , Molecular Motor Proteins/chemistry , Molecular Motor Proteins/metabolism , Magnetic PhenomenaABSTRACT
A series of ZnCr2-xHoxSe4 microcrystalline spinels (where x = 0.05, 0.075, and 0.10) containing holmium ions in octahedral coordination were obtained by sintering of adequate reactants at high temperatures. The obtained doped materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, UV-Vis-NIR, molecular field approximation, and XPS spectroscopies. Their thermal properties were also investigated. The doping of the ZnCr2S4 matrix with paramagnetic Ho3+ ions with a content of not more than 0.1 and a screened 4f shell revealed a significant effect of orbital and Landau diamagnetism, a strong reduction in short-range ferromagnetic interactions, and a broadening and shift of the peak of the first critical field by simultaneous stabilization of the sharp peak in the second critical field. These results correlate well with FPLO calculations, which show that Cr sites have magnetic moments of 3.19 µB and Ho sites have significantly larger ones with a value of 3.95 µB. Zn has a negligible magnetic polarization of 0.02 µB, and Se induces a polarization of approximately -0.12 µB.
Subject(s)
Holmium , Zinc , Zinc/chemistry , Holmium/chemistry , X-Ray Diffraction , Selenium/chemistry , Chromium/chemistry , Magnetic PhenomenaABSTRACT
The development of liquid biopsy methods for the accurate and reliable detection of miRNAs in whole blood is critical for the early diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. However, accurate quantification of miRNA expression levels remains challenging due to the complex matrix and low abundance of miRNAs in blood samples. Herein, we report a contactless signal output strategy with low background interference that ensures "zero-contact" between the reaction system and the colorimetry system. The designed target-induced magnetic ZnS/ZIF-90/ZnS network can serve as a unique signal amplifier and transducer. It releases hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas in an acidic solution which can be concentrated in a droplet of only a few microliters in volume, etching the silver layer of Au@Ag nanostars (NSTs) in the droplet. This will lead to changes in the localized surface plasmon resonance signals of the NSTs. Finally, quantitative detection of let-7a is realized by measuring the offset value of the UV-vis absorption peak. Therefore, by virtue of the synergistic action of quadruple signal amplification methods, including catalytic hairpin assembly, ZnS/ZIF-90/ZnS, magnetic separation, and microextraction, the "All-in-Tube" ultrasensitive detection of low-abundance let-7a in whole blood is achieved with a detection limit as low as the aM level. In addition, the "zero-contact" signal output mode effectively solves the problem of complex matrix interference, demonstrating the great potential of this method for miRNA quantification in complex samples, such as whole blood.
Subject(s)
MicroRNAs , Sulfides , MicroRNAs/blood , Humans , Sulfides/chemistry , Zinc Compounds/chemistry , Colorimetry , Limit of Detection , Gold/chemistry , Silver/chemistry , Surface Plasmon Resonance , Magnetic Phenomena , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Hydrogen Sulfide/bloodABSTRACT
The isolation of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), including those secreted by pathological cells, with high efficiency and purity is highly demanded for research studies and practical applications. Conventional sEV isolation methods suffer from low yield, presence of contaminants, long-term operation and high costs. Bead-assisted platforms are considered to be effective for trapping sEVs with high recovery yield and sufficient purity for further molecular profiling. In this study, magnetically responsive beads made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles impregnated with iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are fabricated using a freezing-induced loading (FIL) method. The developed magnetic beads demonstrate sufficient magnetization and can be collected by a permanent magnet, ensuring their rapid and gentle capture from an aqueous solution. The tannic acid on the surface of magnetic beads is formed by a layer-by-layer (LbL) method and is used to induce coupling of sEVs with the surface of magnetic beads. These tannic acid coated magnetic beads (TAMB) were applied to capture sEVs derived from MCF7 and HCT116 cell lines. Quantitative data derived from nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and BCA methods revealed the capture efficiency and recovery yield of about 60%. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) imaging of sEVs on the surface of TAMBs indicated their structural integrity. Compared with the size exclusion chromatography (SEC) method, the proposed approach demonstrated comparable efficiency in terms of recovery yield and purity, while offering a relatively short operation time. These results highlight the high potential of the TAMB approach for the enrichment of sEVs from biological fluids, such as cell culture media.
Subject(s)
Extracellular Vesicles , Tannins , Tannins/chemistry , Humans , Extracellular Vesicles/chemistry , MCF-7 Cells , Particle Size , Surface Properties , HCT116 Cells , Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles/chemistry , Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry , Calcium Carbonate/chemistry , Magnetic Phenomena , PolyphenolsABSTRACT
Determining the origin and pathways of contaminants in the natural environment is key to informing any mitigation process. The mass magnetic susceptibility of soils allows a rapid method to measure the concentration of magnetic minerals, derived from anthropogenic activities such as mining or industrial processes, i.e., smelting metals (technogenic origin), or from the local bedrock (of geogenic origin). This is especially effective when combined with rapid geochemical analyses of soils. The use of multivariate analysis (MVA) elucidates complex multiple-component relationships between soil geochemistry and magnetic susceptibility. In the case of soil mining sites, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopic data of soils contaminated by mine waste shows statistically significant relationships between magnetic susceptibility and some base metal species (e.g., Fe, Pb, Zn, etc.). Here, we show how qualitative and quantitative MVA methodologies can be used to assess soil contamination pathways using mass magnetic susceptibility and XRF spectra of soils near abandoned coal and W/Sn mines (NW Portugal). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed how the first two primary components (PC-1 + PC-2) explained 94% of the sample variability, grouped them according to their geochemistry and magnetic susceptibility in to geogenic and technogenic groups. Regression analyses showed a strong positive correlation (R2 > 0.95) between soil geochemistry and magnetic properties at the local scale. These parameters provided an insight into the multi-element variables that control magnetic susceptibility and indicated the possibility of efficient assessment of potentially contaminated sites through mass-specific soil magnetism.
Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring , Soil Pollutants , Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission , Soil Pollutants/analysis , Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission/methods , Multivariate Analysis , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Mining , Portugal , Principal Component Analysis , Soil/chemistry , Tin/analysis , Magnetic Phenomena , Coal Mining , CoalABSTRACT
Selenium (Se(VI)) is environmentally toxic. One of the most popular reducing agents for Se(VI) remediation is zero-valent iron (ZVI). However, most ZVI studies were carried out in water matrices, and the recovery of reduced Se has not been investigated. A water-sediment system constructed using natural sediment was employed here to study in-situ Se remediation and recovery. A combined effect of ZVI and unacclimated microorganisms from natural sediment was found in Se(VI) removal in the water phase with a removal efficiency of 92.7 ± 1.1% within 7 d when 10 mg L-1 Se(VI) was present. Soluble Se(VI) was removed from the water and precipitated to the sediment phase (74.8 ± 0.1%), which was enhanced by the addition of ZVI (83.3 ± 0.3%). The recovery proportion of the immobilized Se was 34.2 ± 0.1% and 92.5 ± 0.2% through wet and dry magnetic separation with 1 g L-1 ZVI added, respectively. The 16 s rRNA sequencing revealed the variations in the microbial communities in response to ZVI and Se, which the magnetic separation could potentially mitigate in the long term. This study provides a novel technique to achieve in-situ Se remediation and recovery by combining ZVI reduction and magnetic separation.
Subject(s)
Geologic Sediments , Iron , Selenium , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Selenium/chemistry , Iron/chemistry , Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry , Geologic Sediments/microbiology , Geologic Sediments/chemistry , Bacteria/metabolism , Bacteria/genetics , Biodegradation, Environmental , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Magnetic PhenomenaABSTRACT
In this study, we synthesize nanostructured nickel oxide (NiO) and doped cobalt (Co) by combining nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate (NiCl2.6H2O) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as initial substances. We analyzed the characteristics of the product nanostructures, including their structure, optical properties, and magnetic properties, using various techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometers (VSM). The NiO nanoparticles doped with Co showed photocatalytic activity in degrading methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solutions. We calculated the degradation efficiencies by analyzing the UV-Vis absorption spectra at the dye's absorption wavelength of 664 nm. It was observed that the NiO-doped Co nanoparticles facilitated enhanced recombination and migration of active elements, which led to more effective degradation of organic dyes during photocatalysis. We also assessed the electrochemical properties of the materials using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and impedance spectroscopy in a 1 mol% NaOH solution. The NiO-modified electrode exhibited poor voltammogram performance due to insufficient contact between nanoparticles and the electrolyte solution. In contrast, the uncapped NiO's oxidation and reduction cyclic voltammograms displayed redox peaks at 0.36 and 0.30 V, respectively.
Subject(s)
Cobalt , Electrochemistry , Electrodes , Nanocomposites , Nickel , Nanocomposites/chemistry , Nickel/chemistry , Cobalt/chemistry , X-Ray Diffraction , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , Luminescence , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Particle Size , Magnetic Phenomena , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Light , Catalysis , Oxides/chemistry , Methylene Blue/metabolismABSTRACT
Magnetic iron concentrate (MIC) and nonmagnetic tailings (NT) are obtained from magnetization roasting of iron tailings (IT). MIC containing Pb adversely affects blast furnace ironmaking, while Cu in NT poses leaching risks. This study utilizes fast pyrolysis-suspension magnetization roasting to recover iron from IT. The enrichment of Pb, Cu, and the phase transformation mechanism of Cu in the process of suspension magnetization roasting and magnetic separation were clarified. Results show 96.13 % of Cu in IT is in limonite and 47.23 % of Pb is associated with iron. At 750 °C, with 10 % dosage of biomass pyrolysis and 10 min roasting, Pb, Cu and Fe contents in MIC are 0.96, 2.14 and 3.17 times that of NT. Increasing roasting temperature enhances Cu associated with iron enrichment into the MIC, while oxidation of free copper oxide associated with iron forms magnetic copper ferrite. Increased pyrolyzed biomass leads to over-reduction of magnetite associated with Cu to FeO associated with Cu, promoting magnetic copper ferrite decomposition into FeO and free copper oxide. This research holds significant importance in controlling the quality of MIC and the storage risk of IT, and provides theoretical guidance for the regulation and recovery of valuable metals in subsequent processes.
Subject(s)
Copper , Iron , Lead , Copper/chemistry , Iron/chemistry , Lead/chemistry , Magnetics , Magnetic PhenomenaABSTRACT
Umami substances play a significant role in the evaluation of food quality, and their synergistic enhancement is of great importance in improving and intensifying food flavors and tastes. Current biosensors available for umami detection still confront challenges in simultaneous quantification of multiple umami substances and umami intensities. In this study, an innovative dual-channel magnetic relaxation switching taste biosensor (D-MRSTB) was developed for the quantitative detection of representative umami substances. The multienzyme signal of D-MRSTB specifically catalyzes the umami substances of interest to generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is then used to oxidate Fe2+ to Fe3+. Such a valence-state transition of paramagnetic ions was utilized as a magnetic relaxation signaling switch to influence the transverse magnetic relaxation time (T2) within the reaction milieu, thus achieving simultaneous detection of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP). The biosensor showed good linearity (R2 > 0.99) in the concentration range of 50-1000 and 10-1000 µmol/L, with limits of detection (LOD) of 0.61 and 0.09 µmol/L for MSG and IMP, respectively. Furthermore, the biosensor accurately characterized the synergistic effect of the mixed solution of IMP and MSG, where ΔT2 showed a good linear relationship with the equivalent umami concentration (EUC) of the mixed solution (R2 = 0.998). Moreover, the D-MRSTB successfully achieved the quantitative detection of umami compounds in real samples. This sensing technology provides a powerful tool for achieving the detection of synergistic enhancement among umami compounds and demonstrates its potential for application in the food industry.
Subject(s)
Biosensing Techniques , Sodium Glutamate , Taste , Biosensing Techniques/methods , Sodium Glutamate/chemistry , Inosine Monophosphate/analysis , Inosine Monophosphate/chemistry , Limit of Detection , Food Analysis/methods , Hydrogen Peroxide/chemistry , Hydrogen Peroxide/analysis , Magnetic Phenomena , Flavoring Agents/analysis , Flavoring Agents/chemistryABSTRACT
The fabrication of thermo-magnetic dual-responsive soft robots often requires intricate designs to implement complex locomotion patterns and utilize the implemented responsive behaviors. This work demonstrates a minimally designed soft robot based on poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM) and ferromagnetic particles, showcasing excellent control over both thermo- and magnetic responses. Free radical polymerization enables the magnetic particles to be entrapped homogeneously within the polymeric network. The integration of magnetic shape programming and temperature response allows the robot to perform various tasks including shaping, locomotion, pick-and-place, and release maneuvers of objects using independent triggers. The robot can be immobilized in a gripping state through magnetic actuation, and a subsequent increase in temperature transitions the robot from a swollen to a collapsed state. The temperature switch enables the robot to maintain a secured configuration while executing other movements via magnetic actuation. This approach offers a straightforward yet effective solution for achieving full control over both stimuli in dual-responsive soft robotics.
Subject(s)
Acrylic Resins , Robotics , Temperature , Acrylic Resins/chemistry , Magnetic Phenomena , Particle SizeABSTRACT
A fast and simple dispersive solid phase extraction method is described for nitrophenols determination in water samples by using gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphorous detector. Firstly, the Poly(amidoamine) grafted Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized in different generations by successive addition of butyl acrylate and ethylenediamine. After characterization, the prepared dendrimer was utilized as an adsorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction of 2-nitrophenol, 3-nitrophenol, and 4-nitrophenol to benefit large number of surface amine interaction sites. The effects of the different parameters influencing the sample preparation efficiency were investigated. The proposed method showed linearity in the ranges of 0.04-700 and 0.05-700 µg/dm3 for nitrophenols. The obtained limits of detection and quantification under optimized conditions were 0.01-0.02 and 0.04-0.05 µg/dm3, respectively. The relative standard deviations (n = 5) were less than 3.8% (at 10 µg/dm3). Moreover, the calculated enrichment factors were above 200. In addition, the relative recoveries for a spiked river water sample were satisfactory.
Subject(s)
Dendrimers , Polyamines , Water , Magnetic Phenomena , Solid Phase Extraction/methods , Nitrophenols , Limit of DetectionABSTRACT
AIMS: A few studies have reported the effect and safety of pulsed field ablation (PFA) catheters for ablating atrial fibrillation (AF), which were mainly based on basket-shaped or flower-shaped designs. However, the clinical application of a circular-shaped multi-electrode catheter with magnetic sensors is very limited. To study the efficacy and safety of a PFA system in patients with paroxysmal AF using a circular-shaped multi-electrode catheter equipped with magnetic sensors for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). METHODS AND RESULTS: A novel proprietary bipolar PFA system was used for PVI, which utilized a circular-shaped multi-electrode catheter with magnetic sensors and allowed for three-dimensional model reconstruction, mapping, and ablation in one map. To evaluate the efficacy, efficiency, and safety of this PFA system, a prospective, multi-centre, single-armed, pre-market clinical study was performed. From July 2021 to December 2022, 151 patients with paroxysmal AF were included and underwent PVI. The study examined procedure time, immediate success rate, procedural success rate at 12 months, and relevant complications. In all 151 patients, all the pulmonary veins were acutely isolated using the studied system. Pulsed field ablation delivery was 78.4 ± 41.8 times and 31.3 ± 16.7â ms per patient. Skin-to-skin procedure time was 74.2 ± 29.8â min, and fluoroscopy time was 13.1 ± 7.6â min. The initial 11 (7.2%) cases underwent procedures with deep sedation anaesthesia, and the following cases underwent local anaesthesia. In the initial 11 cases, 4 cases (36.4%) presented transient vagal responses, and the rest were all successfully preventatively treated with atropine injection and rapid fluid infusion. No severe complications were found during or after the procedure. During follow-up, 3 cases experienced atrial flutter, and 11 cases had AF recurrence. The estimated 12-month Kaplan-Meier of freedom from arrhythmia was 88.4%. CONCLUSION: The PFA system, comprised of a circular PFA catheter with magnetic sensors, could rapidly achieve PVI under three-dimensional guidance and demonstrated excellent safety with comparable effects.
Subject(s)
Atrial Fibrillation , Catheter Ablation , Pulmonary Veins , Humans , Pulmonary Veins/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Prospective Studies , Atrial Fibrillation/diagnosis , Atrial Fibrillation/surgery , Catheters , Catheter Ablation/adverse effects , Catheter Ablation/methods , Magnetic Phenomena , RecurrenceABSTRACT
A fast and accurate identification of Listeria monocytogenes. A new quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) aptasensor was designed for the specific and rapid detection of L. monocytogenes. Before detection of the target bacterium from samples in the QCM aptasensor, a magnetic pre-enrichment system was used to eliminate any contaminant in the samples. The prepared magnetic system was characterized using ATR-FTIR, SEM, VSM, BET, and analytical methods. The saturation magnetization values of the Fe3O4, Fe3O4@PDA, and Fe3O4@PDA@DAPEG particles were 57.2, 40.8, and 36.4 emu/g, respectively. The same aptamer was also immobilized on the QCM crystal integrated into QCM flow cell and utilized to quantitatively detect L. monocytogenes cells from the samples. It was found that a specific aptamer-magnetic pre-concentration system efficiently captured L. monocytogenes cells in a short time (approximately 10 min). The Fe3O4@PDA@DA-PEG-Apt particles provided selective isolation of L. monocytogenes from the bacteria-spiked media up to 91.8%. The immobilized aptamer content of the magnetic particles was 5834 µg/g using 500 ng Apt/mL. The QCM aptasensor showed a very high range of analytical performance to the target bacterium from 1.0 × 102 and 1.0 × 107 CFU/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 148 and 448 CFU/mL, respectively, from the feeding of the QCM aptasensor flow cell with the eluent of the magnetic pre-concentration system. The reproducibility of the aptasensor was more than 95%. The aptasensor was very specific to L. monocytogenes compared to the other Listeria species (i.e., L. ivanovii, L. innocua, and L. seeligeri) or other tested bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis. The QCM aptasensor was regenerated with NaOH solution, and the system was reused many times.
Subject(s)
Aptamers, Nucleotide , Listeria monocytogenes , Quartz Crystal Microbalance Techniques , Reproducibility of Results , Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry , Escherichia coli , Magnetic PhenomenaABSTRACT
Nanocomposite microbeads (average diameter = 10-100 µm) were prepared by a microemulsion-solidification method and applied to the magnetic solid-phase extraction (m-SPE) of fourteen analytes, among pesticides, drugs, and hormones, from human urine samples. The microbeads, perfectly spherical in shape to maximize the surface contact with the analytes, were composed of magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in a polylactic acid (PLA) solid bulk, decorated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (mPLA@MWCNTs). In particular, PLA was recovered from filters of smoked electronic cigarettes after an adequate cleaning protocol. A complete morphological characterization of the microbeads was performed via Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analysis (TGA and DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The recovery study of the m-SPE procedure showed yields ≥ 64%, with the exception of 4-chloro-2-methylphenol (57%) at the lowest spike level (3 µg L-1). The method was validated according to the main FDA guidelines for the validation of bioanalytical methods. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, precision and accuracy were below 11% and 15%, respectively, and detection limits of 0.1-1.8 µg L-1. Linearity was studied in the range of interest 1-15 µg L-1 with determination coefficients greater than 0.99. In light of the obtained results, the nanocomposite microbeads have proved to be a valid and sustainable alternative to traditional sorbents, offering good analytical standards and being synthetized from recycled plastic material. One of the main objectives of the current work is to provide an innovative and optimized procedure for the recycling of a plastic waste, to obtain a regular and reliable microstructure, whose application is here presented in the field of analytical chemistry. The simplicity and greenness of the method endows the procedure with a versatile applicability in different research and industrial fields.
Subject(s)
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems , Nanocomposites , Nanotubes, Carbon , Humans , Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry , Xenobiotics , Microspheres , Polyesters , Solid Phase Extraction/methods , Nanocomposites/chemistry , Magnetic PhenomenaABSTRACT
A new detection platform based on CaCO3-based magnetic micromotor (CaCO3@Fe3O4) integrated with graphene field effect transistor (GFET) was construct and used for on-site SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pathogen detection. The CaCO3@Fe3O4 micromotor, which was modified with anti-SARS-CoV-2 (labelled antibody, AntiE1), can self-moved in the solution containing hydrochloric acid (HCl) and effective to capture the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pathogens. After magnetic field separation, the capture micromotor was detected by GFET, exhibiting a good linear relationship within the range of 1 ag/mL to 100 ng/mL and low detection limit (0.39 ag/mL). Furthermore, the detection platform was also successfully applied to detection of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pathogens in soil solution, indicating the potential use in on-site application.
Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases , Graphite , Humans , Antibodies , SARS-CoV-2 , Magnetic PhenomenaABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Non-invasive techniques such as central intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) and repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) have shown promise in improving motor function for patients with stroke. However, the combined efficacy of rPMS and central iTBS has not been extensively studied. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of rPMS and central iTBS in patients with stroke. METHOD: In this study, 28 stroke patients were randomly allocated to receive either 1200 pulses of real or sham rPMS on the radial nerve of the affected limb, followed by 1200 pulses of central iTBS on the ipsilesional hemisphere. The patients received the intervention for 10 sessions over two weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Secondary outcomes for activities and participation included the Functional Independence Measure-Selfcare (FIM-Selfcare) and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). The outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in FMA-UE and FIM-Selfcare after the intervention (p < 0.05). Only the rPMS + iTBS group had significant improvement in ARAT-Grasp and SIS-Strength and activity of daily living (p < 0.05). However, the change scores in all outcome measures did not differ between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the study's findings suggest that rPMS may have a synergistic effect on central iTBS to improve grasp function and participation. In conclusion, these findings highlight the potential of rPMS as an adjuvant therapy for central iTBS in stroke rehabilitation. Further large-scale studies are needed to fully explore the synergistic effects of rPMS on central iTBS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov ID No.NCT04265365, retrospectively registered, on February 11, 2020.
Subject(s)
Stroke Rehabilitation , Stroke , Humans , Magnetic Phenomena , Stroke Rehabilitation/methods , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods , Treatment Outcome , Upper Extremity , Double-Blind MethodABSTRACT
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) redirected T cells are successfully employed in the combat against several hematological malignancies, however, are often compromised by low transduction rates making refinement of the CAR T cell products necessary. Here, we report a broadly applicable enrichment protocol relying on marking CAR T cells with an anti-glycine4-serine (G4S) linker antibody followed by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). The protocol is broadly applicable since the G4S peptide is an integral part of the vast majority of CARs as it links the VH and VL recognition domains. We demonstrate the feasibility by using the canonical second generation CARs specific for CEA and Her2, respectively, obtaining highly purified CAR T cell products in a one-step procedure without impairing cell viability. The protocol is also applicable to a dual specific CAR (tandem CAR). Except for CD39, T cell activation/exhaustion markers were not upregulated after separation. Purified CAR T cells retained their functionality with respect to antigen-specific cytokine secretion, cytotoxicity, and the capacity to proliferate and eliminate cognate tumor cells upon repetitive stimulation. Collectively, the one-step protocol for purifying CAR T cells extends the toolbox for preclinical research and specifically for clinical CAR T cell manufacturing.
Subject(s)
Receptors, Chimeric Antigen , T-Lymphocytes , Cytotoxicity, Immunologic , Cell Separation , Magnetic Phenomena , Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methodsABSTRACT
This study involves the development of a new nanocomposite material for use in biological applications. The nanocomposite was based on tragacanth hydrogel (TG), which was formed through cross-linking of Ca2+ ions with TG polymer chains. The utilization of TG hydrogel and silk fibroin as natural compounds has enhanced the biocompatibility, biodegradability, adhesion, and cell growth properties of the nanobiocomposite. This advancement makes the nanobiocomposite suitable for various biological applications, including drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Additionally, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized in situ within the nanocomposite to enhance its hyperthermia efficiency. The presence of hydrophilic groups in all components of the nanobiocomposite allowed for good dispersion in water, which is an important factor in increasing the effectiveness of hyperthermia cancer therapy. Hemolysis and 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assays were conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the nanobiocomposite for in-vivo applications. Results showed that even at high concentrations, the nanobiocomposite had minimal hemolytic effects. Finally, the hyperthermia application of the hybrid scaffold was evaluated, with a maximum SAR value of 41.2 W/g measured in the first interval.
Subject(s)
Fibroins , Hyperthermia, Induced , Tragacanth , Tissue Scaffolds , Hydrogels , Magnetic PhenomenaABSTRACT
The development of an advanced analytical platform with regard to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for public health. Herein, we present a machine learning platform based on paper-assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensors for highly sensitive detection of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp gene. The assay involves target-induced rolling circle amplification to generate magnetic DNAzyme, which is then detectable using the paper-assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensor. This sensor detects the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp gene with a visible-fluorescence color response. Moreover, leveraging different fluorescence responses, the ResNet algorithm of machine learning assists in accurately identifying fluorescence images and differentiating the concentration of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp gene with over 99% recognition accuracy. The machine learning platform exhibits exceptional sensitivity and color responsiveness, achieving a limit of detection of 30 fM for the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp gene. The integration of intelligent artificial vision with the paper-assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensor presents a novel approach for the on-site detection of COVID-19 and holds potential for broader use in disease diagnostics in the future.