Smartglass augmented reality-assisted targeted prostate biopsy using cognitive point-of-care fusion technology.

INTRODUCTION: MRI-guided targeted biopsy has become standard of care for diagnosis of prostate cancer, with establishment of several biopsy techniques and platforms. Augmented reality smart glasses have emerged as novel technology to support image-guided interventions. We aimed to investigate its usage while prostate biopsy. METHODS: MRI with PIRADS-lesions ≥3 was uploaded to smart glasses (Vuzix BladeR ) and augmented reality smart glasses-assisted targeted biopsy (SMART-TB) of the prostate was performed using cognitive fusion technology at the point of care. Detection rates were compared to systematic biopsy. Feasibility for SMART-TB was assessed (10 domains from bad [1] to excellent [10]). RESULTS: SMART-TB was performed for four patients. Prostate cancer detection was more likely for SMART-TB (46%; 13/28) than for systematic biopsy (27%; 13/48). Feasibility scores were high [8-10] for practicality, multitasking, execution speed, comfort and device weight and low [1-4] for handling, battery and image quality. Median execution time: 28 min; Investment cost smart glass: 1017 USD. CONCLUSION: First description of SMART-TB demonstrated convenient feasibility. This novel technology might enhance diagnosis of prostate cancer in future.

SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in medical employees in a large urologic department: Spread, containment and outcome.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presents an unprecedented challenge to health care systems worldwide. Data on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a hospital is rare and outbreaks among health care professionals are complex to control. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over the course of 6 consecutive weeks we recorded data on an exponential outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 within our department. We reconstructed the assumed route of the spread of infection, and the employees' acute and late symptoms. Increasing preventive measures (mandatory face masks, intense training in hygiene, physical distancing whenever possible, and termination of visits from outside the hospital) were implemented. RESULTS: Within 6 weeks, 13 employees were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. All individuals had a moderate course, not resulting in hospitalization. The majority of infections was discovered after testing contacts of known cases, prior to their onset of symptoms and was predominantly related to removal of face masks during breaks. Increasing preventive measures resulted in a decline and finally containment of transmission rates amongst the staff, confirmed by mass testing at week 6, with no further SARS-CoV-2 infection. Three individuals, all in their late 40s or older, have lasting or newly onset neurological symptoms 8 months after their infection. CONCLUSIONS: Outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 are particularly difficult to contain in a medical setting, where employees work in close physical proximity. Adherence to preventive measures, particularly face masks, seem to be effective.

Polymerization of ε-Caprolactam by Latent Precatalysts Based on Protected N-Heterocyclic Carbenes.

The cyclic amide ε-caprolactam (ε-CLA) is efficiently polymerized by thermally latent C-2-protected N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) to give the corresponding polyamide (PA 6). Carbon dioxide- and metal salt-protected NHCs were used as precatalysts, out of which the free carbenes were generated thermally. This way, a premixing of the corresponding initiator with ε-CLA was possible to yield a storable and directly polymerizable mixture. The screening of a variety of differently constituted carbenes showed the importance of basicity of the active species, thereby revealing N-alkyl-bearing tetrahydropyrimidinium-based carbenes as the most active ones. Rapid production of PA 6 in high yields was possible in bulk polymerization at 180 °C, the best activity displayed by 1,3-dicyclohexyltetrahydropyrimidinium-2-carboxylate (6-Cy-CO2). In situ rheology during polymerization showed the characteristics typical for the anionic polymerization of ε-CLA.