3D hierarchically porous magnetic molybdenum trioxide@gold nanospheres as a nanogap-enhanced Raman scattering biosensor for SARS-CoV-2.

The global pandemic of COVID-19 is an example of how quickly a disease-causing virus can take root and threaten our civilization. Nowadays, ultrasensitive and rapid detection of contagious pathogens is in high demand. Here, we present a novel hierarchically porous 3-dimensional magnetic molybdenum trioxide-polydopamine-gold functionalized nanosphere (3D mag-MoO3-PDA@Au NS) composed of plasmonic, semiconductor, and magnetic nanoparticles as a multifunctional nanosculptured hybrid. Based on the synthesized 3D mag-MoO3-PDA@Au NS, a universal "plug and play" biosensor for pathogens is proposed. Specifically, a magnetically-induced nanogap-enhanced Raman scattering (MINERS) detection platform was developed using the 3D nanostructure. Through a magnetic actuation process, the MINERS system overcomes Raman signal stability and reproducibility challenges for the ultrasensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein over a wide dynamic range up to a detection limit of 10-15 g mL-1. The proposed MINERS platform will facilitate the broader use of Raman spectroscopy as a powerful analytical detection tool in diverse fields.

La radiómica mejora la utilidad del ADC en la diferenciación entre el oncocitoma renal y el carcinoma cromófobo de células renales: resultados preliminares / Radiomics improves the utility of ADC for differentiation between renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: preliminary findings

Objective Differentiation between renal oncocytoma (RON) and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) remains challenging. We aimed to assess the accurate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) radiomics features in differentiating these tumors.Materials and methods This single-center retrospective study included 14 patients with histopathologically proven RON (n=6) and chRCC (n=8) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Features were extracted from ADC maps. Features with an intraclass correlation coefficient >0.90, an intergroup p<0.01 and interrater differences with normal distribution underwent agreement and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses.Results Overall, 6 features qualified for further analysis and Bland-Altman plots revealed acceptable agreement for all. Only 1 first order feature and 5 high order texture features successfully predicted RON with more than 90% sensitivities and specificities more than 80%.Conclusion Squared mean ADC and certain gray level run length matrix features extracted by radiomics of ADC mapping provide quite high diagnostic precision in terms of distinguishing between RON and chRCC (AU)

Objetivo La diferenciación entre el oncocitoma renal (OR) y el carcinoma de células renales cromófobo (CCRcr) sigue siendo un desafío. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la precisión de las características radiómicas del coeficiente de difusión aparente (ADC) para diferenciar estos tumores.Materiales y métodos Este estudio retrospectivo unicéntrico incluyó a 14 pacientes con OR (n = 6) y CCRcr (n = 8) confirmado por informe histológico que recibieron una resonancia magnética. Las características se extrajeron de los mapas de ADC. Las características con un coeficiente de correlación intraclase > 0,90, un p < 0,01 intergrupo y diferencias interevaluadores con distribución normal se sometieron a análisis de concordancia y de curva característica de funcionamiento del receptor.Resultados En total, se obtuvieron seis características para el análisis posterior y los gráficos de Bland-Altman revelaron una concordancia aceptable para todas ellas. Sólo una característica de primer orden y cinco características de textura de orden superior predijeron con éxito el OR con una sensibilidad superior al 90% y una especificidad superior al 80%.Conclusión La media cuadrada del ADC y ciertas características de la matriz de longitud de secuencia de nivel de gris extraídas por la radiómica del mapa de ADC proporcionan una precisión diagnóstica bastante alta en cuanto a la distinción entre OR y CCRcr (AU)

Radiomics improves the utility of ADC for differentiation between renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: Preliminary findings.

OBJECTIVE: Differentiation between renal oncocytoma (RON) and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) remains challenging. We aimed to assess the accurate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) radiomics features in differentiating these tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 14 patients with histopathologically proven RON (n = 6) and chRCC (n = 8) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Features were extracted from ADC maps. Features with an intraclass correlation coefficient >0.90, an intergroup p < 0.01 and interrater differences with normal distribution underwent agreement and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 6 features qualified for further analysis and Bland-Altman plots revealed acceptable agreement for all. Only 1 first order feature and 5 high order texture features successfully predicted RON with more than 90% sensitivities and specificities more than 80%. CONCLUSION: Squared mean ADC and certain gray level run length matrix features extracted by radiomics of ADC mapping provide quite high diagnostic precision in terms of distinguishing between RON and chRCC.

Measuring 3D Cochlear Duct Length on MRI: Is It Accurate and Reliable?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prior studies have evaluated cochlear length using CT to select the most suitable cochlear implants and obtain patient-specific anatomy. This study aimed to test the accuracy and reliability of cochlear lateral wall length measurements using 3D MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two observers measured the cochlear lateral wall length of 35 patients (21 men) with postlingual hearing loss using CT and MR imaging. The intraclass correlation coefficient (with 95% confidence intervals) was used to evaluate intraobserver and interobserver reliability for the 3D cochlear measurements. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 39.85 (SD, 16.60) years. Observer 1 measured the mean lateral wall length as 41.52 (SD, 2.25) mm on CT and 41.44 (SD, 2.18) mm on MR imaging, with a mean difference of 0.08 mm (95% CI, -0.11 to 0.27 mm), while observer 2 measured the mean lateral wall length as 41.74 (SD, 2.69) mm on CT and 42.34 (SD, 2.53) mm on MR imaging, with a mean difference of -0.59 mm (95% CI, -1.00 to -0.20 mm). An intraclass correlation coefficient value of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.84-0.94) for CT and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.46-0.82) for MR imaging was obtained for the interobserver reliability for the full-turn cochlear lateral wall length. CONCLUSIONS: CT-based 3D cochlear measurements show excellent intraobserver and interobserver reliability, while MR imaging-based lateral wall length measurements have good-to-excellent intraobserver reliability and moderate interobserver reliability. These results corroborate the use of CT for 3D cochlear measurements as a reference method and demonstrate MR imaging to be an alternative acquisition technique with comparably reliable results.

Light- and Melanin Nanoparticle-Induced Cytotoxicity in Metastatic Cancer Cells.

Melanin nanoparticles are known to be biologically benign to human cells for a wide range of concentrations in a high glucose culture nutrition. Here, we show cytotoxic behavior at high nanoparticle and low glucose concentrations, as well as at low nanoparticle concentration under exposure to (nonionizing) visible radiation. To study these effects in detail, we developed highly monodispersed melanin nanoparticles (both uncoated and glucose-coated). In order to study the effect of significant cellular uptake of these nanoparticles, we employed three cancer cell lines: VM-M3, A375 (derived from melanoma), and HeLa, all known to exhibit strong macrophagic character, i.e., strong nanoparticle uptake through phagocytic ingestion. Our main observations are: (i) metastatic VM-M3 cancer cells massively ingest melanin nanoparticles (mNPs); (ii) the observed ingestion is enhanced by coating mNPs with glucose; (iii) after a certain level of mNP ingestion, the metastatic cancer cells studied here are observed to die-glucose coating appears to slow that process; (iv) cells that accumulate mNPs are much more susceptible to killing by laser illumination than cells that do not accumulate mNPs; and (v) non-metastatic VM-NM1 cancer cells also studied in this work do not ingest the mNPs, and remain unaffected after receiving identical optical energy levels and doses. Results of this study could lead to the development of a therapy for control of metastatic stages of cancer.

Prospects of Z-Scheme Photocatalytic Systems Based on Metal Halide Perovskites.

Considering the attractive optoelectronic properties of metal halide perovskites (MHPs), their introduction to the field of photocatalysis was only a matter of time. Thus far, MHPs have been explored for the photocatalytic generation of hydrogen, carbon dioxide reduction, organic synthesis, and pollutant degradation applications. Of growing research interest and possible applied significance are the currently emerging developments of MHP-based Z-scheme heterostructures, which can potentially enable efficient photocatalysis of highly energy-demanding redox processes. In this Perspective, we discuss the advantages and limitations of MHPs compared to traditional semiconductor materials for applications as photocatalysts and describe emerging examples in the construction of MHP-based Z-scheme systems. We discuss the principles and material properties that are required for the development of such Z-scheme heterostructure photocatalysts and consider the ongoing challenges and opportunities in this emerging field.

Long-term release of antibiotics by carbon nanotube-coated titanium alloy surfaces diminish biofilm formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Bacterial biofilms cause a considerable amount of prosthetic joint infections every year, resulting in morbidity and expensive revision surgery. To address this problem, surface modifications of implant materials such as carbon nanotube (CNT) coatings have been investigated in the past years. CNTs are biologically compatible and can be utilized as drug delivery systems. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) coated TiAl6V4 titanium alloy discs were fabricated and impregnated with Rifampicin, and tested for their ability to prevent biofilm formation over a period of ten days. Agar plate-based assays were employed to assess the antimicrobial activity of these surfaces against Staphylococcus epidermidis. It was shown that vertically aligned MWCNTs were more stable against attrition on rough surfaces than on polished TiAl6V4 surfaces. Discs with coated surfaces caused a significant inhibition of biofilm formation for up to five days. Therefore, MWCNT-modified surfaces may be effective against pathogenic biofilm formation on endoprostheses.

Understanding anisotropic plasma etching of two-dimensional polystyrene opals for advanced materials fabrication.

Anisotropic deformation of polystyrene particles in an oxygenated (O2/Ar) plasma is observed for radio frequency (rf) plasma and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). A facile model based on a ratio of completely isotropic and completely anisotropic etching is presented to describe the anisotropy of the etching process and is implemented to determine the height of the spheroid-shaped polystyrene particles. In our systems, we find the plasma etching to be 54% isotropic in the rf plasma and 79% isotropic in the ICP. With this model, the maximum material deposition thickness for nanofabrication with plasma-etched nanosphere lithography or colloid lithography can be predicted. Moreover, the etching of polystyrene particles in an oxygenated plasma is investigated versus the etching time, gas flow, gas composition, temperature, substrate material, and particle size. The results of this study allow precise shape tuning during the fabrication of nanostructured surfaces with size-dependent properties for bionic, medical, and photonic applications.

Efficacy of omeprazole powder paste or enteric-coated formulation in healing of gastric ulcers in horses.

BACKGROUND: GastroGard, an omeprazole powder paste formulation, is considered the standard treatment for gastric ulcers in horses and is highly effective. Gastrozol, an enteric-coated omeprazole formulation for horses, has recently become available, but efficacy data are controversial and sparse. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of GastroGard and Gastrozol at labeled doses (4 and 1 mg of omeprazole per kg bwt, respectively, PO q24h) in healing of gastric ulcers. ANIMALS: 40 horses; 9.5 ± 4.6 years; 491 ± 135 kg. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, blinded study. Horses with an ulcer score ≥1 (Equine Gastric Ulcer Council) were randomly divided into 2 groups and treated for 2 weeks each with GastroGard followed by Gastrozol (A) or vice versa (B). After 2 and 4 weeks, scoring was repeated and compared with baseline. Plasma omeprazole concentrations were measured on the first day of treatment after administration of GastroGard (n = 5) or Gastrozol (n = 5). RESULTS: Compared with baseline (squamous score (A) 1.65 ± 0.11, (B) 1.98 ± 0.11), ulcer scores at 2 weeks ((A) 0.89 ± 0.11, (B) 1.01 ± 0.11) and 4 weeks ((A) 1.10 ± 0.12, (B) 0.80 ± 0.12) had significantly decreased in both groups (P < .001), independent of treatment (P = .7). Plasma omeprazole concentrations were significantly higher after GastroGard compared with Gastrozol administration (AUCGG = 2856 (1405-4576) ng/mL × h, AUCGZ = 604 (430-1609) ng/mL × h; P = .03). The bioavailability for Gastrozol was 1.26 (95% CI 0.56-2.81) times higher than for GastroGard. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Both Gastrozol and GastroGard, combined with appropriate environmental changes, promote healing of gastric ulcers in horses. However, despite enteric coating of Gastrozol, plasma omeprazole concentrations after single labeled doses were significantly higher with GastroGard.

Enhanced IL-6 transcriptional response to adenosine receptor ligands in horses with lower airway inflammation.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Accumulation of extracellular adenosine has been closely associated with human asthmatic responses. However, the relevance of adenosine signalling in equine airways has not previously been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To determine the expression of adenosine receptors (AR) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and assess the reactivity of these cells to AR ligands ex vivo, employing IL-6 as readout of adenosinergic inflammatory signalling. METHODS: Eight horses with varying degrees of lower airway inflammation and 10 healthy controls were analysed. Expression of AR-subtypes in each BAL sample was determined by quantitative RT-PCR and compared to that in 13 other tissues. Bronchoalveolar lavage cells were stimulated either with the adenosine analogue NECA, CGS-21680 (A(2A) AR selective agonist) or with a combination of NECA and SCH-58261 (A(2A) AR antagonist) and IL-6 expression assessed. RESULTS: Bronchoalveolar lavage cells predominantly expressed A(2B) AR, with lower A(2A) AR levels and marginal A(3) AR expression; A(1) AR was not detected. This pattern was similar to that of PBMCs but different from the other tissues tested. No significant differences in AR expression in BAL cells from both groups were detected, although a trend for decreased A(2B) AR in airway-compromised horses was observed. Treatment of BAL cells with the nonselective agonist NECA upregulated IL-6 expression in cells from airway-compromised horses, but levels remained unchanged in control animals. Furthermore, blockage of A(2A) AR with SCH-58261 enhanced IL-6 mRNA induction by NECA in both groups, with higher levels in airway-compromised horses; the amplitude of this response correlated with neutrophil count. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the presence of an adenosine/IL-6 inflammatory axis in the bronchoalveolar milieu of airway-compromised horses. While A(2B) AR is the predominant proinflammatory AR subtype expressed, A(2A) AR appears to modulate inflammatory signalling (IL-6 expression) by adenosine. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study supports selective AR targeting as a potential therapeutic approach for the modulation of inflammation in the equine lower respiratory tract.

Is there any correlation among adiponectin levels in serum, tumor tissue and normal tissue of the same patients wih breast cancer?

PURPOSE: Adiponectin is secreted from adipose tissue and is characterized by hyperinsulinemia which is related with obesity. Although serum adiponectin levels in patients with breast cancer have been studied previously, adiponectin levels in the serum, tumor and normal tissue of the same patients have not been simultaneously investigated. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate the relationship among serum, tumor and normal tissue adiponectin levels in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with breast cancer who were operated at the Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital, Department of Surgery, between February 2008 and June 2008, were analyzed. Their serum adiponectin levels, tumor tissue and normal breast tissue adiponectin levels were compared. The correlation between postoperative histopathological parameters, insulin resistance parameters and adiponectin levels was also examined. RESULTS: The mean adiponectin levels in tumor tissue, normal breast tissue and serum were 56 ± 9.6 ng/ml, 56 ± 10 ng/ml and 43.5 ± 3.1 ng/ml, respectively. The serum adiponectin levels were inversely correlated with tumor tissue adiponectin levels (p=0.001, r=-0.43). When tumor tissue adiponectin levels were increased, serum adiponectin levels were decreased. O n the other hand, there was a positive correlation between normal breast tissue adiponectin levels and tumor tissue adiponectin levels (p=0.0001, r= 0.850). The tumor tissue adiponectin level was inversely correlated with tumor stage (p=0.037 , r= -0.29). Moreover, in early-stage and low grade tumors, both tumor tissue and normal tissue adiponectin levels were high compared with those of advanced stage or high grade tumors (p=0.027, r= -0.32 and p=0.004, r= -0.408, respectively). In the subgroup analyses, no significant relationship was found between insulin resistance parameters and adiponectin levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that serum adiponectin levels were inversely correlated with tumor tissue adiponectin levels, but no relationship between normal breast tissue and tumor tissue adiponectin levels was demonstrated. Adiponectin levels in breast tumor tissue increase while serum adiponectin levels decrease. Adiponectin might play an important role in the prevention of tumor progression by decreasing tissue neovascularization.

Effect of mycophenolate mofetil on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on acute pancreatitis with evaluation of biochemical and histopathological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cerulein was administered to induce acute pancreatitis in rats. Three groups of 10 rats each were formed. Animals in group 1 received physiologic saline solution. In group 2 animals received MMF at a dose of 14 mg/kg and group 3 had double doses of MMF. Alanine aminostransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), amylase and bilirubin levels were assessed. Pancreatic tissues were evaluated under light microscopy for the presence of edema, acinar necrosis, hemorrhage, inflammation and perivascular infiltration. RESULTS: Amylase, serum AST, edema and inflammatory infiltration levels differed between groups (amylase: p = 0.0001, serum AST: p = 0.001, edema: p = 0.0001 and inflammatory infiltration: p = 0.002), group 1 showing the highest amylase, serum AST and edema levels. The lowest levels of edema were found in group 3. CONCLUSION: In an experimental pancreatitis model in rats, MMF proved to exert a beneficial effect on biochemical and histopathological parameters.

[Diagnostic workup of chronic inflammatory bowel disease in the horse]. / Diagnostische Aufarbeitung der chronischen Darmentzündung beim Pferd.

The present retrospective study describes the diagnostic workup and collected findings in 7 horses with chronic inflammatory bowel disease over the years 2000-2006. The diagnosis could be confirmed histologically with biopsies taken during laparoscopy or laparotomy or during post mortem examination. Weight loss and chronic diarrhoea were the most commonly reported clinical findings. Among ancillary examinations (fecal analysis, gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, rectal mucosal biopsy) the D-xylose absorption test provided the most useful information. Although clinical signs and laboratory findings are helpful diagnostic tools, a definitive diagnosis is only possible by histological analysis of the intestinal segment.

Lichtenstein or darn procedure in inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of patients with inguinal hernia where the Moloney darn or Lichtenstein procedure was used as the surgical choice. METHOD: A herniorrhaphy procedure was performed in a total of 306 patients at our clinic between January 2003 and December 2008. The duration of operations and complication and recurrent rates were compared between the two groups. Hematoma formation, seroma collection, and wound infection were accepted as early complications, whereas chronic pain, loss of sensation at the operation site, and the rejection of mesh were accepted as late complications. RESULTS: Considering early complications as hematoma formation, the accumulation of seroma and wound infection ratios were similar in the two groups. Loss of sensation at the operation site and chronic pain, which were classified as late complications, were similar in the groups. However, in considering rejection, there were three rejections in the group where mesh was used. CONCLUSION: The darn repair method is simple, safe, and has similar recurrence rates when compared to the Lichtenstein method in inguinal hernia patients.

Infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium in a 10 year old Freiberger mare.

In this case report a 10 year old Freiberger mare with a Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium infection is presented. This infection leads to a tuberculosis like disease with granulomatous alterations particularly of the intestines and lungs and is only sporadically reported in horses of Central Europe. Diarrhoea, mastitis and neck stiffness as well as dyspnoea and chronic cough are more specific symptoms of the infection, while weight loss, weakness and lethargy are nonspecific signs. As these clinical signs can occur in many other diseases, the diagnosis of mycobacterial infection is difficult and consists of rectum or distal colon biopsies and staining for acid-fast bacilli and bacteriological culture of granulomatous lesions. Classification of M. avium subsp. avium was achieved by PCR-RFLP. Even though an infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium is rare, it belongs to the differential diagnosis of granulomatous diseases.

[Aorto-iliac thrombosis in a gelding: treatment with the anticoagulant Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar)]. / Aortenthrombose bei einem Wallach: Behandlung mit dem Antikoagulans Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar).

A 14-year old Swiss warmblood gelding was presented to the equine hospital of the University of Zurich because of therapy-resistant fever. An intermittent lameness suggested the presence of an intravascular aorto-iliac thrombus which was confirmed sonographically. Subsequently, treatment was initiated with Heparin s.c. and continued for 7 months with Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar). The dosage was monitored and adjusted according to the prothrombin time, which was initially measured every week, and later maximally biweekly. The lameness improved and the regression of the thrombus could be followed sonographically. Seven months later the horse had to be euthanized due to acute colic.

[Drug interactions of phenylbutazone and phenprocoumon in a warmblood gelding]. / Arzneimittelinteraktionen von Phenylbutazon und Phenprocoumon bei einem Warmblutpferd.

A 15 year old Oldenburger gelding was treated during 3 weeks for laminitis with the anticoagulant phenprocoumone (27 mg orally, once daily) and concurrent administration of phenylbutazone (2-4 g orally, twice daily). After this treatment the animal was presented to the Equine Clinic University of Zurich with a history of acute colic and advanced symptoms of shock. On the basis of the clinical signs and laboratory values, a diagnosis of combined drug induced coagulopathy was made. The horse was treated with the antidote Vitamine-K1 (0.5 mg/kg, subcutaneously). Eventually, the general condition of the animal worsened and it was therefore euthanized. Necropsy revealed profound, multifocal hemorrhagic diathesis of the serosal surface of the viscera, as well as bleeding into the visceral cavities. This case shows that concurrent administration of phenprocoumone and phenylbutazone may lead to drug interactions that increase the anticoagulation effect of the coumarine-derivative. Simultaneous use of coumarine-derivatives and phenylbutazone is therefore contraindicated due to the higher risk of bleeding. A reasonable treatment of horses with anticoagulants requires regular monitoring with constant evaluation of coagulation status and special attention to potential drug interactions.

Effects of seprafilm and heparin in combination on intra-abdominal adhesions.

AIM: Postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation is a significant cause of morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of heparin and Seprafilm, which is considered the gold standard, on the prevention of intra-abdominal adhesions. METHOD: Four groups consisting of 25 rats each were formed. Cecal abrasion was performed in all animals. Group 1 was the control group with no treatment; in group 2, heparin was applied intraperitoneally; in group 3, Seprafilm was used underneath the abdominal wall, and group 4 animals were treated with both heparin and Seprafilm. Two weeks after the surgical procedure, animals were sacrificed and specimens were removed for the measurement of the grade of adhesions, according to the Mazuji classification. RESULTS: Formation of adhesions was prevented in the three study groups treated with heparin only, Seprafilm only and both heparin and Seprafilm (p < 0.001) compared with the control group. There was no statistical difference between the treatment groups. Autopsy results of the animals that died within the first week after the surgical procedure revealed intra-abdominal abscess formation and infections, which were considered as possible causes of death. CONCLUSION: Seprafilm seems to be more effective in the prevention of adhesions. In the combined application of Seprafilm and heparin, heparin showed no additive impact. Future studies are needed to detect the suitable dose and side effects of heparin for humans.