Rapid Near-Patient Impedimetric Sensing Platform for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

With the global escalation of concerns surrounding prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, reliance on the serologic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test remains the primary approach. However, the imperative for early PCa diagnosis necessitates more effective, accurate, and rapid diagnostic point-of-care (POC) devices to enhance the result reliability and minimize disease-related complications. Among POC approaches, electrochemical biosensors, known for their amenability and miniaturization capabilities, have emerged as promising candidates. In this study, we developed an impedimetric sensing platform to detect urinary zinc (UZn) in both artificial and clinical urine samples. Our approach lies in integrating label-free impedimetric sensing and the introduction of porosity through surface modification techniques. Leveraging a cellulose acetate/reduced graphene oxide composite, our sensor's recognition layer is engineered to exhibit enhanced porosity, critical for improving the sensitivity, capture, and interaction with UZn. The sensitivity is further amplified by incorporating zincon as an external dopant, establishing highly effective recognition sites. Our sensor demonstrates a limit of detection of 7.33 ng/mL in the 0.1-1000 ng/mL dynamic range, which aligns with the reference benchmark samples from clinical biochemistry. Our sensor results are comparable with the results of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) where a notable correlation of 0.991 is achieved. To validate our sensor in a real-life scenario, tests were performed on human urine samples from patients being investigated for prostate cancer. Testing clinical urine samples using our sensing platform and ICP-MS produced highly comparable results. A linear correlation with R2 = 0.964 with no significant difference between two groups (p-value = 0.936) was found, thus confirming the reliability of our sensing platform.

Topological Quantum Switching Enabled Neuroelectronic Synaptic Modulators for Brain Computer Interface

Aging and genetic-related disorders in the human brain lead to impairment of daily cognitive functions. Due to their neural synaptic complexity and the current limits of knowledge, reversing these disorders remains a substantial challenge for brain-computer interfaces (BCI). In this work, a solution is provided to potentially override aging and neurological disorder-related cognitive function loss in the human brain through the application of the authors' quantum synaptic device. To illustrate this point, a quantum topological insulator (QTI) Bi2Se2Te-based synaptic neuroelectronic device, where the electric field-induced tunable topological surface edge states and quantum switching properties make them a premier option for establishing artificial synaptic neuromodulation approaches, is designed and developed. Leveraging these unique quantum synaptic properties, the developed synaptic device provides the capability to neuromodulate distorted neural signals, leading to the reversal of age-related disorders via BCI. With the synaptic neuroelectronic characteristics of this device, excellent efficacy in treating cognitive neural dysfunctions through modulated neuromorphic stimuli is demonstrated. As a proof of concept, real-time neuromodulation of electroencephalogram (EEG) deduced distorted event-related potentials (ERP) is demonstrated by modulation of the synaptic device array.

Quantum Topological Neuristors for Advanced Neuromorphic Intelligent Systems

Neuromorphic artificial intelligence systems are the future of ultrahigh performance computing clusters to overcome complex scientific and economical challenges. Despite their importance, the advancement in quantum neuromorphic systems is slow without specific device design. To elucidate biomimicking mammalian brain synapses, a new class of quantum topological neuristors (QTN) with ultralow energy consumption (pJ) and higher switching speed (µs) is introduced. Bioinspired neural network characteristics of QTNs are the effects of edge state transport and tunable energy gap in the quantum topological insulator (QTI) materials. With augmented device and QTI material design, top notch neuromorphic behavior with effective learning-relearning-forgetting stages is demonstrated. Critically, to emulate the real-time neuromorphic efficiency, training of the QTNs is demonstrated with simple hand gesture game by interfacing them with artificial neural networks to perform decision-making operations. Strategically, the QTNs prove the possession of incomparable potential to realize next-gen neuromorphic computing for the development of intelligent machines and humanoids.

Three dimensional architected thermoelectric devices with high toughness and power conversion efficiency

For decades, the widespread application of thermoelectric generators has been plagued by two major limitations: heat stagnation in its legs, which limits power conversion efficiency, and inherent brittleness of its constituents, which accelerates thermoelectric generator failure. While notable progress has been made to overcome these quintessential flaws, the state-of-the-art suffers from an apparent mismatch between thermoelectric performance and mechanical toughness. Here, we demonstrate an approach to potentially enhance the power conversion efficiency while suppressing the brittle failure in thermoelectric materials. By harnessing the enhanced thermal impedance induced by the cellular architecture of microlattices with the exceptional strength and ductility (>50% compressive strain) derived from partial carbonization, we fabricate three-dimensional (3D) architected thermoelectric generators that exhibit a specific energy absorption of ~30 J g^-1 and power conversion efficiency of ~10%. We hope our work will improve future thermoelectric generator fabrication design through additive manufacturing with excellent thermoelectric properties and mechanical robustness.

Probing the Effect of MWCNT Nanoinclusions on the Thermoelectric Performance of Cu3SbS4 Composites

Recently, copper-based chalcogenides, especially sulfides, have attracted considerable attention due to their inexpensive, earth-abundance, nontoxicity, and good thermoelectric performance. Cu₃SbS₄ is one such kind with p-type conductivity and high phase stability for potential medium-temperature applications. In this article, the effect of a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on the thermoelectric parameters of Cu₃SbS₄ is studied. A facile synthesis route of mechanical alloying (MA), followed by hot pressing (HP) was utilized to achieve dense and fine-grain samples. Adding the optimal amount of MWCNT nanoinclusions in Cu₃SbS₄ enhanced the Seebeck coefficient by carrier energy filtering and reduced the thermal conductivity by strong phonon scattering mechanisms. This synergistic optimization helped achieve the maximum figure of merit (ZT) of 0.43 in the 3 mol % MWCNT nanoinclusion composite sample, which is 70% higher than the pristine Cu₃SbS₄ at 623 K. In addition, enhancement in mechanical stability is observed with the increasing nanoinclusion concentration. Dispersion strengthening and grain boundary hardening mechanisms help improve mechanical stability in the nanocomposite samples. Apart from the enhanced mechanical stability, our study highlights that the incorporation of multiwalled CNT nanoinclusions boosted the thermoelectric performance of Cu₃SbS₄, and the same strategy can be extended to other next-generation and conventional thermoelectric materials.

Epidemiology and impact of frailty in patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a medical syndrome characterised by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. Data regarding the relationship between frailty and atrial fibrillation (AF) are still inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to perform a comprehensive evaluation of frailty in a large European cohort of AF patients.

METHODS

A 40-item frailty index (FI) was built according to the accumulation of deficits model in the AF patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Association of baseline characteristics, clinical management, quality of life, healthcare resources use and risk of outcomes with frailty was examined.

RESULTS

Among 10,177 patients [mean age (standard deviation) 69.0 (11.4) years, 4,103 (40.3%) females], 6,066 (59.6%) were pre-frail and 2,172 (21.3%) were frail, whereas only 1,939 (19.1%) were considered robust. Baseline thromboembolic and bleeding risks were independently associated with increasing FI. Frail patients with AF were less likely to be treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.89), especially with non-vitamin K antagonist OACs and managed with a rhythm control strategy, compared with robust patients. Increasing frailty was associated with a higher risk for all outcomes examined, with a non-linear exponential relationship. The use of OAC was associated with a lower risk of outcomes, except in patients with very/extremely high frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of AF patients, there was a high burden of frailty, influencing clinical management and risk of adverse outcomes. The clinical benefit of OAC is maintained in patients with high frailty, but not in very high/extremely frail ones.

Microplastic pollution in fragile coastal ecosystems with special reference to the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster, southeast coast of India

Microplastics (MPs) are a global environmental concern and pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems. This study aimed to determine the abundance and distribution of MPs in beach sediments (12 beaches), marine biota (6 beaches) and the influence of microbes on MPs degradation in eco-sensitive Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar coast. The mean MP abundance 65.4 ± 39.8 particles/m² in beach sediments; 0.19 ± 1.3 particles/individual fish and 0.22 ± 0.11 particles g^-1 wet weight in barnacles. Polyethylene fragments (33.4%) and fibres (48%) were the most abundant MPs identified in sediments and finfish, respectively. Histopathological examination of fish has revealed health consequences such as respiratory system damage, epithelial degradation and enterocyte vacuolization. In addition, eight bacterial and seventeen fungal strains were isolated from the beached MPs. The results also indicated weathering of MPs due to microbial interactions. Model simulations helped in tracking the fate and transboundary landfall of spilled MPs across the Indian Ocean coastline after the X-Press Pearl disaster. Due to regional circulations induced by the monsoonal wind fields, a potential dispersal of pellets has occurred along the coast of Sri Lanka, but no landfall and ecological damage are predicted along the coast of India.

Global popularization of CuNiO2 and their rGO nanocomposite loveabled to the photocatalytic properties of methylene blue

New advancements of photocatalytic activity with higher efficiency, low price are most important, which is challenging in industrialized and many fields. We have introduced CuNiO₂ and CuNiO₂/rGO nanocomposite was generally prepared by the hydrothermal treatment and tested to the photocatalytic studies. Photocatalytic measurements of CuNiO₂ with different weight percentages CuNiO₂/rGO (25/75), (50/50), and (75/25) are achieved to the efficiency under visible light, in this case, CuNiO₂/rGO (50/50) composite have the highest performance is scrutinized. This was obeyed for a synergistic effect between CuNiO₂ nanoparticles and rGO composites. Furthermore, the CuNiO₂, CuNiO₂/rGO (25/75), (50/50), and (75/25) nanocomposite were tested by several analyses like XRD, FT-IR, DRS UV Visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and FESEM & HRTEM investigations. In this regard all measurements are very clear and satisfied; therefore we are encouraged for future developing environmental applications.

Defect Engineering Boosted Ultrahigh Thermoelectric Power Conversion Efficiency in Polycrystalline SnSe

Two-dimensional (2D)-layered atomic arrangement with ultralow lattice thermal conductivity and ultrahigh figure of merit in single-crystalline SnSe drew significant attention among all thermoelectric materials. However, the processing of polycrystalline SnSe with equivalent thermoelectric performance as single-crystal SnSe will have great technological significance. Herein, we demonstrate a high zT of 2.4 at 800 K through the optimization of intrinsic defects in polycrystalline SnSe via controlled alpha irradiation. Through a detailed theoretical calculation of defect formation energies and lattice dynamic phonon dispersion studies, we demonstrate that the presence of intrinsically charged Sn vacancies can enhance the power factor and distort the lattice thermal conductivity by phonon-defect scattering. Supporting our theoretical calculations, the experimental enhancement in the electrical conductivity leads to a massive power factor of 0.9 mW/mK² and an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity of 0.22 W/mK through the vacancy-phonon scattering effect on polycrystalline SnSe. The strategy of intrinsic defect engineering of polycrystalline thermoelectric materials can increase the practical implementation of low-cost and high-performance thermoelectric generators.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Sn6SiO8 Nanoparticles and Their Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) Nanocomposite

Photocatalysts provide excellent potential for the full removal of organic chemical pollutants as an environmentally friendly technology. It has been noted that under UV-visible light irradiation, nanostructured semiconductor metal oxides photocatalysts can degrade different organic pollutants. The Sn₆SiO₈/rGO nanocomposite was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The Sn₆SiO₈ nanoparticles hexagonal phase was confirmed by XRD and functional groups were analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The bandgap of Sn₆SiO₈ nanoparticles (NPs) and Sn₆SiO₈/GO composites were found to be 2.7 eV and 2.5 eV, respectively. SEM images of samples showed that the flakes like morphology. This Sn₆SiO₈/rGO nanocomposite was testing for photocatalytic dye degradation of MG under visible light illumination and excellent response for the catalysts. The enhancement of photocatalytic performance was mainly attributed to the increased light absorption, charge separation efficiency and specific surface area, proved by UV-vis DRS. Further, the radical trapping experiments revealed that holes (h⁺) and superoxide radicals (·O^-₂) were the main active species for the degradation of MG, and a possible photocatalytic mechanism was discussed.

Visible-Light Driven Effective Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye Using Perforated Curly Zn0.1Ni0.9O Nanosheets

Herein, we report the facile synthesis, characterization and visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of perforated curly Zn_0.1Ni_0.9O nanosheets synthesized by hydrothermal process. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies confirmed the cubic phase crystalline structure and growth of high density perforated curly Zn_0.1Ni_0.9O nanosheets, respectively. As a photocatalyst, using methylene blue (MB) as model pollutant, the synthesized nanosheets demonstrated a high degradation efficiency of ~76% in 60 min under visible light irradiation. The observed results suggest that the synthesized Zn_0.1Ni_0.9O nanosheets are attractive photocatalysts for the degradation of toxic organic waste in the water under visible light.

Binary Mixture of Lanthanide Metal Doped ZnO Nanorod: f-MWCNT Nanocomposite for Simultaneous and Selective Determination of Vitamins B² and B6

An electrochemical sensor using lanthanide element Gadolinium doped Zinc oxide and functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (Gd-ZnO:f-MWCNT) fabricated electrode was presented for the simultaneous determination of vitamins (Riboflavin (VB₂) and Pyridoxine (VB₆)). The nanocomposite was characterized by FESEM, EDS, XRD and FTIR techniques. The CV, EIS and DPV techniques were used to evaluate the electrochemical properties of the nanocomposite. Under optimum conditions, the peak current of VB₂ and VB₆ are linearly proportional to its concentration in the range from 0.05 to 10 μM and the estimated detection limits were 0.009 and 0.001 μM for VB₂ and VB₆ respectively. The sensitivities calculated were 0.94 μA nM_-1 cm_-2 (VB₂) and 1.43 μA nM_-1 cm_-2 (VB₆). In addition, the proposed electrode was exhibited high selectivity, reproducibility, as well as long-term stability for the determination of vitamins. Finally, the vitamins contained in pharmaceutical formulation and commercial orange juice has been determined by the proposed sensor and the obtained results were validated with HPLC.

Gating a Single Cell: A Label-Free and Real-Time Measurement Method for Cellular Progression

There is an ever-growing need for more advanced methods to study the response of cancer cells to new therapies. To determine cancer cells' response from a cell-mortality perspective to various cancer therapies, we report a label-free and real time method to monitor the in situ response of individual HeLa cells using a single cell gated transistor (SCGT). As a cell undergoes apoptotic cell death, it experiences changes in morphology and ion concentrations. This change is well in line with the threshold voltage of the SCGT, which has been verified by correlating the data with the cell morphologies by scanning electron microscopy and the ion-concentration analysis by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). This SCGT could replace patch clamps to study single cell activity via direct measurement in real time. Importantly, this SCGT can be used to study the electrical response of a single cell to stimuli that leaves the membrane intact.

The neuropathological signature of bulbar-onset ALS: A systematic review

ALS is a multisystem disorder affecting motor and cognitive functions. Bulbar-onset ALS (bALS) may be preferentially associated with cognitive and language impairments, compared with spinal-onset ALS (sALS), stemming from a potentially unique neuropathology. The objective of this systematic review was to compare neuropathology findings reported for bALS and sALS subtypes in studies of cadaveric brains. Using Cochrane guidelines, we reviewed articles in MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases using standardized search terms for ALS and neuropathology, from inception until July 16th 2016. 17 studies were accepted for analysis. The analysis revealed that both subtypes presented with involvement in motor and frontotemporal cortices, deep cortical structures, and cerebellum and were characterized by neuronal loss, spongiosis, myelin pallor, and ubiquitin+ and TDP43+ inclusion bodies. Changes in Broca and Wernicke areas - regions associated with speech and language processing - were noted exclusively in bALS. Further, some bALS cases presented with atypical pathology such as neurofibrillary tangles and basophilic inclusions, which were not found in sALS cases. Given the limited number of studies, all with methodological biases, further work is required to better understand neuropathology of ALS subtypes.

Incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is responsible for one-third of acute kidney injuries (AKI) in the hospital setting. The incidence of CIN varies from 3% to 30%, depending on the preexisting risk factors, with higher incidence noted with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and older age. Though CIN risk factors are common in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), data about incidence of CIN in this population are sparse.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 124 consecutive patients transplanted at our center between January 2002 and December 2013 and received iodinated intravascular contrast with stable kidney function prior to contrast administration. CIN was defined as either an absolute rise in serum creatinine of ≥ 0.5 mg/dL or a ≥ 25% drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after contrast administration.

RESULTS

Seven of 124 (5.64%) patients developed CIN. Kidney function returned to baseline in 5 of the 7 patients within 3 weeks. In 2 patients serum creatinine remained elevated due to recurrent AKI episodes from other causes. Dialysis was not required in any patient. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) were being used in 95% patients at the time of contrast administration. Diabetes mellitus, baseline serum creatinine, age, race, gender, and the use of ACE inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker, diuretic, or prophylaxis with intravenous hydration ± N-acetylcysteine did not affect the incidence of CIN.

CONCLUSION

Incidence of CIN in KTRs was low in our study (5.6%), much less than previously reported. This low incidence may be related to the high baseline eGFR (>70 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) and use of hypo-osmolar contrast in our patients. In KTRs with baseline eGFR >70 mL/min, the incidence of CIN is low despite the concurrent use of nephrotoxic CNI.

Occurrence of isopod Nerocila phaiopleura infestation on Whitefin wolf-herring (Chirocentrus nudus) from Southeast coast of India

The present study reported the first observation of isopod parasite, Nerocila phaiopleura infestation on Chirocentrus nudus an economically important fish from Cuddalore coast, Southeast coast of India. The maximum prevalence of 6.3 % and mean intensity of 3.2 were observed during pre-monsoon 2010 and monsoon 2010 respectively. The highest intensity 7 was observed in the single host during monsoon. The site of attachment leads to wound and offer the secondary infection. Two pathogenic bacteria Streptococcus aureus and E. coli were isolated from the wound.

1'-Allyl-1-(3,4-di-methyl-benzo-yl)-2-(4-methyl-1,3-thia-zol-5-yl)-1,2,5,6,7,7a-hexa-hydro-spiro-[pyrrolizine-3,3'-indolin]-2'-one

In the title compound, C₃₀H₃₁N₃O₂S, the fused pyrrolidine ring bearing three substituents adopts an envelope conformation with the C atom bearing the benzoyl group as the flap. The other fused pyrrolidine ring adopts a twisted conformation about one of its C—C bonds. The dihedral angle between the isatin ring system and the methyl­thia­zole ring is 25.95 (8)°. An intra­molecular C—H⋯O inter­action closes an S(8) ring. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by C—H⋯O inter­actions, generating C(11) chains propagating in [001].

Ethyl 2-amino-4-(4-methyl-1,3-thia-zol-5-yl)-5-oxo-4H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c]chromene-3-carboxyl-ate

There are two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C19H16N2O5S, in which the thia-zole rings make dihedral angles of 80.89 (11) and 84.81 (11)° with the pyrano[3,2-c]chromene ring systems. An intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond involving the amino group occurs in each independent mol-ecule. In the crystal, the amino groups are involved in N-H⋯O and N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds.

Comparing the efficacy of plasmid curing agents in Lactobacillus acidophilus

This study was mainly focused on plasmid profiling and plasmid characterisation of Lactobacillus acidophilus isolated from molasses. The secondary objective was to observe the efficacy of the plasmid curing agents acriflavine, ethidium bromide, novobiocin and SDS on L. acidophilus. Plasmid-free strains and cured derivatives harbouring only a single plasmid (6.2 kbp) were also obtained. Treatment of L. acidophilus with novobiocin at concentrations of 2.4 µg/ml could produce a large number of chloramphenicol- variants at a very high frequency (4.6%). These curing data confirmed that novobiocin acts as an effective curing agent for L. acidophilus.

Giant left atrium secondary to tight mitral stenosis leading to acquired Lutembacher syndrome: a case report with emphasis on role of echocardiography in assessment of Lutembacher syndrome

Lutembacher syndrome is an unusual clinical entity of congenital secundum atrial septal defect in combination with rheumatic mitral stenosis. Although this classic form is seldom seen by the adult cardiologist, spontaneous Lutembacher syndrome as discussed later or the iatrogenic variant is not infrequently encountered. The pathophysiologic, clinical, and hemodynamic differences of mitral valve disease in the presence of atrial septal defect compared with isolated mitral stenosis are highlighted in this case review. Special emphasis has also been given to echocardiographic evaluation of this syndrome complex, particularly in the setting of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty, which produces the iatrogenic form of Lutembacher syndrome.

Abnormal implantation of permanent pacemaker lead in the left ventricle via a patent foramen ovale: clinical and echocardiographic recognition of a rare complication

An 84-year-old man with a history of permanent pacemaker placement had a preoperative cardiac evaluation for prostate cancer surgery. The patient was asymptomatic, and the results of a physical examination were consistent with a right bundle branch block, which was confirmed by electro-cardiogram as his paced rhythm. A chest radiograph raised the possibility of an abnormal lead location, and transthoracic echocardiography confirmed the mechanism of an abnormal placement of the pacemaker lead. Left ventricular location of pacemaker is rare, and awareness of its clinical and imaging findings, complications, and management options is important for clinicians involved in the care of patients with pacemakers.