Impact of different magnetic materials added to silver-magnetite nanoparticles on the structural, magnetic and antimicrobial properties.

Different magnetic materials of spinel copper and cobalt nanoferrites added to silver-magnetite nanoparticles were fabricated by a facile, low cost, and rapid auto-combustion method to form a nanocomposite. X-ray diffraction patterns and atomic force microscopy were studied for the investigated samples and confirmed their nanosize range. Adding cobalt nanoferrite to silver-magnetite (CoAF) yielded a more pronounced effect in the magnetic measurements than adding copper nanoferrite (CuAF). This result was attributed to the much higher coercivity H c and saturation magnetization M s (5.7-fold and 2.8-fold, respectively) of CoAF than CuAF; accordingly, the CoAF nanocomposite can be applied to a permanent magnet. Next, the operating frequencies of the nanocomposites were calculated from the magnetic measurements. The CoAF and CuAF nanocomposites were applicable in the microwave super-high-frequency C-band and the microwave super-high-frequency S-band, respectively. Both nanocomposites were ineffective against the tested fungi but showed strong antimicrobial activities against the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Thus, CoAF and CuAF nanocomposites are potential antibacterial nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

Attractive study of the antimicrobial, antiviral, and cytotoxic activity of novel synthesized silver chromite nanocomposites.

Antibiotic resistance is a global problem. This is the reason why scientists search for alternative treatments. In this regard, seven novel silver chromite nanocomposites were synthesized and assayed to evaluate their antimicrobial, antiviral, and cytotoxic activity. Five bacterial species were used in this study: three Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica). Three fungal species were also tested: Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and A. flavus. The MIC of the tested compounds was determined using the bifold serial dilution method. The tested compounds showed good antibacterial activity. Maximum antibacterial activity was attained in the case of 15 N [Cobalt Ferrite (0.3 CoFe2O4) + Silver chromite (0.7 Ag0.5Cr2.5O4)] against M. luteus. Concerning antifungal activity, C. albicans was the most susceptible fungal species. The maximum inhibition was recorded also in case of 15 N [Cobalt Ferrite (0.3 CoFe2O4) + Silver chromite (0.7 Ag0.5Cr2.5O4)]. The most promising antimicrobial compound 15 N [Cobalt Ferrite (0.3 CoFe2O4) + Silver chromite (0.7 Ag0.5Cr2.5O4)] was assayed for its antiviral and cytotoxic activity. The tested compound showed weak antiviral activity. The cytotoxic activity against Mammalian cells from African Green Monkey Kidney (Vero) cells was detected. The inhibitory effect against Hepatocellular carcinoma cells was detected using a MTT assay. The antimicrobial effect of the tested compounds depends on the tested microbial species. The tested compounds could be attractive and alternative antibacterial compounds that open a new path in chemotherapy.

Verification and Validation of Digital Pathology (Whole Slide Imaging) for Primary Histopathological Diagnosis: All Wales Experience.

AIMS: The study is aimed to verify Aperio AT2 scanner for reporting on the digital pathology platform (DP) and to validate the cohort of pathologists in the interpretation of DP for routine diagnostic histopathological services in Wales, United Kingdom. MATERIALS METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a large multicenter study involving seven hospitals across Wales and unique with 22 (largest number) pathologists participating. 7491 slides from 3001 cases were scanned on Leica Aperio AT2 scanner and reported on digital workstations with Leica software of e-slide manager. A senior pathology fellow compared DP reports with authorized reports on glass slide (GS). A panel of expert pathologists reviewed the discrepant cases under multiheader microscope to establish ground truth. 2745 out of 3001 (91%) cases showed complete concordance between DP and GS reports. Two hundred and fifty-six cases showed discrepancies in diagnosis, of which 170 (5.6%) were deemed of no clinical significance by the review panel. There were 86 (2.9%) clinically significant discrepancies in the diagnosis between DP and GS. The concordance was raised to 97.1% after discounting clinically insignificant discrepancies. Ground truth lay with DP in 28 out of 86 clinically significant discrepancies and with GS in 58 cases. Sensitivity of DP was 98.07% (confidence interval [CI] 97.57-98.56%); for GS was 99.07% (CI 98.72-99.41%). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that Leica Aperio AT2 scanner produces adequate quality of images for routine histopathologic diagnosis. Pathologists were able to diagnose in DP with good concordance as with GS. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY: Strengths of this study - This was a prospective blind study. Different pathologists reported digital and glass arms at different times giving an ambience of real-time reporting. There was standardized use of software and hardware across Wales. A strong managerial support from efficiency through the technology group was a key factor for the implementation of the study. LIMITATIONS: This study did not include Cytopathology and in situ hybridization slides. Difficulty in achieving surgical pathology practise standardization across the whole country contributed to intra-observer variations.

Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of a novel synthesized nanometric delafossite.

Antibiotics and other antimicrobial compounds are the backbone of clinical medicine. Antimicrobial resistance can cause serious diseases to man. Nanotechnology can improve therapeutic potential of medicinal molecules and related agents. Widespread application of antibiotics and other antimicrobial compounds led to development of multidrug-resistant microbes, so there is need to develop novel therapeutic agents. Novel synthesized nanometric delafossite was assayed against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus), two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae), four opportunistic fungi (Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, and Fusarium solani), and four Candida species (C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis) using diffusion assay method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the novel synthesized nanometric delafossite was determined using the dilution method. The assayed compounds showed different degrees of antifungal and antibacterial activities, depending on the annealing temperature of preparation of these compounds. Compounds prepared at room temperature showed greater antimicrobial activities than those prepared at higher temperatures. The antimicrobial activity depends also on the susceptibility of the test microbe.

Interaction of hydrated metals with chemically modified hexagonal boron nitride quantum dots: wastewater treatment and water splitting.

The electronic and adsorption properties of chemically modified square hexagonal boron nitride quantum dots are investigated using density functional theory calculations. The free energy and frequency calculations show that all the boron nitride flakes are stable before/after modification and metal adsorption. Edge modification significantly enhances the stability and interactivity of the flake. For instance, the free energy of binding decreases from -6.5 eV in the hydrogenated flake to -7.1 eV in the pristine one and the dipole moment increases from 4.5 D to 53.7 D, respectively. A wide spectrum of band gaps can also be achieved, where the band gap can be smoothly varied from ∼6 eV in edge fluorinated flakes to 0.2 in sulfurated ones. Six hydrated metals, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn, are considered for adsorption by the flakes. The transition metals are highly selected by the flakes while heavy metals are weakly adsorbed. All hydrated metals are physically adsorbed by the edge and surface of hydrogenated flakes except Cu, which is chemically adsorbed. Chemical groups or elements attached to the flake strongly enhance the adsorption strength; the adsorption energy of hydrated Cr on the surface increases from 0.6 eV to 8.6 eV after attaching two COOH groups to the surface. Hydrogen evolution has also been observed through the adsorption process. The calculated low overpotential for the oxygen evolution reaction (0.52 V) and hydrogen adsorption strength (0.11 eV) for the hydrogen evolution reaction indicate that boron nitride quantum dots are not only potential candidates for the removal of different metals from wastewater but also for efficient water splitting.

Antimicrobial activity of Novel spinel nanoferrites against pathogenic fungi and bacteria.

In a search for novel therapeutic agents against pathogenic fungal species, Candida in addition to bacterial species, novel spinel nanoferrites were assayed against four pathogenic fungi isolated from different clinical samples of ear and skin infections: Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. terrus and A. fumigatus, four Candia species: Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei and C. tropicales, and four bacterial species: two Gram +ve: Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus pyogenes, and two Gram -ve: Pseudomonas vulgaris and Escherichia coli. It was found that the assayed compounds displayed different levels of antifungal and antibacterial activities against all tested microorganisms. The antimicrobial potency depends on the method of synthesis of the nanoparticles and also on the microbial species.

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory finishing of cotton by microencapsulation using three marine organisms.

This work is a small effort in the production of an eco-friendly natural based antibacterial and anti-inflammatory finished cotton fabrics using the ethanolic extracts (Ex) of the sea grass Halophila stipulacea (H. stipulacea) and marine macroalgae [Colbomenia sinuosa (C. sinuosa) and Ulva fasciata (U. fasciata)]. The extracts were phytochemically screened for their constituents. These extracts were used to finish cotton fabrics by a variety of methods. Concerning this, fabrics (F) were singly treated with ethanolic extracts (ExF) of these marine organisms by the dip technique and the extract encapsulated with sodium alginate or meypro gum. The encapsulated fabric (EnF) was further finished individually with citric acid (CA), (EnF/CA) and mono-tert-butyl ether of glycerol (MTBG) binder (EnF/Bin) by the pad-dry-cure technique. The fabrics so-finished were evaluated for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities without washing (control) and after different washing cycles. The results obtained showed that, both EnF/CA and EnF/Bin inhibit the bacterial growth by about 90% after 10 washing cycles for both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The anti-inflammatory activity, the potency% reached to 88.3% for the fabric encapsulated with microcapsules of sodium alginate/H. stipulacea sea grass and the EnF/CA.

Off label use of devices and drugs in interventional radiology.

AIM: To establish how often off-label device and drug use occurs in interventional radiology (IR) in a UK tertiary referral hospital and consider the wider implications for the interventional radiologist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective data were collected during interventional procedures for 1 working week in a university hospital. Out-of-hours procedures and procedures outside the department were excluded. Operators were asked to record the drugs and devices used, the indication, and method of use. The instructions for use/summary of product characteristics were then studied for each device/drug used to assess if the use was on or off-label. RESULTS: During the study period 52 cases were performed and data were available on 26 cases (50%). In 22 of the 26 cases (84%) there was evidence of off-label use of devices or drugs. Off-label use of drugs included treatment of venous malformations with Fibrovein(©) (sodium tetradecyl sulphate), which is licensed for the treatment of varicose veins in the leg, and intra-arterial injection of heparin, which is licensed for intravenous and subcutaneous use. Off-label device use included placing vascular sheaths in the urinary tract, using angiographic catheters to guide wires in the urinary tract, using sheaths for thrombosuction, reshaping of the tip of most guidewires, and using angioplasty balloons to dislodge the arterial plug at fistula thrombectomy. CONCLUSION: Off-label device and drugs use is common in a UK tertiary hospital IR department and literature suggests this is common in the wider IR community. There are important clinical and legal implications for off-label use for patients and physicians.

The prevalence of cam-type femoroacetabular deformity in asymptomatic adults.

We performed a retrospective examination of the anteroposterior pelvic CT scout views of 419 randomly selected patients between April 2004 and August 2009 in order to determine the prevalence of cam-type femoroacetabular deformity in the asymptomatic population. The CT scans had all been undertaken for conditions unrelated to disorders of the hip. The frequency of cam-type femoroacetabular deformity was assessed by measuring the α-angle of each hip on the anteroposterior images. The α-angles were classified according to the Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Study. Among 215 male hips (108 patients) the mean α-angle was 59.12° (37.75° to 103.50°). Of these, a total of 30 hips (13.95%) were defined as pathological, 32 (14.88%) as borderline and 153 (71.16%) as normal. Among 540 female hips (272 patients) the mean α-angle was 45.47° (34.75° to 87.00°), with 30 hips (5.56%) defined as pathological, 33 (6.11%) as borderline and 477 (88.33%) as normal. It appears that the cam-type femoroacetabular deformity is not rare among the asymptomatic population. These anatomical abnormalities, as determined by an increased α-angle, appear to be twice as frequent in men as in women. Although an association between osteoarthritis and femoroacetabular impingement is believed to exist, a long-term epidemiological study is needed to determine the natural history of these anatomical abnormalities.

Revascularization strategies in below the knee interventions.

Until recently the role of endovascular revascularization in the infrapopliteal arteries was limited. Endo-vascular management including percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and subintimal angioplasty is now being considered as a primary alternative in critical limb ischaemia revascularization with a decreasing number of major amputations (above the ankle) performed. Endovascular treatment has been shown to have reduced morbidity and hospital stay compared to revascularization surgery with greater cost-effectiveness and better patient quality of life compared with major amputation.