Dansyl-Labelled Ag@SiO2 Core-Shell Nanostructures—Synthesis,Characterization, and Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence

The present work describes synthesis, characterization, and use of a new dansyl-labelled Ag@SiO₂ nanocomposite as an element of a new plasmonic platform to enhance the fluorescence intensity. Keeping in mind that typical surface plasmon resonance (SPR) characteristics of silver nanoparticles coincide well enough with the absorption of dansyl molecules, we used them to build the core of the nanocomposite. Moreover, we utilized 10 nm amino-functionalized silica shell as a separator between silver nanoparticles and the dansyl dye to prevent the dye-to-metal energy transfer. The dansyl group was incorporated into Ag@SiO₂ core-shell nanostructures by the reaction of aminopropyltrimethoxysilane with dansyl chloride and we characterized the new dansyl-labelled Ag@SiO₂ nanocomposite using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, water wettability measurements (WWM) were carried out to assess the hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of the studied surface. We found that the nanocomposite deposited on a semitransparent silver mirror strongly increased the fluorescence intensity of dansyl dye (about 87-fold) compared with the control sample on the glass, proving that the system is a perfect candidate for a sensitive plasmonic platform.     

Frailty in Heart Failure

Considering the increasing age of individuals affected with heart failure (HF), a specific approach to their treatment is required, with more attention paid to geriatric conditions such as poor mobility, multiple disabilities, and cognitive impairment. Frailty is a distinct biological syndrome reflecting decreased physiologic reserve and resistance to stressors. It was shown to occur frequently in patients with heart failure, with the prevalence ranging from 15 to 74 %, depending on the studied population and the method of assessment. We reviewed literature data on the influence of frailty, skeletal abnormalities, comorbidities and geriatric condition on diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in elderly patients with HF. Identification of frailty in patients with HF is important from the clinical point of view, as this condition exerts unfavorable effects on the course of heart failure. Frailty contributes to a higher frequency of visits to emergency departments, hospitalizations, and mortality in patients with HF. Exercise may improve mobility, and nursing support can be implemented to help the patients adhere to medications. Therefore, frail patients should be diagnosed and treated according to available guidelines, and successfully educated about their condition.     

Investigation of the Dendritic Structure Influence on the Electrical and Mechanical Properties Diversification of the Continuously Casted Copper Strand

The properties of copper in its solid state are strongly affected by the crystallization conditions of the liquid material. ETP grade copper (Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper) contains oxygen, which causes Cu₂O oxide to crystallize in the interdendritic spaces during solidification process which due to the shape of continuous casting mould and the feed of liquid copper during the crystallization process in strand casting might cause a high risk of macrosegregation of oxygen in the copper structure. In the current paper the implied interactions of the dendritic structure of the copper strand in terms of homogeneity at the cross-section of its electrical, mechanical and plastic properties determined based on the samples taken parallelly and perpendicularly to the surface of the dendritic boundaries were analysed. The obtained results were confronted with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the fractures formed during uniaxial tensile test. It has been observed that when the crystallites were arranged perpendicularly to the tensile direction the yield strength (YS) was lower and the fractures were brittle. On the other hand, when the crystallites were arranged parallelly to the tensile direction the fractures were plastic and elongated necking was observed along with the higher YS and total elongation values. The differences in values vary in terms of the applied direction of the tensile force. A characteristic positioning of the Cu₂O oxide particles inside the fracture depending on the crystallite alignment and the direction of the applied tensile force has been observed.     

Influenza vaccination coverage in children with inflammatory bowel disease

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influenza vaccination status among paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Poland. This was a questionnaire‐based study. 242 patients with IBD and 142 controls were enrolled in the study. Of patients with IBD, 7·8% received an influenza vaccine, compared to 18·3% of controls (P = 0·0013). There were no statistically significant differences in time from IBD diagnosis, disease activity and in drugs, between vaccinated and non‐vaccinated IBD children. In conclusion, the data of our study demonstrate an alarmingly poor influenza vaccination status in the majority of children with IBD. Therefore, there is an unmet need to implement better influenza vaccination strategies for this group of patients.     

Analysis of serum metabolic profiles in women with endometrial cancer and controls in a population-based case-control study

Context: Endometrial cancer is associated with metabolic disturbances related to its underlying risk factors, including obesity and diabetes. Identifying metabolite biomarkers associated with endometrial cancer may have value for early detection, risk assessment, and understanding etiology. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the reliable measurement of metabolites in epidemiological studies with nonstandardized blood collection; confirm previously reported correlations of metabolites with body size; and assess differences in metabolite levels between cases and controls. Design: This was the Polish Endometrial Cancer Study (2001-2003). Setting: This study was a population-based case-control study. Patients: Patients included 250 cases and 250 controls. Intervention: The intervention included the measurement of serum metabolite levels of 15 amino acids, 45 acylcarnitines, and nine fatty acids. Main Outcome Measure: The main outcome measure was endometrial cancer. Results: Body mass index was correlated with levels of valine (r = 0.26, P = 3.4 × 10(-5)), octenoylcarnitine (r = 0.24, P = 1.5 × 10(-4)), palmitic acid (r = 0.26, P = 4.4 × 10(-5)), oleic acid (r = 0.28, P = 9.9 × 10(-6)), and stearic acid (r = 0.26, P = 2.9 × 10(-5)) among controls. Only stearic acid was inversely associated with endometrial cancer case status (quartile 4 vs. quartile 1: odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.20-0.69, P for trend = 1.2 × 10(-4)). Levels of the C5-acylcarnitines, octenoylcarnitine, decatrienoylcarnitine, and linoleic acid were significantly lower in cases than controls (odds ratios ranged from 0.21 to 0.38). Conclusions: These data demonstrate that previously reported variations in metabolomic profiles with body mass index can be replicated in population-based studies with nonfasting blood collection protocols. We also provide preliminary evidence that large differences in metabolite levels exist between cases and controls, independent of body habitus. Our findings warrant assessment of metabolic profiles, including the candidate markers identified herein, in prospectively collected blood samples to define biomarkers and etiological factors related to endometrial cancer.     

Rotational angiography in monitoring of covered CP stent implantation in patient with critical aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus

In presented case rotational angiography with three dimensional reconstruction (3DRA) was used for diagnostic and control angiograms during covered CP stent implantation in patient with critical aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus. Administering less contrast then for standard two perpendicular projections, good quality images were obtained in at least seven projections.