Machine Learning Color Feature Analysis of a High Throughput Nanoparticle Conjugate Sensing Assay.

Plasmonic nanoparticles are finding applications within the single molecule sensing field in a "dimer" format, where interaction of the target with hairpin DNA causes a decrease in the interparticle distance, leading to a localized surface plasmon resonance shift. While this shift may be detected using spectroscopy, achieving statistical relevance requires the measurement of thousands of nanoparticle dimers and the timescales required for spectroscopic analysis are incompatible with point-of-care devices. However, using dark-field imaging of the dimer structures, simultaneous digital analysis of the plasmonic resonance shift after target interaction of thousands of dimer structures may be achieved in minutes.

Effects of an evidence-based model for cochlear implant aftercare delivery on clinical efficiency and patient outcomes.

Objectives: To assess an evidence-based model (EBM) approach to cochlear implant (CI) aftercare that includes a modified, reduced treatment schedule for newly-implanted adult CI recipients consisting of four appointments (initial activation, 1-, 3- and 6- months postactivation) in the first year post-surgery.

Method: This prospective multicenter proof-of-concept study was conducted across three clinics in the United States by five experienced CI clinicians. Seventeen newly-implanted adult patients with postlingual hearing loss enrolled in the study.

Dizziness, Falls, and Hearing Loss in Adults Living With Sickle Cell Disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of reported dizziness/imbalance, frequency of falls, and hearing loss in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) and determine the relationship of these self-reported problems both during and in the absence of an SCD crisis. Also, the impact of educational level and health insurance on seeking treatment services, as well as the relationship of falls to stroke, legal blindness, and other orthopedic problems, was assessed. Interrupted blood flow to shared vestibular and auditory arteries supports the notion of increased likelihood of balance deficits and increased falls in this population.

Single particle detection of protein molecules using dark-field microscopy to avoid signals from nonspecific adsorption.

A massively parallel single particle sensing method based on core-satellite formation of Au nanoparticles was introduced for the detection of interleukin 6 (IL-6). This method exploits the fact that the localized plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the plasmonic nanoparticles will change as a result of core-satellite formation, resulting in a change in the observed color. In this method, the hue (color) value of thousands of 67 nm Au nanoparticles immobilized on a glass coverslip surface is analyzed by a Matlab code before and after the addition of reporter nanoparticles containing IL-6 as target protein.

Optical tweezers-based characterisation of gold core-satellite plasmonic nano-assemblies incorporating thermo-responsive polymers.

We report on the characterisation of the optical properties and dynamic behaviour of optically trapped single stimuli-responsive plasmonic nanoscale assemblies. Nano-assemblies consist of a core-satellite arrangement where the constituent nanoparticles are connected by the thermoresponsive polymer, poly(DEGA-co-OEGA). The optical tweezers allow the particles to be held isolated in solution and interrogated using dark-field spectroscopy.

How Nanoparticles Transform Single Molecule Measurements into Quantitative Sensors.

Single molecule measurements are revolutionizing the understanding of the stochastics of behavior of single molecules. There is a common theme referred to as a near-field approach, in how many single molecule measurements are being performed in assays. The term near field is used because the measurement volume is typically very small such that a single molecule, or a single molecule binding pair, within that volume is of an appreciable concentration.

A rapid readout for many single plasmonic nanoparticles using dark-field microscopy and digital color analysis.

The integration of plasmonic nanoparticles into biosensors has the potential to increase the sensitivity and dynamic range of detection, through the use of single nanoparticle assays. The analysis of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of plasmonic nanoparticles has allowed the limit of detection of biosensors to move towards single molecules. However, due to complex equipment or slow analysis times, these technologies have not been implemented for point-of-care detection.

The Recognizability and Localizability of Auditory Alarms: Setting Global Medical Device Standards.

Objective Four sets of eight audible alarms matching the functions specified in IEC 60601-1-8 were designed using known principles from auditory cognition with the intention that they would be more recognizable and localizable than those currently specified in the standard. Background The audible alarms associated with IEC 60601-1-8, a global medical device standard, are known to be difficult to learn and retain, and there have been many calls to update them. There are known principles of design and cognition that might form the basis of more readily recognizable alarms.

Fetal Bovine Collagen Matrix in the Treatment of a Full Thickness Burn Wound: A Case Report With Long-Term Follow-Up.

The treatment of full thickness skin wounds commonly associated with large burns continues to represent a challenging clinical entity. The current treatment for large TBSA burns is split thickness autologous skin grafting; however, this treatment often results in poor textural durability, hypertrophic scarring, and fibrotic contractures. In this case report, we describe our experience and long-term follow-up results after the application of fetal bovine collagen (FBC) matrix (PriMatrix, TEI Biosciences, Boston, MA) to burn wounds clinically assessed as full thickness that healed without the need for subsequent skin grafting.

Bison meat has a lower atherogenic risk than beef in healthy men.

The rearing method of bison and the nutrient content of the meat may make bison a healthier alternative to beef. We hypothesized that the acute and chronic effects of bison consumption, in comparison to beef, will result in a less perturbed blood lipid panel and a reduced inflammatory and oxidative stress response which will minimize the detrimental effect on vascular function. A double-blind, cross-over randomized trial was employed to examine the consequence of a single 12 oz serving (n = 14) and 7 weeks of chronic consumption (n = 10) (12 oz/d, 6 d/wk) of each meat.

Training the Trainers of Tomorrow Today - driving excellence in medical education.

Training the Trainers of Tomorrow Today (T4) is a new way to deliver "Training for Trainers". Responding to local dissatisfaction with existing arrangements, T4 builds on 3 essential requirements for a future shape of training: 1. Clinical Leadership and a Collaborative Approach 2.