Nanoparticles based image-guided thermal therapy and temperature feedback.

Nanoparticles have emerged as versatile tools in the realm of thermal therapy, offering precise control and feedback mechanisms for targeted treatments. This review explores the intersection of nanotechnology and thermal therapy, focusing on the utilization of nanoparticles for image-guided interventions and temperature monitoring. Starting with an exploration of local temperature dynamics compared to whole-body responses, we delve into the landscape of nanomaterials and their pivotal role in nanomedicine.

Reviewing the effect of aggregates in Rhodamine 6G aqueous solution on fluorescence quantum efficiency.

Rhodamines constitute a class of dyes extensively investigated and applied in various contexts, primarily attributed to their high luminescence quantum yield. This study delves into the impact of aggregation on the thermal and optical properties of Rhodamine 6G (R-6G) solutions in distilled water. Examined properties encompass thermal diffusivity (D), temperature coefficient of the refractive index (dn/dT), fluorescence quantum efficiency (η), and energy transfer (ET).

Towards a comprehensive characterization of spatio-temporal dependence of light-induced electromagnetic forces in dielectric liquids.

The interaction of localized light with matter generates optical electrostriction within dielectric fluids, leading to a discernible change in the refractive index of the medium according to the excitation's light profile. This optical force holds critical significance in optical manipulation and plays a fundamental role in numerous photonic applications. In this study, we demonstrate the applicability of the pump-probe, photo-induced lensing (PIL) method to investigate optical electrostriction in various dielectric liquids.

Optical detection of the ultrasound-induced pulsed thermal lens close to the ice-water phase transition.

Piezo-optic and thermo-optic coefficients are important material properties that play a critical role in the design and optimization of many optical devices. The ability to accurately measure and control these coefficients is essential for achieving high performance and reliability in a wide range of applications. In this article, we use the optical detection of the ultrasound-induced thermal lens effect to investigate these properties for water at low temperatures.

Lanthanide doped nanoparticles for reliable and precise luminescence nanothermometry in the third biological window.

In recent years, infrared emitting luminescent nanothermometers have attracted significant attention because their potential for the development of new diagnosis and therapy procedures. Despite their promising applications, concerns have been raised about their reliability due to the spectral distortions induced by tissues that are present even in the commonly used second biological window (1000-1370 nm). In this work, we present an innovative solution to this issue by demonstrating the effectiveness of shifting the operation range of these nanothermometers to the third biological window (1550-1850 nm).

Using a Smartphone-Based Colorimetric Device with Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for the Quantification of Tartrazine in Soda Drinks.

The present study reports the development and application of a rapid, low-cost in-situ method for the quantification of tartrazine in carbonated beverages using a smartphone-based colorimetric device with molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). The MIP was synthesized using the free radical precipitation method with acrylamide (AC) as the functional monomer, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA) as the cross linker, and potassium persulfate (KPS) as radical initiator. The smartphone (RadesPhone)-operated rapid analysis device proposed in this study has dimensions of 10 × 10 × 15 cm and is illuminated internally by light emitting diode (LED) lights with intensity of 170 lux.

Optical switching a photon-avalanche-like mechanism in NdAl(BO) particles excited at 1064 nm by an auxiliary beam at 808 nm.

In recent years, an unconventional excitation of trivalent neodymium ions ( ) at 1064 nm, not resonant with ground-state transitions, has been investigated with the unprecedented demonstration of a photon-avalanche-like (PA-like) mechanism, in which the temperature increase plays a fundamental role. As a proof-of-concept, ( ) particles were used. A consequence of the PA-like mechanism is the absorption enhancement of excitation photons providing light emission at a broad range covering the visible and near-infrared spectra.

Nephrocolocutaneous fistula from a staghorn calculus.

Fistula formation between the kidney, colon and the skin is an extremely rare complication arising from renal infections secondary to renal stone formation. During the 1980s, reports of nephrocolic fistulas, with or without involvement of the skin, were commonly caused by genitourinary tuberculosis. Due to improvements in diagnosis and specifically the development of anti-Koch's therapy, the incidence of nephrocolic or nephrocolocutaneous fistulas has become uncommon especially in developed countries.

Challenges to reducing post-consumer plastic rejects from the MSW selective collection at two MRFs in São Paulo city, Brazil.

​The present study is concerned with an overview of the main aspects of the selective collection from the municipal solid waste in São Paulo City and the limitations of its two automated Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to tackle the problem of reducing recyclable plastic waste sent to landfills as rejects. The research aimed to characterize the composition of screened mass flows of as-received mixes from the selective collection at the two MRFs through in situ random collection campaigns. The results of the gravimetric analysis have shown that both MRFs provided higher recovery yields (> 40%) for paper, cardboard, Tetrapack, ferrous and non-ferrous metals (aluminium), akin to some post-consumer plastics (PET, HDPE/LDPE and PP) that ranged from 38% for PP up to 89% for HDPE, Losses in recovery yields of recyclable plastics after the screening process resulted from lack of clear resin label identification, inefficient materials sortation by households and poor recognition capabilities of the MRFs screening devices to target and segregate specific types of plastics such as PS and vinylic.

Geo-environmental and geotechnical characterization of municipal solid waste from the selective collection in São Paulo city, Brazil.

This paper presents the characterization of municipal solid waste (MSW) randomly collected from two material recovery facilities in São Paulo city, before (input - recyclables) and after (output - rejects) the sorting processes. Geo-environmental and geotechnical tests were performed on shredded samples and a digestion method was applied to detect the metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations using an ICP OES. The objective was to assist future activities of integrated solid waste management and soil pollution.

Role of heat treatment on the structural and luminescence properties of Yb/Ln (Ln = Tm, Ho and Er) co-doped LaF nanoparticles.

Hexagonal LaF:Yb/Ln and tetragonal LaOF:Yb/Ln (Ln = Ho, Tm, Er) have been successfully prepared via a two-step reaction, which includes a facile aqueous ligand free solution method and the following heat treatment of the as-prepared LaF precursor. The phase formation evolution from LaF to LaOF with different phase structures was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopy. At an annealing temperature of 500 °C pure hexagonal LaF:Yb/Ln (Ln = Ho, Tm, Er) nanoparticles with an average size of 32 nm were obtained and they showed a strong visible upconversion and a modest infrared emission upon 976 nm laser excitation.

Ultrafast photochemistry produces superbright short-wave infrared dots for low-dose in vivo imaging.

Optical probes operating in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1,000-1,700 nm), where tissues are highly transparent, have expanded the applicability of fluorescence in the biomedical field. NIR-II fluorescence enables deep-tissue imaging with micrometric resolution in animal models, but is limited by the low brightness of NIR-II probes, which prevents imaging at low excitation intensities and fluorophore concentrations. Here, we present a new generation of probes (AgS superdots) derived from chemically synthesized AgS dots, on which a protective shell is grown by femtosecond laser irradiation.

Opportunities to Improve Employee Satisfaction Within State and Local Public Health Agencies.

Context: Public health agencies will likely struggle to staff at necessary levels, given ongoing workforce shortages, the potential for mass retirement, and expanding responsibility. Although the majority of public health workers are satisfied with their jobs overall, it is critical to understand the degree to which they are satisfied and identify factors that contribute to any dissatisfaction that occurs.

Objective: This study identified opportunities for public health agencies to improve work environments and, in turn, improve employee satisfaction and retention.

Synthesis and characterization of AgS and AgS/Ag(S,Se) NIR nanocrystals.

Syntheses of metal sulfide nanocrystals (NCs) by heat-up routes in the presence of thiols yield NC arrangements difficult to further functionalize and transfer to aqueous media. By means of different NMR techniques, and exemplified by Ag2S NCs, a metal-organic polymer formed during the synthesis acting as a ligand has been identified to be responsible for such aggregation. In this work, a new synthetic hot-injection strategy is presented to synthesize Ag2S NCs which are easily ligand exchangeable in water.

Thulium doped LaF for nanothermometry operating over 1000 nm.

The use and applications of infrared emitting rare-earth luminescent nanoparticles as nanothermometers have attracted a great deal of attention during the last few years. Researchers have regarded rare-earth doped luminescent nanoparticles as appealing systems due to their reliability, sensitivity and versatility for minimally invasive thermal sensing in nanomedicine. The challenge of developing nanothermometers operating over 1000 nm with outstanding brightness and enhanced sensitivity is being constantly addressed.

State Health Official Career Advancement and Sustainability Evaluation-Description of the Methods Used in the SHO-CASE Study.

State health officials (SHOs) lead state governmental public health agencies, playing an important role in their states. However, little comprehensive research has examined SHOs or characteristics of these leaders, limiting evidence about ways to improve SHO selection and subsequent performance. This brief describes the methods of the SHO-CASE study focused on current and former SHOs in state public health agencies.

State Health Officials: Backgrounds and Qualifications.

Context: State health officials (SHOs), the executive and administrative leaders of state public health, play a key role in policy development, must be versed in the relevant/current evidence, and provide expertise about health issues to the legislature and the governor.

Objective: To provide an empirical examination of SHO backgrounds and qualifications over time.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Cross-sectional survey of current/former SHOs.

Chemical modification of alginate with cysteine and its application for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions.

It has been synthesized, characterized and tested a new biomaterial AlgS (sodium alginate functionalized with cysteine) to remove Pb(II) in aqueous media. The maximum Pb(II)-sorption capacity of AlgS (Q = 770 mg·g) is between almost two and nine times higher than other alginate-materials reported in the literature. Techniques, such as TGA/DSC, SEM/EDS, BET, FTIR, UV-Vis, XRD and C solid state-NMR have been used to study the chemical-modification of alginate at oxidation and aminofication stages.

Chemical modification of sodium alginate with thiosemicarbazide for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solutions.

A new material (Alg-TSC), based on alginate (Alg) chemically modified with thiosemicarbazide (TSC), has been synthesized and tested as an effective biomaterial to remove Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions in aqueous solutions. The synthesis was carried out by controlling the following steps, i/partial oxidation process of alginate in NaIO to obtain AlgOx, ii/reacting of AlgOx, at 40-45 °C, with TSC in NaBH. Alg-TSC has been characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM/EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-IR), solid state C NMR spectroscopy and Point of Zero Charge (pH) measuremenmts.

Core-shell rare-earth-doped nanostructures in biomedicine.

The current status of the use of core-shell rare-earth-doped nanoparticles in biomedical applications is reviewed in detail. The different core-shell rare-earth-doped nanoparticles developed so far are described and the most relevant examples of their application in imaging, sensing, and therapy are summarized. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages they present are discussed.

Lifetime-Encoded Infrared-Emitting Nanoparticles for in Vivo Multiplexed Imaging.

Advanced diagnostic procedures are required to satisfy the continuously increasing demands of modern biomedicine while also addressing the need for cost reduction in public health systems. The development of infrared luminescence-based techniques for in vivo imaging as reliable alternatives to traditional imaging enables applications with simpler and more cost-effective apparatus. To further improve the information provided by in vivo luminescence images, the design and fabrication of enhanced infrared-luminescent contrast agents is required.

Tuberculosis after kidney transplantation is associated with significantly impaired allograft function.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate renal function before, during, and after the course of tuberculosis (TB) disease in kidney transplant recipients, and assess the risk factors for non-recovery of baseline renal function.

Methods: We performed a retrospective, single-center cohort study, including all patients with confirmed or presumed TB diagnosis after kidney transplant (n=34, 2.1%).

Time resolved spectroscopy of infrared emitting AgS nanocrystals for subcutaneous thermometry.

We report a systematic investigation on the temperature dependence of fluorescence decay dynamics of infrared emitting colloidal AgS nanocrystals (NCs) with different surface coatings. The drastic lifetime reduction in the biological temperature range (20-50 °C) makes AgS NCs outstanding candidates for high sensitivity subcutaneous lifetime-based thermal sensing in the second biological window (1000-1400 nm). Indeed, the lifetime thermal sensitivity of AgS NCs has been found to be as large as 3-4% °C at an operating wavelength of 1250 nm.

In Vivo Ischemia Detection by Luminescent Nanothermometers.

There is an urgent need to develop new diagnosis tools for real in vivo detection of first stages of ischemia for the early treatment of cardiovascular diseases and accidents. However, traditional approaches show low sensitivity and a limited penetration into tissues, so they are only applicable for the detection of surface lesions. Here, it is shown how the superior thermal sensing capabilities of near infrared-emitting quantum dots (NIR-QDs) can be efficiently used for in vivo detection of subcutaneous ischemic tissues.