Step-by-Step Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement Using the LuX-Valve Plus System.

The LuX-Valve Plus is a novel radial force-independent orthotopic transjugular transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement device proven to be effective in TR reduction. We describe preprocedural assessment for eligibility and procedural planning by means of computed tomography as well as procedural steps of device implantation under multimodality imaging guidance including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), and fluoroscopy: steering into the right ventricle, leaflet capture by graspers, fine valve adjustment, and septal anchor deployment. Potential pitfalls are avoided by achieving optimal alignment by means of TEE multiplanar reconstruction to steer the delivery system, and using mid-esophageal and deep gastric views of 3-dimensional TEE and supplementary ICE to visualize the graspers for leaflet capture, especially when TEE imaging is technically challenging.

Platinum-Ruthenium Bimetallic Nanoparticle Catalysts Synthesized Via Direct Joule Heating for Methanol Fuel Cells.

Platinum-Ruthenium (PtRu) bimetallic nanoparticles are promising catalysts for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) required by direct methanol fuel cells. However, existing catalyst synthesis methods have difficulty controlling their composition and structures. Here, a direct Joule heating method to yield highly active and stable PtRu catalysts for MOR is shown.

Water and Salt Concentration-Dependent Electrochemical Performance of Hydrogel Electrolytes in Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising energy storage devices with safe, nonflammable electrolytes and abundant, low-cost electrode materials. Their practical applications are hampered by various water-related undesirable reactions, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), corrosion of zinc metal, and water-induced decay of cathode materials. Polymer hydrogel electrolytes were used to control these reactions.

A Masquerade Case: Choroidal Hemangioma Misdiagnosed As Central Serous Retinopathy.

Purpose: To report a case of misdiagnosed choroidal hemangioma, initially treated as central serous retinopathy (CSR) complicated by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and to improve the proper identification of this disorder.

Observations: Fundus images revealed a subtle, elevated choroidal lesion with an associated exudative detachment and choroidal vascular lesion on indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. Combined treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and anti-VEGF therapy led to resolution of fluid and improvement in VA from 20/50 to 20/25.

Carbon/iron by-product from catalytic methane decomposition as recyclable Fenton catalyst for pollutant degradation.

Direct catalytic decomposition of methane (CDM) has been studied as a possible emission-free hydrogen production route for over 100 years. However, the high cost of catalyst regeneration limits its practical applications. Here, we demonstrate that the solid by-product from CDM using Fe ore catalysts comprising carbon nano onions encapsulated with magnetic Fe cores (Fe@C) can serve as efficient and recyclable Fenton catalysts for pollutant degradation.

Prevalence of delusions in drug-naïve Alzheimer disease patients: A meta-analysis.

Introduction: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common at all stages of Alzheimer disease (AD). Delusions in AD are associated with negative clinical consequences and may signal rapid disease progression. Hence, we sought to determine the prevalence of delusions in drug-naïve (no cholinesterase inhibitor or neuroleptic medications) AD patients.

The biochemiresistor: an ultrasensitive biosensor for small organic molecules.

New sensation: A resistance-based biosensor uses gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles (Au@MNPs) functionalized with the antibiotic enrofloxin (see picture; purple), which bind to anti-enrofloxin as analyte (blue). The Au@MNPs can be magnetically assembled between electrodes, and the measured resistance R is a function of analyte concentration.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) using gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles as 'dispersible electrodes'.

Herein, we demonstrate the use of modified gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles as 'dispersible electrodes' which act as selective capture vehicles for electrochemical detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). A key advantage of this system is the ability to quantify non-electrochemical active analytes such as proteins with unprecedented detection limits and fast response times.

Olfactory dysfunction in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.

Objective: To correlate patient reports of olfactory dysfunction after surgical intervention for allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) with endoscopic findings, psychophysical testing, and quality-of-life scores.

Design: A prospective cohort study.

Setting: A tertiary care rhinology clinic at St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

'Dispersible electrodes': a solution to slow response times of sensitive sensors.

Herein, we introduce the concept of utilizing conductive gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles as 'dispersible electrodes', which serve as the active element in the selective capture and direct electro-analytical quantification of analytes. This concept reduces response times and decreases detection limits by bringing the sensor to the analyte rather than the conventional paradigm of the analyte finding the sensor.

Some more observations on the unique electrochemical properties of electrode-monolayer-nanoparticle constructs.

Physical and electrochemical properties of gold nanoparticle-based electrodes are highlighted. Polycrystalline gold electrodes are passivated by a self-assembled monolayer, then the immobilization of gold nanoparticles "switch on" the electrochemical reactivity of ruthenium. Herein, gap-mode Raman studies show that the location of the nanoparticles is on the top of the monolayer, meaning that the "switching on" cannot be attributed to a direct electrical contact between nanoparticles and the gold support.

Endoscopic frontal sinusotomy-preventing recurrence or a route to revision?

Objectives/hypothesis: The Messerklinger technique is an endoscopic approach to sinus surgery designed to be minimally invasive and preserve mucosa and therefore physiological function. More recently there have been advocates for more radical endoscopic approaches to the frontal sinus such as the modified Lothrop procedure. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of endoscopic frontal sinusotomy in preventing recurrent frontal sinus disease and the need for any revision frontal sinus surgery.

Formation of efficient electron transfer pathways by adsorbing gold nanoparticles to self-assembled monolayer modified electrodes.

The influence of the length of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) linker on the electrochemical performance of electrode-linker-gold nanoparticle molecular constructs is investigated. Electrodes were first modified with amino-1-alkanethiols of four different lengths (C=2, 6, 8, and 11). The SAM showed progressively greater blocking ability to ruthenium hexamine as the length of the alkyl chain increased to the point where no significant Faradaic peak was observed for the amino-1-undecanethiol SAM.

Smart tissue culture: in situ monitoring of the activity of protease enzymes secreted from live cells using nanostructured photonic crystals.

Monitoring enzyme secretion in tissue culture has proved challenging because to date the activity cannot be continuously measured in situ. In this Letter, we present a solution using biopolymer loaded photonic crystals of anodized silicon. Shifts in the optical response by proteolytic degradation of the biopolymer provide label-free sensing with unprecedented low detection limits (1 pg) and calculation of kinetic parameters.