Continuous Flow Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Enabling Rapid Screening of Synthesis-Structure-Property Relationships.

An adjustable and scalable method for the continuous flow synthesis of cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), targetted the reduction of their activity to synthetic biomembranes to inform the fabrication of nanoparticles (NPs) with reduced toxicity for commercial applications. By manipulating key factors; temperature, residence time, and the ratio of precursor to reductant, precise control over the morphology of CuO NPs is achieved with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirming the formation of needle-shaped CuO NPs. One-variable-at-a-time studies reveal a relationship between the synthesis conditions and the characteristics of the resultant NPs, with CuO NPs varying controllably between 10-50 nanometres in length and 4-10 nanometres in width.

Overgrowth Disorders: A Case of Sotos Syndrome and Overview of Related Disorders.

Sotos syndrome is an uncommon congenital overgrowth syndrome characterized by excessive growth in childhood, learning disabilities, and distinct facial features. We present the case of a young male who appeared to have the classic presentation of Sotos syndrome despite a normal genetic workup. Additionally, we present a brief review of overgrowth syndromes in order to highlight potential challenges differentiating these syndromes in clinical practice.

Prostate biopsy sepsis prevention: external validation of an alcohol needle washing protocol.

Purpose: Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) is associated with a 1-8% risk of post-biopsy sepsis (PBS). A recent study described an isopropyl alcohol needle washing protocol that significantly decreased PBS rates. The current study examined the efficacy of this technique in our clinic population.

Transgender patient undergoing Rezum therapy: a case report.

Rezūm is a relatively new, minimally invasive approach that utilizes vaporized water to ablate prostatic tissue surrounding the proximal urethra in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, of the many notable studies involving Rezūm's effectiveness in men, none have documented use of Rezūm in the transgender community. With a growing population of transgender patients in the USA, prostate treatments will be offered for transgender women on a more regular basis.

miR-410 Is a Key Regulator of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition with Biphasic Role in Prostate Cancer.

The molecular basis of prostate cancer (PCa) progression from the primary disease to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) followed by therapy-induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer is not fully understood. In this study, we elucidate the role of miR-410, a little-studied microRNA located on chromosome 14q32.31 within the DLK1-DIO3 cluster, in PCa.

Therapeutic potential of pomegranate juice-derived nanovesicles in nude mouse benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) xenograft model.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and associated lower urinary tract symptoms affect a large percentage of the male population and places a substantial burden on the world health system. Current therapies include 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and alpha-blockers that are only partially effective and pose a huge economic burden, emphasizing the urgent need for effective, economical therapies. We isolated nanovesicles from pomegranate juice (Punica Granatum) (referred to as 'POM-NVs') and report to our knowledge for the first time, that these vesicles possess therapeutic potential against BPH.

Less Common Focal Neuropathies: A Brief Review.

Focal peripheral neuropathies (FPN) will be encountered by clinical practitioners in all disciplines. While bedside exam skills are greatly beneficial in the diagnostic approach, new options are improving diagnostic accuracy. A variety of management options are available to assist patients with these diverse disorders.

Statin Induced Immune Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy: More Than Just Sore Muscles.

Statin drugs are commonly used to decrease levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. Common side effects of this medication class are generally mild and include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and myalgia. Rarely, statins have been associated with autoimmune disease resulting in a potentially serious inflammatory myopathy known as statininduced immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM).

Antibiotic-functionalized gold nanoparticles for the detection of active β-lactamases.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to threaten the effective treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. The spread of resistant infections is accelerated by the lack of fast and cost-effective tests for the detection of AMR at the point-of-care. We aimed to address this challenge by developing a diagnostic tool to detect one of the major forms of AMR, the β-lactamase enzymes.

Performance limitations of resonant refractive index sensors with low-cost components.

Resonant biosensors are attractive for diagnostics because they can detect clinically relevant biomarkers with high sensitivity and in a label-free fashion. Most of the current solutions determine their detection limits in a highly stabilised laboratory environment, which does, however, not apply to real point-of-care applications. Here, we consider the more realistic scenario of low-cost components and an unstabilised environment and consider the related design implications.

Self-Sustaining 3D Thin Liquid Films in Ambient Environments.

Thin liquid films (TLF) have fundamental and technological importance ranging from the thermodynamics of cell membranes to the safety of light-water cooled nuclear reactors. The creation of stable water TLFs, however, is very difficult. In this paper, the realization of thin liquid films of water with custom 3D geometries that persist indefinitely in ambient environments is reported.

Aptamer-Based Detection of Ampicillin in Urine Samples.

The misuse of antibiotics in health care has led to increasing levels of drug resistant infections (DRI's) occurring in the general population. Most technologies developed for the detection of DRI's typically focus on phenotyping or genotyping bacterial resistance rather than on the underlying cause and spread of DRI's; namely the misuse of antibiotics. An aptameric based assay has been developed for the monitoring of ampicillin in urine samples, for use in determining optimal antibiotic dosage and monitoring patient compliance with treatment.

Correlates of bird collisions with buildings across three North American countries.

Collisions with buildings cause up to 1 billion bird fatalities annually in the United States and Canada. However, efforts to reduce collisions would benefit from studies conducted at large spatial scales across multiple study sites with standardized methods and consideration of species- and life-history-related variation and correlates of collisions. We addressed these research needs through coordinated collection of data on bird collisions with buildings at sites in the United States (35), Canada (3), and Mexico (2).

A Case of Copper Deficiency Myeloneuropathy Precipitated by Zinc Ingestion and Bariatric Surgery.

In this report, we present a case of acquired copper deficiency which initially presented as progressive pain and numbness in the patient's lower extremities. The acquired copper deficiency is attributed to a previous bariatric surgery exacerbated by zinc toxicity. A 42-year-old female with a past medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, anemia, hypertension, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, pulmonary embolus, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, and chronic pain as well as a remote past surgical history of gastric bypass procedure presented with progressive pain and numbness in her lower extremities.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A Multidimensional Challenge.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is an underreported condition characterized by discomfort elicited through involvement of the ninthcranial nerve. Triggering phenomena and associated vagal nerve involvement creates the potential for an unexpected clinical presentation. In this case report, we present a 60-year-old male who described a shock-like pain throughout his neck and jaw.

Successful Clearance of Persistent Methicillin-Resistant Bacteremia with Daptomycin, Linezolid, and Meropenem Salvage Therapy.

is one of the most virulent Gram-positive organisms responsible for a multitude of infections, including bacteremia. Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) is of special concern in patients with bacteremia. Due to its associated poor clinical outcomes, morbidity, and mortality, the superlative salvage regimen for persistent MRSA bacteremia remains uncertain.

Total Knee Arthroplasty Wound Complication Treatment Algorithm: Current Soft Tissue Coverage Options.

Background: Wound complications associated with soft tissue defects following total knee arthroplasty present challenges for the orthopedic surgeon. The scale of early complications include less morbid problems, such as quickly resolving drainage and small superficial eschars, to persistent drainage and full-thickness tissue necrosis, which may require advanced soft tissue coverage.

Methods: This review outlines current wound management strategies and provides an algorithm to help guide treatment and clinical decision-making.

Reduced Risk of Sepsis after Prostate Biopsy Using a Cephalosporin-Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Regimen and Isopropyl Alcohol Needle Washing.

Objective: To compare 3 prophylactic regimens to assess their impact on postbiopsy sepsis incidence.

Methods: Data were reviewed for 829 consecutive patients who underwent prostate biopsy in a community practice setting between January 2013 and October 2017. Group 1 patients received ciprofloxacin 500 mg two times a day orally for 4 days starting the day prior to biopsy and gentamicin 80 mg intramuscularly 20 minutes prior to biopsy.

Outcomes and Complications of Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy in a Community Hospital Setting.

Objective: To evaluate outcomes for 144 robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomies (RALPs) conducted upon introduction of a robotic surgery program in a community hospital.

Methods: Patient data were reviewed for 144 patients who underwent RALP from January 2013 to February 2015. Complications and oncologic and functional outcomes were assessed.

Development and Evaluation of a New Technological Way of Engaging Patients and Enhancing Understanding of Drug Tolerability in Early Clinical Development: PROACT.

Introduction: During early clinical testing of a new medication, it is critical to understand and characterise patient tolerability. However, in early clinical studies, it is difficult for patients to contribute directly to the sponsors' understanding of a new compound. Patient reported opinions about clinical tolerability (PROACT) provides a new, simple and innovative way in which patients can collaborate using an application downloaded to a mobile computer or smartphone.

Genitourinary manifestations of sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is a common genetic disorder characterized by sickling of red blood cells under conditions of reduced oxygen tension. In turn, sickling leads to intravascular hemolysis and vaso-occlusive events with subsequent tissue ischemia-reperfusion injury affecting multiple organs, including the genitourinary system. Our review of the genitourinary manifestations of sickle cell disease focuses on sickle cell nephropathy, priapism, and other genitourinary complications such as papillary necrosis and renal medullary carcinoma.

Hematopoietic RIPK1 deficiency results in bone marrow failure caused by apoptosis and RIPK3-mediated necroptosis.

Receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) is recruited to the TNF receptor 1 to mediate proinflammatory signaling and to regulate TNF-induced cell death. RIPK1 deficiency results in postnatal lethality, but precisely why Ripk1(-/-) mice die remains unclear. To identify the lineages and cell types that depend on RIPK1 for survival, we generated conditional Ripk1 mice.