Fabrication of nanoparticles with precisely controllable plasmonic properties as tools for biomedical applications.

Metal nanoparticles are established tools for biomedical applications due to their unique optical properties, primarily attributed to localized surface plasmon resonances. They show distinct optical characteristics, such as high extinction cross-sections and resonances at specific wavelengths, which are tunable across the wavelength spectrum by modifying the nanoparticle geometry. These attributes make metal nanoparticles highly valuable for sensing and imaging in biology and medicine.

Ultrafast synthesis of zirconium-porphyrin framework nanocrystals from alkoxide precursors.

Porphyrinic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer high surface areas and tunable catalytic and optoelectronic properties, making them versatile candidates for applications in phototherapy, drug delivery, photocatalysis, electronics, and energy storage. However, a key challenge for industrial integration is the rapid, cost-effective production of suitable sizes. This study introduces Zr(IV) alkoxides as metal precursors, achieving ultrafast (∼minutes) and high-yield (>90%) synthesis of three well-known Zr-based porphyrinic MOF nanocrystals: MOF-525, PCN-224, and PCN-222, each with distinct topologies.

Engineered cell membrane-cloaked metal-organic framework nanocrystals for intracellular cargo delivery.

This investigation demonstrates the development and functionality of cell membrane-cloaked UiO-67 nanosized metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs), which are engineered for precise intracellular delivery of encapsulated cargoes. Utilizing the robust and porous nature of UiO-67, we enveloped these NMOFs with fusogenic cell membrane-derived nanovesicles (FCSMs) sourced from adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial (A549) cells. This biomimetic coating enhances biocompatibility and leverages the homotypic targeting capabilities of the cell-derived coatings, facilitating direct cytoplasmic delivery and avoiding endolysosomal entrapment.

Combined Surgical Technique of Hyperselective and Partial Motor Neurectomies for Spastic Equinus, Equinovarus, and Claw Toe Deformities.

Background: Patients with spastic equinus, equinovarus, and claw toe deformities can experience marked pain and functional limitations in the ability to weight-bear comfortably, ambulate efficiently, or mobilize independently. Seen in 80% of patients with cerebral palsy and 18% of patients with stroke (1, 2), the spastic foot and ankle deformities, and its secondary sequelae of static joint contractures, osseous changes, and chronic pain, are unfortunately common.

Methods: Adult and pediatric patients undergoing combined hyperselective and selective partial motor neurectomies for varus or claw toe deformities were reviewed.

Specific tension of human muscle in vivo: a systematic review.

The intrinsic force production capability of human muscle can be expressed as "Specific Tension," or, the maximum force generated per cross-sectional area of muscle fibers. This value can be used to determine, for example, whether muscle quality changes during exercise, atrophy, disease, or hypertrophy. A value of 22.