Search Results (1,397)

The detection of viral DNA is considered crucial in both diagnosis and prognosis. Nowadays, molecular diagnostic approaches represent the most promising tools for the clinical detection of viral infections. This review aims to investigate the most used and promising DNA-based technologies for viral detection, focusing on herpesviruses because of their ability to undergo latent and reactivation cycles, persisting lifelong in the host in association with several diseases. Molecular technologies, such as PCR-based assays, enhance sensitivity and specificity in identifying viral DNA from clinical samples such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid and saliva, indicating PCR and its derivatives as the gold standard methods for herpesvirus detection. In conclusion, this review underscores the need for continuous innovation in diagnostic methodologies to address the complexities of herpesvirus identification in different clinical samples. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infectious diseases represent a serious threat due to rising antimicrobial resistance, particularly among multidrug-resistant bacteria and influenza viruses. Metal-based complexes, such as N-heterocyclic carbene–gold (NHC–gold) complexes, show promising therapeutic potential due to their ability to inhibit various pathogens. Methods: Eight NHC–gold complexes were synthesized and tested for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and for anti-influenza activity in lung and bronchial epithelial cells infected with influenza virus A/H1N1. Antibacterial activity was assessed through the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), while the viral load was quantified using qRT-PCR. Results: Complexes 3, 4, and 6 showed significant antibacterial activity at concentrations of 10–20 µg/mL. Additionally, these complexes significantly reduced viral load, with complexes 3 and 4 markedly inhibiting replication. Conclusions: These findings support the potential use of NHC–gold complexes in combined antimicrobial and antiviral therapies, representing an attractive option for fighting resistant infections. Full article

The management of severe burns is a complex process that requires a multidimensional approach to ensure optimal healing of burn wounds, minimize complications, and improve the prognosis of patients. Surgical debridement is considered the gold standard for removing necrotic tissue; however, this approach involves risks such as bleeding, the potential removal of viable tissue during excision, and technical challenges in complex anatomical areas. Recent advancements highlight the role of enzymatic debridement using NexoBrid^®, which offers a less invasive alternative to surgical excision while having the ability to selectively debride necrotic tissue and preserve viable tissue. NexoBrid^® has shown efficacy in reducing debridement time, minimizing the need for additional surgeries, and improving overall wound healing outcomes. This review discusses the clinical indications, advantages, and considerations for choosing between surgical and enzymatic debridement. Emerging studies suggest the potential for enzymatic debridement to be safe and effective even for larger burn areas, making it a promising option in modern burn care. However, ongoing evaluation and integration into clinical protocols will be essential to fully realize its benefits in specialized burn treatment and to establish protocols. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), involving immune complex deposition in the kidneys. While renal biopsy is the diagnostic gold standard, its invasiveness limits frequent use, driving the need for non-invasive urinary biomarkers to monitor disease progression and response to treatment. This study aimed to identify and validate urinary biomarkers for LN. Methods: Data from 10 LN-related omics databases, including urine, PBMCs, and kidney tissue, were analyzed. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and genes (DEGs) were identified, and candidate biomarkers were validated via ELISA in an independent cohort of 87 urine samples. Results: We identified 78 biomarkers, with 14 overlapping across transcriptomic categories. Novel urinary biomarkers, including SERPING1, SLPI, and CD48, were validated. Urinary CD163, VCAM1, and ALCAM levels showed significant differences between LN and healthy controls, while urinary immune complexes (ICx) demonstrated superior diagnostic performance, with urinary ALCAM-ICx and CCL21-ICx achieving the highest AUC values. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential of urinary immune complexes and antigens as non-invasive biomarkers for LN. ALCAM, CD163, and SERPING1-ICx, in particular, were found as promising candidates for a urinary biomarker panel to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of LN. Full article

Western Guangdong, a part of the South China Block, has a complex geological history characterized by significant magmatic, metamorphic, and tectonic activities. This dynamic geological past, particularly during the Mesozoic era, created favorable conditions for the formation of various mineral deposits, including Au, Ag, Cu, and Pb. This makes the region a key area for precious metal resources in China. Despite extensive metallogenic studies, detailed structural information for western Guangdong remains insufficient, highlighting the need for further investigation. Thus, effective delineation of deformation periods is crucial for revealing geodynamic history and understanding regional tectonic activities, which are extremely important for guiding mineral exploration. This work focuses on the outcrops of granitic plutons in the Yingde–Guangning area of western Guangdong to establish the structure–tectonic setting. The tectonic events likely shaped the widespread Paleozoic–Mesozoic granitic bodies, which record extensive information on regional tectonic evolution. To achieve the primary objective, systematic identification and kinematic analysis of the various stages of structural traces, such as foliations and joints, have been conducted. This research proposes, for the first time, that the western Guangdong area underwent four distinct tectonic stages: (1) Early Paleozoic NW-SE compression phase; (2) Triassic NE-SW compressional stress; (3) Jurassic NW-SE compressional force; and (4) Cretaceous NW-SE extension stage. In metallogenic terms, the NW-SE trending auriferous veins of the Yingde–Guangning region were mostly formed during the Triassic NE-SW compression stage, whereas the NE-SW trending vein-type gold mineralization developed during the tectonic regime transformation from Jurassic NW-SE compression to Cretaceous NW-SE extension. This research emphasizes that systematic tectonic geological studies of regional granites can effectively guide mineral prospecting. Full article

Ovarian cancer (OC) must be detected in its early stages when the mortality rate is the lowest to provide patients with the best chance of survival. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a critical OC biomarker since its levels are elevated across all stages and increase with disease progression. This paper presents an LPA assay based on a thickness shear mode acoustic sensor with dissipation monitoring that involves a new thiol molecule 3-(2-mercaptoethanoxy)propanoic acid (HS-MEG-COOH). HS-MEG-COOH is an antifouling linker that provides (a) antifouling properties for gold substrates and (b) linking ability via its terminal carboxylic acid functional group. The antifouling ability of HS-MEG-COOH was tested in whole human serum. The new molecule was applied to the LPA assay in conjunction with a spacer molecule, 2-(2-mercaptoethoxy)ethan-1-ol (HS-MEG-OH), in a 1:1 v/v ratio. HS-MEG-COOH was covalently linked to gelsolin–actin, a protein complex probe that dissociates due to LPA-binding. LPA was detected in phosphate-buffered saline and undiluted human serum and achieved a low limit of detection (1.0 and 0.7 μM, respectively) which was below the concentration of LPA in healthy individuals. The antifouling properties of HS-MEG-COOH and the detection of LPA demonstrate the ability of the sensor to successfully identify the early-stage OC biomarker in undiluted human serum. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare but complex vascular anomalies, particularly challenging when located in eloquent regions such as the corpus callosum and post-central gyrus. This report aims to highlight the management and outcomes of a 41-year-old female patient with a hemorrhagic AVM in these critical areas, emphasizing the importance of early surgical intervention and advanced imaging techniques. Methods: The patient presented with a right-sided tonic–clonic seizure and expressive aphasia, prompting imaging that revealed a complex AVM with deep venous drainage and arterial supply from the anterior cerebral artery. A multidisciplinary team performed microsurgical resection via a left parasagittal fronto-parietal craniotomy. The surgical approach prioritized hematoma evacuation followed by a stepwise dissection of the AVM nidus under intraoperative monitoring. Results: Complete resection of the AVM was confirmed through postoperative angiographic and CT imaging. The patient showed stable recovery over 15 months, with no recurrence or new neurological deficits. This case demonstrates the critical role of advanced imaging, intraoperative strategies, and a multidisciplinary approach in achieving successful outcomes. Conclusions: Microsurgical resection remains the gold standard for AVMs in eloquent and deep-seated brain regions. Early diagnosis and tailored surgical interventions are crucial for managing these high-risk cases. This case underscores the importance of integrating advanced imaging, strategic surgical planning, and intraoperative monitoring to minimize complications and optimize long-term recovery. Full article

Custom copper smelters, which are dependent on purchased concentrates, are facing increasing economic pressures amid falling treatment and refining fees. With the declining availability of high-grade, low-impurity concentrates, copper demand is expected to surge to support the transition to renewable energy. This study, which is based on recent observations of Chinese custom smelters, examines their strategies to address the challenge of purchasing concentrates at record-low treatment and refining charges. By investing in slag flotation technology, smelters can enhance copper, gold, and silver recovery. By blending high-grade and low-grade concentrates, they can capitalize on the gap between the recoverable and payable metals, which are often referred to as “free metals”, while also benefiting from byproducts, mainly sulfuric acid. While this approach offers economic opportunities, it introduces operational complexities. To mitigate these, laboratory testing, combined with advanced digital predictive tools based on thermodynamics, is crucial. This study demonstrates the use of thermodynamic models supported by experimental work for analyzing furnace operations. FactSage^® software and a custom database are employed to define the operating window of two common flowsheets: (1) flash smelting + flash converting and (2) bottom-blown smelting + bottom-blowing converting. Full article

Monitoring potassium ion (K⁺) concentration is essential in veterinary medicine, particularly for preventing hypokalemia in dairy cows, which can severely impact their health and productivity. While traditional laboratory methods like atomic absorption spectrometry are accurate, they are also time-consuming and require complex sample preparation. Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) provide an alternative that is faster and more suitable for field measurements, but their performance is often compromised under variable temperature conditions, leading to inaccuracies. To address this, we developed a novel screen-printed ion-selective electrode (SPE) with hydrophobic Ti₃C₂ Mxene and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), integrated with a temperature sensor. This design improves stability and accuracy across fluctuating temperatures by preventing water layer formation and enhancing conductivity. The sensor was validated across temperatures from 5 °C to 45 °C, achieving a linear detection range of 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻¹ M and a response time of approximately 15 s. It also demonstrated excellent repeatability, selectivity, and stability, making it a robust tool for K⁺ monitoring in complex environments. This advancement could lead to broader applications in other temperature-sensitive analytical fields. Full article

In this contribution, facile synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) at ambient conditions is reported based on the use of the polyphenolic compound quercetin (QT) as the reducing and stabilizing agent at room temperature (RT). Under alkali-induced pH adjustment of QT solution and stirring conditions at RT, QT could quickly reduce gold salt (Au³⁺) into its nanoparticle form (Au⁰), resulting in the formation of a sparkling red color colloidal solution (AuNPs) with an absorption maximum at 520 nm. Further, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to showcase the role of QT in the nanomaterial’s synthesis process. The formed QT-AuNPs responded swiftly to Al³⁺ charging with color perturbation from red to grayish-purple, coupled with an absorption spectra red shift, owing to Al³⁺-induced aggregation of QT-AuNPs. However, when fluoride ion (F⁻) was pre-mixed with an optimized Al³⁺ concentration, reversed color changes from grayish-purple to red were observed with a blue shift in the absorption spectra. Simply put, F⁻ formed a complex with Al³⁺, thus preventing Al³⁺-induced aggregation of QT-AuNPs. The analytical response A₅₂₀/A₆₅₀ was linear with F⁻ concentration ranging from 25.0 to 250.0 µM and 250.0–600.0 µM, with a detection limit of 7.5 µM. The developed QT-AuNPs/Al³⁺ detection probe was selective to only F⁻ charging, in comparison with other possible interfering anions. Real sample potentiality of the developed sensor was demonstrated on tap water samples, toothpaste, and fluoride-rich mouthwash, with reliable accuracy. Full article

Background/Objectives: The therapeutic management of melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, remains challenging. In the search for more effective therapeutic options, metal-based complexes are being investigated for their anticancer properties. Cisplatin was the first clinically approved platinum-based drug and, based on its success, other metals (e.g., gold) are being used to design novel compounds. Methods: the antimelanoma potential of a new organometallic cyclometalated Au(III) complex [[Au(C^NOxN)Cl₂] (C^NOxN = 2-(phenyl-(2-pyridinylmethylene)aminoxy acetic acid))] (ST004) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the gold-based complex was incorporated in liposomes to overcome solubility and stability problems, to promote accumulation at melanoma sites and to maximize the therapeutic effect while controlling its reactivity. The antiproliferative activity of ST004 formulations was assessed in murine (B16F10) and human (A375 and MNT-1) melanoma cell lines after 24 and 48 h incubation periods. The proof-of-concept of the antimelanoma properties of ST004 formulations was carried out in subcutaneous and metastatic murine melanoma models. Results: the developed liposomal formulations showed a low mean size (around 100 nm), high homogeneity (with a low polydispersity index) and high incorporation efficiency (51 ± 15%). ST004 formulations exhibited antiproliferative activity with EC₅₀ values in the μmolar range being cell-line- and incubation-period-dependent. On the opposite side, the benchmark antimelanoma compound, dacarbazine (DTIC), presented an EC₅₀ > 100 μM. Cell cycle analysis revealed an arrest in G0/G1 phase for Free-ST004 in all cell lines. In turn, LIP-ST004 led to a G0/G1 halt in B16F10, and to an arrest in S phase in A375 and MNT-1 cells. Preliminary mechanistic studies in human red blood cells suggest that gold-based inhibition of glycerol permeation acts through aquaglyceroporin 3 (AQP3). In a metastatic murine melanoma, a significant reduction in lung metastases in animals receiving LIP-ST004, compared to free gold complex and DTIC, was observed. Conclusion: This study highlights the antimelanoma potential of a new gold-based complex. Additional studies, namely in vivo biodistribution profile and therapeutic validation of this organogold complex in other melanoma models, are expected to be performed in further investigations. Full article

Etomidate (ET), a medical anesthetic, is increasingly being incorporated into e-liquids for consumption and abuse as a new psychoactive substance (NPS), leading to significant social issues. In this work, large-area Au micro- and nano-structured ordered arrays were engineered as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates for fast detection and precise identification of ET and its metabolites. This ordered array, characterized by abundant electromagnetic enhancement hotspots and structural uniformity, imparts unique properties to the SERS substrate, including ultra-sensitivity, spectral signal reproducibility, and precise quantitative capabilities. Furthermore, it effectively mitigates interference from the complex matrix of e-liquids, facilitating the rapid detection of trace amounts of ET molecules. This SERS rapid detection technology can act as a preliminary screening method for gold-standard spectroscopic analysis, facilitating the on-site rapid screening of suspicious samples and thereby enabling efficient detection and precise verification. Full article

This study aims to improve the assessment of biomechanical risk in manual lifting tasks by introducing a method for calculating composite lifting index (CLI) using wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs). While the revised NIOSH lifting equation (RNLE) is widely used to evaluate the risk associated with lifting tasks, traditional methods often struggle with accuracy, especially in complex tasks. To address this, we compared the CLI values obtained using IMUs with those derived from a gold standard optoelectronic system during laboratory tests involving three levels of lifting risk. Ten participants performed standardized lifting tasks under controlled conditions, and the results showed that the IMU-based method provided comparable accuracy to the optoelectronic system, with negligible differences. Despite some variability in horizontal multiplier (HM) values, the IMU system demonstrated potential for real-world applications due to its ease of use and automatic calculation capabilities. Future improvements may include refining distance measurements and expanding the method for more complex lifting scenarios. This novel approach offers a practical and precise tool for ergonomic risk assessments, particularly in dynamic work environments. Full article

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful optical sensing platform that amplifies the target signals by Raman scattering. Despite SERS enabling a meager detection limit, even at the single-molecule level, SERS also tends to equally enhance unwanted molecules due to the non-specific binding of noise molecules in clinical samples, which complicates its use in complex samples such as bodily fluids, environmental water, or food matrices. To address this, we developed a novel non-fouling biomimetic SERS sensor by self-assembling an anti-adhesive, anti-fouling, and size-selective Lubricin (LUB) coating on gold nanoparticle (AuNP) functionalized glass slide surfaces via a simple drop-casting method. Compared to a conventional AuNPs-SERS substrate, the biomimetic SERS meets the requirements of simple preparation and enables direct droplet detection without any sample pre-treatment. Atomic force microscopy was used to confirm the self-assembled Lubricin coating on the AuNP surface, acting as an anti-fouling and size-selective protection layer. A series of Raman spectra were collected using melamine as the target analyte, which was spiked into 150 mM NaCl solution or undiluted milk. It was demonstrated that the LUB coating effectively prevents the detrimental fouling generated by the proteins and fats in milk, ensuring the clear detection of melamine. Our sensor showed high selectivity and could detect melamine in milk at concentrations as low as 1 ppm. Given that the EU/US legal limit for melamine in food is 2.5 ppm, this sensor offers a promising, cost-effective solution for routine screening and has potential applications for detecting food adulteration in the food safety, environmental monitoring, aquaculture, and biomedical fields. Full article