Gold Nanorods for Light-Based Lung Cancer Theranostics

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have the potential to be used in photoacoustic (PA) imaging and plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) due to their unique optical properties, biocompatibility, controlled synthesis, and tuneable surface plasmon resonances (SPRs). Conventionally, continuous-wave (CW) lasers are used in PPTT partly due to their small size and low cost. However, if pulsed-wave (PW) lasers could be used to destroy tissue then combined theranostic applications, such as PA-guided PPTT, would be possible using the same laser system and AuNRs. In this study, we present the effects of AuNR size on PA response, PW-PPTT efficacy, and PA imaging in a tissue-mimicking phantom, as a necessary step in the development of AuNRs towards clinical use. At equivalent NP/mL, the PA signal intensity scaled with AuNR size, indicating that overall mass has an effect on PA response, and reinforcing the importance of efficient tumour targeting. Under PW illumination, all AuNRs showed toxicity at a laser fluence below the maximum permissible exposure to skin, with a maximum of 80% cell-death exhibited by the smallest AuNRs, strengthening the feasibility of PW-PPTT. The theranostic potential of PW lasers combined with AuNRs has been demonstrated for application in the lung

Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles for Combined Photoacoustic Imaging and Plasmonic Photothermal Therapy Using a Pulsed Laser

Plasmonic gold nanoparticles show potential for use in a range of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, such as photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT). Generally in PPTT, continuous wave (CW) lasers are used to destroy cancerous tissue. However, in order to add a diagnostic component through PAI, a pulsed wave (PW) laser is needed. If PPTT can be achieved using PW lasers then combined theranostic applications with the same laser system is possible. Additionally, AuNRs can be many different sizes but exhibit equivalent surface plasmon resonances, so the size may be significant in the efficacy of these modalities. We have demonstrated the potential for gold nanorods to be used for both PAI and PPTT. The Au10s displayed the highest photoacoustic signal amplitude and PPTT efficacy. A PW laser was shown to induce significant cell death to a lung cancer cell line with a fluence below the maximum permissible exposure, indicating the possibility for cancer theranostics with a PW laser

Optimising gold nanorod size for maximum photoacoustic response while minimising cell toxicity

Plasmonic nanoparticles show great potential for molecular-targeted photoacoustic (PA) imaging. To maximise light absorption, the gold nanorods (AuNRs) are illuminated at their surface plasmon resonance (SPR), which for biomedical application is typically in the ’optical window’ of 700-900nm. For AuNRs, one of the main factors that determines the SPR is their aspect ratio. Since it is possible to have a similar aspect ratio, but different size of the particle the choice of particle could have a critical effect on a number of factors, such as, photoacoustic emissions, cell toxicity and therapeutic efficacy. For example, a particular sized AuNR may produce a higher PA response, for an equivalent laser fluence, but be more toxic to cell populations. In this study, the PA response of AuNRs with four different volumes but similar aspect ratios (∼4) are compared. A linear relationship between incident laser fluence and PA amplitude is shown and results indicate that AuNRs with larger volumes produce stronger PA emissions. In-vitro cell studies were performed on a lung cancer cell line to assess the cell toxicity of the different sized AuNRs via a colourmetric assay

Strategies and action points to ensure equitable uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations: A national qualitative interview study to explore the views of undocumented migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.

Introduction: Early evidence confirms lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake in established ethnic minority populations, yet there has been little focus on understanding vaccine hesitancy and barriers to vaccination in migrants. Growing populations of precarious migrants (including undocumented migrants, asylum seekers and refugees) in the UK and Europe are considered to be under-immunised groups and may be excluded from health systems, yet little is known about their views on COVID-19 vaccines specifically, which are essential to identify key solutions and action points to strengthen vaccine roll-out. Methods: We did an in-depth semi-structured qualitative interview study of recently arrived migrants (foreign-born, >18 years old; <10 years in the UK) to the UK with precarious immigration status between September 2020 and March 2021, seeking their input into strategies to strengthen COVID-19 vaccine delivery and uptake. We used the 'Three Cs' model (confidence, complacency and convenience) to explore COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, barriers and access. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach. Data collection continued until data saturation was reached, and no novel concepts were arising. The study was approved by the University of London ethics committee (REC 2020.00630). Results: We approached 20 migrant support groups nationwide, recruiting 32 migrants (mean age 37.1 years; 21 [66%] female; mean time in the UK 5.6 years [SD 3.7 years]), including refugees (n = 3), asylum seekers (n = 19), undocumented migrants (n = 8) and migrants with limited leave to remain (n = 2) from 15 different countries (5 WHO regions). 23 (72%) of 32 migrants reported being hesitant about accepting a COVID-19 vaccine and two (6%) would definitely not accept a vaccine. Participants communicated concerns over vaccine content, side-effects, lack of accessible information in an appropriate language, lack of trust in the health system and low perceived need. A range of barriers to accessing the COVID-19 vaccine were reported and concerns expressed that their communities would be excluded from or de-prioritised in the roll-out. Undocumented migrants described fears over being charged and facing immigration checks if they present for a vaccine. Participants (n = 10) interviewed after recent government announcements that COVID-19 vaccines can be accessed without facing immigration checks remained unaware of this. Participants stated that convenience of access would be a key factor in their decision around whether to accept a vaccine and proposed alternative access points to primary care services (for example, walk-in centres in trusted places such as foodbanks, community centres and charities), alongside promoting registration with primary care for all, and working closely with communities to produce accessible information on COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: Precarious migrants may be hesitant about accepting a COVID-19 vaccine and face multiple and unique barriers to access, requiring simple but innovative solutions to ensure equitable access and uptake. Vaccine hesitancy and low awareness around entitlement and relevant access points could be easily addressed with clear, accessible, and tailored information campaigns, co-produced and delivered by trusted sources within marginalised migrant communities. These findings have immediate relevance to the COVID-19 vaccination initiatives in the UK and in other European and high-income countries with diverse migrant populations. Funding: NIHR

Consumer Survey 2001 : July

Suomen virallinen tilasto (SVT

How effective are selection methods in medical education?:A systematic review

Acknowledgements the authors thank the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for commissioning an initial rapid review of the literature on selection and widening access to medicine in 2013. Further thanks are due to the UK Medical Schools Council (MSC) for commissioning a significantly updated review of selection methods in 2014, funding for which was provided by Health Education England (HEE) and the Office for Fair Access (OFFA). Working together on both of these projects encouraged us to further develop our ideas and produce an updated systematic review for publication in 2015. We also thank those who contributed to the original project funded by the GMC, notably John McLachlan, Member of the Centre for Medical Education Research, Durham University, and Emma Dunlop, Medical Admissions, University of Aberdeen. Funding funding was provided by HEE and the OFFA.Peer reviewedPostprin

Mapping the human genetic architecture of COVID-19

The genetic make-up of an individual contributes to the susceptibility and response to viral infection. Although environmental, clinical and social factors have a role in the chance of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and the severity of COVID-191,2, host genetics may also be important. Identifying host-specific genetic factors may reveal biological mechanisms of therapeutic relevance and clarify causal relationships of modifiable environmental risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcomes. We formed a global network of researchers to investigate the role of human genetics in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity. Here we describe the results of three genome-wide association meta-analyses that consist of up to 49,562 patients with COVID-19 from 46 studies across 19 countries. We report 13 genome-wide significant loci that are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe manifestations of COVID-19. Several of these loci correspond to previously documented associations to lung or autoimmune and inflammatory diseases3,4,5,6,7. They also represent potentially actionable mechanisms in response to infection. Mendelian randomization analyses support a causal role for smoking and body-mass index for severe COVID-19 although not for type II diabetes. The identification of novel host genetic factors associated with COVID-19 was made possible by the community of human genetics researchers coming together to prioritize the sharing of data, results, resources and analytical frameworks. This working model of international collaboration underscores what is possible for future genetic discoveries in emerging pandemics, or indeed for any complex human disease