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Biosensors & Bioelectronics Sep 2024Effective wound management has the potential to reduce both the duration and cost of wound healing. However, traditional methods often rely on direct observation or...
Effective wound management has the potential to reduce both the duration and cost of wound healing. However, traditional methods often rely on direct observation or complex and expensive biological testing to monitor and evaluate the invasive damage caused by wound healing, which can be time-consuming. Biosensors offer the advantage of precise and real-time monitoring, but existing devices are not suitable for integration with sensitive wound tissue due to their external dimensions. Here, we have designed a self-powered biosensing suture (SPBS) based on biofuel cells to accurately monitor glucose concentration at the wound site and promote wound healing. The anode of the SPBS consists of carbon nanotubes-modified carbon fibers, tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), and glucose oxidase (GOx), while the cathode is composed of AgO and carbon nanotubes modified nanotubes modified carbon fibers. It was observed that SPBS exhibited excellent physical and chemical stability in vitro. Regardless of different bending degrees or pH values, the maximum power density of SPBS remained above 92%, which is conducive to long-term dynamic evaluation. Furthermore, the voltage generated by SPBS reflects blood glucose concentration, and measurements at wound sites are consistent with those obtained using a commercially available blood glucose meter. SPBS achieves the healing effect of traditional medical sutures after complete healing within 14 days. It offers valuable insights for intelligent devices dedicated to real-time wound monitoring.
Topics: Biosensing Techniques; Sutures; Wound Healing; Nanotubes, Carbon; Humans; Glucose Oxidase; Equipment Design; Bioelectric Energy Sources; Blood Glucose; Animals; Glucose; Carbon Fiber
PubMed: 38759309
DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116365 -
The Journal of Physiology Dec 2023Motor neurons are the longest neurons in the body, with axon terminals separated from the soma by as much as a meter. These terminals are largely autonomous with regard...
Motor neurons are the longest neurons in the body, with axon terminals separated from the soma by as much as a meter. These terminals are largely autonomous with regard to their bioenergetic metabolism and must burn energy at a high rate to sustain muscle contraction. Here, through computer simulation and drawing on previously published empirical data, we determined that motor neuron terminals in Drosophila larvae experience highly volatile power demands. It might not be surprising then, that we discovered the mitochondria in the motor neuron terminals of both Drosophila and mice to be heavily decorated with phosphagen kinases - a key element in an energy storage and buffering system well-characterized in fast-twitch muscle fibres. Knockdown of arginine kinase 1 (ArgK1) in Drosophila larval motor neurons led to several bioenergetic deficits, including mitochondrial matrix acidification and a faster decline in the cytosol ATP to ADP ratio during axon burst firing. KEY POINTS: Neurons commonly fire in bursts imposing highly volatile demands on the bioenergetic machinery that generates ATP. Using a computational approach, we built profiles of presynaptic power demand at the level of single action potentials, as well as the transition from rest to sustained activity. Phosphagen systems are known to buffer ATP levels in muscles and we demonstrate that phosphagen kinases, which support such phosphagen systems, also localize to mitochondria in motor nerve terminals of fruit flies and mice. By knocking down phosphagen kinases in fruit fly motor nerve terminals, and using fluorescent reporters of the ATP:ADP ratio, lactate, pH and Ca , we demonstrate a role for phosphagen kinases in stabilizing presynaptic ATP levels. These data indicate that the maintenance of phosphagen systems in motor neurons, and not just muscle, could be a beneficial initiative in sustaining musculoskeletal health and performance.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Computer Simulation; Mitochondria; Presynaptic Terminals; Motor Neurons; Drosophila; Adenosine Triphosphate
PubMed: 37942946
DOI: 10.1113/JP284872 -
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of... Oct 2023Evaluation of setting time, compressive strength, pH, calcium ion release, and antibacterial activity of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) after modification with three...
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of setting time, compressive strength, pH, calcium ion release, and antibacterial activity of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) after modification with three different concentrations of nano-graphene oxide (GO) powder compared to unmodified Biodentine as a commercial control.
METHODS
GO powder, unhydrated and hydrated cements were characterized using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). GO was also analyzed using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) to determine average lateral dimensions. Specimens were prepared and grouped according to the concentration of GO added to Rootdent MTA (control, 1, 3, and 5 wt%) and the material used (MTA and unmodified Biodentine) into five groups. Setting time was evaluated using Gillmore penetrometer (n = 5). Compressive strength was evaluated using universal testing machine (n = 7). pH and calcium ion release were assessed using pH meter and Induced Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days (n = 7). Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans using direct contact test (n = 7). One-way and repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test were used for data analysis with significance level set at p ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS
Addition of GO to MTA reduced both initial and final setting time. GO modified MTA groups and unmodified Biodentine showed significantly increased calcium ion release at 14 and 28 days. All cements showed alkaline pH of the storage media at all tested time intervals. 1 wt% GO recorded the highest compressive strength values in MTA modified groups. The increased concentration of GO from 1 to 5 wt% successively increased antibacterial activity of MTA, with Biodentine showing the lowest significant value.
CONCLUSION
Addition of 1 wt% GO can significantly improve the tested properties of tricalcium silicate-based cements without compromising their compressive strength.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
GO is a promising modification for tricalcium silicate cements to improve setting time, compressive strength, and antibacterial activity to provide a variety of materials for different clinical situations. This in turn can reduce the risk of reinfection and allow placement of the final restoration in a single visit.
Topics: Calcium; Powders; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bone Cements; Glass Ionomer Cements; Oxides
PubMed: 37597312
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106078 -
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County,... Jul 2024Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a clinical condition in which sarcopenia and obesity occur together, and is associated with more poor clinical outcomes, increased mortality,...
BACKGROUND
Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a clinical condition in which sarcopenia and obesity occur together, and is associated with more poor clinical outcomes, increased mortality, and morbidity than sarcopenia. Phase angle (PhA), a parameter derived from bioimpedance analysis (BIA), provides data on cellular health, membrane integrity, and cellular function. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SO and PhA among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).
METHODS
We performed a cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital, and all participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment, the hand-grip strength test (HGST), the chair stand test (CST) for muscle strength evaluation, the 4-meter walking test, and the timed up-and-go (TUG) test for physical performance assessment. The diagnosis of SO was made according to the ESPEN/EASO criteria. The PhA was determined automatically by the BIA using resistance and reactance at 50 kHz for each participant.
RESULTS
A total of 322 participants were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 72.5 ±5.8, and 203 (63%) of them were female; 63 (19.6%) of them were sarcopenic obese. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, a significant relationship was found when the model was adjusted for age, female gender, MNA-sf scores, HbA1c level, and CCI scores (OR: 0.53, 95%CI: 0.29-0.98, P = 0.04). In ROC analyses, for PhA in predicting SO diagnosis, the AUC was 0.586 (95%CI: 0.505-0.678, P = 0.033). At the cut-off score 4.4, sensitivity was 57.1% and specificity was 61.4%; positive predictive value (PPV) was 26.5%; negative predictive value (NPV) was 85.5%.
CONCLUSIONS
The study identified a significant relationship between SO and PhA among older adults with type 2 DM. However, larger prospective studies are needed to confirm the potential utility of PhA as a biomarker for SO.
Topics: Humans; Sarcopenia; Female; Male; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Obesity; Electric Impedance; Geriatric Assessment; Hand Strength
PubMed: 38554459
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112412 -
Actas Urologicas Espanolas Nov 2023Individuals with cystinuria can experiment recurrent lithiasis events due to the relative insolubility of cystine at physiological urine pH, resulting in renal function... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Individuals with cystinuria can experiment recurrent lithiasis events due to the relative insolubility of cystine at physiological urine pH, resulting in renal function decline. The Lit-Control® pH Meter is a medical device that accurately allows urine pH self-monitoring. The main objective of this study was to compare the usability of the Lit-Control® pH Meter with the reactive strips for self-monitoring of urinary pH at home by patients with cystinuria, and their overall satisfaction with each tool.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We included 28 patients (9 females and 19 males, age 19-76 years), who were randomly assigned to monitor their urine pH with reactive strips (n = 17) or the Lit-Control® pH-meter (n = 11).
RESULTS
After six months of use, the satisfaction with the two methods was similarly high, but the patients rated (0-10 scale) the pH meter better in terms of ease of learning (mean ± SD, 8.11 ± 0.60 vs. 7.06 ± 1.18; P = 0.038), ease to prepare (8.22 ± 0.67 vs. 7.25 ± 1.18; P = 0.034), and ease of use (8.22 ± 0.67 vs. 7.25 ± 1.39; P = 0.062). Overall, patients did not reach the alkalinization goals (pH between 7.0 and 8.0).
CONCLUSIONS
The Lit-Control® pH Meter demonstrated to be an easy-to-use device that can facilitate urinary pH control by cystinuric patients. A prospective study is warranted to assess the correlation between urine pH monitoring, a treat to target approach, and the recurrence of cystine stones.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Cystinuria; Prospective Studies; Cystine; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
PubMed: 37086842
DOI: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2023.04.004 -
Drug Delivery Dec 2023Diseases affecting the esophagus are common. However, targeted drug delivery to the esophagus is challenging due to the anatomy and physiology of this organ. Current... (Review)
Review
Diseases affecting the esophagus are common. However, targeted drug delivery to the esophagus is challenging due to the anatomy and physiology of this organ. Current pharmacological treatment for esophageal diseases predominantly relies on the off-label use of drugs in various dosage forms, including those for systemic drug delivery (e.g. oral tablets, sublingual tablets, and injections) and topical drug delivery (e.g. metered dose inhaler, viscous solution or suspension, and endoscopic injection into the esophagus). In general, systemic therapy has shown the most efficacy but requires the use of high drug doses to achieve effective concentrations in the esophagus, which increases the risk of adverse effects and toxicity. Topical drug delivery has enormous potential in improving the way we treat patients with acute and chronic esophageal diseases, especially those requiring drugs that have low therapeutic index and/or significant adverse effects to non-targeted organs and tissues. This review will address the physiological, pathophysiological, and pharmaceutical considerations influencing topical drug delivery in the esophagus. The main conventional (e.g. liquid formulations, orodispersible tablets, lozenges, pastilles, troches, chewing gum) and innovative (e.g. stent-based, film-based, nanoparticulate-based) drug delivery approaches will be comprehensively discussed, along with the developments to improve their effectiveness for topical esophageal drug delivery. The translational challenges and future clinical advances of this research will also be discussed.
Topics: Humans; Drug Delivery Systems; Tablets; Esophageal Diseases; Administration, Inhalation
PubMed: 37344759
DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2023.2219423 -
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) Jul 2024Prediabetes has garnered increasing attention due to its association with cardiovascular conditions, especially hypertension, which heightens the risk of prefrailty and...
BACKGROUND
Prediabetes has garnered increasing attention due to its association with cardiovascular conditions, especially hypertension, which heightens the risk of prefrailty and frailty among older individuals.
METHODS
We screened elders with prefrail hypertension from March 2021 to January 2023. We assessed the correlation linking cognitive dysfunction (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score), insulin resistance (triglyceride-to-glucose index), and physical impairment (5-meter gait speed). Then, we measured the risk of developing frailty after a 1-year follow-up period, adjusting the outcome using multivariable Cox regression analysis. We also investigated the impact of administering 500 mg of metformin once daily to a subset of frail subjects for an additional 6 months.
RESULTS
We assessed the relationship between the triglyceride-to-glucose index and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, observing a significant correlation (r, 0.880; <0.0001). Similarly, we analyzed the association between the triglyceride-to-glucose index and 5-meter gait speed, uncovering a significant link between insulin resistance and physical impairment (r, 0.809; <0.0001). Prediabetes was found to significantly (<0.0001) elevate the risk of frailty development compared with individuals without prediabetes by the end of the 1-year follow-up, a finding confirmed via multivariable analysis with Cox regression. Furthermore, among the subgroup of subjects who developed frailty, those who received metformin exhibited a significant decrease in frailty levels (<0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
Insulin resistance and prediabetes play substantial roles in the development of cognitive and physical impairments, highlighting their importance in managing hypertension, even before the onset of frank diabetes. Metformin, a well-established drug for the treatment of diabetes, has shown favorable effects in mitigating frailty.
Topics: Humans; Metformin; Male; Prediabetic State; Aged; Female; Frailty; Hypertension; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin Resistance; Frail Elderly; Aged, 80 and over; Cognitive Dysfunction; Blood Glucose
PubMed: 38752357
DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.23087 -
Veterinary Clinical Pathology Dec 2023Sample processing methods and storage time affect the outcome of biochemical analysis.
BACKGROUND
Sample processing methods and storage time affect the outcome of biochemical analysis.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to assess the effects of dipotassium-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K2-EDTA) and lithium-heparin treatments and storage times on selected analytes in equine synovial fluid (SF).
METHODS
Approximately 2 mL of SF from each horse (n = 7) were collected via femoropatellar joint arthrocentesis into K2-EDTA-treated bottles (K2-EDTA group), lithium-heparin-treated bottles (heparin group), and plain bottles (control group). The pH was determined using an electronic bench pH meter. The total nucleated cell count (TNCC) of samples was determined by hemocytometer method, while total protein (TP) concentrations, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities of the samples were determined spectrophotometrically at 2, 8, 24, 48, and 168 hours postcollection while being maintained at approximately 4°C.
RESULTS
TP concentrations in the anticoagulant-treated groups remained stable for 48 hours. TNCCs were stable for 8 hours. However, after 2 hours, ALP, LDH, and pH varied significantly (P < 0.05). At 2 hours, mean ALP and LDH activities were significantly elevated in the lithium-heparin treatment samples, while the activity of these analytes was similar in the K2-EDTA and control groups. At 8 hours, the TNCC and pH were significantly elevated in K2-EDTA treated groups, while values were similar in lithium-heparin and control groups. No significant variation was seen in TP values at 2 hours, irrespective of treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
The analytes-except for TP-became unstable within a few hours postcollection. Lithium-heparin and K2-EDTA treatments significantly altered ALP, LDH, TNCCs, and pH but not the TP concentrations of equine SF. Studies establishing reference intervals for these analytes based on the anticoagulant used are warranted to limit misinterpretations in clinical or research settings.
Topics: Horses; Animals; Heparin; Edetic Acid; Lithium; Synovial Fluid; Anticoagulants; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
PubMed: 37495547
DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13287 -
International Journal of Cosmetic... Aug 2023The use of skin care formulations with acidic pHs is seen as an effective method to maintain the acidic mantel of the skin; however, because the skin pH varies depending... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
The use of skin care formulations with acidic pHs is seen as an effective method to maintain the acidic mantel of the skin; however, because the skin pH varies depending on the area of the body and as data are lacking for the skin pH of the feet, there was a need to examine whether this assumption holds true for skin care formulations designed for the foot. Thus, three foot creams formulated with a neutral, acidic or alkaline pH were compared with each other as well as to an untreated control group in order to analyse their impact on skin pH, hydration and general skin condition.
METHODS
An exploratory clinical investigation with 60 enrolled subjects, half of whom had a diagnosis of diabetes (type 1 or type 2), was undertaken. The investigation followed a randomized, double-blind, balanced incomplete block design (BIBD) including intra-individual comparison (before and after treatment). Evaluations of skin pH and hydration were carried out using a pH meter and a Corneometer respectively. Objective evaluation of skin condition for efficacy assessment was performed by a trained grader. For tolerability evaluation, objective and subjective dermatological assessments were performed.
RESULTS
At the end of the treatment period, the skin pH was largely unchanged at five out of six of the test areas, with the mean value for each treatment group using test products showing similar fluctuations as the untreated control group. Furthermore, the skin condition parameters studied all improved by a comparable magnitude for each of the treatment groups using the test products, whereas the untreated control group experienced a worsening of the skin condition parameters.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this investigation suggest that where the skin of the foot is concerned, the pH of skin care formulations has no (physiologically) relevant influence on the skin's pH in either diabetic or non-diabetic subjects. Furthermore, the expectation that acidic formulations would be more beneficial for the skin's condition was not found to hold true for the skin of the foot, as no significant difference was observed between the performance of the three test products investigated in this study.
Topics: Humans; Skin; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 37014141
DOI: 10.1111/ics.12861 -
International Ophthalmology Feb 2024To determine the effect of phacoemulsification surgery, which is one of the types of cataract surgery by using ultrasonic power to break up the crystalline lens and...
PURPOSE
To determine the effect of phacoemulsification surgery, which is one of the types of cataract surgery by using ultrasonic power to break up the crystalline lens and clean it with vacuum, on anterior chamber flare (ACF) and choroidal vascular index (CVI).
METHODS
For this cross-sectional study, patients were included if they had cataract with nucleus hardness grade 2 or 3, no systemic inflammatory disease, and not use of anti-inflammatory drugs/prostaglandins preoperatively. ACF using a laser flare meter and CVI in patients underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification was recorded preoperatively, on the postoperative 1st day, 1st week, and 1st month.
RESULTS
Fifty-six eyes were included. ACF was 9.00 ± 2.90 ph/ms preoperatively. Although ACF increased significantly on postoperative day-1 (39.38 ± 23.31ph/ms) and decreased gradually until the 1st month (14.03 ± 6.03ph/ms) after the operation, it was still significantly higher at the 1st month (p < 0.001). Macular and peripapillary CVI increased significantly on postoperative day-1 (0.64 ± 0.03/0.63 ± 0.05) and week-1 (0.64 ± 0.04/0.62 ± 0.04) (p = 0.01, p < 0.001); the postoperative 1st month was similar to the preoperative one (0.59 ± 0.06/0.58 ± 0.06). The relationship between the change in ACF and the change in CVI was not significant.
CONCLUSION
Phacoemulsification causes raises in ACF and CVI due to increased intraocular inflammation. The fact that ACF was significantly higher in postoperative month-1 and CVI returned to its preoperative value suggests that the effect of uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery on the increase in inflammation in the anterior segment lasts longer than in the posterior segment. These results suggest that ACF and CVI follow-up may be clinically important in the follow-up of postoperative inflammation.
Topics: Humans; Phacoemulsification; Cross-Sectional Studies; Postoperative Complications; Inflammation; Cataract; Anterior Chamber
PubMed: 38332452
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-02959-4