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Indian Journal of Gastroenterology :... May 2016The aim of this study is to compare surface pH in various parts of the oral cavity between patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and healthy controls.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to compare surface pH in various parts of the oral cavity between patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and healthy controls.
METHODS
Using a flat pH meter sensor, fixed electrode pen type digital pH meter, oral pH levels were assessed at different mucosal sites among 34 GERD patients and 32 healthy controls. Salivary flow rates and buffering capacity were also assessed in them. A thorough oral examination was performed to screen for any oral and dental changes.
RESULT
A significantly lower pH of 6.65 ± 0.13 (mean ± SD) was found in the GERD group compared to control group 7.23 ± 0.12 (p < 0.05). Least pH was found in the floor of the mouth 6.594 ± 0.17 and highest in the lower labial mucosa among the GERD patients. Salivary flow rate and buffering capacity were low in these patients. Significant changes were noticed in the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity among the GERD group.
CONCLUSION
Oral mucosal pH is altered in GERD patients and may contribute to effects on the oral cavity.
Topics: Adult; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth; Salivation
PubMed: 27211893
DOI: 10.1007/s12664-016-0659-7 -
European Journal of Physical and... Jun 2018Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability across the globe. Previous studies have demonstrated the trainability of stroke survivors and documented... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability across the globe. Previous studies have demonstrated the trainability of stroke survivors and documented beneficial effects of aerobic exercises on cardiovascular fitness and gait ability.
AIM
The main aim of this study was to compare the effects of a high-intensity treadmill training (HITT) against low-intensity treadmill training (LITT) on gait ability, quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness and cost of walking in chronic stroke subjects.
DESIGN
Randomized, controlled pilot study.
SETTING
Patients were recruited among Neurorehabilitation Unit outpatient.
POPULATION
The sample was composed of 16 subjects suffering from chronic stroke.
METHODS
Subjects were enrolled and randomly allocated either in the HITT (N.=8) or in the LITT (N.=8). Both groups performed 3-month training, 3 times per week. Subjects were evaluated before starting the training and after the end of the training by mean of clinical scales (Six-Minute Walk Test, Ten-Meter Walk Test, Health Survey Questionnaire SF-36, Stroke Impact Scale) and instrumental tests (gait analysis, VO2peak and walking energy cost).
RESULTS
Fifteen subjects completed the study and no dropouts were observed. One patient in the LITT refused to initiate the training. The HITT group produced greater improvements than LITT group on the Six-Minute Walk Test (HITT: 64.25 meters, LITT: 6 meters; p=0.005) and Ten-Meter Walk Test performances (HITT: -1.7 s, LITT: 0.6 s; P=0.007), stride length (HITT: 3.3 cm, LITT: 0.4 cm, P=0.003), step length non-paretic side (HITT: 0.5 cm, LITT: 2.4 cm, P=0.008), step length paretic side (HITT: 1.8 cm, LITT: 0.7 cm, P=0.004), cadence (HITT: 1.6 step/min, LITT: 0.6 step/min, P=0.021) and symmetry ratio (HITT: 0.04 cm, LITT: 0.01 cm, P=0.004), VO2peak (HITT: 4.6 mL/kg/min, LITT: 0.87 mL/kg/min; P=0.015) and walking energy cost at 100% of self-selected speed (HITT: -30.8 mL/kg∙km, LITT: -20 5 mL/kg∙km; P=0.021). Significant changes were found on Six-Minute Walk Test (P=0.012) and Ten-Meter Walk Test (P=0.042) performances, spatio-temporal gait parameters (stride length P=0.011, step length paretic side P=0.012, cadence P=0.037 and symmetry ratio P=0.012), VO2peak (P=0.025) and cost of walking at 100% of self-selected speed (P=0.018) in the HITT group. In the LITT no significant results were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
HITT could be considered a feasible training and led to improvement in gait ability and enhanced VO2peak and reduction in cost of walking compared to LITT.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT
Chronic stroke survivors should be encouraged to engage regular aerobic treadmill training at medium/high intensity. HITT is safe and feasible and has positive effects on gait ability, cardiovascular fitness and cost of walking in subjects with stroke in chronic phase.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Austria; Disability Evaluation; Energy Metabolism; Exercise Test; Exercise Therapy; Female; Gait Disorders, Neurologic; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Fitness; Pilot Projects; Quality of Life; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Survivors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27575015
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.16.04224-6 -
Biosensors & Bioelectronics Mar 2023Advanced biosensors, considered as emerging technologies, are capable of accurate, quantitative and real-time analysis for point-of-care testing (POCT) applications.... (Review)
Review
Advanced biosensors, considered as emerging technologies, are capable of accurate, quantitative and real-time analysis for point-of-care testing (POCT) applications. Moreover, the integrating of miniaturized meters into these advanced biosensors makes them ideally appropriate for portable, sensitive and selective detection of biomolecules. Miniaturized meters including PGMs (personal glucose meters), thermometer, pressuremeter, pH meter, etc. are the most accurate devices and wide availability in the market, exhibiting a promising potential towards detection of small molecule mycotoxins. In this article, we introduce and analyze the recent advancements for sensing of mycotoxins measured by handheld meters since the first report in 2012. Furthermore, limitations and challenges for versatile meters application against mycotoxins in food matrix are highlighted. By overcoming the bottleneck problems, we believe the miniaturized meters-based biosensor platform will provide great possibilities for mycotoxins analysis and launch them to the market.
Topics: Mycotoxins; Biosensing Techniques; Glucose; Point-of-Care Systems; Point-of-Care Testing
PubMed: 36669289
DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115077 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... May 2001Measurement of skin surface pH is used in clinical research to evaluate hazardous shifts in pH following external exposures and to evaluate the state of diseased skin... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Measurement of skin surface pH is used in clinical research to evaluate hazardous shifts in pH following external exposures and to evaluate the state of diseased skin with acute or chronic changes. It is therefore important to measure skin surface pH as precisely as possible. The aim of this study was to compare two commercially available pH meters used for skin surface pH measurement, to reveal differences between them in measured skin pH on the forearm.
METHODS
The first pH meter (pH900) had a pointed electrode and a stabilisation period of 3 s. The second pH meter (pH meter 1140) had a circular electrode and no fixed stabilisation period. Twelve healthy subjects (6 male and 6 female Caucasians) entered the study. The pH measurements were performed once an hour from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both forearms in five areas from the elbow to the "wristwatch" zone. In each area, three measurements were performed next to each other with both pH meters (15 measurements per arm per hour per pH meter).
RESULTS
The pH900 has a higher measuring level and a higher variation than the pH meter 1140.
CONCLUSION
A skin surface pH meter with a circular electrode and with no fixed stabilisation period is preferable. It is recommended that the pH meter be allowed to stabilise for at least 7 s before the result is read.
Topics: Female; Forearm; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Prospective Studies; Skin; Surface Properties
PubMed: 11393209
DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0846.2001.70205.x -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2017Individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have reduced exercise capacity and quality of life. Despite initial concerns that exercise training may worsen symptoms in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have reduced exercise capacity and quality of life. Despite initial concerns that exercise training may worsen symptoms in this group, several studies have reported improvements in functional capacity and well-being following exercise-based rehabilitation in PH.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and safety of exercise-based rehabilitation for people with PH. Primary outcomes were exercise capacity, adverse events during the intervention period and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Secondary outcomes included cardiopulmonary haemodynamics, functional class, clinical worsening during follow-up, mortality and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Airways Specialised Register of Trials up to August 2016, which is based on regular searches of CINAHL, AMED, Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and registries of clinical trials. In addition we searched CENTRAL and the PEDro database up to August 2016 and handsearched relevant journals.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on exercise-based rehabilitation programmes for PH.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers extracted data independently. For binary outcomes, we calculated odds ratios and their 95% confidence interval (CI), on an intention-to-treat basis. For continuous data, we estimated the mean difference (MD) between groups and its 95% CI. We employed a random-effects model for analyses. We assessed risk of bias for included studies and created 'Summary of findings' tables using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included six RCTs and were able to extract data from five studies. The majority of participants were Group I pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Study duration ranged from three to 15 weeks. Exercise programmes included both inpatient- and outpatient-based rehabilitation that incorporated both upper and lower limb exercise. The mean six-minute walk distance following exercise training was 60.12 metres higher than control (30.17 to 90.07 metres, n = 165, 5 RCTs, low-quality evidence; minimal important difference was 30 metres), the mean peak oxygen uptake was 2.4 ml/kg/minute higher (1.4 to 3.4 ml/kg/min, n = 145, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence) and the mean peak power in the intervention groups was 16.4 W higher (10.9 to 22.0 higher, n = 145, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence). The mean change in HRQoL for the SF-36 physical component score was 4.63 points higher (0.80 to 8.47 points, n = 33, 2 RCTs, low-quality evidence) and for the SF-36 mental component score was 4.17 points higher (0.01 to 8.34 points; n = 33; 2 RCTs, low-quality evidence). One study reported a single adverse event, where a participant stopped exercise training due to lightheadedness.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In people with PH, exercise-based rehabilitation results in clinically relevant improvements in exercise capacity. Exercise training was not associated with any serious adverse events. Whilst most studies reported improvements in HRQoL, these may not be clinically important. Overall, we assessed the quality of the evidence to be low. The small number of studies and lack of information on participant selection makes it difficult to generalise these results across the spectrum of people with PH.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance; Hemodynamics; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Middle Aged; Oxygen Consumption; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Selection Bias; Walk Test
PubMed: 28099988
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011285.pub2 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2020Fluorescent pH biosensors have gained importance owing to their low cost utilization in real time monitoring of biological and food samples in comparison to conventional...
Fluorescent pH biosensors have gained importance owing to their low cost utilization in real time monitoring of biological and food samples in comparison to conventional pH meters. The research reports a novel method of ultrasonic atomization for developing a fluorescent pH sensor for real-time analysis made of Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran/FITC-dextran-Tris (2, 2'-bipyridyl) dichlororuthenium (II) hexahydrate as indicator and reference fluorophores, respectively. The process of ultrasonic atomization ensures formation of monodisperse dye immobilized alginate microspheres ensuring efficient pH sensing. The developed biosensor was tested on milk samples, which has a short life span and shows a significant fall in pH with time due to microbial spoilage. The proposed biosensor showed a linear range of pH 4-8 (R between 0.96-0.99 for different single/dual fluorophore biosensors) which suitably cover the pH of milk during the entire storage period and spoilage. The % recovery for predicted pH falls between 90-110% compared against standard pH meter, indicating a good accuracy of estimation and low turnaround time (10 min). Thus, real-time monitoring using fluorescent pH biosensor for milk samples may profoundly improve the economics of losses occurring in processing and storage with capability of in-package continuous quality assessment.
PubMed: 32616901
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68005-2 -
The Analyst Jan 2017In this work, a new method named laser-heating-wax-printing (LHWP) is described to fabricate paper devices for developing sensitive, affordable, user-friendly...
In this work, a new method named laser-heating-wax-printing (LHWP) is described to fabricate paper devices for developing sensitive, affordable, user-friendly paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (P-ELISAs) that initially use common pen-type pH meters for portable, quantitative readout. The LHWP enables a rapid patterning of wax in paper via one step of heating the wax layer coated on the paper surface using a mini-type CO laser machine. Wax-patterned paper microzones created in this way are utilized to conduct the pen-type pH meter-based P-ELISAs with enzyme-loaded SiO microbeads for highly efficient signal amplification of each antibody-antigen binding event. The results show that this new P-ELISA system is quantitatively sensitive to the concentrations of a model protein analyte in buffer samples ranging from 12.5 to 200 pg mL, with a limit of detection of ca. 7.5 pg mL (3σ). Moreover, the satisfactory recovery results of assaying several human serum samples validate its feasibility for practical applications.
Topics: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Hot Temperature; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Paper; Printing; Silicon Dioxide; Waxes
PubMed: 28106171
DOI: 10.1039/c6an02422j -
Conservation Physiology 2017Quantifying changes in blood chemistry in elasmobranchs can provide insights into the physiological insults caused by anthropogenic stress, and can ultimately inform...
Quantifying changes in blood chemistry in elasmobranchs can provide insights into the physiological insults caused by anthropogenic stress, and can ultimately inform conservation and management strategies. Current methods for analysing elasmobranch blood chemistry in the field are often costly and logistically challenging. We compared blood pH values measured using a portable, waterproof pH meter (Hanna Instruments HI 99161) with blood pH values measured by an i-STAT system (CG4+ cartridges), which was previously validated for teleost and elasmobranch fishes, to gauge the accuracy of the pH meter in determining whole blood pH for the Cuban dogfish () and lemon shark (). There was a significant linear relationship between values derived the pH meter and the i-STAT for both species across a wide range of pH values and temperatures (Cuban dogfish: 6.8-7.1 pH 24-30°C; lemon sharks: 7.0-7.45 pH 25-31°C). The relative error in the pH meter's measurements was ~±2.7%. Using this device with appropriate correction factors and consideration of calibration temperatures can result in both a rapid and accurate assessment of whole blood pH, at least for the two elasmobranch species examined here. Additional species should be examined in the future across a wide range of temperatures to determine whether correction factors are universal.
PubMed: 28616238
DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cox012 -
Analytical Chemistry Nov 2021The determination of pH values is essential in many chemical, medical, and environmental monitoring processes, which has been relying on conventional pH meters (glass...
The determination of pH values is essential in many chemical, medical, and environmental monitoring processes, which has been relying on conventional pH meters (glass electrodes) for quantitation and pH test strips for qualitative (or semi-quantitative) assessment. In this work, we demonstrate a smartphone-based pH determination technique, which performs digital image analysis of commercial test strips, particularly the determination of either the dominant wavelength (λ) or complementary wavelength (λ) of the color image. In conjunction with a 3D-printed optical accessory (with a surface light source and a macro lens), the quality of captured images have been warranted, and the quantitation accuracy of 0.05 pH units has been achieved. More importantly, the performance of this smartphone-based pH reading system (namely "Smart-pH-Reader") was validated using multiple real-world samples, as the results are consistent with those determined with a standard pH meter. The Smart-pH-Reader is envisioned to be a simple, portable, and accurate tool for pH determination in the fields of environmental monitoring, medical diagnosis, and beyond.
Topics: Electrodes; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Smartphone
PubMed: 34762419
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03393 -
Topics in Companion Animal Medicine Mar 2016Early and rapid identification of hypo- and hyperglycemia as well as ketosis is essential for the practicing veterinarian as these conditions can be life threatening and... (Review)
Review
Early and rapid identification of hypo- and hyperglycemia as well as ketosis is essential for the practicing veterinarian as these conditions can be life threatening and require emergent treatment. Point-of-care testing for both glucose and ketone is available for clinical use and it is important for the veterinarian to understand the limitations and potential sources of error with these tests. This article discusses the devices used to monitor blood glucose including portable blood glucose meters, point-of-care blood gas analyzers and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Ketone monitoring options discussed include the nitroprusside reagent test strips and the 3-β-hydroxybutyrate ketone meter.
Topics: Animals; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus; Ketones; Point-of-Care Systems; Veterinary Medicine
PubMed: 27451045
DOI: 10.1053/j.tcam.2016.05.005