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Medical Science Monitor : International... Jun 2024BACKGROUND This study explored the integration of conductive threads into a microfluidic compact disc (CD), developed using the xurographic method, for a potential sweat...
BACKGROUND This study explored the integration of conductive threads into a microfluidic compact disc (CD), developed using the xurographic method, for a potential sweat biosensing platform. MATERIAL AND METHODS The microfluidic CD platform, fabricated using the xurographic method with PVC films, included venting channels and conductive threads linked to copper electrodes. With distinct microfluidic sets for load and metering, flow control, and measurement, the CD's operation involved spinning for sequential liquid movement. Impedance analysis using HIOKI IM3590 was conducted for saline and artificial sweat solutions on 4 identical CDs, ensuring reliable conductivity and measurements over a 1 kHz to 200 kHz frequency range. RESULTS Significant differences in |Z| values were observed between saline and artificial sweat treatments. 27.5 μL of saline differed significantly from 27.5 μL of artificial sweat, 72.5 μL of saline from 72.5 μL of artificial sweat, and 192.5 μL of saline from 192.5 μL of sweat. Significant disparities in |Z| values were observed between dry fibers and Groups 2, 3, and 4 (varying saline amounts). No significant differences emerged between dry fibers and Groups 6, 7, and 8 (distinct artificial sweat amounts). These findings underscore variations in fiber characteristics between equivalent exposures, emphasizing the nuanced response of the microfluidic CD platform to different liquid compositions. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the potential of integrating conductive threads in a microfluidic CD platform for sweat sensing. Challenges in volume control and thread coating degradation must be addressed for transformative biosensing devices in personalized healthcare.
Topics: Sweat; Biosensing Techniques; Humans; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Microfluidics; Electric Conductivity; Electrodes; Electric Impedance
PubMed: 38863180
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943321 -
Presentation of B-cell lymphoma in childhood and adolescence: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Cancer Jun 2024The diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma, one of the commonest cancers seen in childhood and adolescence, is challenging. There is a crucial need to identify and delineate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma, one of the commonest cancers seen in childhood and adolescence, is challenging. There is a crucial need to identify and delineate the prevalence of associated symptoms in order to improve early diagnosis.
AIMS
To identify clinical presentations associated with childhood and adolescent B-cell lymphomas and estimate symptom prevalence.
METHODS
A systematic review of observational studies and meta-analysis of proportions was carried out. Medline and EMBASE were systematically searched, with no language restrictions, from inception to 1st August 2022. Observational studies with at least 10 participants, exploring clinical presentations of any childhood and adolescent lymphoma, were selected. Proportions from each study were inputted to determine the weighted average (pooled) proportion, through random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Studies reported on symptoms, signs and presentation sites at diagnosis of 12,207 children and adolescents up to the age of 20. Hodgkin's lymphoma most frequently presented with adenopathy in the head-and-neck region (79% [95% CI 58%-91%]), whilst non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presented abdominally (55% [95% CI 43%-68%]). Symptoms associated with lymphoma included cervical lymphadenopathy (48% [95% CI 20%-77%]), peripheral lymphadenopathy (51% [95% CI 37%-66%]), B-symptoms (40% [95% CI 34%-44%]), fever (43% [95% CI 34%-54%]), abdominal mass (46% [95% CI 29%-64%]), weight loss (53% [95% CI 39%-66%]), head-and-neck mass (21% [95% CI 6%-47%]), organomegaly (29% [95% CI 23%-37%]), night sweats (19% [95% CI 10%-32%]), abdominal pain (28% [95% CI 15%-47%]), bone pain (17% [95% CI 10%-28%]) and abnormal neurology (11% [95% CI 3%-28%]).
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions provides insight into the heterogeneous clinical presentations of B-cell lymphoma in childhood and adolescence and provides estimates of symptom prevalence. This information is likely to increase public and clinical awareness of lymphoma presentations and aid earlier diagnosis. This review further highlights the lack of studies exploring childhood and adolescent lymphoma presentations in primary care, where patients are likely to present at the earliest stages of their disease.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Child; Lymphoma, B-Cell; Lymphadenopathy; Observational Studies as Topic; Child, Preschool; Hodgkin Disease; Prevalence
PubMed: 38862882
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12372-w -
RSC Advances Jun 2024Sweat analysis is identified as a promising biochemical technique for the non-invasive assessment of human health status. Epidermal microfluidic patches are the...
Sweat analysis is identified as a promising biochemical technique for the non-invasive assessment of human health status. Epidermal microfluidic patches are the predominant sweat sampling and sensing devices. However, the sweat stored inside the patches may suffer from evaporation loss of moisture, which can increase the concentration of biomarkers and cause the biochemical analysis results of sweat to deviate from the actual results. This study focuses on quantitatively analysing the sweat evaporation loss within epidermal microfluidic patches. Analytical models based on the dissolution diffusion mechanism and corresponding partial differential equations for the diffusion process were initially developed. The analytical solution of the equation was derived using the method of separation of variables, and the steady-state concentration distribution of water in the materials of microfluidic patches was calculated when considering the application of epidermal microfluidics. Evaporation losses of sweat through different paths were quantitatively calculated and analysed, including permeation through covers, diffusion along microchannels, and absorption by sidewalls. Then, experiments on the evaporation loss of sweat within microfluidic patches were conducted to validate the theoretical calculations and analytical results. At last, the design of the anti-evaporation structure for microfluidic patches was discussed. This study can provide theoretical and experimental references for the design of water-retention structures in epidermal microfluidic patches, which significantly enhances the overall reliability of sweat biochemical analysis results.
PubMed: 38860253
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra03483j -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Malaria is an extremely malignant disease and is caused by the bites of infected female mosquitoes. This disease is not only infectious among humans, but among animals...
Malaria is an extremely malignant disease and is caused by the bites of infected female mosquitoes. This disease is not only infectious among humans, but among animals as well. Malaria causes mild symptoms like fever, headache, sweating and vomiting, and muscle discomfort; severe symptoms include coma, seizures, and kidney failure. The timely identification of malaria parasites is a challenging and chaotic endeavor for health staff. An expert technician examines the schematic blood smears of infected red blood cells through a microscope. The conventional methods for identifying malaria are not efficient. Machine learning approaches are effective for simple classification challenges but not for complex tasks. Furthermore, machine learning involves rigorous feature engineering to train the model and detect patterns in the features. On the other hand, deep learning works well with complex tasks and automatically extracts low and high-level features from the images to detect disease. In this paper, EfficientNet, a deep learning-based approach for detecting Malaria, is proposed that uses red blood cell images. Experiments are carried out and performance comparison is made with pre-trained deep learning models. In addition, k-fold cross-validation is also used to substantiate the results of the proposed approach. Experiments show that the proposed approach is 97.57% accurate in detecting Malaria from red blood cell images and can be beneficial practically for medical healthcare staff.
Topics: Deep Learning; Erythrocytes; Humans; Malaria
PubMed: 38858481
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63831-0 -
Cureus May 2024Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), often referred to as Christ-Siemens-Touraine syndrome, is an uncommon inherited genetic disorder characterized by irregularities...
Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), often referred to as Christ-Siemens-Touraine syndrome, is an uncommon inherited genetic disorder characterized by irregularities in structures derived from the ectoderm, such as skin, hair, nails, teeth, and sweat glands. Common manifestations include thin hair, absent teeth (hypodontia) often pointed in shape, and diminished ability to sweat (hypohidrosis). Changes in the ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene are associated with the development of HED. Addressing this condition requires an integrated, interdisciplinary strategy to ensure the best possible support for individuals impacted. This case highlights the significance of early detection, collaborative care, and targeted interventions in managing HED. Continued research is crucial for creating novel therapies and enhancing life quality for those living with this rare condition. Here, we discuss a 22-year-old male patient displaying features such as hypodontia, sparse hair (hypotrichosis), irregular beard growth, a nasal deformity, and an inability to sweat (anhidrosis), which is associated with increased body temperature.
PubMed: 38854244
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59847 -
Cureus May 2024Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (AED), or Christ-Siemens-Touraine syndrome, is an X-linked recessive dermatosis. Rare in incidence, it affects 1 in 100,000 births,...
Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (AED), or Christ-Siemens-Touraine syndrome, is an X-linked recessive dermatosis. Rare in incidence, it affects 1 in 100,000 births, mostly boys. Through this observation, we detail the clinical signs that led us to suspect the diagnosis, how this pathology was confirmed, and the therapeutic management we carried out. We present a case of a 10-month-old boy presenting with altered manifestations affecting almost all the ectodermal structures like skin, hair, nails, teeth, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and tear glands. He also had complete anodontia and a dry mouth. A multidisciplinary treatment was given to the patient with the collaboration of various health professionals. Although Christ-Siemens-Touraine syndrome is a rare condition, it is vital to recognize it early to improve care and prognosis for these patients, while mitigating the psychological impact of the condition on both children and parents.
PubMed: 38854225
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60022 -
Physiological Reports Jun 2024July 2023 has been confirmed as Earth's hottest month on record, and it was characterized by extraordinary heatwaves across southern Europe. Field data collected under...
July 2023 has been confirmed as Earth's hottest month on record, and it was characterized by extraordinary heatwaves across southern Europe. Field data collected under real heatwave periods could add important evidence to understand human adaptability to extreme heat. However, field studies on human physiological responses to heatwave periods remain limited. We performed field thermo-physiological measurements in a healthy 37-years male undergoing resting and physical activity in an outdoor environment in the capital of Sicily, Palermo, during (July 21; highest level of local heat-health alert) and following (August 10; lowest level of local heat-health alert) the peak of Sicily's July 2023 heatwave. Results indicated that ~40 min of outdoor walking and light running in 33.8°C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) conditions (July 21) resulted in significant physiological stress (i.e., peak heart rate: 209 bpm; core temperature: 39.13°C; mean skin temperature: 37.2°C; whole-body sweat losses: 1.7 kg). Importantly, significant physiological stress was also observed during less severe heat conditions (August 10; WBGT: 29.1°C; peak heart rate: 190 bpm; core temperature: 38.48°C; whole-body sweat losses: 2 kg). These observations highlight the physiological strain that current heatwave conditions pose on healthy young individuals. This ecologically-valid empirical evidence could inform more accurate heat-health planning.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Sicily; Heart Rate; Extreme Heat; Sweating; Body Temperature; Body Temperature Regulation; Skin Temperature; Hot Temperature
PubMed: 38849294
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16107 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 2024Soil heavy metal contamination is often an unintended byproduct of historic land-use. This contamination can negatively impact resident plants and their interactions...
Soil heavy metal contamination is often an unintended byproduct of historic land-use. This contamination can negatively impact resident plants and their interactions with other organisms. Plant fitness in contaminated landscapes depends not only on plant growth, but also on the maintenance of interactions with pollinators. Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that is commonly found in agricultural, urban, and industrial ecosystems as a legacy of historic land-use. It is a prioritized pollutant in soils because of its wide distribution and strong biotoxicity. To understand how Cd influences plant growth and pollinator interactions, we grew sunflowers in media with three different Cd concentrations to represent the range of Cd contamination faced by sunflowers growing on land recovering from past land-use. We measured Cd contamination effects on sunflower morphology and pollinator foraging behavior, specifically the number of visits and visit duration. We then measured seed number and weight to determine if contamination directly or indirectly, as mediated by pollinators, altered plant fitness. Plant height was negatively correlated with Cd concentration, but contamination alone (in the absence of pollinators) did not affect sunflower reproduction. Bumble bees visited sunflowers grown in Exceeding Threshold Cd concentrations less often and for shorter time compared to visits to Below Threshold Cd sunflowers, but honey bees and sweat bees showed similar foraging behavior across Cd contamination treatment levels. Sunflower seed set was positively correlated with the total number of pollinator visits, and sunflowers grown in Exceeding Threshold Cd soil had marginally lower seed set compared to those grown in Below Threshold Cd soil. Our results suggest that at Exceeding Threshold Cd contamination levels plant-pollinator interactions are negatively affected with consequences for plant fitness.
PubMed: 38848955
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124316 -
Temperature (Austin, Tex.) 2024Seasonal acclimatization is known to result in adaptations that can improve heat tolerance. Staff who operate on burn injuries are exposed to thermally stressful...
Seasonal acclimatization is known to result in adaptations that can improve heat tolerance. Staff who operate on burn injuries are exposed to thermally stressful conditions and seasonal acclimatization may improve their thermoeffector responses during surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the physiological and perceptual responses of staff who operate on burn injuries during summer and winter, to determine whether they become acclimatized to the heated operating theater. Eight staff members had physiological and perceptual responses compared during burn surgeries conducted in thermoneutral (CON: 24.1 ± 1.2°C, 45 ± 7% relative humidity [RH]) and heated (HOT: 31.3 ± 1.6°C, 44 ± 7% RH) operating theaters, in summer and winter. Physiological parameters that were assessed included core temperature, heart rate, total sweat loss, sweat rate, and urinary specific gravity. Perceptual responses included ratings of thermal sensation and comfort. In summer, CON compared to winter CON, baseline (85 ± 15 bpm VS 94 ± 18 bpm), mean (84 ± 16 bpm VS 93 ± 18 bpm), and peak HR (94 ± 17 bpm VS 105 ± 19 bpm) were lower ( < 0.05), whereas core temperature was not different between seasons in either condition ( > 0.05). In HOT, ratings of discomfort were higher in summer (15 ± 3) than winter (13 ± 3; > 0.05), but ratings of thermal sensation and sweat rate were similar between seasons ( > 0.05). The surgical team in burns in Western Australia can obtain some of the physiological adaptations that result from seasonal acclimatization, but not all. That is most likely due to a lower than required amount of outdoor heat exposure in summer, to induce all physiological and perceptual adaptations.
PubMed: 38846522
DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2023.2281210