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ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Apr 2024In clinical settings, saliva has been established as a straightforward, noninvasive medium for diagnosing periodontitis. However, the precise diagnosis is often hampered...
In clinical settings, saliva has been established as a straightforward, noninvasive medium for diagnosing periodontitis. However, the precise diagnosis is often hampered by the absence of a specialized analyzer capable of detecting low concentrations of biomarkers typically found in saliva. In this study, we present a noninvasive, on-site screen-printed biomicrochip specifically engineered for the precise and sensitive quantification of lactate concentrations in saliva, a critical biomarker in the diagnosis of periodontitis. The microchip is constructed using a nanostructured ink formulation that includes MnFe@N-doped carbon nanotubes (MnFe@N-CNTs). These MnFe@N-CNTs exhibit a high degree of graphitization and low electrical resistance, significantly augmenting the electrocatalytic efficiency of the enzymatic reaction of lactate. This results in doubled sensitivity and a detection limit that surpasses those of the current advanced salivary assay methods. Remarkably, within just 30 s, the biomicrochip can quantitatively and precisely measure lactate concentrations in the saliva of 10 patients, which provides valuable insights into the severity of their periodontitis. This biosensor holds excellent potential for large-scale production and could broaden the scope of biomarker recognition, paving the way for the analysis of a wider range of oral diseases.
PubMed: 38593051
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c00979 -
Optimizing Binding Site Spacing in Fluidic Self-Assembly for Enhanced Microchip Integration Density.Micromachines Feb 2024This manuscript presents a comprehensive study on the assembly of microchips using fluidic self-assembly (FSA) technology, with a focus on optimizing the spacing between...
This manuscript presents a comprehensive study on the assembly of microchips using fluidic self-assembly (FSA) technology, with a focus on optimizing the spacing between binding sites to improve yield and assembly. Through a series of experiments, we explored the assembly of microchips on substrates with varying binding site spacings, revealing the impact of spacing on the rate of undesired chip assembly across multiple sites. Our findings indicate a significant reduction in incorrect assembly rates as the spacing increases beyond a critical threshold of 140 μm. This study delves into the mechanics of chip alignment within the fluid medium, hypothesizing that the extent of the alloy's grip on the chips at different spacings influences assembly outcomes. By analyzing cases of undesired assembly, we identified the relationship between binding site spacing and the area of chip contact, demonstrating a decrease in the combined left and right areas of chips as the spacing increases. The results highlight a critical spacing threshold, which, when optimized, could significantly enhance the efficiency and precision of microchip assembly processes using FSA technology. This research contributes to the field of microcomponent assembly, offering insights into achieving higher integration densities and precision in applications, such as microLED displays and augmented reality (AR) devices.
PubMed: 38542547
DOI: 10.3390/mi15030300 -
Cureus Jan 2024Fistula formation between the urinary tract and the arterial system is very rare, and usually involves the ureter and the adjacent iliac vessels. Communication of the...
Fistula formation between the urinary tract and the arterial system is very rare, and usually involves the ureter and the adjacent iliac vessels. Communication of the ureter with the aorta has been described a few times worldwide, and most of them had a fatal outcome. In our case, a 79-year-old man had a history of total cystectomy for malignancy and diversion of both ureters to a single site in the right hypogastrium with the left one crossing over the aorta. He was admitted elsewhere several times for intermittent hematuria, and four months ago the diagnosis of communication of the left ureter with a mycotic aortic pseudoaneurysm was made. He was then referred to an interventional radiologist who sealed the communication. He was admitted to our hospital four months later in a state of hypovolemic shock and massive hematuria. In lack of information, it seemed to us that he had been treated with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for uretero-aortic communication, and was experiencing a regression because of endoleak formation. We attempted to treat him as type I endoleak with a proximal extension, and upon failure, with distal extensions, but finally we had to 'build' the entire previous graft from the inside to achieve hemodynamic stability. Our patient remained stable, without endoleak on the post-intervention computed tomography angiography (CTA). Post-operatively, we discovered that the initial operation was the formation of a bifurcated graft with multiple bare stents and coil embolization through them. This was done in an attempt to avoid material infection by the mycotic aneurysm. This is an example of a case where 'things got rough' in a lack of information on patients' medical records. Maybe the time has come to adopt the concept of implanting microchips into humans which would enable doctors to access their medical records. This will only serve as a tool for the benefit of the suffering patients, especially when we are dealing with life-threatening situations with no time to be lost.
PubMed: 38425616
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53215 -
Mikrochimica Acta Dec 2023A novel determination method for protein biomarkers based on on-chip flow rate measurement was developed using a microchip with organic photodiodes (OPDs). This...
A novel determination method for protein biomarkers based on on-chip flow rate measurement was developed using a microchip with organic photodiodes (OPDs). This quantitative method is based on the flow rate measurement of an ink solution pushed out by oxygen gas generated through catalase reaction. The amount of oxygen gas generated in the sample reservoir is dependent on the concentration of the analyte; therefore, the flow rate of the ink solution is also dependent on the concentration of the analyte. The concentration of the analyte can thus be estimated by measurement of the ink solution flow rate. The ink solution flow rate was estimated by measuring the migration time of the ink solution between two points using two OPDs placed below the microchannel. The principle of this method was demonstrated by the measurement of catalase using the microchip. In addition, the developed method was applied to the determination of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation, based on a catalase-linked immunosorbent assay (C-LISA). The limit of detection for CRP was 0.20 µg/mL. The method was also applied to the determination of CRP in human serum, and the quantitative values obtained by this method were in excellent agreement with those obtained by the conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The developed method does not require a photodetector with high sensitivity and is thus capable of downsizing; therefore, this will be useful for on-site analyses such as point-of-care testing and field measurements.
Topics: Humans; C-Reactive Protein; Catalase; Oxygen; Ink; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38091091
DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-06108-z -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Sep 2023: is a prevalent bacterium capable of inducing various infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and surgical site... (Review)
Review
: is a prevalent bacterium capable of inducing various infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and surgical site infections. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in , particularly methicillin-resistant , has raised substantial concerns within global healthcare settings. Prior to antibiotic prescription, the ideal approach is antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST); however, this is frequently perceived as excessively complex and time-intensive. Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology holds promise in addressing these challenges and advancing fundamental microbiological research while also aiding in the development of therapeutic strategies. This systematic review aims to evaluate the potential utility of LOC for AST of . : This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Various databases, including SCOPUS, PubMed/MEDLINE, SCIELO, and LILACS, in addition to gray literature sources, were employed in the review process. : Sixteen studies were included in this systematic review. All these studies detailed the effectiveness, rapidity, and predictability of LOC systems for assessing susceptibility to various antibiotics. When comparing the LOC approach to traditional manual methods, it was evident that LOC requires a minimal quantity of reagents. Furthermore, most studies reported that the entire LOC procedure took 10 min to 7 h, with results being equally accurate as those obtained through traditional AST protocols. : The potential application of LOC for AST of is emphasized by its ability to provide rapid access to minimum inhibitory concentration data, which can substantially aid in selecting the most suitable antibiotics and dosages for treating challenging infections caused by this microorganism. Moreover, the rapid AST facilitated by LOC holds promise for enhancing the appropriateness and efficacy of therapy in clinical settings.
Topics: Humans; Staphylococcus aureus; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Staphylococcal Infections; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
PubMed: 37893437
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101719 -
Journal of the American Animal Hospital... Jul 2023Two cats were presented with acute left-sided paresis after implantation of a microchip at the referring veterinary clinic. Neurological examinations were consistent...
Two cats were presented with acute left-sided paresis after implantation of a microchip at the referring veterinary clinic. Neurological examinations were consistent with left-sided lesions between spinal cord segments C1 and C5. Orthogonal radiographs of the cervical spine showed a microchip dorsoventrally oriented, partially embedded in the cervical vertebral canal. Fluoroscopy was used to localize and retrieve the foreign body from the cervical spinal cord in each case. Improvement in clinical condition and return to ambulation was observed in both cats within 48 hr of surgical removal of the implant. No significant perioperative adverse events were noted during the surgical retrieval of the microchip. Two previously reported cases of intraspinal canal microchip placement had been treated surgically by hemilaminectomy. This approach carries a risk of complications, including hemorrhage from the venous sinus, iatrogenic damage to the spinal cord, and improper identification of the surgical site, requires advanced surgical training, and typically has an extended surgical time. The use of fluoroscopy to assist intraoperative localization of a spinal canal foreign body may lessen the requirement for more invasive surgical procedures.
Topics: Animals; Fluoroscopy; Spinal Cord; Cervical Vertebrae; Foreign Bodies; Spinal Canal
PubMed: 37432786
DOI: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7356 -
Journal of Chromatography. A Aug 2023Micro gas chromatography (μGC) using microfabricated silicon columns has been developed in response to the requirement for portable on-site gas analysis. Although...
Micro gas chromatography (μGC) using microfabricated silicon columns has been developed in response to the requirement for portable on-site gas analysis. Although different stationary phases have been developed, repeatable and reliable surface coatings in these rather small microcolumns remains a challenge. Herein, a new stationary phase coating strategy using magnetic beads (MBs) as carriers for micro column is presented. MBs modified with organopolysiloxane (MBs@OV-1) and a metal organic framework (MBs@HKUST-1) are deposited in on-chip microcolumns assisted with a magnetic field with an optimized modification process. MBs@OV-1 column showed a minimum HETP of 0.074 cm (1351 plates/m) of 62 cm/s. Mixtures of volatile organic compounds are successfully separated using MBs carried stationary phase which demonstrates that this technique has good chromatographic column efficiency. This method not only provides a novel coating process, washing and characterization of the stationary phases but also establishes a straightforward strategy for testing new absorbent materials for μGC systems.
Topics: Metal-Organic Frameworks; Chromatography, Gas; Silicon; Dimethylpolysiloxanes; Magnetic Phenomena
PubMed: 37423078
DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464188 -
Biochip Journal Apr 2023A novel integrated detection system that introduces a paper-chip-based molecular detection strategy into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchip and temperature control...
UNLABELLED
A novel integrated detection system that introduces a paper-chip-based molecular detection strategy into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchip and temperature control system was developed for on-site colorimetric detection of DNA. For the paper chip-based detection strategy, a padlock probe DNA (PLP)-mediated rolling circle amplification (RCA) reaction for signal amplification and a radial flow assay according to the Au-probe labeling strategy for visualization were optimized and applied for DNA detection. In the PDMS chip, the reactions for ligation of target-dependent PLP, RCA, and labeling were performed one-step under isothermal temperature in a single chamber, and one drop of the final reaction solution was loaded onto the paper chip to form a radial colorimetric signal. To create an optimal analysis environment, not only the optimization of molecular reactions for DNA detection but also the chamber shape of the PDMS chip and temperature control system were successfully verified. Our results indicate that a detection limit of 14.7 nM of DNA was achieved, and non-specific DNAs with a single-base mismatch at the target DNA were selectively discriminated. This integrated detection system can be applied not only for single nucleotide polymorphism identification, but also for pathogen gene detection. The adoption of inexpensive paper and PDMS chips allows the fabrication of cost-effective detection systems. Moreover, it is very suitable for operation in various resource-limited locations by adopting a highly portable and user-friendly detection method that minimizes the use of large and expensive equipment.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13206-023-00101-7.
PubMed: 37363267
DOI: 10.1007/s13206-023-00101-7 -
The Veterinary Record Nov 2023Increased dog relocation can cause dissemination of pathogen and vector populations, and this is being recognised in countries across Northern Europe, including the UK....
BACKGROUND
Increased dog relocation can cause dissemination of pathogen and vector populations, and this is being recognised in countries across Northern Europe, including the UK. Data regarding the prevalence of exotic infections in dogs entering the UK would be beneficial to veterinarians to help assess pets entering the UK from abroad and to help calculate the risk of establishment of novel pathogens. This study reports the findings from a group of imported dogs that was seized as part of a Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)-led animal welfare investigation and subsequently blood tested for exotic pathogens.
METHODS
As part of the RSPCA investigation, 151 dogs were removed from the site. Blood tests were performed for Babesia canis, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis and Leishmania infantum by PCR, Brucella canis by antibody serology and Dirofilaria immitis by blood antigen. In addition to pathogen screening, a serology titre for rabies was measured for each dog. A clinical examination was performed by a veterinary surgeon, and clinical signs were recorded.
RESULTS
Overall, 24% (32/133) of the dogs tested positive for an infection with one or more exotic pathogens. Two dogs were positive for Br. canis antibodies and had no clinical signs indicative of infection. Leishmania was identified in 10.5% (14/133) of dogs, and all but two of these were implanted with microchips of Romanian origin. H. canis was identified in 9.6% (10/104) of dogs, all of whom had a Romanian microchip. D. immitis was identified in 4.1% (5/121) of dogs, B. canis in 2.3% (3/129) of dogs and E. canis in only 1.5% (2/131) of dogs tested. Only four dogs were found to have co-infections. No significant association was found between the pathogens detected and presenting clinical signs.
LIMITATIONS
This was a group of rescued dogs that were tested for a range of pathogens. They were not randomly selected and as such do not represent the true prevalence of these pathogens in dogs imported into the UK.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates a range of exotic pathogens entering the UK, including Br. canis, and demonstrates the importance of screening imported dogs. The emphasis on early recognition of exotic pathogens in imported dogs has relied on screening based on relevant clinical signs and the country of origin. While these factors are useful, this study demonstrated no significant association between presenting clinical signs and the pathogens carried.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Europe; Leishmania infantum; Babesia; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37183184
DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2996 -
Scientific Reports May 2023It is estimated that carbon emissions should reach net-zero by 2050 to meet important climate targets. Carbon capture is likely necessary to reach these targets,...
It is estimated that carbon emissions should reach net-zero by 2050 to meet important climate targets. Carbon capture is likely necessary to reach these targets, requiring a long-term storage solution such as geological carbon sequestration. However, as with any subsurface activity, leakage can occur, potentially impacting groundwater quality near the storage site. Rapid detection is essential to mitigate damage to this resource. Since CO will acidify groundwater, the concentrations of acid soluble minerals and associated cations will increase. Thus, an in-situ, real-time element analysis system based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is under development to monitor these elements. The system splits the traditional LIBS system into a miniature, all-optical sensor head built around a passively Q-switch laser fiber coupled to a control unit. Previous work has validated the LIBS technique for use at high pressure as well as the split system design. In this work, a fieldable prototype sensor is developed and tested in an onsite monitoring well where trace elements concentrations (approx. 0-3 ppm) were tracked over 20 days. These concentrations varied in response to local rainfall, diluting with increased rain, demonstrating the ability of a LIBS-based sensor to track trace elements under real-world conditions.
PubMed: 37160918
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32788-x