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RSC Advances May 2024In this study, a one-pot synthesis of a molybdenum diselenide/nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (MoSe/NGO) composite was demonstrated and used for the fabrication of an...
In this study, a one-pot synthesis of a molybdenum diselenide/nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (MoSe/NGO) composite was demonstrated and used for the fabrication of an electrochemical pH sensor. The MoSe/NGO composite was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. The electrochemical behavior at different pH values was determined by recording the open-circuit potential. When applied for pH detection, the MoSe/NGO modified screen-printed electrode (SPE) showed good linearity with a sensitivity of 61.3 mV pH over a wide pH range of 2-14. In addition, the pH sensor exhibited a remarkably stable response, high reproducibility, and selectivity. The sensor was used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of real food and beverage samples. The results for these samples showed a relative error of less than 10% compared with the results obtained with the commercial pH meter. The portable sensor produced by screen printing electrodes paves the way for the development of simple, cost-effective, real-time, and robust pH sensors for the pH analysis of various sample matrices for clinical diagnostics, biosensing, and cost-effective applications.
PubMed: 38708120
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01708k -
Journal of Translational Medicine May 2024The measurement of the skin carotenoids using the Veggie Meter® has emerged as a rapid objective method for assessing fruit and vegetable intake, highly recommended by...
BACKGROUND
The measurement of the skin carotenoids using the Veggie Meter® has emerged as a rapid objective method for assessing fruit and vegetable intake, highly recommended by the Mediterranean Diet (MD), which represents one of the healthiest dietary patterns, worldwide. This study aimed to examine differences in skin carotenoid content and degree of adherence to the MD pattern between two adult populations from Southern Italy and the Dominican Republic.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 995 adults, 601 subjects from Italy and 394 from the Dominican Republic. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements and skin carotenoid assessment by Veggie Meter®. Adherence to the MD and lifestyle were evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the Mediterranean Lifestyle Index (MEDLIFE) questionnaires. Correlations between the skin carotenoid and MEDAS score were estimated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Multiple linear regression models were created to determine variables that affect skin carotenoid score for both populations.
RESULTS
Mean total skin carotenoids were higher in the Italian compared to the Dominican Republic population (342.4 ± 92.4 vs 282.9 ± 90.3; p < 0.005) regardless of sex (women: 318.5 ± 88.9 vs 277.3 ± 91.9, p < 0.005 and men: 371.7 ± 88.3 vs 289.5 ± 88.1, p < 0.005), and remaining statistically significant after age-adjustment of the Dominican Republic sample. Using the MEDAS questionnaire, we found a higher MD adherence score in the Italian than in the Dominican Republic population also after age-adjusting data (7.8 ± 2.1 vs 6.2 ± 3.7; p < 0.005) and even when categorized by sex (Italian vs age-adjusted Dominican Republic women: 7.9 ± 2.1 vs 6.3 ± 2.6; Italian vs age-adjusted Dominican Republic men: 7.7 ± 2.2 vs 6.0 ± 4.7; p < 0.005). Using the MEDLIFE test, total Italians presented a lower score with respect to the age-adjusted Dominican Republic population (3.2 ± 1.2 vs 3.4 ± 1.4; p < 0.05). In multiple regression analysis, skin carotenoids were associated with sex and negatively associated with BMI in the Italian population (sex: β: 54.95; 95% CI: 40.11, 69.78; p < 0.0001; BMI: β: - 1.60; 95% CI: - 2.98,0.86; p = 0.03), while they resulted associated with age and sex in the Dominican Republic population (age: β: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.92, 3.56; p < 0.001; sex: β: 23.29; 95% CI: 5.93, 40.64; p = 0.009). Interestingly, skin carotenoids were positively correlated with MEDAS score in both populations (Italy: r = 0.03, p < 0.0001, Dominican Republic: r = 0.16, p = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides the assessment of the adherence to the MD and skin carotenoid content in adults living in Southern Italy and the Dominican Republic, showing a higher MD adherence score and a skin carotenoid content in inhabitants from the Mediterranean region. Our findings highlight the need to globally encourage fruit and vegetable intake, particularly in non-Mediterranean area.
Topics: Humans; Italy; Dominican Republic; Carotenoids; Female; Male; Diet, Mediterranean; Adult; Skin; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Patient Compliance; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38704581
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05224-5 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine May 2024Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended for the treatment of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Physical activity is an important health behaviour,...
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended for the treatment of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Physical activity is an important health behaviour, closely linked to survival in people with IPF. Little is known about the impact of virtual (V) PR on physical activity in people with IPF.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the feasibility of conducting a trial to explore effect of virtual PR on objectively measured physical activity in people with IPF.
METHODS
All patients with a diagnosis of IPF in a stable phase of the disease were invited to participate in VPR: a 10 week exercise programme delivered twice-weekly for one hour. Data were collected at baseline (BL) and post VPR (10 weeks): Kings Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (K-BILD), Exercise capacity (6-minute walk test (6MWT) or 1-minute sit-to-stand (STS)) and Physical Activity. Physical activity was measured with a triaxial accelerometer for seven days. Screening, recruitment, adherence and safety data were collected.
RESULTS
68 people were screened for this study. N = 16 participants were recruited to the study. There was one dropout. N = 15 completed VPR. All results reported in mean (standard deviation) (SD). Participants attended 18.1(2.0) of the 20 sessions. No adverse events were detected. The mean age of participants was 71.5(11.5) years, range: 47-95 years; 7 M:9 F. Mean (SD) FEV 2.3(0.3)L, FVC 2.8(0.7)L. No statistically significant changes were observed in outcome measures apart from exercise capacity. Light physical activity increased from 152(69.4) minutes per day (n = 16) to 161.9(88.7) minutes per day (n = 14), mean change (SD) (CI) p-value: 9.9 (39.8) [-12.3 to 30.9] p = 0.4. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity increased from 19.1(18.6) minutes per day (n = 16) to 25.7(28.3) minutes per day (n = 14), mean change (SD) (CI) p-value: 6.7 (15.5) [-2.1 to 15.1] p = 0.1. Step count increased from 3838(2847) steps per day (n = 16) to 4537(3748) steps per day (n = 14), mean change (SD) (CI) p-value: 738 (1916) [-419.3 to 1734.6] p = 0.2. K-BILD (n = 15) increased from 55.1(7.4) at BL to 55.7(7.9) post VPR mean change (SD) [95% confidence interval] (CI) p-value: 1.7(6.5) [-1.7 to 5.3], p = 0.3. 6MWT (n = 5) increased from 361.5(127.1) to 452.2(136.1) meters, mean change (SD) (CI) p-value: 63.7 (48.2) [-3.8 to 123.6], p = 0.04 and 1-minute STS increased from 17.6(3.0) (n = 11) to 23.7(6.3) (n = 10), mean change (SD) (CI) p-value 5.8 (4.6) [2.6 to 9.1], p = 0.003.
CONCLUSION
VPR can improve physical activity in people with IPF. A number of important feasibility issues included recruitment, retention, adherence and safety have been reported which are crucial for future research in this area. A fully powered trial is needed to determine the response of people with IPF to PR with regard to physical activity.
Topics: Humans; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Feasibility Studies; Male; Female; Aged; Exercise; Middle Aged; Exercise Therapy; Walk Test; Exercise Tolerance; Accelerometry
PubMed: 38698361
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03030-9 -
Scientific Data May 2024China, as the world's biggest soybean importer and fourth-largest producer, needs accurate mapping of its planting areas for global food supply stability. The challenge...
China, as the world's biggest soybean importer and fourth-largest producer, needs accurate mapping of its planting areas for global food supply stability. The challenge lies in gathering and collating ground survey data for different crops. We proposed a spatiotemporal migration method leveraging vegetation indices' temporal characteristics. This method uses a feature space of six integrals from the crops' phenological curves and a concavity-convexity index to distinguish soybean and non-soybean samples in cropland. Using a limited number of actual samples and our method, we extracted features from optical time-series images throughout the soybean growing season. The cloud and rain-affected data were supplemented with SAR data. We then used the random forest algorithm for classification. Consequently, we developed the 10-meter resolution ChinaSoybean10 maps for the ten primary soybean-producing provinces from 2019 to 2022. The map showed an overall accuracy of about 93%, aligning significantly with the statistical yearbook data, confirming its reliability. This research aids soybean growth monitoring, yield estimation, strategy development, resource management, and food scarcity mitigation, and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Topics: Glycine max; Crops, Agricultural; China; Spatio-Temporal Analysis; Agriculture
PubMed: 38698022
DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03273-5 -
Journal of Diabetes Science and... May 2024
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Mobile Applications; Medicare; Blood Glucose; Aged; United States; Male; Female; Glycemic Control; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38690684
DOI: 10.1177/19322968241236166 -
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research Apr 2024Digitized assessments have a considerable potential to guide clinicial decision making and monitor progress and disease trajectories. The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) has... (Review)
Review
Digitized assessments have a considerable potential to guide clinicial decision making and monitor progress and disease trajectories. The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) has been long established for assessment in geriatric medicine and instrumented versions (iTUG) have been developed and validated. This scoping review includes studies that applied the iTUG and aims to identify use cases to show where and how iTUG assessment could guide interventions and clinical management. The literature search was limited to peer-reviewed studies that performed pre- and post-intervention measurements with a 3-meter TUG instrumented with body-worn technology in samples of at least 20 subjects aged 60+ years. Of 3018 identified articles 20 were included. Four clinical use cases were identified: stratification for subsequent therapy, monitoring of disease or treatment-associated changes and evaluation of interventions in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (1), and patients with Parkinson's disease (2); monitoring after joint replacement surgery (3), and evaluation after different exercise and rehabilitation interventions (4). The included studies show diversity in terms of iTUG technology and procedures. The identified use cases highlight clinical relevance and high potential for the clinical application of the iTUG. A consensual approach as well as comprehensive reporting would help to further exploit the potential of the iTUG to support clinical management. Future studies should investigate the benefits of segmental iTUG analysis, responsiveness and participants' perspectives on clinically meaningful changes in iTUG.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Geriatric Assessment; Middle Aged; Postural Balance
PubMed: 38676844
DOI: 10.1007/s40520-024-02733-7 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Apr 2024In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of six weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional and psychological outcomes in long-COVID patients. The...
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of six weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional and psychological outcomes in long-COVID patients. The prospective clinical study included 46 patients that were diagnosed with COVID-19. A respiratory rehabilitation program was implemented for six weeks. Further valuables were tested before the beginning of the rehabilitation program (admission) and six weeks after (discharge): SpO, heart rate, respiratory rate, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Borg score, Sit-to-Stand (StS) test number of repetition, distance of 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) 9 score and Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) anxiety score. These parameters were tested before the rehabilitation program on admission and at discharge and after the rehabilitation program on admission and at discharge. The results were presented with standard descriptive and analytical methods. Differences between the continuous variables before and after physical rehabilitation intervention were tested using the Wilcoxon test. Graphical analysis is presented with a box plot. On discharge, in comparison with admission, the values of SpO were significantly lower ( = 0.007) before the 6MWT, and VAS scores were significantly higher ( = 0.036), while after the 6MWT, VAS scores were significantly lower ( < 0.001) as were Borg scores ( = 0.016). On discharge, in comparison with admission, the respiratory rate was significantly higher ( = 0.005) before the StS test, and Borg scores were significantly lower ( = 0.001), while after the StS test, SpO levels were significantly higher ( = 0.036) and VAS scores were significantly lower ( < 0.001), as were Borg scores ( = 0.008). After discharge, the values of the StS test were significantly higher ( = 0.011), PHQ9 scores were significantly lower ( < 0.001) and GAD anxiety scores were significantly lower as well ( = 0.005), while the distances measured in meters on the 6MWT were significantly increased ( < 0.001). A structured rehabilitation program in our study was shown to have beneficial effects on physiological, psychological and functional improvements in patients with long-COVID, and therefore it is advisable for these patients.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Male; Female; Prospective Studies; Middle Aged; Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Treatment Outcome; Walk Test; Anxiety; Adult
PubMed: 38674318
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040671 -
Renal Failure Dec 2024Urinary Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 14 (CCL14) is a biomarker associated with persistent severe acute kidney injury (AKI). There is limited data to support the...
BACKGROUND
Urinary Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 14 (CCL14) is a biomarker associated with persistent severe acute kidney injury (AKI). There is limited data to support the implementation of this AKI biomarker to guide therapeutic actions.
METHODS
Sixteen AKI experts with clinical CCL14 experience participated in a Delphi-based method to reach consensus on when and how to potentially use CCL14. Consensus was defined as ≥ 80% agreement (participants answered with 'Yes', or three to four points on a five-point Likert Scale).
RESULTS
Key consensus areas for CCL14 test implementation were: identifying challenges and mitigations, developing a comprehensive protocol and pairing it with a treatment plan, and defining the target population. The majority agreed that CCL14 results can help to prioritize AKI management decisions. CCL14 levels above the high cutoff (> 13 ng/mL) significantly changed the level of concern for modifying the AKI treatment plan ( < 0.001). The highest level of concern to modify the treatment plan was for discussions on renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation for CCL14 levels > 13 ng/mL. The level of concern for discussion on RRT initiation between High and Low, and between Medium and Low CCL14 levels, showed significant differences.
CONCLUSION
Real world urinary CCL14 use appears to provide improved care options to patients at risk for persistent severe AKI. Experts believe there is a role for CCL14 in AKI management and it may potentially reduce AKI-disease burden. There is, however, an urgent need for evidence on treatment decisions and adjustments based on CCL14 results.
Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Humans; Biomarkers; Delphi Technique; Renal Replacement Therapy; Consensus; Chemokines, CC; Europe
PubMed: 38666354
DOI: 10.1080/0886022X.2024.2345747 -
Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jun 2024Use of propellants with high global warming potential (such as HFA-134a) for pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) is being phased down. Switching to dry-powder... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Evaluating the pharmacokinetics of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium bromide delivered via pressurised metered-dose inhaler using a low global warming potential propellant.
INTRODUCTION
Use of propellants with high global warming potential (such as HFA-134a) for pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) is being phased down. Switching to dry-powder inhalers may not be clinically feasible for all patients; an alternative is reformulation using propellants with low global warming potential. The combination of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium bromide (BDP/FF/GB) is available for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via pMDI using HFA-134a as propellant. This is being reformulated using the low global warming potential propellant HFA-152a. This manuscript reports three studies comparing BDP/FF/GB pharmacokinetics delivered via pMDI using HFA-152a vs HFA-134a.
METHODS
The studies were four-way crossover, single-dose, randomised, double-blind, in healthy volunteers. In Studies 1 and 2, subjects inhaled four puffs of BDP/FF/GB (Study 1: 100/6/12.5 μg [medium-strength BDP]; Study 2: 200/6/12.5 μg [high-strength]), ingesting activated charcoal in two of the periods (once per propellant). In Study 3, subjects inhaled medium- and high-strength BDP/FF/GB using a spacer. All three studies compared HFA-152a vs HFA-134a in terms of lung availability and total systemic exposure of beclometasone-17-monopropionate (B17MP; active metabolite of BDP), BDP, formoterol and GB. Bioequivalence was concluded if the 90 % confidence intervals (CIs) of the ratios between formulations of the geometric mean maximum plasma concentration (C) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve between time zero and the last quantifiable timepoint (AUC) for the analytes were between 80 and 125 %.
RESULTS
In Studies 1 and 2, systemic exposure bioequivalence (i.e., comparisons without charcoal block) was demonstrated, except for GB C in Study 2 (upper 90 % CI 125.11 %). For lung availability (i.e., comparisons with charcoal block), B17MP and formoterol demonstrated bioequivalence in both studies, as did BDP in Study 2; in Study 1, BDP upper CIs were 126.96 % for C and 127.34 % for AUC). In Study 1, GB AUC lower CI was 74.54 %; in Study 2 upper limits were 135.64 % for C and 129.12 % for AUC. In Study 3, the bioequivalence criteria were met for BDP, B17MP and formoterol with both BDP/FF/GB strengths, and were met for GB AUC, although not for C. Both formulations were similarly well tolerated in all three studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, while formal bioequivalence cannot be concluded for all analytes, these data suggest therapeutic equivalence of the new formulation with the existing BDP/FF/GB pMDI formulation, therefore supporting reformulation using a propellant with low global warming potential.
Topics: Beclomethasone; Humans; Formoterol Fumarate; Metered Dose Inhalers; Cross-Over Studies; Male; Glycopyrrolate; Drug Combinations; Administration, Inhalation; Adult; Double-Blind Method; Female; Aerosol Propellants; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Area Under Curve; Therapeutic Equivalency; Bronchodilator Agents; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Fluorocarbons
PubMed: 38663512
DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2024.102299 -
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory... 2024Severe coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) causes acute hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Once these symptoms are resolved,... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Severe coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) causes acute hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Once these symptoms are resolved, patients can present systemic deterioration.
OBJECTIVE
The two objectives of this study were as follows: to describe the results of a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP), which is divided into three groups with different numbers of sessions (12, 24, and 36), and to associate the variables of pulmonary function, exercise performance, and functionality with the number of sessions and functional improvement.
DESIGN
Prospective, observational study.
METHODS
PRP consisted of aerobic + strength + flexibility exercises under the supervision and individualized into 12, 24, or 36 sessions (12s, 24s, and 36s), depending on the evolution of each patient. At the beginning of the study and immediately after the intervention, forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal inspiratory pressure, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), sit-to-stand test (STS), maximal handgrip strength (HGS), Fatigue Assessment Scale, Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were measured.
RESULTS
The proposed PRP demonstrated a positive effect on pulmonary function, exercise performance, and HRQoL, regardless of the number of sessions. A higher score on the PCFS and more days on IMV were associated with the increased likelihood of needing more sessions, whereas more meters on the 6MWT in the initial evaluation was associated with a reduced likelihood of needing more sessions. Finally, more repetitions on the STS and less distance covered on the initial 6MWT were associated with a greater improvement in exercise performance evaluated with the 6MWT.
CONCLUSION
Supervised and individualized PRP for patients with severe post-COVID-19 improves pulmonary function, exercise performance, functionality, and quality of life. Functionality, distance covered on the 6MWT, and the days on IMV are central to the scheduling of the number of sessions for these patients.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; COVID-19; Prospective Studies; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Exercise Therapy; Lung; Exercise Tolerance; Respiratory Function Tests; Treatment Outcome; Recovery of Function; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors
PubMed: 38660953
DOI: 10.1177/17534666231212431