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Scientific Reports Mar 2019There is a great interest in low-cost, versatile microfluidic platforms of which the fabrication processes are rapid, straightforward, and translatable to industrial...
There is a great interest in low-cost, versatile microfluidic platforms of which the fabrication processes are rapid, straightforward, and translatable to industrial mass productions. In addition, it is beneficial for microfluidic devices to be reconfigurable in the field, so that multiple functions can be realized by a minimum number of devices. Here, we present a versatile acrylic-tape platform which allows highly accessible rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices, as well as device reconfiguration to realize different functions. The clean-room-free fabrication and sealing process only requires a laser cutter, acrylic, and tapes and can be done by an untrained person in the field. We experimentally characterized the relationship between the capillary flow speed and the channel height, the latter of which can be well controlled by the fabrication process. Reconfiguration of microfluidic functions was demonstrated on a single acrylic-tape device, thanks to the reversible sealing enabled by functional tapes. Different pumping mechanisms, including on-chip pumps for better portability and syringe pumps for precise fluid control, have been employed for the demonstration of two-phase flow and droplet generation, respectively. The low-cost and versatile acrylic-tape microfluidic devices are promising tools for applications in a wide range of fields, especially for point-of-care biomedical and clinical applications.
PubMed: 30886239
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41208-y -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022The role of humidity sensors in different industries and field applications, such as agriculture, food monitoring, biomedical equipment, heating, and ventilation, is...
The role of humidity sensors in different industries and field applications, such as agriculture, food monitoring, biomedical equipment, heating, and ventilation, is well known. However, most commercially available humidity sensors are based on polymers or electronic materials that are not degradable and thus contribute to electronic waste. Here, we report a low-cost, flexible, easy-to-fabricate, and eco-friendly parallel-plate capacitive humidity sensor for field applications. The sensor is fabricated from copper tape and tissue paper, where copper tape is used to create the plates of the capacitor, and tissue paper is used as a dielectric sensing layer. Along with the low cost, the high sensitivity, better response and recovery times, stability, and repeatability make this sensor unique. The sensor was tested for relative humidity (RH), ranging from 40% to 99%, and the capacitance varied linearly with RH from 240 pF to 720 pF, as measured by an Arduino. The response time of the sensor is ~1.5 s, and the recovery time is ~2.2 s. The experiment was performed 4-5 times on the same sensor, and repeatable results were achieved with an accuracy of ±0.1%. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits a stable response when tested at different temperatures. Due to the above advantages, the presented sensor can find ready applications in different areas.
Topics: Humidity; Copper; Electric Capacitance; Electronics; Polymers
PubMed: 36298240
DOI: 10.3390/s22207885 -
Biomaterials Science Dec 2021We describe the synthesis of poly(glycidyl acetate--glycidyl butyrate carbonate)s the terpolymerization of glycidyl acetate (GA), glycidyl butyrate (GB), and CO by a...
We describe the synthesis of poly(glycidyl acetate--glycidyl butyrate carbonate)s the terpolymerization of glycidyl acetate (GA), glycidyl butyrate (GB), and CO by a cobalt salen complex in high atom economy. These new non-cytotoxic polycarbonates are pressure-sensitive adhesives, and peel testing shows the adhesive strength ranges from Scotch-Tape® to hot-melt glues based on glycidyl butyrate content. The tunable adherence, benign degradation products, and facile application and removal suggest their utility as temporary adhesives, such as those used in biomedical applications or medical devices. One polymer, (GA--GB)-87, exhibits the proper adhesive strength to sufficiently adhere a collagen buttress to the jaws of a steel surgical stapler and easily release the buttress after firing to successfully cut, close, and implant the buttress into lung tissue in an sheep model.
Topics: Adhesives; Animals; Cobalt; Glycerol; Materials Testing; Polymers; Sheep; Tissue Adhesives
PubMed: 34787119
DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00995h -
Current Protocols Mar 2021Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium that colonizes almost every organ in humans and mice and is a leading cause of diseases worldwide. S. aureus...
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium that colonizes almost every organ in humans and mice and is a leading cause of diseases worldwide. S. aureus infections can be challenging to treat due to widespread antibiotic resistance and their ability to cause tissue damage. The primary modes of transmission of S. aureus are via direct contact with a colonized or infected individual or invasive spread from a colonization niche in the same individual. S. aureus can cause a myriad of diseases, including skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), osteomyelitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, and sepsis. S. aureus infection is characterized by the formation of purulent lesions known as abscesses, which are rich in live and dead neutrophils, macrophages, and surrounded by a capsule containing fibrin and collagen. Different strains of S. aureus produce varying amounts of toxins that evade and/or elicit immune responses. Therefore, animal models of S. aureus infection provide a unique opportunity to understand the dynamics of organ-specific immune responses and modifications in the pathogen that could favor the establishment of the pathogen. With advances in in vivo imaging of fluorescent transgenic mice, combined with fluorescent/bioluminescent bacteria, we can use mouse models to better understand the immune response to these types of infections. By understanding the host and bacterial dynamics within various organ systems, we can develop therapeutics to eliminate these pathogens. This module describes in vivo mouse models of both local and systemic S. aureus infection. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Murine model of Staphylococcus aureus subcutaneous infection Alternate Protocol: Murine tape stripping skin infection model Basic Protocol 2: Sample collection to determine skin structure, production of inflammatory mediators, and bacterial load Basic Protocol 3: Murine model of post-traumatic Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis Basic Protocol 4: Intravenous infection of the retro-orbital sinus Support Protocol: Preparation of the bacterial inoculum.
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Soft Tissue Infections; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus
PubMed: 33656290
DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.52 -
Nature Communications Dec 2021Fast and strong bio-adhesives are in high demand for many biomedical applications, including closing wounds in surgeries, fixing implantable devices, and haemostasis....
Fast and strong bio-adhesives are in high demand for many biomedical applications, including closing wounds in surgeries, fixing implantable devices, and haemostasis. However, most strong bio-adhesives rely on the instant formation of irreversible covalent crosslinks to provide strong surface binding. Repositioning misplaced adhesives during surgical operations may cause severe secondary damage to tissues. Here, we report hydrogel tapes that can form strong physical interactions with tissues in seconds and gradually form covalent bonds in hours. This timescale-dependent adhesion mechanism allows instant and robust wet adhesion to be combined with fault-tolerant convenient surgical operations. Specifically, inspired by the catechol chemistry discovered in mussel foot proteins, we develop an electrical oxidation approach to controllably oxidize catechol to catecholquinone, which reacts slowly with amino groups on the tissue surface. We demonstrate that the tapes show fast and reversible adhesion at the initial stage and ultrastrong adhesion after the formation of covalent linkages over hours for various tissues and electronic devices. Given that the hydrogel tapes are biocompatible, easy to use, and robust for bio-adhesion, we anticipate that they may find broad biomedical and clinical applications.
Topics: Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Bivalvia; Catechols; Hydrogels; Oxidation-Reduction; Surgical Tape; Tissue Adhesions; Tissue Adhesives
PubMed: 34887418
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27529-5 -
BMC Sports Science, Medicine &... Jul 2021The fact that kinesio tape may be capable to enhance muscle power would qualify it as practical tool to be considered during passive warm-up (WU) or coupled with active...
BACKGROUND
The fact that kinesio tape may be capable to enhance muscle power would qualify it as practical tool to be considered during passive warm-up (WU) or coupled with active WU processes prior to power-based performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the single and combined effect of kinesio tape (KT) and WU on sprint cycling performance.
METHODS
In a repeated measure design, fifteen participants underwent six sessions to assess sprint cycling performance involving a combination of three taping conditions (without KT: NoKT; with KT positioned vertically over the thigh muscles KT; with KT positioned horizontally over the thigh muscles: Sham) with two pre-exercise routines (with WU: WU; without WU: NoWU) in a randomized order. Allometric scaling of peak power (PP) and average power (AP) values were considered for each sprint.
RESULTS
KT-WU demonstrated the highest PP and AP with respect to the other conditions (p < 0.05), except for AP that was similar to Sham-WU (p > 0.05). Moreover, NoKT-NoWU showed the lowest PP and AP with respect to the other conditions (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, our findings suggest that kinesio tape might be a possible tool to be combined with an active WU routine, inducing benefit on sprint performance. Moreover, KT may be considered a potential strategy to include within a passive WU, perhaps where an active WU is not feasible. However, as the influence of KT on muscle function is still unclear, our results should not be overinterpreted.
PubMed: 34311773
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-021-00310-3 -
Biosensors Dec 2021Conventional sample preparation techniques require bulky and expensive instruments and are not compatible with next-generation point-of-care diagnostic testing. Here, we...
Conventional sample preparation techniques require bulky and expensive instruments and are not compatible with next-generation point-of-care diagnostic testing. Here, we report a manually operated syringe-tip inertial microfluidic centrifuge (named i-centrifuge) for high-flow-rate (up to 16 mL/min) cell concentration and experimentally demonstrate its working mechanism and performance. Low-cost polymer films and double-sided tape were used through a rapid nonclean-room process of laser cutting and lamination bonding to construct the key components of the i-centrifuge, which consists of a syringe-tip flow stabilizer and a four-channel paralleled inertial microfluidic concentrator. The unstable liquid flow generated by the manual syringe was regulated and stabilized with the flow stabilizer to power inertial focusing in a four-channel paralleled concentrator. Finally, we successfully used our i-centrifuge for manually operated cell concentration. This i-centrifuge offers the advantages of low device cost, simple hand-powered operation, high-flow-rate processing, and portable device volume. Therefore, it holds potential as a low-cost, portable sample preparation tool for point-of-care diagnostic testing.
Topics: Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Microfluidics; Polymers; Syringes
PubMed: 35049644
DOI: 10.3390/bios12010014 -
BMC Veterinary Research Jul 2022Monitoring changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass is frequently used as a surrogate marker for limb function. The primary objective of this study was to review... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Monitoring changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass is frequently used as a surrogate marker for limb function. The primary objective of this study was to review scientific information related to the assessment of appendicular skeletal muscle mass in dogs. The secondary objective was to develop practical recommendations for serial evaluation of muscle mass.
METHODS
A scoping review was conducted with a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, CAB abstract, and Cochrane from inception to June 2021. The following modalities were included in the search: limb circumference, diagnostic ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
RESULTS
A total of 62 articles that measured appendicular skeletal muscle mass in dogs were identified. Limb circumference (55 articles) was the most commonly used modality. Its reliability was investigated in five studies. Several factors, including measuring tape type, body position, joint angles, and the presence of hair coat, were reported as variables that can affect measurements. Diagnostic ultrasound (five articles) was validated in three articles, but there is scarce information about observer reliability and variables affecting the measurement. Computed tomography (four articles) and magnetic resonance imaging (one article) have been used to validate other modalities at a single time point rather than as a clinical tool for serial muscle mass monitoring. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (two articles) has been used to quantify specific skeletal muscle mass but was mainly used to evaluate body composition in dogs.
CONCLUSION
Limb circumference and ultrasound are likely the main modalities that will continue to be used for serial muscle mass measurement in the clinical setting unless a new technology is developed. The reliability of limb circumference is questionable. Several key factors, including measuring tape type, body position, joint angles, and coat clipping, need to be controlled to improve the reliability of limb circumference measurements. Ultrasound may provide a reasonable alternative, but further studies are required to evaluate the reliability of this modality and identify factors that influence ultrasound measurements.
Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Animals; Body Composition; Dogs; Muscle, Skeletal; Reproducibility of Results; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 35842654
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03367-5 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2020Inertial microfluidics has been broadly investigated, resulting in the development of various applications, mainly for particle or cell separation. Lateral migrations of...
Inertial microfluidics has been broadly investigated, resulting in the development of various applications, mainly for particle or cell separation. Lateral migrations of these particles within a microchannel strictly depend on the channel design and its cross-section. Nonetheless, the fabrication of these microchannels is a continuous challenging issue for the microfluidic community, where the most studied channel cross-sections are limited to only rectangular and more recently trapezoidal microchannels. As a result, a huge amount of potential remains intact for other geometries with cross-sections difficult to fabricate with standard microfabrication techniques. In this study, by leveraging on benefits of additive manufacturing, we have proposed a new method for the fabrication of inertial microfluidic devices. In our proposed workflow, parts are first printed via a high-resolution DLP/SLA 3D printer and then bonded to a transparent PMMA sheet using a double-coated pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. Using this method, we have fabricated and tested a plethora of existing inertial microfluidic devices, whether in a single or multiplexed manner, such as straight, spiral, serpentine, curvilinear, and contraction-expansion arrays. Our characterizations using both particles and cells revealed that the produced chips could withstand a pressure up to 150 psi with minimum interference of the tape to the total functionality of the device and viability of cells. As a showcase of the versatility of our method, we have proposed a new spiral microchannel with right-angled triangular cross-section which is technically impossible to fabricate using the standard lithography. We are of the opinion that the method proposed in this study will open the door for more complex geometries with the bespoke passive internal flow. Furthermore, the proposed fabrication workflow can be adopted at the production level, enabling large-scale manufacturing of inertial microfluidic devices.
PubMed: 32246111
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62569-9 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2022Scapular prostheses are useful in shoulder stability after shoulder girdle resection for malignant bone tumors; however, they are difficult to obtain in Japan....
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Scapular prostheses are useful in shoulder stability after shoulder girdle resection for malignant bone tumors; however, they are difficult to obtain in Japan. Therefore, other methods must be considered, depending on the extent of resection. We report a case in which a clavicle-locking plate, Nesplon tape, and a proximal humeral prosthesis were used to ensure shoulder stability and preserve stable upper limb function.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 56-year-old man presented with a large mass and edema over the entire right scapula, which caused severe pain, limited the shoulder's range of motion, and impaired function of the entire upper extremity. Clinical imaging and pathological findings indicated a diagnosis of conventional chondrosarcoma. Using the Malawer technique type IVB, we resected the shoulder girdle and secured shoulder stability with a clavicle-locking plate, Nesplon tape, and a proximal humeral prosthesis. To evaluate the patient, we obtained his Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores 3 months postoperatively.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
To preserve the function of the patient's elbow and hand, the stability of his shoulder was important. We could achieve this stability by using a prosthesis available in Japan. The patient's MSTT and DASH scores improved remarkably.
CONCLUSION
A clavicle-locking plate, Nesplon tape, and a proximal humeral prosthesis can be used to ensure shoulder stability after scapular girdle resection and can preserve or improve upper limb function.
PubMed: 35598340
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107189