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International Journal of Infectious... Nov 2017
PubMed: 28935243
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2017.09.006 -
Micron (Oxford, England : 1993) Jun 2014Groundbreaking advances in volume electron microscopy and specimen preparation are enabling the 3-dimensional visualisation of specimens with unprecedented detail, and... (Review)
Review
Groundbreaking advances in volume electron microscopy and specimen preparation are enabling the 3-dimensional visualisation of specimens with unprecedented detail, and driving a gratifying resurgence of interest in the ultrastructural examination of cellular systems. Serial section techniques, previously the domain of specialists, are becoming increasingly automated with the development of systems such as the automatic tape-collecting ultramicrotome, and serial blockface and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopes. These changes are rapidly broadening the scope of biomedical studies to which volume electron microscopy techniques can be applied beyond the brain. Further innovations in microscope design are also in the pipeline, which have the potential to enhance the speed and quality of data collection. The recent introduction of integrated light and electron microscopy systems will revolutionise correlative light and volume electron microscopy studies, by enabling the sequential collection of data from light and electron imaging modalities without intermediate specimen manipulation. In doing so, the acquisition of comprehensive functional information and direct correlation with ultrastructural details within a 3-dimensional reference space will become routine. The prospects for volume electron microscopy are therefore bright, and the stage is set for a challenging and exciting future.
Topics: Brain; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Microscopy, Electron; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
PubMed: 24792442
DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2014.01.009 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2018Static taping of the ankle or knee joint is a common method of reducing risk of injury by providing mechanical stability. An alternative taping technique employs...
Static taping of the ankle or knee joint is a common method of reducing risk of injury by providing mechanical stability. An alternative taping technique employs kinesiology tape, which has the additional benefit of improving functionality by stimulating proprioception. There is substantial disagreement whether kinesiology tape shows significant differences in proprioception and postural stability as compared to rigid/static tape when applied at the lower limb. The current study investigated the effects of kinesiology tape and static tape during a Y Balance Test on center of mass as an indicator for postural stability. Forty-one individuals, free of injury, performed the Y Balance Test under the three conditions; no tape, kinesiology tape, and static tape applied at the lower limb to the quadriceps, triceps surae and ankle joint. All participants completed the Y Balance Test to determine whether any significant differences could be observed using center of mass movement as a surrogate measure for balance and proprioception. The Minkowski-Bouligand and box-counting fractal dimension analyses were used as measures of the dynamic changes in the center of mass whilst undertaking the Y Balance Test. Statistical analyses included the Kruskal Wallis test to allow for non-normally distributed data and a Bonferroni corrected pairwise -test as a test to ascertain pairwise differences between the three taping conditions. Significance was set at 0.05. The fractal analyses of the dynamic changes in center of mass showed significant differences between the control and both the static tape and kinesiology tape groups ( = 0.021 and 0.009, respectively). The current study developed a novel measure of dynamic changes in the center of mass during a set movement that indicated real-time processing effects during a balance task associated with the type of taping used to enhance postural stability.
PubMed: 30429799
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01527 -
Interface Focus Oct 2019Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)-related obstructed labour requires delivery via Caesarean section (C/S); however, in low-resource settings around the world, facilities...
Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)-related obstructed labour requires delivery via Caesarean section (C/S); however, in low-resource settings around the world, facilities with C/S capabilities are often far away. This paper reports three low-cost tools to assess the risk of CPD, well before labour, to provide adequate time for referral and planning for delivery. We performed tape measurement- and three-dimensional (3D) camera-based anthropometry, using two 3D cameras (Kinect and Structure) on primigravida, gestational age ≥ 36 weeks, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Novel risk scores were developed and tested to identify models with the highest predicted area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC), detection rate (true positive rate at a 5% false-positive rate, FPR) and triage rate (true negative rate at a 0% false-negative rate). For tape measure, Kinect and Structure, the detection rates were 53%, 61% and 64% (at 5% FPR), the triage rates were 30%, 56% and 63%, and the AUCs were 0.871, 0.908 and 0.918, respectively. Detection rates were 77%, 80% and 84% at the maximum -statistic, which corresponded to FPRs of 10%, 15% and 11%, respectively, for tape measure, Kinect and Structure. Thus, tape measurement anthropometry was a very good predictor and Kinect and Structure anthropometry were excellent predictors of CPD risk.
PubMed: 31485318
DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2019.0036 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2022Asymptomatic testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been used to prevent and manage COVID-19 outbreaks in university settings, but few studies have explored their...
A Qualitative Evaluation of the Barriers and Enablers for Implementation of an Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Testing Service at the University of Nottingham: A Multi-Site Higher Education Setting in England.
Asymptomatic testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been used to prevent and manage COVID-19 outbreaks in university settings, but few studies have explored their implementation. The aim of the study was to evaluate how an accredited asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 testing service (ATS) was implemented at the University of Nottingham, a multi-campus university in England, to identify barriers and enablers of implementation and to draw out lessons for implementing pandemic response initiatives in higher education settings. A qualitative interview study was conducted with 25 ATS personnel between May and July 2022. Interviews were conducted online, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Participants were asked about their experience of the ATS, barriers and enablers of implementation. Transcripts were thematically analysed. There were four overarching themes: (1) social responsibility and innovation, (2) when, how and why people accessed testing, (3) impact of the ATS on the spread of COVID-19, and (4) lessons learned for the future. In establishing the service, the institution was seen to be valuing its community and socially responsible. The service was viewed to be broadly successful as a COVID-19 mitigation approach. Challenges to service implementation were the rapidly changing pandemic situation and government advice, delays in service accreditation and rollout to staff, ambivalence towards testing and isolating in the target population, and an inability to provide follow-up support for positive cases within the service. Facilitators included service visibility, reduction in organisational bureaucracy and red tape, inclusive leadership, collaborative working with regular feedback on service status, flexibility in service delivery approaches and simplicity of saliva testing. The ATS instilled a perception of early 'return to normality' and impacted positively on staff feelings of safety and wellbeing, with wider benefits for healthcare services and local communities. In conclusion, we identified common themes that have facilitated or hindered the implementation of a SARS-CoV-2 testing service at a university in England. Lessons learned from ATS implementation will inform future pandemic response interventions in higher education settings.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Testing; RNA, Viral; England
PubMed: 36293719
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013140 -
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition Feb 2022Three-dimensional optical (3DO) imaging devices for acquiring anthropometric measurements are proliferating in healthcare facilities, although applicability in young...
OBJECTIVE
Three-dimensional optical (3DO) imaging devices for acquiring anthropometric measurements are proliferating in healthcare facilities, although applicability in young children has not been evaluated; small body size and movement may limit device accuracy. The current study aim was to critically test three commercial 3DO devices in young children.
METHODS
The number of successful scans and circumference measurements at six anatomic sites were quantified with the 3DO devices in 64 children, ages 5-8 years. Of the scans available for processing, 3DO and flexible tape-measure measurements made by a trained anthropometrist were compared.
RESULTS
Sixty of 181 scans (33.1%) could not be processed for technical reasons. Of processed scans, mean 3DO-tape circumference differences tended to be small (~1-9%) and varied across systems; correlations and bias estimates also varied in strength across anatomic sites and systems (e.g., regression Rs, 0.54-0.97, all p < 0.01). Overall findings differed across devices; best results were for a multi-camera stationary system and less so for two rotating single- or dual-camera systems.
CONCLUSIONS
Available 3DO devices for quantifying anthropometric dimensions in adults vary in applicability in young children according to instrument design. These findings suggest the need for 3DO devices designed specifically for small and/or young children.
Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adult; Anthropometry; Body Composition; Body Size; Child; Child, Preschool; Data Collection; Humans
PubMed: 34040201
DOI: 10.1038/s41430-021-00938-x -
Heliyon Sep 2023Wireless devices have become extremely inexpensive and popular in recent years. The two most significant advantages of wireless devices over wired ones are convenience...
Wireless devices have become extremely inexpensive and popular in recent years. The two most significant advantages of wireless devices over wired ones are convenience and flexibility. Considering this, a wireless mouse pad prototype for access has been developed in this study. A capacitive sensors-based mouse pad with basic operations and conventional features has been developed using sensing arrays on paper. A facile, do-it-yourself fabrication process was utilized to develop a cost-effective, thin, wearable, and cleanroom-free wireless mouse cursor control (MCC) pad. The ablation process was used to cut the traces of conductive tape and paste them onto the paper to develop the MCC pad. The pad was connected with Espressif Systems (ESP)32 to wirelessly control the cursor of mobile and laptop. The capacitive touch sensor array-based pad is easy to reproduce and recycle. This pad can contribute to future advancements in thin human-machine interfaces, soft robotics, and medical and healthcare applications.
PubMed: 37681176
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19447 -
Translabial ultrasound: a non-invasive technique for assessing "technical errors" after TOT failure.International Urogynecology Journal Apr 2022The aims of this study were to evaluate by transperineal ultrasound if there were ultrasound-detectable changes over time in the dynamic behavior of the sling in...
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
The aims of this study were to evaluate by transperineal ultrasound if there were ultrasound-detectable changes over time in the dynamic behavior of the sling in patients who underwent transobturator tape (TOT), and to evaluate if dynamic translabial ultrasonography recognized factors that may be associated with failed surgery.
METHODS
This was a single-center prospective study. We included women who underwent "out-in" TOT for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A dynamic translabial ultrasound was performed 6 months post-surgery and again at the last visit. The objective cure for SUI was defined as the absence of urine leakage during the stress test. We evaluated the bladder neck mobility at rest and during Valsalva; the position of the mesh along the urethra; the concordance of urethral movement with the sling during Valsalva; the symmetry of the lateral arms of the sling during straining; and the presence or absence of bladder neck funneling.
RESULTS
From December 2012 to February 2016, 80 consecutive patients were included. Six months after surgery, incontinent women compared with continent women had the sling in a proximal or distal position, that moved discordantly with the urethra (p < 0.0001), with asymmetry arm and bladder neck funneling (p < 0.0001). Continent patients had a significant improvement of urethrocele grade both at rest (p = 0.036) and during Valsalva (p = 0.045).
CONCLUSIONS
Technical and positioning errors can lead to the failure of anti-incontinence surgical treatment. Translabial ultrasound allows the correct positioning of the sling to be evaluated and any errors that need to be analyzed in order to then solve the failure.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Suburethral Slings; Ultrasonography; Urethra; Urinary Incontinence, Stress
PubMed: 34191103
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-04897-6 -
Analytical Chemistry Apr 2022Monitoring of low-molecular weight cancer biomarkers, such as tryptophan (Trp) and its derivative kynurenine (Kyn), might be advantageous to non-invasive skin cancer...
Monitoring of low-molecular weight cancer biomarkers, such as tryptophan (Trp) and its derivative kynurenine (Kyn), might be advantageous to non-invasive skin cancer detection. Thus, we assessed several approaches of topical sampling of Trp and Kyn, in relation to phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr), on the volar forearm of six healthy volunteers. The sampling was performed with three hydrogels (made of agarose or/and chitosan), hydrated starch films, cotton swabs, and tape stripping. The biomarkers were successfully sampled by all approaches, but the amount of collected Kyn was low, 20 ± 10 pmol/cm. Kyn quantification was below LOQ, and thus, it was detected only in 20% of topical samples. To mitigate variability problems of absolute amounts of sampled amino acids, Tyr/Trp, Phe/Trp, and Phe/Tyr ratios were assessed, proving reduced inter-individual variation from 79 to 45% and intra-individual variation from 42 to 21%. Strong positive correlation was found between Phe and Trp, pointing to the Phe/Trp ratio (being in the 1.0-2.0 range, at 95% confidence) being least dependent on sampling materials, approaches, and sweating. This study leads to conclusion that due to the difficulty in quantifying less abundant Kyn, and thus the Trp/Kyn ratio, the Phe/Trp ratio might be a possible, alternative biomarker for detecting skin cancers.
Topics: Biomarkers; Biomarkers, Tumor; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Kynurenine; Molecular Weight; Phenylalanine; Skin Neoplasms; Tryptophan; Tyrosine
PubMed: 35394278
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05470 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2019According to dynamical systems theory, an increase in movement variability leads to greater adaptability, which may be related to the number of feedforward and feedback...
According to dynamical systems theory, an increase in movement variability leads to greater adaptability, which may be related to the number of feedforward and feedback mechanisms associated with movement and postural control. Using Higuchi dimension (HDf) to measure complexity of the signal and Singular Value Decomposition Entropy (SvdEn) to measure the number of attributes required to describe the biosignal, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of kinesiology and strapping tape on center of pressure dynamics, myoelectric muscle activity, and joint angle during the Y balance test. Forty-one participants between 18 and 34 years of age completed five trials of the Y balance test without tape, with strapping tape (ST), and with kinesiology tape (KT) in a cross-sectional study. The mean and standard errors were calculated for the center of pressure, joint angles, and muscle activities with no tape, ST, and KT. The results were analyzed with a repeated measures ANOVA model ( < fit and followed by analysis from the R package with probability set at < 0.05. SvdEn indicated significantly decreased complexity in the anterior-posterior ( < 0.05) and internal-external rotation ( < 0.001) direction of the ankle, whilst HDf for both ST and KT identified a significant increase in ankle dynamics when compared to no tape ( < 0.0001) in the mediolateral direction. Taping also resulted in a significant difference in gastrocnemius muscle myoelectric muscle activity between ST and KT ( = 0.047). Complexity of ankle joint dynamics increased in the sagittal plane of movement with no significant changes in the possible number of physiological attributes. In contrast, the number of possible physiological attributes contributing to ankle movement was significantly lower in the frontal and transverse planes. Simply adhering tape to the skin is sufficient to influence neurological control and adaptability of movement. In addition, adaptation of ankle joint dynamics to retain postural stability during a Y Balance test is achieved differently depending on the direction of movement.
PubMed: 31402873
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00935