-
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... 2013High level of caries activity is related to organisms in the dental plaque with high acidogenesis capacity. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
High level of caries activity is related to organisms in the dental plaque with high acidogenesis capacity.
AIM
To test salivary pH in children of the same family and compare it with their caries status. To compare pH levels between children and their parents. To examine the relationship between pH and caries status among children of the same family and their parents.
STUDY DESIGN
We examined 123 children and adolescents aged 3-18, (73 boys and 50 girls) and 33 adults, (12 men and 21 women), parents of these children. Caries status was examined clinically, using DMF index. Salivary pH measurements were made by a digital pH meter.
RESULTS
Among adults, increase in patient age led to increased DMF (p = 0.005). The higher the pH, the lower the DMF (p = 0.037). Among men, DMF was lower by 3 compared to women (p = 0.049). Children's pH correlated with the parents' (p = 0.004). Children's DMF correlated to their pH (p = 0.001). Children's pH was the best predictor of their DMF (R2 = 0.309, p = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Among children, the higher the pH, the lower the DMFT. Children's pH was the best predictor of their DMF.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Child; Child, Preschool; DMF Index; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Family Health; Female; Forecasting; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Middle Aged; Parents; Saliva; Sex Factors; Siblings; Tooth Loss
PubMed: 24683775
DOI: 10.17796/jcpd.38.2.90764500t2703188 -
Versatile activity and morphological effects of zinc oxide submicron particles as anticancer agents.Nanomedicine (London, England) Apr 2022Submicron particles (SMPs), as novel bionanomaterials, offer complementary benefits to their conventional nano-counterparts. To explore zinc oxide (ZnO) SMPs'...
Submicron particles (SMPs), as novel bionanomaterials, offer complementary benefits to their conventional nano-counterparts. To explore zinc oxide (ZnO) SMPs' bioimaging and anticancer potentials. ZnO SMPs were synthesized into two shapes. Fluorescent spectrum and microscopy were studied for the bioimaging property. Wound healing and Live/Dead assays of glioblastoma cells were characterized for anticancer activities. ZnO SMPs exhibited a high quantum yield (49%) with stable orange fluorescence emission. Both morphologies (most significant in the rod shape) showed tumor-selective properties in cytotoxicity, inhibition to cell migration and attenuating the cancer-upregulated genes. The tumor selectivity was attributed to particle degradation and surface properties on pH dependency. The authors propose that ZnO SMPs could be a promising anticancer drug with tunable, morphology-dependent properties for bioimaging and controlled release.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Fluorescence; Surface Properties; Zinc Oxide
PubMed: 35350869
DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0420 -
Journal of the American Geriatrics... Feb 2021Physical activity (PA) preserves mobility, but few practices screen older adults for mobility impairment or counsel on PA. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Physical activity (PA) preserves mobility, but few practices screen older adults for mobility impairment or counsel on PA.
DESIGN
"Promoting Active Aging" (PAA) was a mixed-methods randomized-controlled pilot, to test the feasibility and acceptability of a video-based PA counseling tool and implementation into practice of two mobility assessment tools.
SETTING
Three primary care practices affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist Health.
PARTICIPANTS
Adults aged 65 years and older who presented for primary care follow-up and were willing and able to answer self-report questions and walk 4 meters (n = 59).
INTERVENTION
Video-based PA counseling intervention versus control video, "Healthy Eating."
MEASUREMENTS
Potential participants completed mobility assessments: self-report (Mobility Assessment Tool-short form (MAT-sf)) and performance based (4-meter walk test). We assessed PAA's implementation-feasibility, acceptability, and value-via interviews and surveys. Effectiveness was measured via participant attendance at a PA information session.
RESULTS
Of 92 patients approached, 89 (96.7%) agreed to mobility assessment. Eighty-nine completed MAT-sf, and 97.8% (87/89) completed 4-meter walk test. Sixty-seven (75%) met eligibility criteria, and 59 (88%) consented to be randomized either to the PA counseling intervention (Video-PA) or to active control (Video-C). Most participants viewed the walk test positively (51/59; 86.4%). Staff reported that completion of patient surveys, MAT-sf, and videos required significant staff time and support (median = 26 minutes for all), resulting in low acceptability of MAT-sf and the videos. Attendance at a PA information session did not differ by randomization group (Video-PA = 11/29 (37.9%); Video-C = 12/30 (40%); 95% confidence interval for difference in proportion = -0.29 to 0.25).
CONCLUSIONS
Mobility assessment, particularly a 4-meter walk test, was feasible in primary care. Tablet-based assessment (MAT-sf) and video counseling tools, selected to reduce staff effort, instead required significant time to implement. Future work to promote PA should identify effective ways to facilitate adoption of PA in sedentary older adults that do not burden staff.
Topics: Aged; Exercise; Feasibility Studies; Female; Health Promotion; Health Services Accessibility; Healthy Aging; Humans; Implementation Science; Male; Mobility Limitation; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Pilot Projects; Preventive Health Services; Primary Health Care; Remote Consultation; Walk Test
PubMed: 33006763
DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16838 -
The Journal of Neuroscience : the... Apr 2023The ability to extract rhythmic structure is important for the development of language, music, and social communication. Although previous studies show infants' brains...
The ability to extract rhythmic structure is important for the development of language, music, and social communication. Although previous studies show infants' brains entrain to the periodicities of auditory rhythms and even different metrical interpretations (e.g., groups of two vs three beats) of ambiguous rhythms, whether the premature brain tracks beat and meter frequencies has not been explored previously. We used high-resolution electroencephalography while premature infants ( = 19, 5 male; mean age, 32 ± 2.59 weeks gestational age) heard two auditory rhythms in the incubators. We observed selective enhancement of the neural response at both beat- and meter-related frequencies. Further, neural oscillations at the beat and duple (groups of 2) meter were phase aligned with the envelope of the auditory rhythmic stimuli. Comparing the relative power at beat and meter frequencies across stimuli and frequency revealed evidence for selective enhancement of duple meter. This suggests that even at this early stage of development, neural mechanisms for processing auditory rhythms beyond simple sensory coding are present. Our results add to a few previous neuroimaging studies demonstrating discriminative auditory abilities of premature neural networks. Specifically, our results demonstrate the early capacities of the immature neural circuits and networks to code both simple beat and beat grouping (i.e., hierarchical meter) regularities of auditory sequences. Considering the importance of rhythm processing for acquiring language and music, our findings indicate that even before birth, the premature brain is already learning this important aspect of the auditory world in a sophisticated and abstract way. Processing auditory rhythm is of great neurodevelopmental importance. In an electroencephalography experiment in premature newborns, we found converging evidence that when presented with auditory rhythms, the premature brain encodes multiple periodicities corresponding to beat and beat grouping (meter) frequencies, and even selectively enhances the neural response to meter compared with beat, as in human adults. We also found that the phase of low-frequency neural oscillations aligns to the envelope of the auditory rhythms and that this phenomenon becomes less precise at lower frequencies. These findings demonstrate the initial capacities of the developing brain to code auditory rhythm and the importance of special care to the auditory environment of this vulnerable population during a highly dynamic period of neural development.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Adult; Humans; Male; Infant; Acoustic Stimulation; Auditory Perception; Brain; Electroencephalography; Hearing; Periodicity; Music
PubMed: 36914264
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1100-22.2023 -
Asia Pacific Allergy Jul 2013Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have increased susceptibility to irritants. Some patients have questions about types of water for bathing or skin cleansing.
BACKGROUND
Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have increased susceptibility to irritants. Some patients have questions about types of water for bathing or skin cleansing.
OBJECTIVE
We studied the pH of water from various sources to give an overview for physicians to recommend patients with AD.
METHODS
Water from various sources was collected for measurement of the pH using a pH meter and pH-indicator strips.
RESULTS
Bottled drinking still water had pH between 6.9 and 7.5 while the sparkling type had pH between 4.9 and 5.5. Water derived from home water filters had an approximate pH of 7.5 as same as tap water. Swimming pool water had had pH between 7.2 and 7.5 while seawater had a pH of 8. Normal saline and distilled water had pH of 5.4 and 5.7, respectively. Facial mineral water had pH between 7.5 and 8, while facial makeup removing water had an acidic pH.
CONCLUSION
Normal saline, distilled water, bottled sparkling water and facial makeup removing water had similar pH to that of normal skin of normal people. However, other factors including benefits of mineral substances in the water in terms of bacteriostatic and anti-inflammation should be considered in the selection of cleansing water.
PubMed: 23956962
DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2013.3.3.155 -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia Jul 2020Urinary pH is a decisive factor in several pathologies, there by an informative marker employed in treatment decisions. Although extensively used, the urinary pH...
OBJECTIVES
Urinary pH is a decisive factor in several pathologies, there by an informative marker employed in treatment decisions. Although extensively used, the urinary pH dipstick test may not be sufficiently accurate or precise for clinical decisions and more robust methodologies need to be considered. In this study, we compare pH measurements when using aportable medical device and different dipstick tests.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Four pH dipstick brands and a Lit-Control® pH Meter were tested using commercial buffer solutions with seven distinct pH values representing the physiological range in urine (4.66; 5.0;5.5; 6.0; 7.0; 7.5; 8.0). A statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation of measured versus real values, together with validity measures as resolution,precision and accuracy.
RESULTS
Validity measures stated the superiority of the portable pH meter, with a reduced dispersion of data and more exact values. Additionally, correlation analysis demonstrate that the pH values obtained with the pH meter were the closest to the buffers' real pH values.
CONCLUSION
The detailed comparative study presented here reveal the superiority of a portable pH meter to several of the most used dipstick brands in the clinic.Lit-Control® pH Meter represents a reliable alternative when a monitoring of urinary pH is needed, as may happen during the screening of diseases or treatment monitoringin the clinic, as well as during the self-monitoringby the patient under professional supervision at home.
Topics: Employment; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Reagent Strips; Urinalysis
PubMed: 32633250
DOI: No ID Found -
Polymers Jul 2022In the field of stimuli-responsive materials, introducing a pH-sensitive dyestuff onto textile fabrics is a promising approach for the development of wearable sensors....
In the field of stimuli-responsive materials, introducing a pH-sensitive dyestuff onto textile fabrics is a promising approach for the development of wearable sensors. In this paper, the alizarin red S dyestuff bonded with a sol-gel precursor, namely trimethoxy-[3-(oxiran-2-ylmethoxy)propyl]silane, was used to functionalize polyethylene terephthalate fabrics, a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester largely used in the healthcare sector mainly due to its advantages, including mechanical strength, biocompatibility and resistance against abrasion and chemicals. The obtained hybrid halochromic silane-based coating on polyester fabrics was investigated with several chemical characterization techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy confirmed the immobilization of the dyestuff-based silane matrix onto polyethylene terephthalate samples through self-condensation of hydrolyzed silanols under the curing process. The reversibility and repeatability of pH-sensing properties of treated polyester fabrics in the pH range 2.0-8.0 were confirmed with diffuse reflectance and CIELAB color space characterizations. Polyester fabric functionalized with halochromic silane-based coating shows the durability of halochromic properties conversely to fabric treated with plain alizarin red S, thus highlighting the potentiality of the sol-gel approach in developing durable halochromic coating on synthetic substrates. The developed wearable pH-meter device could find applications as a non-invasive pH sensor for wellness and healthcare fields.
PubMed: 35890564
DOI: 10.3390/polym14142788 -
PloS One 2020Human height is a simple measure with great applicability. Usually, stadiometers are used to measure height accurately. However, these may be impractical to transport...
BACKGROUND
Human height is a simple measure with great applicability. Usually, stadiometers are used to measure height accurately. However, these may be impractical to transport and expensive. Therefore, we developed a portable and low-cost laser height metre (LHM).
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to (1) determine intrarater and interrater reliability of our LHM and compare it to a wall-fixed stadiometer, (2) examine its agreement with the same stadiometer, and (3) determine the minimum number of recordings needed to obtain an accurate and reliable height measurement using the LHM.
METHODS
We recruited 32 participants (18+ years)-both men and women. Two raters performed assessments on the same day blinded to each other and their reference standard measurements. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), standard error of measurement (SEM), and Bland-Altman plots with limits of agreement (LOA).
RESULTS
For both the LHM and stadiometer, we found ICC values of 0.99-1.00 (95% CI: 0.997-1.000) for both intrarater and interrater reliability. Regarding LHM intrarater reliability, SEM, CV, and LOA were 0.34 cm, 0.16%, and -1.07 to 0.73 cm, respectively. In terms of LHM interrater reliability, SEM, CV, and LOA were 0.27 cm, 0.12%, and -0.32 to 0.84 cm, respectively. As to agreement with stadiometers using one measurement, the mean difference was -0.14 cm and LOA ranged from -0.81 to 0.77 cm.
CONCLUSION
A portable and low-cost LHM, for measuring body height once, showed an excellent reproducibility within and between raters along with an acceptable agreement with a stadiometer thereby representing a suitable alternative.
Topics: Adult; Body Height; Female; Humans; Lasers; Male; Mobile Applications; Reproducibility of Results; Young Adult
PubMed: 32267891
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231449 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2005Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is progressive, resulting in right ventricular failure. Pulmonary hypertension can be idiopathic or associated with other... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is progressive, resulting in right ventricular failure. Pulmonary hypertension can be idiopathic or associated with other conditions. Prostacyclin is a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation, and can be given orally, subcutaneously, intravenously or inhaled via a nebuliser.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the efficacy of prostacyclin or one of its analogues in idiopathic primary pulmonary hypertension.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Electronic searches were carried out with pre-specified terms. Searches were current as of July 2004.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Two reviewers selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults with pulmonary hypertension for inclusion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Study quality was assessed and data extracted independently by two reviewers. Outcomes were analysed as continuous and dichotomous outcomes. We sub-grouped data where possible by aetiology of PH (PPH, PH secondary to connective tissue disorder or mixed populations).
MAIN RESULTS
Nine RCTs of mixed duration (3 days-52 weeks), recruiting 1175 participants were included (NYHA functional classes II-IV). Intravenous prostacyclin versus usual care (four studies): There were significant improvements in exercise capacity of around 90 metres, cardiopulmonary haemodynamics and NYHA functional class over 3 days-12 weeks. Effects were consistent in primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension. Oral prostacyclin versus placebo (two studies): Short-term data (3-6 months) indicated that there was a significant improvement in exercise capacity, but data from one study of 52 weeks reported no significant difference at 12 months. No significant differences were observed for any other outcome. Subcutaneous treprostinil versus placebo (two studies, 8-12 weeks):One large study reported a significant median improvement in exercise capacity of around 16 metres. Cardiopulmonary haemodynamics and symptom scores favoured treprostinil. Infusion site pain and withdrawals due to adverse events were more frequent with treprostinil. Inhaled prostacyclin versus placebo (one study, 12 weeks):There was a significant increase in exercise capacity of approximately 36 metres. Treatment led to better symptom scores and functional class status than with placebo. Subgroup analyses reported by individual studies showed a better exercise capacity in participants with PPH, than those participants with PH secondary to other diseases. Side effects and adverse events were common in the studies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is evidence that intravenous prostacyclin in addition to conventional therapy at tolerable doses optimised by titration, can confer some short-term benefits (up to 12 weeks of treatment) in exercise capacity, NYHA functional class and cardiopulmonary haemodynamics. There is also some evidence that patients with more severe disease based upon NYHA functional class showed a greater response to treatment.
Topics: Adult; Antihypertensive Agents; Epoprostenol; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 15846646
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002994.pub2 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2020Mechanical power may act as a key indicator for physiological and mechanical changes during running. In this scoping review, we examine the current evidences about the... (Review)
Review
Mechanical power may act as a key indicator for physiological and mechanical changes during running. In this scoping review, we examine the current evidences about the use of power output (PW) during endurance running and the different commercially available wearable sensors to assess PW. The Boolean phrases endurance OR submaximal NOT sprint AND running OR runner AND power OR power meter, were searched in PubMed, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS. Nineteen studies were finally selected for analysis. The current evidence about critical power and both power-time and power-duration relationships in running allow to provide coaches and practitioners a new promising setting for PW quantification with the use of wearable sensors. Some studies have assessed the validity and reliability of different available wearables for both kinematics parameters and PW when running but running power meters need further research before a definitive conclusion regarding its validity and reliability.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Physical Endurance; Reproducibility of Results; Running
PubMed: 33202809
DOI: 10.3390/s20226482