Article
Biophysics
Bowen Shu, Ling Lin, Bin Wu, Enqi Huang, Yu Wang, Zhujun Li, Haoyan He, Xiuxia Lei, Banglao Xu, Dayu Liu
Summary: An ultraportable RNA amplification testing device is introduced for rapid screening of infectious pathogens, utilizing 3D-printed structural parts and off-the-shelf mechanical/electronic components. By preloading necessary reagents in a multi-channel droplet array chip, the device enables seamless integration of bacteria lysis, RNA extraction, and amplification, while providing visual readout and geometrically-multiplexed quantitative detection through an integrated wireless video camera.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanying Zhang, Zhiyuan Wu, Zinan Zhi, Wanshuo Gao, Wentao Sun, Zhongqiu Hua, Yi Wu
Summary: A cost-effective detector utilizing SPE amperometric sensor and an open-sourced potentiostat was successfully employed to detect formaldehyde contamination in vegetables, meeting all requirements of ASSURED device. This strategy reduces costs and is suitable for low-income areas lacking in laboratories, funds, and expertise.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
John Kikoine, Marie Hauguel-Moreau, Helene Hergault, Vincent Aidan, Mounir Ouadahi, Olivier Dubourg, Catherine Szymanski, Nicolas Mansencal
Summary: This study assessed the performance of pocket-sized transthoracic echocardiography (pTTE) compared with standard transthoracic echocardiography (sTTE) and auscultation for early screening of valvular heart disease (VHD). The results showed that pTTE is a reliable screening tool with high sensitivity and specificity for detecting significant VHD.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yujie Wang, Menghui Li, Luqing Li, Jingming Ning, Zhengzhu Zhang
Summary: In this study, a micro near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer was used for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of tea, achieving optimal discriminant and predictive performance through chemometrics analysis. This study provided a portable and low-cost method for in-situ assessing tea quality.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Logan R. Burrington, Emran Baryal, Katherine Hui, Emmett Lambert, Sarah T. Harding, Javin P. Oza
Summary: The Fold-Illuminator is an affordable and portable device that supports field-applications of synthetic biology-based biosensors for visual fluorescence detection in education and diagnostics. Users can quickly assemble the device to incubate biochemical reactions, visualize fluorescence outputs, and benefit from modularity and ease of storage.
SYNTHETIC AND SYSTEMS BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Seojin Jung, Tahmineh Hemmatian, Eugene Song, Kyeongeun Lee, Dongwan Seo, Jehyung Yi, Jooyoun Kim
Summary: This study compared eight disinfection methods for the reuse of respirators and discussed their effects on filtration and bactericidal efficiency. Different methods had different impacts on bacterial inactivation and filtration efficiency, with some methods leading to damage in filtration performance.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lyndsey S. Benson, Sarah K. Holt, John L. Gore, Lisa S. Callegari, Anne K. Chipman, Larry Kessler, Vanessa K. Dalton
Summary: This retrospective cohort study compared the management and outcomes of patients with early pregnancy loss (EPL) who presented to the emergency department (ED) vs outpatient clinics. The results showed that compared with outpatient settings, patients in the ED were less likely to receive surgical or medication management, and were more likely to require blood transfusion or hospitalization. These findings suggest that the differences in management between the ED and outpatient setting may reflect barriers to accessing comprehensive EPL management options.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrew S. Tseng, Gurukripa N. Kowlgi, Christopher DeSimone
Summary: With the increase in ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring and an aging population, primary care clinicians will see more patients with premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), which are common in the general population. While many patients with PVCs are asymptomatic and have no significant clinical implications, PVCs can also be a sign of underlying cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of PVCs in the outpatient setting, offering a simplified approach and guidance for initial work-up, treatment strategies, and referral indications for cardiovascular specialty consultation.
MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
(2023)
Article
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Katharina Winiker, Emma Burnip, Kristin Gozdzikowska, Esther Guiu Hernandez, Rebecca Hammond, Phoebe Macrae, Paige Thomas, Maggie-Lee Huckabee
Summary: This study investigated the reliability of swallowing measures obtained with pocket-sized ultrasound technology, finding poor to moderate reliability during the entire process of data acquisition and poor to good reliability when measuring saved images. Further research is needed to determine if these findings are specific to the Clarius system or indicative of a general limitation of pocket-sized ultrasound technology.
JOURNAL OF SPEECH LANGUAGE AND HEARING RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kevin J. O'Sullivan, Colum P. Dunne, Barry Linnane, Deirdre McGrath, Leonard O'Sullivan
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop a disposable Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device using 3D printing technology. The prototype device achieved comparable mechanical performance to existing reusable devices, without the need for cleaning, reducing microbiological risks.
IRISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Carmen L. Manuelian, Matteo Ghetti, Claudia De Lorenzi, Marta Pozza, Marco Franzoi, Massimo De Marchi
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using a low-cost pocket-sized near-infrared spectrometer to predict cheese composition, achieving good results for fatty acid and nitrogen content. Although mineral content prediction was less accurate, the study showed the potential of miniaturized NIR instruments in the dairy industry.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Harri Juhani Saarinen, Atte Joutsen, Kirsi Korpi, Tuomas Halkola, Marko Nurmi, Jussi Hernesniemi, Antti Vehkaoja
Summary: The aim of this study was to validate a monitoring system composed of a wrist-worn device and a data management cloud service in detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) for medical professionals. Thirty adult patients with AF were recruited, and continuous photoplethysmogram (PPG) and intermittent 30 s Lead I electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were collected. The system achieved AF detection sensitivity and specificity of 95.6% and 99.2% for PPG data, and 97.7% and 89.8% for ECG data, respectively. The system was found to be usable and suitable for ambulatory AF detection.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Jennifer Torres, Jennifer L. Ennis, Arlene B. Chapman, Rita L. McGill
Summary: This study evaluated the use of cystatin C testing and its relationship with creatinine, finding that cystatin C usage is increasing and the use of combined or averaged equations can result in higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEPHROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Caroline Wehner, Matthias Ziegler, Simon Kirchhof, Lena Lammle
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between fire interest, fire setting, and potential personality traits. The results showed that psychopathy and sadism from the Dark Tetrad were associated with fire interest and fire setting, while other traits and sensation seeking did not significantly contribute to the predictions.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert Nowak, Pawel Wityk, Anna Wierzbicka-Wos, Waldemar Gos, Dorota Kostrzewa-Nowak
Summary: This paper introduces the design and analysis of a new sterilization device, verifies its sterilization effectiveness using classical microbiological methods and flow cytometry, and determines the valuable application of mobile sterilization stations in public institutions and business sectors.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yanda Meng, Frank George Preston, Maryam Ferdousi, Shazli Azmi, Ioannis Nikolaos Petropoulos, Stephen Kaye, Rayaz Ahmed Malik, Uazman Alam, Yalin Zheng
Summary: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a major cause of neuropathy worldwide, leading to excess morbidity and mortality. An AI deep learning algorithm was developed using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) images to classify the presence or absence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in participants with diabetes or pre-diabetes. The algorithm showed excellent results for the diagnosis of PN using CCM, but further large-scale prospective real-world studies are needed to validate its diagnostic efficacy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Fahmida Haque, Mamun B. I. Reaz, Muhammad E. H. Chowdhury, Mohd Ibrahim bin Shapiai, Rayaz S. A. Malik, Mohammed Alhatou, Syoji Kobashi, Iffat Ara, Sawal H. M. Ali, Ahmad A. A. Bakar, Mohammad Arif Sobhan Bhuiyan
Summary: Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to foot ulceration and amputation. The Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI) is commonly used for screening DSPN but lacks a measure of severity. In this study, a DSPN severity grading system based on machine learning algorithms was developed using longitudinal data from the EDIC trial. The system utilizes the top seven MNSI features, including vibration perception, filament test, previous neuropathy, callus, deformities, and fissure, to detect DSPN severity. The developed nomogram showed high accuracy in predicting DSPN and can be used to determine prognosis in patients with DSPN.
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Subodh Verma, Naji Alamuddin, Fatheya Alawadi, Hessa Alkandari, Wael Almahmeed, Samir H. Assaad-Khalil, Jihad Haddad, Lise Lotte N. Husemoen, Landman Lombard, Rayaz A. Malik, Emel Mashaki Ceyhan, Hani Sabbour, Gamze Tombak, Gourav Yadav, Sam Salek
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Subodh Verma, Hani Sabbour, Naji Alamuddin, Fatheya Alawadi, Hessa Alkandari, Wael Almahmeed, Samir H. Assaad-Khalil, Jihad Haddad, Landman Lombard, Rayaz A. Malik, Emel Mashaki Ceyhan, Preethy Prasad, Gamze Tombak, Sam Salek
Summary: This study aims to investigate the epidemiology and clinical management of patients with type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or high/very high cardiovascular disease risk in seven countries in the Middle East and Africa. It also aims to assess physicians' attitudes and decision-making in the management of these patients. The study will determine the prevalence of these conditions, assess current treatment with cardioprotective antidiabetic medication, and evaluate factors influencing clinical decision-making in type 2 diabetes management.
DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Gulfidan Bitirgen, Adem Kucuk, Mustafa Cagri Ergun, Gunhal Satirtav, Rayaz A. Malik
Summary: This study utilized corneal confocal microscopy to identify evidence of small nerve fibre injury and immune cell activation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Article
Ophthalmology
Sangeetha Srinivasan, Sobha Sivaprasad, Ramachandran Rajalakshmi, Ranjit Mohan Anjana, Rayaz A. Malik, Vaitheeswaran Kulothungan, Rajiv Raman, Muna Bhende
Summary: OCTA measures have high predictive ability in predicting the progression of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hanan Ehtewish, Areej Mesleh, Georgios Ponirakis, Alberto de la Fuente, Aijaz Parray, Ilham Bensmail, Houari Abdesselem, Marwan Ramadan, Shafi Khan, Mani Chandran, Raheem Ayadathil, Ahmed Elsotouhy, Ahmed Own, Hanadi Al Hamad, Essam M. Abdelalim, Julie Decock, Nehad M. Alajez, Omar Albagha, Paul J. Thornalley, Abdelilah Arredouani, Rayaz A. Malik, Omar M. A. El-Agnaf
Summary: Dementia is a progressive and debilitating neurological disease. Proteomic studies have revealed potential protein biomarkers for dementia. This pilot study used a high-throughput proximity extension immunoassay to quantify proteins in plasma and identified diagnostic biomarkers for dementia with high accuracy. Dysregulation of plasma proteins and correlation with cognitive performance suggest potential mechanisms and pathways in dementia pathogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rowida Almomani, Maurice Sopacua, Margherita Marchi, Milena Sleczkowska, Patrick Lindsey, Bianca T. A. de Greef, Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers, Erika Salvi, Ingemar S. J. Merkies, Maryam A. Ferdousi, Rayaz Malik, Dan Ziegler, Kasper W. J. Derks, Gidon Boenhof, Filippo Martinelli-Boneschi, Daniele Cazzato, Raffaella Lombardi, Sulayman G. Dib-Hajj, Stephen Waxman, Hubert J. M. M. Smeets, Monique G. Gerrits, Catharina Faber, Giuseppe Lauria
Summary: Rare SCG genetic variants may contribute to the development of painful neuropathy. Genetic profiling and SCG variant identification can provide better understanding of the genetic variability in patients with painful and painless neuropathy, leading to improved risk stratification and personalized pain treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ahmad Yaser Alhaddad, Hussein Aly, Hoda Gad, Einas Elgassim, Ibrahim Mohammed, Khaled Baagar, Abdulaziz Al-Ali, Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni, John-John Cabibihan, Rayaz A. Malik
Summary: Glucose monitoring is crucial for managing diabetes effectively. Non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring techniques have advanced to replace finger prick testing, and physiological variables like heart rate and pulse pressure can be used to predict hypoglycemia. This study investigates the relationship between physiological variables collected from wearables and glucose levels, providing insights, challenges, and recommendations for data capture validity.
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Ioannis N. N. Petropoulos, Rayaz A. A. Malik
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adnan Khan, Madeeha A. Kamal, Abdula Alhothi, Hoda N. Gad, Marian A. Adan, Georgios Ponirakis, Ioannis Petropoulos, Rayaz Malik
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by communication and interaction difficulties. Recent studies have found abnormal tactile discrimination and allodynia in ASD subjects, as well as neuronal loss in the amygdala, cerebellum, and inter-hemispheric regions of the brain. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can identify central corneal nerve fiber loss in children with ASD, suggesting its potential as an imaging biomarker for neuronal loss in different subtypes of ASD and disease progression.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jonathan Z. M. Lim, Jamie Burgess, Cheong Ooi, Maryam Ferdousi, Shazli Azmi, Alise Kalteniece, Matthew Anson, Daniel J. Cuthbertson, Ioannis N. Petropoulos, Rayaz A. Malik, John P. H. Wilding, Uazman Alam
Summary: This study examines the relationship between small and large nerve fiber pathology and diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) as well as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in type 1 diabetes. Results show that corneal nerve loss, specifically corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), predicts incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. This study is important for the prevention of DFU and cardiovascular cerebrovascular diseases.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ning-Ning Che, Qiu-Huan Jiang, Shuai Chen, Si-Yuan Chen, Zhen-Xiang Zhao, Xue Li, Jian-Jun Ma, Jie-Wen Zhang, Rayaz A. A. Malik, Hong-Qi Yang
Summary: Parkinson's disease (PD) has different motor subtypes, and corneal nerve loss differs between these subtypes. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can be used to differentiate motor subtypes in PD.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hadeel Zaghloul, Rayaz A. Malik
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic and the diabetes pandemic have both had a significant global impact, and there is a bidirectional relationship between the two that could have catastrophic outcomes. While there has been considerable attention on the increased risk of COVID-19 in individuals with obesity and diabetes, there has been less focus on the relationship between COVID-19 and microvascular complications. This review assesses the evidence for an association between diabetic microvascular complications and COVID-19 and explores whether microvascular disease is a prognostic factor for COVID-19 outcomes in diabetes.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Raabya Pasha, Shazli Azmi, Maryam Ferdousi, Alise Kalteniece, Bilal Bashir, Ioanna Gouni-Berthold, Rayaz A. Malik, Handrean Soran
Summary: This review article discusses the impact of statins on neuropathy, with some clinical trials and observational studies suggesting that statins may improve peripheral neuropathy. However, there is currently no large-scale randomized controlled trial or meta-analysis showing the effect of statins on neuropathy. Therefore, the need for further large-scale studies to evaluate the impact of statins on neuropathy remains a topic for discussion.
CLINICAL THERAPEUTICS
(2022)