Biomedical Characteristics Research Articles

Antibacterial performance of nanosecond laser irradiated zirconium-based bulk metallic glass.

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have garnered significant attention in recent decades due to the outstanding physical, chemical, and biomedical characteristics. The biomedical application of metallic glass also received extensive attention. This report investigates the interplay among antibacterial performance, crystallization and processing parameters of Zr-based bulk metallic glass (Zr-BMG) following nanosecond laser irradiation. We examined surface morphology, crystallization behavior, surface quality, binding energy, and ion release properties post-laser irradiation. Additionally, we evaluated the generation of reactive oxygen species upon immersion of Zr-BMG in phosphate-buffered saline using the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate method. Staphylococcus aureus was chosen to assess Zr-BMG's antibacterial performance, while mouse osteoblasts were utilized to investigate in vitro cytotoxicity. Our findings revealed that at laser energy intensities below 0.08 J/mm2, the amorphous structure of Zr-BMG remained intact after irradiation. Moreover, laser irradiation significantly enhanced the antibacterial performance of Zr-BMG. The release rate of ion, concentration of reactive oxygen species, and antibacterial properties exhibited direct proportionality to laser energy intensity. However, surfaces exhibiting high antibacterial efficacy also displayed elevated cytotoxicity. The surface irradiated with a 7 μJ ablation pulse and 200 mm/s irradiation speed demonstrated a superior balance between antibacterial and cytotoxic properties while maintaining an amorphous state. We hope this research can provide theoretical reference and data support for the application of metallic glass in biomedical application.

Investigation of Structural, Optical, Spectral and Biomedical Characteristics of ZnS Quantum Dots Using Guava Leaves Extract

Investigation of Structural, Optical, Spectral and Biomedical Characteristics of ZnS Quantum Dots Using Guava Leaves Extract

Effect of copper nanoparticles green-synthesized using Ocimum basilicum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice lung infection model

Abstract The frequency of lung infection induced by multi-drug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has significantly risen, primarily due to the inadequate effectiveness of powerful chemotherapeutic methods. This study demonstrates that the Ocimum basilicum aqueous extract and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-infectious properties under in vivo conditions. To analyze the characteristics of the CuNPs synthesized from the reaction between copper nitrate solution and the aqueous O. basilicum extract, various techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and transmission electron microscopy were employed. The in vivo study encompasses the assessment of P. aeruginosa lethal dose in mice and the disease manifestation analysis, which comprises reduction in body weight, hypothermia, bacteremia, and other parameters, over a 48 h infection period. The infected mice exhibited a notable decrease in body temperature, measuring at 25°C after 48 h, compared to the initial temperature of 39°C. Additionally, a 30% reduction in weight was seen at the conclusion of the study. To assess the effectiveness of CuNPs on lung infection caused by the calculated lethal dose and bacteremia, histopathology analysis was employed. The bacterial load in the CuNPs group was determined to be 0.5 Log10CFU/mL on Day 8, indicating a notable decrease from the initial measurement of 1.5 Log10CFU/mL on Day 1. The histopathological findings revealed a widespread and sporadic buildup of alveolar space inflammatory cells, with infiltrates observed throughout all lung sections in infected mice. Enhanced lung histology was observed in the group of animal treated with reduced exudates noted at 200 µg/kg. CuNPs demonstrated inhibitory effects on the growth of P. aeruginosa at 8 µg/mL, while at 16 µg/mL, they effectively eradicated P. aeruginosa. The research unequivocally demonstrates the efficacy of CuNPs extract in combating lung infections induced by P. aeruginosa at 200 µg/kg. The recent survey aims to further explore the biomedical characteristics of these CuNPs in order to develop a powerful treatment against this dangerous pathogen.

Vertebral Column Pathology Diagnosis Using Ensemble Strategies Based on Supervised Machine Learning Techniques.

One expanding area of bioinformatics is medical diagnosis through the categorization of biomedical characteristics. Automatic medical strategies to boost the diagnostic through machine learning (ML) methods are challenging. They require a formal examination of their performance to identify the best conditions that enhance the ML method. This work proposes variants of the Voting and Stacking (VC and SC) ensemble strategies based on diverse auto-tuning supervised machine learning techniques to increase the efficacy of traditional baseline classifiers for the automatic diagnosis of vertebral column orthopedic illnesses. The ensemble strategies are created by first combining a complete set of auto-tuned baseline classifiers based on different processes, such as geometric, probabilistic, logic, and optimization. Next, the three most promising classifiers are selected among k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), Naïve Bayes (NB), Logistic Regression (LR), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Decision Tree (DT). The grid-search K-Fold cross-validation strategy is applied to auto-tune the baseline classifier hyperparameters. The performances of the proposed ensemble strategies are independently compared with the auto-tuned baseline classifiers. A concise analysis evaluates accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and ROC-ACU metrics. The analysis also examines the misclassified disease elements to find the most and least reliable classifiers for this specific medical problem. The results show that the VC ensemble strategy provides an improvement comparable to that of the best baseline classifier (the kNN). Meanwhile, when all baseline classifiers are included in the SC ensemble, this strategy surpasses 95% in all the evaluated metrics, standing out as the most suitable option for classifying vertebral column diseases.

A Facile Synthesis and Characterisation of CdS Nanoparticles at Low Temperature Using Aegle Marmelos Extract

Abstract CdS NPs have become found applications across diverse domains in the field of nanobiotechnology because of their established biomedical characteristics. The dimensions and the materials used for coating CdS NPs are pivotal factors influencing their effectiveness in biomedical applications like cancer treatment, bacterial inhibition, bioimaging and biosensors. In this study, we succesfully produced CdS NPs by ecofriendly approach using aegle marmelos extract. The synthesized CdS NPs was subjected to characterization using X-Ray Diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with EDX and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The research delineates a straightforward, economically viable environmentally friendly approach to synthesizing CdS nanoparticles, which is suitable for extensive production. Additionally, it presents a tactic to regulate both the size and distribution of nanoparticles using eco-friendly biomolecules, enhancing their potential for various applications. Based on the results obtained from the characterization studies, it was proposed to the further process for biological applications.

Cerium Dioxide-Dextran Nanocomposites in the Development of a Medical Product for Wound Healing: Physical, Chemical and Biomedical Characteristics.

the creation of a dextran coating on cerium oxide crystals using different ratios of cerium and dextran to synthesize nanocomposites, and the selection of the best nanocomposite to develop a nanodrug that accelerates quality wound healing with a new type of antimicrobial effect. Nanocomposites were synthesized using cerium nitrate and dextran polysaccharide (6000 Da) at four different initial ratios of Ce(NO3)3x6H2O to dextran (by weight)-1:0.5 (Ce0.5D); 1:1 (Ce1D); 1:2 (Ce2D); and 1:3 (Ce3D). A series of physicochemical experiments were performed to characterize the created nanocomposites: UV-spectroscopy; X-ray phase analysis; transmission electron microscopy; dynamic light scattering and IR-spectroscopy. The biomedical effects of nanocomposites were studied on human fibroblast cell culture with an evaluation of their effect on the metabolic and proliferative activity of cells using an MTT test and direct cell counting. Antimicrobial activity was studied by mass spectrometry using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry against E. coli after 24 h and 48 h of co-incubation. According to the physicochemical studies, nanocrystals less than 5 nm in size with diffraction peaks characteristic of cerium dioxide were identified in all synthesized nanocomposites. With increasing polysaccharide concentration, the particle size of cerium dioxide decreased, and the smallest nanoparticles (<2 nm) were in Ce2D and Ce3D composites. The results of cell experiments showed a high level of safety of dextran nanoceria, while the absence of cytotoxicity (100% cell survival rate) was established for Ce2D and C3D sols. At a nanoceria concentration of 10-2 M, the proliferative activity of fibroblasts was statistically significantly enhanced only when co-cultured with Ce2D, but decreased with Ce3D. The metabolic activity of fibroblasts after 72 h of co-cultivation with nano composites increased with increasing dextran concentration, and the highest level was registered in Ce3D; from the dextran group, differences were registered in Ce2D and Ce3D sols. As a result of the microbiological study, the best antimicrobial activity (bacteriostatic effect) was found for Ce0.5D and Ce2D, which significantly inhibited the multiplication of E. coli after 24 h by an average of 22-27%, and after 48 h, all nanocomposites suppressed the multiplication of E. coli by 58-77%, which was the most pronounced for Ce0.5D, Ce1D, and Ce2D. The necessary physical characteristics of nanoceria-dextran nanocomposites that provide the best wound healing biological effects were determined. Ce2D at a concentration of 10-3 M, which stimulates cell proliferation and metabolism up to 2.5 times and allows a reduction in the rate of microorganism multiplication by three to four times, was selected for subsequent nanodrug creation.

Determinants of COVID-19 severity in Ethiopia: a multicentre case–control study

ObjectiveIt was necessary to understand the determinants of severe COVID-19 in order to deliver targeted healthcare services to prevent further complications and mortality. Identifying the factors associated with severe COVID-19...

Patient-clinician collaboration in making care fit: A qualitative analysis of clinical consultations in diabetes care

ObjectiveTo confirm described dimensions of making care fit and explore how patients and clinicians collaborate to make care fit in clinical practice. MethodsAs part of an ongoing study, we audiotaped and transcribed patient-clinician consultations in diabetes care. We purposively selected consultations based on participants’ demographical, biomedical and biographical characteristics. We analysed transcripts using reflexive thematic analysis. We combined a deductive and inductive approach, using the pre-described dimensions of making care fit and adding new (sub-)dimensions when pertinent. ResultsWe analysed 24 clinical consultations. Our data confirmed eight previously described dimensions and provided new sub-dimensions of making care fit with examples from clinical practice (problematic situation, influence of devices, sense of options, shared agenda setting, clinician context, adapting to changing organization of care, and possibility to reconsider). ConclusionOur study confirmed, specified and enriched the conceptualization of making care fit through practice examples. We observed patient-clinician collaboration in exploration of patients’ context, and by responsively changing, adapting or maintaining care plans. Practice implicationsOur findings support clinicians and researchers with insights in important aspects of patient-clinician collaboration. Ultimately, this would lead to optimal design of care plans that fit well in each patient life.

Augmented reality presentation system of skeleton image based on biomedical features

Aimed at limitations in the description and expression of three-dimensional (3D) physical information in two-dimentsional (2D) medical images, feature extraction and matching method based on the biomedical characteristics of skeletons is employed in this paper to map the 2D images of skeletons into a 3D digital model. Augmented reality technique is used to realize the interactive presentation of skeleton models. Main contents of this paper include: Firstly, a three-step reconstruction method is used to process the bone CT image data to obtain its three-dimensional surface model, and the corresponding 2D–3D bone library is established based on the identification index of the 2D image and the 3D model; then, a fast and accurate feature extraction and matching algorithm is developed to realize the recognition, extraction, and matching of 2D skeletal features, and determine the corresponding 3D skeleton model according to the matching result. Finally, based on the augmented reality technique, an interactive immersive presentation system is designed to achieve visual effects of the virtual human bone model superimposed and rendered in the world scenes, which improves the effectiveness of information expression and transmission, as well as the user's immersion and embodied experience.

Radiopharmaceuticals: Production, Physics, and Clinical Applications in Nuclear Medicine: A Short Review

Introduction: The use of radioactive atoms in medicine is growing, particularly in nuclear medicine, where radiation is emitted from the body. Radiopharmaceuticals or radiotracers are artificial short-living radioisotopes labeled with special pharmaceuticals. There are around 1800 radioisotopes, but only around 200 are suitable for general applications. There are four methods for generating radioisotopes: reactor-producing, neutron activation, charged acceleration, and radioisotope generators. Cyclotrons are used to produce many other radioisotopes for medical applications. Physical and biomedical characteristics are crucial for radiopharmaceuticals for clinical use. Physical aspects include the type and energy of radiation, mother and daughter radioactive elements, purity, and half-life of radioactives. Biomedical considerations include easy adhesion to biomolecules, a dynamic time course in the body, toxicity, and high tissue targeting. Radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosis differ from those used in therapy, with positron emission tomography (PET) using radioisotopes, and gamma-emitting radioisotope-labeled radiopharmaceuticals suitable for SPECT imaging. Over 90% of radiopharmaceuticals are used for diagnostic purposes. Conclusion: Nuclear medicine, as an inevitable part of modern medicine, follows different methods to create more effective diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals with respect to several physical and biological considerations.

Bond Incident Degree (BID) Indices of Line Graphs of some Chemical Structures in Drugs

A tremendous amount of drug experiments revealed that there exists a strong inherent relation between the molecular structures of drugs and their biomedical and pharmacology characteristics. Due to the effectiveness for pharmaceutical and medical scientists of their ability to grasp the biological and chemical characteristics of new drugs, analysis of the bond incident degree (BID) indices is significant of testing the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of drug molecular structures that can make up the defects of chemical and medicine experiments and can provide the theoretical basis for the manufacturing of drugs in pharmaceutical engineering. Such tricks are widely welcomed in developing areas where enough money is lacked to afford sufficient equipment, relevant chemical reagents, and human resources which are required to investigate the performance and the side effects of existing new drugs. This work is devoted to establishing a general expression for calculating the bond incident degree (BID) indices of the line graphs of various well-known chemical structures in drugs, based on the drug molecular structure analysis and edge dividing technique, which is quite common in drug molecular graphs.

Neuroprotective properties of plant extract green-formulated silver nanoparticles on the contusive model of spinal cord injury in rats

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are highly sought-after metal nanoparticles globally due to their distinctive electronic and optical characteristics, as well as their biological properties. These attributes stem from the synchronized movements of conduction electrons, referred to as surface plasmon resonance. Currently, numerous bio-medical characteristics of biosynthesized Ag nanoparticles have been thoroughly documented, including their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, there have been no reports regarding the neuroprotective efficacy of these nanoparticles against cytotoxic agents. It appears that the defensive capabilities of the NPs formulated by green methods have been disregarded thus far. We recently did research to assess the neuroprotective effects of a combination of Tribulus terrestris and green-mediated silver nanoparticles on a contusive spinal cord injury model in animals. The silver nanoparticles underwent comprehensive characterization through UV–Vis, FE-SEM, FT-IR, and TEM analyses. In the in vivo phase of the research, a total of forty rats were categorized into three groups: untreated, normal, and silver nanoparticles (50 µg/kg) groups. The post-injury lesions were analyzed using H&E staining. To evaluate the restoration of neural conduction, somatosensory evoked potential testing was conducted. The presence of astrogliosis was determined by evaluating the expression of GFAP. The rats' behavioral outcomes were assessed using the BBB score every week. The utilization of silver nanoparticles demonstrated neuroprotective properties and resulted in enhancements in spinal cord injury. The results of the sensory assessments indicated a notable rise in the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scales, along with a marked decline in delayed reactions, among the subjects who received treatment with silver nanoparticles. The most substantial decrease in GFAP levels was noted in the group that was administered silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, there was a substantial decrease in the size of the cavity regions, while the quantity of ventral motor neurons experienced a significant rise within the silver nanoparticles group. The electromyography (EMG) results demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in the hindlimbs of the subjects who received treatment with silver nanoparticles (50 µg/kg).

A threshold of lower preoperative mental health is associated with decreased achievement of comfort and capability benchmarks following rotator cuff repair: a retrospective cohort study

Preoperative biomedical patient characteristics are known to affect the time to achievement of clinically significant outcomes (CSOs) following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). However, less is known about the association between preoperative mental status and the time to achievement of CSOs. We hypothesize that higher preoperative mental status is associated with faster achievement of CSOs following arthroscopic RCR. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected preoperatively and at postoperative intervals up to 2 years. PROMs included pain visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) scores. Threshold values for CSOs were obtained from previous literature. Mean time to achievement of CSOs was calculated using a Kaplan-Meier analysis. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify preoperative variables associated with earlier achievement of CSOs. Sixty-nine patients with an average age of 59±8 years were included. Patients with higher preoperative mental status, as measured by VR-12 mental component summary (MCS), experienced significantly earlier substantial pain improvement postoperatively (P=.0471). Patients with higher preoperative mental status also achieved CSOs for physical health at earlier time points (P=.0187). Preoperative VR-12 MCS scores ≥ 40 were associated with earlier achievement of CSOs for pain (P=.0005) and physical health (P=.0015). Ninety-eight percent of patients with preoperative MCS scores ≥40 achieved acceptable pain relief at 4.5 months vs. 56% of all other patients at 12.3 months (P=.0001). Patients with preoperative MCS scores ≥40 experienced significantly faster improvement in physical health compared to patients with preoperative MCS scores <40 (P=.0006). Higher preoperative mental status, especially a preoperative MCS score ≥40, is associated with significantly faster improvement in pain and physical function following arthroscopic RCR. Nearly all patients (98%) with preoperative MCS score ≥40 achieved an acceptable state of pain relief compared with only 56% of patients with preoperative MCS score <40. These findings indicate that a holistic approach with equal consideration of preoperative mental health and rotator cuff pathophysiology is vital to the successful management of rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Evaluation of fatigue life and osseointegration parameters of carbon-carbon composite material for medical applications

The aim of the present work is to study the strength characteristics Carbon fibre-reinforced Carbon (CFRC) material as an osteoimplant under its stepwise loading and to estimate the parameters of osseointegration at the bone-implant interface from the position of histological analysis and mathematical modeling. Fatigue life estimation of materials for implantation and endoprosthesis is based on the study of its "behavior" and determination of the degree of microstructure transformation under different types of cyclic loading using a system for the analysis of acoustic emission under loading. The key parameter in studying the strength of samples from carbon fiber reinforced composite materials under stepwise loading is the determination of the moment of transition of the controlled object into a pre-destructive state. We propose to use the ratio of degree in the equation defining the relationship between the number of acoustic emission events depending on the loading conditions as a key factor in studying the strength of samples made of CFRC under staged loading. When assessing the properties of implant materials, in addition to the study of strength parameters, an important aspect is the determination of the major biomedical characteristics, in particular, the study of bone tissue regeneration processes at the border of the implant-bone block. The osteoinductive activity of materials for plasty of bone tissue defects and endoprosthetics is one of the parameters of the success of reconstructive measures. In this regard, the use of modern methods of histological analysis and mathematical modeling of osseointegration processes of CFRC specimens will allow to predict the effectiveness of their application in clinical practice when replacing bone tissue defects of different localization and in therapy of patients with degenerative-dystrophic diseases requiring endoprosthesis.

Sweet Bell Pepper: A Focus on Its Nutritional Qualities and Illness-Alleviated Properties.

Sweet bell pepper (SBP, Capsicum annuum L.) can be employed as a spice in many dishes and may also be eaten as a delicious fruit. These two nutritional attributes are owing to the strong, deep taste of many SBP phytochemicals. This fruit has many additional beneficial properties because it contains high concentrations of minerals and vitamins that distinguish it from other kinds of fruits. Almost every part of the SBP is thought to be an excellent source of bioactive substances that are health supporters, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and various aromatic substances. The ability of SBP-phytochemicals to work as antioxidants, reducing the harmful effects of oxidative stress and consequently preventing many chronic illnesses, is one of their main biomedical characteristics. These phytochemicals have good antibacterial properties, mostly against gram-positive pathogenic microbes, in addition to their anti-carcinogenic and cardio-preventive effects. So, this review aims to highlight the nutritional qualities of SBP-derived phytochemicals and their illness-alleviated characteristics. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, and analgesic properties are some of the ones discussed.

Radio-Immune Response Model for Radiotherapy Plans with Heterogeneous Dose Distribution

In order to model the immune response in tumor of the patients under radiotherapy for cancer. Characteristics of the numerical model and preliminary application are presented. Immune response was modelled by 4 set of ordinary difference equations (ODE) as a function of biomedical variables including the amount of tumor antigen naturally released by tumor, the activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) by radiation, immune suppression by tumor volume and the use of immunotherapy drugs. The effect of heterogeneous radiation dose distribution is also considered by hyperbolic tangent function to account for the immunogenic response of tissue under highly heterogeneous dose distribution intentionally modulated in spatially fractionated radiotherapy. Boundary behaviors of the model were investigated for tumors with different biomedical characteristics and under different treatment conditions. The developed model was applied to the tumor volume change in a mouse with 67NR tumors after radiation of 10 Gy to full or half volume of tumor and a clinical patient treated for sarcoma three times over 4 years. Tumor growth is exponential at early phase, slow down over time with increasing immune response and eventually reaches an equilibrium condition (known as terminal tumor volume) for tumors with little to no immune suppression capability (ISC) even in the lack of radiation treatment. Breaking-through the equilibrium for tumor to grow exponentially happens when ISC is larger than the bifurcation threshold, analytically calculated from the proposed model. Tumor with ISC close to the bifurcation threshold can show complex growth behavior depending on the treatment condition and it should be carefully considered for the optimal treatment. Tumor volume change over 30 days period on mouse was modeled well with this model. Full dose irradiation reduced the tumor volume faster in the first 10 days but half volume irradiation reduced the tumor volume faster at later stage due to the improved immune response which cannot be modelled with traditional linear quadratic model. Tumor volume on a patient retreated three times over 4 years was also accurately estimated. The proposed immune response model is capable to estimate tumor volume response under full or partial volume irradiation considering the complex immune characteristics of the tissue.

Correlation between TiO2 nanotubes thickness and their tribocorrosion performance in simulated body fluid solution

Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) have been extensively researched for their enhanced biomedical characteristics, including biocompatibility, cell apposition, and growth morphology. However, there is a significant concern in metallic medical devices owing to micro-movements between implants and bone in aggressive environments due to wear and corrosion synergies, leading to adverse body responses and implant failure. In this study, TNTs on Commercially Pure titanium (C.P. Ti) with three different thickness layers were grown to correlate their corrosion and wear behavior. Initially amorphous after anodization, TNTs underwent annealing at 450 °C for 2 h to transform the distorted, into a crystalline structure. The characterization included X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and contact profilometry. Potentiodynamic polarization (PD) and tribocorrosion tests were conducted in Simulated Body Fluid Electrolyte (SBF). SEM micrographs showed TNT thickness layers of 314, 691, and 5280 nm, and X-ray Diffraction showed anatase transformation post-annealing. Results confirmed a significant influence of TNT thickness layers on corrosion and tribocorrosion properties, with higher current density obtained from PD for thicker TNTs layers, associated with surface fluorine content. During tribocorrosion, annealed samples demonstrated lower corrosion tendency, potential drop, and coefficient of friction. Morphology of worn surfaces and volumetric wear rate varied with TNT thickness layer and thermal treatment.

Preliminary Efficacy, Feasibility, and Perceived Usefulness of a Smartphone-Based Self-Management System With Personalized Goal Setting and Feedback to Increase Step Count Among Workers With High Blood Pressure: Before-and-After Study.

High blood pressure (BP) and physical inactivity are the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Mobile health is expected to support patients' self-management for improving cardiovascular health; the development of fully automated systems is necessary to minimize the workloads of health care providers. The objective of our study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy, feasibility, and perceived usefulness of an intervention using a novel smartphone-based self-management system (DialBetes Step) in increasing steps per day among workers with high BP. On the basis of the Social Cognitive Theory, we developed personalized goal-setting and feedback functions and information delivery functions for increasing step count. Personalized goal setting and feedback consist of 4 components to support users' self-regulation and enhance their self-efficacy: goal setting for daily steps, positive feedback, action planning, and barrier identification and problem-solving. In the goal-setting component, users set their own step goals weekly in gradual increments based on the system's suggestion. We added these fully automated functions to an extant system with the function of self-monitoring daily step count, BP, body weight, blood glucose, exercise, and diet. We conducted a single-arm before-and-after study of workers with high BP who were willing to increase their physical activity. After an educational group session, participants used only the self-monitoring function for 2 weeks (baseline) and all functions of DialBetes Step for 24 weeks. We evaluated changes in steps per day, self-reported frequencies of self-regulation and self-management behavior, self-efficacy, and biomedical characteristics (home BP, BMI, visceral fat area, and glucose and lipid parameters) around week 6 (P1) of using the new functions and at the end of the intervention (P2). Participants rated the usefulness of the system using a paper-based questionnaire. We analyzed 30 participants (n=19, 63% male; mean age 52.9, SD 5.3 years); 1 (3%) participant dropped out of the intervention. The median percentage of step measurement was 97%. Compared with baseline (median 10,084 steps per day), steps per day significantly increased at P1 (median +1493 steps per day; P<.001), but the increase attenuated at P2 (median +1056 steps per day; P=.04). Frequencies of self-regulation and self-management behavior increased at P1 and P2. Goal-related self-efficacy tended to increase at P2 (median +5%; P=.05). Home BP substantially decreased only at P2. Of the other biomedical characteristics, BMI decreased significantly at P1 (P<.001) and P2 (P=.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly only at P1 (P<.001). DialBetes Step was rated as useful or moderately useful by 97% (28/29) of the participants. DialBetes Step intervention might be a feasible and useful way of increasing workers' step count for a short period and, consequently, improving their BP and BMI; self-efficacy-enhancing techniques of the system should be improved.

Effect of cerium on mechanical, metallurgical and biomedical properties of NiCrMoB dental alloy

NiCrMo alloys are popular as non-precious dental casting alloys and appreciated specially in developing nations. A number of elements may be alloyed to achieve enhanced characteristics suitable for dental restorations. In this study NiCrMo dental casting alloy was alloyed with cerium to improve mechanical, metallurgical and biomedical characteristics. Three alloys were produced by vacuum induction melting technique. These cast alloys were tested for melting range, phase analysis, microstructure, mechanical and wear characteristics, corrosion behavior, coefficient of thermal expansion and biocompatibility properties. Test results revealed that 0.4% cerium addition in NiCrMoB alloy substantially improved the mechanical, metallurgical and corrosion characteristics of the cast alloy without compromising the biocompatibility and melting characteristics of the alloy. Mechanical testing and tribological results pointed out that the NiCrMoB alloy with 0.4% addition of cerium possessed tensile strength up to 515 MPa with impact strength around 7 J, while average coefficient of friction was calculated to be 0.1715; that was least of the investigated alloys. Corrosion rate for the alloy was found to be 25.92 × 10−3 mils per year that was also the least among the investigated alloy samples.

An insight into biofabrication of selenium nanostructures and their biomedical application.

Evidence shows that nanoparticles exert lower toxicity, improved targeting, and enhanced bioactivity, and provide versatile means to control the release profile of the encapsulated moiety. Among different NPs, inorganic nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Ce, Fe, Se, Te, Zn, etc.) possess a considerable place owing to their unique bioactivities in nanoforms. Selenium, an essential trace element, played a vital role in the growth and development of living organisms. It has attracted great interest as a therapeutic factor without significant adverse effects in medicine at recommended dose. Selenium nanoparticles can be fabricated by physical, biological, and chemical approaches. The biosynthesis of nanoparticles is shown an advance compared to other procedures, because it is environmentally friendly, relatively reproducible, easily accessible, biodegradable, and often results in more stable materials. The effect of size, shape, and synthesis methods on their applications in biological systems investigated by several studies. This review focused on the procedures for the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles, in particular the biogenesis of selenium nanoparticles and their biomedical characteristics, such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. Eventually, a comprehensive future perspective of selenium nanoparticles was also presented.