Faces of tuberculosis: a riveting exploration into demographics and health profiles of patients in rural Jharkhand

Background: Tuberculosis is a pressing health concern in Jharkhand, India, claiming 13,000 lives annually. This retrospective study, conducted by Tata steel foundation, delves into the health and sociodemographic profiles of TB patients in the tribal-dominated East Singhbhum district. Noteworthy findings include risk factors such as Anaemia, Diabetes compounded by challenges like limited access to health facilities. TSF's initiatives, including Nikshay Mitra and support for NTEP, are crucial components in addressing TB in the region. Methods: A retrospective study (September to November 2023) analyzed records from TSF's DOTS centre in East Singhbhum. Data from 2019-2023 were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The average age of 293 patients was 37.36±14.97 years, with 83.6% belonging to Scheduled Tribes. Sputum analysis revealed a 61.4% positive rate for Acid Fast Bacillus. Notably, 85.3% completed treatment, and abnormal chest radiographs were observed in 99.3% of cases. Conclusions: The proposed way forward outlines actionable strategies to further strengthen TB awareness, focus on challenging districts, engage communities, and collaborate with government health centers. Regular research and monitoring, coupled with periodic impact assessments, will be crucial for adapting and refining interventions in alignment with the dynamic landscape of TB prevalence.

Screening of Non-Communicable Diseases and their Risk Factors among Tuberculosis Patients in Delhi: A Mix Method Study

Background: India has the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world. It is experiencing an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases, thereby facing a dual disease burden. Recent evidence shows an association between TB and noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, CVD and chronic respiratory infections. Aims and Objectives: To assess the feasibility of screening for NCDs and risk factors for NCDs among patients with TB in DOTS centers of a medical college in Delhi and ascertain challenges for the same among providers and patients. Methodology: It was a mixed-methods study with a quantitative component (cross-sectional study using questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and records review) and a qualitative component (descriptive study using interview data). Results: Among the 139 patients screened, ten new cases of hypertension and six new patients were diagnosed with DM. Outof- pocket expenditure for tests was a concern of the patients. Health care providers found the screening tool easy to use but were apprehensive about increased workload Conclusion: The study provide useful visions for incorporating NCDs into routine TB care through DOTS centers under RNTCP/NTEP.

Feasibility and acceptability of an electronic mobile device application among physicians from the private sector for reporting cases to the national TB program

Introduction@#In the 2016 National TB Prevalence Survey, the prevalence-to-notification ratio for smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis was 3.1. In the TB registry, 94% of cases were reported by public providers, suggesting insufficient reporting from private physicians. This study describes the feasibility and acceptability of an electronic mobile device application for possible use among private physicians for reporting their TB cases.@*Methods@#This interventional, pre-, and post-test study uses an electronic mobile device application to report TB cases. Using the application, physicians collected and uploaded specific information for reporting cases. The participants were duly-licensed physicians and board certified in any of the following: Internal Medicine, Adult Infectious Diseases, Adult Pulmonology, Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, or Pediatric Pulmonology. The participants used an electronic mobile device application for reporting TB cases. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using a questionnaire and through a focus group discussion. Data were summarized with mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables.@*Results@#The study was conducted at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, a government hospital with a Tuberculosis Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (TB DOTS) facility. Of the 30 physicians invited to participate, 24 provided consent, but only 15 downloaded the application (age range 34-61, mean 39 years, 11 females). Eleven of 15 physicians (73%) assessed the mobile application as easy to navigate and felt that information encoded was relevant to patient care. However, the internet connection affected the speed of the application. The physicians said they had no time, were too busy, or simply forgot to encode patient data.@*Conclusion@#The use of the application is acceptable but not feasible for use by private physicians. Modification to the application may be done to improve uptake by private physicians.

An immunochromatographic method for SARS-CoV-2 based on the assistance of internal reference protein / 军事医学

Objective To monitor the validity of the sample process flow and to improve the detection accuracy of a SARS-CoV-2 antigen by introducing internal reference into SARS-CoV-2 fluorescent lateral flow assay.Methods Silica-core double-layer quantum dots(SiO2-DQD)microspheres were prepared using a polyethyleneimine(PEI)-mediated self-assembly method before being separately conjugated with an internal reference detection antibody and SARS-CoV-2 antibody.Their capture antibodies were plotted on two test lines of the nitrocellulose membrane.Based on double-antibody sandwich detection principles,an internal reference-assisted fluorescent lateral flow assay for SARS-CoV-2 antigen was established.Results According to the readout fluorescent signals,the detection limit of the method for the SARS-CoV-2 antigen reached 0.01 ng/ml with a validated sample process,suggesting its good specificity and stability.Conclusion In this study,a rapid internal reference-integrated fluorescent lateral flow assay for SARS-CoV-2 has been established,which provides control reference for the analysis workflow so that the false-negative rate of the test results can be reduced.

A review on synthesis of quantum dots and their biomedical applications

Quantum Dots (QDs) are ultra-fine nanometer-sized semiconductor particles with a core-shell structure possess both electrical and optical properties. Their unique ability to emit pure, monochromatic light on being exposed to light makes them extremely versatile in their applications. The color of the light emitted directly depends on their size and shape. Smaller QDs emit shorter wavelengths, closer to the violet end of the visible light spectrum (~380-450 nm), while larger QDs emit longer wavelengths i.e in reddish spectrum (~620-750 nm). Owing to their “tunability”, QDs can be exploited in a wide range of fluorescent, photonic, and electrochemical applications. QDs represent elements mainly from Group II-VI (e.g., CdSe) or Group III-V (e.g., InP) with the resultant optical and electronic properties of the quantum dots being somewhere between bulk semiconductor material and individual atoms or molecules. Besides applications in energy and photonics, they are under extensive investigation and development for use in disease diagnosis and therapy, specifically in the area of controlled drug delivery, biosensing and imaging. This review surveys the progress of research explores their properties, synthesis, applications, delivery systems in biology, and their toxicity

A study of clinical and treatment profile of tuberculosis patients attending DOTS centre at Primary Health Centre

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an age-old disease killing significant number of humans over history and one of the major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. It killed 1.4 million people annually worldwide in the year 2019. India had 2.69 million cases in 2019, according to TB report 2020. Despite the presence of the programme for it's control, TB continues to threaten the population due to emergence of more and more resistance cases challenging it's elimination. This study reflects the annual burden of tuberculosis in an area served by a Primary Health Centre in Urban Delhi and the treatment outcomes. The records of the patients attendingMethods: the DOTS centre was obtained from the treatment register at Primary Health Centre, Palam, Delhi. The records of patients visiting between April 2020 to March 2021 were included. Data analysis was done on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 and appropriate statistical tests were applied. The total number ofResults & Conclusion: tuberculosis patients registered from April 2020 to March 2021 were 260. Out of these 260 patients, 155 (59.6%) were pulmonary and 105 (40.4%) were extra-pulmonary. A total of 175 (67.3%) were microscopically confirmed and 85 (32.7%) were clinically/radiologically diagnosed.

Qualitative Assessment of Adherence to Anti-Tuberculosis Medication Among Active Tuberculosis Patients

Background: Non- adherence is one of the major risk factors for the emergence of MDR and XDR TB. It is also one of the key factors responsible for treatment failure, disease relapse, prolonged infection and death. This study was conducted to explore the various factors contributing to non-adherence to the Anti-TB medication. Methods: A qualitative study was done on Adult Pulmonary and extra pulmonary TB patients who were in course of the treatment. A total of 20 patients were enrolled. Socio 杁emographic details and specific questions regarding TB were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. In depth telephonic interviews were conducted among all participants. Results: The study participants comprised between 15 to 68 years of age with a mean age of 36 �.9years. Factors influencing non-adherence to medication were grouped under Patient, medication, Socio-economic and Health care related factors, Motive. Almost all patients reported more than one factor. Conclusion: Increasing the awareness of various TB services in the community may increase knowledge and improve attitude among the patients. Providing more information about the effects of medication may reduce the risk of being non adherent. TB anonymous groups can be organized for patients to discuss their challenges while on treatment.

Carbon dots derived from Poria cocos polysaccharide as an effective"on-off"fluorescence sensor for chromium(Ⅵ)detection / 药物分析学报

Chromium is a harmful contaminant showing mutagenicity and carcinogenicity.Therefore,detection of chromium requires the development of low-cost and high-sensitivity sensors.Herein,blue-fluorescent carbon quantum dots were synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method from alkali-soluble Poria cocos polysaccharide,which is green source,cheap and easy to obtain,and has no pharmacological ac-tivity due to low water solubility.These carbon quantum dots exhibit good fluorescence stability,water solubility,anti-interference and low cytotoxicity,and can be specifically combined with the detection of Cr(Ⅵ)to form a non-fluorescent complex that causes fluorescence quenching,so they can be used as a label-free nanosensor.High-sensitivity detection of Cr(Ⅵ)was achieved through internal filtering and static quenching effects.The fluorescence quenching degree of carbon dots fluorescent probe showed a good linear relationship with Cr(Ⅵ)concentration in the range of 1-100 μM.The linear equation was F0/F=0.9942+0.01472[Cr(Ⅵ)](R2=0.9922),and the detection limit can be as low as 0.25 μM(S/N=3),which has been successfully applied to Cr(Ⅵ)detection in actual water samples herein.

Fluorescent aptasensor for detection of live foodborne pathogens based on multicolor perovskite-quantum-dot-encoded DNA probes and dual-stirring-bar-assisted signal amplification / 药物分析学报

In this study,a fluorescent(FL)aptasensor was developed for on-site detection of live Salmonella typhimurium(S.T.)and Vibrio parahaemolyticus(V.P.).Complementary DNA(cDNA)of aptamer(Apt)-functionalized multicolor polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-perovskite quantum dots(cDNA-POSS-PQDs)were used as encoded probes and combined with dual-stirring-bar-assisted signal amplification for pathogen quantification.In this system,bar 1 was labeled with the S.T.and V.P.Apts,and then bar 2 was functionalized with cDNA-POSS-PQDs.When S.T.and V.P.were introduced,pathogen-Apt complexes would form and be released into the supernatant from bar 1.Under agitation,the two complexes reached bar 2 and subsequently reacted with cDNA-POSS-PQDs,which were immobilized on MXene.Then,the encoded probes would be detached from bar 2 to generate FL signals in the supernatant.Notably,the pathogens can resume their free state and initiate next cycle.They swim between the two bars,and the FL signals can be gradually enhanced to maximum after several cycles.The FL signals from released encoded probes can be used to detect the analytes.In particular,live pathogens can be distinguished from dead ones by using an assay.The detection limits and linear range for S.T.and V.P.were 30 and 10 CFU/mL and 102-106 CFU/mL,respectively.Therefore,this assay has broad application potential for simultaneous on-site detection of various live pathogenic bacteria in water.

Compliance of patients to DOTS tuberculosis treatment strategy in a South-East Nigeria Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Tuberculosis ranks the second highest cause of adult mortality after HIV in the world. The Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) strategy is aimed at following up on patients' adherence to treatment regimen. Objectives: To assess the level of compliance of patients to the DOTS strategy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of patients seen at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital from January 2013 to April 2015. Relevant information was collected from patients' folders. Data analysis was with the SPSS and results represented in tables. Results: 111 (50%) patients were compliant with their DOTS treatment plan while 107 (41.3%) were non-compliant. Ninety-two patients (41.4%) were successfully treated and discharged home, 7 patients (3.2%) referred to other centers. The proportion of patients regarding their marital status, occupation, educational level and address that was compliant to the DOTS TB reflected varied patterns. Conclusion/ Recommendations: The study reflected poor to average compliance to DOTS. There is a need for creation of more DOTS centers; regular surveys and updates on DOTS TB strategy should be the norm rather than the exception

Efficacy of folate-coupled quantum dots immunomagnetic beads method for detecting circulating tumor cells in epithelial ovarian cancer and the association of circulating tumor cells with clinicopathological features / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To explore the effectiveness of folate-coupled quantum dots (FA-QD) immunomagnetic beads method for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTC) in epithelial ovarian cancer and the association of CTC with clinicopathological features of tumor patients.Methods:A total of 67 ovarian cancer patients in Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital from August 2019 to January 2020 were selected. Ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells were divided into 5 cell number gradients (0, 100, 150, 200, 300), the detection rates of CTC were compared by using epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) immunomagnetic beads (single standard method) and FA-QD immunomagnetic beads method (double standard method). The number of CTC in peripheral blood of ovarian cancer patients was detected by using FA-QD immunomagnetic beads method, and those with positive CTC under fluorescence microscope were treated as CTC positive patients. The association of CTC with clinicopathological factors and tumor markers of tumor patients was analyzed.Results:The average capture efficiency rate of CTC in SKOV-3 cells detected by FA-QD immunomagnetic beads method (83.4%) was higher than that by EpCAM immunomagnetic beads method (70.3%). Among 67 patients of ovarian cancer, the proportion of CTC positive patients was 30.0% (3/10) in stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ, 91.9% (34/37) in stage Ⅲ, 95.0% (19/20) in stage Ⅳ, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The proportion of CTC positive patients with lymph node metastasis was higher than that of patients without lymph node metastasis [97.1% (33/34) vs. 69.7% (23/33)], and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The proportion of CTC positive patients with human epididymis protein 4 (HE4)>110 pmol/L was lower than that of patients with HE4 ≤ 110 pmol/L [58.8% (10/17) vs. 92.0% (46/50)], and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.005). There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of CTC positive patients stratified by age, menopause, pathological differentiation, distant metastasis, carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125, CA199, carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) (all P > 0.05). Conclusions:FA-QD immunomagnetic beads method can effectively detect CTC in peripheral blood of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. The level of CTC in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer is related to lymph node metastasis, clinical TNM stage and HE4 level.

Simple synthesis of photoluminescent carbon dots from a marine polysaccharide found in shark cartilage

BACKGROUND: For more than a decade, water-soluble, eco-friendly, biocompatible, and low-toxicity fluorescent nanomaterials have received considerable attention for their numerous in vivo and in vitro applications in biomedical imaging, disease diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. Owing to their tunable photoluminescence properties, carbon-based luminescent nanomaterials have shown great potential in bioimaging, photocatalysis, and biosensing among other applications. RESULTS: Marine environments provide excellent resources for the fabrication of these nanomaterials, because many marine organisms contain interesting trigger organic compounds that can be used as precursors. Herein, we synthesize multi-color emissive carbon dots (CDs) with an intrinsic photoluminescence quantum yield of 20.46%. These nanostructures were achieved through the one-step hydrothermal treatment of marine polysaccharide chondroitin sulfate, obtained from shark cartilage, in aqueous solution. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully demonstrate the low toxicity of our marine resource-derived CDs in zebrafish, and provide an initial assessment of their possible use as a bioimaging agent. Notably, the newly synthesized CDs localize in the intestines of zebrafish larvae, thereby indicating their biocompatibility and potential use as in vivo dyes.

Caracterización de la tuberculosis pulmonar en mayores de 15 años. Hospital de Día "Dr. Efrén Jurado López" / Characterization of pulmonary tuberculosis in over 15 years. "Dr. Efrén Jurado López Day Hospital"

La tuberculosis pulmonar constituye una enfermedad de salud pública en el territorio ecuatoriano en expansión que provoca muerte y sufrimiento para la población. El objetivo del estudio es caracterizar la tuberculosis pulmonar en individuos mayores de 15 años que asisten al Hospital de Día "Dr. Efrén Jurado López" de la ciudad de Guayaquil. Se realizó una investigación cuantitativa, descriptiva, retrospectiva. La muestra de estudio quedó conformada por 58 pacientes de ambos géneros mayores de 15 años, diagnosticados con tuberculosis en todas sus formas, atendidos en el contexto de estudio entre enero 2017 y enero de 2018. En la recolección de la información se aplicó una ficha de observación validada por expertos con previo consentimiento informado de los pacientes estudiados. Como resultados se obtuvo que el 72,4% eran del sexo masculino y el 27,6% femenino. El predominio de diagnóstico presentado fue sintomático TBP BK+ en un 100%. Por otra parte para el diagnóstico por TBP cultivo + fue 87,9% (51/58) y TBP cultivo- de 12,1% (7/58). Por otra parte la TB EP fue de 25,9% (15/58) con predominio en el sexo masculino 80%, las formas de tuberculosis y la comorbilidad asociada al al Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH), se observó una frecuencia de 6,9% (4/58) de personas con TB que tenían VIH, de las cuales el 5,2% correspondían a casos de VIH con tuberculosis extra pulmonar y 1,7% a casos de TBP BK+/VIH. Se debe continuar trabajando en la búsqueda de TB en pacientes sintomáticos respiratorios para un diagnóstico oportuno(AU)

Characterization of pulmonary tuberculosis in teenagers older than 15 years in thedr.Efrénjuradolópez day time hospital. Pulmonary tuberculosis is a public health disease in the expanding Ecuadorian territory that causes death and suffering for the population. The objective of the study is to characterize pulmonary tuberculosis in individuals over 15 years of age attending the "Dr. Efrén Jurado López" Day Hospital in the city of Guayaquil. A quantitative, descriptive, retrospective investigation was carried out. The study sample consisted of 58 patients of both genders over 15 years of age, diagnosed with tuberculosis in all its forms, treated in the context of the study between January 2017 and January 2018. A data sheet was applied in the collection of information observation validated by experts with prior informed consent of the patients studied. As a result, it was obtained that 72.4% were male and 27.6% female. The prevalence of diagnosis presented was symptomatic TBP BK + in 100%. On the other hand for the diagnosis by TBP culture + it was 87.9% (51/58) and TBP culture- of 12.1% (7/58). On the other hand, the TB TB was 25.9% (15/58) with a predominance in the male sex 80%, the forms of tuberculosis and the comorbidity associated with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a frequency of 6 was observed, 9% (4/58) of people with TB who had HIV, of which 5.2% corresponded to HIV cases with extra pulmonary tuberculosis and 1.7% to cases of BK + / HIV TBP. Work should continue in the search for TB in symptomatic respiratory patients for a timely diagnosis(AU)

Demographic and clinical profile of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and testing of health related quality of life in a tertiary hospital in South India

Background: Patient with vernal keratoconjunctivitis faces significant morbidity, which affects quality of life or; moreover, it can lead to vision threatening, corneal complication in severe cases and chronic cases coupled with potential iatrogenic side effects. Aim of this study to assess the demography, clinical features and quality of life of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis in a centre in South India.Methods: General objective is to access the health related-quality of life and demographic study of VKC patients in a tertiary eye care hospital in south India. KINDL questionnaire with 30 questions is used for 30 paediatric patients. Percentage analysis for clinical assessment and interpretation method for questionnaire was used as statistical method.Results: In clinical assessment papillary reaction (96.66%), giant papillae (83.34%), Horner Trantas dots (20%), shield ulcer (13.35%), corneal erosions (43.33%), conjunctival congestion (76.68%). In case of vision 36.66% had normal vision, 56.67% had mild vision loss, 6.68% with moderate vision loss.Conclusions: VKC affects the health related quality of life of the patients significantly. The management of VKC should consider this aspect of health related quality of life, in addition to clinical parameters. From the assessment of KINDL questionnaire 30 samples 18 patients had high and 12 patients had average quality of life.

Knowledge attitude and practice of paediatricians regarding tuberculosis case management in five major districts of Punjab state, India

Background: The operational research was done to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding TB case management of Pediatricians. Place were five major cities of Punjab state, India. i.e. Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala and Bathinda.Methods: Study design was observational cross-sectional study. Period was one year. The data collection was done from Paediatricians from 5 cities inhabiting approximately half of the urban population of Punjab, using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire and knowledge of TB and its management was assessed.Results: Total of 139 pediatricians participated in the study, 69% were male. Majority pediatricians had adequate knowledge of TB disease and case suspicion. Adequate knowledge of TB diagnosis was seen in 87% doctors. Only 20% doctors had adequate knowledge about treatment of TB cases. Overall 64% of Pediatricians referred TB cases to DOTS centre for treatment.Conclusions: Improving the treatment knowledge of paediatricians can go a long way in improving management of TB cases.

Adverse drug reactions and treatment outcome analysis in multidrug resistant tuberculosis patients at a DOTS plus site

Background: Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) requires treatment with expensive, toxic, anti-tubercular drugs over a longer duration. Adverse drug reaction (ADR) to second line anti tubercular drugs affect compliance and hence treatment outcome. The primary objective of this study was to analyse ADRs and if these resulted in change or permanent suspension of drug. We also analysed treatment outcome, treatment adherence and co morbidities associated with MDR patients.Methods: A retrospective study was carried out at DOTS plus site in department of Pulmonary Medicine, Goa Medical College on registered MDR cases from November 2011 to October 2016. Socio demographic profile, diagnosis, treatment and ADRs were evaluated, ADRs were evaluated for frequency, causative drugs, management aspect and impact on treatment outcome.Results: Out of 201 MDR cases, 99 cases had 167 ADRs. Majority of patients having ADRs were in age group of 30-50 years with mean眘tandard deviation 36.82�.47, 59 (59.59%) males and 40 (40.40%) females, 92 (92.92%) retreatment cases and 7 (7.07%) newly diagnosed. Majority of ADRs were vomiting 31(18.56%), joint pain 31 (18.56%), gastritis 21 (12.57%), hearing impairment 16 (9.58%), numbness in leg 14 (8.38%), depression 12 (7.18%). Treatment outcome of cases with ADR was cured 45 (45.45%), treatment completed16 (16.16%), progressed to XDR 6 (6.06%), transferred out 5 (5.05%), defaulter 14 (14.14%), death 13 (13.13%).Conclusions: It is very important to recognise at the earliest and treat the ADRs with least modification of the treatment regimen to have a good treatment outcome.

The Challenges of Directly Observed Treatment Shortcourse (DOTS) Implementation for Tuberculosis Management in Anambra State, Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis

Aim:Several challenges have been hampering theDOTS strategy ranging from a paucity of staff, laboratory consumables and drugs among others. This study, therefore, assessed the challenges facing TB-DOTS implementation in Anambra State, Nigeria.Study Design:A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out.Original Research ArticlePlace and Duration of Study:TB-DOTS accredited facilities in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria, September 2017 -March 2018.Methodology:Using questionnaires on 354 respondents, a checklist on 32 DOTS accredited facilities, and Key In-depthInterview (KII) guide which was administered on 14 focal persons in rural and urban facilities, including the State TBL coordinator, was employed. Data were analysed using Chi-square and Fisher`s exact test with level of significance set at p<0.05, while key themes from KII were thematically analysed.Results: Both urban and rural respondents took nearly the same time to reach a DOTS centre, however, urban respondents spent more money to reach a TB centre and this was statistically significant p≤0.002. Patients stated that the DOTS strategy could be improved by attending to them early, home visiting, having more staff, providing pocket money among others in urban comparedto rural areas and these were statistically significant p≤0.003. Checklist revealed that most patients in rural facilities 16/19(84.2%) compared to urban 11/13(84.6%) were not observed taking their medications while 11/19(57.9%) rural compared to 5/13(38.5%) urban had no functional microscope. Both rural and urban facilities specifically had challenges of Genexpert machines, needed more staff and laboratories as well as adequate funds and retraining.Conclusion:Challenges of DOTS may be myriad, however, Focal persons and Health workers should ensure direct observation of patients while the STBL coordinator informs government and policymakers on the need to employ more workers in TB management to help reduce waiting time. Regulartraining and retraining of health workers are also recommended

Fluorescent labeling application of graphene oxide quantum dots in living human periodontal ligament stem cells / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveNano-graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) can be used to target fluorescent markers. The stem cell labeling is an important method in studying stem cell treatments. Our study aims to explore the possibility of using GOQDs as living cell fluorescent marker materials for human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), and to evaluate the biosecurity and effect as live cell fluorescence markers of GOQDs.Methods GOQDs were testified by TEM, DLS, UV-vis, and PL spectra. hPDLSCs were obtained by tissue cultivation and separated by single cell-derived colony selection. Then the source of the cells was carried out by immunocytochemical staining of anti-vimentin, anti-cytokeratin, and multipotent differentiation was used in the identification of stem cells. hPDLSCs were incubated with different concentrations of GOODs (0, 10, 25, and 50 μg/mL) for 24h and 72 h. Cytotoxicity and proliferation effects were determined using CCK-8, and cell cycles were detected using flow cytometry after the co-culture of GOQDs and hPDLSCs. The fluorescent labeling effect of GOQDs was tested using laser scanning confocal microscopy.ResultsThe characterization of GOQDs showed that the nanoparticles were evenly dispersed in water and showing blue light at 365 nm. TEM and DLS showed GOQDs had good dispersion, and the particle size was (6.36±1.41) nm. Immunocytochemical staining of anti-vimentin was positive while anti-cytokeratin was negative. The results of cytotoxicity showed there were no significant differences in cell activity after incubated with different concentrations of GOODs (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) (P>0.05), and there was no significant decrease in cell activity between 24h and 72h (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportional distribution of G1, G2, and S phases between the two concentrations of GOQDs (0 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL) (P>0.05). Fluorescent images showed that GOQDs could enter the cell membrane and increase the fluorescence intensity at the concertation of 50 μg/mL.ConclusionGOQDs were confirmed to have good biocompatibility and could be used for live cell labeling of hPDLSCs.

Fluorescent labeling application of graphene oxide quantum dots in living human periodontal ligament stem cells / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveNano-graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) can be used to target fluorescent markers. The stem cell labeling is an important method in studying stem cell treatments. Our study aims to explore the possibility of using GOQDs as living cell fluorescent marker materials for human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), and to evaluate the biosecurity and effect as live cell fluorescence markers of GOQDs.Methods GOQDs were testified by TEM, DLS, UV-vis, and PL spectra. hPDLSCs were obtained by tissue cultivation and separated by single cell-derived colony selection. Then the source of the cells was carried out by immunocytochemical staining of anti-vimentin, anti-cytokeratin, and multipotent differentiation was used in the identification of stem cells. hPDLSCs were incubated with different concentrations of GOODs (0, 10, 25, and 50 μg/mL) for 24h and 72 h. Cytotoxicity and proliferation effects were determined using CCK-8, and cell cycles were detected using flow cytometry after the co-culture of GOQDs and hPDLSCs. The fluorescent labeling effect of GOQDs was tested using laser scanning confocal microscopy.ResultsThe characterization of GOQDs showed that the nanoparticles were evenly dispersed in water and showing blue light at 365 nm. TEM and DLS showed GOQDs had good dispersion, and the particle size was (6.36±1.41) nm. Immunocytochemical staining of anti-vimentin was positive while anti-cytokeratin was negative. The results of cytotoxicity showed there were no significant differences in cell activity after incubated with different concentrations of GOODs (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) (P>0.05), and there was no significant decrease in cell activity between 24h and 72h (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportional distribution of G1, G2, and S phases between the two concentrations of GOQDs (0 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL) (P>0.05). Fluorescent images showed that GOQDs could enter the cell membrane and increase the fluorescence intensity at the concertation of 50 μg/mL.ConclusionGOQDs were confirmed to have good biocompatibility and could be used for live cell labeling of hPDLSCs.

Inhibitory effects of zinc-doped carbon dots combined with blue light radiation on growth and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To synthesize the zinc-doped carbon dots (CDs) by hydrothermal method and to observe the inhibitory effects of zinc-doped CDs combined with blue light on the formation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and to explore the related mechanism. Methods: The zinc-doped (CDs) were synthesized by hydrothermal method, and the characteristics were observed by transmission electron microscope ( TEM). fluorescence spectrometer and Fourier transform-infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). The experiment was divided into blank control group. CDs group, blue light radiation group, and CDs +blue light radiation group. The cells in CDs group were treated with different concentrations (50. 75. 100 mg • L ' ) of CDs. the cells in blue light radiation group were irradiated with blue light for 10. 20. and 40 min. the cells in CDs + blue light radiation group were treated with CDs combined with blue light, and the cells in blank control group were only treated by culture medium in the dark. CCK-8 assay was used to determine the proliferation rates of the L929 and MC3T3-E1 cells. The reactive oxygen species were scavenged by adding N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the best bacteriostatic effect group (100 mg • L ' CDs group), and the experiment was divided into contro group. 100 mg • L ' CDs group. 0.5 mmol • L 'NAC group, and 0.5 mmol • L ' NAC+ 100 mg • L ' CDs group. The concentrations of the bacteria suspension in various groups were detected by spectrophotometer, the bacterial biofilm formation amounts of S. aureus in various groups were detected by crystal violet staining, and the plate count method was used to record the colony counts in various groups. Results: The TEM results showed that the particle size of the zinc-doped CDs constructed successfully was about 1. 8 nm. The fluorescence spectra showed that the optimum excitation wavelength of CDs was 342 nm and the optimum emission wavelentgh was 450 nm. The FT-IR spectrum showed that CDs had hydroxyl. carboxy. amino and other functional groups. TheCCK-8 assay results showed that after co-culture for 24 h. the proliferation rates of L929 and MC3T3-E1 cells in 100 mg • L ' CDs group were up to 80%. Compared with blank control group, the concentrations of bacteria solution in blue light radiation for 20 and 40 min groups were decreased ( P<∗0. 05 or P<.0. 01). the biofilm formation amount of S aureus was decreased after blue light radiation for 40 min ( P<0. 01). Compared with blue light radiation group, the concentration of bacteria solution and the biofilm formation amount of S. aureus in CDs + blue light radiation (10 min) group were decreased after blue light radition for 10 min ( P<0. 01). Compared with 100 mg • L ' CDs group, the concentration of bacteria solution and the biofilm formation amount of bacteria in 0. 5 mmol • L 1 NAC+100 mg • L ' CDs group were increased (P<0.01). Conclusion: Zinc-doped CDs combined with blue light can inhibit the growth of S aureus and the biofilm formation by photocatalysis effectly.