Topical Nanoliposomal Collagen Delivery for Targeted Fibril Formation by Electrical Stimulation.

Collagen is a complex, large protein molecule that presents a challenge in delivering it to the skin due to its size and intricate structure. However, conventional collagen delivery methods are either invasive or may affect the protein's structural integrity. This study introduces a novel approach involving the encapsulation of collagen monomers within zwitterionic nanoliposomes, termed Lip-Cols, and the controlled formation of collagen fibrils through electric fields (EF) stimulation. The results reveal the self-assembly process of Lip-Cols through electroporation and a pH gradient change uniquely triggered by EF, leading to the alignment and aggregation of Lip-Cols on the electrode interface. Notably, Lip-Cols exhibit the capability to direct the orientation of collagen fibrils within human dermal fibroblasts. In conjunction with EF, Lip-Cols can deliver collagen into the dermal layer and increase the collagen amount in the skin. The findings provide novel insights into the directed formation of collagen fibrils via electrical stimulation and the potential of Lip-Cols as a non-invasive drug delivery system for anti-aging applications.

A comparison of children's experiences with fixed and removable functional appliances: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to compare children's experiences and perceptions of treatment with Hanks-Herbst (HH) and modified Twin-block (MTB) functional appliances. METHODS: A pragmatic nested qualitative study was undertaken in a single hospital setting. Participants from a randomized controlled trial (International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number 11717011) wearing HH and/or MTB appliances were interviewed using a topic guide in a one-to-one, semistructured format. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim for framework methodology analysis until data saturation was reached. RESULTS: Eighteen participants (HH, 7: MTB, 4; switched group, 7) were interviewed. Thirteen codes were constructed and grouped into 3 themes: (1) functional impairment and symptoms, (2) psychosocial factors and impacts, and (3) feedback on appliances and patient care. Both appliances had a negative impact on quality of life, with disruption to children's daily routines and psychological well-being. Speaking was more problematic for MTB participants, whereas HH participants encountered mastication and breakage issues. HH was preferred by most participants, as its nonremovable feature meant less managing and self-discipline was required. MTB was considered a suitable option for children with good self-discipline and who preferred a versatile lifestyle. Feedback included wishes for the availability of multiple appliance options and a degree of autonomy in decision-making processes. CONCLUSIONS: HH and MTB can negatively affect children's quality of life. Participants preferred HH over MTB because of its nonremovable feature, and children requested to be empowered during decision-making processes.

An Accelerated Wound-Healing Surgical Suture Engineered with an Extracellular Matrix.

A suture is a ubiquitous medical device to hold wounded tissues together and support the healing process after surgery. Surgical sutures, having incomplete biocompatibility, often cause unwanted infections or serious secondary trauma to soft or fragile tissue. In this research, UV/ozone (UVO) irradiation or polystyrene sulfonate acid (PSS) dip-coating is used to achieve a fibronectin (FN)-coated absorbable suture system, in which the negatively charged moieties produced on the suture cause fibronectin to change from a soluble plasma form into a fibrous form, mimicking the actions of cellular fibronectin upon binding. The fibrous fibronectin coated on the suture can be exploited as an engineered interface to improve cellular migration and adhesion in the region around the wounded tissue while preventing the binding of infectious bacteria, thereby facilitating wound healing. Furthermore, the FN-coated suture is found to be associated with a lower friction between the suture and the wounded tissue, thus minimizing the occurrence of secondary wounds during surgery. It is believed that this surface modification can be universally applied to most kinds of sutures currently in use, implying that it may be a novel way to develop a highly effective and safer suture system for clinical applications.

A Simple Route of Printing Explosive Crystalized Micro-Patterns by Using Direct Ink Writing.

The production of energetic crystalized micro-patterns by using one-step printing has become a recent trend in energetic materials engineering. We report a direct ink writing (DIW) approach in which micro-scale energetic composites composed of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX) crystals in selected ink formulations of a cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) matrix are produced based on a direct phase transformation from organic, solvent-based, all-liquid ink. Using the formulated RDX ink and the DIW method, we printed crystalized RDX micro-patterns of various sizes and shapes on silicon wafers. The crystalized RDX micro-patterns contained single crystals on pristine Si wafers while the micro-patterns containing dendrite crystals were produced on UV-ozone (UVO)-treated Si wafers. The printing method and the formulated all-liquid ink make up a simple route for designing and printing energetic micro-patterns for micro-electromechanical systems.

Performance of Glass Wool Fibers in Asphalt Concrete Mixtures.

Nowadays, in order to improve asphalt pavement performance and durability and reduce environmental pollution caused by hydrocarbon materials, many researchers are studying different ways of modifying asphalt concrete (AC) and finding alternative paving materials to extend the service life of pavements. One of the successful materials used in the modification of AC is fibers. Different types of fibers have been reinforced in AC mixtures and improvements have been observed. This research studies the performance of glass wool fibers reinforced in a dense-graded asphalt mixture. Generally, glass fibers are known to have excellent mechanical properties such as high tensile modulus, 100% elastic recovery and a very high tolerance to heat. Glass wool fibers are commonly used as a thermal insulation material. In this research, to evaluate the performance of glass wool fibers in AC, laboratory tests, the Marshall mix design test, indirect tensile strength (IDT), tensile strength ratio (TSR) and the Kim test were conducted to determine a proper mix design, tensile properties, moisture susceptibility, rutting and fatigue behaviors. Results show that the addition of glass wool fibers does affect the properties of AC mixtures. The use of glass wool fibers shows a positive consistence result, in which it improved the moisture susceptibility and rutting resistance of the AC. Additionally, results show that the addition of fiber increased tensile strength and toughness which indicates that fibers have a potential to resist distresses that occur on a surface of the road as a result of heavy traffic loading. The overall results show that the addition of glass wool fibers in AC mixtures is beneficial in improving properties of AC pavements.

Recent Advances in Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices toward High-Throughput Screening.

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) have become promising tools offering various analytical applications for chemical and biological assays at the point-of-care (POC). Compared to traditional microfluidic devices, µPADs offer notable advantages; they are cost-effective, easily fabricated, disposable, and portable. Because of our better understanding and advanced engineering of µPADs, multistep assays, high detection sensitivity, and rapid result readout have become possible, and recently developed µPADs have gained extensive interest in parallel analyses to detect biomarkers of interest. In this review, we focus on recent developments in order to achieve µPADs with high-throughput capability. We discuss existing fabrication techniques and designs, and we introduce and discuss current detection methods and their applications to multiplexed detection assays in relation to clinical diagnosis, drug analysis and screening, environmental monitoring, and food and beverage quality control. A summary with future perspectives for µPADs is also presented.

Quantitatively controllable fluid flows with ballpoint-pen-printed patterns for programmable photo-paper-based microfluidic devices.

Regulating the fluid flow in microfluidic devices enables a wide range of assay protocols for analytical applications. A programmable, photo-paper-based microfluidic device fabricated by using a method of cutting and laminating, followed by printing, is reported. The flow distance of fluid in the photo-paper-based channel was linearly proportional to time. By printing silver nanoparticle (AgNP) and poly[4,5-difluoro-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dioxole-co-tetrafluoroethylene] (PTFE) patterns on the surface of a photo-paper-based channel, we were able to either increase or decrease the fluid flow in the fabricated microfluidic devices, while maintaining the linearity in the flow distance-time relation. In comparison to the speed of fluid flow in a pristine channel, by using hydrophilic AgNP patterns, we were able to increase the speed in the channel by up to 15 times while we were able to slow the speed by a factor of 3 when using hydrophobic PTFE dots. We then further demonstrated a single-step protocol for detecting glucose and a multi-step protocol for detecting methyl paraoxon (MPO) with our methods in photo-paper-based microfluidic devices. This approach can lead to improved fluid handling techniques to achieve a wide range of complex, but programmable, assays without the need for any additional auxiliary devices for automated operation.

Improving orthodontic patients' and parents' information recall with use of audio-visual presentation and mind mapping exercises.

Design Randomised controlled trial, with blinding of operators and outcome assessors.Study population English-speaking patients aged 10 or older and parents with capacity to consent were given a 45-minute audio-visual presentation and written information on orthodontic treatment in one of three formats, either leaflets from British Orthodontic Society, generic mind map or blank mind maps.Data analysis A 30-item closed-ended questionnaire was used to test knowledge of patients and parents before (T0), at 30 minutes (T1) and 6 weeks (T2) after provision of presentation and written information. Questionnaire scores at T0, T1 and T2 were analysed using box plot, histogram and Shapiro-Wilk test.Results Ninety-three patients and 89 parents were eligible for the study, of which 88 patients (94.6%) and 77 parents (86.5%) have completed questionnaires at T0, T1 and T2. There were no significant differences in scores at T0 between the three groups. After presentation and written information were given, all three participant groups scored higher at T1 and T2. The increase in score was higher in mind map groups.Conclusions Use of audio-visual presentation and written information has improved information recall of patients and parents. The study suggests that mind maps are a superior format of written information than leaflets.

3D paper-based microfluidic device: a novel dual-detection platform of bisphenol A.

A novel platform of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) for dual detection of bisphenol A (BPA), a model analyte, was fabricated using an electronic digital plotter to create the stacked layer of µPADs and generate the lateral-flow channel without using an external pump. Two detection techniques, including electrochemical detection and laser desorption ionization mass spectrometric detection (LDI-MS), were used complementarily to improve the precision in the detection of BPA. The fluid sample was delivered to both detection zones by the capillary action, automatically generated from the fabricated microfluidic device. For an electrochemical sensor, two ballpoint pens filled with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) ink were used to print onto the paper with a contact printing method using a digital plotter. To further improve the sensitivity, zinc oxide (ZnO) was used to modify both electrochemical and LDI-MS detection zones. For BPA detection, high electrocatalytic properties and strong UV absorption of ZnO promote the electron transfer in the electrochemical sensor and ionization efficiency in LDI-MS with low interferences compared with a conventional organic matrix. Under optimal conditions, this platform showed a dual detection capability for BPA with a detection limit of 0.35 µM for electrochemical detection and with an ultralow detection limit of 0.01 pM for LDI-MS. This novel platform might be very useful for trace analyses requiring high precision detection of various analytes.

Inkjet-Printed Carbon Nanotubes for Fabricating a Spoof Fingerprint on Paper.

A spoof fingerprint was fabricated on paper and applied for a spoofing attack to unlock a smartphone on which a capacitive array of sensors had been embedded with a fingerprint recognition algorithm. Using an inkjet printer with an ink made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), we printed a spoof fingerprint having an electrical and geometric pattern of ridges and furrows comparable to that of the real fingerprint. With this printed spoof fingerprint, we were able to unlock a smartphone successfully; this was due to the good quality of the printed CNT material, which provided electrical conductivities and structural patterns similar to those of the real fingerprint. This result confirms that inkjet-printing CNTs to fabricate a spoof fingerprint on paper is an easy, simple spoofing route from the real fingerprint and suggests a new method for outputting the physical ridges and furrows on a two-dimensional plane.

Programmable Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices for Biomarker Detections.

Recent advanced paper-based microfluidic devices provide an alternative technology for the detection of biomarkers by using affordable and portable devices for point-of-care testing (POCT). Programmable paper-based microfluidic devices enable a wide range of biomarker detection with high sensitivity and automation for single- and multi-step assays because they provide better control for manipulating fluid samples. In this review, we examine the advances in programmable microfluidics, i.e., paper-based continuous-flow microfluidic (p-CMF) devices and paper-based digital microfluidic (p-DMF) devices, for biomarker detection. First, we discuss the methods used to fabricate these two types of paper-based microfluidic devices and the strategies for programming fluid delivery and for droplet manipulation. Next, we discuss the use of these programmable paper-based devices for the single- and multi-step detection of biomarkers. Finally, we present the current limitations of paper-based microfluidics for biomarker detection and the outlook for their development.

Affordable Fabrication of Conductive Electrodes and Dielectric Films for a Paper-based Digital Microfluidic Chip.

In order to fabricate a digital microfluidic (DMF) chip, which requires a patterned array of electrodes coated with a dielectric film, we explored two simple methods: Ballpoint pen printing to generate the electrodes, and wrapping of a dielectric plastic film to coat the electrodes. For precise and programmable printing of the patterned electrodes, we used a digital plotter with a ballpoint pen filled with a silver nanoparticle (AgNP) ink. Instead of using conventional material deposition methods, such as chemical vapor deposition, printing, and spin coating, for fabricating the thin dielectric layer, we used a simple method in which we prepared a thin dielectric layer using pre-made linear, low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) plastic (17-µm thick) by simple wrapping. We then sealed it tightly with thin silicone oil layers so that it could be used as a DMF chip. Such a treated dielectric layer showed good electrowetting performance for a sessile drop without contact angle hysteresis under an applied voltage of less than 170 V. By using this straightforward fabrication method, we quickly and affordably fabricated a paper-based DMF chip and demonstrated the digital electrofluidic actuation and manipulation of drops.

Effects of Silicone Oil on Electrowetting to Actuate a Digital Microfluidic Drop on Paper.

The effects of an immiscible, lubricating polydimethylsiloxane fluid, referred to as silicone oil, on the static deformation and on the dynamic motion of a water drop on paper induced by electrowetting were investigated. The deformation of a drop on a hydrophobic film of amorphous fluoropolymers top-coated with less hydrophobic silicone oil was much more predictable, reversible and reproducible than on the uncoated surface. In the dynamic tribological experiment for a sliding drop along an inclined surface, a significant decrease in the friction coefficient, with an unexpected dependency of the contact area, was observed. Based on the curve fitting analysis, the shear stress and the net friction force were estimated quantitatively. Because of the tribological effect and the reduced shear friction force of the oil film, the static and the dynamic electrowetting states of the water drop were enhanced.

Chlorhexidine gel to prevent alveolar osteitis following mandibular third molar extractions.

Data sourcesMedline/PubMed, Cochrane central, Scopus and Google scholar.Study selectionRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between January 2010 and December 2015 were identified by two reviewers. Unpublished studies were not considered.Data extraction and synthesisStandard Cochrane Collaboration assessment tools were used to carry out a risk of bias assessment. The following data were collected from the articles; sample size, country, mean age of participants, diagnosis of alveolar osteitis (AO), type of intervention and outcomes. Heterogeneity (I2) was calculated to determine the statistical model to be used for meta-analysis.ResultsTen randomised control trials (RCTs) were included, with 862 participants. Eight studies used 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel in the experimental group, 1% CHX gel in one study, and in one study the concentration was not specified. Two studies used adjunctive antibiotics, and one study gave 400mg Ibuprofen to all participants.Six of the RCTs were at low risk of bias, three studies showed possible selection and/or performance bias, and one study gave no information on bias. Heterogeneity was low level (I2 = 40%) and a funnel plot presented a low level of publication bias.The included RCTs used Blum's criteria for diagnosis of AO. Six of the RCTs were conducted double-blinded. The risk ratio (RR) was calculated for each RCT and also for the pooled effect. The overall pooled effect of CHX gel placed in the extraction socket following mandibular 3rd molar removal was calculated to have prevented 57% of AO instances (RR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.58; p<0.00001). Subgroup analysis of the effect of CHX gel in participants who smoked/used the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) was calculated to have prevented 40% of AO (RR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.87; p = 0.007). In the studies that used a split-mouth design, CHX gel prevented 71% of AO incidence (RR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.50; p <0.0001).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis and systematic review concluded 'clinically significant evidence that CHX gel application in the extraction socket of mandibular 3rd molar has reduced the incidence of alveolar osteitis'.

Paper-Based Bimodal Sensor for Electronic Skin Applications.

We present the development of a flexible bimodal sensor using a paper platform and inkjet printing method, which are suited for low-cost fabrication processes and realization of flexible devices. In this study, we employed a vertically stacked bimodal device architecture in which a temperature sensor is stacked on top of a pressure sensor and operated on different principles, allowing the minimization of interference effects. For the temperature sensor placed in the top layer, we used the thermoelectric effect and formed a closed-loop thermocouple composed of two different printable inks (conductive PEDOT:PSS and silver nanoparticles on a flexible paper platform) and obtained temperature-sensing capability over a wide range (150 °C). For the pressure sensor positioned in the bottom layer, we used microdimensional pyramid-structured poly(dimethylsiloxane) coated with multiwall carbon nanotube conducting ink. Our pressure sensor exhibits a high-pressure sensitivity over a wide range (100 Pa to 5 kPa) and high-endurance characteristics of 105. Our 5 × 5 bimodal sensor array demonstrates negligible interference, high-speed responsivity, and robust sensing characteristics. We believe that the material, process, two-terminal device, and integration scheme developed in this study have a great value that can be widely applied to electronic skin.

Size-Dependent Cellular Uptake of Trans-Activator of Transcription Functionalized Nanoparticles.

We investigated the cellular uptake efficiencies of differently-sized silica nanoparticles in the presence and the absence of trans-activator of transcription (TAT) peptide. Silica nanoparticles incorporating fluorescent dye molecules with diameters of 30 to 800 nm were synthesized, and the surfaces of the silica nanoparticles were functionalized with TAT peptides or 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were used to determine the cellular locations and the uptake efficiencies of positively-charged silica nanoparticles (APTES- and TAT-) of various sizes from 30 to 800 nm. The cellular uptake efficiencies of all the differently-sized particles were significantly increased in the presence of TAT peptides. On the basis of an efficient TAT-mediated delivery system, we were able to show that TAT peptides could be used as effective cellular-uptake reagents, particularly for large particles.

Recognition, Intervention and Management of Digit Sucking: A Clinical Guide for the General Dental Practitioner.

Digit sucking is a common habit in young children, which if allowed to continue for a prolonged period, can adversely affect the development of the face and dental occlusion. Patients with digit sucking habits often present with an increased overjet, reduced overbite, anterior open bite, posterior crossbite and possible skeletal changes which can be challenging and costly to correct if the habit is not ceased in a timely manner. This article aims to provide guidance for general dental practitioners to recognise and appropriately manage patients with a digit sucking habit.

Active digital microfluidic paper chips with inkjet-printed patterned electrodes.

Active, paper-based, microfluidic chips driven by electrowetting are fabricated and demonstrated for reagent transport and mixing. Instead of using the passive capillary force on the pulp to actuate a flow of a liquid, a group of digital drops are transported along programmed trajectories above the electrodes printed on low-cost paper, which should allow point-of-care production and diagnostic activities in the future.

Actuation of digital micro drops by electrowetting on open microfluidic chips fabricated in photolithography.

Basic manipulations of discrete liquid drops on opened microfluidic chips based on electrowetting on dielectrics were described. While most developed microfluidic chips are closed systems equipped with a top plate to cover mechanically and to contact electrically to drop samples, our chips are opened systems with a single plate without any electric contact to drops directly. The chips consist of a linear array of patterned electrodes at 1.8 mm pitch was fabricated on a glass plate coated with thin hydrophobic and dielectric layers by using various methods including photolithography, spin coating and ion sputtering. Several actuations such as lateral oscillation, colliding mergence and translational motion for 3-10 µL water drops have been demonstrated satisfactory. All these kinetic performances of opened chips were similar to those of closed chip systems, indicating superiority of a none-contact method for the transport of drops on opened microfluidic chips actuated by using electrowetting technique.