Cross-Talk Signal Free Recyclable Thermoplastic Polyurethane/Graphene-Based Strain and Pressure Sensor for Monitoring Human Motions.

Developing a sensor that can read out cross-talk free signals while determining various active physiological parameters is demanding in the field of point-of-care applications. While there are a few examples of non-flexible sensors available, the management of electronic waste generated from such sensors is critical. Most of such available sensors are rigid in form factor and hence limit their usability in healthcare monitoring due to their poor conformity to human skin. Combining these facets, studies on the development of a recyclable cross-talk free flexible sensor for monitoring human motions and active parameters are far and few. In this work, we report on the development of a recyclable flexible sensor that can provide accurate data for detecting small changes in strain as well as pressure. The developed sensor could decipher the signals individually responsible due to strain as well as pressure. Hence, it can deliver a cross-talk free output. Thermoplastic polyurethane and graphene were selected as the model system. The thermoplastic polyurethane/graphene sensor exhibited a tensile strain sensitivity of GF ≃ 3.375 for 0-100% strain and 10.551 for 100-150% strain and a pressure sensitivity of ∼-0.25 kPa-1. We demonstrate the applicability of the strain sensor for monitoring a variety of human motions ranging from a very small strain of eye blinking to a large strain of elbow bending with unambiguous peaks and a very fast response and recovery time of 165 ms. The signals received are mostly electrical hysteresis free. To confirm the recyclability, the developed sensor was recycled up to three times. Marginal decrement in the sensitivity was noted with recycling without compromising the sensing capabilities. These findings promise to open up a new avenue for developing flexible sensors with lesser carbon footprints.

Analysis of Ki-67 Expression in Oral Premalignant Lesions and Normal Oral Mucosa: An Immunohistochemical Study.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the Ki-67 expression in oral premalignant lesions and normal oral mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cases were selected on the basis of the details obtained from the patients. A total of 45 specimens were divided into three groups: Group 1 (normal mucosa), Group 2 (clinically and histologically diagnosed as oral lichen planus), and Group 3 (clinically and histologically diagnosed as leukoplakia). Specimens were prepared and the slides for Ki-67 were observed under light microscope with a magnification of ×400. The tissue samples were thoroughly examined, and the pattern of expression was analyzed semiquantitatively by counting the number of positive cells. RESULTS: The mean positive cell count of normal mucosa was 23.20 ± 2.89, of oral lichen planus was 42.82 ± 2.65, and of leukoplakia was 82.14 ± 3.10. There was a statistically significant difference of expression observed between the groups (P < 0.001). On multiple comparisons using Tukey post hoc test, a statistical difference was found between all the three groups. CONCLUSION: Ki-67 is an easily applicable marker of cell proliferation whose expression correlates well with the disease progression.

Neonatal osteomyelitis with pathologic fracture of mandible following MRSA septicemia: management and three year follow up.

Neonatal septicemia caused by resistant bacteria in intensive care units can be not only life threatening, but may also cause long lasting sequelae. A case of a 2 month old male child with osteomyelitis with pathological fracture of the mandible following methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus septicemia is presented. Surgical management, successful outcome and its long term effect on the growth of mandible and dentition is illustrated.