Preanalytical Errors in Clinical Laboratory Testing at a Glance: Source and Control Measures.

The accuracy of diagnostic results in clinical laboratory testing is paramount for informed healthcare decisions and effective patient care. While the focus has traditionally been on the analytical phase, attention has shifted towards optimizing the preanalytical phase due to its significant contribution to total laboratory errors. This review highlights preanalytical errors, their sources, and control measures to improve the quality of laboratory testing. Blood sample quality is a critical concern, with factors such as hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus leading to erroneous results. Sources of preanalytical errors encompass inappropriate test requests, patient preparation lapses, and errors during sample collection, handling, and transportation. Mitigating these errors includes harmonization efforts, education and training programs, automated methods for sample quality assessment, and quality monitoring. Collaboration between laboratory personnel and healthcare professionals is crucial for implementing and sustaining these measures to enhance the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic results, ultimately improving patient care.

Optical fiber immunosensors based on surface plasmon resonance for the detection of Escherichia coli.

Every year, millions of people suffer some form of illness associated with the consumption of contaminated food. Escherichia coli (E. coli), found in the intestines of humans and other animals, is commonly associated with various diseases, due to the existence of pathogenic strains. Strict monitoring of food products for human consumption is essential to ensure public health, but traditional cell culture-based methods are associated with long waiting times and high costs. New approaches must be developed to achieve cheap, fast, and on-site monitoring. Thus, in this work, we developed optical fiber sensors based on surface plasmon resonance. Gold and cysteamine-coated fibers were functionalized with anti-E. coli antibody and tested using E. coli suspensions with concentrations ranging from 1 cell/mL to 105 cells/mL. An average logarithmic sensitivity of 0.21 ± 0.01 nm/log(cells/mL) was obtained for three independent assays. An additional assay revealed that including molybdenum disulfide resulted in an increase of approximately 50% in sensitivity. Specificity and selectivity were also evaluated, and the sensors were used to analyze contaminated water samples, which verified their promising applicability in the aquaculture field.

Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Clinical Trials on the Therapeutic Potential of Essential Oils (1967-2024).

Essential oils, aromatic compounds extracted from various parts of plants, have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their diverse therapeutic properties and potential applications in healthcare. This analysis delves into the publication trends, productivity patterns, most relevant contributors, coauthorship networks, most frequently used keywords, and their co-occurrence, topic trends, thematic evolution, and collaboration between various countries in clinical trials exploring the therapeutic potential of essential oils. Six hundred sixty-one clinical trials were selected from the PubMed database for analysis, authored by 2959 authors, and published across 359 sources. The analysis identified Horrobin DF as the most contributing author based on the number of published clinical trials, followed by Kasper S, McGuire JA, and Schlafke S. Lotka's law underscores the distribution of authors' productivity, revealing a small number of highly productive authors. Coauthorship analysis identifies significant collaborations among authors and institutions, with prominent contributors like Siegfried Kasper and institutions like Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Furthermore, the analysis highlights leading journals like Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice and the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Using keyword clustering, connections between various subjects and their chronological presence are uncovered, offering insights into the changing research landscape. The thematic examination exposes changes in research emphasis over time, progressing from fundamental studies on essential oil components to broader utilization and focused inquiries into oils and therapeutic domains. Analysis of the countries of corresponding authors revealed that Iran has the highest number of multiple-country publications. Moreover, international collaboration trends have been unveiled. Together, these analyses furnish holistic understandings of keyword relationships, thematic shifts, and global partnerships in essential oil research, presenting valuable perspectives on trends and focal points within this domain.

Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma of Maxillary Gingiva with Calcification: A Case Report.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma is presented as an exophytic growth with a smooth surface. It is located mostly on the gingiva, and it is an unusual growth of gingiva that occurs after irritational trauma. It is seen in the later decade of life, with the calcifications in the lesion in advanced stages seen on radiographic images. In the present case, a 50-year-old male reported with a huge gingival growth in the left maxillary posterior gingival region; when radiograph was taken, it showed calcifications. The patient was treated by surgical excision of the growth.

Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Clinical Trials on Psychological Stress and Oral Health (1967-2024).

Stress is ubiquitous in modern life, influencing various facets of human health and well-being. While the impact of stress on mental and physical health is well-documented, its effects on oral health have garnered increasing attention in recent years. This bibliometric analysis explores the literature on the impact of stress on oral health. The study utilizes data from the PubMed database, focusing on publication trends, influential contributors and the temporal analysis of their publications, coauthorship analysis of authors and institutions, key thematic clusters, thematic evolution, and collaboration between various countries. Examining clinical trials investigating the impact of stress on oral health unveils significant trends and insights. Over time, there has been a steady rise in publication frequency, although with occasional fluctuations, indicating an increasing interest in the subject. The University of California has been identified as a leading institution, while Psychoneuroendocrinology emerges as a pivotal journal for disseminating research findings in the field. Keyword analysis reveals diverse thematic clusters, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the impact of stress on oral health. The analysis of topic trends showcases significant shifts over different periods, from basic correlations between mental health conditions and physiological indicators to a broader exploration of psychological interventions and social contexts in recent years. Thematic evolution analysis further elucidates this progression, categorizing themes into motor, basic, niche, and emerging or declining categories. Additionally, the analysis of corresponding authors' countries uncovers patterns of collaborative efforts, with the United States leading in collaboration levels. In summary, these analyses collectively highlight an evolving comprehension of the impact of stress on oral health, providing valuable insights for clinical practice and guiding future research endeavors.

Eugenol and Aloe vera blended natural wax-based coating for preserving postharvest quality of Kaji lemon (Citrus jambhiri).

Edible coatings on fruits and vegetables preserve postharvest quality by reducing water loss and lowering respiration, and metabolic activities. The primary objectives of this study were to develop composite coating formulations using natural waxes (carnauba and shellac wax), eugenol nanoemulsion, and Aloe vera gel, and assess the potential impacts of the coating formulations on the postharvest quality and shelf-life of the Kaji lemon. The results show that eugenol nanoemulsion and Aloe vera gel enhanced the physico-chemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the developed coating. Notably, the fruits coated with optimized nanocomposite of wax with eugenol and aloe vera gel inclusion (SW + CW/EuNE-20/AVG-2) showed the lowest weight loss (16.56%), while the coatings of wax with only aloe vera gel (SW + CW/AVG-2) exhibited the highest firmness (48 N), in contrast to the control fruit, which had 27.33% weight loss and 9.6 N firmness after 28 days of storage, respectively.

Probing the thermoelectric properties of aluminium-doped copper iodide.

Copper iodide, an environmentally friendly material abundant in nature, holds great significance for room temperature thermoelectric (TE) applications owing to its high Seebeck coefficient and optical transparency. However, to fully unlock its thermoelectric potential and match the performance of conventional TE materials, there is a need to further enhance its electrical conductivity. In this study, we have successfully synthesized nano-crystalline powders of both undoped and aluminium-doped CuI at room temperature using the chemical precipitation method in an ethanol medium. The concentration of aluminium dopant has been optimized to maximize TE performance. At 400 K, the highest TE power factor and figure of merit achieved are 79 µW m-1 K-2 and 0.08, respectively, for CuI doped with 0.1 mol% Al. This enhancement in TE properties can be attributed to the increased carrier density resulting from aluminium doping. The impact of aluminium doping on the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity has been investigated, and the findings are explained by the decay mechanism of optical phonons, supported by the anharmonic phonon coupling theory. Our work delves into the evolution of structural, thermal, optical, and TE properties of CuI upon aluminium (Al) doping. The results provide valuable insights into the future application of CuI in transparent thermoelectric and optoelectronic fields.

The Interplay Between Diabetes and Oral Health: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Clinical Trials (1967-2024).

Recognizing the complex interaction between diabetes and oral health is crucial, considering the increasing worldwide prevalence of these conditions. This bibliometric analysis delves into the extensive body of literature concerning the impact of diabetes on oral health, utilizing data retrieved from PubMed. The publishing trends indicate a growing research interest in the field over time, with notable peaks and declines. Coauthorship analyses of authors and institutions illuminated collaborative networks within the research community. Two departments at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Iran, namely the Department of Periodontology within the School of Dentistry and the Diabetes Research Center within the Health Research Institute, demonstrated the highest total link strength. The co-occurrence analysis of keywords also unveiled thematic clusters, reflecting research focus areas and evolving trends. The analysis of topic trends highlighted persistent research interests in topics, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, glycated hemoglobin, periodontitis, and therapy for chronic periodontitis, with shifts in therapeutic modalities investigated. The thematic map suggests that dental implants and tumor necrosis factor-alpha are emerging terms in the field that have gained more traction recently. Furthermore, the analysis of scientific production by country indicated varied contributions, with Brazil leading in publication output. Analysis of collaboration among corresponding authors' countries identified Italy exhibiting substantial international collaboration, while most of the countries primarily produced single-country publications. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the multifaceted landscape of research on diabetes and oral health, emphasizing ongoing efforts to understand and address the complex interplay between these conditions.

Self-reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among health professions students in India.

Studies focusing on the safety and common side effects of vaccines play a crucial role in enhancing public acceptance of vaccination. Research is scarce regarding the usage of COVID-19 vaccines and the side effects experienced by health professions students in India and other countries. This study aimed to document self-reported side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental students of six medical and dental colleges and teaching hospitals in four states (Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal) of India. A cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling of medical and dental students was conducted from 26 April to 26 May 2021. Data was collected using a Google Forms questionnaire capturing information regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccines, side effects and symptoms, onset and duration of symptoms, use of treatment to alleviate symptoms, awareness of haematologic risks associated with vaccination, and side effects from previous (non-COVID-19) vaccinations. The majority (94.5%) of participants received both doses of the Covishield/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants (n = 492), 45.3% (n = 223) reported one or more side effects. The most frequently reported side effects were soreness of the injected arm (80.3%), tiredness (78.5%), fever (71.3%), headache (64.1%), and hypersomnia (58.7%). The two most common severe symptoms were fever (14.8%) and headache (13%). Most side effects appeared on the day of vaccination: soreness of the injection site (57%), fever (43.1%), and tiredness (42.6%). Most reported symptoms persisted for one to three days-soreness of the injection site (53%), fever (47.1%), and headache (42.6%). Logistic regression showed that women were almost 85% less likely to report side effects. The study's findings corroborate the safety of the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine's first dose, evidenced by the relatively minor and transient nature of the side effects. However, the study underscores the necessity for ongoing research to assess the long-term impacts of COVID-19 vaccines, especially in the context of booster doses, thereby contributing to the global understanding of vaccine safety and efficacy.

Multi-function sensing applications based on high Q-factor multi-Fano resonances in an all-dielectric metastructure.

A multi-function sensor based on an all-dielectric metastructure for temperature and refractive index sensing simultaneously is designed and analyzed in this paper. The structure is composed of a periodic array of silicon dimers placed on the silicon dioxide substrate. By breaking the symmetry of the structure, the ideal bound states in the continuum can be converted to the quasi-bound states in the continuum, and three Fano resonances are excited in the near-infrared wavelength. Combining with the electromagnetic field distributions, the resonant modes of three Fano resonances are analyzed as magnetic dipole, magnetic toroidal dipole, and electric toroidal dipole, respectively. The proposed sensor exhibits an impressive maximal Q-factor of 9352, with a modulation depth approaching 100%. Our investigation into temperature and refractive index sensing properties reveals a maximum temperature sensitivity of 60 pm/K. Regarding refractive index sensing, the sensitivity and figure of merit are determined to be 279.5 nm/RIU and 2055.1 RIU-1, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of the all-dielectric metastructure for simultaneous multi-parameter measurements. The sensor's versatility suggests promising applications in biological and chemical sensing.

Xbra modulates the activity of linker region phosphorylated Smad1 during Xenopus development.

The Bmp/Smad1 pathway plays a crucial role in developmental processes and tissue homeostasis. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (Mapk)/Erk mediated phosphorylation of Smad1 in the linker region leads to Smad1 degradation, cytoplasmic retention and inhibition of Bmp/Smad1 signaling. While Fgf/Erk pathway has been documented to inhibit Bmp/Smad1 signaling, several studies also suggests the cooperative interaction between these two pathways in different context. However, the precise role and molecular pathway of this collaborative interaction remain obscure. Here, we identified Xbra induced by Fgf/Erk signaling as a factor in a protective mechanism for Smad1. Xbra physically interacted with the linker region phosphorylated Smad1 to make Xbra/Smad1/Smad4 trimeric complex, leading to Smad1 nuclear localization and protecting it from ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. This interaction of Xbra/Smad1/Smad4 led to sustained nuclear localization of Smad1 and the upregulation of lateral mesoderm genes, while concurrently suppression of neural and blood forming genes. Taken together, the results suggests Xbra-dependent cooperative interplays between Fgf/Erk and Bmp/Smad1 signaling during lateral mesoderm specification in Xenopus embryos.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Literature on the Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Oral Health (1987-2024).

This bibliometric analysis investigates the research landscape concerning the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on oral health through a comprehensive literature review. The study includes all English-language articles retrieved from the PubMed database, focusing on the relationship between RA and various aspects of oral health without any filter. The analysis of 261 publications revealed fluctuations in publication patterns from 1987 to 2024, with notable surges and declines in research activity. Collaborative networks among authors and institutions were identified, highlighting key contributors and prolific institutions such as Karolinska Institutet. The themes prevalent in the research included demographics, oral microbiota, biomarkers, treatment outcomes, and molecular mechanisms. Trend topic and thematic evolution analyses elucidated shifts in research focus from traditional concerns to emerging areas such as oral microbiology and immunological mechanisms. Key findings underscored the need for more clinical trials to comprehend the impact of RA on oral health, enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, exploration of emerging areas, and longitudinal studies. This analysis provides valuable insights into the evolving research landscape, informing future investigations and interventions to improve oral health outcomes in individuals with RA.

Unmasking the Hidden Burden: A Delayed Diagnosis of Leprosy Patients With Grade 2 Disability and Its Effects on the Healthcare System in Bangladesh.

Introduction Leprosy remains a significant cause of preventable disability worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy are critical not only to stop its spread but also to prevent physical and social complications and reduce the disease burden. Objectives The study aims to evaluate the factors that lead to a delayed leprosy diagnosis. Methods This study was conducted in the outpatient departments of Leprosy Control Institute and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and at Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 2023 to June 2023. A total number of 252 male (148) and female (104) patients were selected with any sign of leprosy, including disability, age ranging from 15 to 74 years. Data was collected in a pre-designed structured questionnaire by the researchers. To assess the risk of independent exposures of Grade 2 leprosy disabilities, we used a logistic regression model. A chi-square test showed the association between significant effects and leprosy disabilities. A p-value of 0.05 was considered as significant. For statistical analysis, STATA version 15 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, Texas, USA) was used. Results The study participants exhibited a higher percentage of disability, with a rate of 25.8% for Grade 2 disabilities. In addition to this, males represented a more considerable proportion, 58.7%, than females among leprosy and disability patients across all levels of disability. In our study, lack of money and painless symptoms showed a significant association (p<0.001) with Grade 2 disability. Conclusion The study reveals that Grade 2 disabilities are more common in males and are particularly prevalent in lower socioeconomic groups.

Portable optical fiber biosensors integrated with smartphone: technologies, applications, and challenges [Invited].

The increasing demand for individualized health monitoring and diagnostics has prompted considerable research into the integration of portable optical fiber biosensors integrated with smartphones. By capitalizing on the benefits offered by optical fibers, these biosensors enable qualitative and quantitative biosensing across a wide range of applications. The integration of these sensors with smartphones, which possess advanced computational power and versatile sensing capabilities, addresses the increasing need for portable and rapid sensing solutions. This extensive evaluation thoroughly examines the domain of optical fiber biosensors in conjunction with smartphones, including hardware complexities, sensing approaches, and integration methods. Additionally, it explores a wide range of applications, including physiological and chemical biosensing. Furthermore, the review provides an analysis of the challenges that have been identified in this rapidly evolving area of research and concludes with relevant suggestions for the progression of the field.

Exploring the Bacteriophage Frontier: A Bibliometric Analysis of Clinical Trials Between 1965 and 2024.

In recent years, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has posed a severe threat to global public health, necessitating innovative and alternative approaches to combat this escalating crisis. Bacteriophages, viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, have emerged as promising candidates for therapeutic intervention against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This study delves into the intricate landscape of bacteriophage research, unraveling the trends and impact of research in the field. The analysis considers the chronological evolution of research, identifying key contributors, collaborative networks, and thematic trends that have shaped the trajectory of this rapidly growing field. Out of 101717 search results in the PubMed database, 163 clinical trials were identified, revealing a dynamic landscape of research activity between 1965 and 2024. The annual scientific publication analysis unveiled fluctuations in the number of publications, indicating an overall increasing trend. Notably, 2011 emerged as a peak year, signifying heightened activity in bacteriophage research. Employing Lotka's law, the authors' productivity analysis illustrated an inherent imbalance in author contributions, with a majority contributing to a single clinical trial. Co-authorship analysis highlighted leading collaborators. Co-occurrence analysis of keywords unveiled thematic clusters, providing insights into the diverse aspects of bacteriophage research. A word cloud emphasized significant terms, while a thematic map categorized themes into various developmental stages. Antimicrobial Agents, Chemotherapy, and Poultry Science were the most relevant journals based on the number of publications. The analysis of countries' contributions revealed the United States as a leading contributor, with Switzerland and China following suit. Collaboration patterns suggested predominantly independent research, with potential for increased international partnerships in certain regions. Additionally, temporal analysis of authors, institutions, sources, and countries revealed productivity patterns, historical context, and research shifts. By scrutinizing a vast array of scientific literature, this investigation aims to provide a panoramic view of how the scientific community has explored the potential of bacteriophages in the context of antibiotic resistance.

The Role of Probiotics in the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori and Overall Impact on Management of Peptic Ulcer: A Study Involving Patients Undergoing Triple Therapy in Bangladesh.

Background Helicobacter pylori infection has been identified to cause constantly recurring inflammation, leading to gastrointestinal tract disorders, including carcinoma. The standard triple therapy (STT), used to eradicate H. pylori, includes two antimicrobials and a proton pump inhibitor for two weeks. Other drug regimens have also been developed since H. pylori exhibits antimicrobial resistance. These regimens, including probiotics, have been shown to lower adverse drug reactions (ADR), improve drug adherence, exert bacteriostatic effect, and reduce inflammation. Objective This study intended to explore probiotic intervention for improving eradication rates and mitigating adverse effects while administrating STT.  Methods This prospective study was conducted from May to December, 2021, in the Department of Gastroenterology of Ship International Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, to observe the effects of probiotics inclusion along with STT on H. pylori eradication. A total of 100 patients aged ≥18 years who tested positive for H. pylori were included. The experimental group (n=50) was given STT and probiotics, and the control group (n=50) was given only STT without probiotics for 14 days. Necessary follow-up was done six weeks after treatment. An independent sample t-test, chi-square test, and multiple regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Result The odds of getting rapid urease test (RUT) negative results from positive were 2.06 times higher (95%CI= 0.95, 3.22, p=0.054) in the experimental group. ADRs were crucially towering in the control group (p=0.045) compared to the probiotics group. The probiotics group had a lower risk of having adverse effects by 0.54 times (95%CI=0.19, 0.84, p=0.032) than the control group. Conclusion Using probiotics and STT together to eradicate H. pylori may lower ADR and improve treatment adherence. It may also help terminate H. pylori infection more effectively. More research is required as H. pylori is very contagious and can ultimately cause life-threatening gastric cancer.

VerSoX B07-B: a high-throughput XPS and ambient pressure NEXAFS beamline at Diamond Light Source.

The beamline optics and endstations at branch B of the Versatile Soft X-ray (VerSoX) beamline B07 at Diamond Light Source are described. B07-B provides medium-flux X-rays in the range 45-2200 eV from a bending magnet source, giving access to local electronic structure for atoms of all elements from Li to Y. It has an endstation for high-throughput X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure (NEXAFS) measurements under ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) conditions. B07-B has a second endstation dedicated to NEXAFS at pressures from UHV to ambient pressure (1 atm). The combination of these endstations permits studies of a wide range of interfaces and materials. The beamline and endstation designs are discussed in detail, as well as their performance and the commissioning process.

A novel mortality risk score for emphysematous pyelonephritis: A multicenter study of the Global Research in the Emphysematous Pyelonephritis group.

Background: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a necrotizing infection of the kidney and the surrounding tissues associated with considerable mortality. We aimed to formulate a score that classifies the risk of mortality in patients with EPN at hospital admission. Materials and methods: Patients diagnosed with EPN between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively included. Data from 15 centers (70%) were used to develop the scoring system, and data from 7 centers (30%) were used to validate it. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors related to mortality. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to construct the scoring system and calculate the risk of mortality. A standardized regression coefficient was used to quantify the discriminating power of each factor to convert the individual coefficients into points. The area under the curve was used to quantify the scoring system performance. An 8-point scoring system for the mortality risk was created (range, 0-7). Results: In total, 570 patients were included (400 in the test group and 170 in the validation group). Independent predictors of mortality in the multivariable logistic regression were included in the scoring system: quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score ≥2 (2 points), anemia, paranephric gas extension, leukocyte count >22,000/µL, thrombocytopenia, and hyperglycemia (1 point each). The mortality rate was <5% for scores ≤3, 83.3% for scores 6, and 100% for scores 7. The area under the curve was 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.95) for test and 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.97) for the validation group. Conclusions: Our score predicts the risk of mortality in patients with EPN at presentation and may help clinicians identify patients at a higher risk of death.

Advancements in optical fiber-based wearable sensors for smart health monitoring.

Healthcare system is undergoing a significant transformation from a traditional hospital-centered to an individual-centered one, as a result of escalating chronic diseases, ageing populations, and ever-increasing healthcare costs,. Wearable sensors have become widely used in health monitoring systems since the COVID-19 pandemic. They enable continuous measurement of important health indicators like body temperature, wrist pulse, respiration rate, and non-invasive bio fluids like saliva and perspiration. Over the last few decades, the development has mostly concentrated on electrochemical and electrical wearable sensors. However, due to the drawbacks of such sensors, such as electronic waste, electromagnetic interference, non-electrical security, and poor performance, researchers are exhibiting a strong interest in optical principle-based systems. Fiber-based optical wearables are among the most promising healthcare systems because of advancements in high-sensitivity, durable, multiplexed sensing, and simple integration with flexible materials to improve wearability and simplicity. We present an overview of recent developments in optical fiber-based wearable sensors, focusing on two mechanisms: wavelength interrogation and intensity modulation for the detection of body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, body movements, and biomedical noninvasive fluids, with a thorough examination of their benefits and drawbacks. This review also focuses on improving working performance and application techniques for healthcare systems, including the integration of nanomaterials and the usage of the Internet of Things (IoT) with signal processing. Finally, the review concludes with a discussion of the future possibilities and problems for optical fiber-based wearables.