Optical fiber sensors for monitoring in critical care

Monitoring of key physiological and pharmacological parameters is an important part of a closed loop control system in critical care. Optical fiber sensors provide a versatile platform technology that can be easily incorporated into existing in-dwelling catheters or face masks. With appropriate functional coatings they can be used to monitor a range of relevant parameters and two different examples are presented: (i) respiration monitoring; (ii) drug level monitoring. Respiration monitoring involves monitoring of temperature and humidity in inhaled and exhaled breath. The optical fiber sensor consists of a fiber Bragg grating to measure temperature and a tip coating whose refractive index changes with humidity. The sensor is demonstrated to be able to track breath to breath changes when incorporated into a mask. Drug level monitoring is demonstrated in vitro using a long period grating coated with molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles that are sensitive to fentanyl. The sensor has a limit of detection of 50ng/ml.

Protein Engineering for Improved Health: Technological Perspectives

Protein engineering has enabled development of novel proteins aimed at disease diagnosis, alleviation and improved health attributes. The present article provides an overview of recent approaches and techniques used to modify proteins at diverse levels, which find therapeutically relevant applications. There is immense interest among researchers to discover new and increasingly valuable solutions for various health related issues and protein engineering could be a possible venue to sort out such problems. In this mini review we have tried to decipher some of the novel aspects of protein engineering in terms of protein-based therapeutics and diagnostics, in-silico tools and related approaches. A special emphasis has been given for some innovative aspects of protein-nanoparticle conjugates; use of artificial intelligence (AI)- based tools and post-translational modifications. Utilization of such approaches in protein engineering might be ground breaking in future research endeavor of researchers across the world.

The impact of ultrasound in an integrated one-stop sarcoma clinic

AIM

To evaluate the utilisation of ultrasound within a one-stop clinic model in a regional bone and soft-tissue sarcoma centre in the UK, assess its contribution to patient management, and compare diagnostic outcomes to general musculoskeletal "lumps and bumps" clinics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a retrospective evaluation of 1,918 referrals between October 2016 and September 2018. All ultrasound examinations and biopsies were performed by one of two musculoskeletal sarcoma radiologists. Ultrasound criteria for suspicion of malignancy were agreed. Study parameters included patient demographics, imaging modality, imaging findings, biopsy results, and time intervals. Correlation has been made between imaging findings and biopsy results.

RESULTS

Five hundred and twenty-four patients (27%) underwent diagnostic ultrasound within the one-stop clinic, out of which 244 (46.5%) underwent an ultrasound-guided biopsy within the same appointment. From this cohort, 412 (78.6%) were given a likely benign diagnosis, either based on imaging alone or in combination with an ultrasound-guided biopsy and a histologically malignant diagnosis was made in the remaining 112 (21.4%). Diagnostic ultrasound within the one-stop sarcoma clinic has a positive predictive value of 86%, negative predictive value of 97%, and sensitivity of 89%.

CONCLUSION

Integration of ultrasound within a one-stop sarcoma clinic provides rapid diagnostic imaging input within the outpatient setting and facilitates early effective triaging of patients into appropriate management plans. It reduces waiting times, unnecessary outpatient appointments and short-term patient anxiety. Clinical and communications skills of the sarcoma radiologist are of paramount importance to improving overall efficiency and patient experience.

Current Trends in Protein Engineering: Updates and Progress

Proteins are one of the most important and resourceful biomolecules that find applications in health, industry, medicine, research, and biotechnology. Given its tremendous relevance, protein engineering has emerged as significant biotechnological intervention in this area. Strategic utilization of protein engineering methods and approaches has enabled better enzymatic properties, better stability, increased catalytic activity and most importantly, interesting and wide range applicability of proteins. In fact, the commercialization of engineered proteins have manifested in economically beneficial and viable solutions for industry and healthcare sector. Protein engineering has also evolved to become a powerful tool contributing significantly to the developments in both synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. The present review revisits the current trends in protein engineering approaches such as rational design, directed evolution, de novo design, computational approaches etc. and encompasses the recent progresses made in this field over the last few years. The review also throws light on advanced or futuristic protein engineering aspects, which are being explored for design and development of novel proteins with improved properties or advanced applications.

Non-communicable Disease Risk Reduction Teaching in India: A Curricular Landscape

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have today become a growing epidemic, surpassing infectious diseases and adversely impacting national health systems, policies, and socio-economic developments. Management of NCD and its risk factors such as tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity has garnered paramount importance under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the educational settings for healthcare professionals to prepare them for delivery of preventive interventions w.r.t. to NCD risk factors require a stronger foundation. In the present work, a landscaping exercise of the teaching of NCD risk factors in the extant Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) curricula of healthcare professionals from select medical colleges in India has been undertaken. Our assessment indicates that in the present MBBS curriculum, effort is largely directed upon teaching only specific aspects of NCDs, such as hypertension, diabetes, mental illness, blindness, and cancer with greater inclination toward clinical aspects. With regard to NCD risk factors, there is inadequate focus on the healthcare promotion aspects. The overall syllabus also does not address long-term health implications of tobacco smoking, lack of proper diet or physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption etc. It also does not reflect any practical trainings or sessions related to health promotion or behavior change activities. As a way forward, we suggest that NCD risk reduction aspects be incorporated extensively into existing health professional education through the development of a curricular framework and an intervention plan contextualized to India. Findings from this study are expected to help provide critical inputs for the design and development of a curricular plan with thrust on tobacco cessation, physical activity, healthy diet, and restricted alcohol consumption, leading to creation of a health competent workforce engaged in NCD prevention and health promotion.

Proteomic profiling of Sporotrichum thermophile under the effect of ionic liquids: manifestation of an oxidative stress response

Sporotrichum thermophile, a known producer of industrial enzymes exhibited stability in the presence of ionic liquids (ILs).The study reports, for the first time, the stress response of S. thermophile upon exposure to ILs. In vitro assay showed increased anti-oxidative enzyme levels indicating ROS-mediated oxidative stress by ILs. The proteomic profile and identification of differential proteins confirmed the fungal adaptations by (i) increased expression of glycolytic enzymes and ATP synthases (ii) downregulation of TCA cycle and protein synthesis machinery components (iii) expression of HSP70 and catalase/peroxidase. These changes are indicative of metabolic regulation of many important pathways and how ILs can be used to manipulate protein behavior.

Meeting report from the joint IARC-NCI international cancer seminar series: a focus on colorectal cancer

Despite significant progress in our understanding of the etiology, biology and genetics of colorectal cancer, as well as important clinical advances, it remains the third most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer death. Based on demographic projections, the global burden of colorectal cancer would be expected to rise by 72% from 1.8 million new cases in 2018 to over 3 million in 2040 with substantial increases anticipated in low- and middle-income countries. In this meeting report, we summarize the content of a joint workshop led by the National Cancer Institute and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which was held to summarize the important achievements that have been made in our understanding of colorectal cancer etiology, genetics, early detection and treatment and to identify key research questions that remain to be addressed.