1
|
Midzi H, Naicker T, Vengesai A, Mabaya L, Muchesa P, Mduluza-Jokonya TL, Katerere AG, Kapanga D, Kasambala M, Mutapi F, Mduluza T. Assessment of urine metabolite biomarkers for the detection of S. haematobium infection in pre-school aged children in a rural community in Zimbabwe. Acta Trop 2024; 258:107327. [PMID: 39127139 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis is key to its control and elimination. The current gold standard microscopic examination techniques lack sensitivity in detecting light Schistosomiasis infections in pre-school aged children thus it is urgent to develop diagnostic tools that may be integrated into control programs. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of urine metabolite biomarkers using a chemical reagent strip in the detection of S. haematobium infection in pre-school aged children. METHODS A case-control study was conducted involving 82 pre-school aged children that were age and sex matched. Urine samples were collected for 3 consecutive days and were evaluated using urine filtration gold techniques as the gold standard method. The samples were simultaneously measured for metabolite biomarkers specifically haematuria, proteins, ketones, nitrites, glucose, bilirubin and urobilinogen using chemical reagent strips. Pearson correlation test was used to measure the relationship between S. haematobium infection and the urine metabolite biomarkers. RESULTS The diagnostic performance of urine biomarkers were correlated with the microscopic examination urine filtration technique. Haematuria (r = 0.592, p = 0.0001) and proteinuria (r = 0.448, p = 0.0001) were correlated to S. haematobium infection. Negative correlations with p > 0.05 were recorded for ketones and urobilinogen. Highest sensitivity was 65.9 % (CI, 49.4 - 79.9) for haematuria whilst protein (albumin) biomarker had a lower specificity value of 43.9 % (28.5 - 60.3). Inversely, highest sensitivity was 87.8 % (73.8 - 95.9) for proteinuria whilst haematuria had a lower sensitivity value of 82.9 % (67.9 - 92.8). The positive predictive values ranged from 57.7 % (41.6 - 72.2) to 79.4 % (65.5 - 88.7) whereas negative predictive values ranged from 70.8 % (60.8 - 79.2) to 52.0 % (48.7 - 55.3). With respect to diagnostic efficiency, haematuria had a fair diagnostic performance with an area under the curve of 0.76 followed by proteinuria with proteinuria whilst the remaining metabolites fail discriminating ability with an area under the curve of <0.5. CONCLUSION Although haematuria and protein biomarkers in urine are moderately sensitive and specific, they are important morbidity indicators of urogenital schistosomiasis in pre-school aged that may be utilised during screening in schistosomiasis control programs. We recommend comprehensive analysis of biomarkers using metabolomics techniques to identify novel urine biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herald Midzi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Optics & Imaging, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics & Imaging, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Arthur Vengesai
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Lucy Mabaya
- Midlands State University, National Pathology Research and Diagnostic Centre, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Petros Muchesa
- Water and Health Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tariro L Mduluza-Jokonya
- Optics & Imaging, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Donald Kapanga
- Midlands State University, National Pathology Research and Diagnostic Centre, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Maritha Kasambala
- Department of Biological Sciences and Ecology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Francisca Mutapi
- Ashworth Laboratories, Institute for Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland , United Kingdom
| | - Takafira Mduluza
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mattoo TK, Spencer JD. Biomarkers for urinary tract infection: present and future perspectives. Pediatr Nephrol 2024; 39:2833-2844. [PMID: 38483594 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-024-06321-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
A prompt diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) is necessary to minimize its symptoms and limit sequelae. The current UTI screening by urine test strip analysis and microscopic examination has suboptimal diagnostic accuracy. A definitive diagnosis of UTI by urine culture takes two to three days for the results. These limitations necessitate a need for better biomarkers for the diagnosis and subsequent management of UTI in children. Here, we review the value of currently available UTI biomarkers and highlight the potential of emerging biomarkers that can facilitate a more rapid and accurate UTI diagnosis. Of the newer UTI biomarkers, the most promising are blood procalcitonin (PCT) and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). PCT can provide diagnostic benefits and should be considered in patients who have a blood test for other reasons. NGAL, which is on the threshold of clinical care, needs more research to address its scope and utilization, including point-of-care application. Employment of these and other biomarkers may ultimately improve UTI diagnosis, guide UTI therapy, reduce antibiotic use, and mitigate UTI complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tej K Mattoo
- Pediatric Nephrologist, Wayne Pediatrics, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Urology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - John David Spencer
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ashok K, Martinez T, Sesen J, Nasim S, Lang SS, Heuer G, Tucker A, Lopez-Ramirez MA, Smith ER, Ghalali A. Lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor-1 as a potential therapeutic target for cerebral cavernous malformations treatment. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1442110. [PMID: 39234183 PMCID: PMC11371587 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1442110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are pathologic lesions comprised of clusters of thin-walled capillaries characterized by abnormal proliferation, angiogenesis, and bleeding secondary to somatic or germline mutations in endothelial cells. CCMs can cause headaches, seizures and/or neurological defects. There is a clinical need to develop better tools to detect CCMs and follow their progression in conjunction with the current use of neuroimaging techniques. Here we present data supporting the utility of LOX-1 (lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor 1), a 50 kDa transmembrane protein implicated in endothelial cell dysfunction and ischemia, as a putative biomarker for CCM. Methods CCM urine samples (n = 23) were collected from pediatric CCM patients. Matched healthy controls (n = 24) were collected from pediatric patients with either Chiari I malformation or fatty filum terminale, and otherwise normal findings. All samples were collected with patient/family consent and institutional review board approval.Samples were analyzed with Olink Proteomic Proximity Extension Assay (PEA). Differences in expression for 2,925 unique proteins were quantified between healthy control urine samples and CCM urine samples. The results were normalized, validated, and analyzed for demographic bias. In addition to urine samples, CCM tissue from patients was harvested and used to create primary cell lines for in vitro analysis of LOX-1 expression, in addition to immunofluorescence of lesional tissue excised at surgery. Results ANOVA analysis of the CCM urine samples showed a statistically significant increase in LOX-1 compared to the control samples, with CCM patients exhibiting a > 5-fold increase in urinary expression. Corroborating these elevated levels of circulating marker, analysis of source tissue from surgically resected CCMs revealed that LOX-1 is increased in both CCM patient cavernoma primary cell lines and operative specimens. Conclusion LOX-1 is involved with pathways implicated in CCM pathogenesis and our data here reveals that LOX-1 expression is significantly elevated in CCM patients as compared to matched healthy control individuals, including both source tissue from surgically excised CCMs and in analysis of samples collected from outside of the central nervous system, particularly urine. This proof-of-principle data suggests that LOX-1 may have potential utility as a target for CCM treatment and supports further investigation related to its potential mechanistic impact on CCM pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Ashok
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tyra Martinez
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Julie Sesen
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sana Nasim
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shih-Shan Lang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gregory Heuer
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexander Tucker
- Division of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Edward R Smith
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Aram Ghalali
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
da Silva CR, Carvalho HC, Lazo Osório RA, Fernandes AB, Silveira L. Differences in whole blood before and after hemodialysis session of subjects with chronic kidney disease measured by Raman spectroscopy. Lasers Med Sci 2024; 39:175. [PMID: 38970671 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-024-04125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify differences in the composition of whole blood of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), before and after a hemodialysis session (HDS), and possible differences in blood composition between stages and between genders using Raman spectroscopy and principal component analysis (PCA). Whole blood samples were collected from 40 patients (20 women and 20 men), before and after a HDS. Raman spectra were obtained and the spectra were evaluated by PCA and partial least squares (PLS) regression. Mean spectra and difference spectrum between the groups were calculated: stages Before and After HDS, and gender Women and Men, which had their most intense peaks identified. Stage: mean spectra and difference spectrum indicated positive peaks that could be assigned to red blood cells, hemoglobin and deoxi-hemoglobin in the group Before HDS. There was no statistically significant difference by PCA. Gender: mean spectra and difference spectrum Before HDS indicated positive peaks that could be assigned to red blood cells, hemoglobin and deoxi-hemoglobin with greater intensity in the group Women, and negative peaks to white blood cells and serum, with greater intensity in the group Men. There was statistically significant difference by PCA, which also identified the peaks assigned to white blood cells, serum and porphyrin for Women and red blood cells and amino acids (tryptophan) for Men. PLS model was able to classify the spectra of the gender with 83.7% accuracy considering the classification per patient. The Raman technique highlighted gender differences in pacients with CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Henrique Cunha Carvalho
- Centro de Inovação, Tecnologia e Educação - CITÉ, Parque de Inovação Tecnológica de São José dos Campos, Estrada Dr. Altino Bondensan, 500, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos, 12247-016, SP, Brazil
- Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná - UTFPR, Via Marginal Rosalina Maria dos Santos, 1233, Bloco B, Vila Urbanizada, Campo Mourão, 87301-899, PR, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Alexis Lazo Osório
- Centro de Inovação, Tecnologia e Educação - CITÉ, Parque de Inovação Tecnológica de São José dos Campos, Estrada Dr. Altino Bondensan, 500, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos, 12247-016, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana Barrinha Fernandes
- Universidade Anhembi Morumbi - UAM, Rua Casa do Ator, 294, Vila Olímpia, São Paulo, 04546-001, SP, Brazil
- Centro de Inovação, Tecnologia e Educação - CITÉ, Parque de Inovação Tecnológica de São José dos Campos, Estrada Dr. Altino Bondensan, 500, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos, 12247-016, SP, Brazil
| | - Landulfo Silveira
- Universidade Anhembi Morumbi - UAM, Rua Casa do Ator, 294, Vila Olímpia, São Paulo, 04546-001, SP, Brazil.
- Centro de Inovação, Tecnologia e Educação - CITÉ, Parque de Inovação Tecnológica de São José dos Campos, Estrada Dr. Altino Bondensan, 500, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos, 12247-016, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mondal I, Mansour E, Zheng Y, Gupta R, Haick H. Self-Sustaining Triboelectric Nanosensors for Real-Time Urine Analysis in Smart Toilets. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2403385. [PMID: 39031720 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202403385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Healthcare has undergone a revolutionary shift with the advent of smart technologies, and smart toilets (STs) are among the innovative inventions offering non-invasive continuous health monitoring. The present technical challenges toward this development include limited sensitivity of integrated sensors, poor stability, slow response and the requirement external energy supply alongside manual sample collection. In this article, triboelectric nanosensor array (TENSA) is introduced featuring electrodes crafted from laser-induced 3D graphene with functional polymers like polystyrene, polyimide, and polycaprolactone for real-time urine analysis while generating 50 volts output via urine droplet-based triboelectrification. Though modulating interfacial double-layer capacitance, these sensors exhibit exceptional sensitivity and selectivity in detecting a broad spectrum of urinary biomarkers, including ions, glucose, and urea with a classification precision of 95% and concentration identification accuracy of up to 0.97 (R2), supported by artificial neural networks. Upon exposure to urine samples containing elevated levels of Na+, K+, and NH4 +, a notable decrease (ranging from 32% to 68%) is observed in output voltages. Conversely, urea induces an increase up to 13%. Experimental validation confirms the stability, robustness, reliability, and reproducibility of TENSA, representing a significant advancement in healthcare technology, offering the potential for improved disease management and prevention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Mondal
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 320002, Israel
| | - Elias Mansour
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 320002, Israel
| | - Youbin Zheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 320002, Israel
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GJ, UK
| | - Ritu Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Hossam Haick
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 320002, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pohanka M, Zakova J. Urine Test Strip Quantitative Assay with a Smartphone Camera. Int J Anal Chem 2024; 2024:6004970. [PMID: 38529171 PMCID: PMC10963100 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6004970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Urine test strips for urinalysis are a common diagnostic tool with minimal costs and are used in various situations including homecare and hospitalization. The coloration scaled by the naked eye is simple, but it is suitable for semiquantitative analysis only. In this paper, a colorimetric assay is developed based on a smartphone digital camera and urine test strips. Assays of pH, albumin, glucose, and lipase activity were performed as a tool for the diagnosis of aciduria, alkaluria, glycosuria, proteinuria, and leukocyturia. The RGB color channels were analyzed in the colorimetric assay, and the assay exerted good sensitivity, and all the particular diagnoses proved to be reliable. The limits of detection for glucose (0.11 mmol/L), albumin (0.15 g/L), and lipase (2.50 U/μL) were low enough to cover the expected physiological concentration, and the range for pH was also satisfactory. The urine test strips with a camera as an output detector proved applicability to spiked urine samples, and the results were also well in comparison to the standard assays which confirms the practical relevance of the presented findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Pohanka
- Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove 50001, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Zakova
- Military Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove 50001, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sequeira-Antunes B, Ferreira HA. Nucleic Acid Aptamer-Based Biosensors: A Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3201. [PMID: 38137422 PMCID: PMC10741014 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers, short strands of either DNA, RNA, or peptides, known for their exceptional specificity and high binding affinity to target molecules, are providing significant advancements in the field of health. When seamlessly integrated into biosensor platforms, aptamers give rise to aptasensors, unlocking a new dimension in point-of-care diagnostics with rapid response times and remarkable versatility. As such, this review aims to present an overview of the distinct advantages conferred by aptamers over traditional antibodies as the molecular recognition element in biosensors. Additionally, it delves into the realm of specific aptamers made for the detection of biomarkers associated with infectious diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolomic and neurological disorders. The review further elucidates the varying binding assays and transducer techniques that support the development of aptasensors. Ultimately, this review discusses the current state of point-of-care diagnostics facilitated by aptasensors and underscores the immense potential of these technologies in advancing the landscape of healthcare delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Sequeira-Antunes
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Exotictarget, 4900-378 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores-Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC-MN), 1000-029 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hugo Alexandre Ferreira
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Exotictarget, 4900-378 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hopsort G, Latapie L, Groenen Serrano K, Loubière K, Tzedakis T. Deciphering the human urine matrix: a new approach to simultaneously quantify the main ions and organic compounds by ion chromatography/mass spectrometry (IC-MS). Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:5337-5352. [PMID: 37394521 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04808-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Analyzing the composition of (human) urine plays a major role in the fields of biology and medicine. Organic molecules (such as urea, creatine) and ions (such as chloride, sulfate) are the major compounds present in urine, the quantification of which allows for the diagnosis of a subject's health condition. Various analytical methods have been reported for studying urine components and validated on the basis of known and referenced compounds. The present work introduces a new method able to simultaneously determine both major organic molecules and ions contained in urine, by combining ion chromatography using a conductimetric detector with mass spectroscopy. The analysis of organic and ionized compounds (anionic and cationic) was achieved in double injections. For quantification, the standard addition method was used. Human urine samples were pre-treated (diluted and filtered) for IC-CD/MS analysis. The analytes were separated in 35 min. Calibration ranges (0-20 mg.L-1) and correlation coefficients (> 99.3%) as well as detection (LODs < 0.75 mg.L-1) and quantification (LOQs < 2.59 mg.L-1) limits were obtained for the main organic molecules (lactic, hippuric, citric, uric, oxalic acids, urea, creatine, and creatinine) and ions (chloride, sulfate, phosphate, sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) contained in urine. The intra- and inter-day accuracies of the analytes consistently ranged from 0.1 to 5.0%, and the precision was within 4.0%. For all analytes, no significant matrix effects were observed, and recoveries ranged from 94.9 to 102.6%. Finally, quantitative results of analytes were obtained from 10 different human urine samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Hopsort
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France.
| | - Laure Latapie
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Karine Groenen Serrano
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Karine Loubière
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Theodore Tzedakis
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hermsen S, Verbiest V, Buijs M, Wentink E. Perceived Use Cases, Barriers, and Requirements for a Smart Health-Tracking Toilet Seat: Qualitative Focus Group Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e44850. [PMID: 37566450 PMCID: PMC10457698 DOI: 10.2196/44850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smart bathroom technology offers unrivaled opportunities for the automated measurement of a range of biomarkers and other data. Unfortunately, efforts in this area are mostly driven by a technology push rather than market pull approach, which decreases the chances of successful adoption. As yet, little is known about the use cases, barriers, and desires that potential users of smart bathrooms perceive. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate how participants from the general population experience using a smart sensor-equipped toilet seat installed in their home. The study contributes to answering the following questions: What use cases do citizens see for this innovation? and What are the limitations and barriers to its everyday use that they see, including concerns regarding privacy, the lack of fit with everyday practices, and unmet expectations for user experience? METHODS Overall, 31 participants from 30 households participated in a study consisting of 3 (partially overlapping) stages: sensitizing, in which participants filled out questionnaires to trigger their thoughts about smart bathroom use and personal health; provotyping, in which participants received a gentle provocation in the form of a smart toilet seat, which they used for 2 weeks; and discussion, in which participants took part in a web-based focus group session to discuss their experiences. RESULTS Participants mostly found the everyday use of the toilet, including installation and dismantling when necessary, to be relatively easy and free of complications. Where complications occurred, participants mentioned issues related to the design of the prototype, technology, or mismatches with normal practices in using toilets and hygiene. A broad range of use cases were mentioned, ranging from signaling potentially detrimental health conditions or exacerbations of existing conditions to documenting physical data to measuring biomarkers to inform a diagnosis and behavioral change. Participants differed greatly in whether they let others use, or even know about, the seat. Ownership and control over their own data were essential for most participants. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that participants felt that a smart toilet seat could be acceptable and effective, as long as it fits everyday practices concerning toilet use and hygiene. The range of potential uses for a smart toilet seat is broad, as long as privacy and control over disclosure and data are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eva Wentink
- OnePlanet Research Center, Wageningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|