The early and accurate detection of infectious diseases remains a pressing challenge, particularly in developing rapid, reliable, and accessible diagnostic technologies. Conventional diagnostic approaches present significant limitations: RT-PCR, while highly sensitive, requires specialized laboratory infrastructure, trained personnel, and is time-consuming; rapid antigen tests offer portability but suffer from reduced sensitivity and elevated false-negative rates, particularly at low viral loads during early infection; and ELISA, though quantitative, involves multi-step washing protocols, temperature-controlled incubation, and laboratory plate readers that are incompatible with rapid point-of-care deployment. These collective shortcomings underscore the need for portable and cost-effective biosensing alternatives. In this study, an enhanced electrochemical immunosensor was developed using a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) functionalized with Staphylococcal Protein A to achieve orientation-controlled antibody immobilization. This design ensured optimal exposure of antigen-binding Fab regions, thereby improving recognition efficiency toward the target protein, SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein. The sensor operated through a sandwich assay incorporating horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for electrochemical signal amplification. The electrodeposition of AuNPs was optimized through cyclic voltammetry, achieving high signal enhancement with increased electroactive surface area. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) confirmed the successful functionalization of the electrode, demonstrated an exceptionally low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.996 pg mL⁻¹ and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 3.32 pg mL⁻¹, with a log-linear response from 1 pg mL⁻¹ to 10 ng mL⁻¹ (R² = 0.9903). The LOD and LOQ were calculated using LOD = 3σ/S and LOQ = 10σ/S, where σ = 0.568% is the residual standard deviation of the regression response (ICH Q2(R1) Method 2) and S = 1.7102 is the calibration slope. The Protein A-AuNP/SPCE sensor also demonstrated high sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility, and stability, showing promise as a reliable and cost-effective diagnostic design for contagious disease detection.

Uncontrolled hemorrhage is still one of the most common causes of mortality in combat casualties and maternal death. Therefore, rapid and effective hemostasis is vital for ensuring the survival of patients. While hydrophilic hemostatic materials has been successful in achieving fast coagulation, they can still cause clot tears and secondary bleeding when removing dressing due to its high absorption rate. In the prevention of secondary bleeding and reducing blood loss, hydrophobic and superhydrophobic hemostatic dressings are being developed. In this study, a mixture of fixed PCL/COS content and increasing MMT concentration was electrospun to create hydrophobic hemostatic membranes. The membranes were evaluated on their morphology, wettability, mechanical strength, chemical composition, thermal property as well as hemostatic effect both in vitro and on animal models. The fabricated membranes have small fiber diameter of 20 - 140 nm, and low blood absorption compared to commercial zeolite gauze. The membrane exhibits more hydrophobicity with higher MMT content, with MMT80 having blood contact angle of 130.37 +/- 5.84 degrees. In vitro hemostasis test shows that MMT80 has better hemostatic efficiency compared to other MMT membranes. The bleeding time of the MMT80 sample reached 40.33 +/- 6.51 s, which is comparable to commercial gauze ACG while having significantly lower blood loss (54.37 +/- 41.01 mg) in in vivo experiment using mouse liver laceration model. Safety evaluation of MMT membranes indicated no adverse effect in cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity. The results prove that the hydrophobic PCL/COS/MMT membrane has great potential in hemostatic applications.

Objective. To develop and evaluate method pipelines combining superimposition template subtraction (STS) and independent component analysis (ICA) for the most temporally accurate fetal electrocardiogram (fECG) signals extraction from abdominal recordings.Approach. Four method pipelines were developed by combining versions of STS and ICA algorithms to leverage their complementary strengths while mitigating their individual weaknesses. These pipelines were designed to adapt to various signal characteristics and were tested using recordings from the 2013 PhysioNet challenge and abdominal and direct fetal ECG database.Main results. Over the whole dataset, the best performing method pipeline achieved an average F1 score of 95.2% for fetal heart rate detection using a small error window of only 10 ms, demonstrating effective maternal signal suppression and accurate fetal signal extraction.Significance. Noninvasive monitoring of fetal health through electrocardiography could enable early detection of distress, but is challenged by the presence of overlapping maternal and fetal signals. This work demonstrates that strategically combining STS and ICA techniques can overcome these challenges and provide highly accurate fECG extraction.

Wheelchairs enhance the ability to move, achieve autonomy, and promote overall welfare for individuals with disabilities, physical limitations, or advanced age. The majority of individuals who use wheelchairs opt for manual wheelchairs due to their cost-effectiveness and user-friendly nature, thereby fulfilling their primary requirements. Manual wheelchairs enhance mobility, although they also restrict the extent and accessibility that an average individual may achieve, particularly those with limited endurance. The objective of this study is to enhance the connecting device, transforming the manual wheelchair into an affordable electric one. This project implemented modifications to enhance the stability of the drive unit and the linkage of the manual wheelchair. Moreover, the project incorporated waterproofing measures for the controller and power unit, as well as the integration of GPS and fall detection technology, in order to enhance the performance and safety of the electric wheelchair. By incorporating attachments and functionalities, traditional wheelchairs can be transformed into electric wheelchairs that offer enhanced mobility and include up-to-date safety features. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the performance of the electric multi-function wheelchair attachment mechanism. The device is characterized by enhanced use, enjoyable experience, and optimal safety, fully satisfying all initial specifications. The device functions efficiently as tracking and alert devices and demonstrates excellent performance in terms of meeting size, weight, and maximum speed specifications. It is capable of securely transporting a load over 100 kg while maintaining great stability and control. This study showcases the creation, execution, and assessment of electric wheelchair accessories designed to convert a manual wheelchair into an electric one. The investigation highlights the practicality, usability, and overall impact of the accessories on the user’s quality of life.

Malaria is a dangerous mosquito-borne infectious disease that causes millions of death cases each year worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia. Current P. falciparum detection methods (e.g., blood smear, enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), etc.) have many disadvantages, such as being time-consuming, dependent on the operator's experience, and relying on sophisticated instruments that hinder the point-of-care (POC) application. To overcome those drawbacks, we developed a colorimetric recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) reaction on a digital microfluidic (DMF) platform using SYBR Green I as the indicator for a simple result readout step, thus simplifying the diagnostic procedure. Using primers specific for the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) gene, P. falciparum plasmids were successfully detected under optimal conditions for RPA reaction. For the implementation of RPA on the DMF platform, 0.1% Tween-20 was added to support droplet movement on the chip without interfering with the reaction. The droplet pathway was designed so the system can carry out up to five samples simultaneously on one single DMF device, thus providing a time-efficient point-of-care method for detecting P. falciparum and laying a foundation for developing a simple diagnostic procedure for other diseases.

The activity of human beings is intricately linked with the activity of the heart. In cases of cardiac ailments, it is imperative to monitor the heart to ascertain the specific area of damage for diagnosis and treatment. Conventional external electrocardiogram (ECG) devices are cumbersome, involving multiple wired connections. Hence, we have developed a low-cost wireless ECG monitoring system to streamline the process, enabling remote data transmission for efficient diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we developed a Low-Cost wireless 7 - 7-channel Electrocardiogram Device based on the ADS1293 chip to measure ECG signals. The ECG signals from ADS1293 are collected and packaged for transmission using an ARM Cortex M0. The cardiac electrical data is transmitted via Bluetooth HC-05. At the receiver end, a Raspberry Pi 3 connects to the Bluetooth HC-05 and receives the data transmitted from the cardiac electrical measurement device. The Raspberry Pi then stores the data in a ring buffer, processes it, and displays it on an LCD screen. The LCD screen displays three signal lines simultaneously and allows for the switching of channels on all three signal paths. As a result, We have successfully created a wireless cardiac electrical measurement device capable of monitoring 7 channels of ECG signal. The device will continue to evolve into a Holter monitor capable of transmitting data remotely to doctors from a distance.

Oral and maxillofacial bone defects present significant functional and aesthetic challenges, necessitating advanced biomaterial solutions. Radially graded triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) porous scaffolds, fabricated via three-dimensional (3D) printing, offer a promising approach for bone regeneration by leveraging their high surface-area-to-volume ratio and zero mean curvature to enhance vascularization, cell adhesion, guided migration, and nutrient exchange. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA)-based TPMS scaffolds were fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) and evaluated at varying porosities (40%, 60%, 80%) across Schwarz's Primitive (P), Schwarz's Diamond (D), and Schoen's Gyroid (G) structures to assess their suitability for supporting stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Comprehensive characterization of morphology, porosity, interconnectivity, and mechanical properties identified G40 as the strong configuration. Biological assessments revealed superior SHED attachment and proliferation on P40 and G40 scaffolds compared to D40. Alizarin red S staining further confirmed significantly enhanced calcium deposition on P40, indicating robust osteogenic differentiation. These findings highlight the potential of 3D-printed TPMS scaffolds, particularly P40, as promising candidates for bone tissue engineering in oral and maxillofacial applications.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential biological components that play a critical role in the initiation and progression of an inflammatory reaction. In recent years, there has been an interest in nanocarriers for medicine and pharmaceutical delivery systems to treat inflammatory disorders caused by ROS. Proteins are being recognized as ideal materials due to their low toxicity, potential interaction with solvents, and bioactivity. One of the most remarkable natural sources of proteins is found in chicken eggs. Moreover, curcumin has been reported as a natural medicine for inflammatory treatments by reducing excessive ROS production, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory secretion through signaling pathway regulation. Despite the benefits given, the fast metabolism of curcumin, poor absorption, low solubility, instability, and elimination pose several challenges for its clinical development as a medicinal drug. Therefore, this study aims to fabricate a nanoparticle coated polymer (Cur@EPN(P)) developed from self-assembled curcumin-loaded egg protein nanoparticles coated with N, N, N trimethyl chitosan and alginate. Overall, the obtained Cur@EPN(P) had an approximate diameter of 220 nm and a positive surface charge of +33 mV, with an encapsulation efficiency of 71.86

Hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) matrices have emerged as indispensable tools for cultivating multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTs) as a surrogate in vitro model for investigating spheroid formation dynamics and facilitating drug screening endeavors. Nonetheless, numerous previously utilized hydrogel compositions have proven prohibitively costly and necessitate intricate fabrication procedures, thereby impeding their scalability. In response to these challenges, three innovative hydrogel systems, namely NOCC-OXG, NOCC-AHA, and OXG-CMC, have been synthesized and meticulously tailored to encompass an optimal stiffness range and transparency, thereby augmenting breast cancer progression research, respectively. By subjecting the hydrogel matrices to tailored mechanical stimuli at specific concentrations, cellular attachment and proliferation within the porous scaffolds have been significantly enhanced. Notably, the OXG-CMC with ratio (1:2) hydrogel system demonstrated remarkable efficacy in promoting the morphological and proliferative dynamics of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These findings underscore the capacity of these novel hydrogel matrices to foster spheroid development and accentuate cell adhesion, thereby furnishing cost-efficient and credible platforms amenable for drug screening endeavors in the realm of cancer research.

Over the last decades, three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as one of the most promising alternative tissue and organ regeneration technologies. Recent advances in 3D printing technology, particularly in hydrogel-derived bioink formulations, offer promising solutions for fabricating intricate, biomimetic scaffolds that promote vascularization. In this review, we presented numerous studies that have been conducted to fabricate 3D-printed hydrogel vascularized constructs with significant advancements in printing integumentary systems, cardiovascular systems, vascularized bone tissues, skeletal muscles, livers, and kidneys. Furthermore, this work also discusses the engineering considerations, current challenges, proposed solutions, and future outlooks of 3D bioprinting.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder in the small and large intestines, characterized by immunological dysregulation, overproduction of free radicals, and imbalance of gut microorganisms. Egg white protein (EWP) is being considered a promising option for treating IBD due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory features, and intestinal bacteria regulation. In this study, egg protein nanoparticles (EPN) were prepared to improve the stability of EWP in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and suppress oxidative stress and regulate immune response for treating IBD. The optimization of EPN synthesis involved the processes of cold gelation methods to obtain the suitable nanosize, surface charge, and stability of EPN under various pH conditions. The obtained EPN was approximately 100 nm with a narrow distribution and stable in gastric pH condition. EPN exhibited highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities via ABTS scavenging assay and lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cell activation, respectively. In addition, oral administration of EPN showed a therapeutic efficacy in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mice by effectively suppressing lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory cytokine and improving colon length, disease activity index, and colonic histology. Based on the obtained results in this study, EPN is a promising protein nanomedicine for treating IBD.

With the rising incidence of cancer, chemotherapy has become a widely used treatment approach. However, the use of anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX) poses significant long-term risks due to its nonspecific distribution and severe side effects. Therefore, developing a nanoparticle-based drug delivery system (DDS) that enhances the bioavailability of DOX specifically to cancer cells is crucial while minimizing its side effects on normal cells. This study employed zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as a DDS to encapsulate DOX using a one-pot method. The surface of this system was subsequently modified with a copper-gallic acid (Cu-GA) complex to form the Cu-GA/DOX@ZIF-8 (CGDZ) system. The CGDZ system effectively encapsulates DOX and demonstrates pH-responsive drug release, facilitating controlled drug release in the acidic environment of cancer cells. Furthermore, the Cu-GA coating enhances the biocompatibility of the material, reduces drug toxicity in normal endothelial cells (BAECs) due to the antioxidant feature of modified GA, and maintains the efficacy and intracellular trafficking of DOX in colon cancer cells (C-26). Interestingly, CGDZ nanoparticles showed significantly higher toxicity against cancer cells as compared to unmodified systems and free DOX. Overall, CGDZ exhibited significant in vitro efficacy in targeting cancer cell lines while reducing the toxicity of DOX, offering a novel and effective nanoparticle system for targeted cancer treatment.

Demineralization has been the common method to obtain dentin discs with opened tubules as sensitive teeth defects used for in vitro and in situ dental studies. Bovine teeth have been widely proposed for dental research to overcome the problem of human tooth availability. This study aimed to investigate the morphological changes of demineralized bovine dentin in the fabrication process using HCl 36

Having readily accessed personal health information is crucial for successful first aid. Healthcare Individual Smartcard (HIC) provides a digital solution that can be widely accessible even in lower- and middle-income countries. Patients can use a telemedicine application developed alongside the HIC to update their health information. Said data is uploaded to a cloud server and can be retrieved through a QR code by health workers. The same QR codes can also be scanned by a passer-by in case of emergency to quickly locate the patient and contact the nearest ambulance. This card uses encryption technology and secure data management in order to protect the users’ private health information. The HIC developed here has the potential to provide crucial data for better and faster emergency response as well as serve as a connection between patients and hospitals.

Introduction: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of home blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring among older Vietnamese adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and uncontrolled hypertension in a Geriatrics clinic in Viet Nam. The recruitment (83.8%) and retention (64.5%) rates demonstrate moderate feasibility; however, significant barriers - such as technical reliability and patient non-adherence - were identified. This study underscores the critical challenges of real-world implementation and offers insights for enhancing future telemonitoring interventions for this vulnerable population. Methods: The control group received standard care, which included adhering to medication prescriptions and attending routine monthly clinic visits for blood pressure monitoring. The locally developed BP telemonitoring device, previously validated at Viet Nam National University, showed an accuracy comparable to international standards. For participants with MCI, caregivers were involved in the consent process to ensure ethical safeguards and full comprehension of study procedures. We conducted a two-arm pilot study. Eligible older patients with MCI and uncontrolled hypertension were invited to participate. Patients were allocated to the intervention group if they were interested in BP telemonitoring; otherwise, they were placed in the control group. Patients were trained to measure their home BP and followed up for three months. Alerts were generated when there were insufficient BP readings. Results: We invited 74 eligible patients, but 12 declined participation. Overall, 62 participants were allocated to the telemonitoring group (n = 31) or the usual care group (n = 31). The recruitment rate was 83.8%, and the retention rate was 64.5%. The most common reason for withdrawing was "telemonitoring BP devices did not work properly"(45.4%). Alerts were triggered in 22 patients (70.9%), and over 80% of these alerts resulted from patient non-adherence and system problems. After three months, systolic BP was lower in both the intervention group and the control group compared to systolic BP at baseline (telemonitoring group, 137.1 [14.5] mmHg vs. control group, 143.1 [18.8] mm Hg). No significant difference was observed between the two groups (adjusted mean difference-1.58 mmHg [95% CI-19.25 to 16.08]). Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of home BP telemonitoring in older Vietnamese adults with MCI and uncontrolled hypertension. However, technical reliability and patient adherence issues must be addressed before wider-scale implementation. Future research with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up period is necessary to confirm these findings.

Objective: To evaluate mobile applications available for patients undergoing assisted reproduction and assess the extent of their clinical validation. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the Apple App Store and Google Play between September 1, 2023 and September 30, 2023 to identify mobile applications related to assisted reproduction. Apps were evaluated using the mobile app rating scale (MARS). In parallel, a literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science was performed to identify clinical studies related to mobile applications in assisted reproduction. Clinical validation status and MARS scores were recorded, and findings were synthesized to highlight the gap between commercially available apps and research-based evidence. Results: From 1 143 apps screened, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Mean MARS score across apps was 3.63, with Leeaf scoring the highest (4.60). However, only one application (Embie) was supported by published research. The literature research identified 13 relevant studies, mostly randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, or usability studies. While research-based apps demonstrated clinical utility (e.g., MediEmo, PreLiFe, Patient Journey App), most were unavailable on app stores. This revealed a disconnect between research-backed applications and those accessible to patients. Conclusions: Although several mobile apps for assisted reproduction demonstrate high usability and quality, few are clinically validated. The lack of integration between research and practice highlights the need for stronger collaboration between researchers, developers, and policymakers to ensure that patients access safe and effective tools.

Injectable hydrogels have emerged as promising biomaterials for various biomedical applications. However, limitations such as weak mechanical properties, limited injectability, and lack of self-healing ability hinder their widespread use. This study developed a novel injectable hydrogel based on oxidized xanthan gum and amino-modified carboxymethyl cellulose to address these challenges. These hydrogels exhibited rapid gelation, tunable mechanical properties, self-healing capabilities, controlled degradation, and excellent biocompatibility by employing dynamic acyl hydrazone bonds. Comprehensive characterization, including FTIR, 1H-NMR, rheological studies, and mechanical testing, confirmed the successful formation of hydrogels with desirable properties. The hydrogels demonstrated rapid gelation times of approximately 5 s and remarkable compressive strengths exceeding 500 kPa. Rheological studies revealed excellent injectability and the ability to maintain solid-state properties under shear deformation. Significantly, the hydrogels exhibited over 90

Microfluidic (MF) technology offers significant advantages for nanomaterial synthesis due to precise process control and automation. This study compares the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activities of copper (I) oxide nanoparticles (Cu2O NPs) synthesized using conventional batch and MF methods, with glucose as a reducing agent for CuSO4 and starch as a capping agent. The reaction was carried out with NaOH concentrations ranging from 0.06 to 0.5 M. In the range of 0.08–0.15 M NaOH, X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscope images revealed smaller particles (< 100 nm), with the MF method producing more uniform particles. Dynamic light scattering results showed larger particles formed outside this NaOH concentration range. The conventional batch method produced more stable Cu2O NPs, while MF NPs tended to agglomerate over time. Zeta potentials of all Cu2O NPs were higher than −20 mV, indicating stabilization by polymeric starch adsorption. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by incubating Escherichia coli and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides with Cu2O NPs. Batch Cu2O NPs exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than MF Cu2O NPs. The highest inactivation was achieved with 0.15 M NaOH batch Cu2O NPs, showing a 5.55 log reduction of E. coli and 96