Publications
286 results found
Le TT, Adamiak B, Benton DJ, et al., 2014, Aptamer-based biosensors for the rapid visual detection of flu viruses, CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS, Vol: 50, Pages: 15533-15536, ISSN: 1359-7345
RNA aptamers showing affinity and specificity for different strains of human influenza virus were assembled onto gold nanoparticles that subsequently formed a gold nanoshell (AuNS) around the viral envelope. These shells could be visualised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Changes in size and structure of the AuNS coated virus can be used to detect the viruses. We show that sedimentation with a low cost centrifuge and visual determination can detect 3 × 108 viral particles.
Harris-Birtill D, Singh M, Zhou Y, et al., 2014, Gold Nanorod Reshaping using a Continuous Wave Laser
Gold nanorods for photothermal therapy are shown, using spectroscopy and electron microscopy, to reshape after irradiation with a 6W/cm2 continuous wave laser, affecting their absorption coefficient and thus their clinical efficacy. © 2014 OSA.
Harris-Birtill D, Singh M, Zhou Y, et al., 2014, Gold nanorod reshaping using a continuous wave laser
Gold nanorods for photothermal therapy are shown, using spectroscopy and electron microscopy, to reshape after irradiation with a 6W/cm2 continuous wave laser, affecting their absorption coefficient and thus their clinical efficacy. © 2014 OSA.
Harris-Birtill D, Singh M, Zhou Y, et al., 2014, Gold nanorod reshaping using a continuous wave laser
Gold nanorods for photothermal therapy are shown, using spectroscopy and electron microscopy, to reshape after irradiation with a 6W/cm2 continuous wave laser, affecting their absorption coefficient and thus their clinical efficacy. © 2014 OSA.
Salehi-Reyhani A, Sharma S, Burgin E, et al., 2014, Scaling advantages and constraints in miniaturized capture assays for single cell protein analysis (vol 13, pg 2066, 2013), LAB ON A CHIP, Vol: 14, Pages: 3430-3430, ISSN: 1473-0197
El- Laboudi A, Sharma S, Santhanam H, et al., 2013, Development Of A Novel Microprobe Array Continuous Glucose Monitor: Preclinical Validation, EASD
Background and aim: Despite clinical benefits, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are invasive and can be uncomfortable, negatively affecting concordance and effectiveness. In addition, CGM sensor accuracy is suboptimal in the critical hypoglycaemic range. To overcome these challenges, a novel continuous glucose sensor has been developed based on microprobe technology. It consists of a small, wearable patch containing several microscopic projections (microprobes) that penetrate the stratum corneum to access interstitial fluid. Aim: Mechanical and functional validation of the sensor prior to in vivo clinical studies. Mechanical validation assesses the ability to penetrate the stratum corneum without mechanical failure, while functional validation assesses the current produced in response to changing glucose concentration and the effects of sterilisation and insertion. Materials and methods: Each array had 64 microprobes arranged 8x8. Microprobe height is 1000 μm and tip diameter is 15 μm. Insertion tests were performed ex vivo in full thickness human skin. An Instron compression system was used to press the device into skin using forces of 7, 10, 15, 20 and 25 Newton. Skin penetration was confirmed by applying methylene blue dye to visualize created micropores and by histological examination. Fracture tests were performed in vitro using the Instron system to exert axial pressure against a metal probe using forces of 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 Newton. Microprobes were examined using scanning electron microscopy before and after testing to detect failure and measure height reduction. To assess transverse fracture force, transverse pressure was exerted against one row of 8 microprobes till they fractured. Functional evaluation tests were performed in vitro by measuring the current generated in response to changing glucose concentration before and after gamma ray radiation and ex vivo skin insertion. Results: Insertion tests (n=10) demonstrated successful p
Finfer S, Wernerman J, Preiser J-C, et al., 2013, Clinical review: Consensus recommendations on measurement of blood glucose and reporting glycemic control in critically ill adults, Critical Care (UK), Vol: 17, Pages: 1-11, ISSN: 1364-8535
The management reporting and assessment of glycemic control lacks standardization. The use of different methods to measure the blood glucose concentration and to report the performance of insulin treatment yields major disparities and complicates the interpretation and comparison of clinical trials. We convened a meeting of 16 experts plus invited observers from industry to discuss and where possible reach consensus on the most appropriate methods to measure and monitor blood glucose in critically ill patients and on how glycemic control should be assessed and reported. Where consensus could not be reached, recommendations on further research and data needed to reach consensus in the future were suggested. Recognizing their clear conflict of interest, industry observers played no role in developing the consensus or recommendations from the meeting. Consensus recommendations were agreed for the measurement and reporting of glycemic control in clinical trials and for the measurement of blood glucose in clinical practice. Recommendations covered the following areas: How should we measure and report glucose control when intermittent blood glucose measurements are used? What are the appropriate performance standards for intermittent blood glucose monitors in the ICU? Continuous or automated intermittent glucose monitoring - methods and technology: can we use the same measures for assessment of glucose control with continuous and intermittent monitoring? What is acceptable performance for continuous glucose monitoring systems? If implemented, these recommendations have the potential to minimize the discrepancies in the conduct and reporting of clinical trials and to improve glucose control in clinical practice. Furthermore, to be fit for use, glucose meters and continuous monitoring systems must match their performance to fit the needs of patients and clinicians in the intensive care setting.
Nallapan Maniyam M, Sjahrir F, Ibrahim AL, et al., 2013, Biodegradation of cyanide by <i>Rhodococcus</i> UKMP-5M, BIOLOGIA, Vol: 68, Pages: 177-185, ISSN: 0006-3088
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- Citations: 22
El-Laboudi A, Sharma S, Oliver N, et al., 2013, DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL MICROPROBE ARRAY CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR: MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION, Advanced Technologies and Treatments for Diabetes, Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Publishers
Bellomo R, Lipcsey M, Calzavacca P, et al., 2013, Early acid-base and blood pressure effects of continuous renal replacement therapy intensity in patients with metabolic acidosis, INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE, Vol: 39, Pages: 429-436, ISSN: 0342-4642
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- Citations: 26
Sparke C, Moon L, Green F, et al., 2013, Estimating the total incidence of kidney failure in Australia including individuals who are not treated by dialysis or transplantation., Am J Kidney Dis, Vol: 61, Pages: 413-419
BACKGROUND: To date, incidence data for kidney failure in Australia have been available for only those who start renal replacement therapy (RRT). Information about the total incidence of kidney failure, including non-RRT-treated cases, is important to help understand the burden of kidney failure in the community and the characteristics of patients who die without receiving treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Data linkage study of national observational data sets. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: All incident treated cases recorded in the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) probabilistically linked to incident untreated kidney failure cases derived from national death registration data for 2003-2007. PREDICTOR: Age, sex, and year. OUTCOMES: Kidney failure, a combination of incident RRT or death attributed to kidney failure (without RRT). MEASUREMENTS: Total incidence of kidney failure (treated and untreated) and treatment rates. RESULTS: There were 21,370 incident cases of kidney failure in 2003-2007. The incidence rate was 20.9/100,000 population (95% CI, 18.3-24.0) and was significantly higher among older people and males (26.1/100,000 population; 95% CI, 22.5-30.0) compared with females (17.0/100,000 population; 95% CI, 14.9-19.2). There were similars number of treated (10,949) and untreated (10,421) cases, but treatment rates were influenced highly by age. More than 90% of cases in all age groups between 5 and 60 years were treated, but this percentage decreased sharply for older people; only 4% of cases in persons 85 years or older were treated (ORs for no treatment of 115 [95% CI, 118-204] for men ≥80 years and 400 [95% CI, 301-531] for women ≥80 years compared with women who were <50 years). LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional design, reliance on accurate coding of kidney failure in death registration data. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all Australians who develop kidney failure at younger than 60 years receive RRT, but treatment rates decrease substa
Moreira FTC, Sharma S, Dutra RAF, et al., 2013, Smart Plastic Antibody Material (SPAM) tailored on disposable screen printed electrodes for protein recognition: application to Myoglobin detection, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Vol: 45, Pages: 237-244
This work introduces two major changes to the conventional protocol for designing plastic antibodies: (i) the imprinted sites were created with charged monomers while the surrounding environment was tailored using neutral material; (ii) and the protein was removed from its imprinted site by means a protease, aiming at preserving the polymeric network of the plastic antibody. To our knowledge, these approaches were never presented before and the resulting material was named here as smart plastic antibody material (SPAM).As proof of concept, SPAM was tailored on top of disposable gold-screen printed electrodes (Au-SPE), following a bottom-up approach, for targeting Myoglobin (Myo) in a point-of-care context. The existence of imprinted sites was checked by comparing a SPAM modified surface to a negative control, consisting of similar material where the template was omitted from the procedure and called non-imprinted materials (NIMs). All stages of the creation of the SPAM and NIM on the Au layer were followed by both electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). AFM imaging was also performed to characterize the topography of the surface.There are two major reasons supporting the fact that plastic antibodies were effectively designed by the above approach: (i) they were visualized for the first time by AFM, being only present in the SPAM network; (ii) and only SPAM material was able to rebind to the target protein and produce a linear electrical response against EIS and square wave voltammetry (SWV) assays, with NIMs showing a similar-to-random behaviour. The SPAM/Au-SPE devices displayed linear responses to Myo in EIS and SWV assays down to 3.5 μg/mL and 0.58 μg/mL, respectively, with detection limits of 1.5 and 0.28 µg/mL. SPAM materials also showed negligible interference from troponin T (TnT), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and urea under SWV assays, showing promising results for point-of-care applications when applied to spiked
Le TT, Scott S, Cass AEG, 2013, Streptavidin binding bifunctional aptamers and their interaction with low molecular weight ligands, ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA, Vol: 761, Pages: 143-148, ISSN: 0003-2670
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- Citations: 7
El-Laboudi A, Oliver NS, Cass A, et al., 2013, Use of Microneedle Array Devices for Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Review, DIABETES TECHNOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Vol: 15, Pages: 101-115, ISSN: 1520-9156
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- Citations: 89
Mie M, Kai T, Le T, et al., 2013, Selection of DNA Aptamers with Affinity for Pro-gastrin-Releasing Peptide (proGRP), a Tumor Marker for Small Cell Lung Cancer, APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY, Vol: 169, Pages: 250-255, ISSN: 0273-2289
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- Citations: 5
Salehi-Reyhani A, Sharma S, Burgin E, et al., 2013, Scaling Advantages and Constraints in Miniaturized Capture Assays for Single Cell Protein Analysis, Lab on A Chip, Vol: 13, Pages: 2066-2074, ISSN: 1473-0197
Measuring protein expression in single cells is the basis of single cell proteomics. The sensitivity and dynamic range of a single cell immunoassay should ideally be such that proteins that are expressed between 1 – 106 copies per cell can be detected and counted. We have investigated the effect of miniaturizing antibody microarrays by reducing capture spot sizes from 100 μm to 15 μm using dip pen nanolithography. We demonstrate that protocols developed for printing and passivating antibody capture spots using conventional pin based contact printing can be directly transferred to dip-pen lithography whilst retaining the capture activity per unit area. Using a simple kinetic model, we highlight how the limit of detection and dynamic range of a sandwich immunoassay, respectively, increase and decrease when spot size is reduced. However, we show that reducing spot size is more effective than increasing assay chamber volume when seeking to multiplex such a microfluidic immunoassay. Although, we make particular reference to single cell microfluidic immunoassays, the topics discussed here are applicable to capture assays in general.
Maniyam MN, Sjahrir F, Ibrahim AL, et al., 2013, Biodegradation of cyanide by acetonitrile-induced cells of <i>Rhodococcus</i> sp UKMP-5M, JOURNAL OF GENERAL AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Vol: 59, Pages: 393-404, ISSN: 0022-1260
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- Citations: 4
Sharma S, Srisa-Art M, Scott S, et al., 2012, Droplet-Based Microfluidics, Publisher: Springer
Droplet-based microfluidics or digital microfluidics is a subclass of microfluidic devices, wherein dropletsare generated using active or passive methods. The active method for generation of droplets involves theuse of an external factor such as an electric field for droplet generation. Two techniques that fall in thiscategory are dielectrophoresis (DEP) and electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD). In passive methods, thedroplet generation depends on the geometry and dimensions of the device. T-junction and flow focusingmethods are examples of passive methods used for generation of droplets. In this chapter the methods usedfor droplet generation, mixing of contents of droplets, and the manipulation of droplets are described inbrief. A review of the applications of digital microfluidics with emphasis on the last decade is presented.
Sharma S, Reyhani AS, Bahrami A, et al., 2012, A novel method for fabricating nanostructures via nanotemplates using dip pen nanolithography, Micro & Nano Letters, Vol: 7, Pages: 1038-1040
Dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) relies on the compatibility between the ink used and the substrate it is written on. This has lead to a significant reliance for DPN on thiol-gold chemistries for the fabrication of nanostructures. This reported work demonstrates a method for creating nanostructures through nanotemplates that allows a wider range of substrates and inks to be used. The substrate was spin-coated with a thin layer of polymer which is selectively removed using a scanning probe microscopy tip coated with a solvent. This produces nanotemplates that are subsequently used to create nanostructures by metallisation. Compared with directly written templates these nanotemplates facilitate longer interaction between inking material and the substrate. They also allow a controlled spatial resolution along the z-axis and eliminate the need for any blocking agents to prevent non-specific adsorption. This method allows DPN to be expanded to applications beyond thiol-gold chemistries.
Maniyam MN, Sjahrir F, Ibrahim AL, et al., 2012, Cyanide degradation by immobilized cells of Rhodococcus UKMP-5M, BIOLOGIA, Vol: 67, Pages: 837-844, ISSN: 0006-3088
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- Citations: 11
Tian PY, de Jonge LT, Autefage H, et al., 2012, Engineered alkaline phosphatase with improved functionality immobilized on bone implant surfaces, JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, Vol: 6, Pages: 195-195, ISSN: 1932-6254
Jamieson LM, Paradies YC, Eades S, et al., 2012, Ten principles relevant to health research among Indigenous Australian populations., Med J Aust, Vol: 197, Pages: 16-18
Jardine MJ, Kang A, Zoungas S, et al., 2012, The effect of folic acid based homocysteine lowering on cardiovascular events in people with kidney disease: systematic review and meta-analysis., BMJ, Vol: 344
OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effect of folic acid based homocysteine lowering on cardiovascular outcomes in people with kidney disease. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov to June 2011. STUDY SELECTION: Randomised trials in people with non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease or end stage kidney disease or with a functioning kidney transplant reporting at least 100 patient years of follow-up and assessing the effect of folic acid based homocysteine lowering therapy. No language restrictions were applied. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted data on study setting, design, and outcomes using a standardised form. The primary endpoint was cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality, or as defined by study author). Secondary endpoints included the individual composite components, all cause mortality, access thrombosis, requirement for renal replacement therapy, and reported adverse events, including haematological and neurological events. The effect of folic acid based homocysteine lowering on outcomes was assessed with meta-analysis using random effects models. RESULTS: 11 trials were identified that reported on 4389 people with chronic kidney disease, 2452 with end stage kidney disease, and 4110 with functioning kidney transplants (10,951 participants in total). Folic acid based homocysteine therapy did not prevent cardiovascular events (relative risk 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.92 to 1.03, P = 0.326) or any of the secondary outcomes. There was no evidence of heterogeneity in subgroup analyses, including those of kidney disease category, background fortification, rates of pre-existing disease, or baseline homocysteine level. The definitions of chronic kidney disease varied widely between the studies. Non-cardiovascular events could not be analysed as few studies reported these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Folic acid
Irving MJ, Tong A, Jan S, et al., 2012, Factors that influence the decision to be an organ donor: a systematic review of the qualitative literature., Nephrol Dial Transplant, Vol: 27, Pages: 2526-2533
BACKGROUND: Transplantation is the treatment of choice for organ failure, but a worldwide shortage of suitable organs exists. We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies that explored community attitudes towards living and deceased solid organ donation to inform strategies to improve organ donation rates. METHODS: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and EconLIT were searched. Qualitative studies that explored community attitudes towards living and deceased solid organ donation were included. A thematic synthesis of the results and conclusions reported by primary authors was performed. RESULTS: Eighteen studies involving 1019 participants were identified. Eight themes emerged. The decision to be an organ donor was influenced by (i) relational ties; (ii) religious beliefs; (iii) cultural influences; (iv) family influences; (v) body integrity; (vi) previous interactions with the health care system-medical mistrust, validity of brain death and fear of early organ retrieval; (vii) the individual's knowledge about the organ donation process and (viii) major reservations about the process of donation, even in those who support organ donation. CONCLUSIONS: This review of qualitative studies highlights that seemingly intractable factors, such as religion and culture, are often tied in with more complex issues such as a distrust of the medical system, misunderstandings about religious stances and ignorance about the donation process. Intervention that could be considered includes culturally appropriate strategies to engage minority groups, especially through religious or cultural leaders, and more comprehensively available information about the donation process and its positive outcomes.
Irving MJ, Tong A, Jan S, et al., 2012, Community attitudes to deceased organ donation: a focus group study., Transplantation, Vol: 93, Pages: 1064-1069
BACKGROUND: Despite broad community support for organ donation, there is a chronic shortage of donor organs for transplantation. This study elicited community attitudes on deceased organ donation and the current Australian organ donation system. METHODS: Thirteen focus groups with 114 participants aged between 18 and 75 years. Qualitative analysis using a grounded theory approach was used. RESULTS: Participants were generally positive toward deceased organ donation, but this did not always translate to decisions to be a donor. Three main categories of themes emerged. (1) Participants held core beliefs that both encouraged donation, such as "giving is good" and "saving lives," and discouraged donation, such as loss of body dignity, need for body wholeness, and differing medical care for donors. (2) A range of factors could influence how core beliefs were weighted in the decision-making process, including family, knowledge, information, media, grief, apathy, and fear. (3) Participants discussed the need for a simpler consent system where family members could not overrule their donation decision, greater public awareness for organ donation, and the availability of more information on the organ donation process. CONCLUSIONS: Opportunities exist to improve deceased organ donation rates by education to improve confidence in the donation process, positive media coverage, and clear information on each religion's stance on organ donation. Options for greater public recognition for organ donors should be explored. Finally, our findings suggest that aspects of the current donation consent system are not aligned with community values, and reforms should be debated publicly.
Radomska-Botelho Moniz A, Michelakis K, Trzebinski J, et al., 2012, Minimally Invasive Enzyme Microprobes: An Alternative Approach for Continuous Glucose Monitoring, Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, Vol: 6, Pages: 479-480
Azarbadegan A, Eames I, Sharma S, et al., 2011, Computational study of parallel valveless micropumps, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical: international journal devoted to research and development of physical and chemical transducers, Vol: 158, Pages: 432-440
An integrated study of parallel valveless micropumps is described which incorporates computations and a mathematical model. Two cylindrical pump chambers are driven out of phase and the circuit resistance is provided by an interconnecting pipe whose width is varied. A one-dimensional mathematical model, consistent with the pump configuration, is applied to provide a framework to interpret the results. In contrast to open circuit pumps, the maximum volume flux is determined by the properties of the diffuser/nozzle element and the pressure drop is determined by Darcy–Weisbach equation when it is controlled by the interconnecting pipe. The numerical results are in good agreement with mathematical models. The viability of such pumps to work with cells was examined by calculating the maximum shear stress and strain rate.
Cass T, Le T, Scott S, 2011, Exploiting conformational change in biosensor design, 36th FEBS Congress of the Biochemistry for Tomorrows Medicine, Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL, Pages: 30-30, ISSN: 1742-464X
Sharma S, Radomska-Botelho Moniz A, Triantis I, et al., 2011, An integrated silicon sensor with microfluidic chip for monitoring potassium and pH, Microfluidics and Nanofluidics, Vol: 10, Pages: 1119-1125
We present ion-sensitive field effect transistor-based sensors, integrated with a microfluidic chip, for monitoring pH and potassium cations. The sensor is strategically located at the base of a well so that the response time of the device depends both on the mean flow through the device and the diffusion coefficient of the analyte being monitored. This would enable monitoring of ions in the presence of larger molecules. The dependence of the device response time on diffusive transport of analytes was examined through a numerical study of the flow field and the passive diffusion of a chemical species. The predicted device response time was compared with the experimental measurements and reasonable agreement found. The general dependence of device response time on geometry, flow rate, and analyte diffusion coefficient was derived. These devices can be used with biological fluids where monitoring of pH and cations provide vital information about the well-being of patients.
White SL, Dunstan DW, Polkinghorne KR, et al., 2011, Physical inactivity and chronic kidney disease in Australian adults: the AusDiab study., Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis, Vol: 21, Pages: 104-112
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Physical inactivity is associated with cardiovascular risk however its relationship to chronic kidney disease is largely unknown. We examined the association between leisure-time physical activity and risk of chronic kidney disease in a prospective, population-based cohort of Australians aged ≥ 25 years (AusDiab). METHODS AND RESULTS: The baseline sample included 10,966 adults (4951 males and 6015 females). From this sample, 6318 participants with complete baseline and 5-year follow-up urinalysis and serum creatinine measurements formed the study population for longitudinal analysis. Self-reported leisure-time physical activity was measured using a validated, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Compared with sufficiently active individuals (≥ 150 min physical activity per week), those who were inactive (0 min/week) were more likely to have albuminuria at baseline (multivariate-adjusted OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.10-1.63). Inactivity (versus sufficient physical activity) was associated with increased age- and sex-adjusted odds of an estimated glomerular filtration rate <3rd percentile (OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.02-1.65), although this was not significant after multivariate adjustment (OR=1.17, 95% CI 0.91-1.50). Obese, inactive individuals were significantly more likely to have albuminuria at baseline (multivariate-adjusted OR=1.74, 95% CI 1.35-2.25), compared with sufficiently active, non-obese individuals. Baseline physical activity status was not significantly associated with longitudinal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Physical inactivity is cross-sectionally associated with albuminuria prevalence, particularly when combined with obesity. Future studies are needed to determine whether this association is causal and the importance of physical activity in CKD prevention.
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