The impact of nTiO2 and GO (graphene oxide), and their combinations, on freshwater Chlorella sp.: a comparative study in lake water and BG-11 media.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) and graphene oxide (GO) are extensively used nanomaterials in various products and applications. Freshwater ecosystems are a crucial sink for these pollutants, posing severe threats to aquatic organisms. Although multiple studies have investigated the pristine toxicity of nTiO2 and GO in freshwater organisms, the combined toxicity of these materials remains unexplored. Interaction media is a crucial factor in evaluating toxicity nanomaterial toxicity towards algae. In this study, we have investigated the comparative effect of sterilized and filtered freshwater and BG-11 medium on the pristine and combined toxicity of nTiO2 and GO on freshwater algae Chlorella sp. Results indicated that the combination of nTiO2 and GO showed more toxicity when compared to their respective pristine forms. This could be due to the additive effect exhibited by nTiO2 and GO on Chlorella sp. The enhanced growth inhibition for the combined toxicity was in the order of 1 mg L-1 nTiO2 + 1 mg L-1 GO > 1 mg L-1 nTiO2 + 0.1 mg L-1 GO > 0.1 mg L-1 nTiO2 + 1 mg L-1 GO > 0.1 mg L-1 nTiO2 + 0.1 mg L-1 GO. All test groups that interacted in BG-11 media exhibited less toxicity when compared to corresponding groups in the lake water medium. This could be attributed to the cushioning effect of BG-11 medium, providing supplementary nutrition to the algal cells. This signifies that the environmentally relevant conditions could be more detrimental than the laboratory conditions. This study elucidates valuable insights into the potential detrimental effects associated with the combination of nTiO2 and GO on freshwater algae. Furthermore, we have evaluated the growth inhibition, oxidative stress, and photosynthetic activity of Chlorella sp. in both environmentally relevant interaction medium and well-defined culture medium.

The comparative effects of visible light and UV-A radiation on the combined toxicity of P25 TiO2 nanoparticles and polystyrene microplastics on Chlorella sp.

The ubiquitous presence of TiO2 nanoparticles (nTiO2) and microplastics (MPs) in marine ecosystems has raised serious concerns about their combined impact on marine biota. This study investigated the combined toxic effect of nTiO2 (1 mg/L) and NH2 and COOH surface functionalized polystyrene MPs (PSMPs) (2.5 and 10 mg/L) on Chlorella sp. All the experiments were carried out under both visible light and UV-A radiation conditions to elucidate the impact of light on the combined toxicity of these pollutants. Growth inhibition results indicated that pristine nTiO2 exhibited a more toxic effect (38%) under UV-A radiation when compared to visible light conditions (27%). However, no significant change in the growth inhibitory effects of pristine PSMPs was observed between visible light and UVA radiation conditions. The combined pollutants (nTiO2 + 10 mg/L PSMPs) under UV-A radiation exhibited more growth inhibition (nTiO2 + NH2 PSMPs 66%; nTiO2 + COOH PSMPs 50%) than under visible light conditions (nTiO2 + NH2 PSMPs 55%; TiO2 + COOH PSMPs 44%). Independent action modeling indicated that the mixture of nTiO2 with PSMPs (10 mg/L) exhibited an additive effect on the algal growth inhibition under both the light conditions. The photoactive nTiO2 promoted increased production of reactive oxygen species under UV-A exposure, resulting in cellular damage, lipid peroxidation, and impaired photosynthesis. The effects were more pronounced in case of the mixtures where PSMPs added to the oxidative stress. The toxic effects of the binary mixtures of nTiO2 and PSMPs were further confirmed through the field emission electron microscopy, revealing specific morphological abnormalities. This study provides valuable insights into the potential risks associated with the combination of nTiO2 and MPs in marine environments, considering the influence of environmentally relevant light conditions and the test medium.

Ecotoxicological significance of bio-corona formation on micro/nanoplastics in aquatic organisms.

The unsustainable manufacturing, utilization and inadequate handling of plastics have led to a surge in global plastic pollution. In recent times, there has been increasing concern about the plausible hazards associated with exposure to micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs). As aquatic systems are considered to be the likely sink for M/NPs, it is crucial to comprehend their environmental behavior. The bioavailability, toxicity and fate of M/NPs in the environment are predominantly dictated by their surface characteristics. In the aquatic environment, M/NPs are prone to be internalized by aquatic organisms. This may facilitate their interaction with a diverse array of biomolecules within the organism, resulting in the formation of a biocorona (BC). The development of BC causes modifications in the physicochemical attributes of the M/NPs including changes to their size, stability, surface charge and other properties. This review details the concept of BC formation and its underlying mechanism. It provides insight on the analytical techniques employed for characterizing BC formation and addresses the associated challenges. Further, the eco-toxicological implications of M/NPs and the role of BC in modifying their potential toxicity on aquatic organisms is specified. The impact of BC formation on the fate and transport of M/NPs is discussed. A concise outlook on the future perspectives is also presented.

Dissecting the impact of environment, season and genotype on blackcurrant fruit quality traits.

This work aims to determine the effect of genotype x environment (GxE) interaction that influence blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) fruit quality. We applied metabolomics-driven analysis on fruits from four cultivars grown in contrasting European-locations over two seasons. By integrating metabolomics and sensory analysis, we also defined specific metabolic signatures associated with consumer acceptance. Our results showed that rainfall is a crucial factor associated with accumulation of delphinidin- and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, the two mayor blackcurrant pigments meanwhile temperature affects the main organic acid levels which can be decisive for fruit taste. Sensorial analysis showed that increases in terpenoid and acetate ester volatiles were strongly associated with higher appreciation score, while proacacipetalin, a cyanogenic-glycoside, was positively associated to bitter taste. Our results pave the way for the selection of high-quality cultivars and suitable production sites for blackcurrant cultivation.

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis due to systemic diseases.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss peripheral ulcerative keratitis, with a focus on the evaluation and management of associated systemic diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a sight-threatening condition that is often defined by the presence of a crescent-shaped area of peripheral corneal thinning, an epithelial defect, and an inflammatory corneal infiltrate. It is highly associated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic necrotizing vasculitides like granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and collagen vascular diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus. Undertreated PUK carries a risk of vision loss and premature death. SUMMARY: Multidisciplinary collaboration between the ophthalmologist, rheumatologist, and other consultants is required. Early and aggressive steroid-sparing therapy should be considered in cases due to noninfectious systemic disease.

Health-related quality of life among cervical cancer survivors at a tertiary hospital in Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer in Ghana. The disease and its treatment significantly affect survivors' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We determined the overall quality of life (QoL) and identified its predictors among cervical cancer survivors after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 153 disease-free cervical cancer survivors who completed curative treatment between January 2004 and December 2018 at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana. We used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core-30 item (EORTC QLQ-C30) and cervical cancer module (EORTC QLQ-CX24) to assess the survivors' overall QoL. QoL domain scores were dichotomised as affected or unaffected by disease and its treatment. Significant differences between the affected and unaffected groups within each QoL domain were determined using the student T-test. We used Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests to examine the difference in QoL domains between treatment types, with significance based on Bonferroni corrections. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of overall QoL. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three (153) women having a mean age of 58.3 (SD 11.4) years were studied. The overall QoL score was 79.6 (SD 16.0), and 74.5% of survivors reported good QoL score within the median follow up time of 41.8 months (interquartile range [IQR], 25.5-71.1 months) after cervical cancer diagnosis. Although the majority (66.0-84.3%) of the QoL functioning scale were unaffected, about a fifth (22.2%) to a third (34.5%) of the subjects had perceptual impairment in cognitive and role functioning. Financial difficulties, peripheral neuropathy and pain were most common symptoms reported as affected. A third of the survivors were worried that sex would be painful, and 36.6% indicated that their sexual activity as affected. The overall QoL scores for survivors who had surgery, chemoradiation and radiation-alone were 86.1 (SD 9.7), 76.9 (SD 17.7), and 80.7 (SD 14.7), respectively (p = 0.025). The predictors of survivor's overall QoL were loss of appetite [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) = 9.34, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 2.13-35.8, p = 0.001], pain (AOR = 3.53, 95% CI = 1.25-9.31, p = 0.017) and body image (AOR = 5.89, 95% CI = 1.80-19.27, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: About 75% of the survivors had a good overall quality of life. Primary surgical treatment affords the best prospects for quality of life with the least symptom complaints and financial burden. Loss of appetite, pain or diminution in body image perception predicted the overall quality of life of cervical cancer survivors after treatment.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Parent Management Training Program for Incarcerated Parents: Post-Release Outcomes.

The majority of incarcerated adults are parents. While in prison, most parents maintain at least some contact with their families. A positive connection with family during imprisonment is hypothesized to improve long-term success after release. One way in which departments of corrections attempt to facilitate positive connections with family is through prison-based parenting programs. One such program, developed in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Corrections, is the cognitive-behavioral parent management training program Parenting Inside Out (PIO). Outcomes due to PIO were examined within the context of a randomized controlled trial. Incarcerated parents from all correctional facilities in the state of Oregon were recruited to participate, and eligible parents who consented (N = 359) were transferred to participating releasing institutions. After initial assessment, parents were randomized to condition (i.e., PIO "intervention" condition or services-as-usual "control" condition) and then followed through the remainder of their prison sentences and to one year after release. Intervention condition participants were offered PIO prior to their release. Outcomes favoring participants in the intervention condition were found in areas of importance to parents and their children and families and to public health and safety at large, including a decreased likelihood of problems related to substance use and of engaging in criminal behavior during the first six months following release as well as a decreased likelihood of being arrested by police during the first year following release. The implications of the findings are discussed, including the critical need for scientifically rigorous research on multi-component parenting programs delivered during the reentry period.

Cholangiocarcinoma obscured by a large paraesophageal hernia causing traction compression of the common hepatic duct ultimately diagnosed with percutaneous cholangioscopy.

Video 1Case presentation including cross-sectional imaging, percutaneous cholangiogram, percutaneous cholangioscopy, and histopathology of cholangioscopy-directed biopsies.

A Survey of Interventional Radiologists Regarding the Use of Morbidity and Mortality Conferencing in Departmental Quality Improvement Programs.

PURPOSE: To investigate the degree to which morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferencing is utilized in interventional radiology (IR), identify impediments to its adoption, and assess the experience of those using this tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Members of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) were offered a 9-question survey of practices and experiences regarding M&M conferencing within their quality assessment (QA) programs. RESULTS: Among 604 respondents, 37.8% were university-based practitioners and 60% were from outside of university practices. Of all respondents, 43% reported practicing 100% IR, with 28.5% practicing IR 75%-99% and 11% practicing IR <50% of the time. The use of M&M conferencing was significantly greater in university practices (90.7%) than in nonuniversity practices (37.1%) and among practitioners performing at least 75% IR (71.2%) than among those practicing <75% (28.8%). The conferences were held monthly (66.6%) or more often, and the majority (56%) of the events identified were scored using the SIR severity score. Approximately 20% of M&M conferences were multidisciplinary, shared most commonly with vascular surgery. The reasons cited for not using M&M included the lack of time and the logistical challenges of the process. However, among those who participate in M&M conferences, the QA goals of the conference were met at very high rates. CONCLUSIONS: M&M conferencing is well established in university IR programs and among full-time practitioners but much less so elsewhere. For those sites that do not utilize M&M conferencing, there may be a considerable benefit to addressing the obstacles that are limiting their implementation of this tool.

Disposable digital percutaneous cholangioscope-aided retrieval of a plastic biliary stent after failed retrieval at ERCP.

Video 1Cholangioscopy, fluoroscopy, and endoscopy of the percutaneous retrieval of a biliary stent across an iatrogenic common hepatic duct stricture due to surgical staples.

Increasing dietary choline attenuates spatial memory deficits resulting from exposure to the chemotherapeutic agents cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin.

BACKGROUND: Choline supplementation (+Ch) improves cognitive function in impaired animals and humans. Chemotherapy-related cognitive deficits (CRCDs) occur in cancer patients, and these deficits persist following treatment, adversely impacting quality of life. To date, there are no approved treatments for this condition. AIM: Because +Ch improves impaired memory, it was of interest to determine whether +Ch can attenuate spatial memory deficits induced by the chemotherapeutic agents doxorubicin (DOX) and cyclophosphamide (CYP). METHODS: Female BALB/C mice, 64 days of age, were trained in the Morris water maze and baseline performance determined on day 15. Following baseline assessment, mice were placed on +Ch diet (2.0% Ch) or remained on standard diet (0.12% Ch). Mice received intravenous injections of DOX (2.5 mg/kg) and CYP (25 mg/kg), or equivalent volumes of saline (0.9% NaCl), on days 16, 23, 30, and 37, and spatial memory was assessed weekly from day 22 to 71. RESULTS: DOX and CYP produced a prolonged impairment in spatial memory as indicated by an increased latency to the correct zone (p < 0.05), and a decrease in time in the correct zone (p < 0.05), % of total swim distance in the correct zone (p < 0.05) and % entries to the correct zone (p < 0.05). These effects were attenuated by +Ch. CONCLUSION: Although it remains to be determined whether this effect extends to other cognitive domains and whether +Ch is prophylactic or therapeutic, these findings suggest that +Ch may be an effective intervention for CRCDs.

Computational Modeling of the Liver Arterial Blood Flow for Microsphere Therapy: Effect of Boundary Conditions.

Transarterial embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for advanced liver cancer using microspheres loaded with a chemotherapeutic drug or radioactive yttrium-90 (90Y) that are injected into the hepatic arterial tree through a catheter. For personalized treatment, the microsphere distribution in the liver should be optimized through the injection volume and location. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the blood flow in the hepatic artery can help estimate this distribution if carefully parameterized. An important aspect is the choice of the boundary conditions imposed at the inlet and outlets of the computational domain. In this study, the effect of boundary conditions on the hepatic arterial tree hemodynamics was investigated. The outlet boundary conditions were modeled with three-element Windkessel circuits, representative of the downstream vasculature resistance. Results demonstrated that the downstream vasculature resistance affected the hepatic artery hemodynamics such as the velocity field, the pressure field and the blood flow streamline trajectories. Moreover, the number of microspheres received by the tumor significantly changed (more than 10% of the total injected microspheres) with downstream resistance variations. These findings suggest that patient-specific boundary conditions should be used in order to achieve a more accurate drug distribution estimation with CFD in transarterial embolization treatment planning.

Quantitative trait loci mapping of polyphenol metabolites in blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.).

INTRODUCTION: Commercially, blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L.) are grown mainly for processing, especially for juice production. They are valued for their high levels of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, which contribute to their characteristic deep colour, but also as a good source of vitamin C. Recently, evidence has accrued that polyphenols, such as anthocyanins, may have specific human health benefits. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate the genetic control of polyphenols and other key juice processing traits in blackcurrants. METHODS: The levels, over 2 years, of vitamin C, citrate, malate, succinate, total organic acids, total anthocyanins and total phenolics together with 46 mainly polyphenol metabolites were measured in a blackcurrant biparental mapping population. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these traits were mapped onto a high-density SNP linkage map. RESULTS: At least one QTL was detected for each trait, with good consistency between the 2 years. Clusters of QTLs were found on each of the eight linkage groups (LG). For example, QTLs for the major anthocyanidin glucosides, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, co-localised with a QTL for total anthocyanin content on LG3 whereas the major anthocyanidin rutinosides, delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, had QTLs on LG1 and LG2. Many of the QTLs explained a high proportion of the trait variation, with the most significant region, on LG3 at ~ 35 cM, explaining more than 60% of the variation in the coumaroylated metabolites, Cyanidin-coumaroyl-glucose, Delphinidin-coumaroyl-glucose, Kaempferol-coumaroyl-glucose and Myricetin-coumaroyl-glucose. CONCLUSION: The identification of robust QTLs for key polyphenol classes and individual polyphenols in blackcurrant provides great potential for marker-assisted breeding for improved levels of key components.

Buffering the Suffering of Breast Lymphoscintigraphy.

Breast lymphoscintigraphy with 99mTc-sulfur colloid is frequently performed before breast-conserving surgery to delineate drainage to a sentinel node. Tracer injection for lymphoscintigraphy can be painful. Our aims were to determine whether administering a solution of buffered lidocaine immediately before lymphoscintigraphy injection could both reduce the patients' pain and increase nuclear medicine technologists' satisfaction with performing the procedure. Methods: A pain scale survey was obtained from patients undergoing breast lymphoscintigraphy with or without buffered lidocaine. Our nuclear medicine technologists were also surveyed for their satisfaction with the procedure, both with and without the addition of buffered lidocaine. Results: The patients' reported pain decreased by 86% with the addition of buffered lidocaine. Technologist satisfaction with performing the procedure increased by 36%. Conclusion: Lidocaine buffered with sodium bicarbonate injected before lymphoscintigraphy significantly reduces pain experienced by the patient and improves nuclear medicine technologist satisfaction in performing the procedure.

Spatial memory deficits in mice induced by chemotherapeutic agents are prevented by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

PURPOSE: These studies determined whether the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil and galantamine, both of which are approved for the treatment of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease, can prevent or reverse spatial memory deficits in mice induced by cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin, cytotoxic agents commonly used to treat breast cancer. METHODS: Female BALB/C mice were trained in the Morris water maze to identify the location of a submerged platform, and, following baseline assessment of spatial memory, received injections of cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin once per week for 4 weeks to impair spatial memory. Saline or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were administered daily either concurrent with the chemotherapy injections (prevention) or beginning 1 week following the final chemotherapy injections (reversal), and spatial memory was assessed weekly. RESULTS: Spatial memory declined during and following weekly injections of cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin, and was unaltered when the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were administered following the manifestation of chemotherapy-induced deficits. In contrast, spatial memory of mice receiving the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors concurrent with chemotherapy did not differ from that at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that chemotherapy-induced spatial memory deficits in mice can be prevented, but not reversed by the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors concomitant with chemotherapy, suggesting that these agents should be investigated further for the prevention of chemobrain.

Body Mass Index: A Reliable Predictor of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness and Needle Length for Ventral Gluteal Intramuscular Injections.

BACKGROUND: With rising prevalence of obesity, increasing number of gluteal injections would be expected to fail in intramuscular (IM) drug delivery. STUDY QUESTION: This study evaluated ventral gluteal fat thickness (VGT) on adult magnetic resonance imaging of pelvis and correlated it with the subjects' body mass index (BMI), weight, and height to establish evidence-based clinical estimates of individualized needle length and suitability of ventral gluteal site for IM injections. DESIGN: Retrospective review. STUDY DESIGN, MEASURES AND OUTCOMES: Three hundred fifty adult (224 women, 126 men) magnetic resonance imaging scans of pelvis were reviewed to measure the VGT as the distance between the skin and the nearest edge of the gluteus medius muscle at the recommended ventral gluteal injection site. VGT was correlated with BMI, weight, and height by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-three (49 women, 4 men) subjects had VGT greater than 3.3 cm, and 146 (106 women, 40 men) subjects had VGT greater than 2.0 cm. The Pearson correlation coefficient between VGT and BMI was 0.82 for women and 0.81 for men. The difference between the VGT in men and women of comparable BMI was statistically significant (P < 0.001). BMI of 30 in women and 35 in men seem to be upper limits for successful ventral gluteal IM injections with 3.75-cm (1.5-inch) hypodermic needle. The expected failure rate of ventral gluteal IM delivery with the 3.75-cm needle is 71% in women with BMI >30, and 60% in men with BMI >35. CONCLUSION: BMI is reliably predictive of VGT in both men and women for selecting appropriate needle length for IM injections at this site. Standard needles would fail in IM delivery at this site in a considerable proportion of obese adults. Because of high prevalence of obesity in individuals with severe mental illness, our findings could significantly impact acute and maintenance therapy with injectable tranquillizers and antipsychotics.

The effect of scoliosis on surface landmarks for lumbar plexus block: a MRI-based retrospective case-control series.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative scoliosis (DS) may affect surface landmarks for performance of lumbar plexus (LP) block. We hypothesized the extent of any difference in surface landmarks could be calculated by a formula based on measured degree of DS, body mass index, sex, and age. METHODS: We retrospectively searched our radiology database until 113 consecutive adult patients with DS were identified with lumbar spine radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging examinations performed. Pertinent surface landmark measurements at the L4 vertebral body level were recorded and compared to 50 controls. RESULTS: In patients with severe DS, there is a mean lateral deviation of the needle tip of 1.53 cm (0-3 cm) on the concave side and mean medial deviation of the needle tip of 0.35 cm (0-1.5 cm) on the convex side using typical bony landmarks. We found a significant correlation between body mass index and LP depth with a correlation coefficient ranging between 0.53 and 0.71. We found potential risk of organ injury in two of 13 patients with severe DS using traditional surface landmarks. CONCLUSIONS: There is a larger degree of lateral deviation of the LP on the concave side of scoliosis compared to medial deviation on the convex side. These deviations remained consistent irrespective of the direction of scoliosis. A review of the imaging studies and preprocedural ultrasound assessment of anatomy should be strongly considered prior to needle puncture. In patients with severe DS, an alternative approach may be considered to avoid the possibility of visceral organ injury.

Development of a peptide-based fluorescent probe for biological heme monitoring.

Heme plays a vital role in cell biology and dysregulation of heme levels is implicated in a wide range of diseases. However, monitoring heme levels in biological systems is currently not straightforward. A short synthetic peptide probe containing 7-azatryptophan is shown to bind hemin in vitro with quenching of the azatryptophan fluorescence. This chemical tool can be used to detect the change in free heme induced in human skin cells upon exposure to UVA irradiation.

A Transcript and Metabolite Atlas of Blackcurrant Fruit Development Highlights Hormonal Regulation and Reveals the Role of Key Transcription Factors.

Blackcurrant fruit collected at six stages of development were assessed for changes in gene expression using custom whole transcriptome microarrays and for variation in metabolite content using a combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Principal components analysis demonstrated that fruit development could be clearly defined according to their transcript or metabolite profiles. During early developmental stages, metabolite profiles were dominated by amino acids and tannins, whilst transcript profiles were enriched in functions associated with cell division, anatomical structure morphogenesis and cell wall metabolism. During mid fruit development, fatty acids accumulated and transcript profiles were consistent with seed and embryo development. At the later stages, sugars and anthocyanins accumulated consistent with transcript profiles that were associated with secondary metabolism. Transcript data also indicated active signaling during later stages of fruit development. A targeted analysis of signaling networks revealed a dynamic activation and repression of almost 60 different transcripts encoding transcription factors across the course of fruit development, many of which have been demonstrated as pivotal to controlling such processes in other species. Transcripts associated with cytokinin and gibberellin were highly abundant at early fruit development, whilst those associated with ABA and ethylene tended to be more abundant at later stages. The data presented here provides an insight into fruit development in blackcurrant and provides a foundation for further work in the elucidation of the genetic basis of fruit quality.

Non-invasive, transdermal, path-selective and specific glucose monitoring via a graphene-based platform.

Currently, there is no available needle-free approach for diabetics to monitor glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. Here, we report a path-selective, non-invasive, transdermal glucose monitoring system based on a miniaturized pixel array platform (realized either by graphene-based thin-film technology, or screen-printing). The system samples glucose from the interstitial fluid via electroosmotic extraction through individual, privileged, follicular pathways in the skin, accessible via the pixels of the array. A proof of principle using mammalian skin ex vivo is demonstrated for specific and 'quantized' glucose extraction/detection via follicular pathways, and across the hypo- to hyper-glycaemic range in humans. Furthermore, the quantification of follicular and non-follicular glucose extraction fluxes is clearly shown. In vivo continuous monitoring of interstitial fluid-borne glucose with the pixel array was able to track blood sugar in healthy human subjects. This approach paves the way to clinically relevant glucose detection in diabetics without the need for invasive, finger-stick blood sampling.