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A patent application has been filed by James A. Kaslik for a device that can transform toilet paper in real time to improve its effectiveness at cleaning residue off the skin and body hair. The device is pocket-sized and can be carried anywhere. It uses liquid, a mold, and pressure to transform the texture, density, and wetness of the paper. The transformed paper provides superior cleaning and decomposes in water without causing harm to sewage and septic systems. Various variations of the device are also described in the patent application. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Maharashtra, India, examined the use of theory papers as an assessment method in medical education. The researchers developed a rubric matrix to analyze postgraduate question papers in various specialties. The analysis revealed that the majority of departments were graded as fair, with none being graded as very good. Additionally, the study found that the questions asked in these papers were more recall-based rather than assessing higher cognitive functions. This research suggests the need for valid assessment methods that properly evaluate learning outcomes in medical education. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the National University Tucuman in Argentina have developed a simple and promising paper-based electrochemical platform for the serological detection of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL). The platform, made from Whatman N1 paper, uses specific crude extracts antigens for ATL immuno-determination. The researchers tested the platform using serum samples from previously diagnosed patients and found that it was able to distinguish between ATL and non-ATL cases. This technology could provide a low-cost, portable, and environmentally friendly method for diagnosing and managing leishmaniasis. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from COMSATS University in Lahore, Pakistan have developed a cellulose paper-based aptasensing protocol for the detection of the cancer biomarker mucin 1 (MUC1). The paper surface was modified using polydopamine modified carbon nanotubes (PDA@CNTS) to create a strong adhesion and binding interface. The researchers used dynamic laser speckle (DLS) analysis to analyze the speckle patterns generated from the cellulose-based paper surface, providing sensitive and accurate analysis of the target biomarker. The paper-based aptasensor demonstrated sensitive and selective detection of MUC1, making it a promising tool for low-cost and portable biological applications. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Minho in Braga, Portugal have developed a paper-based biomimetic test-strip for the detection of the cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3). The test-strip uses molecularly-imprinted polymers (MIPs) on paper substrates to capture CA15-3, and a traditional colored transduction scheme to detect the presence of the antigen. The researchers found that the MIP was able to selectively recognize CA15-3 within a range of concentrations, even in complex samples. This approach has the potential to be applied to other protein disease biomarkers, making it a suitable tool for screening glycoproteins at the point-of-care. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Northeast Forestry University in Harbin, China have developed antibacterial food-preservative paper incorporating ceramic pigments. The paper was created by coating silver onto red ceramic powder using the electroless plating method. The ceramic pigments have a porous crystalline structure, and the silver particles were successfully loaded onto the surface and into the pores of the ceramic. The paper was tested using spinach as an example, and it was found that while the ceramic preservative paper did not have antibacterial properties, it reduced weight loss from the spinach and increased retention of vitamin C and chlorophyll. The antibacterial preservative papers inhibited the growth of bacteria by over 99% and preserved the spinach more effectively. The researchers concluded that the antibacterial food-preservative paper has great potential in food packaging applications. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the University of Turku discusses the importance of international collaboration among early-stage researchers (ESRs) in nursing science. The paper aims to identify the optimal forms of collaboration and the challenges faced by individual researchers and organizations in strengthening international collaboration during the ESR phase. The research emphasizes the need for expanded and long-term collaboration to develop nursing science, improve nursing care, patient outcomes, and benefit society. The report is based on previous literature and the authors' experiences in collaboration between Estonia and Finland. [Extracted from the article]

A recent research study conducted by the University of Sheffield explores the social and economic dimensions of food sustainability in relation to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNRs). The study emphasizes the need to consider these dimensions alongside environmental factors when developing policies that aim to address both health and sustainability goals. The researchers highlight the importance of understanding the trade-offs and compromises that may arise when making policy decisions in this field. They suggest that framing food as an issue and considering different perspectives can help navigate these challenges. The full research paper can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Bhaikaka University in Gujarat, India, examined the level of cognitive domains and the weightage of various topics in the undergraduate summative examination question paper of community medicine. The study found that the cognitive domains assessed in the subject across all five universities were unsatisfactory, and the weightage of marks allotted to topics varied. The researchers concluded that there is a need to develop a question paper plan that facilitates a systematic distribution based on different levels of cognitive domains and topics. This study provides new insights into the assessment methods used in community medicine education. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, has explored the use of molecularly imprinted polymer paper-based analytical devices (MIP-PADs) for biomarker detection. MIP-PADs have the potential to improve the selectivity and specificity of paper-based analytical devices, making them more effective in complex analysis conditions and samples. The study highlights the fabrication and characterization processes of MIP-PADs, discusses their applications in biological samples, and evaluates their potential for commercialization. This research is the first of its kind to assess MIP-PADs for biomarker analysis. [Extracted from the article]