Search

Paper is a common material that is promising for constructing microfluidic chips (lab-on-a-paper) for diagnostics and drug delivery for biomedical applications. In the past decade, extensive research on paper-based microfluidics has accumulated a large number of scientific publications in the fields of biomedical diagnosis, food safety, environmental health, drug screening and delivery. This review focuses on the recent progress on paper-based microfluidic technology with an emphasis on the design, optimization and application of the technology platform, in particular for medical diagnostics and drug delivery. Novel advances have concentrated on engineering paper devices for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, which could be integrated with nucleic acid-based tests and isothermal amplification experiments, enabling rapid sample-to-answer assays for field testing. Among the isothermal amplification experiments, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), an extremely sensitive nucleic acid test, specifically identifies ultralow concentrations of DNA/RNA from practical samples for diagnosing diseases. We thus mainly focus on the paper device-based LAMP assay for the rapid infectious disease diagnosis, foodborne pathogen analysis, veterinary diagnosis, plant diagnosis, and environmental public health evaluation. We also outlined progress on paper microfluidic devices for drug delivery. The paper concludes with a discussion on the challenges of this technology and our insights into how to advance science and technology towards the development of fully functional paper devices in diagnostics and drug delivery.

There is growing demand for simple to operate, sensitive, on-site quantitative assays to investigate concentrations of drug molecules in pharmaceutical preparations for quality assurance. Here, we report on the development of two colorimetric analysis methods for the study the antibiotic doxycycline hyclate (DOX) and the nasal decongestant oxymetazoline hydrochloride (OXY), in solution as well as in their respective formulations. We compare a UV/vis spectrophotometry method with a color change recorded on a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD). Detection is based on the pharmaceutical compounds coupling with diazotized 4-aminoacetophenone (DAAP) under alkaline conditions to produce colored azo-dye products. These azo-compounds were monitored by absorbance at 425 nm for DOX and 521 nm for OXY, with linear calibration graphs in the concentration range of 0.5–35 mg L−1 (DOX) and 1.0–40 mg L−1 (OXY) and limits of detection of 0.24 mg L−1 (DOX) and 0.32 mg L−1 (OXY). For the μPAD method, color intensity was measured from photographs and a linear increase was observed at concentrations from above approximately 15 mg L−1 for both compounds and up to 35 mg L−1 for DOX and 40 mg L−1 for OXY. The developed methods were also applied to the formulated pharmaceuticals and no interference was found from the excipient. Thus, the paper-based device provides an inexpensive, simple alternative approach for use outside centralized laboratories with semi-quantitative capability.

Paper-based colorimetric sensor array has attracted extensive attention due to its low-cost, easy-operation, powerful discrimination, good selectivity, rapid response and versatility. It combines the advantages of paper-based analytical devices and colorimetric sensor array, and extends its application fields in analytical chemistry. This review described the recent progress in paper-based colorimetric sensor array and summarized its applications in biomedicine, environmental and food safety. Moreover, the sensing materials, characteristics and performances of different paper-based colorimetric sensor arrays were investigated. The prospects of future research for the paper-based colorimetric sensor array were discussed.

In this work, we prepared novel cellulosic paper by incorporating tannin into the kraft pulp for potential application in active food packaging. The kraft pulp fibers were firstly periodate oxidized to obtain the dialdehyde cellulosic fibers, and then reacted with varied dosages of tannin to incorporate them into the fibers by covalent bondings between aldehyde groups on cellulose and active hydrogen on tannin. Handsheets were prepared using the tannin incorporated fibers through papermaking process and the properties were characterized. The percentage of tannin in the paper increased with the increase of the tannin dosage. FT-IR spectra confirmed the successful incorporation of tannin into the cellulosic fibers. It was found that paper after incorporation of tannin turned to be surface hydrophobic with contact angles higher than 90°, which may probably due to the covalent bonds between tannin and cellulose. The handsheets show high antioxidative and UV-shielding properties, which both increased with the increase of the tannin percentage in the paper. Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) decreased after the incorporation of tannin, and this could facilitate its application in food packaging. The breaking length of tannin incorporated paper decreased insignificantly, less than 10% with the tannin percentage as high as 45%.

The growing need for reliable analytical tools to perform measurements at the point-of-need has prompted the development of novel sensors that are low cost, portable, sensitive, easy to use, and capable of multiplexed analysis. Miniaturization of the sensors into microfluidic platforms has become a promising approach to achieve these self-contained sensors. However, traditional microfluidics often require relatively expensive and complicated pumping mechanisms that increase the cost and limit the portability of the sensors. From a material perspective, paper is an attractive substrate for constructing point-of-need sensors because of its affordability, vast availability, and self-pumping ability, particularly when combined with electrochemical detection. In this mini-review, we discuss various strategies to achieve multiplexing or simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in electrochemical paper-based devices and provide a brief guide on selecting the detection strategy based on the electrochemical property of the analytes.

A novel nacre-like flame-retardant paper based on graphene oxide (GO), and phytic acid (PTA) is fabricated via evaporation-induced self-assembly. This facile method is time saving and low energy consuming. A facile approach is proposed to improve thermal oxidative stability of GO paper by in situ phosphorus doping during flame exposure. Then fire-alarm system is designed based on the high-temperature thermal reduction characteristic of GO. The GO paper functionalized with PTA (GO-PTA) can provide ultrasensitive, reliable and longtime fire early-warning signal. Fire alarm can be triggered at approximately 0.50 s when GO-PTA samples are attacked by fire. Phosphorus atoms are in situ doped into graphene layers during fire exposure, endowing GO-PTA paper with outstanding thermal oxidative stability, and thus alarm duration time of GO is greatly improved. The work develops advanced fire detection and early-warning sensors that provide reliable and continuous signals, which provide more available time for fire evacuation.

Simultaneous enhancement in water flux and removal efficiency during the filtration process remains a big challenge for separation membranes. The porous structure of the filter paper can provide many channels for water transportation, but the separation performance is generally poor. The purpose of this study is to develop a new kind of filter paper consisting of ultralong hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowires, cellulose fibers (CFs) and double metal oxide (LDO) nanosheets, and to achieve the simultaneous enhancement of both water flux and removal efficiency for high-performance dye separation. In this work, a novel kind of LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper consisting of ultralong HAP nanowires and CFs and LDO nanosheets has been developed for rapid water filtration and highly efficient dye adsorption. Positively charged LDO nanosheets can adsorb on the surface of negatively charged ultralong HAP nanowires and embed in the porous networked structure of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper, which can provide a porous structure for rapid water transportation and can adjust the pore size of the nanocomposite filter paper. As a result, the pure water flux of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper can be adjusted. The optimized pure water flux of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper can reach 783.6 L m-2 h-1 bar-1, which is 1.51 times that of the HAP/CF filter paper without LDO nanosheets (518.6 L m-2 h-1 bar-1). More importantly, the adsorption capacity of LDO nanosheets is high for dye molecules, the rejection percentage of Congo red (CR) by the as-prepared HAP/CF filter paper is only 59.8%, and its water flux is 534.7 L m-2 h-1 bar-1. The optimized rejection percentage and water flux of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper for CR are significantly enhanced (98.3% and 736.8 L m-2 h-1 bar-1, respectively) compared to those of the HAP/CF filter paper. The size of LDO nanosheets has a significant effect on the water flux and dye rejection percentage of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper. The as-prepared LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper is promising for the applications in highly efficient purification of wastewater containing dye molecules.

The dispute over the paternity of western paper is a longstanding problem. In Italy, a country that has a long tradition of papermaking, many cities compete for the leadership in the production of this material; on the other hand, several studies attribute to Fabriano (13th century), a little center in Marche region, the birth of modern paper and its diffusion throughout Europe. During the 14thcentury, the nearby town of Camerino imposed itself on the paper market, triggering a historic rivalry with the manufacture of Fabriano. As scientific studies on these different productions are missing, a comparative, multidisciplinary investigation has been carried out to characterize a set of thirteenth-fifteenth century handmade papers from Camerino-Fabriano area. Several analytical techniques–some non-invasive such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and portable magnetic resonance (unilateral NMR), joined to micro-destructive ones such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC)–have been employed in order to study the morphology of the paper documents, to identify the substances used in production process and to define their preservation state. Moreover principal component analysis (PCA) has been applied to the spectroscopic data, allowing the clustering of Fabriano documents with respect to Camerino ones and dividing the samples in two sets. This work improves and confirms knowledges on paper production in Marche region, and the experimental data collected highlight similarities and differences between Camerino and Fabriano manufactures.

7 figures, 4 tables.-- Supplementary information available.-- © 2022. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/, Developing chrome-free and sustainable tanning agents is extremely important to the sustainability of the leather industry. Herein, we have synthesized an Al-Zr-oligosaccharides tanning agent via a simultaneous degradation and oxidation of cellulose in waste paper. The influence of the temperature and the concentrations of AlCl3 and H2O2 during the synthesis were thoroughly investigated on the properties of the tanning agent and the leather produced. The synthesis temperature and the concentration of AlCl3 were the factors primarily affecting the effective depolymerization of cellulose. They controlled the conversion of waste paper into oligosaccharides with an appropriate molecular weight to efficiently penetrate the leather matrix. In parallel, the H2O2 concentration substantially influenced the tanning performance of the Al-Zr-oligosaccharides, diminishing the chromaticity of the tanning liquid via oxidation and promoting the conversion of C2/C3/C6-OH moieties into -CHO/-COOH. These functional groups increased the surface charge of the oligosaccharides allowing more effective coordination with Al/Zr, which facilitated the penetration of Al/Zr species into the leather matrix. Once inside the leather matrix, Al and Zr were released and reacted with the collagen fibers in leather, which resulted in effective leather tanning. The process optimization revealed that up to 57% of waste paper could be converted into a low-chromaticity (4350 AU) liquid hydrolysate with the synthesis conducted at 177 °C in a system comprising 47 mM AlCl3 and 5 vol% H2O2. The application of this liquid for tanning provided leather with a shrinkage temperature (86.5 °C) sufficiently high for commercial applications. These excellent results, combined with the intrinsic green nature of our approach, exemplify a step forward to simultaneously reduce pollution and hazards in leather industries giving a second life to waste paper., This work is financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22078211). Javier Remón acknowledges the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities for the Juan de la Cierva (JdC) fellowship (Grant Number: IJC2018-037110-I) awarded.

Preservation of paper-based historical artifacts against deterioration due to the presence of bacteria and fungi colonies has been one of the major issues for the importance of protecting the cultural heritage of humankind. Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the implementation of nanomaterials for this purpose. In this work, calcium/chitosan nanoparticles (Ca/CS NPs) were prepared and well-characterized to investigate their potential as a novel approach for preserving paper-based documents. Following the fundamental characterizations, it was found that Ca/CS NPs are spherical nanoparticles with ~65 nm average size and homogenous dispersion (PdI: 0.2). Besides, minimum inhibition concentration results revealed that Ca/CS NPs show a superior antimicrobial effect against specific bacteria and fungi strains commonly found on paper documents compared to the effect of bare chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs). After the deposition of Ca/CS NPs onto the paper the pH level was increased and stabilized, and only a limited amount of microbial colony formation was observed for up to 20 days. Moreover, molecular docking analysis provided a better insight into the antibacterial and antifungal activities of these nanoparticles. The antimicrobial activity of CS NPs and Ca/CS NPs was investigated through their interactions with E. coli DNA gyrase B and C. albicans dihydrofolate reductase. The binding modes and all possible interactions of active sites were confirmed by in silico molecular docking method. Collectively, our findings revealed that the formulated Ca/CS NPs are promising candidates for preserving paper documents.

We report a novel synthesis route for preparing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) of customized surface functionality from readily available precursors. The synthetic strategy is based on the chemical modification of paper precursors prior to preparing CQDs from them. The pre-synthesis modification of paper precursors with (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxy silane (APTES) enabled us to synthesize CQDs with amine functional groups on the surface. The silane coupling via condensation between the ethoxy group of APTES and the cellulose hydroxyl group on the paper resulted in the tethering of amine groups on the paper substrates, which are retained as surface-bound species during the synthesis of CQDs from the modified paper. Amine functionalization on the surface of CQDs helped us use them in applications such as DNA binding. We analyzed the interaction of CQDs with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA), and the results imply their propensity as an efficient biological probe. The synthetic strategy presented here can also be extended to other functional groups.

Cellulose-based paper is an alternative substitution for petroleum-based polymers for packaging applications, but its mechanical performance is poor when in contact with water. Herein, chitosan was applied on cellulose-based paper via a coating approach. The effects of chitosan coatings between none and five layers on the color properties, wettability, thermal properties, mechanical performance, and overall migration in food simulants of the paper were evaluated. After the application of chitosan, chitosan first filled cavities between cellulose fibers within a network, and the chitosan film was formed on the paper surface later. This resulted in a pronounced increase in wettability and mechanical properties associated with a loss of whiteness and an increase in yellowness of the coated paper. The chitosan-coated paper became hydrophobic with a water contact angle of 94.7 ± 2.8°, and a robust improvement of 156.4% for tensile strength and 114.8% for strain at break was observed for the paper coated with three layers of chitosan in wet conditions in comparison to the uncoated paper. A reduction in the migration of the low molecular residuals from the paper could be hindered by the chitosan coating. These enhanced features revealed that chitosan-coated paper could be used as a food-contact material.

The transperineal approach is preferred to reduce prostate biopsy (PB)-related infections. Fluoroquinolones are suspended for prophylaxis of PB in the European Union; therefore, alternative antibiotics based on local resistance, or targeted prophylaxis, in conjunction with povidone-iodine rectal preparation are recommended for transrectal PB.

Alternative scientometric measures have introduced a novel view of the scientific literature. This study aimed to identify the top 50 most-cited recent articles in the field of knee and hip arthroplasty, characterize their traditional and alternative scientometric measures, and determine the relationship between traditional and alternative scientometric measures.The 50 most-cited articles with the term "arthroplasty" in the title that were published between 2015 and 2019 were retrieved from the Scopus database. Alternative scientometric parameters such as Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) from Altmetrics bookmarklet (Altmetrics.com) were retrieved. Scientometric variables such as journal impact factor, first author H-index, and keywords were also extracted.The 50 most-cited papers accrued 7955 total citations, with a mean of 159.10 ± 56.4 citations per article. The overall mean AAS across the papers was 63.4 ± 164.8. The mean first author's H-index was 23.8 ± 18.9. Papers published in 2017 and 2018 had a significantly higher mean AAS than those published in 2015 and 2016 (35.1 vs 22.5,We found that the AAS was highest in more recently published papers, while citation count had the opposite trend. The AAS was significantly correlated with the journal's impact factor and citation count, but the correlation is weak. This suggests that the alternative scientometric measures are complementary to, and not substitutes for, complement traditional measures such as citation count and impact factor.

Background There is a scarcity of studies exploring the preparation and training of lead researchers prior to ‘entering the field’. This paper provides a critique of the necessary formal training undertaken by the lead researcher in preparation for engaging refugees in a research project. In this study, the [professional training organisation’s] ‘core concepts’ framework was modified and implemented by the lead researcher during in-depth interviews with people who came to Australia as refugees and became Registered Nurses (RNs). Aim To provide practical insights into the preparation and implementation of a modified ‘core concepts’ framework when interviewing refugee participants. Methods Discussion paper. Findings The lead researcher describes the preparation and implementation of a modified ‘core concepts’ framework when conducting interviews with five nurse participants with refugee backgrounds. Discussion This paper highlights the process of acknowledging the nuances of the refugee experience, identifying and minimising factors that exacerbate undue harm, while maintaining positive experiences among participants who have long since resettled and work in a caring profession. Conclusion The importance of formal training and preparation for researchers engaging refugees in sensitive research should not be overlooked. Conversely, it is the researchers’ contention that a lack of training and preparation widens the possibility of unethical, yet preventable harm toward participants and researchers. This study highlights an exemplar of applying professional training with participants who potentially have traumatic memories. Further these considerations can extend to RNs working with colleagues, clients and patients who are refugees.

This paper evaluates the environmental impacts of different alternatives for handling of sludge from paper and pulp mills in Sweden, using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The common practice of incineration of biosludge with energy recovery followed by landfilling of ash (System A) was compared with the alternative of digesting sludge anaerobically to produce biogas using different digestate residue management options. The digestate produced from anaerobic digestion (AD) was assumed to be incinerated for heat energy recovery in System B or pyrolyzed for biochar production in System C to be mixed with forest soils. The impact categories considered in this work are climate change, non-renewable energy use, mineral extraction, aquatic ecotoxicity, carcinogens and non-carcinogens. The LCA results demonstrate that the two proposed systems significantly reduce the environmental impacts of biosludge management relative to incineration. An 85% reduction in the aquatic ecotoxicity impact is achieved in System C, due to the reduced mobility of heavy metals in biochar relative to ash. System C, on the whole, outperformed the other two, leading the authors to the recommendation that the use of pulp and paper mill biosludge in biogas-biochar production systems is preferable to merely recovering energy from it.

Inorganic salt modified paper substrates were developed and utilized in microfluidic paper based sampling coupled with potentiometric ion sensors for the determination of heavy metals, such as Cd2+ and Pb2+. The application of paper based sampling without any paper substrate pre-treatment were characterized with super Nernstian response, while the paper substrates with inorganic salt pre-treatment were characterized with standard Nernstian response. The application of inorganic salt modified paper substrates was found advantageous when the cation of the salt in the conditioning solution was the same as the primary cations of the ion-selective electrodes (ISEs). A relatively high concentration of inorganic salts during pre-treatment of the paper substrates, namely Cd(NO3)2 or Pb(NO3)2 with subsequent measurement of cadmium(II) and lead(II), by Cd2+- and Pb2+-ISEs, respectively was needed to sustain Nernstian response of sensors. It was also found that paper substrates facilitate sorption of metal ions onto the paper substrates, with stronger binding strength given to Pb2+ over Cd2+. Moreover, the metal-paper interactions suggest concentration dependent sorption-desorption of metal ion, which can have direct limitations of the use of paper based analytics for the determination of low analyte concentration of heavy metals. Nanyang Technological University The authors would like to thank NTU-India Connect Research Internship Program for financial support of Ms Tharini Saravana Sundaram from Coimbatore Institute of Technology, India.

All inorganic perovskite nanocrystals attracted the scientific community owing to its interesting properties. Even though lead halide perovskites having many advantages, the decomposition in the presence of moisture is its major limitation. Herein, we are using this phenomena for the sensing of atmospheric humidity. A cost-effective sensor was developed by the dip-coating of CsPbBr3 to Whatman 40 filter paper. The complete disappearance of the emission from this perovskite coated filter paper was monitored using an ultraviolet chamber. Interestingly, with the increase in the relative atmospheric humidity, the decomposition of CsPbBr3 was found to be faster. In our experimental regime, 30–95% relative atmospheric humidity, we found the sensor is active. Apart from the sensing activity, by knowing the kinetics of decomposition of CsPbBr3 perovskites, new methodologies can be adopted for stabilizing solar cells made of lead halide perovskite as active material.

Cardiovascular (CV) guidelines stress the need for global intervention to manage risk factors and reduce the risk of major vascular events. Growing evidence supports the use of polypill as a strategy to prevent cerebral and cardiovascular disease, however it is still underused in clinical practice. This paper presents an expert consensus aimed to summarize the data regarding polypill use. The authors consider the benefits of polypill and the significant claims for clinical applicability. Potential advantages and disadvantages, data regarding several populations in primary and secondary prevention, and pharmacoeconomic data are also addressed. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The support for controversial policies in the area of transport often increases after real-world implementation. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of the literature surrounding the implementation of controversial policies in transport, particularly in the context of road pricing. We then discuss various theories and mechanisms that contribute to an increase in support for such policies after real-world implementation. One significant factor is a change in attitude towards a policy. However, there are also other important factors, for example the utility experienced by people is not necessarily the same as the expected utility. In addition, people may be loss-averse relative to their reference point (often: their current situation). The disadvantages of a policy considered for implementation may be clearer than the advantages. Other factors discussed are the effect of the expected distribution of gains and losses, their magnitude, and perceptions of the processes being fair and competent. We then examine the implications of increased support after implementation, important lessons being that policymakers can anticipate growing support after implementation and that communication is key in the process of deciding on a controversial policy. In this regard, we propose that having a champion, or visionary, can be particularly effective in getting controversial policies accepted. Finally, we suggest avenues for future research.

The clinical spectrum of atrial fibrillation means that a patient-individualised approach is required to ensure optimal treatment. Cardiac computed tomography can accurately delineate atrial structure and function and could contribute to a personalised care pathway for atrial fibrillation patients. The imaging modality offers excellent spatial resolution and has been utilised in pre-, peri- and post-procedural care for patients with atrial fibrillation. Advances in temporal resolution, acquisition times and analysis techniques suggest potential expanding roles for cardiac computed tomography in the future management of patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of the current review is to discuss the use of cardiac computed tomography in atrial fibrillation in pre-, peri- and post-procedural settings. Potential future applications of cardiac computed tomography including atrial wall thickness assessment and epicardial fat volume quantification are discussed together with emerging analysis techniques including computational modelling and machine learning with attention paid to how these developments may contribute to a personalised approach to atrial fibrillation management.

With the rapid emergence of wearable devices, flexible lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are much more needed than ever. Free-standing graphene-based composite paper electrodes with various active materials have appealed wide applications in flexible LIBs. However, due to the prone-to-restacking feature of graphene layers, a long cycle life at high current densities is rather difficult to be achieved. Herein, a unique three-dimensional (3D) hierarchically porous NiO micro-flowers/graphene paper (fNiO/GP) electrode is successfully fabricated. The resulting fNiO/GP electrode shows superior long-term cycling stability at high rates (e.g., storage capacity of 359 mAh/g after 600 cycles at a high current density of 1 A/g). The facile 3D porous structure combines both the advantages of the graphene that is highly conductive and flexible to ensure rapid electrons/ions transfer and buffer the volume expansion of NiO during charge/discharge, and of the micro-sized NiO flowers that induces hierarchical between-layer pores ranging from nano-micro meters to promote the penetration of the electrolyte and prevent the re-stacking of graphene layers. Such structural design will inspire future manufacture of a wide range of active materials/graphene composite electrodes for high performance flexible LIBs.

Serish (Eremurus) paste, made of Eremurus genus roots, is a strongly adherent substance which had traditionally been used for book binding and paper restoration in Iran for centuries. The proper pH of Serish and its quality of being reversible after long times has made it a good choice in restoring paper. However, it leaves yellow-brown stains on paper due to its own color, which had negatively affected conservator's desire to make use of this adhesive. Therefore the present study was intended to investigate the process of eliminating color from Serish, as a way of improving its quality for paper restoration. The study adopted solvent extraction method to eliminate color from Serish adherent polysaccharide. Extracted adhesives were coated on paper. Humid-thermal accelerated aging was carried out to investigate the effects of adhesives on pH, color change, tensile strength and cellulose structure of papers. It was found that stabilizing enzyme, using 70% boiling ethanol before extracting adhesive, is an effective method to inhibit enzyme operation and prevent creating new chromophores through enzymatic molecules degradation. This approach, on one hand, is useful in removing color and on the other hand proves effective in increasing pH of adhesives. Furthermore, it leads neither to paper acidification nor to damaging polymeric structure of paper after accelerated aging. The results confirmed that the adhesive extracted from the enzymatic stabilized roots by ethanol provides appropriate pH and color; it also improves the tensile strength of paper and yields more desirable results for conservation of paper-based documents, compared to the other examined samples.

This work presents an unconventional use of capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector (C4D) for detection of gas absorption by moist paper with potential application for chemical analysis. To be suitable for measuring conductivity of moist paper absorbent, the C4D sensor was therefore designed in planar configuration. A layer of dry filter paper, only 20 mm × 25 mm in size, was placed on the C4D sensor and the device installed inside a specifically designed vaporization chamber. A vial (16 mm i.d., 8 mm high) containing a 150-μL solution of sodium bicarbonate was placed alongside. The filter paper was loaded with 110 μL of deionized water through an injection hole in the cover lid. A 100-μL aliquot of 2 M hydrochloric acid solution was directly dispensed into the vial through a second hole in the lid to generate CO2 gas from the bicarbonate solution. It was observed that the C4D sensor gave real-time response that corresponded to the absorption of the gas and subsequent production of H+ and HCO3− in the moist paper. The monitored signal reached a constant value at 160 s after the addition of the acid. Chemistry of the absorption process and equivalent circuit for the C4D are proposed. Direct measurement of cement powder was chosen to demonstrate the potential use of this device for quantifying the CaCO3 content of the cement. The calibration curve for 0.5–3 mg CaCO3 was linear for signals recorded at 160 s: Vdc = (0.172 ± 0.005) · (mg CaCO3) + (0.016 ± 0.009), with coefficient of determination of 0.9965. Linear calibrations were also observed when the signals were monitored at various time less than 160 s. The limit of quantitation (3 SD of intercept/slope) was 0.17 mg CaCO3. The method provided acceptable precision with %RSD of 4.6 (2 mg CaCO3, n = 10).

Background Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based on highly sensitive, flexible, solid-state sensors can provide molecular vibrational fingerprints of targeted substances in point-of-care (POC) analysis. Cellulose paper offers many advantages for the build-up of silver and gold nanostructures on a three-dimensional scaffold. Such composites can be made to contain SERS hot spots required for sensitive SERS detection in an active solid-state sensor. Scope and approach In this review, we discuss the key technical issues involved in the fabrication of SERS sensors combining a metallic SERS substrate and a cellulose paper support. We then survey recent literature for methods designed to address these issues with applications to support food safety where POC analysis serves as a valuable tool. Key findings and conclusions Sensitivity of detection is a primal challenge in the development of a paper-based SERS substrate. The fibril structures of paper materials, a suitable modification for improved bonding at the paper-metal interface, and the surface conditions of metal nanostructures all contribute to sensitive SERS performance on paper. Continuing expansion of spectrum collection in a database format, diverse methods for the statistical analyses of Raman spectra, and advanced integration of portable Raman instruments with the mobile tele-networks are critical in the further development of flexible SERS sensor in POC testing of food-borne substances.

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has changed across the last 2 years. The development and approval of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the emergence of new variants has opened up a new scenario. On this regard, Spanish Society of Nephrology (S.E.N.) Council considers that an update of the previous recommendations should be performed. In the present statement, and taking into account the current epidemiological situation, are included updated recommendations of protection and isolation for patients on dialysis programs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a serious challenge to the hepatology community, particularly healthcare professionals and patients. While the rapid development of safe and effective vaccines and treatments has improved the clinical landscape, the emergence of the omicron variant has presented new challenges. Thus, it is timely that the European Association for the Study of the Liver provides a summary of the latest data on the impact of COVID-19 on the liver and issues guidance on the care of patients with chronic liver disease, hepatobiliary cancer, and previous liver transplantation, as the world continues to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a promising immunotherapeutic approach in the treatment of multiple myeloma, and the recent approval of the first two CAR T-cell products could result in improved outcomes. However, it remains a complex and expensive technology, which poses challenges to health-care systems and society in general, especially in times of crises. This potentially accelerates pre-existing inequalities as access to CAR T-cell therapy varies, both between countries, depending on the level of economic development, and within countries, due to structural disparities in access to quality health care-a parameter strongly correlated with socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and lifestyle. Here, we identify two important issues: affordability and access to CAR T-cell treatment. This consensus statement from clinical investigators, clinicians, nurses, and patients from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) proposes solutions as part of an innovative collaborative strategy to make CAR T-cell therapy accessible to all patients with multiple myeloma.

Cellulose is an interesting biopolymer offering numerous functionalization possibilities for various applications. Yet, cellulose functionalization usually involves expensive chemicals and complex processes. Here, we aim to utilize inexpensive fertilizer-grade phosphate for cellulose functionalization. Cellulose microfibers (CMF) were isolated from Giant Reed (GR) and were then phosphorylated using either a reagent-grade or a fertilizer-grade diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) in the presence of urea following a water-based protocol. The effect of DAP on the phosphorylation reaction was mainly studied by conductometric titration, ICP-OES and FTIR, while further characterization was performed by SEM/EDX, TGA and XRD to investigate the morphology, composition, charge content, structure, and thermal degradation of the phosphorylated materials. It was found that cellulose phosphorylation using DAP fertilizer gave materials with the same charge content as that registered when using the reagent-grade DAP. Optimizing the reaction conditions with respect to the amount of fertilizer-grade DAP used for the phosphorylation gave high charge content (7000 mmol·g

Health care delivery shifted and adapted with the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Stroke care was negatively affected across the care continuum and may lead to poor community living outcomes in those who survived a stroke during the ongoing pandemic. For instance, delays in seeking care, changes in length of stays, and shifts in discharge patterns were observed during the pandemic. Those seeking care were younger and had more severe neurologic effects from stroke. Increased strain was placed on caregivers and public health efforts, and community-wide lockdowns, albeit necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, had detrimental effects on treatment and recommendations to support community living outcomes. The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Stroke Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group Health and Wellness Task Force convened to (1) discuss international experiences in stroke care and rehabilitation and (2) review recently published literature on stroke care and outcomes during the pandemic. Based on the findings in the literature, the task force proposes recommendations and interdisciplinary approaches at the (1) institutional and societal level; (2) health care delivery level; and (3) individual and interpersonal level spanning across the care continuum and into the community.

Immunogenicity has imposed a challenge to efficacy and safety evaluation of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapies. Mild to severe adverse events observed in clinical development have been implicated with host immune responses against AAV gene therapies, resulting in comprehensive evaluation of immunogenicity during nonclinical and clinical studies mandated by health authorities. Immunogenicity of AAV gene therapies is complex due to the number of risk factors associated with product components and pre-existing immunity in human subjects. Different clinical mitigation strategies have been employed to alleviate treatment-induced or -boosted immunogenicity in order to achieve desired efficacy, reduce toxicity, or treat more patients who are seropositive to AAV vectors. In this review, the immunogenicity risk assessment, manifestation of immunogenicity and its impact in nonclinical and clinical studies, and various clinical mitigation strategies are summarized. Last, we present bioanalytical strategies, methodologies, and assay validation applied to appropriately monitor immunogenicity in AAV gene therapy-treated subjects.