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The study aims to explore the beneficial use of fly ash and its effectiveness as low cost adsorbent for wastewater treatment of Pulp and paper industry. A comparative study was also carried out for the better colour reduction of industrial effluent using fly ash and commercial activated carbon. Batch mode adsorption experiments were carried out to optimize the different experimental conditions like adsorbent dose, contact time, rotation per minute (RPM) and pH. The treatment showed that the removal efficiency of colour increased to 86 % with the increase in adsorbent dose (0.5 – 10 g), time (30–240 min), RPM (50 - 150) and pH (4–12) of pulp and paper industry wastewater. The removal efficiency of activated carbon was found to be 100 % using 1 g adsorbent dose of commercial grade activated carbon. The Scan Electron Microscope (SEM) results of the fly ash showed that the particles looked like somewhat spherical large particles. It was concluded that though the activated carbon was very efficient adsorbent in comparison to fly ash, the better solution for disposal of solid waste such as fly ash can be good a substitute as the adsorbent for the colour reduction of the paper mill wastewater.

This position paper has been drafted by experts from the Czech national board of diseases with bronchial obstruction, of the Czech Pneumological and Phthisiological Society. The statements and recommendations are based on both the results of randomized controlled trials and data from cross-sectional and prospective real-life studies to ensure they are as close as possible to the context of daily clinical practice and the current health care system of the Czech Republic. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable heterogeneous syndrome with a number of pulmonary and extrapulmonary clinical features and concomitant chronic diseases. The disease is associated with significant mortality, morbidity and reduced quality of life. The main characteristics include persistent respiratory symptoms and only partially reversible airflow obstruction developing due to an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles and gases. Oxidative stress, protease-antiprotease imbalance and increased numbers of pro-inflammatory cells (mainly neutrophils) are the main drivers of primarily non-infectious inflammation in COPD. Besides smoking, household air pollution, occupational exposure, low birth weight, frequent respiratory infections during childhood and also genetic factors are important risk factors of COPD development. Progressive airflow limitation and airway remodelling leads to air trapping, static and dynamic hyperinflation, gas exchange abnormalities and decreased exercise capacity. Various features of the disease are expressed unequally in individual patients, resulting in various types of disease presentation, emerging as the "clinical phenotypes" (for specific clinical characteristics) and "treatable traits" (for treatable characteristics) concept. The estimated prevalence of COPD in Czechia is around 6.7% with 3,200-3,500 deaths reported annually. The elementary requirements for diagnosis of COPD are spirometric confirmation of post-bronchodilator airflow obstruction (post-BD FEV1/VCmax

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) still remains a major global public health problem. One-half to one-third of the total HBV infected people died due to late detection of HBV. Serological antigen and viral HBV detections can help in the diagnosis, referral, and treatment of HBV. Available methods for HBV detection mostly used bulky instruments. Miniaturization of devices for HBV detection has been started by narrowing down the size of the devices. Several methods have also been proposed to increase the selectivity and sensitivity of the miniaturized methods, such as sandwich recognition of the biomarkers and the use of nano- to micro-sized materials. This review presents recent HBV detections in the last two decades from laboratory-based instruments towards microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) for point-of-care testing (POCT) purposes. Early and routine analysis to detect HBV as early as possible could be achieved by POCT, especially for areas with limited access to a central laboratory and/or medical facilities.

In the present review, the suitability of adsorption process using low cost adsorbent for the treatment of pulp and paper mill effluent has been discussed. It is clear that adsorption processes are appropriate for the removal of recalcitrant compounds such as surfactants and pesticides, among others biodegradable or non-biodegradable compound present in pulp and paper mills effluents. The importance of the adsorption is to improvement of the removal of various physico- chemical (biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), colour, suspended solids, lignin), heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Fe, Zn, Ni and Mn etc) organochlorine compounds, all recalcitrant pollutant, reduce toxicity, enhance colour removal by using different cost effective adsorbents. The effective use of the different adsorbents developed from different adsorbent media such as activated carbon, agriculture by product and industrial wastes and sludge as adsorbents for the removal of different pollutants from the various processes and operations of pulp and paper mill as potential alternatives to different treatment process and received widespread attention. Adsorption necessity is a novel treatment option to improve the efficiency of removal within the discharge limits of wastewaters into the receiving bodies without causing any damage of the environment. However, still there is a need to find out the practical usefulness of such low cost adsorbent at industrial scale with the special reference to metals.

At present, a large amount of water required for paper production and various chemicals has been identified in effluents, which is produced at different steps of paper making in paper mills. The pulp and paper industry is typically related to pollution difficulties related to high biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), colour, suspended solids, lignin and chlorinated compounds. Several studies have been made on eliminate these difficulties of pulp and paper effluents, the problem still continues. Although the physical and chemical methods are on the track of treatment, they are not on par with biological treatment because of cost ineffectiveness and residual effects. The biological treatment is known to be effective in reducing the organic load and toxic effects of paper mill effluents. Some microorganisms including bacteria and fungi have been involved in degrading the chemicals present in pulp and paper mill effluent. This article is an overview of the attempts made by several researchers worldwide to use biotechnological methods for degradation of the toxic compounds present in pulp and paper mill effluents by using fungi, bacteria, algae and enzymes. The current study clearly shows that application of native dominant bacterial and fungal isolates may be used forthe treatment of large pulp and paper mills effluents.

The current analytical techniques for characterizing printing and graphic arts substrates are largely ex situ and destructive. This limits the amount of data that can be obtained from an individual sample and renders it difficult to produce statistically relevant data for unique and rare materials. Resonant cavity dielectric spectroscopy is a non-destructive, contactless technique which can simultaneously interrogate both sides of a sheeted material and provide measurements which are suitable for statistical interpretations. This offers analysts the ability to quickly discriminate between sheeted materials based on composition and storage history. In this methodology article, we demonstrate how contactless resonant cavity dielectric spectroscopy may be used to differentiate between paper analytes of varying fiber species compositions, to determine the relative age of the paper, and to detect and quantify the amount of post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled fiber content in manufactured office paper.

Objective Stool repositories are a valuable resource for retrospective analyses including quantitative PCR assays to distinguish between asymptomatic shedding and clinical disease. The suitability of archival specimens for this purpose is unclear and requires assessment. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate pathogen detection by TaqMan Array Card (TAC) in travelers’ diarrhea (TD) stool specimens stored for 1–13 years, as well as the impact of transporting specimens on Whatman FTA Elute cards (FTA Cards) on detection. Results The positive percent agreement (PPA) for TAC on stool vs. microbiologic testing was lower than our a priori PPA estimate of 80% for most pathogens: Shigella spp. (100% [95%CI 69–100%]), enterotoxigenic E coli (ETEC) (63% [95%CI 49–75%]), Campylobacter spp. (66% [95%CI 43–85%]) and Norovirus (37% [95%CI 16–61%]). Use of the FTA card resulted in a further reduction of PPA. Our findings suggest that archival specimens may lead to insensitive detection on quantitative PCR assays due to degradation of nucleic acid with prolonged storage, although our limited sample size precluded us from evaluating the impact of storage duration on nucleic acid yield. Additional studies are needed to understand the impact of storage duration on quantitative PCR data.

Laboratory investigations provide physicians with objective data to aid in disease diagnosis, clinical decision making, and patient follow up. Clinical interpretation of laboratory test results relies heavily on the availability of appropriate population-based reference intervals (i.e. normative values) or decision limits developed through clinical outcome studies. Although reference intervals are fundamental to accurate laboratory test interpretation, and thus critically important to healthcare, the need for sound evidence-based reference intervals has been largely overlooked, particularly in the pediatric population. In the field of pediatric laboratory medicine, accurate age- and sex-specific reference intervals established using samples from healthy children and adolescents have not been readily available, forcing many clinical laboratories to report adult reference intervals with pediatric test results. When pediatric reference intervals are available, they have often been established with a small sample size, inpatient or outpatient samples, outdated methodologies, and/or inappropriate statistical procedures. To address these unacceptable limitations, several national and global initiatives have begun to close the critical evidence gaps in pediatric reference intervals. Notably, the Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER) has made significant strides towards improving pediatric healthcare in Canada and globally. The present report is a white paper summarizing CALIPER, and provides a comprehensive compendium of the data generated through this project over the past decade as a single resource for clinical laboratory specialists, clinicians, and other healthcare workers. CALIPER launched an outreach campaign in 2008 to recruit healthy community children and adolescents, and developed a robust statistical algorithm, in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, to develop accurate age- and sex-specific pediatric reference intervals. The first CALIPER direct reference interval study was published in 2012, with age- and sex-specific reference intervals reported for 40 common biochemical markers. To date, CALIPER has collected health information and blood samples from over 9700 community children and adolescents, and has established a comprehensive database of age- and sex-specific reference intervals for over 100 biomarkers of pediatric disease. CALIPER has also performed a series of transference and verification studies to expand the applicability of the CALIPER database to five major analytical platforms, including Abbott, Beckman, Ortho, Roche, and Siemens. Through novel knowledge translation initiatives, the CALIPER Reference Interval Database has been made freely available online ( www.caliperproject.ca ) as well as on a mobile application (CALIPER Reference App), and it is used by clinical laboratories across Canada, the United States, and globally. In addition to establishing this comprehensive pediatric reference interval database, CALIPER has also performed a series of sub-studies, including examining how reference intervals are affected by pre-analytical factors (i.e. sample stability at specific storage conditions, fasting status and time of sample collection), biological variation (i.e. intraindividual and interindividual biological variation, reference change values), and ethnicity and pubertal development stage. In this white paper, extensive tables of pediatric reference intervals are provided for easy reference for clinical laboratories worldwide. All data reported have been published in over 20 peer reviewed publications and are also available through the CALIPER Reference Interval Database as well as the CALIPER Reference App for mobile devices.

The physical demands of daily life in developed countries have decreased remarkably during the last two centuries. General leisure time has increased and the age at retirement has decreased. General health has improved and life expectancy has increased. Most people can expect to live 20-30 years after retirement. By 2050, one in four people in Europe and North America will be aged 65 or over. Furthermore, women live longer than men. Generally, the physical demands on older women will be low. Thus, their physical fitness will decline, which in turn will affect a variety of organ systems and functions, and so impact on mental health, quality of life and independent living. This opinion paper explores exercise strategies for healthy ageing.

Simple Summary The study of cell features has historically been key for the progress of biological sciences and its relevance remains intact. In recent years, mass cytometry has emerged as a promising and powerful technology, capable of studying multiple parameters of cells in the same sample. Mass cytometry has been quickly applied to many research areas, particularly to the study of the immune system for different purposes, in which the simultaneous analysis of a large number of proteins is crucial. However, despite being a technique that is on the rise, its performance in scientific publications has not yet been evaluated. In this work, a bibliometric methodology known as H-Classics was applied to analyse the most relevant articles, known as highly cited papers (HCPs), and determine the main scientific producers (authors, institutions, and countries) and trends around mass cytometry research field. The results confirmed a high interest and application in immunological studies. The identified HCPs came from prestigious institutions and were published in high impact journals. These results may help researchers to expand their knowledge and to establish new valuable collaborative networks around mass cytometry. Abstract Mass cytometry (CyTOF) is a relatively novel technique for the multiparametric analysis of single-cell features with an increasing central role in cell biology, immunology, pharmacology, and biomedicine. This technique mixes the fundamentals of flow cytometry with mass spectrometry and is mainly used for in-depth studies of the immune system and diseases with a significant immune load, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and viral diseases like HIV or the recently emerged COVID-19, produced by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The objective of this study was to provide a useful insight into the evolution of the mass cytometry research field, revealing the knowledge structure (conceptual and social) and authors, countries, sources, documents, and organizations that have made the most significant contribution to its development. We retrieved 937 articles from the Web of Science (2010–2019), analysed 71 Highly Cited Papers (HCP) through the H-Classics methodology and computed the data by using Bibliometrix R package. HCP sources corresponded to high-impact journals, such as Nature Biotechnology and Cell, and its production was concentrated in the US, and specifically Stanford University, affiliation of the most relevant authors in the field. HCPs analysis confirmed great interest in the study of the immune system and complex data processing in the mass cytometry research field.

Most recognition is based on identifying features, but specialization for face recognition in primates relies on a different mechanism, termed ‘holistic processing’ where facial features are bound together into a gestalt which is more than the sum of its parts. Here, we test whether individual face recognition in paper wasps also involved holistic processing using a modification of the classic part-whole test in two related paper wasp species: Polistes fuscatus , which use facial patterns to individually identify conspecifics, and Polistes dominula , which lacks individual recognition. We show that P. fuscatus use holistic processing to discriminate between P. fuscatus face images but not P. dominula face images. By contrast, P. dominula do not rely on holistic processing to discriminate between conspecific or heterospecific face images. Therefore, P. fuscatus wasps have evolved holistic face processing, but this ability is highly specific and shaped by species-specific and stimulus-specific selective pressures. Convergence towards holistic face processing in distant taxa (primates, wasps) as well as divergence among closely related taxa with different recognition behaviour ( P. dominula , P. fuscatus ) suggests that holistic processing may be a universal adaptive strategy to facilitate expertise in face recognition.

Summary The Vitiligo Global Issues Consensus Conference (VGICC), through an international e-Delphi consensus, concluded that “repigmentation” and “maintenance of gained repigmentation” are essential core outcome measures in future vitiligo trials. This VGICC position paper addresses these core topics in two sections and includes an atlas depicting vitiligo repigmentation patterns and color match. The first section delineates mechanisms and characteristics of vitiligo repigmentation and the second summarizes the outcomes of international meeting discussions and two e-surveys on vitiligo repigmentation, which had been carried out over three years. Treatment is defined as successful if repigmentation exceeds 80% and at least 80% of the gained repigmentation is maintained for over 6 months. No agreement was found on the best outcome measure for assessing target or global repigmentation, therefore highlighting the limitations of e-surveys in addressing clinical measurements. Until there is a clear consensus, existing tools should be selected according to the specific needs of each study. A workshop will be conducted to address the remaining issues so as to achieve a consensus. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The continuous development of simple and practical cell cryopreservation methods is of great importance to a variety of sectors, especially when considering the efficient short- and long-term storage of cells and their transportation. Although the overall success of such methods has been increased in recent years, there is still need for a unified platform that is highly suitable for efficient cryogenic storage of cells in addition to their easy-to-manage retrieval. Here, a paper-based cell cryopreservation method as an alternative to conventional cryopreservation methods is presented. The method is space-saving, cost-effective, simple and easy to manage, and requires no additional fine-tuning to conventional freezing and thawing procedures to yield comparable recovery of viable cells. It is shown that treating papers with fibronectin solution enhances the release of viable cells post thawing as compared to untreated paper platforms. Additionally, upon release, the remaining cells within the paper lead to the formation and growth of spheroid-like structures. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the developed method works with paper-based 3D cultures, where preformed 3D cultures can be efficiently cryopreserved.

The early diagnosis of active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant barrier to the treatment of the disease and to preventing the associated significant morbidity and mortality seen, worldwide. Current testing is delayed due to the high cost, long turnaround times and high expertise needed in centralised diagnostic laboratories. Here we demonstrate a user-friendly, low-cost pan-genotypic assay, based upon reverse transcriptase loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP). We developed a prototype device for point-of-care use, comprising a LAMP amplification chamber and lateral flow nucleic acid detection strips, giving a visually-read, user-friendly result in, Current HCV nucleic acid-based diagnosis is largely performed in centralised laboratories. Here, the authors present a pan-genotypic RNA assay, based on reverse transcriptase loop mediated isothermal amplification and develop a low-cost prototype paper-based lateral flow device for point-of-care use, providing a visually read result within 40 min.

Venomous snakebite is one of the leading preventable causes of mortality and morbidity with tremendous socio-economic impact on the family and nation. Venomous snakebite has been relisted as a neglected tropical disease after having been removed off the list in 2013. This paper discusses the various reasons which could be attributed to the high mortality and morbidity due to venomous snakes and also provides recommendations on policy decisions, improvement on the quality of venom and anti-snake venom and in promoting awareness on how to avoid snakebite.

Research papers are a common end-of-semester assessment for senior-level seminars. The mid-semester switch to remote learning due to COVID-19 provided an opportunity to rethink this model and offer an alternative final assessment using a multi-part online portfolio that addresses the learning goals of the course and the objectives of research paper–based final assessments. The smaller weekly tasks coupled with ongoing peer feedback reduced student stress and allowed for creativity and community building. Students responded positively to the novel assignment.

Biosorption processes have the potential to decrease environmental hazards through their factors such as initial metal ion concentration, temperature, pH and biomass concentration in the solution. In the present study biosorption process was performed using the strains of Bacillus spp. PPS 03 (KF710041) and Bacillus subtilis PPS 04 (KF710042) isolated from sediment core of Paper mill effluent (PME) for the removal of Zn2+and Pb2+ in an indigenously designed Bench-top Bioreactor. The temperature, initial pH, biomass and incubation period of PME for Zn2+ and Pb2+ reduction was standardized. The strains exhibited significant reduction in Zn2+ and Pb2+ of PME to the extent of 73.29% and 85.64% with PPS 03 and 78.15% and 87.57% respectively with PPS 04 after 120 hrs of aerobic treatment. The reduction in the metals occurred from first day of the treatment, but the maximum reduction in these metals was observed after 120 hrs. at pH (7.0±0.2), temperature (35±1.0°C) and biomass (5% v/ v) of the bacterial strains. The removal of metals with strain PPS 04 was more in comparison to the strain PPS 03. The Freundlich isotherms on the data showed that it was linearly fitted for Zn2+and Pb2+. The values of correlation coefficient (R2) of Freundlich isotherms were greater than 0.812 for Pb2+ and Zn2+. The kinetic study for the rate of removal of Pb2+ and Zn2+ by both species was found to best fit a Pseudo first order reaction. The rate constant was found to be inversely proportional to the concentration of parameters. Thus, the microbial strains were found efficient for the biosorption/removal of Pb2+ and Zn2+.

Paper is the ideal substrate for the development of flexible and environmentally sustainable ubiquitous electronic systems, which, combined with two-dimensional materials, could be exploited in many Internet-of-Things applications, ranging from wearable electronics to smart packaging. Here we report high-performance MoS2 field-effect transistors on paper fabricated with a “channel array” approach, combining the advantages of two large-area techniques: chemical vapor deposition and inkjet-printing. The first allows the pre-deposition of a pattern of MoS2; the second, the printing of dielectric layers, contacts, and connections to complete transistors and circuits fabrication. Average ION/IOFF of 8 × 103 (up to 5 × 104) and mobility of 5.5 cm2 V−1 s−1 (up to 26 cm2 V−1 s−1) are obtained. Fully functional integrated circuits of digital and analog building blocks, such as logic gates and current mirrors, are demonstrated, highlighting the potential of this approach for ubiquitous electronics on paper., Paper is a promising substrate for flexible and environmentally sustainable electronic devices. Here, the authors combine chemical vapor deposition of MoS2 with inkjet printing of a hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) dielectric and silver electrodes, to fabricate flexible MoS2 field-effect transistors on paper, and then combine the latter with printed graphene resistors and silver interconnects to create inverters, logic gates and current mirrors.

The present study observed the accumulation of heavy metals in Brassica juncea irrigated with paper mill effluent (PME) and control Bore well water (BWW). The soil was treated to five rates of effluents viz. 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ml/Kg soil. It was revealed 100% PME irrigation of soil increased Pb (+46.44%), Cr (+83.21%), Ni (+38.43%) and Cd (+78.92%). The enrichment factor (Ef) for Cr and Cd showed moderate enrichment with 10% to 75% PME irrigated soil, except Cr (5.96) which showed significant enrichment with 100% PME irrigated soil. Ef value for Pb and Ni showed deficiency to mineral enrichment with different concentrations of PME irrigated soil. The maximum accumulation of Pb (42.66±2.05 mg/kg), Cr (39.80±5.95 mg/kg), Ni (88.64±11.29 mg/kg) and Cd (5.85±0.29 mg/kg) were recorded in leaves of B. juncea, while that of Pb (43.85±3.46 mg/kg), Cr (48.59±3.81 mg/kg), Cd (6.74±1.22 mg/kg) with 100% and Ni (74.93±2.54 mg/kg) were recorded with 75% PME after 60 days in roots of the B. juncea. Ef value was found maximum for Cr (5.08) in leaves and for Pb (6.64) in roots, while the Translocation factor (Tf) was found maximum for Pb (2.45) in root of the crop irrigated with PME. The use of PME with proper dilution and with the metallic concentrations in permissible limit can be used as biofertigant for irrigation of B. juncea.

We demonstrate the use of patterned aerosol adhesives to construct both planar and nonplanar 3D paper microfluidic devices. By spraying an aerosol adhesive through a metal stencil, the overall amount of adhesive used in assembling paper microfluidic devices can be significantly reduced. We show on a simple 4-layer planar paper microfluidic device that the optimal adhesive application technique and device construction style depends heavily on desired performance characteristics. By moderately increasing the overall area of a device, it is possible to dramatically decrease the wicking time and increase device success rates while also reducing the amount of adhesive required to keep the device together. Such adhesive application also causes the adhesive to form semi-permanent bonds instead of permanent bonds between paper layers, enabling single-use devices to be non-destructively disassembled after use. Nonplanar 3D origami devices also benefit from the semi-permanent bonds during folding, as it reduces the likelihood that unrelated faces may accidently stick together. Like planar devices, nonplanar structures see reduced wicking times with patterned adhesive application vs uniformly applied adhesive.

Current centralised healthcare models pose many challenges, particularly for developing countries such as South Africa, where travel and time costs make it difficult for patients to seek healthcare, even when urgently needed. To address this issue, point-of-care (PoC) tests, which are performed at or near the site of clinical care, have gained popularity and are actively being developed. Microfluidic systems, in which small volumes of fluids can be processed, provide an ideal platform on which to develop PoC diagnostic solutions. Specifically, the emerging field of paper-based microfluidics, with advantages such as low-cost, disposability and minimal external equipment requirements, provides unique opportunities for addressing healthcare issues in developing countries. This work explores the field of paper-based microfluidics, with step-by-step instructions on the design, manufacture and testing processes to realise paper-based devices towards diagnostic applications. Paper-based microfluidic and electronic components are presented, as well as the integration of these components to provide smart paper-based devices. This serves as an educational tool, enabling both beginners and experts in the field to fast-track development of unique paper-based solutions towards PoC diagnostics, with emphasis on the South African context, where both the need for and impact of these solutions are great.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignancy defined by the accumulation of mature lymphocytes in the lymphoid tissues, bone marrow, and blood. Therapy for CLL is guided according to the Rai and Binet staging systems. Nevertheless, state-of-the-art protocols in disease monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostics for CLL are based on the assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD). MRD is internationally considered to be the level of disease that can be detected by sensitive techniques and represents incomplete treatment and a probability of disease relapse. MRD detection has been continuously improved by the quick development of both flow cytometry and molecular biology technology, as well as by next-generation sequencing. Considering that MRD detection is moving more and more from research to clinical practice, where it can be an independent prognostic marker, in this paper, we present the methodologies by which MRD is evaluated, from translational research to clinical practice.

Today's consumer electronics, such as cell phones, tablets and other portable electronic devices, are typically made of non-renewable, non-biodegradable, and sometimes potentially toxic (for example, gallium arsenide) materials. These consumer electronics are frequently upgraded or discarded, leading to serious environmental contamination. Thus, electronic systems consisting of renewable and biodegradable materials and minimal amount of potentially toxic materials are desirable. Here we report high-performance flexible microwave and digital electronics that consume the smallest amount of potentially toxic materials on biobased, biodegradable and flexible cellulose nanofibril papers. Furthermore, we demonstrate gallium arsenide microwave devices, the consumer wireless workhorse, in a transferrable thin-film form. Successful fabrication of key electrical components on the flexible cellulose nanofibril paper with comparable performance to their rigid counterparts and clear demonstration of fungal biodegradation of the cellulose-nanofibril-based electronics suggest that it is feasible to fabricate high-performance flexible electronics using ecofriendly materials., The rapid evolution of consumer electronics means that out-of-date devices quickly end up in the scrap heap. Here, the authors fabricate electrical components using biodegradable and flexible cellulose nanofibril paper—a natural sustainable resource derived from wood.

Recent advancements in the sensitivity of chemical instrumentation have led to increased interest in the use of microsamples for translational and biomedical research. Paper substrates are by far the most widely used media for biofluid collection, and mass spectrometry is the preferred method of analysis of the resultant dried blood spot (DBS) samples. Although there have been a variety of review papers published on DBS, there has been no attempt to unify the century old DBS methodology with modern applications utilizing modified paper and paper-based microfluidics for sampling, storage, processing, and analysis. This critical review will discuss how mass spectrometry (MS) has expanded the utility of paper substrates from sample collection and storage, to direct complex mixture analysis to on-surface reaction monitoring.

In this study membrane filtration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration alone and as part of hybrid processes are considered as means to purify pulp and paper mill process waters suitable for reuse. Thermophilic aerobic biological treatment, pH adjustment, flocculation, and ozonation were tested as pretreatment methods on pilot or on laboratory scale. The aim was to increase flux and reduce fouling by various pretreatment steps and, thus, increase the competitiveness of the membrane process. The results were also evaluated by comparing the benefits obtained against the costs. It was discovered that benefits could be obtained with all the pretreatments tried. Thermophilic aerobic biology assisted in the removal of organic material and increased flux significantly, but the costs were the highest. The most cost-effective processes, however, seem to be pH-adjusted nanofiltration and flocculation nanofiltration hybrid processes, which is understandable because of their significantly lower investment costs compared to, for example, those of biological process. The pH adjustment increased the electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged solutes and membrane, thereby increasing the flux. Flocculation removed the foulants effectively from the feed and it both increased flux and reduced fouling. Yet, many noteworthy benefits were obtained also with ultrafiltration and ozonation. All of the hybrid processes tested could be applied at various points of the water circuit of an integrated pulp and paper mill for purification purposes. The eventual superiority and cost-effectiveness of the applied process remains to be determined case by case.

Koebner's phenomenon (KP) has been observed in a number of skin diseases, including vitiligo. Its clinical significance in vitiligo with respect to disease activity and course is still debatable, while its relevance for surgical techniques has been demonstrated in some reports. We present a literature review on the currently known facts about KP in vitiligo, including details of clinical, experimental, and histopathological changes. The consensus view is that there are still no methods to define and assess KP in vitiligo. A new classification is proposed to allow an evaluation of KP in daily practice or in experimental studies. However, many unanswered questions still remain after redefining KP in patients with vitiligo. Active research focusing on KP in vitiligo may not only provide unexpected clues in the pathogenesis of vitiligo but also help to tailor novel therapies against this chronic and often psychologically devastating skin disease.

Reproductive conflicts within animal societies occur when all females can potentially reproduce. In social insects, these conflicts are regulated largely by behaviour and chemical signalling. There is evidence that presence of signals, which provide direct information about the quality of the reproductive females would increase the fitness of all parties. In this study, we present an association between visual and chemical signals in the paper wasp Polistes satan . Our results showed that in nest-founding phase colonies, variation of visual signals is linked to relative fertility, while chemical signals are related to dominance status. In addition, experiments revealed that higher hierarchical positions were occupied by subordinates with distinct proportions of cuticular hydrocarbons and distinct visual marks. Therefore, these wasps present cues that convey reliable information of their reproductive status.

Background: Pertussis is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. A resurgence of pertussis, even in countries with good vaccine coverage, has led to an increase in infant deaths. In response to this, many countries have introduced pertussis vaccination in pregnancy. This strategy is effective at preventing infant disease, but there remains uncertainty about what gestational timing is best to ensure maximal protection of the infant. These uncertainties are the rationale for this randomised controlled trial and a sub-study investigating pertussis-specific antibody in breastmilk. Protocol: We will recruit 354 pregnant women and will randomise them to receive their pertussis vaccination in one of three gestational age windows: ≤23+6, 24-27+6 and 28-31+6 weeks of gestation. Vaccination will be with Boostrix-IPV® and participants will be asked to complete a symptom diary for seven days following vaccination. Blood sampling will be performed prior to vaccination, two weeks following vaccination and at the time of delivery. A cord blood sample will be collected at delivery and a blood sample collected from the infant 4-10 weeks after completion of the primary immunisations. Individuals participating in the breastmilk sub-study will provide a sample of colostrum within 48 hours of delivery and samples of breastmilk at two weeks and around five-six months. Blood samples will be analysed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques for pertussis toxin, filamentous haemagglutinin and pertactin. A subset of serum samples will also be analysed using a functional assay. Colostrum and breastmilk samples will be analysed using functional assays. Discussion: Although pertussis vaccination has been shown to be safe and effective in pregnancy there remains debate about the optimal timing for the administration during pregnancy. This study will investigate antibody responses in serum and breastmilk when vaccination is performed in three different time periods. Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT03908164 (09/04/2019)

The evidence suggests that mentoring is one of useful teaching methods in academic medicine but it is not clear for which outcome mentoring is effective. In this study, the authors investigated the number of original research articles that the participants had published in peer-reviewed English-language journals (as a first or a corresponding author) within one year prior to investigation and what characteristics of the participants who published at least one paper would be like compared to those who did not. In March 2015, the authors recruit early- and mid-career Japanese physicians (238 men and 240 women; mean age 40.6 years old) in a web survey. In total, 23.9% of physicians had published at least one original research article as a first author, 10.0% had published as a corresponding author, and 23.4% had a research mentor. A multivariate logistic regression model adjusting for variables selected at p < 0.15 in univariable models showed that even after adjusting for their motivation levels for clinical research, physicians with a research mentor [odds ratio (OR) 6.68; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.74-11.93], physicians who obtained DMSc, roughly equivalent to PhD in the West (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.26-3.72), and physicians who worked at teaching hospitals (OR 6.39; 95% CI, 2.54-16.04) were more likely to publish an original paper in a peer-reviewed journal. Having a research mentor or DMSc is associated with an experience of successfully publishing original papers in peer-reviewed journals for young and mid-career physician-researchers.

Objective: We evaluated the feasibility of electronic data capture of self-administered patient questionnaires using a Tablet PC for integration in routine patient management; we also compared these data with results received from corresponding paper–pencil versions. Methods: Standardised patient questionnaires (FFbH/HAQ, BASDAI, SF-36) were implemented in our documentation software. 153 outpatients (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, spondyloarthritis) completed sets of questionnaires as paper–pencil and electronic versions using a Tablet PC. The quality and validity of data obtained using a Tablet PC and the capability of disabled patients to handle it were assigned; patients’ experiences, preferences and computer/internet use were also assessed. Results: Scores obtained by direct data entry on the Tablet PC did not differ from the scores obtained by the paper–pencil questionnaires in the complete group and disease subgroups. No major difficulties using the Tablet PC occurred. 62.1% preferred remote data entry in the future. Seven (4.6%) patients felt uncomfortable with the Tablet PC due to their rheumatic disease. Conclusions: Self-administered questionnaires via Tablet PC are a facile and capable option in patients with rheumatic diseases to monitor disease activity, efficacy and safety assessments continuously. Tablet PC applications offers directly available data for clinical decision-making improves quality of care by effective patient monitoring, and contributes to patients’ empowerment.

Progress in microbiome research has accelerated in recent years. Through the use of 16S rRNA assays and other genomic sequencing techniques, researchers have provided new insights about the communities of microorganisms that inhabit human and animal hosts. There is mounting evidence about the importance of these ‘microbiotas’ in a wide variety of disease states, suggesting potential targets for preventative and therapeutic interventions. Until recently, however, the microbiome received relatively little attention in ophthalmology. This review explores emerging research on the roles that ocular and extraocular microbiotas may play in the pathogenesis and treatment of ophthalmic diseases. These include diseases of the ocular surface as well as autoimmune uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, and primary open angle glaucoma. Many questions remain about the potential impacts of microbiome research on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ophthalmic disease. In light of current findings, we suggest directions for future study as this exciting area of research continues to expand. IMPACT STATEMENT: This review describes a growing body of research on relationships between the microbiome and eye disease. Several groups have investigated the microbiota of the ocular surface; dysregulation of this delicate ecosystem has been associated with a variety of pro-inflammatory states. Other research has explored the effects of the gastrointestinal microbiota on ophthalmic diseases. Characterizing the ways these microbiotas influence ophthalmic homeostasis and pathogenesis may lead to research on new techniques for managing ophthalmic disease.

Many of the highest performance approaches for electronic paper use voltage to reveal or hide dark pigments or dyes over a white pixel surface, and the reflectance of white pixels is lower than in real paper because the dark pigments or dyes can never be fully removed from the visible pixel area. Here, we introduce a re-designed approach for electronic paper that transposes coloured ink in front of or behind a white microfluidic film. Pixels can provide >90% reflective area and have demonstrated

The demand for reproducible research is on the rise in disciplines concerned with data analysis and computational methods. Therefore, we reviewed current recommendations for reproducible research and translated them into criteria for assessing the reproducibility of articles in the field of geographic information science (GIScience). Using this criteria, we assessed a sample of GIScience studies from the Association of Geographic Information Laboratories in Europe (AGILE) conference series, and we collected feedback about the assessment from the study authors. Results from the author feedback indicate that although authors support the concept of performing reproducible research, the incentives for doing this in practice are too small. Therefore, we propose concrete actions for individual researchers and the GIScience conference series to improve transparency and reproducibility. For example, to support researchers in producing reproducible work, the GIScience conference series could offer awards and paper badges, provide author guidelines for computational research, and publish articles in Open Access formats.

We have developed a playmate robot system for playing the rock-paper-scissors game with humans. The playmate robot recognizes the hand motions of a human using image processing without attaching any additional units to the human. The playmate robot system consists of three parts: a game management part, a hand motion recognition part, and a robot hand control part. The system functions as follows. (1) Before the game is played, the game management part decides on the motion of the robot hand from amongst rock, paper, and scissors. After the game is played, the robot develops a reaction using speech and facial expressions depending on the result of the game. (2) The hand motion recognition part recognizes the hand motion of the human. It does not use any additional units on the human’s body, only a camera on the robot. (3) The robot hand control part shows the motion of the robot hand. A robot hand has four fingers that are controlled independently. We have played the rock-paper-scissors game with this playmate robot.

The European Commission (EC) White Paper on a Strategy for a Future Chemicals Policy calls for the collection of adequate information about chemicals, in order to ensure their appropriate risk management. The White Paper proposes a stepwise and flexible approach to all chemicals produced in amounts above 1 tonne/year/manufacturer, including testing, if information cannot be provided by other means. The required information should be collected by the end of 2012. The EC services are currently preparing the drafts for the future chemicals legislation.

A subclavian artery-esophageal fistula usually occurs on the right side of an aberrant subclavian artery. It also rarely appears in the site between a non-aberrant subclavian artery and the esophagus due to the ingestion of a foreign body. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the case of a subclavian artery-esophageal fistula is rare but often fatal. Here, we report on a 62-year-old male patient with a left subclavian arteryesophageal fistula complicated by hemorrhagic shock. He swallowed a foreign body at a birthday party. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy indicated a paper star lodged at 20 cm from the incisors, inducing a kissing esophageal ulcer around the esophageal sphincter. One month later, he suffered an unusually strong episode of hematemesis. Subsequently, a computed tomography angiography was performed and demonstrated a left subclavian artery-esophageal fistula. Finally, the fistula induced by the ingestion of a paper star was successfully treated by endovascular stent grafting.

It is now more than 20 years since both Council of Europe Convention ETS123 and EU Directive 86/609?EEC were introduced, to promote the implementation of the Three Rs in animal experimentation and to provide guidance on animal housing and care. It might therefore be expected that reports of the implementation of the Three Rs in animal research papers would have increased during this period. In order to test this hypothesis, a literature survey of animal-based research was conducted. A randomly-selected sample from 16 high-profile medical journals, of original research papers arising from European institutions that featured experiments which involved either mice or primates, were identified for the years 1986 and 2006 (Total sample = 250 papers). Each paper was scored out of 10 for the incidence of reporting on the implementation of Three Rs-related factors corresponding to Replacement (justification of non-use of non-animal methods), Reduction (statistical analysis of the number of animals needed) and Refinement (housing aspects, i.e. increased cage size, social housing, enrichment of cage environment and food; and procedural aspects, i.e. the use of anaesthesia, analgesia, humane endpoints, and training for procedures with positive reinforcement). There was no significant increase in overall reporting score over time, for either mouse or primate research. By 2006, mouse research papers scored an average of 0 out of a possible 10, and primate research papers scored an average of 1.5. This review provides systematic evidence that animal research is still not properly reported, and supports the call within the scientific community for action to be taken by journals to update their policies.

Rock-paper-scissors is a simple game played by two players who use hand gestures that resemble a 'rock' (a fist), a piece of 'paper' (a flat hand) or a pair of 'scissors' (index and middle fingers in the shape of a V). Each player plays a gesture at the same time, with the scoring as follows: 'rock' beats 'scissors'; 'paper' beats 'rock'; and 'scissors' beats 'paper'. If the game is played only once, no dominating strategy exists and the result is down to chance. If the game is played multiple times the chance element reduces as a player's next gesture is influenced by two factors: the previous result (win, loss or draw) and the previous gesture ('rock', 'paper' or 'scissors'). Previous attempts by RoShamBot to create an artificial intelligence (or AI) for rock-paper-scissors have relied on simple frequency analysis (i.e. the user has played 'rock' the most, therefore the AI must play 'paper' next) or history matching (i.e. the AI matching the last four rounds to a large database of previous games and determining what gesture the user will play next and then countering that gesture). In an actuarial spirit, I take a stochastic approach and instead of determining the next gesture with certainty, I flex the probabilities for 'rock', 'paper' and 'scissors' and then let my AI randomly choose one. The probabilities are flexed based on previous results and previous gestures.

The best papers provide evidence that can be used to make changes that improve the health and lives of people around the world.

Background: The moment of hospital discharge is a time for vulnerability for many patients and might jeopardize their safety. We found that the current structure of the discharge card at Soba University Hospital (SUH) does not improve the quality of the discharge summary. This hinders the delivery of valid, relevant and adequate health information and can negatively affect outpatient care. Methods: We implemented a new discharge card design with structured headings at the Department of Medicine at Soba University Hospital from the beginning of March to April 15th, 2017. This was coupled with educational sessions highlighting the problems that might occur if there were gaps in patient transition from inpatient to outpatient. Results: There was a significant improvement in documentation of the majority (>90%) of the items, including name, age, source of admission treating doctor, diagnosis and medication, but there was a drop in documentation of comorbidities. We also noticed that the new discharge summary format significantly improved the documentation of the majority of the headings (all P values were Conclusions: Recording of paper-based health records like discharge summaries could be substantially improved by use of well-structured formats and practical training sessions. Improvement is a dynamic process. Some gaps might appear during execution, these need monitoring and continuous improvement to establish sustainability.

Background Appreciating the need to better translate biomedical research into improved clinical care and health, the NIH Roadmap was initiated in 2003 to focus on this by strengthening NIH’s central role in clinical research and clinical research training. As part of the needed re-engineering, in 2006 NIH began the CTSA program. At this writing (Summer 2009), there are 39 CTSAs at leading universities across the United States, each having a clinical research graduate program and extensive resources for promoting clinical and translational research. Each of these, and the CTSA Consortium as a whole, are committed to transforming clinical and translational research to maximize impact on health. The CTSAs bring to this challenge an array of capacities, extensive research infrastructure, formal training and career development programs, community engagement of the public and of clinical practice communities, and informatics related to research and clinical practice. Various CTSAs have different areas of emphasis, including along the spectrum of translational research from bench to patient bedside (the first translational step, “T1”), from the bedside to general use in clinical practice (“T2”), and from clinical practice to public benefit and policy (“T3”). This broad array of activities has allowed the national consortium to be responsive to needs all along this path of translation of biomedical research into practice and public benefit. Although the activities of CER can be seen as primarily involving T2 and T3 research, they also can be seen as focusing on the optimal translation of T1 research into effective treatment, and thus the very epitome of work in which CTSAs should be deeply involved. This appreciation was reinforced by CER’s selection as a key Strategic Goal focus of the CTSA Consortium. In this context, the CER Strategic Goal of the CTSA Consortium is to promote the translation of the results of clinical and translational research into practice and public policy. In service of this, in two sections below, we review the span of CER resources across the CTSA Consortium and propose potential roles for CTSAs in supporting CER. As a point of reference for this White Paper, below are two important definitions of CER from reports released at the end of June 2009, from the IOM and from the FCC-CER: Definition from the IOM Report on Priorities for CER The generation and synthesis of evidence that compares the benefits and harms of alternative methods to prevent, diagnose, treat, and monitor a clinical condition or to improve the delivery of care. The purpose of CER is to assist patients, clinicians, purchasers, and policy makers, and the public to make informed decisions that will improve healthcare at both the individual and population levels.

Little is known about the reliability of different methods of survey administration in low back pain trials. This analysis was designed to determine the reliability of responses to self-administered paper surveys compared to computer assisted telephone interviews (CATI) for the primary outcomes of pain intensity and back-related function, and secondary outcomes of patient satisfaction, SF-36, and global improvement among participants enrolled in a study of yoga for chronic low back pain. Pain intensity, back-related function, and both physical and mental health components of the SF-36 showed excellent reliability at all three time points; ICC scores ranged from 0.82 to 0.98. Pain medication use showed good reliability; kappa statistics ranged from 0.68 to 0.78. Patient satisfaction had moderate to excellent reliability; ICC scores ranged from 0.40 to 0.86. Global improvement showed poor reliability at 6 weeks (ICC = 0.24) and 12 weeks (ICC = 0.10). CATI shows excellent reliability for primary outcomes and at least some secondary outcomes when compared to self-administered paper surveys in a low back pain yoga trial. Having two reliable options for data collection may be helpful to increase response rates for core outcomes in back pain trials. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01761617 . Date of trial registration: December 4, 2012.