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The growing trend of ageing has created many challenges. One of these challenges is the rehabilitation of individuals who take time, resources and manpower. The motivation for this study is to propose an ontology‐based automatic design methodology for use in intelligent rehabilitation systems in the Internet of things (IoTs). For interconnection, all health system resources in a network use IoT technology. In order to provide fast and effective rehabilitation for different patients, IoT is combined with ontology. The experimental results obtained from rehabilitation of the lower limbs show that the IoT‐based rehabilitation system works properly and an ontology‐based approach can help create an effective rehabilitation strategy, configure and quickly deploy all available resources with the requirements given. In this study, three types of biosensors have been selected. These biosensors are used for blood, saliva and breathing tests. The expansion of the growth and maturity of technology based on the Fisher‐Pry model is based on patent and bibliometrics analysis. The analysis of intellectual property rights according to their number indicates that blood vital sensors reached their turning point in 2009, but the vital sensors of saliva and respiration will reach their turning point and maturity with a delay of 8–14 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sources and behaviors of particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate iron and manganese (pFe and pMn, respectively) in the bottom nepheloid layer (or benthic nepheloid layer, BNL) of the southwestern East Sea, also known as the Japan Sea, along a transect from the shelf to the central Ulleung Basin were investigated. The fluxes of POC, pFe, and pMn from the BNL to the seafloor on the shelf and in the basin were determined based on thorium-234 (234Th). The influence of resuspended sediment on POC was quantified using radiocarbon isotope ratio of POC (Δ14C). Sources and behaviors of pFe and pMn in the BNL were investigated by comparison to those of particulate aluminum (pAl). The stable carbon isotope ratios mainly indicated the marine origin of the POC, and the Δ14C values indicated that the majority of the POC in the BNL (68% ± 22%) was supplied by sediment resuspension. pAl and pFe were lithogenic in origin, whereas pMn was mainly authigenic (89–100%). The deficiency of 234Th activity relative to that of 238U increased toward the seafloor in the BNL, implying the efficient removal of 234Th by adsorption to the resuspended sediment particles. The 234Th-based settling fluxes of POC, pAl, pFe, and excess Mn (pMn xs) to the seafloor in the central basin agreed with the results previously obtained from a sediment trap study in the Ulleung Basin. The settling flux of pAl and pFe in the central basin was 2–8% of the lateral transport from the Korea Strait, implying that the transported lithogenic particles mostly settled on the slope before reaching the central basin. In contrast, the settling flux of pMn in the central basin was much larger than that of pMn in the shelf, implying that pMn is further transported toward the central basin or supplied from the local sediments. • Resuspended sediment in benthic nepheloid layer was examined using 14C and 234Th. • Aged carbon from sediment accounted for ∼70% of particulate organic carbon. • Over 90% of particulate Mn was authigenic while Al and Fe were of lithogenic origin. • Deficiency of 234Th increased toward the seafloor due to the resuspended sediments. • Lithogenic particles from the shelf mostly settled down on the slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next to iron (Fe), recent phytoplankton-enrichment experiments identified manganese (Mn) to (co-)limit Southern Ocean phytoplankton biomass and species composition. Since taxonomic diversity affects aggregation time and sinking rate, the efficiency of the biological carbon pump is directly affected by community structure. However, the impact of FeMn co-limitation on Antarctic primary production, community composition, and the subsequent export of carbon to depth requires more investigation. In situ samplings of 6 stations in the understudied southern Weddell Sea revealed that surface Fe and Mn concentrations, primary production, and carbon export rates were all low, suggesting a FeMn co-limited phytoplankton community. An Fe and Mn addition experiment examined how changes in the species composition drive the aggregation capability of a natural phytoplankton community. Primary production rates were highest when Fe and Mn were added together, due to an increased abundance of the colonial prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis antarctica. Although the community remained diatom dominated, the increase in Phaeocystis abundance led to highly carbon-enriched aggregates and a 4-fold increase in the carbon export potential compared to the control, whereas it only doubled in the Fe treatment. Based on the outcome of the FeMn-enrichment experiment, this region may suffer from FeMn co-limitation. As the Weddell Sea represents one of the most productive Antarctic marginal ice zones, our findings highlight that in response to greater Fe and Mn supply, changes in plankton community composition and primary production can have a disproportionally larger effect on the carbon export potential. • The southern Weddell Sea had low primary production and carbon export • FeMn input relieved FeMn co-limitation and changed species composition • This led to higher primary production and highly carbon-rich aggregates Balaguer et al. show that the southern Weddell Sea is FeMn co-limited as low Fe and Mn concentrations, primary production, and carbon export prevail. This study highlights that FeMn input can induce small but significant changes in plankton community composition and primary production, enhancing 4 times the carbon export potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 6th (2014) and 7th (2016) Chinese Arctic Expedition (CHINARE), samples of suspended particulate matter (SPM) were collected from both surface (depth: <1.0 m) and subsurface (depth: approximately between 10 and 150 m) waters over the northern shelf of the Bering Sea and in the western Arctic Ocean. To investigate the distribution and sources of organic matter in both the surface water and the vertical profile, the concentration and stable carbon isotopic composition of SPM, particulate organic carbon (POC), and particulate nitrogen (only in surface water samples) were determined, and some particle samples were selected for examination using scanning electron microscopy. Results showed apparent geographical partitioning and temporal variation in both the concentration and the composition of SPM. Higher SPM concentrations were observed in nearshore, shelf break, and sea ice edge areas; the distribution of POC concentration displayed a similar pattern, with higher values found from the northern part of the Bering Shelf to southern parts of the Chukchi Shelf. In surface water, SPM mainly comprised clay and detrital minerals with higher POC contents, lighter δ13C values, and higher POC/PN ratios, indicating organic matter predominantly derived from terrestrial sources in areas south of St. Lawrence Island and north of 73°N. The downward trend of heavier δ13C values, together with reduction in clay and detrital minerals, suggests that vertical transport of SPM is hindered by stratification, resulting in transport of terrestrial materials toward northern basin areas. In the Chukchi Slope and Canada Basin areas, extremely light δ13C values (as low as −33.41‰ PDB) were mainly observed at depths of 20–60 m, where the Polar Mixed Layer (PML) intersects with the Upper Halocline Layer (UHL). Under the condition of low sea ice extent in 2016, the POC-δ13C values were heavier in the PML than in the UHL in the Chukchi Slope and Canada Basin areas. These findings provide insights into the sources, transport, and fate of organic matter in the Pacific Arctic region, which have important implications for understanding the biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem dynamics in this remote and rapidly changing environment. • Significant geographical partition and temporal variation in suspended particles. • Extremely negative POC-δ13C values at high latitudes. • Links between POC concentration and composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of creatinine in the human body has clinical implications with regard to a potential association with kidney, muscle, and thyroid dysfunction, hence necessitating fast and accurate detection, especially at the point-of-care (POC) level. This paper presents the design, fabrication, and feasibility of a compact, low-cost and reliable POC photochemical biosensor connected to a smartphone for the determination of whole blood creatinine by differential optical signal readout. Disposable, dual-channel paper-based test strips were fabricated using stackable multilayer films pre-immobilized with enzymes and reagents for the identification and conversion of creatinine and creatine, resulting in dramatic colorimetric signals. A handheld optical reader was integrated with dual-channel differential optical readout to address endogenous interferences in the enzymatic assay of creatinine. We demonstrated this differential concept with spiked blood samples, obtaining a wide detection range of 20–1483 μmol/L and a low detection limit of 0.03 μmol/L. Further interference experiments displayed the differential measuring system's excellent performance against endogenous interference. Furthermore, the sensor's high reliability was confirmed through comparison with the laboratory method, with the results of 43 clinical tests consistent with the bulky automatic biochemical analyzer, with its correlation coefficient R2 = 0.9782. Additionally, the designed optical reader is Bluetooth-enabled and can connect to a cloud-based smartphone to transmit test data, enabling active health management or remote monitoring. We believe the biosensor has the potential to be an alternative to the current creatinine analysis conducted in hospitals and clinical laboratories, and it has promising prospects for contributing to the development of POC devices. • A low-cost, handheld point-of-care photochemical biosensor was developed for the determination of whole blood creatinine. • The sensor achieves a highly sensitive creatinine detection through two-channel optical signal differential processing. • The proposed photochemical sensor has excellent anti-interference ability, which can withstand the interference of ≤300 μmol/L endogenous creatine. • The clinical blood sample detection of real patients verified the feasibility of the creatinine sensing system in POC settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate-driven hydrological models rarely incorporate intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) due to monitoring difficulties and their perceived minor effect on river networks. Worldwide, IRES represent approximately 50% of river networks and up to 60% of annual flow and are recognized as conduits and processors of organic matter (OM). Climate induced changes in precipitation and discharge (Q) may impact OM fluxes from IRES. We assessed storm-driven source and flux of total suspended solids (TSS) and OM from small IRES in Mississippi, USA. We used linear Pearson correlations to evaluate relationships between water and storm characteristics (e.g., discharge). Stepwise regression was used to predict change in flux. Dissolved OM was derived from saturated flow through soil whereas particulate OM was derived from channel extension during storms. A power log relationship between Q and materials flux indicated that Q was the driver for flux. A 5% increase in Q within IRES may result in flux increase of 2% TSS and 1.7–2.8% OM. Climate change projections of increased storm intensity over a shorter water year will increase channel extension and soil water transfer resulting in higher material flux to downstream reaches. Climate-driven hydrological models of OM flux should incorporate IRES.

Detecting cancer at an early stage of disease progression promises better treatment outcomes and longer lifespans for cancer survivors. Research has been directed towards the development of accessible and highly sensitive cancer diagnostic tools, many of which rely on protein biomarkers and biomarker panels which are overexpressed in body fluids and associated with different types of cancer. Protein biomarker detection for point-of-care (POC) use requires the development of sensitive, noninvasive liquid biopsy cancer diagnostics that overcome the limitations and low sensitivities associated with current dependence upon imaging and invasive biopsies. Among many endeavors to produce user-friendly, semi-automated, and sensitive protein biomarker sensors, 3D printing is rapidly becoming an important contemporary tool for achieving these goals. Supported by the widely available selection of affordable desktop 3D printers and diverse printing options, 3D printing is becoming a standard tool for developing low-cost immunosensors that can also be used to make final commercial products. In the last few years, 3D printing platforms have been used to produce complex sensor devices with high resolution, tailored towards researchers’ and clinicians’ needs and limited only by their imagination. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing, 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has drastically reduced the time of sensor and sensor array development while offering excellent sensitivity at a fraction of the cost of conventional technologies such as photolithography. In this review, we offer a comprehensive description of 3D printing techniques commonly used to develop immunosensors, arrays, and microfluidic arrays. In addition, recent applications utilizing 3D printing in immunosensors integrated with different signal transduction strategies are described. These applications include electrochemical, chemiluminescent (CL), and electrochemiluminescent (ECL) 3D-printed immunosensors. Finally, we discuss current challenges and limitations associated with available 3D printing technology and future directions of this field.

Various jurisdictions are currently in the process of reforming their cadastral systems to achieve a smart and multidimensional system that provides a range of land administration services to the wider community. The state of Victoria in Australia has been actively modernizing its cadastral system since the 1990s by developing a digital cadastre database, an online digital cadastral plan lodgment portal named SPEAR, and smart cadastre services for validating and visualizing digital data in the ePlan (LandXML) format. However, due to challenges in the implementation of the smart cadastre lifecycle in Victoria, the uptake of ePlan is currently low across the surveying industry. This study aims to explore the feasibility of implementing a smart platform for managing ePlan lodgments in Victoria, which provides all required services within an integrated digital environment. To achieve this aim, the business and technical requirements for realizing a single smart cadastral platform are first explored. A proof of concept (PoC) is then developed to showcase a suitable approach for developing this platform. The evaluation of the PoC confirmed that integration of smart cadastre services into a single environment could significantly streamline the digital cadastral data management processes in Victoria.

Transparent exopolymer particles (TEPs) are defined as acidic polysaccharide particles and they are influenced by various biotic and abiotic processes that play significant roles in marine biogeochemical cycles. However, little information on their monthly variation, relationship and contribution to particulate organic carbon (POC) is currently available particularly in coastal regions. In this study, the water samples were collected monthly to determine TEP concentrations and POC concentrations in a southern coastal region of Korea, Jaran Bay from April 2016 to March 2017. The TEP concentrations varied from 26.5 to 1695.4 μg Xeq L−1 (mean ± standard deviation (S.D.) = 215.9 ± 172.2 μg Xeq L−1) and POC concentrations ranged from 109.9 to 1201.9 μg L−1 (mean ± S.D. = 399.1 ± 186.5 μg L−1) during our observation period. Based on the 13C stable isotope tracer technique, monthly carbon uptake rates of phytoplankton ranged from 3.0 to 274.1 mg C m−2 h−1 (mean ± S.D. = 34.5 ± 45.2 mg C m−2 h−1). The cross-correlation analysis showed a lag-time of 2 months between chlorophyll a and TEP concentrations (r = 0.86, p < 0.01; Pearson’s correlation coefficient). In addition, we observed a 2 month lag-phased correlation between TEP concentrations and primary production (r = 0.73, p < 0.05; Pearson’s correlation coefficient). In Jaran Bay, the TEP contribution was as high as 78.0% of the POC when the TEP-C content was high and declined to 2.4% of the POC when it was low. These results showed that TEP-C could be a significant contributor to the POC pool in Jaran Bay.

About half of all exploit codes will become available within about two weeks of the release date of its vulnerability. However, 80% of the released vulnerabilities are never exploited. Since putting the same effort to eliminate all vulnerabilities can be somewhat wasteful, software companies usually use different methods to assess which vulnerability is more serious and needs an immediate patch. Recently, there have been some attempts to use machine learning techniques to predict a vulnerability’s exploitability. In doing so, a vulnerability’s related URL, called its reference, is commonly used as a machine learning algorithm’s feature. However, we found that some references contained proof-of-concept codes. In this paper, we analyzed all references in the National Vulnerability Database and found that 46,202 of them contained such codes. We compared prediction performances between feature matrix with and without reference information. Experimental results showed that test sets that used references containing proof-of-concept codes had better prediction performance than ones that used references without such codes. Even though the difference is not huge, it is clear that references having answer information contributed to the prediction performance, which is not desirable. Thus, it is better not to use reference information to predict vulnerability exploitation.

Haemostatic disorders are both complex and costly in relation to both their treatment and subsequent management. As leading causes of mortality worldwide, there is an ever-increasing drive to improve the diagnosis and prevention of haemostatic disorders. The field of microfluidic and Lab on a Chip (LOC) technologies is rapidly advancing and the important role of miniaturised diagnostics is becoming more evident in the healthcare system, with particular importance in near patient testing (NPT) and point of care (POC) settings. Microfluidic technologies present innovative solutions to diagnostic and clinical challenges which have the knock-on effect of improving health care and quality of life. In this review, both advanced microfluidic devices (R&D) and commercially available devices for the diagnosis and monitoring of haemostasis-related disorders and antithrombotic therapies, respectively, are discussed. Innovative design specifications, fabrication techniques, and modes of detection in addition to the materials used in developing micro-channels are reviewed in the context of application to the field of haemostasis.

It was widely anticipated that the end of Cold War will herald the general state of positive peace and that the world will yield the benefits of ‘peace dividends’. However, such manifestations were not witnessed. In evidence, between 1989 and 2000, more than 4 million people died in violent conflicts around the world. To this end, Gupta and colleagues (2002) noted that international terrorist attacks increased from a yearly count of 342 (during 1995-1999), to 387 per year (during 2000-2001). Underdeveloped and developing countries bore the major brunt of the violence. Conflicts that were ideological and had their roots in power management were largely resolved through the diplomatic statecraft or through use of military force. However, the conflicts that were unconventional in nature grew and gave rise to more complex and multidimensional intrastate conflicts. The new dimension in these conflicts can be identified through common features that generally include the use and spread of violence on the civilians, causing great loss of life and serious breaches in the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The history of IHL can be traced to the work of Henry Dunant and Guillaume-Henri Dufour in 1860s (ICRC, 2017). This law has a deep rooted connection with the discourse of the Protection of Civilians (PoC). The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is playing a key role in its implementation along with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The term ‘protection’ encompasses the fragments of International Refugee Convention (IRC) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL). The institutional implementation of this ‘protection’ by the UNHCR and ICRC is clear in their mandate regarding operational strategies. They have developed themselves as the ‘lawfully oriented and diplomatic channels of influential engagement with state and non-state actors. This essay will focus on the importance of PoC by the armed forces in connection with the aforementioned international institutions. It also highlights the role of civil society and different sections of the civilians and how they are affected during the war. This will be followed with the recommendations and conclusion.

The fraction of net primary production that is exported from the euphotic zone as sinking particulate organic carbon (POC) varies notably through time and from region to region. Phytoplankton containing biominerals, such as silicified diatoms have long been associated with high export fluxes. However, recent reviews point out that the magnitude of export is not controlled by diatoms alone, but determined by the whole plankton community structure. The combined effect of phytoplankton community composition and zooplankton abundance on export flux dynamics, were explored using a set of 12 large outdoor mesocosms. All mesocosms received a daily addition of minor amounts of nitrate and phosphate, while only 6 mesocosms received silicic acid (dSi). This resulted in a dominance of diatoms and dinoflagellate in the +Si mesocosms and a dominance of dinoflagellate in the −Si mesocosms. Simultaneously, half of the mesocosms had decreased mesozooplankton populations whereas the other half were supplemented with additional zooplankton. In all mesocosms, POC fluxes were positively correlated to Si/C ratios measured in the surface community and additions of dSi globally increased the export fluxes in all treatments highlighting the role of diatoms in C export. The presence of additional copepods resulted in higher standing stocks of POC, most probably through trophic cascades. However it only resulted in higher export fluxes for the −Si mesocosms. In the +Si with copepod addition (+Si +Cops) export was dominated by large diatoms with higher Si/C ratios in sinking material than in standing stocks. During non-bloom situations, the grazing activity of copepods decrease the export efficiency in diatom dominated systems by changing the structure of the phytoplankton community and/or preventing their aggregation. However, in flagellate-dominated system, the copepods increased phytoplankton growth, aggregation and fecal pellet production, with overall higher net export not always visible in term of export efficiency.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and many public health jurisdictions continue to advocate for the most sensitive rapid HIV test that is available. Currently, the recommendation is to utilize tests that can detect HIV infection biomarkers within 30 days of infection, when initial immune responses are mounted. The infected patient’s IgM response is often used to detect acute infection within a 20–25 days window after infection. This requirement applies to lab-based testing with automated analyzers and rapid, point of care (POC) testing used for screening in a non-clinical setting. A recent study has demonstrated that POC tests using a Protein A-based detection system can detect samples with predominantly HIV-1 IgM reactivity (Moshgabadi et al., 2015). The OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test (OraQuick ADVANCE®) also uses Protein A as the detection protein in the antibody-binding colloidal gold conjugate, so it is expected that the OraQuick ADVANCE® Test will also detect samples with predominantly IgM reactivity. This report definitively demonstrates that the OraQuick ADVANCE® Test can detect IgM antibodies during an acute infection window period of approximately 20–25 days after infection, and is therefore suitable for use in testing environments requiring adherence to current CDC recommendations.

Paper is an ideal candidate for the development of new disposable diagnostic devices because it is a low-cost material, allows transport of the liquid on the device by capillary action, and is environmentally friendly. Today, colorimetric analysis is most often used as a detection method for rapid tests (test strips or lateral flow devices) but usually gives only qualitative results and is limited by a relatively high detection threshold. Here, we describe studies using fluorescence as a readout tool for paper-based diagnostics. We study how the optical readout is affected by light transmission, scattering, and fluorescence as a function of paper characteristics such as thickness (grammage), water content, autofluorescence, and paper type/composition. We show that paper-based fluorescence analysis allows better optical readout compared to that of nitrocellulose, which is currently the material of choice in colorimetric assays. To reduce the loss of analyte molecules (e.g., proteins) due to adsorption to the paper surface, we coat the paper fibers with a protein-repellent hydrogel. For this purpose, we use hydrophilic copolymers consisting of N , N -dimethyl acrylamide and a benzophenone-based cross-linker, which are photochemically transformed into a fiber-attached polymer hydrogel on the paper fiber surfaces in situ. We show that the combination of fluorescence detection and the use of a protein-repellent coating enables sensitive paper-based analysis. Finally, the success of the strategy is demonstrated by using a simple LFD application as an example.

In regions close to the continental shelf edge, the transfer of particulate organic carbon (POC) within the food web and with downward fluxes contributes to the long-term storage of carbon in deep basins. The degradation of POC by heterotrophic prokaryotes is one of the key indices of biological productivity and ecosystem functioning. Here we present data on the spatial and vertical distribution of the total bacterial abundance, fraction of high DNA-content and particle-associated bacteria, and POC concentration. Additionally we determined environmental parameters (temperature, salinity, turbidity, fluorescence and dissolved oxygen concentration). The data were collected in the Vilkitsky Strait and along two transects from the outer shelf of the Laptev Sea to the adjacent continental slope region of the Arctic Ocean in August-September 2018. Principal component analysis was used to reveal relationships between environmental factors and bacterial characteristics. Total bacterial abundance (BA) was positively correlated with seawater fluorescence, dissolved oxygen concentration and POC, but negatively linked to depth and salinity. The percentage of both particle-associated bacteria (%PAB) and bacteria with high DNA concentration (%HDNA) were positively linked to depth and salinity. The data obtained may be useful for a comprehensive assessment of the state of ecosystems in the vicinity of the Arctic continental slope under changing environmental conditions, as well as for studying microbial input in the carbon cycle., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in agricultural soils, as it contributes to overall soil health as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation. By conducting a meta-analysis, we aim to quantitatively summarize research studying the effects of cover crops (CC) on SOC pools throughout soil depths in arable cropland. We included global studies located in the climatic zones present in Europe. The pools chosen for this analysis are the particulate organic carbon (POC) and the mineral associated organic carbon (MAOC) and the microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Alongside, we will study the effects of a broad range of moderators, such as pedo-climatic factors, other agricultural management practices and CC characteristics e.g., type. We identified 71 relevant studies from 61 articles, of which mean values for SOC pools, standard deviations and sample sizes for treatments (CC) and controls (no CC) were extracted. To perform the meta-analysis, an effect size will be calculated for each study, which will then be summarized across studies by using weighing procedure. Consequently, this meta-analysis will provide valuable information on the state of knowledge on SOC pool change influenced by CC, corresponding quantitative summary results and the sources of heterogeneity influencing these results., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection poses substantial medical risks to global public health. An essential strategy to combat the HIV epidemic is timely and effective virus testing. CRISPR-based assays combine the highly compatible CRISPR system with different elements, yielding portability, digitization capabilities, low economic burden and low operational thresholds. The application of CRISPR-based assays has demonstrated rapid, accurate, and accessible means of pathogen testing, suggesting great potential as point-of-care (POC) assays. This review outlines the different types of CRISPR/Cas systems based on Cas proteins and their applications for the detection of HIV. Additionally, we also offer an overview of future perspectives on CRISPR-based methods for HIV detection, including advances in nucleic acid amplification-free testing, improved personal testing, and refined testing for HIV genotypes and drug-resistant strains., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interest., (© 2023 The Authors.)

The scale-up of hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis and treatment requires affordable and simple tools to improve access to care, especially in low- and middle-income settings with limited infrastructure or high-risk populations. Dried blood and plasma samples (DBS and DPS) are useful alternative for hepatitis C detection in settings lacking adequate infrastructure. We evaluated the performance of DBS and DPS vs plasma in a point-of-care HCV RNA quantitative assay (Xpert HCV Viral Load-Cepheid), and compared HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) detection by the Architect HCV core antigen assay (Abbott) in DBS vs serum. The dried samples were stored at room temperature for different storage times to reproduce the time from sampling to testing in settings with centralized diagnosis or when testing mobile populations. HCV RNA quantification in DBS and DPS presented 100% sensitivity and specificity and a high correlation for up to 3 months of storage. HCV viremia showed a mean decrease of 0.5 log 10 IU/mL (DBS) and 0.3 log 10 IU/mL (DPS) for storage times up to 1 month. Architect HCVcAg detection presented high sensitivity/specificity (96%/100%) in DBS tested immediately after sampling, decreasing to 86% sensitivity after 7 days of storage. However, sensitivity increased when an optimized cut-off was applied for each storage time. We conclude that DBS and DPS are suitable samples for HCV RNA detection and quantification, being DPS more reliable for shorter storage times. DBS can be also used for HCVcAg qualitative detection and the sensitivity can be increased when adjusting the cut-off values. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis C infection remains a global burden despite the effectiveness of antivirals. In the WHO roadmap to accomplish HCV elimination by 2030, HCV diagnosis is one of the main targets. However, identifying patients in resource-limited settings and high-risk populations with limited access to healthcare remains a challenge and requires innovative approaches that allow decentralized testing. The significance of our research is in verifying the good performance of dried samples for HCV diagnosis using two different diagnostics assays and considering the effect of room temperature storage in this sample format. We confirmed dried samples are an interesting alternative for HCV screening and reflex testing in resource-limited settings or high-risk populations.

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) based point of care (POC) for ABO-Rh(D) blood grouping by the naked eye was investigated. PMMA substrate was covalently linked with carboxyl methyl dextran (CMD) and coupled to the blood group specific antibodies anti A, anti B, and anti D, which were patterned into “A”, “B”, and “+”. The red read out color originated from the color of hemoglobin in the RBCs. The major human blood group, ABO-Rh(D), was successfully sorted using these patterns. PMMA strip-based assays for blood grouping by the naked eye resulted in correct blood group identification of all 74 samples in comparison to slide agglutination test. The determination of captured RBC Rh(D) required a longer reaction time with immobilized anti D antibody on the PMMA substrate than other blood groups to produce sufficient color for unambiguous visual identification. The proper RBC concentration was found to be higher than 1% v/v for naked eye detection. The dilution of blood sample is playing a crucial role in reducing interference from blood proteins during detection. A used of undiluted blood sample for the testing should be avoided. The proper blood dilution was found to be 10% or 1:10 dilution. The proposed technique presents a quick, cheap, simple, and almost instantaneous assay for blood grouping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary objective is to assess whether the POC assays to measure infliximab residual trough level in the serum of IBD patients were non-inferior to the ELISA techniques available on the market, and to determine which of them was the most robust. The second is to compare three different ELISA kits for monitoring anti-infliximab antibodies (ATI).Methods: The assays were carried out on patients' sera using four ELISA kits from four different suppliers (three with a monoclonal antibody and one polyclonal) and two rapid techniques provided by BÜHLMANN (Quantum Blue®) and R-Biopharm (Ridaquick) for monitoring infliximab levels. ATI were measured by three ELISA sets (Grifols, Theradiag, and R-Biopharm) which have different positivity limits and different units.Results: We measured infliximab residual level and ATI in the serum of 90 IBD patients (85 treated with infliximab and five with adalimumab). All of the infliximab assays were very well correlated when analyzed with Spearman nonparametric correlation (0.93 ≤ r ≤ 0.99), and the two POC assays were also excellently correlated (r = 0.98). The ATI monitoring kits revealed a correlation ranging from 0.73 to 0.96 when comparing positive and negative patients. When normalizing the quantitative values between the different ELISA tests (expressed arbitrarily by using multiples of the positivity limits defined by each supplier), the Spearman r coefficient ranged from 0.81 to 0.93.Conclusion: The available evidence allows us to conclude that all of the infliximab monitoring assays correlate well and may be used for IFX monitoring; albeit variations in measured IFX concentration among different assays remain present, these assays could be interchangeable. The ATI monitoring techniques are all capable of detecting ATI-positive patients, but because of the difference in the positivity limits and the measurement units, it is better to follow a patient rate with one definite kit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Leprosy is still a considerable health threat in pockets of several low and middle income countries worldwide where intense transmission is witnessed, and often results in irreversible disabilities and deformities due to delayed- or misdiagnosis. Early detection of leprosy represents a substantial hurdle in present-day leprosy health care. The dearth of timely diagnosis has, however, particularly severe consequences in the case of inflammatory episodes, designated leprosy reactions, which represent the major cause of leprosy-associated irreversible neuropathy. There is currently no accurate, routine diagnostic test to reliably detect leprosy reactions, or to predict which patients will develop these immunological exacerbations. Identification of host biomarkers for leprosy reactions, particularly if correlating with early onset prior to development of clinical symptoms, will allow timely interventions that contribute to decreased morbidity. Development of a point-of-care (POC) test based on such correlates would be a definite game changer in leprosy health care. In this review, proteomic-, transcriptomic and metabolomic research strategies aiming at identification of host biomarker-based correlates of leprosy reactions are discussed, next to external factors associated with occurrence of these episodes. The vast diversity in research strategies combined with the variability in patient- and control cohorts argues for harmonisation of biomarker discovery studies with geographically overarching study sites. This will improve identification of specific correlates associated with risk of these damaging inflammatory episodes in leprosy and subsequent application to rapid field tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the end of World War II, the activities of the Polish Olympic Committee were reactivated. In the new political reality this institution was treated by the communists as a „remnant of the bourgeois sport structure" but it was deemed necessary as sport could be used for political propaganda of the system prevailing in the countries of the people 's democracy. Therefore, the Kremlin accepted an invitation to participate in the International Olympic Committee and, consequently, in the Olympic Movement. The membership of Poles in the IOC was an important element of this participation. Formally, the IOC was governed by the principle of „reverse" membership. IOC members were therefore representatives of organizations in the countries from which they came. However, in accordance with the assumptions of the communists, IOC members from Poland were expected to be trusted people of the people 's power, in order to shape the profile of the IOC together with their counterparts from other countries ofpeople 's democracy. The communists made unsuccessful attempts to introduce such persons to the IOC several times. It was not possible until 1961 when Włodzimierz Reczek became a member of the IOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Determining the riverine carbon fluxes to oceans is critical for an improved understanding of C budgets and biogeochemical cycles (C, O) over a broad range of spatial and time scales. Among the particulate organic carbon (POC) involved in these fluxes, those yielded by sedimentary rocks (petrogenic POC: pPOC) remain somewhat uncertain as to their source on continental surfaces. Based on time series from long‐term observatories, we refine the POC and sediments flux of the Rhône River, one of the major tributaries to the Mediterranean Sea. Radiocarbon measurements on a set of riverine samples and forward modelling were used to (i) determine a modelled pPOC content and pPOC/POC ratio for each sample set, (ii) assess pPOC flux delivered to the NW Mediterranean Sea, and (iii) estimate the badlands contribution from the Durance catchment to both the pPOC and to sediment discharges. The weighted pPOC flux contributes up to 26% of the POC flux (145 Gg yr‐1) discharged into the Mediterranean Sea, whereas the weighted pPOC content reaches 0.31 wt%. Despite their low contributive surface area (0.2%), badlands provide, respectively, 12, 3.5 and 14% of the pPOC, POC and sediment fluxes to the Rhône River. Consequently, such rocks can be considered as a major source of pPOC and sediments for the NW Mediterranean Sea and potentially for oceans. We suggest that river‐dominated ocean margins, such as the Rhône River, with badlands in their catchment could export a significant amount of pPOC to the oceans. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the release and remineralization of organic matter by benthic macroorganisms provides insight into nutrient cycling and microbial metabolism in coral reef environments. The release rate of particulate (POC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by the soft coral Lobophytum crassum was quantified and subsequent bacterial growth rates determined in response to this resource, and compared with results from those of the common hard coral Acropora intermedia . The results of this study show that the soft coral released more DOC than POC into the surrounding seawater, similar to what was measured for the hard coral species. However, the soft coral-derived organic matter fostered a lower microbial growth rate with a lower growth efficiency compared to DOC and POC of hard corals, likely due to the lower C:N ratio of the organic matter derived from soft corals. These results suggest that soft coral exudates are relatively refractory compared to the mucus of hard corals. Possible phase shifts from hard to soft corals on degraded reefs may represent very different changes in microbial community dynamics and metabolism as compared to the widely studied coral-algal phase shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy loss is a common outcome of conception affecting about 15-20%of the clinically recognized pregnancies. Chromosomal anomalies have been demonstrated to play role in the same. Cytogenetic analysis becomes mandatory to recognize probable chromosomal abnormalities. This retrospective study aimed to describe the prevalence of chromosomal disorders in couples experiencing recurrent abortions (RA). A total of 160 North Indian Couples with RA were evaluated for cytogenetic analysis. Out of the 160 couples (320 individuals) assessed, 15 individuals (4.68%) had chromosomal abnormalities. The frequency and distribution of chromosomal anomalies among both males (5%) and females (4.37%) was evaluated. This study suggests the importance of chromosomal analysis in RA cases for better diagnosis and genetic counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 5G (fifth-generation mobile communications) and Internet of Things era, trends such as work on social infrastructure services, the explosive increase in the number of terminals and the amount of network traffic, and the use of artificial intelligence for smart devices and services will have a huge impact on networks, thereby increasing the need for new network architectures. This article analyzes the impact of these trends, examines network requirements, and introduces initiatives to develop the necessary architectures and key technological elements verified by proof of concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of particle size distribution (PSD) gives insights on the dynamics of distinct pools of particles in the ocean, which reflect the functioning of the marine ecosystem and the efficiency of the carbon pump. In this study, we combined continuous particle size estimations and discrete measurements focused on phytoplankton to describe a spring bloom in the North West Mediterranean Sea. During April 2013, about 90 continuous profiles of PSD quantified through in situ laser diffraction and transmissiometry (the Laser in situ Scattering and Transmissiometry Deep (LISST-Deep), Sequoia Sc) were complemented by Niskin bottle samples for flow cytometry analyses, taxonomic identification by optical microscopy and pigments quantification. In the euphotic zone, the PSD shape seen by the LISST was fairly stable with two particle volume peaks covering the 2–11 µm and 15–109 µm size fractions. The first pool strongly co-varied with the chlorophyll fluorescence emitted by phytoplankton cells. In addition, over the 2–11 µm fraction, the LISST derived abundance was highly correlated with the abundance of nanophytoplankton counted by flow cytometry. Microscopy identified a phytoplankton community dominated by nanodiatoms and nanoflagellates. High correlation of LISST derived particle carbon and Particulate Organic Carbon and high nitrogen in the Particulate Organic Matter also supported a dominance of actively growing phytoplankton cells in this pool. The second, broader pool of particles covering sizes 15–109 µm was possibly microflocs coming from rivers and/or sediments. This study demonstrates the complementarity of continuous measurements of PSD combined with discrete measurements to better quantify size, abundance, biomass, and spatial (both vertical and horizontal) distribution of phytoplankton in open ocean environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification the Dissolved and Particulate organic carbon in marine waters is an essential step towards ecosystem modeling and understanding carbon sequestration processes. A detailed view of estimated and recorded carbon concentration from Arctic to Antarctic is the prime goal of this review. This review compiles some of the important research work carried out in quantifying the organic carbon available in off shore and open waters and in coral reef environment. The cited literatures were collected, grouped and carefully analyzed to give a comprehensive view on current status of marine environment with regard to distribution of dissolved and particulate organic carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis is a significant problem globally for domestic animals as well as captive and free ranging wild life. Rapid point of care (POC) serology kits are well suited for the diagnosis of TB in wild animals. However, wild animals are invariably exposed to environmental non-pathogenic mycobacterium species with the development of cross reacting antibodies. In the present study, POC TB diagnosis kit was developed using a combination of pathogenic Mycobacteria specific recombinant antigens and purified protein derivatives of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Mycobacteria. To benchmark the TB antibody detection kit, particularly in respect to specificity which could not be determined in wildlife due to the lack of samples from confirmed uninfected animals, we first tested well-characterized sera from 100 M. bovis infected and 100 uninfected cattle. Then we investigated the kit’s performance using sera samples from wildlife, namely Sloth Bears (n = 74), Elephants (n = 9), Cervidae (n = 14), Felidae (n = 21), Cape buffalo (n = 2), Wild bear (n = 1) and Wild dog (n = 1).In cattle, a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 90% were obtained. The diagnostic sensitivity of the kit was 94% when the kit was tested using known TB positive sloth bear sera samples. 47.4% of the in-contact sloth bears turned seropositive using the rapid POC TB diagnostic kit. Seropositivity in other wild animals was 25% when the sera samples were tested using the kit. A point of care TB sero-diagnostic kit with the combination of proteins was developed and the kit was validated using the sera samples of wild animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pre-operative evaluation of biliary strictures remains challenging. The dilemma that exists is how to balance the risk of failing to detect malignancy and the potential morbidity caused by unnecessary surgery in patients with benign etiologies. With emerging novel diagnostic modalities, this study aims to assess the efficacy of diagnostic techniques and facilitate a clinical approach to indeterminate biliary strictures. Areas covered: Conventional imaging modalities are crucial in identifying the location of a stricture and are helpful for choosing further diagnostic modalities. Utilization of endoscopic techniques, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), is key in establishing a diagnosis. The emergence of novel diagnostic modalities, such as fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), peroral cholangioscopy (POC), intraductal endoscopic ultrasound (IDUS) and confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), enhance the diagnostic yield in the evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures. Expert commentary: More reliable and validated visual criteria for differentiating malignancy from benign biliary conditions, utilizing advanced imaging modalities such as POC and CLE, need to be established. It is of significance to further evaluate these novel diagnostic modalities through ongoing trials and to develop a diagnostic algorithm that reconciles cost-effectiveness with diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and many public health jurisdictions continue to advocate for the most sensitive rapid HIV test that is available. Currently, the recommendation is to utilize tests that can detect HIV infection biomarkers within 30 days of infection, when initial immune responses are mounted. The infected patient's IgM response is often used to detect acute infection within a 20-25 days window after infection. This requirement applies to lab-based testing with automated analyzers and rapid, point of care (POC) testing used for screening in a non-clinical setting. A recent study has demonstrated that POC tests using a Protein A-based detection system can detect samples with predominantly HIV-1 IgM reactivity (Moshgabadi et al., 2015). The OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test (OraQuick ADVANCE®) also uses Protein A as the detection protein in the antibody-binding colloidal gold conjugate, so it is expected that the OraQuick ADVANCE® Test will also detect samples with predominantly IgM reactivity. This report definitively demonstrates that the OraQuick ADVANCE® Test can detect IgM antibodies during an acute infection window period of approximately 20-25 days after infection, and is therefore suitable for use in testing environments requiring adherence to current CDC recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antarctic polynyas are among the most productive areas in the ocean. They are subjected to strong temporal variations, having profound effects on the local ecosystems. We tested the changes occurring in several biogeochemical features [Chlorophyll a (Chl a), phaeopigment, dissolved and particulate organic carbon (DOC and POC) concentrations] as well as in biological dynamics (prokaryotic and nanoplanktonic abundance, heterotrophic carbon production and degradative activities) at the transition between late spring and summer in surface waters (upper 125 m) in the Terra Nova Bay polynya, in the Ross Sea. Samplings were performed from January 18 to 21 and, after an interval of almost 5 days, from January 25 to 27. The first period was characterised by spring conditions still maintained by the presence in the area of two mega-icebergs (B15 and C19), which caused a delay in the ice melting that started during the second survey. Chlorophyll a concentrations were highest during the first period, whereas phaeopigments/Chl a ratio increased during the following sampling time suggesting variations in phytoplankton biomass/physiology and a change in organic matter (OM) quality. No significant differences in DOC and POC concentration were detected between the two periods together with unvaried abundances of prokaryotes and small protists. The changes in OM over time were evidenced also by changing exoenzymatic activity patterns. Notwithstanding the general variations occurring during the surveys, heterotrophic production and prokaryotic growth were not substantially modified, suggesting a rapid (timescales of days) acclimation to changing organic matter quality for the maintenance of prokaryotic metabolic requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate organic matter (POM) transiting through rivers could be lost to overbank storage, stored in-channel, added to by erosion or autochthonous production, or turned over to release greenhouse gases to the atmosphere (either while in the water column or while stored in the channel). In the UK, a net loss of POM across catchments has been recorded, and the aim here was to investigate the balances of processes acting on the POM. This study considered records of suspended sediment and POM flux in comparison to stream flow, velocity, stream power, and residence time for the River Trent (English Midlands, 8,231 km2). We show that for the lower two thirds (106 km) of the River Trent, 2% is lost to overbank storage; 10% is lost to the atmosphere in the water column; and 31% is turned over while in temporary storage. Permanent in-channel storage is negligible, and for the lower course of the river, material stored in-channel will have a residence time of the order of hundreds of days between the last flood hydrograph of one winter and the first winter storm of the next winter (usually in the same calendar year). When considered at the scale of the UK, 1% POM in transit would be lost to overbank sedimentation; 5% turned over in the water column, and 14% turned over while in temporary storage. In the upper third of the study river channel, there is insufficient stream power to transport sediment and so in-channel storage or in-channel turnover over to the atmosphere dominate. The in-channel processes of the River Trent do not conform to that expected for river channels as the headwaters are not eroding or transporting sediment. Therefore, the source of sediment must be lower down the channel network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical rivers account for two thirds of global fluxes of terrigenous organic matter to the oceans, yet because of their remote locations relative to most industrialized countries, they are poorly studied compared to temperate and even Arctic rivers. Further, most tropical river research has focused on large rivers like the Amazon or Congo, yet more than half of organic matter fluxes from tropical rivers comes from much smaller rivers. This study focuses on two such rivers in the Luquillo Experimental Forest of Puerto Rico, namely the Rio Mameyes and Rio Icacos, and uses time-series measurements of lignin biomarkers to put them in context with much bigger tropical rivers in the literature. Although lignin concentrations and carbon-normalized yields offer some distinction between mountainous vs. floodplain tropical river reaches, compositional differences appear to offer greater potential, including S:V vs. C:V plots that may capture the poorly-studied influence of palm trees, and (Ad:Al)s vs. (Ad:Al)v plots that may reflect differences in underlying mineralogy and degradation in soils. Even though dissolved and particulate lignin ultimately come from the same vegetation sources, comparison of dissolved and particulate lignin parameters within the two Puerto Rican rivers indicate that the pathways by which they end up in the same parcel of river water are largely decoupled. Across several particulate lignin studies in tropical rivers, mineral composition and concentration appears to exert a strong control on particulate lignin compositions and concentrations. Finally, the time-series nature of this study allows for new ways of analyzing dissolved lignin endmember compositions and degradation within the catchment. Plots of dissolved lignin parameters vs. lignin concentration reveal both the composition of “fresh” DOM that is likely mobilized from organic-rich soil surface layers along with the extent and trajectory of degradation of that signature that is possible within the lower mineral layers of the soil. Establishing connectivity between river chemistry and catchment sources and processes in this manner is the only way to realize the full potential of river chemistry as a diagnostic tool for changing sources and processes within the catchment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to ever-increasing global warming, ocean acidification, and inshore eutrophication, the outbreak of golden tides with Sargassum horneri has increased in the Yellow sea, where the biomass carbon enters three main carbon pathways: a. Removal of carbon from seawater by salvage, known as removable carbon; b. Biomass carbon is deposited to the seafloor through POC and RDOC through Biological Carbon Pump and Microbial Carbon Pump; c. Re -entering the carbon cycle through the food chain or re-entering the atmosphere through the action of microbes. Estimating carbon fixation (removable carbon) and storage (particulate organic carbon (POC) and refractory dissolved organic carbon (RDOC)) is vital in studying the global carbon cycle. In this research, it was observed that the C content of S. horneri was high, and the utilization rate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), RDOC, and POC was also high in the eutrophication environment, where only 2.71 % of algal biomass carbon was converted to RDOC, and only 0.20 % converted to POC. The C + N + P combination has a restart effect on the seasonal accumulation of RDOC in relevant sea areas. It is suggested that the salvage and resource utilization should be strengthened to effectively control the golden tide and reduce the substantial economic losses to realize the win-win situation of carbon sink and environmental restoration. • Contents of biomass C and "removable carbon" and concentrations of DOC and POC after 256 days of degradation were measured. • The C + N + P combination has a restart effect on the seasonal accumulation of RDOC in relevant sea areas. • Recommendations for management of Sargassum horneri provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate organic carbon (POC) plays an important role in the global carbon cycle. The POC in the Changjiang Estuary and adjacent coastal region of the East China Sea (ECS) is dominated by riverine input and marine production and is significantly influenced by the three gorges project (TGP). A coupled physical-biogeochemical model was used to evaluate TGP’s impact on POC. The results demonstrate that TGP regulates the area influenced by diluted water and POC through direct river and sediment discharge and affects the ecosystem. From the early to later TGP construction periods, the surface region with high-POC concentration (>40 μmol L−1) decreases by 20.5% in area and 11.5% in concentration. Meanwhile, POC in the whole water column decreases from 19.5 to 17.8 μmol L−1. By contrast, the concentrations of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and related nutrients increase. A three end-member mixing model based on quasi-conservative temperature and salinity is used to quantify relative contributions of different water sources to POC in our research area. We also estimate the biological POC production by the difference between the physical-biogeochemical model predicted POC and three end-member model mixing POC. The result demonstrate that under the regulation of TGP in the later period, the decrease of sediment load increases water transparency, which favors photosynthesis and oceanic biological produced POC. In addition, over 70% of the areas have C/Chl-a > 200 and high C/N ratios, which are circumstantial evidences that organic detritus and terrestrial input sources still dominate in the Changjiang Estuary and adjacent coastal ECS but are influenced by TGP’s regulation.

Point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostics play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. It is necessary to develop portable, easy-to-use, inexpensive and rapid molecular diagnostic tools. In this study, we proposed a lab-on-a-chip device that integrated DNA extraction, solid-phase PCR and genotyping detection. The ingenious design of the pneumatic microvalves enabled the fluid mixing and reagent storage to be organically combined, significantly reducing the size of the chip. The solid oligonucleotide array incorporated into the chip allowed the spatial separation of the primers and minimized undesirable interactions in multiplex amplification. As a proof-of-concept for POC molecular diagnostics on the device, five genotypes of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) (HPV16/HPV18/HPV31/HPV33/HPV58) were examined. Positive quality control samples and HPV patient cervical swab specimens were analyzed on the integrated microdevice. The platform was capable of detection approximately 50 copies of HPV virus per reaction during a single step, including DNA extraction, solid-phase PCR and genotype detection, in 1 h from samples being added to the chip. This simple and inexpensive microdevice provided great utility for the screening and monitoring of HPV genotypes. The sample-to-result platform will pave the way for wider application of POC molecular testing in the fields of clinical diagnostics, food safety, and environmental monitoring.