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Researchers at the Harbin Institute of Technology in China have developed a new technique called nanoparticle-enhanced laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (NELIBS) for analyzing serum elements in breast cancer patients. The researchers used silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to enhance spectral emission intensities, and compared an Ag NP-coated filter paper substrate with silicon and aluminum substrates for NELIBS analysis. The Ag NP paper substrate showed better elemental distribution uniformity and lower spectral intensity variances. The study concluded that NELIBS using an Ag NP paper substrate is an effective method for serum analysis with limited sample preparation. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Shaanxi University of Science and Technology in Xi'an, China have developed a bio-based waterborne polyurethane coating agent for kraft paper packaging. The coating, which is derived from biomass materials, includes hydrophobically modified cellulose nanocrystals and polycarbonate diimide, resulting in improved mechanical strength, waterproofing, and high barrier properties. The coated kraft paper showed a decrease in water absorption and increased tensile strength, making it a promising alternative to plastic membrane or liner paper in food packaging. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Shizuoka University in Hamamatsu, Japan have conducted a study on the potential for bioethanol production from paper sludge (PS) obtained from paper mills. The researchers found that waste-paper-containing PS can be used as a raw material for bioethanol production, as the global waste paper utilization rate has increased. They used subcritical water pretreatment to selectively decompose enzyme inhibitors in the PS without generating other enzyme inhibitors, resulting in a significant increase in bioethanol yield. The researchers concluded that this method could enable the use of large amounts of PS as ethanol feedstock in the future. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Nanjing Forestry University in the People's Republic of China have developed a multifunctional air filter paper with flame retardant, antibacterial, and hydrophobic properties. The paper was prepared using chemical treatment with pre-synthesized N, N-biguanide-diethyl phosphonic acid (AGDEPA) and octadecyl trichlorosilane (OTS). The air filter paper demonstrated self-extinguishing behavior, met industry standards for flame retardant materials, and showed high efficiency in killing E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. The addition of mercerized fibers also improved the air permeability of the filter paper. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study by Duksung Women's University that developed a novel HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method to analyze phospholipids and sphingolipids in plasma samples from colorectal cancer patients and healthy individuals. Topics discussed include the differentiation of lipid metabolite concentrations between cancer and healthy subjects, the use of statistical models like PLS-DA and random forest classification, and the potential of identified lipids as biomarkers for colorectal cancer.

Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a conductive polymer nanocomposite that can be used to monitor levels of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid deficiency affects a significant portion of underdeveloped populations, and there is a growing demand for its monitoring. The nanocomposite, which is based on polyaniline, polystyrene sulfonate, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, shows good ascorbic acid sensing characteristics and has the potential to support widespread and affordable monitoring of ascorbic acid deficiency. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at North-Eastern Hill University in Meghalaya, India, has developed a paper-based chemometer device for the estimation of alpha-amylase, a biomarker for pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a life-threatening inflammatory disease of the pancreas, and the level of alpha-amylase increases during this condition. The paper-based chemometer device uses a distance-based sensing method to measure the concentration of alpha-amylase in a sample. The device showed promising results in simulated samples and artificial blood serum, but further evaluation in clinical settings is needed before it can be used for measuring alpha-amylase in patients. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University in Raipur, India have published a review paper on the development of colorimetric and fluorometric paper-based analytical devices (PADs) for rapid point-of-care diagnosis of disease biomarkers. The paper discusses the principles of colorimetry and fluorometry and their application in detecting various biomolecules. Metal nanoparticles and quantum dots are highlighted as versatile sensing probes in these devices. The review provides an overview of the fabrication techniques, integration with portable devices, and diverse applications of these paper-based diagnostic platforms. The researchers conclude that the combination of metal nanoparticles and quantum dots with paper-based devices shows promise for advancing point-of-care diagnostics. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Tianjin University of Science and Technology in China discusses the use of fiber-based and functional paper food packaging in the industry. These materials offer versatility, excellent performance, and potential sustainability benefits. The report summarizes the latest research on the raw materials, physical and chemical properties, and roles of fiber and functional paper in food packaging. It also highlights advancements in their application and suggests future research directions to enhance food safety, quality, and sustainability. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Food Chemistry. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Shandong University of Technology in Zibo, China, has developed a new sensor platform for detecting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The researchers used a combination of polypyrrole and paper-derived carbon to create a non-enzymatic sensor that demonstrated high sensitivity and stability. The sensor's performance was attributed to the unique structure of the polypyrrole/paper-derived carbon composite, which prevented the self-dimerization of hemin, a key component of the sensor. This research has potential applications in various fields, including health and medicine. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Yanbian University in Jilin, China have developed a new method for detecting and resolving chiral metabolites in human sweat, specifically DL-lactic acid (DL-LA) enantiomers. The method involves using a dried sweat spot paper (DSSP) and a novel mass spectrometric chiral probe. The researchers found that the D/L lactate ratio in human sweat could potentially be used as a biomarker for diabetes screening. This non-invasive method has the potential to be an early-warning diagnostic tool for diabetes. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from South China Agricultural University discusses the challenges of detecting foodborne pathogens and the potential use of the CRISPR/Cas system integrated with paper-based analytical devices for rapid detection. The researchers highlight the advantages, current challenges, and future prospects of this approach. The study concludes that combining the efficient recognition ability of the CRISPR/Cas system with the simplicity of paper-based analytical devices could enable the rapid and sensitive detection of foodborne pathogens. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into improving food safety. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Odisha, India, has found that a low-cost paper-based test can be used for the rapid diagnosis of sickle cell disease. The test, which is based on the principle of haemoglobin solubility, showed 100% sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing sickle cell patients from non-sickle cell blood samples. It is a simple, rapid, and accurate screening test that can be performed by individuals with minimal training at the community level. The researchers concluded that the paper-based haemoglobin solubility test is a cost-effective and reliable method for diagnosing sickle cell disease. [Extracted from the article]

A research study conducted at Central China Normal University in Wuhan, People's Republic of China, examined the temporal characteristics of clinical citations in biomedical papers. The study analyzed over 23 million biomedical papers in PubMed from 1940 to 2013. The results showed that highly clinically cited papers had an advantage in receiving clinical citations compared to medium and lowly clinically cited papers. Additionally, papers closer to clinical science were more likely to receive clinical citations than those closer to basic science. The findings of this study may be useful for pharmaceutical companies, government policy-makers, and young scholars in biomedicine. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Nanjing Forestry University in China discusses the development of paper-based materials with hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties for food packaging. The research highlights the need for eco-friendly alternatives to plastic packaging and explores the use of paper-based materials derived from renewable resources. The study outlines the challenges faced by paper-based materials and the introduction of antimicrobial agents and hydrophobic substances to improve their physical and functional properties. The research concludes that these advancements in paper-based materials offer a robust alternative to plastic food packaging, with superior food preservation capabilities. [Extracted from the article]

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

A recent report from researchers at Universitas Brawijaya explores the journey of Indonesia in the digital marketplace, with a focus on Facebook as a platform for commerce. The study reveals that local merchants and consumers initially experienced trepidation and uncertainties due to unfamiliarity with the digital ecosystem and concerns about security, trustworthiness, and cultural fit. However, a combination of improved technological infrastructure, community-led knowledge sharing, and Facebook's localized strategies has led to a thriving environment for digital commerce. The Indonesian case serves as an example for other emerging markets navigating their own digital transformations. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in China explored the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the protective effect of pair-housing on post-stroke depression (PSD). The study used a mouse model of PSD induced by occluding the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) and restraint stress. The results showed that pair-housed mice had better performance on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors compared to PSD mice, and their intestinal flora was improved. Pair-housing also improved gut barrier disorder and inflammation caused by PSD. However, these improvements were reversed when the mice were given antibiotic water. The researchers concluded that pair-housing significantly improves PSD through the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and the homeostasis of gut microbiota is necessary for this protective effect. [Extracted from the article]

A review article published in Science China Life Sciences provides an overview of suppressor tRNA and its potential in gene therapy for genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations. Suppressor tRNA is a molecule that can bypass stop codons in the genetic code, allowing translation to continue and resulting in the production of full-length proteins. The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of suppressor tRNA therapy compared to other readthrough therapies and highlights the potential application of suppressor tRNA in treating genetic diseases. While suppressor tRNA therapy shows promise, it still faces challenges such as efficiency and potential cytotoxicity. The development of molecular biology, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and delivery systems is driving the advancement of suppressor tRNA gene therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology has developed a portable platform for the quantification of vitamin D levels using image recognition and paper-based microfluidics. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various diseases and adverse health outcomes, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The system comprises a smartphone accessory, an app, and a test strip that allows for the colorimetric detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. The researchers demonstrated that the system can accurately measure physiological levels of vitamin D and compared it to well-established ELISA test kits, showing equivalency of results. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Shandong, China discusses the development of a new method for extracting compounds with desired pharmaceutical functions from natural products. The researchers synthesized an imidazole-functionalized paper membrane that demonstrated selectivity in extracting gallic acid from pomegranate peel. The optimal membrane solid-phase extraction method allowed for easy quantitative analysis with a limit of detection of 0.1 ng mL(-1). This work provides a novel approach to preparing extraction membranes and offers an analytical method for natural products. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Xuzhou Medical University in Jiangsu, China have developed a multiplex paper-based electrochemical immunosensor for the simultaneous monitoring of blood biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The sensor allows for the detection of beta-amyloid protein (A beta) and Fetuin B, both of which are correlated with AD progression. The sensor demonstrated high specificity, sensitivity, and stability, and successfully determined A beta and Fetuin B levels in serum and brain tissue of transgenic AD mice. This research may contribute to the exploration of more AD-related blood markers. [Extracted from the article]

A report from investigators at Peking Union Medical College in Beijing, China compares two urine tests, the Congo-red dot paper test (CRD) and dipstick urinalysis, for screening preeclampsia in pregnant women. The study found that the agreement between the two tests was modest, with the CRD test having higher specificity but lower sensitivity compared to urinalysis. The researchers concluded that urinalysis is a better diagnostic test for preeclampsia, but CRD could aid in the diagnosis and combining the two tests may improve performance. Further research is needed for potential clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Dankook University in Cheonan, South Korea, has developed a new coating solution for paper-based food packaging materials. The solution, made from oxalic acid-modified polyvinyl alcohol (POA) crosslinked with calcium ions, improves the water resistance and barrier properties of conventional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The POA-coated paper showed excellent oxygen and water vapor barrier properties and demonstrated high recyclability and biodegradability. The researchers concluded that this multicoated paper has great potential for use in food packaging applications. [Extracted from the article]

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