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In this work, poly(para-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) paper sheets composed of PPTA fibers and PPTA fibrids filled with highly crystalline and high ratio of length to diameter potassium titanate whiskers (PTW) were investigated in view of possible employment as reinforcement and cost-reducing materials. The morphological characteristics and the role of PPTA fibrids, the influence of PTW on the mechanical properties, interfacial adhesion, and thermal stability of the PPTA paper sheets were discussed. The results showed that the ductile, flexible and rough morphological characteristics of PPTA fibrids are helpful to improve the properties of PPTA paper. PTTA fibrids strongly wrapped PTW in the PPTA paper sheet was observed, which largely enhanced the retention rate of PTW and further improved the interfacial combination. The presence of PTW improved the mechanical properties and thermal stability of PPTA paper sheets. This research demonstrated the improvement of thermal and mechanical performances of PPTA paper sheets by incorporating of PTW, suggesting a significant cost-reducing potential for the production of PPTA paper composite materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1390-1395, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycled paper mill sludge (RPMS) was hydrothermally treated by subcritical water (SBW) in two modes of operation, namely semi-continuous and batch, at temperatures in the range 150–250 °C, and 100 bar. The performance of both systems was analyzed in terms of degree of hydrolysis, product yield and formation of degradation products. The highest degree of RMPS hydrolysis was achieved using the batch reactor configuration, while in the semi-continuous system higher yields of water soluble compounds (WSC) and monosaccharides were achieved. By using the semi-continuous system at 100 bar, 250 °C and a water flow rate of 5 mL/min, 40% of the organic carbon content of RPMS was recovered in the form of soluble compounds. Additionally 20% of total carbohydrates and 75% of total lignin of RPMS were recovered as soluble material. Detailed mass balances performed for both operational modes revealed that under batch mode, the naturally occurring compounds found in RPMS underwent significant transformation, generating derivatives referred to as degradation products. An analysis of the severity factor was performed for both operational modes. It was concluded that significant values of WSC were only obtained for severity factors higher than four. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To compare the degree of fibre shedding by six brands of endodontic paper point when used for the paper point technique ( PPT) of working length confirmation. Methodology An in vitro model simulating the clinical use of paper points in PPT was used to assess the degree of fibre shedding of six brands of size 20, .02 taper paper point. Whilst observing the artificial terminal foramen with polarized light microscopy, the number of fibres shed directly (point inserted 1 mm beyond the terminal foramen) and indirectly (point inserted to length then a gutta-percha point inserted) was assessed. The degree of direct fibre shedding as a function of brand was analysed with Fisher's exact test and multiple pairwise comparisons. Indirect fibre shedding was analysed with Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results All brands shed fibres both directly and indirectly, with a significant influence of brand on the proportion of fibres shed directly ( P < 0.0306) and on the mean number of fibres shed indirectly ( P < 0.0001). Post hoc analysis demonstrated a similar hierarchy of point integrity for both tests with Classic (UnoDent, Witham, UK) shedding significantly more than other brands and SS White (Gloucester, UK) and Antæos® ( VDW, Munich, Germany) shedding the least. Conclusion All brands of paper point may shed cellulose fibres both directly and indirectly with a significant influence of brand on the degree of fibre shedding. Further work should be undertaken to develop biocompatible absorbent dental points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the performance of a paper machine dynamic model. According to the author, dynamic models of paper machines that have the capability to calculate the performance of various paper machines are fast becoming significant assets not only to the paper industry but to the research community as well. The author cites the evaluation made on a simulator package for modeling the wet-end of a pilot paper machine. For comparison, the data gathered following the operation of a pilot-scale paper machine and the data produced by the model were used.

The article presents a pilot-scale study on the application potential of pulsed electrocoagulation technology to old corrugated containerboard (OCC)-based paper mill effluent. The study primarily targets to determine the treatment performance of the electrocoagulation system to address the discharge of effluents of an OCC-based paper mill for water reuse. Using the technology, an investigation on several water quality indicated was conducted, examining the electrical conductivity, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand and true color of the water. Details on the study are included, showing an encouraging performance of the technology in treating effluent of an OCC-based paper mill for water recycle.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects that reading on screens (using digital devices with different screen sizes) and on paper have on reading time and comprehension. The study group was comprised of126 secondary students from a private school. To ensure balance, the participants were assigned into test groups, formed according to the size of the reading device, based on class levels, gender, and average school grade. In the data collection process, a narrative text was transferred to both print and electronic media. Access to the text was provided on paper and three digital devices. There were no time limitations. After reading, participants were given comprehension tests that consisted of twenty multiple-choice questions. Female participants' on-screen comprehension scores were found to be relatively higher compared to their paper comprehension scores. They also acquired better scores as the screen size increased. Conversely, male participants had higher comprehension scores on tablets and smart phones. Participants who read the text on smart phones and tablets completed the tasks in less time compared to other groups. However, the effects of reading modality on comprehension and reading time were not found to be statistically significant in either the male or female groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an inkjet printing method for the fabrication of entire microfluidic multianalyte chemical sensing devices made from paper suitable for quantitative analysis, requiring only a single printing apparatus. An inkjet printing device is used for the fabrication of three-dimensional hydrophilic microfluidic patterns (550-μm-wide flow channels) and sensing areas (1.5 mm × 1.5 mm squares) on filter paper, by inkjet etching, and thereby locally dissolving a hydrophobic poly(styrene) layer obtained by soaking of the filter paper in a 1 wt % solution of poly(styrene) in toluene. In a second step, the same inkjet printing device is used to print "chemical sensing inks", comprising the necessary reagents for colorimetric analytical assays, into well-defined areas of the patterned microfluidic paper devices. The arrangement of the patterns, printed inks, and sensing areas was optimized to obtain homogeneous color responses. The results are "all-inkjet-printed" chemical sensing devices for the simultaneous determination of pH, total protein, and glucose in clinically relevant concentration ranges for urine analysis (0.46-46 μM for human serum albumin, 2.8-28.0 mM for glucose, and pH 5-9). Quantitative data are obtained by digital color analysis in the L*a*b* color space by means of a color scanner and a simple computer program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABO blood group is the most important blood type system for transfusion medicine. A paper-based analytical device (PAD) for ABO blood typing has been proposed. The device was composed of Whatman No. 113 paper, an absorbent gel pad, and a 3D-printing cassette. The 3D-printing cassette contained two circular holes for display of letters “A” and “B” on the PAD. Whole blood was dropped onto hydrophilic letters A and B on the PAD, in which the anti-A and anti-B were pre-immobilized, respectively. An absorbent gel pad was used to adsorb excess blood sample and washing solution during the washing step. The particle size of agglutinated red blood cells (RBCs) could not be eluted out of the paper by the elution solution. In contrast, non-agglutinated RBCs were washed out by means of elution solution. The devices could be used for real blood samples in a wide range of hematocrit levels, 21-59%. Unknown blood group samples (n = 500) were identified by the developed device and the results were compared with the conventional method, revealing 100% accuracy. Because of its compact size with low-cost fabrication, the portable ABO blood typing device has great potential for point-of-care testing, particularly in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, disposable and sensitive microfluidic paper-based electrochemical immunosensor (μ-PEI) was developed by using gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) decorated reduced graphene oxide-tetraethylene pentamine (rGO-TEPA/Au nanocomposite) as electrode materials. The rGO-TEPA greatly amplified the current response due to its excellent conductivity and large surface area. Au NPs was decorated on the surface of rGO-TEPA to increase the biocompatibility and retained good stability for rGO-TEPA/Au nanocomposite, which was used as an effective sensor platform for anchoring the capturing antibodies (Ab 1 ) and accelerating the electron transfer to the screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). The simple and disposable paper-based microfluidic channel patterned on the rGO-TEPA/Au nanocomposite modified SPEs (SPEs/rGO-TEPA/Au) was designed for combination of immunochromatography and immunofiltration simultaneously. With the combination of portable SPEs/rGO-TEPA/Au and simple paper-based microfluidic devices, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and labeled signal antibodies (Ab 2 ) co-immobilized gold nanorods (HRP-GNRs-Ab 2 ) was explored as the tracers for square wave voltammetry (SWV) detection. Using Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) as a model analyte, the proposed μ-PEI exhibited a satisfactory performance like simple fabrication, high stability, selectivity, wide linear range (0.01 ng mL −1 –100.0 ng mL −1 ) with a low detection limit (0.005 ng mL −1 ). Furthermore, human serum were applied to the obtained μ-PEI and determined with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a validation study conducted for the Illinois State Police, two processing techniques (1,2-indanedione and ThermaNin) for visualizing latent prints on thermal paper underwent performance checks prior to their inclusion in the Illinois State Police Latent Prints Procedures Manual. Five participants deposited fingerprints on six types of thermal papers, which were then cut in half lengthwise. Each half was then processed by one of the two techniques. The ages of the sample latent prints were varied as well as the processing times. Preserved latent print detail was evaluated by 10 experienced latent print examiners, who judged the samples for the presence or absence of latent print detail and the quality of any detail produced. In addition, the examiners judged whether prints were suitable for comparison and were asked which processing method was preferred. Both 1,2-indanedione and ThermaNin were productive on sample latent prints, with ridge detail developed on 99.2% and 95% of the samples, respectively. Additional examination of samples meant to imitate casework also showed success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of paper and cardboard coated with different emulsions as food contact materials. The paper and cardboard were covered (impregnated) with a single layer of three different emulsions produced using paraffin and waxes, varying in content of dry matter, pH and emulsifiers. The organoleptic properties, overall and specific migration expressed as cadmium and lead content, were evaluated. Moreover, the water and oil contact angle and samples’ microstructure were analyzed in order to determine the resistance of materials to moisture and grease penetration. The analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated that some of the examined emulsions penetrated the material, and others created a layer of coating. Impregnation of paper and board caused a change in smell, but did not influence the taste of food used to test the impact on sensorial properties. It is worth emphasizing that overall migration limit was not exceeded in the case of all investigated samples. The samples impregnated with emulsions were characterized as having better water (including water vapour) and oil resistance in comparison with the non-coated ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breakdown property of oil-impregnated paper is a key factor for converter transformer design and operation, but it is not well understood. In this paper, breakdown voltages of oil-impregnated paper were measured at different temperatures. The results showed that with the increase of temperature, electrical, electro-thermal and thermal breakdown occurred successively. An electro-thermal breakdown model was proposed based on the heat equilibrium and space charge transport, and negative differential mobility was introduced to the model. It was shown that carrier mobility determined whether it was electrical or thermal breakdown, and the model can effectively explain the temperature-dependent breakdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based analytical devices are fluidic chips fabricated with extremely inexpensive materials, namely paper, thereby allowing their use as a zero-cost analytical device in third-world countries that lack access to expensive diagnostic infrastructures. The aim of this review is to discuss: (1) microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) for quantitative analysis, (2) fabrication of two- or three-dimensional µPADs, (3) analytical methods of µPADs, and (4) our opinions regarding the future applications of [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Noncovalent side-wall functionalization of SWCNT with a pyrene bearing calix[4]pyrrole is reported. The modified SWCNT has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. This calix[4]pyrrole-decorated SWCNT based sensor was implemented on filter paper. The resistance change of SWCNT network upon VOC exposure was monitored in the chemiresistors approach. The calix[4]pyrrole-decorated SWCNT sensor on filter paper was found to show fast and selective sensing of acetone when compared with pristine SWCNT-on-paper sensor due to the binding of acetone by calix[4]pyrrole molecules. The sensor showed logarithmic response toward acetone in a concentration range between 20–500 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have developed a paper-based optical imaging material responding to visible light. This material consists of a thioxanthone (TX) derivative with the additional phenyl carbazole chromophore, namely 1-phenyl-11,12a-dihydrothiochromeno (3,2-b) carbazol-13 (5H)-one (TX-PC), and leuco crystal violet (LCV). TX-PC is newly synthesized and characterized by 1 HNMR, FTIR and high-resolution mass spectrometer. As a visible light absorbing Type II photoinitiator, TX-PC has an excellent absorption property in the visible region in the absence of an added co-initiator. In other words, TX-PC degrades into lively free radicals when irradiating under visible light which resulting in a color reaction on LCV. The degree of reaction is characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometer. In this study, this material is used for imaging within visible light because of the high efficiency color reaction. We coat a paper substrate with this TX-PC/LCV solution and cover with a pattern photomask. Under the irradiation of the visible light, color reaction occurs to irradiated area while the rest remains colorless. Thus the two areas are distinguished to obtain a clear image as same as the original version. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a novel compact ultralightweight multiband RF energy harvester fabricated on a paper substrate. The proposed rectenna is designed to operate in all recently released LTE bands (range 0.79–0.96 GHz; 1.71–2.17 GHz; and 2.5–2.69 GHz). High compactness and ease of integration between antenna and rectifier are achieved by using a topology of nested annular slots. The proposed rectifier features an RF-to-dc conversion efficiency in the range of 5%–16% for an available input power of −20 dBm in all bands of interest, which increases up to 11%–30% at −15 dBm. The rectenna has been finally tested both in laboratory and in realistic scenarios featuring a superior performance to other state-of-the-art RF harvesters on flexible substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study is an analysis of the 100 most cited articles in mitral valve surgery. A bibliometric analysis is a tool to evaluate research performance in a given field. It uses the number of times a publication is cited by others as a proxy marker of its impact. The most cited paper Carpentier et al. discusses mitral valve repair in terms of restoring the geometry of the entire valve rather than simply narrowing the annulus (Carpentier, J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 86:23-37, 1983). The first successful mitral valve repair was performed by Elliot Cutler at Brigham and Women's Hospital in 1923 (Cohn et al., Ann Cardiothorac Surg 4:315, 2015). More recently percutaneous and minimally invasive techniques that were originally designed as an option for high risk patients are being trialled in other patient groups (Hajar, Heart Views 19:160-3, 2018). Comparison of percutaneous method with open repair represents an expanding area of research (Hajar, Heart Views 19:160-3, 2018). This study will analyse the top 100 cited papers relevant to mitral valve surgery, identifying the most influential papers that guide current management, the institutions that produce them and the authors involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the non-destructive method of determining volatile paper degradation products in books. It says that solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methods were applied in different books and paper which quantify the amount and determine the concentration of acetic acid and furfural. Result shows that acetic acid measures from a range of 7-26% in 7 books and the concentration is not related to the age of the book.

This article describes a method for fabricating 3D microfluidic devices by stacking layers of patterned paper and double-sided adhesive tape. Paper-based 3D microfluidic devices have capabilities in microfluidics that are difficult to achieve using conventional open-channel microsystems made from glass or polymers. In particular, 3D paper-based devices wick fluids and distribute microliter volumes of samples from single inlet points into arrays of detection zones (with numbers up to thousands). This capability makes it possible to carry out a range of new analytical protocols simply and inexpensively (all on a piece of paper) without external pumps. We demonstrate a prototype 3D device that tests 4 different samples for up to 4 different analytes and displays the results of the assays in a side-by-side configuration for easy comparison. Three-dimensional paper-based microfluidic devices are especially appropriate for use in distributed healthcare in the developing world and in environmental monitoring and water analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the potential business models of electronic paper devices used by stakeholders in the newspaper value network in the U.S. The value chain and network hold roles important for production and distribution of content on the e-paper device. The newspaper model on e-paper offers particular service on its device. The kiosk model provides additional value to users who can use e-paper reader as mobile platform. It also mentions that newspapers will consider using new distribution channels as way to diversify services.

The printable paper-based enzymatic biofuel cell (PBFC) to directly power small devices is an important objective for realizing cost-effective and disposable energy harvesting devices. In the present study, a screen-printed circular-type PBFC, composed of a series of 5 individual cells, was constructed. The PBFC exhibited the open circuit potential of 2.65 V and maximum power of 350 μW at 1.55 V, which were sufficient to illuminate an LED without requiring a booster circuit. The output voltage of this PBFC can also be easily adjusted as required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a radio frequency plasma equipment designed to be used for the conservation procedures, such as decontamination, cleaning, and consolidation of cellulose-based materials. Decontamination and cleaning are carried out by the low-temperature nitrogen plasma generated between two electrodes, connected to a 1.5-MHz generator. The paper consolidation is performed by coating with compatible polymers in view of long term protection. Surface analyses (color analysis and electron microscopy) were undertaken to assess the uniform display of the polymer on the paper surface. The microbiological tests made on representative samples collected from historical books attested the complete inhibition of bacteria and fungi after, at most, 7-min treatment duration, depending on the initial infestation degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collection of sufficient amounts of chemical residues and metabolites from skin in a non-invasive manner is challenging [1]. The available sampling methods are based on the use of various sampling techniques [2]: macroduct, solvent extraction, tape stripping, oil/membrane approach, implementing absorbing materials such as semipermeable skin patch, alcohol swab, cotton pad, textile, nitrocellulose membrane, or imprinting materials such as silica plate, polydimethylosiloxane film and derivatized silicon. In certain cases, specimen collection is invasive while some materials cause inconvenience due to the time-consuming sampling step. In the past few years, our laboratory developed hydrogel micropatch sampling method, which was successfully combined with mass spectrometry (MS) allowing for detection of skin metabolites [3], disease biomarkers [4], and topical drugs [5]. The previous method took advantage of an atmospheric pressure sample introduction to MS without pre-separation. In fact, such hassle-free interfaces are popular in the MS-related research work [6, 7]. However, eliminating the chromatographic separation step complicates quantitative analysis of complex samples by increasing the risk of isobaric interferences. Another drawback of our previous method was fast drying of the hydrogel (agarose), what put an additional burden on the analyst (preparation of the probes a few hours before sampling skin). In an attempt to address these issues, we have been searching for a better sampling material, and we intended to use it in combination with a hyphenated analytical technique. In principle, one could consider hundreds of synthetic materials (e.g. polymers) as potential sorbents for skin sampling. While a major limitation of implementing new synthetic materials in clinical applications is their biocompatibility [8], various commercially available skin-care products can potentially be used to collect molecules present on the surface of skin for chemical analysis. In this study, we show that oil-control blotting paper can lift chemical species originating from a topical agent from skin in the quantities sufficient for subsequent analysis by gas chromatography (GC) coupled with MS (Fig. 1A). Due to the great popularity of plant-based insect repellents [9], we exemplify the use of the proposed protocol by investigating retention of such a repellent on the surface of skin. The knowledge of the retention kinetics of the related topical agents on the skin can be useful for the development of more effective formulations with long retention times, and--in consequence--for more efficient protection against infectious diseases spread by insect vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based microfluidic patterns have been demonstrated in recent literature to have a significant potential in developing low-cost analytical devices for telemedicine and general health monitoring. This study reports a new method for making microfluidic patterns on a paper surface using plasma treatment. Paper was first hydrophobized and then treated using plasma in conjunction with a mask. This formed well defined hydrophilic channels on the paper. Paper-based microfluidic systems produced in this way retained the flexibility of paper and a variety of patterns could be formed. A major advantage of this system is that simple functional elements such as switches and filters can be built into the patterns. Examples of these elements are given in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To study the clinical effect of lens cleaning paper patching on traumatic eardrum perforations.Methods:A total of 122 patients were divided into 2 groups, of which 56 patients were treated with lens cleaning paper patching and 66 acted as controls. The closure rate and healing time were compared between the two groups.Results:The healing rate of small perforations was 96.4 per cent (27 out of 28) in the patching group and 90 per cent (27 out of 30) in the control group. The difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The healing rate of large perforations was 89.3 per cent (25 out of 28) and 80.6 per cent (29 out of 36) in the two groups, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The healing time of large perforations was shorter in the patching group than in the control group (p < 0.01).Conclusion:Patching with lens cleaning paper under an endoscope can accelerate the closure of large traumatic eardrum perforations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes for the first time the use of paper-based analytical devices at crime scenes to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI), based on the colorimetric determination of Fe 2+ in vitreous humour (VH) samples. Experimental parameters such as the paper substrate, the microzone diameter, the sample volume and the 1,10-phenanthroline ( o -phen) concentration were optimised in order to ensure the best analytical performance. Grade 1 CHR paper, microzone with diameter of 5 mm, a sample volume of 4 μL and an o -phen concentration of 0.05 mol/L were chosen as the optimum experimental conditions. A good linear response was observed for a concentration range of Fe 2+ between 2 and 10 mg/L and the calculated values for the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.3 and 0.9 mg/L, respectively. The specificity of the Fe 2+ colorimetric response was tested in the presence of the main interfering agents and no significant differences were found. After selecting the ideal experimental conditions, four HV samples were investigated on paper-based devices. The concentration levels of Fe 2+ achieved for samples #1, #2, #3 and #4 were 0.5 ± 0.1, 0.7 ± 0.1, 1.2 ± 0.1 and 15.1 ± 0.1 mg/L, respectively. These values are in good agreement with those calculated by ICP-MS. It important to note that the concentration levels measured using both techniques are proportional to the PMI. The limitation of the proposed analytical device is that it is restricted to a PMI greater than 1 day. The capability of providing an immediate answer about the PMI on the crime scene without any sophisticated instrumentation is a great achievement in modern instrumentation for forensic chemistry. The strategy proposed in this study could be helpful in many criminal investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Highly sensitive SERS substrates based on deposition of silver nanoparticles on commercially available filter paper were prepared in this work, and used to overcome problems found in analyses of aqueous samples. To prepare silver nanoparticle- (AgNP) doped filter substrates, a silver mirror reaction was used. The procedures for substrate preparation were systematically optimized. Pretreatment of filter paper, reaction time, temperature, and concentration of reagents for silver mirror reactions were studied. The morphologies of the resulting substrates were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and correlated with the SERS signals by probing with p-nitrothiophenol (pNTP). Filter papers with different pretreatments were found to have different sizes and distributions of AgNPs. The best performance was found when filter paper was pre-treated with ammonia solution before growth of AgNPs. Based on the SEM images, the resulting AgNPs had roughly spherical shape with a high degree of uniformity. The silver-coated filter paper substrates provide much higher SERS signals compared to glass substrates and the reproducibility was improved significantly. Based on statistical analyses, the relative standard deviations for substrate-to-substrate and spot-to-spot were both were less than 8% and the enhancement factors for the substrates were, in general, higher than 107. The SERS substrates were used to selectively detect tyrosine in aqueous solution. Results indicate that filter-based SERS substrates are highly suited to detection of tyrosine. Compared to glass-based SERS substrates, 50 times more SERS signal was observed in detection of tyrosine. The linear range can be up to 100μM with a detection limit of 625nM (SN−1 =3). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

NMR spectroscopy of urine samples is able to diagnose many inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). However, urinary metabolites have a poor stability, requiring special care for routine analysis (storage of urine at −20 or −80 °C, fast transport). The aim of our study was to investigate the reliability of dried urine filter paper for urine storage and transport and to evaluate the ability of NMR to detect several IEM using this method. Urine samples from five healthy subjects were analyzed by 1H NMR following different storage conditions (−20 vs 4 °C vs dried on filter paper) and at different time points (24 h, 48 h, 96 h, and 7 days). Urine pattern of fresh urine was considered as a reference. We analyzed the conservation of some amino acids and organic acids using Bland and Altman plot with intraclass correlation coefficient determination. Then, we evaluated the use of filter paper to detect four different IEM (methylmalonic and isovaleric acidurias, ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, and cystinuria). Analysis of urine samples from healthy subjects revealed a high stability of studied molecules (ICC > 0.8) even after 7 days of storage on filter paper. Moreover, an excellent preservation of metabolites specifically accumulated in IEM was observed when analysis of dried urine filter paper was compared to fresh urine (coefficient of variation < 15%). This preliminary study demonstrates that storage of dried urine on filter paper is reliable for 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis. Preservation of urine molecules over time using that method is convenient for routine clinical practice. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which focuses on the pitballs in the laboratory analysis for thyroid testing with the use of filter paper collected samples. The study uses the filter paper for the collection of blood samples at the reference laboratory in southern Thailand. Results show that use of filter paper collected samples in thyroid testing is posing the risk of error.

The article focuses on the sustainable raw materials that are used for gift wrapping during the Christmas seasons in Great Britain. It mentions that Professor Chris Carr reveals more possibilities that turkey and duck feathers or even sheep droppings may be used to develop Christmas wrapping paper. It also notes the British government's statistics which encourages recycling in the country.

The article discusses the use of free community newspapers in reference to marketing research. Community newspapers can satisfy the needs of both the consumer and retailer by using their papers to survey customers. Research has shown that the papers reach a wider portion of the population. Utilizing community newspaper data is seen as a low-cost way for retailers to obtain valuable marketing research. The technique illustrates another channel of communication between the consumer and retailer. It represents a cooperative rather than antagonistic relationship between the two, in an effort to solve business concerns.

Aims Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Its independent prognostic role has been repeatedly demonstrated. However, this valvular heart condition is largely undertreated because of the increased risk of surgical repair. Recently, transcatheter techniques for the treatment of TR have emerged, but their implications for the clinical endpoints are still unknown. Methods and results The Tri.fr trial will be a multicentre, controlled, randomized (1:1 ratio), superior, open-label, and parallel-group study conducted in 300 patients with severe secondary TR that is considered non-surgical by heart teams. Inclusion will be possible only after core laboratory review of transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography and after validation by the clinical eligibility committee. A description of the mechanisms of the TR will be conducted by the core laboratory. Atrial or ventricular impacts on the severity of the secondary TR will be taken into account for the randomization. The patients will be followed for 12-month, and the primary outcome will be the Packer composite clinical endpoint [combining New York Heart Association class, patient global assessment (PGA), and major cardiovascular events]. It will test the hypothesis that a tricuspid valve percutaneous repair strategy using a clip dedicated to the tricuspid valve is superior to best guideline-directed medical therapy in symptomatic patients with severe secondary TR. Conclusion Tri.fr will be the first randomized, academic, multicentre study testing the value of percutaneous correction in patients with severe secondary TR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case study of using bitumen paper pipes in the sluicing industry in Victoria in the early 1860s. Topics include the use of pipes for water collection and distribution in the Victorian goldfields, the unreliability of the new bitumen pipes in water supply networks and how sluicing companies abandoned the experiment after their unsatisfactory performance, and the invention of bitumen paper pipes as water infrastructure development was growing in the area.

Introduction: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are associated with high and rising burden of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is among the leading causes of NCD-related deaths worldwide and is a foremost public health problem in Nigeria. As part of National policy, Nigeria has committed to implement the World Health Organization (WHO) Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease interventions for primary care. Implementing the intervention requires the availability of essential elements, including guidelines, trained staff, health management information systems (HMIS), equipment, and medications, in primary healthcare centers (PHCs). This study assessed the availability of the DM component of the WHO package, and the readiness of the health workers in these PHCs to implement a DM screening, evaluation, and management program to inform future adoption and implementation. Methods: This cross-sectional formative assessment adapted the WHO Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool to survey 30 PHCs selected by multistage sampling for readiness to deliver DM diagnosis and care in Abuja, Nigeria, between August and October 2021. The SARA tool was adapted to focus on DM services and the availability and readiness indicator scores were calculated based on the proportion of PHCs with available DM care services, minimum staff requirement, diagnostic tests, equipment, medications, and national guidelines/protocols for DM care within the defined SARA domain. Results: All 30 PHCs reported the availability of at least two full-time staff (median [interquartile range] = 5 [4–9]), which were mostly community health extension workers (median [interquartile range]) = 3 [1–4]. At least one staff member was recently trained in DM care in 11 PHCs (36%). The study also reported high availability of paper-based HMIS (100%), and DM screening services using a glucometer (87%), but low availability of DM job aids (27%), treatment (23%), and national guidelines/protocols (0%). Conclusion: This formative assessment of PHCs' readiness to implement a DM screening, evaluation, and management program in Abuja demonstrated readiness to integrate DM care into PHCs regarding equipment, paper-based HMIS, and nonphysician health workers' availability. However, strategies are needed to promote DM health workforce training, provide DM management guidelines, and supply essential DM medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]